Alor Island

Alor (Indonesian: Pulau Alor) is the largest island in the Alor Archipelago located at the eastern Lesser Sunda Islands that runs through southeastern Indonesia, which from the west include such islands as Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Komodo, and Flores.

To the east of the island across the Ombai Strait lie the islands of Wetar and Atauro, the latter belonging to East Timor. To the south, across the Strait of Alor, lies the western part of Timor. To the north lies the Banda Sea. To the west lies Pantar and the other islands of the Alor archipelago, and further yet the rest of the Sunda Islands.

Alor is one of the 92 officially listed outlying islands of Indonesia.

On 12 November 2004, an earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale occurred, killing 34 people.

Alor has an area of about 2800 km², making it the largest island of the Alor archipelago.

Kalabahi is the only town on the island of Alor, with a metropolitan population of about 60,000. The variety of goods obtainable in Kalabahi is surprising considering its size and location. The 2010 census population of the island is 145,299 out of 190,000 in the regency.[1]

Alor is of volcanic origin and has very rugged terrain. The region near Kalabahi is the only flat area. This is why the Dutch placed the capital and the main harbor (Alor-Kecil) of the area here in 1911.

"The best" snorkelling and diving in Indonesia can be found in the Alor archipelago. Due to intriguing and often very strong currents it is best to snorkel or dive with someone who knows the area well. Transportation to Alor by TransNusa Trigana Air, from Kupang, Denpasar and Surabaya.

The island's infrastructure is only weakly built. The inhabitants practice mainly subsistence agriculture. The government seeks to change this with the help of international organizations. In the villages, vanilla, tamarind, almonds and other nuts are cultivated. In the forests sandalwood is cut down for trade.

The latest geological explorations have discovered valuable resources such as gypsum, kaolin, petroleum, natural gas, tin, gold, and diamonds.

Alor's highly esteemed snorkeling and diving promise an increase in tourism in the future. Depletion of the fisheries has however damaged the coral reefs in recent years.

More than 15 different indigenous languages are spoken on Alor, the majority of them classified as Papuan or non-Austronesian. These include Abui, Adang, Hamap, Kabola, Kafoa, Woisika, Kelon, and Kui. In addition, Alorese (Bahasa Alor; ISO 639-3: aol) is a Malayo-Polynesian language which is spoken along the coast of the western and southern Bird's Head of Alor Island and in places on surrounding islands.

Many of the Papuan languages of Alor are endangered and are no longer being actively acquired by children. Some languages have fewer than 1000 speakers remaining. Significant linguistic documentation efforts have been undertaken recently by Leiden University.

The language of daily communication is Alor Malay, a unique Malay variety with some similarities to Kupang Malay. Indonesian is taught in schools and used widely in media.

Transportation[edit]

During the dry season, Kalabahi is serviced by flights five times a week from Kupang the provincial capital, using a [ATR42] 46 seat by TransNusa Trigana Air and Kasa[disambiguation needed] 18-seat airplane. These flights are run by Merpati Airlines. Most of them are simply Kupang–Kalabahi–Kupang, but mid-2003 a new flight Kupang–Kalabahi–Kisar–Ambon, returning the next day, was introduced. The two Pelni passenger ships Serimau and Awu also pass through Kalabahi each week. Transport to Alor during the wet season is sometimes disrupted due to high winds and large waves.

On 17 November 2006 Trigana Air suffered its first ever plane crash accident. The aircraft (a de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter 300) struck a mountain in Puncak Jaya (Indonesia) seven minutes before it was scheduled to land in the remote Indonesian province of Papua. All 12 passengers on board died shortly after the incident.

Alor island has its own airport.

Lake Toba

Lake Toba (Indonesian: Danau Toba) is a large natural lake occupying the caldera of a supervolcano. The lake is about 100 kilometres long, 30 kilometres wide, and up to 505 metres (1,666 ft) deep. Located in the middle of the northern part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra, with a surface elevation of about 900 metres (2,953 ft), the lake stretches from 2.88°N 98.52°E to 2.35°N 99.1°E. It is the largest lake in Indonesia and also the largest volcanic lake in the world.

Lake Toba is the site of a massive supervolcanic eruption estimated at VEI 8 that occurred 69,000 to 77,000 years ago, representing a climate-changing event. It is the largest known explosive eruption on Earth in the last 25 million years. According to the Toba catastrophe theory, it had global consequences for human populations: it killed most humans living at that time and is believed to have created a population bottleneck in central east Africa and India, which affects the genetic make up of the human world-wide population to the present.

It has been accepted that the eruption of Toba led to a volcanic winter with a worldwide decrease in temperature between 3 to 5 °C (5.4 to 9.0 °F), and up to 15 °C (27 °F) in higher latitudes. Additional studies in Lake Malawi in East Africa show significant amounts of ash being deposited from the Toba eruptions, even at that great distance, but little indication of a significant climatic effect in East Africa.

BALI PANDAWA BEACH

BALI PANDAWA BEACH IS KNOWN AS A SECRET BEACH DUE LOCATION OF THE BEACH IS DIFFICULT TO ACCSESS

Bali Pandawa Beach is located in Kutuh Village, South Kuta District, Badung Regency; around 3 km from the famous Nusa Dua area and Uluwatu Temple. In the past, this beach was hidden behind hill so it was called Secret Beach. Secret Beach actually had known well by some tourists. However, the difficult access to this location made this beach was empty. The visitors of this beach were only a few foreign surfers or domestic tourists. Fortunately, the local government of Badung Regency realized the potential of this beach and quickly managed this beach then launched it as a new mainstay attraction. The result can now be felt such as a better access heading to the beach which is now become more convenient for any vehicles. Pandawa Beach has a stunning panorama with serene and quiet atmosphere. When entering the beach area, we will be amazed by beautiful panorama of high cliff, flanking the road along 1.5 km. The road is purposively built through limestone hills in Kutuh Village, similar with the hills in GWK.

Pandawa Beach is The Bali Secret Beach

Formerly, Pandawa Beach is a hidden and secret beach that was very difficult to access due to located in the deep valley and surrounded by the white stone cliff. We must go through a small step down on the cliff with dangerous valley underneath and the only local people can access the beach since they were own daily job as fishermen and seaweed farmer. But today, the old story was changed. Since local people have the great inspiration to build their village, they work together to break the cliff and make the good road and can be accessed by any vehicles. Since the access is created, many visitors from foreign country either domestic visit this beach every day.

Statue Panca Pandawa at Pandawa Beach

When we pass through the new access to Pandawa Beach, we will be provided a complimentary amazing view of white sandy beach with Indian Ocean just in front of it. On the way down to the beach, we will discover several caves with beautiful ornament of white stone statue taking the inspiration of Panca Pandawa (5 big brothers from Mahabaratha epoch). The statues are beautiful craved with Balinese ornaments and to be one of spot for photo taking when visiting this sight.  The Pandawa Beach's name is taken from the name of 5 big brothers at Mahabaratha epoch consisted of Yudistira, Bima, Arjuna, Sahadewa and Nakula. This story had inspired the Balinese Hindu social life those are reflecting their cultures. There are many places, buildings, people's name, street's name and plenty firm of items in particular statues, puppets and much more taking from this story and Pandawa Beach is one of them.

Story Name Of Pandawa Beach Was Taken

The Pandawa Beach name is taken from the name of 5 big brothers at Mahabaratha epochconsisted of Yudistira, Bima, Arjuna, Sahadewa and Nakula. This story had inspired the Balinese Hindu social life those are reflecting their cultures. There are many places, buildings, people's name, street's name and plenty firm of items in particular statues, puppets and much more taking from this story and Pandawa Beach is one of them.

When entering the area of Pandawa Beach, you will be made astonished by beautiful view in front of you. The sand in this beach is so white and clean which is combined with a background of turquoise sea. The ambience is still quiet, serene, and clean. There are no garbages, and if there is any, those are only the remains of seaweed brought by the wave. This beach is very suitable for swimming because the wave and current is not so strong. Various activities can be done in this beach for example playing sand or sunbathing. Because of its geographical location in the east of Bali Island, we can see the amazing sunrise panorama in this beach.

Besides that, there is also an interesting recreation activity around this area which is called paragliding. If the weather is fine and the wind is quite strong, you can see or try this activity directly. The location for starting this activity is actually not in Pandawa Beach, but in Timbis Hill which is not too far from this beach. Usually, this paragliding activity is done in day or afternoon time, if the weather meets the requirements. While you are paragliding, you will be able to see the true beauty of Pandawa Beach from the height. Don’t worry if you are a newbie or even a first-timer, because a training centre and instructors are available if needed. If you are interested in trying paragliding, you can go to Timbis Hill which is only a few kilometers away from Pandawa Beach.

Komodo National Park

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. 

Mount Rinjani

Mount Rinjani or Gunung Rinjani is an active volcano in Indonesia on the island of Lombok. Administratively the mountain is in the Regency of North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (Indonesian: Nusa Tenggara Barat, NTB). It rises to 3,726 metres (12,224 ft), making it the second highest volcano in Indonesia.

On the top of the volcano is a 6-by-8.5-kilometre (3.7 by 5.3 mi) caldera, which is filled partially by the crater lake known as Segara Anak or Anak Laut (Child of the Sea) due to blue color of water lake as Laut (Sea). This lake is approximately 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) above sea level and estimated to be about 200 metres (660 ft) deep; the caldera also contains hot springs. Sasak tribe and Hindu people assume the lake and the mount are sacred and some religion activities are occasionally done in the two areas.

A massive eruption of Rinjani in 1257 CE may have triggered an episode of global cooling and failed harvests.

Lombok is one of the Lesser Sunda Islands, a small archipelago which, from west to east, consists of Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and the Timor islands; all are located at the edge of the Australian continental shelf. Volcanoes in the area are formed due to the action of oceanic crusts and the movement of the shelf itself. Rinjani is one of at least 129 active volcanoes in Indonesia, four of which belong to the volcanoes of the Sunda Arc trench system forming part of the Pacific Ring of Fire – a section of fault lines stretching from the Western Hemisphere through Japan and South East Asia. The islands of Lombok and Sumbawa lie in the central portion of the Sunda Arc. The Sunda Arc is home to some of the world's most dangerous and explosive volcanoes. The eruption of nearby Mount Tambora on Sumbawa is known for the most violent eruption in recorded history on 15 April 1815, with a scale 7 on the VEI.

The highlands are forest clad and mostly undeveloped. The lowlands are highly cultivated. Rice, soybeans, coffee, tobacco, cotton, cinnamon, cacao, cloves, cassava, corn, coconuts, copra, bananas and vanilla are the major crops grown in the fertile soils of the island. The slopes are populated by the indigenous Sasak population. There are also some basic tourist related activities established on Rinjani primarily in or about the village of Senaru.

Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok rises to 3,726 metres (12,224 ft), second in height among Indonesian volcanoes only to Sumatra's Kerinci volcano. Rinjani has a steep-sided conical profile when viewed from the east, but the western side of the compound volcano is truncated by the 6 x 8.5 km, oval-shaped Segara Anak caldera. The western half of the caldera contains a 230 metre-deep lake whose crescentic form results from growth of the post-caldera cone Barujari at the eastern end of the caldera

Teluk ijo (Green Bay) Banyuwangi

Green bay located in District Pesanggaran Sarongan precisely in the village. Located about 90 km south of the city of Banyuwangi. To reach this beach of Banyuwangi we just follow the directions to Pesanggaran-Sarongan-Sukamade are still one lane route leading to the beach Sukamade Merubetiri National Park.

Green Bay has a unique white sand smooth and easily attached to the skin. Gulf which has panoramic sea water is green with white sand and 8 meter high waterfall. At the end of the west and east also contained rocks. Having a crystal clear sea water and greenish and a beautiful atmosphere makes anyone who saw amazed. Here we can swim or just play dipantainya water. On the east side there is a waterfall freshwater discharge that are commonly used ffor rinse and body after swimming beach. For those who like camping location is also good enough to set up a tent.

For vehicles can be parked near the beach Rajagwesi then walked toward the green bay as far as +/- 2km. There is also a parking spot closer to green bay, tp road to be traversed in the form of a very broken way.

direction towards green bay is clear enough, so do not be afraid to stray.

INDRAYANTI BEACH A Clean Beach with Cafe Restaurants

Besides offering the charm of white sandy beaches with crystal clear sea water, Indrayanti also offers the sensation of starry romantic dinner at the restaurant located by the beach.

The sun had not been high when me arrived at Indrayanti beach. Two sea snails moved slowly in a rocks niche, did not care that the wave was sweeping away. A bunch of teenagers was chatting while occasionally posing for picture taken. In the west appeared 3 people were running around chasing the waves, while others were relaxing in middle of the gazebo while enjoying the fresh young coconut directly served with fruit. Some inns conceptualized the back to nature stand proudly beneath the hill, while the stilt house and the huts that resemble honai (Papuan traditional house) were standing near the shore. A yellow jet ski was piled in the restaurant corner.

Located on the east coast of Sundak Beach, the beach that is lined by rocky cliff is one of the beaches that presents different views with other beaches in Gunung Kidul. Not only decorated with white sand, rocky hill, and the clear blue water as if calling for tourists to dive into it, Indrayanti Beach is also equipped with a row of restaurants and cafes and inns that will spoil tourists. A variety of menu ranging from seafood to fried rice can be ordered in a restaurant facing the beach. At night, gazebos at the beach will look pretty as lit by flickering lights. Enjoying dinner at the cafe accompanied by the sound of the wind and the waves will be an unforgettable romantic experience.

Mentioning the name of Indrayanti Beach ealier got a lot of controversy. Indrayanti is not the name of the beach, but the name of the cafe and restaurant owner. Since the name Indrayanti was displayed on the board of this beach cafe and restaurant, eventually people called this beach by the name of Indrayanti Beach. While the government named this beach as Pulang Syawal Beach. But the name of Indrayanti is more popular and more commonly known than Pulang Syawal. The involvement of private parties in the management of Indrayanti Beach apparently helped bring a positive impact. Unlike the other beaches that are rather dirty, the shoreline along Indrayanti Beach looks clean and free from rubbish. This is because the manager does not hesitate to impose a fine for each waste disposed by tourists carelessly. Therefore Indrayanti Beach becomes a comfortable place to visit.

After enjoying a plate of fried rice and coconut ice in the gazebo, me headed for the hills on the east side. Since there was no road, passing through bushes and shrubs while climbing rocks became an option. Arriving on the top of the hill, the views bounded by the Indian Ocean outspread. Some birds flew, carrying reeds to build a nest. The sound of the wave and the wind combined created a beautiful and soothing orchestra. me looked to the west. Some beaches separated by hills looked lining up, gazebo and stage house looked small, whereas people looked like a little man. When dusk approached, this place would become a good spot to watch the sun returning to its resting place. Unfortunately me had to hurry go home. Although not having seen a beautiful sunset, the charm of Indrayanti Beach has been imprinted in the heart.

HIDDEN PARADISE: THE DERAWAN ISLANDS

Quite surely, most of you have never heard of this beautiful place, but the Derawan Islands in Indonesia have taken my heart by storm. Not as famous as other destinations in Indonesia, they still have a lot to offer. They are located just off the east coast of Borneo (also named Kalimantan by the locals) and comprise dozens of islands. I visited four which are also the most popular among them: Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban and Sangalaki. Each has its own way of stealing your heart and making you never want to leave again. Here is how:

Derawan is the main island and quite a lively one, with many locals living in homes on stilts over the turquoise sea water. In a way it feels pretty crowded, especially in comparison to the other islands, but the bustling atmosphere is what makes it so special. More people also bring more pollution and the waters here are not as clear as elsewhere. However, while you won’t find the best spots for snorkelling and diving, you will without a doubt discover the best spots to encounter the local culture.

Wander around the island and learn to pay close attention to the hidden beauty of your surroundings: the colourful houses, laundry hanging out to dry, shops with local curiosities or kids playing in the streets. The island is not very big, so exploring on foot is definitely possible, but there are also bikes for hire. A must-do is to visit a local fisherman when he rests in his boat or prepares to head seawards – they love to talk and tell the greatest stories about the sea and the island.

One thing not to miss is the golden sunset, when the sea and sky are glooming and sparkling in all shades of gold. Watch it from the shore, the pier or if you’re lucky from your ocean view terrace.

Derawan is a great place to base yourself as many fishing boats and speed boats to the other islands leave from here. There is a wide range of accommodation available, from budget to luxurious. I’d recommend to go for a homestay of which there are several on the island, and choose between renting a small bungalow by the beach or staying in a local’s house.

Maratua Island: The Quiet One

If you seek tranquility and privacy then Maratua is an ideal choice, even though it is the biggest of the Derawan Islands. There is an exclusive resort, the Maratua Paradise Resort, located in a big lagoon and surrounded by crystal-clear shallow water and white sandy beaches. Needless to say, snorkelling and diving is on top of the list of things to do when setting foot on this gorgeous island. Here you can also expect to see the sea turtles and if you’re lucky you get a chance to swim with them!

Kakaban Island: The Home of the Jellyfish

Kakaban is known as one of the best spots for snorkelling and diving in the Derawan Islands and even all of Indonesia. It is the home of the stingless jellyfish, so no worries about swimming in their waters. The island’s lake is busy with four different species of the harmless jellyfish, of which some you can only find in one other place in the world (on Palau Island, Micronesia). One in particular is quite interesting, but very hard to spot – locals call it “the invisible one”. It is not allowed to use sunscreen or sunblock to protect your skin when snorkelling in this lake, as the chemicals would poison the jellyfish. You are advised to wear a t-shirt or rash guard instead.

Out of the lake, into the sea: snorkelling near the jetty area of the island is just as exciting. There are mesmerizing corals, fish in all shapes and colours and many other beautiful sea creatures.

Getting here is quite easy: speed boats leaving from Derawan take about one hour to reach Kakaban and cost roughly $80 for four passengers.

Sangalaki Island: The home of Manta Rays and Sea Turtles

While Kakaban Island is best known as the home of stingless jellyfish, Sangalaki is famous for its manta rays and sea turtles. The island can be reached from Derawan by boat (2 hours on a fishing boat, a lot faster with a speed boat). The Green Turtle Conservation centre managed by WWF and the local government is the biggest of its kind in Asia. Visitors can watch turtles laying their eggs and see baby turtles getting ready to be released back into the sea.

The best dive spots on the island are Manta Parade, Sherwood Forest and Coral Gardens – with a bit of luck you can dive with turtles and manta rays here!

Admittedly, getting here is quite a trek (make your way to Berau by plane, onwards overland to Tanjung Batu or Tanjung Redeb and from there reach the islands by boat) but the pristine waters, amazing snorkelling and diving spots and one-of-a-kind wildlife encounters make it worth the effort. Definitely put this down for your Indonesia itinerary!