INDONESIA
The name Indonesia
has its roots in two Greek words: "Indos" meaning Indian and "Nesos" which
means islands. It is an appropriate description
of the archipelago
as there are estimated to be a total of 17,508 islands, of which only about
6,000 are inhabited, stretching for 5,150 km between the Australian and
Asian continental mainlands and dividing the Pacific and Indian Oceans
at the Equator. Variety is the spice life and nowhere is this more true
than in Indonesia. No two places
are alike in
unspoiled beauty, art, culture and people. The towering mountains and primitive
cultures of Irian Jaya contrast sharply with the terraced hills, and highly
sophisticated societies of Bali and Java and the animistic beliefs which
still have a major influence on the way of life in South Sulawesi. "Unity
in Diversity", which is the country's motto, accurately describe these
diverse cultures and extraordinary people brought together to create one
nation with one national language, Bahasa Indonesia. For the traveller,Indonesia
offers a fine blend of scenic beauty, fauna and flora, culture, marine
parks and a wide collection of modern accommodation. International gateways
providing easy access for travellers in Indonesia are: Jakarta, Denpasar
(Bali) and Medan (North Sumatra) Other ports of entry and exit have been
targeted as
international gateways but are currently in the development stages. These
include; Manado ( North Sulawesi), Ambon (Maluku), Batu Besar (Batam),
Pekan Baru
(Riau), Balikpapan (East Kalimantan), Surabaya (East Java), Kupang (East
Nusa Tenggara), Pontianak (West Kalimantan) and Biak (Irian Jaya).
BALI
The most popular
destination for visitors to Indonesia has undoubtedly been Bali. A tropical
island in the Indonesian archipelago,so picturesque and immaculate it could
almost be a painted backdrop. It has rice paddies tripping down hillsides
like giant steps, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, dense tropical
jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and a friendly
people who don't just have a culture but actually live it. In Bali spirits
come out to play in the moonlight, every night is a festival and even a
funeral is an opportunity to have a good time. Bali, the perfect holiday
destination for all ages offers something for everyone. This tropical paradise
has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful
shopping and a rich past and heritage. The Balinese people are proud of
having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam,
the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in
day to day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals
and magnificent temples and palaces. Some of the best surfing beaches in
the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely
the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white
sand beaches and gentle seas. Bali is a shopper's paradise particularly
for casual and tailored clothing, locally made jewellery, handicrafts,
antiques and artifacts. In fact, prices are so inexpensive, you're sure
to need more room in your suitcase! Try bargaining at the street markets
of Kuta, Sanur of Nusa Dua or fixed price shopping at a Denpasar department
store. Bali has it all. For those that want to stay wet, Bali has world
class scuba diving, snorkelling and wonderful day trips out to Nusa
Penida for beach sports and coral viewing. Bali is so small that
You can start after breakfast from your hotel in Nusa Dua, which is practically
the southern most point of the island, drive up North, and have lunch in
Singaraja, which is the northern most point of the island. Or you can drive
around the perimeter of the island, starting from your hotel in the morning,
and might even make it back before supper. And that's doing it leisurely.
JAKARTA
The nation's
capital, Jakarta, has a fascinating and significant history. It started
as a small harbour town called Sunda Kelapa, but its founding dates back
to the year 157 when it was named Jayakarta by Fatahillah of the neighbouring
Sultanate of Banten. The name Jayakarta means City of Great Victory but
this was later changed to Batavia under the Dutch. Now as Jakarta, the
centre of government, business and industry, it spreads over an area of
more than 650 sq.km 1410 sq miles) and has a population of over eight million
people. Jakarta is the main gateway to Indonesia. It is a contrast of modern
western architecture and traditional Indonesian culture.Its rapid growth
into a metropolitan city reflects the economic, political, social and industrial
development of the nation. In recent years, Jakarta has expanded its facilities
for visitors with multi-star luxury hotels, fine restaurants, exciting
nightlife and modern shopping centres as well as tourist attractions such
as Taman Mini Indonesia Indah {Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park),
restored colonial period buildings, marine resorts in the Bay of Jakarta,
and an extensive beach recreation complex
GENERAL
In recent years
however, other areas are also becoming popular and 24 top priority areas
have been selected
by the Directorate General of Tourism to provide visitors with the quintessential
soul of Indonesia.
These are:
Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, East Java, Bali, West Nusa
Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara,
Aceh, North
Sumatra, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, Riau Bengkulu, Lampung, South Sulawesi,
North Sulawesi, Southeast
Sulawesi, East
Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan,Central Kalimantan, Maluku,
and Irian Jaya.
SO TRAVEL THIS
SUMMER TO SEE THE SIGHTS & SOUNDS
THAT INDONESIA
HAS TO OFFER
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Travel Agents
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