Things to See and Do in Indonesia

Bobbing around in tropical seas and draped across the equator, the archipelago of Indonesia has lots to offer its visitors from picture postcard beaches, a kaleidoscope of marine life, stunning scenery, terraced hillsides, lush forests, and above all, gentle people ready to welcome you with their warm smiles. For the visitors, Indonesia is an adventure in waiting - whether it is Bali with its terraced rice fields or Borobudur's architectural treasures or Kalimantan's remote jungle interior - there is something to capture everybody's imagination.

If you are planning a trip to Indonesia, you may wish to include any of the following attractions in your things to see and do list.

Gili Islands: Located on the north western tip of Lombok, these three islands are home to deep-water coral reefs and pristine beaches. The islands are perfect for those looking for a tranquil haven though once you have had your fill of the serenity, you will find all-night dance party destinations within a stone away.

Istiqlal Mosque: One of the largest mosques in the world, this modern mosque in Jakarta, Java, attracts a fair share of visitors from across the world.

Jungle trek: Those looking for a bit of adventure can try out the jungle trek through the rainforests. You will find the most remote and untouched terrain in Irian Jaya, Kalimantan and Sumatra. You can also explore the trails in Muller Mountain in Kalimantan and Bukit Barisan National Park, a remote peninsula in Sumatra.

Prambanan temple complex: Constructed around 900 AD, these temples form the largest temple complex on the island of Java. The complex was however deserted soon after it was completed, probably due to the eruption of the nearby Mount Merapi. The temples were restored in 1953 and today they are the counted amongst the greatest of Hindu shrines. Although there are 24 temples here, the dominant ones are the Brahma Temple, the Vishnu Temple and the Shiva Temple. If you are visiting from May to October, you can see the Ramayana Ballet, a traditional Indonesian dance based on the Hindu epic.

Pulau Bunaken: Indonesia's coastline is said to be home to 15% of the world's coral reefs. An impressive number of about 3000 fish species and 300 types of coral are found in the crystal clear waters. The best places to view the amazing marine life are Bunaken National Park and Lembeh Strait in North Sulawesi.

Puppet shows: These shows are one of the more popular attractions of Indonesia. Especially worth a mention are the puppet shows staged through out Java. Traditional wayang golak and wayang kulit marionettes act out popular legends that form the cultural fabric of the country. Some of the performances can last all night long.

Beaches: The best beaches can be found in Bali. From pristine white-sand beaches to the more wild, rocky and volcanic ones with black sand, you'll find a beach of your choice. Also if you are planning a beach holiday, you will find several Bali villas with the sand right at your doorstep.

Preety is a travel writer with Eats & retreats a modern online magazine with unique travel articles, photo galleries and a selected portfolio of holiday villas and apartments featured by Web Perspective Ltd.

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Lombok Island, Indonesia - The Little-Known Bali Beater

Background Information
If you try to find information or guide books about Lombok,9 times out of 10 you'll find it grouped together as Bali/Lombok or Lombok/Gili Islands, almost as an after-thought. However, this does little justice to the pristine beaches and serenity that Lombok offers, unlike its Bali counterpart. Expect good local food, even friendlier locals and the touch of simplicity often missing from our daily urbanised lives. While it looks relatively close on the map, in reality,it takes about 4-5 hours to sail through the Straits. Lombok is about ¾ the size of Bali.

Best time to visit
The average temperature in Lombok is 29°C to 34°C, which in other words, means it is hot and humid year-round. Best time to visit is any month apart from the peak periods of June-July and December.

Budget
TheTravelManual Team spent less than US$339 for 9 days in Bali, Lombok and Gili Islands. This includes our transport,accomodation and daily expenditure costs.

What to do
* Ride on a motorbike around Lombok Island
Riding on a motorcycle through the streets of Lombok is one of the best things you can do there.Theroads will bring you along the coast of Lombok where you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenic views of Lombok. Along the way there will also be warongs.It would also be a good time for you to get to know the locals as they are a friendly and warm bunch. Do stop at Coco Beach as it houses the best satay we have ever tasted, the flavour possibly enhanced by the stunning beachside location.
* Mount Rinjani
Mount Rinjani is the second highest volcano in Indonesia and trekking up will take up to 5 days. Other thanenjoying the scenic views of the volcano, you can also experience the Rinjani waterfall. If you are into trekking, this is definitely a must-go. You can always approach one of the travel agencies available in Lombok to get package deals.
* Pasar Bertais (Bertais Market)
If you wish to submerge youself further into the beautiful Lombok culture, the Bertais Market is recommended. Bertais Market is an open air market where you can experience the truly Lombok culture. You will also be greeted by the wonderful locals and can use the opportunity to mingle with them.
* Komodo Island
As the name suggests, it the an island which houses over 2500 giant Komodo dragons in the Komodo National Park. There are travel agencies which offer 1/2 Day tour packages around Komodo Island from Lombok.
* Jeruk Manis Waterfall
Jeruk Manis Waterfall is located in East Lombok. The locals believe that this waterfall has many charms and that it can cure certain diseases and baldness if you bath in it. Even if you are not superstitious the trail to this 600m waterfall and the scenic view that you will be able to see will definitely make it worth going.
* Kuta Beach Lombok
Lombok's Kuta Beach is located at the South coast of Lombok. It is known for the towering waves. It is also a popular destination for surfers. There are surf boards for rent or you can also bring your own. It is also less congested compared the Kuta Beach in Bali. You can always the ever helpful locals to where the good surfing spots are. It is about 90 mins drive from Sengigi.


For more information about Lombok Island, or even Bali, Gili Islands, do go to our main site at http://www.thetravelmanual.com

We are a team of budget travellers who search through the Asia region for trips rich in experience, but low on cost. Let us share with you our experiences and tips for a fulfilling holiday in Asia, without burning a hole in your pocket! Refer to our full website for all the details, tips and bargains at [http://www.thetravelmanual.com]

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Bali Villa Holidays - An Affordable Touch Of Luxury

Accommodation will greatly determine the level to which you will enjoy a vacation. Bali is considered a real exotic paradise with its serenity, golden beaches and lush rainforests. A popular tourism destination, Bali has numerous accommodation options to offer. Should you choose a hotel or a luxury Bali villa?

Rent a Villa or Stay in a Luxury Hotel?
There are two possibilities for individuals that like luxury and getting pampered - Bali villas and five star hotels. Choosing one over the other may be a challenge, if you have no idea what the advantages are.
Most people immediately think of hotel accommodation when they travel. There are however, better possibilities that provide a number of benefits unavailable in the hotel room. Accommodation in a Bali villa is one such option.

Villas Provide Privacy
The biggest and probably most important advantage of choosing villa accommodation is privacy.
You will get to enjoy the tropical charm and the nature of Bali without having to deal with noisy crowds and large groups of tourists that traditionally stay at hotels. It will be just you, your family and friends.
The privacy of a Bali villa is something that you cannot get in a hotel, no matter how luxurious. You can relax, enjoy the sun, read a book, sleep all day long or have parties without being disturbed by anyone.

Interior Design and Landscaping
Many Bali villas come with a contemporary, minimalist interior design that will be perfect for the modern traveler. The villas are fully equipped and furnished to provide all of the facilities that you are used to and that you will need for full relaxation.
The exterior design and the landscaping are spectacular and suitable for a relaxing retreat and escape from reality.
High quality Bali villas have beautiful, impeccably maintained gardens. The tropical landscape will create your own little, private paradise. The garden is also equipped with a swimming pool for your convenience.

Available Services and Professional Assistance
Some people think that villa rental means that they will be on their own. This is not the case in Bali, where professional service and assistance is the key to hospitality.
Luxury Bali villas have a butler that is available 24/7. There is also security service, laundry and dry cleaning, babysitting possibilities and tour guides. Just think about the thing you will need for a comfortable and enjoyable vacation. All such services will be available at your Bali villa.
Many Bali villas will also come with the services of an experienced chef. If you like to learn more about local cuisine or to enjoy some international culinary temptations, this is the perfect possibility for your Bali vacation.

Individuals that like to practice sports will get to rely on the services of professional instructors and yoga practitioners. These are just some of the services available at a luxurious Bali villa.

Spectacular Location
The location of the villa is the final determining factor that establishes its superiority over hotel accommodation.
Very often, hotels are located in tourist hotspots that are crowded and noisy. You will be missing the tranquility of Bali and its authentic atmosphere. The villa comes as the perfect alternative.
The private outdoor areas are reserved for you and your family. Enjoy the sunrise or simply relax and meditate there. Most of the villas are conveniently located close to the beach, giving you easy access and tranquility at the same time. You will discover luxury villas at some of the most incredible Bali locations.

You can also opt for a secluded property that will be perfect for a romantic retreat. Some of these villas are surrounded by the Bali rice fields, others border the green rainforests. Such villas can have a second floor that provides incredible view of the area.
The villa will make your family vacation even more special because you benefit from luxury, flexibility and professional service. There are many options to choose among and you will certainly discover the Bali villa to fall in love with.

Clearly, a stay in a Bali luxury villa can make the difference between an "OK" vacation and a truly memorable holiday. Two of the leading providers of outstanding luxury Bali villa rental services are Prestige Bali Villas ( http://www.prestigebalivillas.com ) and Elite Havens Bali ( http://www.elitehavens.com ) Both companies have extensive portfolios of some of the most beautiful and sought after villas in Bali.Why not visit them online and see what the buzz is about?

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Holidays to Bali - Exploring Bali's Wildlife

Bali is a tropical island with lush plant life making it an extremely popular destination for travellers wanting to experience its wildlife and exotic animals. If you are contemplating a holiday to Bali to experience the flora and fauna there are some places to add to your itinerary:

Bali Butterfly Park
Bali is home to the largest butterfly park in Asia, where you are guaranteed a glimpse of rare bird-wing butterflies that you are unlikely to see anywhere else in the world. You can explore intricately landscaped gardens where countless rare indigenous Indonesian butterflies dwell and an adjoining information centre offers resources to view, about the reserve and the importance of conservation.
 
Elephant Safari Park
Just a thirty minute ride from the town of Ubud is Bali's Elephant Safari Park which is home to 27 endangered Sumatran Elephants. The park is one of the largest of its kind and is designed to give visitors as close an encounter as possible to these magnificent creatures as well as educate them on the role of elephants. The park is made up of beautiful landscaped botanical gardens and natural forest where you can see elephants as they would be in their natural habitat. The park also houses an interesting elephant museum featuring the only Mammoth skeleton in the Southern Hemisphere.

Monkey Forest
Also in the vicinity of Ubud is the Monkey Forest which is an extremely popular destination for tourists wanting to see Bali's plethora of wild monkeys. The monkeys here are extremely tame and can even be stroked but watch your packed lunch, they're tame enough to steal your sandwiches too. There is another larger Monkey Forest in Sangeh but the wild monkeys near Ubud are far tamer making for a more memorable experience.

Bullock Racing
Bullock racing is one of Bali's most popular sports. The season runs between July and October and if you happen to be on your holiday here over those months make sure you attend a race. The bulls are decorated in silk banners with painted horns and bells while they pull a wooden chariot. During these ancient races, the racers pull the bulls tails to make them bound faster down the road. It really is a unique sight and seeing this cultural spectacle will give you some unforgettable memories to take home with you.
 

key2holidays offer a wide variety of tailor-made holidays to Bali. Find more information & articles on the island at their website, key2holidays.co.uk.

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