Saturday 24 January 2009

SOUTH SUMATERA

1. Kuto Besak Fortress
An interesting fact about this museum is that it took 17 years to build it, started in 1780 and inaugurated to use it in Monda 21st Februari 1797. The idea of f this fortress development was Mahmud Badaruddin Sultanate I (1724 - 1758).
It has 288,75m length, 183, 75 m width, 9.99 m height and 1.99 m thick. Each corner provide entrance, the Northwest side entrance is different with three others. The same 3 entrances represent the characteristic of Kuto Besak Fortress. The main entrance, Lawang Kuto allowed visitors to look out to Musi River. While the entrance in the back door called Lawang Buritan.
This fortress has become Palembangnese proud since its the biggest and the only fortress made-up from stone wall and strongly related as the witness of their successes fought against European enemy.




2. Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Museum
This museum was the former Kuto Lama Fortress where the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Jayo Wikramo and Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I (1724 - 1758) stated their Keraton (palace).
In 1821, this palace attacked by the Dutch Colony and in October 17th, 1823 demolished under Dutch Commissaries requirement, I.L Van Seven House as the revenge to Sultanate who burnt Aur rive Loji. The museum rebuilt in 1825 and become Dutch government secretariat and resident.



In 1942 - 1945 during Japanese expansion, this building ruled by Japanese armies and handed over to Palembangnese after the independence proclaimed in 1945. In 1949, Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Museum renovated and punctuated the function as Sriwijaya II Toritorium and used as central rezimen of Sriwijaya IV. Based on the research conducted by National Archeological team in 1988, the Kuto Lama brick foundation found under the scalded wooden-block.

3. Water Tower Office
This building was founded in 1982 and previously used Syuco office during Japanese era in 1942-1945 and then used as city hall untuil 1956. This building provided water treatment supplies for public office. In 1963 Water Tower Office changed into Palembang Government Central Office.



4. Ampera Bridge
Built above Musi River which has 1.777 m length, 22 m width and 11.50 m height funded from war confiscation of Japanese Government by Soekarno instruction, Indonesia President started in April 1962 and finished 1964.
Previously named Musi Bridge then changed to Ampera Bridge since it operated on New Era period. AMPERA word stands for Amanat Penderitaan Rakyat (Message of Folks Tribulation).
Before 1970, the center part of Ampera Bridge could be lift up and passed by big ship with 44.50 m height on maximum. Now days, for maintenance reason ship isnt allowed to cross over.



5. Limas Traditional House
Built along the river banks, facing away from the water so daily household activities can be done in privacy. These very ornate wooden houses are raised on stills, and usually 15-20 meters in width and from 30-60 meters, from Colums; door and window frames to ventilation panels are intricately carved.





Getting There
Domestic flight fly daily to Palembang
Garuda Indonesia Airlines served flight from Osaka, Tokyo, Jeddah, Riyadh, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Singapore and Perth as well as major cities in Indonesia to Palembang
Air conditioned buses from Java and Sumatera also available
Moving around in Palembang, public transportation such as mini bus, buses, small transport called angkutan kota/city trans
Becak or pedicab is an optional and best to explore the town

Where to Stay
1.Star Hotel
Novotel Palembang Hotel & Residence
PALEMBANG - Jln. R. Soekamto 8A, Palembang
+62-711-369777 / +62-711-379777
info@novotelpalembang.com
http://www.novotelpalembang.com

Sandjaya ****: Jln A. Rivai No.6193 Palembang Telp. (0711) 350634-3113693
Swarna Dwipa ***: Jl. Tasik No.2 PalembangTelp. (0711) 313322-362992
King's ***: Jl. Kol. Atmo Nomor 623 Plg Telp. (0711) 363633-362323
Lembang ***: Jl. Kol. Atmo No. 623 Plg Telp. (0711) 363333
Princess ***: Jl. Letkol Iskandar Komplek Ilir Barat Permai Palembang Telp. (0711)313137-312801
Lee Paradise **: Jl. Kapt. A. Rivai No.257 Telp. (0711) 356707
Arjuna **: Jl. Kapt. A. Rivai No.219 Telp. 356719-358505
Wisata **: Jl. Letkol Iskandar No.105 Telp. 434889
Puri Indah *: Jl. Merdeka No. 38-40 Plg Telp. (0711) 355785

2.Budget Hotel
Sehati: Jl. Dr. Wahidin 1 Palembang Telp. 351537
Sintera: Jl. May. Ruslan No.667 Palembang Telp. (0711)354618-354619
Crossandra: Jl. Dwikora I No.1711 Telp. (0711) 313667
Kenanga Inn: Jl. Bukit Kecil No.76 Palembang Telp. (0711) 358166
Wisma Olga: Jl. Sumatera 1-7 Telp. (0711) 311265
Sriwijaya: Jl. Letkol Iskandar No.31 Palembang Telp. (0711) 354193
Surya I: Jl. Sukarjo Seb-Ulu 1 Palembang Telp. (0711) 512657
Timbul Jaya: Jl. Letkol Iskandar No.15 Palembang Telp. (0711) 350177
Pondok Indah: Jl. Kol. H. Burlian Km.9 Palembang Telp. (0711) 414369
Darma Agung: Jl. Kol. H. Burlian km.7 Telp. 410558-411964
Cendana: Jl. Jend. Sudirman No.22 Km.3 Telp. 410558-411964
Ganesha: Jl. Karet No.6/10 Telp. 357333
Permata: Jl. Jend. Sudirman No.292-793Telp. 369250-369251

Moving Around
Moving around in Palembang, public transportation such as mini bus, buses, small transport called angkutan kota/city trans
Becak or pedicab is an optional and best to explore the town
Ojeg: rented bike drived by the owner
Getek: traditional boat is one of the main transportation in Musi River
Dining Guide
Find the authentic local food here.

Pempek Palembang
Ask somebody to name the well-known dishes from Palembang, they will mentioned Pempek Palembang in their top-list. Yes, Pempek Palembang. Once you visit Palembang then you have to give it a try.
Pempek made from fish, sago flour and served with acid sour soup. There are several variant of Pempek; Pempek Lenjer, Kapal Selam (egg), Pempek Kulit (fish), Pempek Adaan and Pempek Lenggang (mixed Lenjer with egg), Pempek Keriting, Pempek Panggang




Store to visit:
Pempek Dempo at Jl. Dempo Dalam
Pempek Noni: Jl. Kolonel Haji Burlian
Pempek Pak Raden

Kerupuk Palembang
One of the famous snack from Palembang, this kerupuk or chips made from mixed flour with certain fish, Tenggiri fish, Gabus fish and Belida fish.

Store to visit:
Kerupuk 601 and Taxi 333 at Jl. Dempo Luar

Martabak Har
Made from fried egg, flour skin and mixed with certain spices. Martabak Har usually served with juicy soup made from potatoes, water and spices. Best place to have this martabak is Martabak Haji Abdul Rosak at Jl. Jendral Sudirman

Lempok Duren
Made from Durian and sugar, available in Durian season only

Tekwan
Local soup made from fishball, shrimp paste/essen, rice noodle and mushroom, juicy tuber

Bekasem

Eight Hour Cake


Laksan


Otak Otak


Souvenir Tips
Kain Songket (Songket Cloth) at Sentra Kerajinan Songket
Wooden carve at Jalan Jenderal Sudirman





Other Things to See or Do
Hutan Wisata Punti Kayu
Bukit Siguntang
Sentra Kerajinan Kayu Ukir
Sentra Kerajinan Songket
Pulau Kemaro

Travel Tips
The Annual Bidar Race is well worth including in your plans if you visit Palembang around Independence Day, August 17th. The Annual Bidar Race takes place at River Musi. The 24 meters long boat and 75 cm wide, powered by 50 oarsmen.
Sriwijaya Festival every July perform cultural attractions and ornamental boat race
Other Travel Essential

Tourist Office
Dinas Pariwisata & Kebudayaan Kota Palembang
Jl. Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II, No. 2
Palembang
Phone: 0711 " 358450 - Fax: 0711 " 352573

Airline Services
Garuda Indonesia
Jl. Kapten A Rivai No.35
Phone: (0711) 3122204/790
Fax: (0711) 352224

Mandala Airlines
Bandara Sultan Machmud Badarudin II
Phone: (0711) 411778 ext. 100
Fax: (0711 411840

Tour and Travel Agent
Carmeta Ampuh
Dempo Luar 29 " 30 Palembang,
Phone: (0711)352529, Fax: (0711) 312589

Sri Varia Wisata
Jl. Letkol Iskandar 16 A, Palembang,
Phone: (0711) 372034, Fax: (0711) 313708

Wisata Indah (Wisin)
Jl. Veteran No. 173 C, Palembang,
Phone: (0711) 351811, Fax: (0711) 355580

Pt. Mitra Suryawisatama
Jl. Rajawali No. 491, Palembang,
Phone: (0711) 321875, Fax: (0711) 353365

Internet CafI.Net
Jl.Kolonel Atmo 425
Palembang
Phone : (+62.711) 373068
Email: plgmktg@indo.net.id

Saturday 3 January 2009

SOUTH EAST SULAWESI

The south-eastern Peninsula and Buton group of island are inhabited by descendents of the Torajans and Bugis peoples, and due of the strong influence of the Islamic Bone Kingdom most of the people in this part of Sulawesi are Muslim. There are five diverse cultural groups: The Tolaki, Morunene, Buton, Muna (locally called the Wuna), and the Bajo. Most of the land area of Southeast Sulawesi is covered by natural jungle, with extensive plantations of teak and ironwood, which are used for local handicraft and contribute to the local economy. For those who like challenging adventures and ecotourism, come to Lambusango and Kakenauwe Protected forest, Wakatobi Marine National Park, Basilika Islands.

TOURIST OFFICE:
Jl. Teban Nunggu No.2, Kendari 94111
Phone. (0401) 326634
Fax. (0401) 327435

GETTING THERE:
Garuda Indonesia Airlines fly directly from Jakarta, Surabaya and Manado to Kendari.

TOURISM EVENT:
Atraksi Adu Kuda (Horse Fighting Attraction) performs in almost every celebration in Muna Island. The fight is between two male of horses, which start to fight after they have got provoked by the way of switching their lover (the female) between one to another. As their temper raise, they start to raise their front feet as a sign of their readiness to fight. The fight used to be happened incredibly, it can make every heart of the audience beat rapidly. Nevertheless, there is Muna philosophical value that they want to share from the fight, which is the right and responsibility are everything in spite of the soul have to pawned.

ANOTHER PLACE:
1.KENDARI
Kendari is a capital of Southeast Sulawesi Pro¬vince Southeast Sulawesi. It lies of a sloping hill overlooking beautiful Kendari Bay. Kendari artists are known for their artistic handicraft in traditional designs, using indigenous roots and ironwood. Silverworks from Kendari is widely known as its good quality and designs.

2.BATU GONG BEACH AND TOLI-TOLI HILL
Batu Gong Beach and Toli-Toli Hill. 20 km from Kendari to the north, Batu Gong beach is a new recreational resort along a 3 km white-sand beach. At the edge of the beach are huge stones, which when hit sound like a gong, hence the name of this area. Gorgeous views the sea can be enjoyed from the top of nearby Toli-Toli hill resort.




3.MORAMO BAY
Moramo Bay. This pristine bay is only one and one half hours by car or speedboat from Kendari. The white sand beaches of Moramo by are host to a endless water activities and sports: from sun bathing to water sking, swimming to boating, highlighted by snorkeling or diving in the crystal clear water

4.BUTON ISLAND GROUP "PAKANDE-KANDEA"
Buton Island Group, “Pakande-kandea”. The most fascinating cultural appeal of Buton Island can be enjoyed when local people conduct cere-monies, celebrations of folk events which welcome honored guests, food and cakes are offered to visitors and traditional dances are performed. Buton Island is also well-known for its asphalt, and for its teak and ironwood. Nirwana Beach is located 12 km from the village of Baubau, and is popular for swimming and its fine white sand beach. The small adjoining island, only thirty minutes away by sailboat, is a fisherman’s paradise. There is daily boat service from Kendari, with a stop-over in Raha, the capital city of the island of Muna.

5.SEA GARDEN OF PULAU HARI
Sea Garden of Pulau Hari. In Indonesia “hari” means daylight. Because of the way the sun’s rays reflect off the waters surrounding this island, the local people call it the “Island of Daylight”, Pulau Hari, Swimming; boating and other marine sports find a natural home along these shores. Pulau Hari is blessed with an amazing coral reef with excellent snorkeling and diving.

6.NAPABALE AND MOTONUNU LAKES
Napabale and Motonunu Lakes. Napa¬bale Lake is connected to the sea via a na¬tural tunnel. At low tide strong swimmers can brave this span of water for an exciting and unusual experience. It is dangerous to attempt this feat during high tide, as the water rises to only one half meters below the roof of the tunnel. Motonunu Lake is known for its clean, clear, darkblue water. Both lakes are 15 km from Raha, the capital of Muna Regency, on Muna Island. They are accessible by sailboat, from Raha, in only 45 minutes.

7.WAKATOBI MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Wakatobi Marine National Park is lies just off the south – eastern tip of Sulawesi, variable paradise for snorkeling and scuba enthusiasts. It can be reached by chartered flight from Denpasar direct to Tomia or by shipline of PELNI which call in regularly at the Port of Bau-Bau.
Wakatobi Resort : www.wakatobi.com





8.LAMBUSANGO AND KAKENAUWE PROTECTED FOREST
Lambusango and Kakenauwe Protected Forest which is base to operation Wallace is home to the significant endemic population of Anoa, Tarsius & Cuscus. It can be reached by a local minibus within one and a half hours or klik www.opwall.com



9.BASILIKA ISLAND
Basilika Island. Basilika (an acronym) derivers from a group of islands just off the western-part of Buton namely : Batauga, Siompu, Liwutongkidi, Kadatua. Its atolls and coral reefs are spectacular and wonderful. You can get to Basilika by a speed boat just for a half hour.



10.MORAMO WATERFALL
Moramo Waterfall No other in Indonesia is quite like the Moramo Waterfall. It passes a 2 km plateau, with 127 separate terrace plumes, the top of the waterfall some 100 meters above its basin pool. There are seven main terraces, each with its own natural bathing pool. Surrounded by lush jungle, this is the perfect place for those who love nature at its most sublime. Only 65 km east of Kendari, Moramo waterfall is easily accessible by car, or by crossing Moramo Bay by boat, and enjoying panoramic views of the sea.

RIAU ISLAND


RIAU ARCHIPELAGO
Riau Archipelago with Tanjung Pinang as the capital city Is blessed of a lot potential tourism objects, beautiful beaches, and culture attractions. It is located at the crossroads of one of the world’s oldest and busiest maritime routes and well reputes as an ideal stop over for trade and commerce. Riau Archipe¬lago was once home a sea gypsies cruising its rich mangroves forest and waterways. Moreover, it was on this island that the Sultan of Malacca found refuge from Portuguese attack in the 16th century, mapping tales of the legendary importance when Bintan thenceforth grew as the center of the powerful Johor Riau Sultanate.

Jl. Basuki Rahmat 17 Tanjung Pinang, Phone/Fax (0771) 315822 http://www.disparsenibud-kepri.com.
Batam Tourism Promotion Board :
Sekupang Ferry Terminal Jl.R.E. Martadinata, Phone. (0778) 322871, 322875 Fax.322898

GETTING THERE:
Riau Islands can easily reached by air or sea from Jakarta and Pekanbaru directly. Batam and Bintan have international shiplines and flight. It is only 45 minutes away from Singapore by ferry.

ALTERNATIF:
1.Perahu Naga (Dragon Boat) Festival in every October covers a distance of 400 meters with both domestic and foreign contestants. It is held along the Tanjung Pinang coast facing Penyengat Island. It features cultural performances, swimming contest and traditional diving challenge.

2.TANJUNG PINANG
Tanjung Pinang is a busy town on Bintan Island, now as a capital of Riau Archipelago. It has a Museum on Jl. Katamso. A large section of the old part of the town was built in traditional local fashion, on stilts, over the water. Tanjung Pinang City is located at about 10 km from the airport. This town also has 2 ports, Sri Bintan Pura in Tanjung Pinang and Sri Bayintan in Kijang. Tanjung Pinang Serves flight to Pekanbaru and Natuna.

3.BATU BEDAUN BEACH
Batu Bedaun Beach is very famous among the teenagers in Dabo Singkep. The beach situated 20 km from Dabo. This white sandy beach is very clean, with blue sea and small wave.



4.DAIK
Daik is a small town but has many historical relics of Riau Lingga kingdom as in the Penyengat Island. We can reach the town by speedboats from Tanjung Pinang. In Lingga Island there are also many variation of tropical plantation and marine water fish species that cannot be found in other pla¬ces. Other interesting objects is Mount Daik with 3 peaks.

5.SENAYAN ISLAND
Senayang Island. Boat cruising touring the waters between the islands is among potential attractions. Some real and thrilling adventures are available since there are many islands surrounding Senayang and excellent packages include cycling, bush wacking, swimming, snorkeling and diving.

6.TAMBELAN ISLAND
Tambelan Island is about 200 km away from Tanjungpinang. There are only six villages, which are spread over a few islands, with a total population of about 4,000. As is to be expected, the environment here is largely unspoilt, and the scenery is truly magnificent. One of the most interesting of natural attraction in this island is watching turtles laying their eggs in great number that protected by local peoples.



7.BINTAN ISLAND
Bintan Island. International investors have developed many new hotels, integrated world-class resorts, international golf courses on the island of Bintan. Other deve¬lopments include industrial parks, medical, commercial and banking facilities that are readily available to any visitors. During your visit to Riau Archipelago will not be bored or uninspired because there are many other interesting places like Pasar Ikan (Fish Market) where fresh, cheap seafood and ve¬getables are sold. There are also the Akau (Night Market), Pelantar (Water Villages) and shops selling local handicraft, natural attraction like watching the turtles laying their eggs or fishing on the Kelong.

8.TRIKORA BEACH
Trikora Beach is about 40 kilometers south of Tanjung Pinang on the eastern side of the island. Good beaches are also found on the islands of Terkulai and Soreh, about an hour away by boat.



9.NATUNA ARCHIPELAGO
Natuna Archipelago is a part of the vast province, which embraces all of the islands off the Riau mainland. The main island clusters of the Natuna archipelago are: Anambas, Natuna, South Natuna and Tambelan. Matak Island at present serves as a base for offshore oil exploration. Colourful co¬rals and reef fish are found in the waters surrounding these islands. South Natuna comprises the islands Serasan, Panjang and Subi. The surf is strong on these islands and the scenery impressive. The Tambelan Islands are accessed by boat in 6 hours from Pontianak in West Kalimantan or from Tanjung Pinang in 16 hours. Turtles habitually come to some of the beaches to depo¬sit their eggs in the warm sand. There are probably more turtles than people on these islands. Natuna is located in area of South China Sea with the geographical location passed by international shipping and coast lines. Natuna’s Ranai airport has length of 2,550 metres and Matak airport with length basis of 1,700 metres. Natuna’s seaport are Lampa (100 x 10 sqm) and Penagih (50 x 8 sqm).

10.KARIMUN ISLAND
Karimun Island is one of the most important islands in the Riau Archipelago, due to its thriving economy and proximity to Singa¬pore. Tanjungbalai Karimun is a medium-sized town, with a large Chinese community and shops selling a large variety of imported items. Lies in a shipping line in Malacca Strait and Singapore, Karimun gateway can be passed by international ferry from and to Malaysia and Singapore.

11.SEA GARDEN
Sea Gardens with beautiful corals and fish are found in the waters around the islands of Mapor, Abang, Pompong, Ba¬lang and Tanjung Berkait.

12.BATAM ISLAND
Batam Island is a very strategic island designated as a center of industry, tourism and trade. It lies close to Singapore. The Nongsa recreational region has international hotels, four golf courses, a marina sports facility and a forest reserve. Batam can be reached in two hours from Tanjung Pinang by ferry and in about half an hour from Singapore.





13.PULAU PENYENGAT
Pulau Penyengat (Stinging Island) When people found on the first time, Penyengat Island was an island with many stinging bees it is six kilometers from Tanjung Pinang, can be reached in 15 minutes by boat. The seat of the powerful Bugis viceroys of Riau during the 18th century, Penyengat still bears the traces of its illustrious past. Ruins, abandoned for almost 70 years, were recently restored. The old ruler’s palace and royal tombs are among the legacies left by the Riau sultanate. Still in use is the old viceroyal mosque, the Mesjid Raya, there is also a newly built cultural center for stage performances of Malay music and dances.