symphony harmony.

Jayawijaya Mountains is the name for the mountain range that extends lengthwise in the center of the province of West Papua and Papua (Indonesia) to Papua New Guinea Newguinea on. Rows of Mountains which have some of the highest peak in Indonesia was formed by the removal of the sea floor thousands of years ago. Although located at an altitude of 4800 masl, fossilized sea shells, for example, can be seen in limestone and clastic rocks contained in Jayawijaya Mountains. Therefore, besides being a heaven for hikers, mountain paradise Jayawijaya also a world geological researchers.

In addition known as Puncak Jaya, the highest peak is also known as Carstenz Pyramide, or Carstensz.nama Peak was taken from an adventurer from the Netherlands, namely in January Carstensz, who first saw the snowy peaks in the tropics, sepatnya in New Guinea . The observation was made by Jan Crastensz through a ship in 1623. Since not be proved by direct observation, the report was considered absurd. Because, for Europeans, found the snowy mountains in tropical soil is something that is almost impossible.



Truth Carstensz report revealed after nearly three hundred years later, when in 1899 a Dutch expedition to New Guinea make a map and find the snow covered mountain peaks as reported by Crastensz. In honor of Carstensz, the mountaintop is then given the name as the name implies. While the designation Peak Jayawijaya is pemeberian President Sukarno after successfully embrace the sovereignty of West Papua from the Dutch. This name meaning "top of the victory", as an expression of gratitude for the unification of West Papua with the Unitary Republic of Indonesia.

Jayawijaya Mountains are also the only mountain and mountain in Indonesia, which has a peak covered with eternal snow. Although not all of the peak of the cluster Jayawijaya Mountains that has snow. Snow is owned by several peaks even at this time is lost due to weather changes globally.

Harau Valley, located in west Sumatra province is a large gap with a diameter of 400 m. Walking toward the Valley Harau very pleasant. With the fresh air, you can see the beauty of its surroundings. Granite cliffs towering to the unique shape around the valley. The cliffs are steep granite has a height of 80 m to 300 m. Anyway, upon entering the Valley From the start this Harau we will find much beauty that memukauu along the road. It is appropriate that some climbers who have visited this place gave him the nickname Yosemite Indonesia. This place has long attracted people's attention. A Dutch heritage monument located at the foot of the waterfall Sarasah Bunta is evidence that the Valley Harau have often visited by people since 1926.
At the memorial printed signature Dutch assistant resident at the time Fifty Koto, F. Rinner, and two Indonesian officials, Tuanku Laras Datuk Datuk Yellow Kodoh nan nan Black and Black.



The beauty is still scattered on the high plains. There you will find nature reserves and wildlife reserves covering an area of ​​270.5 hectares Harau Valley. This place is designated as a nature reserve since January 10, 1993. In the nature reserves and wildlife reserves Harauter Valley there are many different species of tropical rain forest plants are protected highlands, plus a number of rare animals native Sumatra. Long-tailed monkeys (Macaca fascirulatis) is an animal that often seen in this region. These animals are tame and like to and fro in the crowd of visitors. However, you still need to be careful. Because there is also a wild monkey and the like nosy. Quite often they take food or belongings of visitors, and scratch when approached.

Animals other primates that live in this game reserve, such as gibbon (Hylobatessyndactylus) and hoop (Presbytis melalopos). Their voices are often heard but rarely manifest themselves. Other fauna are protected in nature reserves also include the Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrensis), bear (Helarctos malayanus), tapirs (Tapirus indicus), goat forest (Capriconis sumatrensis), and hedgehogs (Proechidna bruijnii). A total of 19 species of birds, including birds kuau (Argusianus argus) and hornbills (Anthrococeros sp), be residents of the Valley Harau wildlife reserves protected by law. This area is also equipped with Harau Valley Park. Garden tour which covers about 27.5 hectares is established since 1979. Potential garden tour are four waterfalls, caves, natural gaps, and steep cliffs
form a beautiful and stunning scenery. Here, there are recreational facilities such as swimming baths, where camping, and jlan trails for hiking around the area. Admission ticket price is relatively cheap. At the ticket window, will get a map of conservation areas and wildlife reserves Harau Valley. When you need a guide, we can also use the services of guides who are paid daily. Harau Valley is located in the District Fifty-Koto, about 15 km from the Municipality Payakumbuh, or 47 km northeast of the town of Bukittinggi. For access to it, can start from the terminal Aur Kuning in Bukittinggi. Take a bus to the majors Payakumbuh, followed by bus to the Old or Lamaksari Sari. From Sari Long journey continues on foot as far as 4 km (about one hour) to the reserve entrance

Mount Rinjani National Park is a representative mountain rain forest ecosystem types, low to high mountains and savannah in East Nusa Tenggara.

Potential plant located in Mount Rinjani National Park among others jelutung (Laportea stimulant), dedurenan (Aglaia argentea), bayur (Pterospermum javanicum), Banyan (Ficus benjamina), cashew-jambuan (Syzygium sp.), Keruing (Dipterocarpus hasseltii) rerau (D. imbricatus), eidelweis (Anaphalis javanica), and 2 species of orchid that is endemic Perisstylus rintjaniensis and P. lombokensis.

In addition there is an endemic species of mammals are weasels rinjani (Paradoxurus hemaproditus rinjanicus), there are also deer (Muntiacus muntjak nainggolani), ebony leaf monkey (Trachypithecus auratus kohlbruggei), pangolin (Manis javanica), horn cikukua bird (Philemon buceroides neglectus), forest Dawah ( Ducula lacernulata sasakensis), black nape kepudang (Oriolus chinensis broderipii), and several species of reptiles.



In the valley west of Mount Rinjani there Segara Anak Lake (2008 m asl) where the water smelled of sulfur, the temperature differs from one place to another. Area of ​​the lake is about 1,100 hectares, a depth of between 160-230 meters. In the middle of this lake appears a new volcanic mountain that is still active and growing.
Mount Rinjani is Indonesia's third highest mountain (3720 m asl), storing the various mysteries of one of them is about the existence of Goddess Enjeni. According to the local community trust, the Goddess is the Queen genie Enjeni ruler of Mount Rinjani. They believe that the goddess was born from the marriage of human Enjeni Sasak with jinn, flawless in and still lineage of King Selaparang. In honor of Goddess Enjeni, people often hold religious ceremonies on Mount Rinjani and Segara Anak Lake, by releasing small fish made of thin gold to Lake Segara Anak.
Lake Segara Anak and Child Mount Rinjani


Some locations / attractions to be visited:
The peak of Mount Rinjani. Hiking, camping and scenery of Lombok Island.
Lake Segara Anak, Sebau and New Mount. Research, enjoy the natural phenomenon / phenomena of nature, hot springs, bath, animal observation and explore the forest. In Maulud, in Lake Segara Anak is often used as cultural attractions Pakelem (bathing the keris).
Otakkokoq and Yellow Flower. Hot water bath that smells of sulfur for the treatment (a skin) and waterfalls.
Cultural attractions outside the Park include; War Topat Ciwaratri in December and in January in Mataram.

The best visiting season: August to December each year.

Gili Island is one of the most beautiful island that lies off the northwestern island of Lombok, Gili Island there are three, namely Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan. Third island has beautiful views with clean white beaches and the water was very clear. The area around the three island is known for having a beautiful sea garden is a habitat for a variety of beautiful fish, colorful

Three regions located in the village of Gili Gili Indah, Kecamatan Tanjung, West Lombok regency, West Nusa Tenggara. Gili is a small island mansions that are often found in West Lombok. Of all the islands in West Lombok, has been only three islands (dyke) is crowded by tourists, namely Gili Terawangan located on the west, in the middle of Gili Meno, and Gili Air in the east, all three are located parallel.



This beautiful place is very suitable for tourism activities, particularly water diving or snorkeling. Tourists who love diving or snorkeling must be careful with reef fish (stonefish) in this place - although rarely found, because the reef fish are highly toxic and usually live in the coral karang.Popularitas beautiful Gili Islands region has been increased recently as a regional tourism destination -especially foreigners. Foreign tourists love this place because nature is still very natural, no motor vehicles in this place, the traffic on the island is only Cidomo (horse carriages), or sometimes a bicycle. Here we will see hawkers who go by but not as much in Senggigi or elsewhere on the island of Lombok.

Three small islands are located in the northern part of West Lombok regency, some 40 km north of the city of Mataram, capital of West Nusa Tenggara. To reach the area, can be reached via two alternative pathways that both have advantages.

First through the Gaza Mataram - Forest Pusuk - Winner. If you pass this point, you will find Pusuk Forest, one of the protected forest area is cool and beautiful with a tortuous path. Along the roadside, you will find hundreds kerajinak friends who always awaits the throw food from the tourists who pass by. When we are facing westward, then the third will behold a beautiful island that we are going.

The second pathway is Mataram - Senggigi - Winner. This path is no less beautiful with the first point above, because in addition to passing Senggigi which is the mainstay of tourism region of NTB, also will you pass through the white sandy beach area that is still a virgin as far as a dozen miles.
From this it would be more obvious to the beauty of the three gili.

Arriving in the village of Winners, precisely at the Port of Ward, then the tourists who want to ride into the three dyke existing boats. Long journey to the small islands are only about 20 minutes. The tourists, both domestic and foreign tourists who come to this three-dyke, not only can enjoy the panorama of the beach with white sand alone. But more than that they too can witness the beauty of the marine park underneath

In the third marine park this dyke can we find various kinds of ornamental fish are pretty different types of fish are beautiful ornamental as well as other marine biota, including the beautiful blue coral in the world that supposedly is only found in two places, namely in the Caribbean and in Third this Gili, Gili Terawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. In addition, in this place, tourists can also go fishing or fish baronang Aware that flavor the meat is very tasty and tender.

Accommodation on Gili Island which is one of the most beautiful island in general the form of bungalows which are located on the pole (like house on stilts) with leaf roof equipped with a terrace on the front and a bathroom at the rear. It has two or three rooms which are equipped with anti-mosquito bed nets. Lodging rates during quiet tourist visits (low season) is usually only one-third than when crowded (high season).

In addition, the no less interesting is that from this place we can also watch the sunrise from behind Mount Rinjani, as well as gelamnya teng, we can see her red keindahaan natural hue in the western horizon from behind the towering Mount Agung Bali beautifully.

Earth Sejiran Setason West Bangka decorated with mysterious legends knacks uniquely diverse culture and supported by the natural charm of the beautifully menawan.Sebuah Trench Three villages in the area Jebusite located 75 Km from the Capital District West Bangka there is a natural occurrence which menajubkan named "Blue Lake Sekar ".

Sekar Blue comes from the blue lake. The lake is the result from Tambang Timah UPTB. The lake is ternata somewhat unique because the water is blue other than that of other lakes in the vicinity of the venue but if the water taken into the color nodes. The lake is always guarded by the local community so that no polluted mainly Kadesh Sekar Blue Mother Roslena.



Once around the year 1992 around the lake is used as a campground Bangka Regency. In 1992 the camp held late Prata and PW as Bangka Regency. From this lake took the name of the village around the lake into the Village Sekar Blue.

The lake is located in the vicinity of Salem Park District Housing Blue Village Sekar Jebusite West Bangka regency. The last few years around the lake including motocross races are held. This place is very beautiful and interesting to be a place of tourism. But this lake is blue, so a bit weird but not because of the legend of nothing, just a natural event, perhaps the reflection of sunlight to the bottom of the walls under the ground kaolin (clay quarry tin). But despite how the Blue Sekar be very interesting tourist attraction West Bangka.

Welcome to visit to enjoy the wonders of nature in Trench III Jebusite West Bangka.

Beautiful tropical Islands in the East Kalimantan region, Derawan Island is an island with blue sea and stunning green tourists both local and foreign tourists, the soft sand, rows of coconut palms on the coast, with a small forest in the middle island which is the habitat of various species of plants and animals and the natural beauty of the enchanting underwater.

No wonder if this island could be ranked as a top three world-class dive destination and make this island a dream island for divers. Derawan Islands located in the Celebes Sea, on the coast of Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, overlooking the mouth of the estuary of the River known as the Delta Kelai and Berau. This archipelago consists of six large islands, namely Pulau Derawan, Charitable Island, Kakaban, Maratua Island, Long Island, Pulau Samama, and several small islands and coral clusters.



There are 21 islands in this archipelago. Cluster Islands Derawan only a fraction of the hundreds of islands on the east coast Kalimantan islands totaling 248. Of that number, 138 islands do not have names, of which two islands of Sipadan and Ligitan lost, belongs to Malaysia. The waters on the island is famous as one of the diving spot or the best diving places in the world.

To reach this area is very easy. You can simply fly for about 3 hours to Aberdeen by plane from Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta or Denpasar. If you are from Aberdeen, you still have to fly to Cape Redeb for one hour by plane KAL Star, Deraya or DAS. In addition, Cape Redeb can also be reached by sea, by boat or speedboat boarded from Samarinda or Tarakan to Tanjung Redeb and followed by a motorboat hire.

Derawan Island, provided the facilities such as cottages, diving equipment, Speedboat and restaurants. In addition, there are also lodging run by local people, such as Danakan, Derawan Lester III, Derawan Lester I & II. Lodging Hams and Yogi Mas provides rooms for about Rp.45.000 until Rp.100.000/malam.

In the vicinity there are many options Derawan Island restaurants and cafes that you can choose as a place to dine. The food is served is a variety of seafood from the wealth beneath the sea on the island of Derawan. Quite delicious for dinner with family.

Underwater Heaven Derawan Island, East Kalimantan, there are as many as 28 point dive that has been identified. To explore all these points at least it takes about 10 days with one dive at each point. To move from one point to another, you can use the ship. In the meantime, you can explore the island on foot.

Activities to see and do on the island Derawan are activities related to marine tourism, such as diving you can see different types of fish such as shark, pomfret, White, or Dugong Mermaid, arracuda, green turtles and so forth. In addition you can swim diving, snorkeling, fishing and watching the green turtle and walk along the beach. For souvenirs, you can enjoy and purchase craft items made from marine products and its all original from the sea.

Marine tourism and conservation area which developed into a tourist submarine is famous for its coral reefs are very beautiful. By using a snorkel you can enjoy the beauty of coral reefs under the sea because the water was very clear. Do not need all the way out to sea, about 100 meters from the beach, fish and colorful coral reefs can be enjoyed by renting snorkel Rp 50,000 per day. As for scuba equipment rental (self containing bhreating underwater apparatus) of approximately USD 400,000.

Several clusters of coral, such as Moras, latitude, Malalangun, Gasongan, Baliulin and Masimbung was also present in Derawan Islands. The waters around the reef has underwater ecosystem that is amazing. The beauty of coral reefs, diversity of different types of coral, fish and biota of reefs and white sandy beaches into its own charm in this place. A number of endangered animals in Indonesia now East of snail species found in some of these coral islands. This area is also famous for its rare habitat of green turtles and the largest in Indonesia.

If you want to dive, you can rent diving equipment in this island or if the dive is the first experience for you, it's easier to join a tour.

The archipelago is a series of four large islands located in the westernmost part of Papua. The islands are located at the Bird's Head (Vogelkoop) Guinea.

Administratively, the islands were in the area of ​​Raja Ampat, West Papua Privinsi.

The islands are a lucrative attraction for tourists who loved the sport diving. Late 2009, Raja Ampat has called about five thousand foreign tourists to visit Indonesia and is expected to increase to six thousand in the year 2010.

The four islands that surround it are the Raja Ampat, Pulau Waigeo, Misool Island, Salawati Island, and Island Batanta. For tourists who do not like diving, Raja Ampat promises white sandy beaches are beautiful, the group of karst islands are stunning, unique and endemic flora and fauna.



Red Bird of Paradise, bird of paradise Wilson, maleo Waigeo, various parrots and parrot, and various species of orchid is one of the beauty of the islands.

But the magic of Raja Ampat, which actually can be found under the sea. Raja Ampat owns 75% of total hard coral species in the world, more than 1000 species of reef fish and 700 types of mollusks. This makes 75% of the world's coral species in Raja Ampat.

None of the other places on this planet with the same area has a number of coral species as much as this.

In some places such as village Saondarek, when sea water was the lowest ebb, we can enjoy the coral reef without having to dive. With the adaptation itself, the corals can survive even in the open air and direct sunlight.

When diving, we will often be accompanied by a variety of stunning underwater species. We can notice the cute dwarf sea horses, enjoy the graceful manta rays swim, even we can enjoy a suspenseful atmosphere surrounded by a collection of barracuda, barracuda although more dangerous if found alone without the group.

We also can find reef sharks and dugongs or sea cow. Sometimes if we divers are lucky, we can meet with the turtle who was eating seaweed. A turtle is a sea creature that docile and easy touch, we would be enchanted by the hospitality.

Visiting these islands is not too difficult although it takes time and considerable expense. So if we want to make the Raja Ampat Islands as tourist targets, we must prepare a plan to mature.

We need to use air transportation service from Jakarta to Sorong via Manado for 6 hours drive. From Sorong, we can choose two ways to explore the Raja Ampat in Papua Diving resort stay, or go on tour with boat pinisi.

The archipelago has become a conservation area protected by the Indonesian government. In fact, there are two international institutions that concern about the sustainability of natural resources Raja Ampat, the Conservation International (CI) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

If indeed there is more money who are confused about dikemanakan, not hurt you a trip to Raja Ampat. Because all the material sacrifices that you spend, will pay off with its natural beauty.

A visual experience that will make you think, that our planet was still very beautiful.

Mount Krakatau is still active volcanic island located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Mount Krakatau (Krakatoa ancient) has a height of 2000 masl with a circle of beach about 11 km and a radius of about 9 km2, but the explosion which occurred around 26 - August 27, 1883 had destroyed three quarters of Mount Krakatoa's body and leaving three major islands, namely Pulau Sertung, Rakata Island, and Long Island, as well as a caldera in the middle third of the island. before in 1883 came the two mountain chains and mountain named Mount Danan deeds which then eventually unite with the island of Rakata and commonly called the Mount Krakatau only.



In 1880, called the strombolian, volcanic activity continued for several months, and Mount active deeds issued lava. After that period, there was no volcanic activity will eventually emerge signs of eruption in May 1883. Then on August 27, 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa. According to historical records, which until now always promoted to the ranks of the tourism Lampung, Mount Krakatoa erupted very powerful, shattering the world. bursts of lava and ash reached an altitude of 80 km. While his ashes around the earth for several years. emergency visits North America and Europe, as it appears in blue light of the sun and the moon appears orange (orange).

The explosion was produced great dust that can penetrate up to 90 km distance. The eruption was also affecting the ocean waves up to 40 m vertically and has killed about 36,000 people in 165 villages in both the South or the West Lampung, West Java. And since the eruption of Mount Danan had been cut off and the deed from the earth, leaving the three islands of Pulau Panjang, Pulau Sertung, and the large island of Rakata and a caldera that is located in the middle third of the island with a diameter of 7 km.

Forty years later the birth of new wonders. Around 1927, the fishermen are going to sea in the Sunda Strait was suddenly startled. Black smoke at sea level immediately poking among the three islands, namely in the former caldera previous eruption was devastating. Then on the 29th december 1929 a crater wall appears to sea level which is also a source of eruptions. Only two years after the mystery cloud of smoke in the sea, then comes the strange object. "Face" real weird thing is increasingly clear and it was later called Mount Anak Krakatau.

But the mystery of Mount Anak Krakatau did not stop there. This mountain is unique, because the mountain is always added height of about one inch every day. Mount Anak Krakatoa which was originally only a few feet away, now it can reach 230 meters above sea level and since the emergence of tahun1927. This mountain has erupted recorded about 16 times since December 1927 to August 1930 and 43 times since 1931 to 1960 and 13 times since 1961 until now.

Lake Flores or commonly known as the Three Colors lake is located in mountain areas Flores at an altitude 1.690m above sea level, precisely in the district of Ende, Flores, NTT. The lake is created by the eruption that occurred in 1886 Flores.

The lake is a tourist area is unique because it has three colors: red, blue and white are always changing and there is one region in each lake separated by a narrow and steep cliffs.

Flores is believed to color changes in society as a sign that there would be something that even this place in keramatkan and on certain days to ask people to burn sajen order to avoid a disaster, but this change causes the shift in the crust of the earth's plates.



In 1992 an earthquake that caused changes in the lake, blue lake turn green, which turned red while the color red and white hearts remain unchanged.

Lake of the blue and red can only be viewed from a distance, we can not close because of the steep cliffs and rocky, there are no signs down the ban for this second lake, but do not worry because of its charm remains unmatched.

Special white lake, which according to the local community trust is the place bersemayamnya souls of parents who have died, the ridge was too steep and although a bit rocky but still can go down but not many tourists who dare to because of terrain is enough to stimulate adrenaline.

Travel is the travel by air will transit in Bali, about 2 days and then continued with a smaller plane to Ende. From Ende bus trip can proceed with a rate of about 15,000-Rp25.000 but many also provide a vehicle that can be chartered with a lease that is certainly more expensive but the trip can be more relaxed and the driver of the explanation, we can certainly get to know about cultural customs and habits of the local community. In a way renting vehicles concurrently become a tour guide.

Their journey is about 45 minutes with the path uphill and winding-winding. Buses departing from this Ende will end in Wolowaru but we just fell in Moni only. Here there are many inns, both private and managed by local communities and the price is quite affordable, for homestay provided community, enough to pay for lodging Rp45.000-Rp70.000/malam and private-run price per night ranges from Rp90.000- 150,000 depending on the facilities provided, of course.

Travel to Flores should be done in the morning because of an excellent time to enjoy Flores is the morning until about an hour 10an, through hours of mist began to fall and it will close the scene. This trip can be continued by using motorcycle taxi services with 10,000 price-15,000.

Flores is still beautiful natural charm extraordinary promise. Pines, edelweiss, and chirping birds can be enjoyed on foot from Wolowaru to Flores, pretty tiring indeed, but all definitely paid off when I got to the top.

There is a local community trust that prohibits visitors to call the names of people who have died, as a result of people calling that too soon would die.

Woven fabric with a pattern typical Flores Flores will complete your tour and other attractions like even this gift should negotiable, good to buy mineral water on the road.

The cheapest alternative travel to Flores may be done through the port of Surabaya. By riding the buses expedition that led to Ende, ask where the expedition is to search for Ende and was not difficult because many of his expedition. enough to travel with a pack of cigarettes will be cheaper.

Exotic scenery, plus still beautiful natural biodiversity and wildlife whose population is maintained and the friendliness of the locals made the lake Flores worthy tourist destination.

Beach Popoh Tulungagung. Regarding the beach attractions, there was no doubt that the city has a large collection Tulungagung beach and bay. One of them is already well known domestic and foreign tourists are Pantai Indah Popoh Tulungagung, East Java. The beach is directly face to face with sea-Free Indian Ocean is indeed a lot of offers keeksotikan panoramic beauty of the coast, both marine tourism and the beauty of crashing waves. From sisni can be explained that this beach is managed by a serious and sustained by local governments Tulugagung, this can be seen with the completeness of the facilities offered and access to facilities and infrastructure.



From year to year-level visitors are always increased significantly, which can not be denied that the PIP does offer more value to be a place of recreation and excursions. The atmosphere of the beach directly opposite the high seas makes PIP nuanced real marine tourism. We could feel the nautical tourism with the surrounding Gulf Popoh so fresh and Nature, we can also see the beauty of other beaches around Popoh the distance so close to the beach Sidem, Cote Sine and Klathak beach. Third beach is still in the bay disekitaran Popoh so that both the beauty and panoramic views that are served has the same value.

In trips to the PIP in our journey will pass through areas that only one in Indonesia, whether on earth? .. Besole area .. this area is very popular as a local craftsman Onik namely marble Marble stone. Marble is only in Tulungagung, almost all the mountains in the region is a mining area Besole Tulungagung Marble. So here will anyaan once found pieces of stone craft marble hands.

Popoh Beach is one of the mainstay of local attractions Tulungagung, various events are always held in this tourist area be it music or other events. Almost every major holiday and day of this tourist area is always crowded with visitors, either coming from around and outside Tulungagung Tulungagung even some who come from abroad.
Indonesia Tourist Paradise

Komodo National Park is located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. Established in 1980, initially the main purpose of the Park was to conserve the unique Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) and its habitat. However, over the years, the goals for the Park have expanded to protecting its entire biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine. In 1986, the Park was declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, both indications of the Park's biological importance.

Komodo National Park includes three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands creating a total surface area (marine and land) of 1817km (proposed extensions would bring the total surface area up to 2,321km2). As well as being home to the Komodo dragon, the Park provides refuge for many other notable terrestrial species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic rat, and the Timor deer. Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest marine environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays. These habitats harbor more than 1,000 species of fish, some 260 species of reef-building coral, and 70 species of sponges. Dugong, sharks, manta rays, at least 14 species of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles also make Komodo National Park their home.



Threats to terrestrial biodiversity include the increasing pressure on forest cover and water resources as the local human population has increased 800% over the past 60 years. In addition, the Timor deer population, the preferred prey source for the endangered Komodo dragon, is still being poached. Destructive fishing practices such as dynamite-, cyanide, and compressor fishing severely threaten the Park's marine resources by destroying both the habitat (coral reefs) and the resource itself (fish and invertebrate stocks). The present situation in the Park is characterized by reduced but continuing destructive fishing practices primarily by immigrant fishers, and high pressure on demersal stocks like lobsters, shellfish, groupers and napoleon wrasse. Pollution inputs, ranging from raw sewage to chemicals, are increasing and may pose a major threat in the future.

Today, the PKA Balai Taman Nasional Komodo and PT. Putri Naga Komodo are working together to protect the Park's vast resources. Our goals are to protect the Park's biodiversity (both marine and terrestrial) and the breeding stocks of commercial fishes for replenishment of surrounding fishing grounds. The main challenge is to reduce both threats to the resources and conflicts between incompatible activities. Both parties have a long term commitment to protecting the marine biodiversity of Komodo National Park, and now Komodo islands in 1 of 7 wonders nature in the world.

check this out http://www.komodonationalpark.org/

Just over 1200 years ago, a group of hardy ancient Indonesian Buddhists completed work on a massive temple site dedicated to Lord Buddha. Located between two volcanoes and two rivers, Borobudur Temple is a glorious monument to one of the world’s oldest religions. It serves today as a place of sacred pilgrimage for Buddhists to celebrate the life, death, and accomplishments of Siddhartha Gautama; better known as the very first Buddha.



Covered in nearly three thousand carved reliefs detailing the history of Buddhism and the life of Siddhartha, the design of the site resembles a lotus flower. It is a combination of Stupa and Candi styles of architecture indigenous to Indonesia. Unfortunately, the architects and designers of this majestic wonder have been lost to time. What has not been lost, however, is the wonder and awe that Borobudur inspires.

Seeing millions of visitors every year, Borobudur is far and away the most popular tourist destination (both local and international) in Indonesia. This is one of the reasons it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to restore and protect the area from the many people who come to see it. The latest restoration was in the 1970s; however there was another greater restoration in the 1800s.

Borobudur was abandoned for unknown reasons and discovered centuries later completely covered in volcanic ash and jungle growth. The Dutch explorers who located the shrine spent decades unearthing the grand structure and renewing interest in the site. Sadly, historical relics were not as protected then as they are now and it is unclear how much of the original building and its artifacts disappeared into the hands of souvenir hunters.

Borobudur did have one thing going for it; it is completely massive. Measuring 115 feet high at the center point of its dome, covering over 19,000 acres, and measuring a total of 2,118,880 cubic feet it has been called a mountain of a thousand statues. Thus, there is still a lifetime’s worth of splendor left to discover. Everywhere you look there is something else new and beautiful to photograph. The mystery and wonders of Borobudur continue to amaze and surprise.

Located near Magelang City in Java, visitation is permitted between 6:00 am and 5:00 pm daily to allow for both the casual tourist as well as the many religious pilgrims who make there way here. Tickets to visit the site are available from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. This sacred site also offers discounts to handicapped guests. With tours as varied as volcano viewing, to Javanese culture, to golfing expeditions, Borobudur is sure to delight anyone who is lucky enough to cross its threshold.

Credit : www.mostinterestingdestinations.com