C O M O D O

How to reach Comodo of Dragon? From Lombok or the Gilis, you can get a 3/4 day boat trip costing around 250 000 rupiahs which isn't much (13000 to the £ when I was there) and they'll take you in a wooden boat of about 15m in length to Flores stopping off at numerous reefs to scuba as well as Komodo and Rinca where the dragons live. The reef off Komodo is spectacularly colourful and the fish is abundant but be wary of the current. I would also suggest you take your own snorkel gear though they are supplied and quality can be dubious.

Excellent fun though check the boat and make sure you have agreement on the food and water as they will skimp if you do not keep an eye out and you will become very familiar with noodles and rice. The fee also includes travel back to Lombok via the ferry and buses. It is worth looking around Flores as there is Kelimuti, the 3 coloured volcanic lakes.

Komodo National Park lies in the Wallacea Region of Indonesia, identified by WWF and Conservation International as a global conservation priority area. The Park is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores at the border of the Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) and Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTP) provinces. It includes three major islands, Komodo, Rinca and Padar, and numerous smaller islands together totaling 603 km2 of land. The total size of Komodo National Park is presently 1,817 km2. Proposed extensions of 25 km2 of land (Banta Island) and 479 km2 of marine waters would bring the total surface area up to 2,321 km2

HISTORY :
Komodo National Park was established in 1980 and was declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1986. The park was initially established to conserve the unique Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), first discovered by the scientific world in 1911 by J.K.H. Van Steyn. Since then conservation goals have expanded to protecting its entire biodiversity, both marine and terrestrial.
The majority of the people in and around the Park are fishermen originally from Bima (Sumbawa), Manggarai, South Flores, and South Sulawesi. Those from South Sulawesi are from the Suku Bajau or Bugis ethnic groups. The Suku Bajau were originally nomadic and moved from location to location in the region of Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara and Maluku, to make their livelihoods. Descendents of the original people of Komodo, the Ata Modo, still live in Komodo, but there are no pure blood people left and their culture and language is slowly being integrated with the recent migrants.
Little is known of the early history of the Komodo islanders. They were subjects of the Sultanate of Bima, although the island’s remoteness from Bima meant its affairs were probably little troubled by the Sultanate other than by occasional demand for tribute.

THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND, NUSA PENIDA IN BALI

Nusa Penida is an island southeast of Bali island, Indonesia. Administratively, the island is a district of Klungkung regency. There are two small islands nearby: Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. The Badung Strait separates the island and Bali. The interior of Nusa Penida is hilly with a maximum altitude of 524 metres. It is drier than the nearby island of Bali. Unlike the neighbouring small island of Nusa Lembongan there is very little tourist infrastructure here.

Bali Bird Sanctuary on Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is a unique island-wide bird sanctuary. It is unique in that Nusa Penida is a populated island where all of the island's communities have used traditional Balinese village regulations to create a sanctuary for birds. The idea of converting Nusa Penida (and its sister islands of Lembongan and Ceningan) into a bird sanctuary came from Drh I. Gede Nyoman Bayu Wirayudha (veterinarian) and his Indonesian NGO, Friends of the National Parks Foundation (FNPF), who envisioned the islands to be a natural safe haven where endangered birds could be released to rebuild their numbers, free from the threat of poachers. FNPF spent 2 years counselling all of the key people of influence on the Penida islands on the benefits of protecting birds and conservation. In 2006 all 35 villages (now 41 villages) unanimously agreed to make bird protection part of their traditional regulations (“awig-awig”), making it a social and spiritual obligation for all Penida residents to protect birds. Since then, FNPF has rehabilitated and released various Indonesian birds, most notably the critically endangered Bali Starling which is endemic to Bali but whose numbers in the wild had declined to less than 10 in 2005. After a 2 year program by FNPF in which 64 cage bred birds were rehabilitated and released onto Nusa Penida, their number had increased to over 100 in 2009. Other released birds include Java Sparrow, Mitchell's Lorikeet and Sulphur Crested Cockatoo. In return for this unanimous commitment by all villages to protect birds, FNPF runs a variety of community wellbeing / development projects. FNPF's office, visitor centre, nursery and guest accommodation is located in the village of Ped, on the north side of Nusa Penida.
July 2011: In the fifth anniversary of FNPF, they have released 100 tiny birds of Java Sparrows altogether. The birds are very conspicuous with brightly colored, so very visible to predators, release in a large flocks make it harder for predators to catch them.

Diving sites

Nusa Penida covers a wide area of diving locations. They are Penida Bay, Batu Lumbung (Manta Point), Batu Meling, Batu Abah, Toya Pakeh and Malibu Point. The flow through the Lombok Strait is, overall, south-tending, although the strength and direction of the tidal streams are influenced by the monsoon seasons.
During the southeast monsoons, the tidal flow tends south; during the northeast monsoons, the tidal flow tends north. In the area of the strait north of Nusa Penida, the pattern is relatively simple, with a flow, at peaktide, of about three-and-one-half knots. Tidal streams in Badung Strait are semi-diurnal, but the character of the stream is very complicated because its direction runs obliquely to the general south to north direction of Lombok Strait, and the channel has a curved shape.
See the Nusa Penida Dive Sites

Toyapakeh

Toyapakeh has a stretch of reefs, and in the southern part of the bay there is a similar area of rugged bommies, rich with color and fish. Big schools of fish, sea turtles, and occasionally Mola mola (sunfish) are highlight of Toyapakeh diving. Toyapakeh is special for its pillars of coral.

Malibu Point

Malibu Point is a diving site with gray reefs, reef white tips, silver-tips and numerous sharks. While Penida Bay is another anchorage, and the rocky islands have an interesting forms; something like an old resting elephant. The bay is vulnerable to swell, creating-up-and-down-currents. Then, Manta Point is a limestone rock off Pandan cafe. The swell is relatively strong.

Nusa Penida/Lembongan

Nusa Penida/Lembongan is a diving site with vast spread of coral reefs and good visibility. Big fish are frequently observed at the area. Manta rays or sunfishes appear in certain seasons.
The site is also known because of the very strong currents requiring advanced diving skills.

Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay is calmer than outer shore. There are schools of Anthias. A school of batfish comes around periodically. A bat cave is located nearby.

Pura Barong Barongan,Bali,Indonesia

Pura-Barongan Barong is one of the trail travel Nirartha located in the South Badung region, precisely on the Ungasan hill .

If we walked to the Banjar Sawangan, Peminge Indigenous Village, Benoa Village, Kuta District, Badung regency. Precisely in the Southern area Hotel Nikko Bali, or forward to the south of the hotels we will find chalk road to the beach. This Diareal location of the temple which has a long history in Bali, and not likely forgotten by the Hindus in this area. Actually first, Barong-Barongan named Pura Dalem Karang Boma. Why give us the name Karang Dalem Boma? Perhaps the ejection Dwijendra Tattwa, pretending it is one part of the trail Danghyang Dwijendra in Bali. When arrived at the scene the hills that jutted into the sea, then presented Pasupati Danghyang Dwijendra to their students.

Because that location is the place to give Pasupati, a lot of miracles owned the place.So start waking a temple. Temple was originally called Pura Dalem Coral Mua.Because it can be termed pasupati with grim-faced everything. So the temple is said to be the Pura Karang Mua. Over time, this temple eventually changed its name to Karang Boma. In addition there are several things that lead to this temple called Pura Barong-Barongan.

Which gives the name of the Barong-Barongan Pura were fishermen. Story developing in society is when the fishermen go to catch fish in the sea, they saw that the land that juts into the sea saw like barong. For fishermen it finally marked the place so as not to get lost at sea. Land boundary that is used sign. That's when most of the fishermen to see that there are temples that used sign when down the shore.And because the temple is shaped like a barong, the Barong-Barongan.

Barong-Barongan Pura consisted of two palebahan namely Jaba Jaba side and middle. This temple disungsung by various components of society. In addition there are several places that beg Pasupati ketapaknya each temple Barong-Barongan. For example Barong foundation of Krama Sesetan Lantang Bejuh Banjar, Saint-Badung, Sidakarya, Pedungan, Bualu, Pagan, Kelandis and so forth.

Mamedek in this temple which can be divided into three namely as Pengemong, Pengempon and Pemaksan. As pengemongnya is Mangku Regig Jro family. While iru as pengemponnya is Gaduh Pasek, Kebayan and Pasek Pasek Pasek Gelgel and Denpasar. While the latter Pemaksan. This is a kind sekaa Pemaksan which has the same task as well with the others, namely holding the ceremony Yadnya. Total pemaksan at Temple-Barongan Barong is forty-four. Barong-Barongan piodalan Pura is on Tumpek Landep.

Mount Agung in Bali

Towering 3,142 metres above sea level, Mount Agung is the highest mountain on the island of Bali and the fifth highest in the whole of Indonesia.
Mount Agung has huge spiritual significance to the people of the island, and is home to the 'Mother Temple' of Besakih. It forms part of a chain of volcanos that make up the back bone of Bali.
Balinese legend has it that Agung was created when the Hindu God Pasupati split Mount Meru (the spiritual axis of the universe) and formed Mount Agung with a fragment.

History

Mount Agung last erupted in 1963 (see information box in this article). This was one of the largest 20th century eruptions anywhere in the world. Historical eruptions of the volcano are poorly recorded, but there was certainly one in the 1820s.

Landscape

At lower elevations the mountain is covered in lush forest, but this soon gives way to a desolate landscape of barren volcanic rock and ash scree. From the peak of Mount Agung the views are extraordinary in all directions, but perhaps most dramatic to the east where the sun rises above Mount Rinjani on Lombok.

The Events of 1963 Mount Agung last erupted in 1963, causing devastation in the eastern part of Bali and beyond. Ancient Balinese texts demand that the most important of Balinese Hindu rituals, the Eka Dasa Rudra, is performed every 100 years to purify our world. Such a ceremony was scheduled at Besakih temple in 1963. In February of that year Mount Agung started to rumble, and high priests argued that this was a bad omen from the Gods and that the wrong date had been scheduled for the ceremony. By this time though President Sukarno had arranged to attend with a group of foreign dignatories and he ordered that the event must go ahead. On March 8th the mountain was in a full pre-eruption phase and on March 18th it blew with such force that the top 100 metres or more was blasted away. Lava spewed over much of eastern Bali, a devastating gas cloud swept across villages and ash destroyed all crops. Up to 2,000 people are thought to have died and tens of thousands of homes were destroyed. Quite remarkably, the mother temple of Besakih perched high on the slopes of the mountain was relatively untouched by this event, fuelling the local spritual reasoning for the eruption. Further, many Balinese argued that this eruption was a portent of dreadful things to come and felt vindicated when the whole nation was plunged into civil crisis in 1965. The cleansing rituals from the 1963 ceremonies were finally finished at Besakih in 1979.

Flora and fauna

Wild pigs and macaques abound on the forested slopes of Mount Agung. Birdlife is impressive including frequent sightings of hawks and eagles, but is not as obvious and easy to observe as in the West Bali National Park.

Climate

Mount Agung dominates the surrounding area influencing the climate. The clouds come from the west and Agung takes their water so that the west is lush and green and the east dry and barren.
The best time to climb Mount Agung is in the dry season of April to October. January and February should certainly be avoided if possible due to heavy rain, possible flooding and even landslides in the area.
At lower elevations it remains tropical but becomes distinctly cold and often very windy on the high bare rock slopes.

Get in

Mount Agung is most commonly approached from the south via Klungkung and Candidasa, from the west via Besakih, or from the east via Tirta Gangga and Karangasem. The east coast road north from Amed through Tulamben and onto Singaraja provides some awe-inspiring views of the mountain across flat rubble plans.

 Fees/Permits

Mount Agung is viewed as sacred and for that reason is off limits to climbers during important ceremonies. Your guide will know and will also be able to obtain any necessary permissions from temple administrators for which some nominal donation may be required.
Guide fees may vary between about Rp 400,000 and Rp 1,000,000 depending on how you arrange the guide, the route taken and the level of English expected. Generally it is possible to put all arrangements in place once you reach Bali, but for peace of mind you might want to make contact with guides before you leave home. Some guides speak far better English than others.

Get around

There are three climbing routes up the mountain, all are difficult and unless you are physically fit and have some serious trekking experience, do not even attempt any of these climbs.

Climbing routes

From Besakih (west). This is a demanding climb starting close to Besakih temple. The ascent will take about 6 to 7 hours and ends at the very highest point of the mountain. The final hour or so is exceptionally demanding often requiring ascent on all fours. A sensible start time is about 11PM, so that you arrive at the top before dawn and wait for the sunrise. Allow as long to get down as it took you to get up.
From Pura Pasar Agung (south). A three to four hour climb in which time you ascend about 2,000 metres. Not so stiff as the Besakih route. The route ends about 100 metres below the actual summit, but the views are still excellent in all directions, as well as down into the actual crater. A sensible start time would be about 2:30 AM, again with aim of reaching the peak just before dawn.
A new way turn left at the middle of the climbing to reach the summit in 4 hours. Only experienced people can follow this road.
From Duku Bujangga Sakti (north). A seldom used route but one which is most appropriate for less experienced trekkers and the slightly less physically fit. The ascent starts at 300 metres and involves an overnight camp at 1,700 metres, before the final ascent in the pre-dawn hours the following day. This route also allows you to walk around the rim of the crater to the absolute summit of the mountain.

Mount Agung viewed from the east

 Guides

The service of a local guide is absolutely essential. Guides can be arranged in advance via your hotel (especially if you are staying in Candidasa or Amed), at the Pura Pasar Agung temple close to the time of your planned climb, or via the following contacts.
Wayan Widi Yasa is a local guide who first discovered the new road to the top from Pura Pasar Agung. Tel: +62 852 372 50607. Mail [1]
Gung Bawa Trekking [2] [3]. Gung Bawa is an experienced local Balinese guide with great reviews since 1996. He will guide you on the Besakih or Pura Pasar Agung route. Has an office in the village of Selat close to the the start of the Pura Pasar Agung trek route. About Rp 500,000 per person.
Pondok Wisata Agung is a simple losmen in the village of Selat and they offer guides for the southern ascent from about Rp 400,000. Tel: +62 366 23037.
MG Trekking [4] at Balina Beach in Candidasa specialise in the little used northern ascent from Duku Bujangga Sakti.
Ketut Subawa is a very helpful and professional guide. Tel: +62 878 606 31302.

 See

Pura Pasar Agung is one of Bali's nine directional temples and it sits at the start point of one of the ascent routes up Mount Agung. It is close to the village of Selat on the main road from Rendang to Karangasem.
The Sidemen/Selat area is stunningly beautiful. It incorporates several valleys in the foothills of Mount Agung on the route between Karangasem and Rendang. The drive through this area is most scenic and one of the very best in Bali. Stunning rice terraces, lush forested hill-sides and the mountain itself, all combine to make this a magical area to visit. If you stop in the village of Selat it is easy to find local guides for undemanding hikes in the area.

Besakih Temple

Besakih is known as the Mother Temple of Bali. Besides being the most important temple for the whole of the island, another attraction of Besakih, actually a complex of temples, is its dramatic location on the southern slopes of Mount Agung.

Part of the Besakih Temple complex.

Get in The usual way to get to Besakih is from Klungkung. Besakih is about 20km north of the town centre. The road is not too bad, if a little winding at times. There is also a back road to Besakih south from Kintamani, and the hour-long drive is beautiful as you pass through forests, villages and fields. The road meets the main Besakih-Klungkung road just before the entrance to Besakih. If you are coming from the eastern end of the island, such as from Amed, Tirta Gangga or Candidasa, you can also get to Besakih by taking a smaller inland road from Karangasem. The road goes through small villages such as Selat and the Bukit Putung lookout, and meets the Besakih-Klungkung road at Rendang, where you turn north (right) to head up to Besakih. The official car park fee at Besakih is Rp 5,000 per vehicle.
Bemos run to Besakih from Klungkung. They are most frequent in the morning. You may have to change bemos at Rendang halfway between Klungkung and Besakih.

Orientation
Like most major temples in Bali, the area surrounding Besakih is starting to take the shape of a small town, with many souvenir and eating shops. It can get overrun by quite aggressive touts and souvenir peddlers. As you leave the parking area, you will be stopped at a post and asked to make a donation and assigned a guide. This is on top of your official Rp 10,000 entry fee. The donation book will show many people donating huge amounts but please bear in mind that it is easy to scribble names and numbers with lots of zeros. The people collecting the donation can be quite pushy and will not think twice about asking for more money. You could try refusing to pay or suggest Rp 20,000 as your "first offer". While you may dislike guides, one may be quite useful as he will give a good explanation of Balinese Hinduism and the various temples of Besakih. He can also show you how to pray (it does not matter what religion you follow) if you so wish. Your "donation" covers the cost of a guide.

Prayers at Pura Penetaran Agung, the most important temple at Besakih

The temple complex consists of at least 18 separate temples and numerous other shrines. Each temple has a specific purpose, whether it is for the worship of a particular god, for the use of the people of a particular region of Bali, or for the use of a particular caste. The only way to move around the temples of Besakih is on foot. The complex gradually rises up the slopes of Gunung Agung and there are countless flights of steps. Be prepared with a pair of comfortable shoes.
The most important and most impressive temple in the compex is Pura Penetaran Agung, which is built on six different stepped levels. The entrance, approached up a flight of steps, is an impressive split gateway (candi bentar) behind which is the kori agung, or gateway to the middle courtyard (jaba tengah). This is the area where during ceremonies hundreds of worshippers gather in pristine white dress, and create a quite wonderful spiritual sight. Non-Hindu visitors will never be allowed beyond this point into the inner courtyard (jeroan), and access will be restricted even here during special ceremonies. Indeed, many temple areas at Besakih may be off-limits when religious events are being held. There is though always something of interest to see.
Other temples at Besakih include the remaining two equivalents of the three normal local village temples (see Bali Temples). Here though, these perform those functions for the whole of the Bali. The other two are called Pura Basukian and Pura Dalem.
A visit to Besakih is a must-do for any traveler to Bali. It is though not always the easiest experience due to the very pushy souvenir vendors and guide touts. Those visitors who are not used to this type of attention should prepare themselves for a unique and sometimes very irritating trip.

Youngest Princess Wedding Procession of Yogyakarta Palace.Indonesia

Cinta tak memandang kasta. Love does not look at caste. Kalimat bijak tersebut berlaku pada pernikahan antara Gusti Raden Ajeng (GRAj) Nurastuti Wijareni (Jeng Reni) dan Achmad Ubaidillah (Ubai). Wise sentence applies to marriage between Prince Gusti Maya (GRAj) Nurastuti Wijareni (Jeng Reni) and Achmad Ubaidillah (Ubai). Jeng Reni merupakan putri bungsu Raja Kesultanan Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono (HB) X, Ubaid merupakan warga baisa dan berstatus pegawai negeri. Jeng Reni is the youngest daughter of King Sultanate Ngayogyakarta lane (HB) X, is a citizen baisa Ubaid and status of civil servants.

Gambar undangan pernikahan putri bungsu keraton Yogyakarta Youngest daughter's wedding invitation picture palace of Yogyakarta

Pernikahan putri kraton dan rakyat biasa tersebut menjadi magnet moralitas sosial Kraton Yogyakarta. Daughter's wedding palace and ordinary people become magnets of social morality Sultan's Palace. Ini dibuktikan dengan apresiasi dan simpati warga Kota Gudeg, yang memperlakukan pernikahan tersebut sebagai pesta budaya rakyat. This is evidenced by the appreciation and sympathy Gudeg City residents, who treats marriage as a festival of folk culture. Maka, prosesi pernikahan Jeng Reni dan Ubaid, dari Minggu Kamis (16 - 19/10) menyatu dengan pesta rakyat. So, the wedding procession Jeng Reni and Ubaid, from Sunday Thursday (16 - 19/10) blend with the festival. Malioboro sebagai salah satu poros penghubung dengan Kraton, akan dipenuhi pesta makanan dan kesenian. Malioboro as one of the shaft connecting with the Palace, will be filled with party food and the arts.

Jeng Reni merupaka putri ke lima dari Sri Sultan HB X dan GKR Hemas, lahir di Yogyakarta 18 September 1986, alumnus International Hospitality Management Institute Swiss. Jeng Reni merupaka fifth daughter of Sri Sultan HB X and GKR Hemas, was born in Yogyakarta, 18 September 1986, an alumnus of the International Hospitality Management Institute Switzerland. Seperti pernikahan kakak-kakaknya, warga Yogyakarta selalu mengapresiasi dengan penuh sukacita. Like his brothers wedding, citizens of Yogyakarta always appreciate with joy. Banyak pihak memperkirakan suka cita dari warga terhadap putri bungsu Sultan, melebihi perhelatan serupa pada putri-putri kraton sebelumnya. Many pundits speculated joy of the people against the youngest daughter of the Sultan, a similar event beyond the daughters of the palace before. Tidak hanya nuansa budaya yang mengilhami, terselip pesan politik yang samar berkaitan perjuangan warga Yogyakarta untuk mempertahankan keistimewaan provinsi ini. Not only are cultural nuances that inspire, tucked into a cryptic political messages relating to the struggle of the people of Yogyakarta to maintain the privileges of this province. Karena itu pesta rakyat di Malioboro tak lepas dari sentuhan komunitas pro-perjuangan Yogya Istimewa, yang dikoordinasi oleh Sekretariat Bersama Keistimewaan Yogyakarta. Because of that party of the people in Malioboro could not be separated from contact with community pro-Yogya Special struggle, which is coordinated by the Joint Secretariat Privileges Yogyakarta.

Sang Menantu Sultan, Ubai, lahir di Jakarta pada 26 Oktober 1981. The son-Sultan, Ubai, born in Jakarta on October 26, 1981. Dia merupaan warga biasa, kedua orangtua asli Lampung, karirnya sebagai PNS Badan Pertanahan (ayah ubai) dan PNS Kementerian Agama (Ibunda Ubai). He merupaan ordinary citizens, both native Lampung parents, his career as a civil servant Land Agency (father Ubai) and PNS Ministry of Religious Affairs (Mother Ubai). Ubai juga berstatus PNS di Sekretariat Wakil Presiden (Setwapres) dan menjabat Kasubid Komunikasi Politik Bidang Media Cetak. Ubai also civil servants in the Secretariat of the Vice President (Setwapres) and served Kasubid Field Communication Politics Print Media. Pria berbadan tegap tersebut alumnus Sekolah Tinggi Pendidikan Dalam Negeri (STPDN) Jatinangor dan master pemerintahan dari Institut Ilmu Pemerintah (IIP) Jakarta. Well-built man was an alumnus of the College of Education of the Interior (STPDN) Jatinangor administration and a master of the Institute of Government Studies (IIP), Jakarta.

Derajat keilmuan keduanya seperti ikut menyatukan antara darah biru dan warga biasa. The degree of knowledge both as join together between blue blood and ordinary citizens. Kesetaraan keduanya lebih direkatkan dengan gelar kebangsaan yang secara otomatis melekat pada keluarga kesultanan. Both greater equality nationalities held together with title automatically attached to the imperial family. Jeng Reni menyandang gelar Gusti Kanjeng Ratu (GKR) Bendara da Ubai menangku gelar Kanjeng Pangeran Haryo (KPH) Yudanegara. Susan holds a degree Gusti Jeng Kanjeng Queen (GKR) Bendara da Prince Ubai menangku degree Kanjeng Haryo (KPH) Yudanegara. Gelar tersebut berdimensi militer/keprajuritan kraton. The dimensionless degree of military / military court. Konon, penetapan gelar memerlukan diskusi selama sebulan. That said, the determination of degree require discussion during the month.

adapun prosesi pernikahan putri kraton Yogyakarta tersebut adalah : As for the daughter's wedding procession Yogyakarta court are:

16 Oktober : Prosesi Nyantri October 16: Procession Nyantri

17 Oktober : Siraman - Majang - Pasang Tarub October 17: SIRAMAN - Majang - Post Tarub

18 Oktober : Ijab - Panggih - Resepsi (NB: Kirab pukul 16.00) October 18: Ijab - Panggih - Reception (NB: Carnival at 16:00)

Pesta kraton dan rakyat Court party and the people

Perhelatan royal wedding antara Jeng Reni dan Ubai berlangsung mulai Minggu (16/10). The struggle between the royal wedding Jeng Ubai Reni and runs from Sunday (16/10). Calon pengantin putra menjadi santri (nyantri) atau prosesi pengantin pria masuk Kraton Yogyakarta, calon pengantin putri menjalai tradisi pernikahan kraton seperti sungkem kepada raja/orangtua, pengajian di Masjid Panepen Kraton Yogyakarta. The bride's son became students (Nyantri) or the groom's procession entered the Kraton, the prospective bride menjalai sungkem wedding traditions such as the palace to the king / parents, recitation in Mosque Panepen Kraton. Masjid tersebut sebagai tempat ijab qabul. The mosque as a place qabul consent.

Senin (17/10), kedua calon mempelai menjalani siraman di Bangsal Sekar Kedaton, upacara tantingan atau Sri Sultan mewancarai putrinya tentang kesiapan menikah. Monday (17/10), both the prospective bride and groom live in Ward Sekar Kedaton spray, the Sultan ceremony tantingan or interviewed about the readiness to marry his daughter. Selasa (18/10), kedua calon mempelai melaksanakan ijab qabul di Masjid Panepen dipimpin Sri Sultan dan pertemuan kedua penganten yang disaksikan tamu khusus antara lain Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono dan Wapres Boediono. Tuesday (18/10), both the prospective bride qabul execute consent at the Sultan Mosque Panepen chaired the second meeting of bride and special guests who witnessed among others, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his vice president. Pesta pernikahan dilaksanaan sore hari, dimeriahka dengan kirab budaya dari Kraton Yogyakarta menuju Bangsal Kepatihan, mempelai naik kereta kencana diiringi dengan prajurit Kraton Yogyakarta. The wedding is implemented afternoon, dimeriahka with the carnival culture of the sultan's palace to ward Kepatihan, bride carriage ride accompanied by soldiers Sultan's Palace. Kamis, (19/10), upacara ngabekten dan pamitan. Thursday (19/10), ngabekten ceremony and farewell. Sri Sultan akan menyampaikan pesan-pesan dan nasihat kepada menantu dan putrinya di Bangsal Kesatriyan Kraton. Sultan would convey the messages and advice to son and daughter in Ward Kesatriyan Palace.

Kirab budaya manjelang pesta pernikahan di Bangsal Kepathan merupakan perpaduan pesta kraton dan rakyat. Manjelang carnival culture in Ward Kepathan wedding feast is a fusion palace and the people. Pasangan pengantin akan diarak dari Kraton Ngayogyakarta menuju perempatan Kantor Pos Besar (Monumen Serangan Umum 1 Maret), menyusuri Jalan Malioboro. The couple should be paraded from Ngayogyakarta Post Office to the intersection (Monument Attacks General March 1), along Jalan Malioboro. Adik kandung Sri sultan, GBPH Joyokusumo menyatakan kirab melibatkan lima kereta kuda, tiga di antaranya kereta tertutup (kaca). The younger brother of Sri Sultan, GBPH Joyokusumo states involving five horse-drawn carriage procession, three of which train closed (glass). Da kereta tertutup dipergunakan oleh orangtua dari masing-masing pengantin. Da covered wagon used by the parents of each bride. Sedangkan kedua mempelai akan menggunakan Kereta Kencana Jongwiyat yang ditarik oleh kuda. While the bride and groom will use Jongwiyat Golden Train pulled by horses. Kereta sang pengantin dikawal oleh 12 kuda yang dinaiki para penari Persan Lawung, 12 prajurit keraton (Prajurit Mantrijeron dan Wibrobrojo) yang melambaikan lambing bendera Gula Kelapa. Train the bride was escorted by 12 horses are ridden dancers Persan Lawung, 12 soldiers palace (Pvt Mantrijeron and Wibrobrojo) who waved the flag symbol Sugar Palm.

Pesta perikahan kraton juga menjadi pesta rakyat. Perikahan party palace is also a party of the people. Sekretariat Bersama Keistimewaan mengoordinasikan pesta rakyat mulai Senin-Rabu (16-18/10). The specialty of the Joint Secretariat to coordinate the party of the people began Monday-Wednesday (16-18/10). Ketua Sekber Keistimewaan DIY Widihasto Wasana Putra menyatakan Kraton tak mungkin menampung semua warga yang ingin menyaksikan pernikahan di dalam kraton. Chairman of the Joint Secretariat Privileges DIY Widihasto Wasana Son Kraton states may not accommodate all citizens who want to witness a wedding at the palace. Sebagai gantinya, warga bisa menonton melalui layar lebar dan ikut pesta dengan menikmati hidangan gratis. Instead, residents can watch the big screen and join the party with a free meal. Ratusan penjual angkringan menyediakan makanan gratis bagi warga yang ikut menyaksikan pernikahan. Hundreds of sellers angkringan provide free meals for residents who witnessed the wedding. Pesta makaan gratis dipusatkan di sekitar Monumen Serangan Oemoem 1 Maret atau di titik nol. Free makaan party centered around the Monument attack Oemoem March 1 or at the zero point. Kemudian pesta seni rayat dari berbagai daerah di Yogyakarta dan luar kota d Jateng. Then feast rayat art from various regions in the outskirts of Yogyakarta and Central Java d.

Sri Sultan HB X menyatakan pesta pernikaan putrinya bukan dari dan untk kraton saja. Sri Sultan HB X expressed his daughter instead of a party pernikaan and remedy the palace alone. Momen ini jugabagian dari pesta budaya dan pesta rakyat. This moment jugabagian of cultural feast and festival. Dia menyampaikan terima kasih. He said thank you. "Prosesi pernikahan ini bisa jadi aktivitas seni budaya. Ini momen kebersamaan dan itulah kekuatan Yogyakarta," kata Sultan "This could be a wedding procession of cultural arts activities. This is the moment of togetherness and that's the power of Yogyakarta," said Sultan

di antaranya: of which:

1. 1. Pada 16 Oktober 2011 berlangsung prosesi Nyantri. On October 16, 2011 took place the procession Nyantri. Dalam prosesi ini diselipkan upacara “plangkahan”. In this procession ceremony inserted "plangkahan". GKR Bendara yang bungsu ini musti mendahului kakak perempuan nomor empat (Sultan dan Ratu Hemas dikaruniai lima anak, semua putri) yang masih studi di luar negeri. GKR Bendara which must precede the youngest sister is number four (the Sultan and Queen Hemas blessed with five children, all daughters) who still study abroad. Oleh karena itu harus ada upacara melangkahi atau plangkahan. Therefore there must be stepped over or plangkahan ceremony.

Kejanggalannya: Kata Mbah Dulrohim, yang sehari-hari nyepi di Parangtritis, dalam sejarah Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, tak boleh ada anggota kerajaan yang secara terbuka nikah terlebih dahulu dari yang lebih tua (kakak). Kejanggalannya: The word Mbah Dulrohim, Nyepi is a day-to-day in Parangtritis, in the history of Kraton Ngayogyakarta, there should be no members of the royal marriage openly in advance from the older (older brother). Ini terkait soal martabat, dan Kraton sangat menjunjung tinggi martabat! This is related to a matter of dignity, and Palace upholds the dignity!

Permaklumannya, barangkali ini sudah zaman modern, jadi tak persoalan bila ada “yang muda” mendahului “yang tua” dalam pernikahan. Permaklumannya, perhaps this is the modern age, so no matter if there are "young" precedes "the elderly" in marriage. Tetapi, ini kraton yang jadi pusat budaya adiluhung, apa iya harus kalah dengan modernisasi? However, this palace is so valuable cultural center, so what should be lost with modernization?

2. 2. Pada 18 Oktober 2011, pukul 16.00 wib, berlangsung prosesi kirab pengantin dari Kraton menuju Kepatihan. On October 18, 2011, at 16:00 pm, carnival bridal procession took place from the Palace to Kepatihan.

Kejanggalannya: Biasanya kirab itu untuk anak sulung (putra mahkota) kraton. Kejanggalannya: Usually it's carnival for the eldest son (Crown Prince) palace. Wajar jika GKR Pembayun (putri sulung/putri mahkota) dikirab saat pernikahannya dulu. Naturally, if GKR Pembayun (eldest daughter / princess crown) dikirab at first marriage. Namun untuk putri kedua dan putri ketiga, tak ada kirab saat mereka menikah. But for the second daughter and third daughter, no carnival when they married. Tiba-tiba, putri bungsu ini kok dikirab? Suddenly, the youngest daughter is really dikirab? Ada apa ini? What is this?

Permaklumannya, barangkali budaya tinggi musti kompromi dengan budaya pop, sehingga tradisi kraton disisihkan saja. Permaklumannya, perhaps a compromise must be of high culture with pop culture, so the court set aside the tradition only. Maka, kirab pun dilangsungkan demi promosi wisata sekaligus menghibur rakyat Jogja yang berjejalan di sepanjang Malioboro. Thus, the carnival was held for the promotion of tourism and entertain the people of Yogyakarta who crammed along Malioboro.

Kejanggalan lain: Rute kirab dari Kraton-Kepatihan, kenapa bukan Mubeng Beteng? Another oddity: the procession route from the palace-Kepatihan, why not Mubeng Beteng? Semua tahu, rute ritual kraton itu ya Mubeng Beteng, bukan menelusuri Malioboro. All know, the route that palace rituals Mubeng Beteng yes, not a trace Malioboro. Saat GKR Pembayun menikah, kirabnya juga Mubeng Beteng. At GKR Pembayun married, kirabnya also Mubeng Beteng. Secara historis tradisi Mubeng Beteng berkembang sebelum Mataram-Hindu. Historically evolving tradition Beteng Mubeng before-Hindu Mataram. Saat itu disebut muser atau munjer (memusat), berarti mengelilingi pusat. It was called muser or munjer (converge), then around the center. Dalam konteks ini mengelilingi pusat kerajaan. In this context around the center of the kingdom. Sumber lain menyebutkan Mubeng Beteng justru berawal dari Kerajaan Mataram (Kotagede) saat merampungkan pembangunan benteng mengelilingi Kraton tepat satu Suro 1580. Other sources mention Mubeng Beteng actually originated from the Kingdom of Mataram (Kotagede) is currently completing construction of the fortress surrounding the palace exactly one Suro 1580. Prajurit rutin mengelilingi (mubeng) benteng untuk menjaga Kraton. Soldiers routinely surround (mubeng) fort to guard the Palace. Dalam perkembangannya tugas ini dialihkan dari prajurit kepada abdi dalem, dan para abdi dalem itu bertugas dengan membisu sembari membaca doa-doa di dalam hati agar mereka diberi keselamatan. In the development of this task shifted from soldiers to courtiers, and his courtiers were tasked with silence as he read prayers in their hearts that they be given salvation.

Permaklumannya adalah melihat perkembangan situasi sekaligus konteks pariwisata. Permaklumannya is seeing the situation as well as the context of tourism. Nah, betul kan demi wisata? Well, right after tour? Kata panitia, kalau Mubeng Beteng diterapkan sekarang, itu menyita banyak waktu. Said the committee, if Mubeng Beteng applied now, it's time consuming. Lagi pula ini bukan kirab tapi miyos dari Kraton ke Kepatihan. Anyway this is not a carnival but miyos from the palace to Kepatihan. Tetapi, kenapa GKR Pembayun bisa Mubeng Beteng? But, why can Mubeng Beteng Pembayun GKR? Toh rute lebih panjang dan rakyat lebih punya tempat lebih leluasa. After all, the route is longer and more people have no place more freely. Ada rumor, karena ini si bungsu cukuplah rute dikasih saja Kraton-Kepatihan (Malioboro) yang lebih pendek dan nilai spiritualnya jauh di bawah Mubeng Beteng! There is a rumor, because this route is sufficient given the youngest just Kraton-Kepatihan (Malioboro) is shorter and spiritual values ​​far below Mubeng Beteng!

3. 3. Pada 18 Oktober 2011, malam, berlangsung resepsi di Kepatihan. On October 18, 2011, evening, held a reception at Kepatihan.

Kejanggalannya: Lho kok di Kepatihan yang nota bene di luar kompleks kraton? Kejanggalannya: Why why in a postscript Kepatihan outside the palace compound? Para sesepuh di Jogja berbisik-bisik, ketiga putri pertama resepsi di lingkungan kraton, kok yang ini malah di kepatihan (di luar kraton). Elders whispering in Yogyakarta, the third daughter of the first reception at the Palace environment, why is this even in kepatihan (outside court). Dalam sejarahnya kepatihan itu identik dengan pusat patih (namanya juga kepatihan ya?). Historically kepatihan was identical with the center of the duke (his name is also kepatihan huh?). O ya, kepatihan ini berada di Jl Malioboro yang sehari-hari jadi pusat kantor gubernur. Oh yes, this kepatihan on Jl Malioboro the day-to-day so the central office of governor. Letaknya nyaris di ujung utara Malioboro. Located almost at the northern end of Malioboro.

Ada rumor, karena mempelai pria bukan darah biru, resepsi berlangsung di luar kraton saja! There is a rumor, because the groom is not a blue blood, a reception took place outside the palace alone!

Permaklumannya, pihak kraton konon mau menghidupkan kembali tradisi yang berlangsung pada era Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX. Permaklumannya, the palace is said to want to revive the tradition that took place in the era of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX. Saat itu resepsi pernikahan berlangsung di Kepatihan. It was a wedding reception held in Kepatihan.

Itulah rumor yang beredar di kalangan sesepuh warga Jogja. That's the rumor that circulated among elder citizens Jogja. Jelas tak muncul di media. Obviously not appear in the media. Takut kuwalat sama Sultan! Fearing the same kuwalat Sultan! Tetapi, ada baiknya para ahli budaya Jawa maupun pihak Kraton mau membuka diri menjelaskan duduk persoalannya. But, it's good experts of Javanese culture and want to open up the Kingdom to explain the problem. Jangan sampai ada rumor di tengah pesta agung ini. Do not let any rumors in the middle of this great party.

Apapun rumornya, ada baiknya datang saja ke Jogja untuk nonton pernikahan agung ini. Whatever the rumors, it's worth coming just to Yogyakarta to watch this great wedding. Jangan kaget kalau susah dapat hotel atau penginapan. Do not be surprised if the difficulty can be a hotel or inn. Siap-siap saja tidur di masjid, stasiun atau di mobil saja! Just be prepared to sleep in the mosque, the station or in the car alone!

Welcome to Mount Rinjani National Park of Lombok Island Indonesia

The Concepts of the Rinjani Trek Management Board
The Rinjani Trek is managed by a unique partnership of National Park, tourism industry and the local community. Activities focus in the Community – run cooperatives at Rinjani Trek Centre ( RTC ) in Senaru and the Rinjani Information Centre ( RIC ) in Sembalun Lawang. Under the guidance of the Rinjani Trek Management Board ( RTMB ), each are run by a stakeholders’ committee who look after roster systems for guides and porters, village tours, trek trail maintenance, and handicraft sales. Revenue from tourism activities and entry fees is used for conservation, training and management of the Rinjani Trek, thus ensuring sustainability.
Conceptually, the project started with three stakeholder circles labeled “Park Management”, “Community Development” and “Tourism”. Whit Project assistance, the Park set out to engage with the stakeholder groups in each of the circles, independently at first and then, as the groups got used to deal with each other, increasingly together. This approach recognized that it takes time for the multi-skilled “cross-over” people that ecotourism requires (people who can operate in between the circles) to emerge.
Sasak Hill Trek
A two days-one night, great experience over Pegasingan Hill We invite you to join our two–day walk through the rice fields, to chat with the farmers and enjoy the scenery from the…
Program Details
Best time to trek in Rinjani : April to November
Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK.No.280/Kpts-II/97,
a total area of 41,330 hectares
Location : Regencies; West Lombok, Central Lombok and
East Lombok, Province of West Nusa Tenggara
Temperature 23° – 30° C
Rainfall 2,000 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 550 – 3,726 m asl.
Geographical location 116°18′ – 116°32′ E; 8°18′ – 8°33′ S
Advisory Warning For Tourists
Recently tourists have purchased trekking packages from a false office in Padang Bai, Bali claiming to represent the Rinjani Trek Management Board (RTMB). Please note that RTMB has only one main office located at the Lombok Raya Hotel in Mataram with representative offices at the Rinjani Trek Center in Senaru and Rinjani Information Center in Sembalun, all located on the island of Lombok. Any other locations claiming to represent RTMB are fraudulent and should be avoided. If you have any questions, Contact Us to submit an enquiry.
Booking and Reservation Details:
Rinjani Online Trekking Organizer
Lombok Tropic Holidays Indonesia
Jl. Barakuda No 09
BTN Griya Batu Bolong Senggigi
Senggigi – West Lombok NTB 83355
Indonesia
Phone and Fax : 0370 692 179
Cell for 24 hours reservation : +62 818 057 20243
Email : trek@rinjanimountain.com
www.rinjanionline.com
www.rinjanimountain.com
www.mountrinjani-lombok.com
www.gunungrinjani.com

How to get there
There are flights from Bali, Jakarta, and Surabaya (some linking to Kuala Lumpur) and from Singapore to Lombok and from these and Bandung, Kupang and Ende to Bima.
1. Garuda, Merpati and Lion Air all have regular flights to Mataram from Jakarta, Denpasar and Surabaya, some originating in Kuala Lumpur.

2. Silk Air has regular flights direct from Singapore to Mataram.

3. Merpati fly five times a day from Denpasar to Mataram as well Merpati offers regular services from Denpasar to Bima.

4. Trans Nusa Air Service flying between Denpasar to Mataram every day, as well as connections to many other Indonesian destinations.

5. Batavia Air is a new airline flying daily between Surabaya and Mataram every day and has connecting flights to many other Indonesia destinations.

Take a car or bus from Denpasar to Padangbai and from there by ferry to Lembar in Lombok. To travel on to Sumbawa head eastwards to Kayangan (Labuan Lombok) and catch the ferry to Poto Tano. Passengers can travel to Sumbawa from the east by ferry via Labuhan Bajo (Flores) and Sape. Public transport and air conditioned coaches depart regularly from these terminals.

Drive-on ferries operate regularly from Padangbai in Bali to Lembar in Lombok. From Labuhan Bajo in Flores to Sapi in East Sumbawa.

1. Perama Tours offers travel from Padangbai to Senggigi and the Gilis daily. Mabua Express travels from Padangbai or Benoa in Bali to Lembar daily.

2. It is sometimes possible to hire a boat from Labuhan Haji or Tanjung Luar in southeast Lombok, how ever this is not considered reliable.

3. Pelni, the regional coastal shipping line, has some ships that ply between the islands and provinces, completing a ring route including Lembar and Bima.

Tanah Lot, Enjoying The Beautiful Sunset in Bali

Sightseeing is very convenient when enjoyed in the sun will sink or sunset, because the shadow of the sunset reflecting in the sea at the back of Tanah Lot will create beautiful scenery with a silhouette.

Tanah Lot Temple is sea temple a place of worship the gods of the sea and guard one part of Sad Kahyangan Temple, Temples are that the joints island of Bali. Here are two located at Temple on a large rock, one located above the boulder and the other is located on the cliffs similar to Uluwatu Temple.

According to legend, this temple was built in the 16th century by Danghyang Nirartha, a Brahmin pilgrims from Java, who managed to strengthen the belief of the Balinese Hindus will be teaching and developing these Sad Kahyangan (heaven). Bendesa Beraben, Tanah Lot is the ruler at that moment envied Danghyang Nirartha as most followers of the ruler of the land lots began to leave the leader and turn to Danghyang Nirartha. Finally Bendesa Beraben asked Dahyang Nirartha to leave the Tanah Lot. But before leaving Tanah Lot, Danghyang Nirartha use its power to move the boulder into the middle of the beach and to build temple there. Danghyang Nirartha also change the scarf that has become a snake temple guard, who was still alive and still exists today. This snake scientifically including sea snakes that have the characteristics of a flat tail like a fish, striped black and yellow and has a poison 3 times stronger than a cobra, but has its own mystical value. According to people belief, if there are people who come to intend evil, the snake will show up in the form of a giant snake around the Tanah Lot Temple. If you want to see the snake, you can ask permission to Pedanda (Temple guards priest) because not everyone can see these mythical snake. In addition, here is the source of water which according to belief will make us stay young when washing the face with water. Temple ceremony or feast day is celebrated in this temple every 210 days, the same as pretending to others. The ceremony close to the celebration of Galungan and Kuningan, precisely at the Buddhist Holy Day Cemeng Langkir. At that time, people will be busy praying at Temple is.

North of Tanah Lot temple is any temple located on the cliff that jutted into the sea. This cliff temple connect with the land and shaped like a bridge. Tanah Lot, famous as a beautiful place to watch the sunset. Will usually bustling tourist arriving in the afternoon to see the beauty of the sunset here.

Location:
Beraban village, district of Kediri, Tabanan regency, around 13 km west of Tabanan

PAPUA TOURISM IN INDONESIA

Papua is one of Indonesia province comprising a majority part of the western half of New Guinea Island and nearby. The province originally covered the entire western half of New Guinea, but in 2003, the western portion of the province, on the Bird's Head Peninsula, was declared in Jakarta as separate province named West Irian Jaya. The legality of this separation has been disputed, as it appears to conflict with the conditions of the Special Autonomy status awarded to Papua in the year 2000. The status of West Irian Jaya province is not yet resolved as of early 2006.

Papua is the official Indonesian and internationally recognized name for the province. During the colonial era the region was known as Dutch New Guinea. The province was known as West Irian or Irian Barat from 1969 to 1973, and then renamed Irian Jaya ("Victorious Irian") by Soeharto. This was the official name until Papua was adopted in 2002. Today, natives of this province prefer to call themselves Papuans rather than Irianese. This may be due to etymology (variously identified as a real etymology or a folk etymology) the name of Irian, which stems from the acronym Ikut Republik Indonesia, Anti Nederland (join/follow with the Republic of Indonesia, rejecting The Netherlands). The name West Papua is used among Papuan separatists and usually refers to the whole of the Indonesian portion of New Guinea.

The capital of Papua province is Jayapura. Most of the population depends on subsistence farming, especially the cultivation of rice and maize. The main industries include copper (with the largest concentration of copper in the world at Tembagapura), palm oil, copra, maize, groundnuts, pepper, tuna, gold, oil, coal, and phosphates. It is mostly a mountainous and forested region, with the Maoke Mountain range rising to 5,029-m/16,499 ft at Jaya Peak. The population comprises Melanesians (original settlers of Western New Guinea), Papuans, Negritos, and Europeans. Indigenous animism prevails. The province declared independence from Indonesia, as West Papua, in June 2000. However, the president of Indonesia stated that the declaration was unrepresentative of true feeling in the province.

Untouched Balliem Valley – Rich Culture Beautiful Papua Indonesia

Baliem Valley and the Dani tribe waited a long time to be discovered. Papuan highland belongs to one the most recently explored New Guinea areas. The tall mountains in west Papua (Irian Jaya) were generally considered as uninhabited. No sooner than 1398 did the pilot Richard Archbold notice that there was something special about the deep, and large valley situated among the four-thousand meter tall mountains. In the valley there were clearly recognizable fields, similar to those he knew from Europe. The Baliem valley and Dani tribe were discovered by pure luck.
To reach the Baliem Valley, one has to fly to Jayapura, the capital city of West Papua province. From Jayapura then fly to Wamena town, the capital city of Baliem Valley. This flight takes 45 minutes passing over the tropical jungles and the land of West Papua. Wamena town has been developing some tourist facilities and become one of the center of economy and new culture for West Papua after Jayapura. Visiting the area of West Papua need government permit which can be arranged before arrival by sending your passport photocopy to the local tour agent in Indonesia.
 The nature of tour on the island of West Papua are all in an adventurous activities with ready physical condition to stay in an open nature or simple huts belong to the local people, and fit to walk dozens of kilo meters if wish to see the inner part of the villages. Visiting both Dani People or Yali people must be communicated far in advance in a detail manner, so traveler will understand the situation of the location that will be visited, at least there is an idea of what will be the condition in the field. This is very important to prepare travelers to the natural condition of the island and country.
The Baliem Valley was once dubbed Shangri La and it is easy to see why. The Valley is incredibly lush and fertile and is surrounded on all sides by towering peaks of 2,500 to 3,000 metres. The fertility is such that the valley has been farmed for 9,000 years but it was only discovered by westerners in 1938! There are three mains tribes inhabiting the Baliem Valley: The Dani in the base, the Lani to the west and the Yali in the south-east. Each tribe has a distinct culture. One sure and interesting way to distinguish between the tribes is from the Koteka, or penis gourd, sported by the male members. The men of each tribe tend to the growing of the gourds with the three tribes each cultivating a different style. The Dani use a long, thin Koteka, the Lani sport a medium sized, wide cannon-like gourd, and the Yali wear the longest of all

The inevitable pig-feast on arrival is your rite of passage into their unique culture for an engrossing a four or five hour intense experience. You will find yourself in a simple, traditional compound surrounded by fully greased and painted Dani tribes-people wearing their ceremonial best.

The Lani

Like the Dani, the Lani are expert farmers utilising a highly effective and efficient irrigation system to produce abundant crops of Sweet Potatoes (Ubi), Tobacco, Beans, Taro, Spinach, Sugar Cane and Bananas. Much of the Lani lands lie in a beautiful oasis interspersed with checkerboard patterned sweet potato gardens. The Lani are more stockily built than the medium-bodied Dani and their lands are more densely populated. They tend to congregate in largish villages rather than the small compounds which dominate Dani territory.

The weather in the Valley is predominantly sunny and trekking along the river amidst the terraced farmlands and wondrous forests is a trekker’s paradise. Trails are usually clear and maintained as local people travel them and this makes the trekking pretty comfortable.

The Yali

The Yali tribe lives high up along the valley ridges in the Jayawijaya mountains. The land here is rugged and thinly populated. The tribes-people live in wooden huts with roofs made of tree-bark and they are grouped into small compounds. A vegetable garden and dense rainforest will surround each compound.

Trekking in the Yali area is more strenuous than in the lower reaches of the Valley but it is perfect for the fit trekker who wants to experience truly virgin rainforest and the unique people who live amidst it.

In summary, The Baliem Valley will provide a never to be forgotten experience. The inhabitants of the valley are essentially peace-loving agrarians who welcome visitors wholeheartedly