a Wonderful World
World’s Inspiring Destinations Travel in Style
IDR
50,000, SG$ 8, HK$ 48
2012
Promising Eastern Indonesia
06
EDITOR’S LETTER
Lovely
Travel
W
hen the plane bringing me home from my latest travels begins its descent and the city comes into view out the window, I think back to how it all started. I remember the places I visited, the people I met and all the experiences. At the end of every journey, I am always left with the most important thing: the journey itself.
“Travel helps you see the world in an entirely new light, and there is always some new destination worth a visit.”
Every trip I take, I make a point of meeting real people along the way and seeing things that never make it into the guidebooks. People say that if you visit the Taj Mahal you have seen the best of India, but because I have experienced Goa’s diversity, I know why people visit India. When I visited Rome, I found that I could really understand Italy only once I got out into the pastoral regions.
In this second edition of Maximillian Travel Guide, we offer you inspiration for your next getaway, 360 degrees around the world. You won’t find boring details of Parliament House in London or an ordinary story about Istanbul in our pages. We offer a fresh perspective on some of the hottest spots around, and hope you will be inspired to grab your bags and go. Travel helps you see the world in an entirely new light, and there is always some new destination worth a visit. Happy Travels,
Melani Semuel Editor In Chief
Editorial department maximillian@maxx-m.com
Editor In Chief Melani Semuel
Art Director Stephanus Joe Ell
joe@ptmaximillian.com
Marketing Department
melani@ptmaximillian.com
advertising@ptmaximillian.com
Project Coordinator Antonius Martono
Meidy Hendrianus Lesmana
Fashion & Beauty Editor Esmiralda Dewi Dame
Helen
dame@ptmaximillian.com
Senior Writer Grace Solarbesain
grace@ptmaximillian.com
Anissa Jembar Langit
anissa@ptmaximillian.com
hendrik@ptmaximillian.com helen@ptmaximillian.com
Business Development Department info@ptmaximillian.com
Carolina Wattimena
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Achmad Basuki Soekardjo
Maximillian Travel Guide is published yearly by P.T. Maximillian www.ptmaximillian.com
President Director Raynaldo Semuel Managing Director Melani Semuel General Manager Arisudana Gunawan INDONESIA OFFICE Jl. Batu Jajar No. 35A Central Jakarta 10120 Indonesia Phone. +62 21 352 4526 Fax. +62 21 344 7203 www.maxx-m.com
LEGAL CONSULTANT Boyke Semuel, SH Semuel & Associates Jl. Batu Jajar No. 35A Jakarta Pusat 10120 Phone. +62 21 344 7235 ......... MAXX-Media is distributed in major cities in Indonesia, Hong Kong and Singapore at retail price. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and as such, the Publisher does not accept responsibility of the contents thereof. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. All trademark and rights to the name of MAXXMedia are reserved by Melani Semuel, SH., LL.M, MBusSys ©2006
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CONTENTS
8 INDONESIAN DESTINATIONS 19 Semarang, Lumpia City
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Balikpapan, Making Memories
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Makassar, Past and Present
28
Manado, Tripping Back in Time
32
Lombok, Find Your Bliss
36
Nusa Tenggara Timur, Eastern Promise
40
Ambon, Dawn of a New Destination
44
Papua, World’s Last Paradise
48
51
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MOVIE INSPIRED DESTINATIONS
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Rio de Janeiro, Breaking Dawn
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London, Sherlock Holmes
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Venice, The Tourist
58
Dubai, Mission Impossible
60
Goa, Bourne Identity
62
Cambodia, Tomb Raider
66
Australia, (Just) Australia
68
New Zealand, Lord of the Rings
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CONTENTS
VISIT 8 MUST DESTINATIONS 71 Egypt, Country of Kings
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Johannesburg, City of New Beginnings
74
Castello del Monte, City of Witches
76
Maldives, Country of Heavenly Dwelling
78
Seychelles, Country of Sea, Sun and Shops
80
Lhasa, City of Gods
84
Raja Ampat, Islands of a Lost Traveller
86
Machu Picchu, City of the Lost
88
91
TIPS AND TRAVEL THINGS
8
LEGENDARY DESTINATIONS
92
Padang, Story of the Lost Son
96
Bandung, Forbidden Love
100
Yogyakarta, The Goddess and the King
104
Prambanan, Mystery of the 1,000 Statues
108
Edinburgh, Ghost Castles
112
Friesland, Going Dutch
114
Turkey, Finding the Trojan Horse
118
Greece, Cradle of Civilisation
123
5 Million Rupiah Traveller
124
Quick Packing
130
Inside Your Backpack
132
Travel Sandals
134
Unique Airport Transport
140
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CONTRIBUTORS
Lily Suriani says “travel is my passion and I live for travel.� Lily has been a fashion editor and travel journalist for some of the leading lifestyle magazines, giving her the opportunity to see the world. For Lily, travelling is not just a lifestyle but a necessity for finding balance in her life. Her reports from around Southeast Asia and eastern Indonesia reaffirm our belief that the world indeed is a magical place.
Yudasmoro never leaves home without his trusty camera. He sees things and makes them eternal through his lens. Yudasmoro explores places most travellers skip over and discovers hidden sides of overrun travel guide favourites. When the camera is in his hands, travel photography is not only about landscapes and buildings; it’s the faces of locals, a reflection on the water or some telling detail that captures the essence of a destination.
Toto Santiko believes travelling should be like medicine, taken at least three times a year to get some balance in life. His travel photography inspires people to grab their backpacks and follow his path. Travel, for Toto, is a way to expand horizons and make the world a better place.
Rini Raharjanti is not new to travel journalism. She has been around the world, exploring famous destinations and undiscovered gems for prestigious publications, inspiring people to be travellers and not just tourists. She is one of those who truly believe that travelling is not about the destination but the journey, because that is when you find new things and new people.
n A I S E ON IND INATIONs T S E D
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Semarang, the capital of Central Java province, is just a 50-minute flight from Jakarta. This old port town is now the fifthlargest city in Indonesia and invites visitors to explore its architecture, hidden heritage sites and culinary treasures.
L
ocated on the north coast of Java, Semarang is a gateway to Central Java and plays a vital economic and political role. So let’s start our journey:
Where to Go Lawang Sewu (Thousand Doors) Building Located on the main street of Semarang, this building used to be the head office for the operator of Indonesia’s railway system. A Dutch architect built it in the Art Deco style in 1903. Lawang Sewu is famous for its numerous doors, and is one of 102 historical buildings in Semarang.
Photos courtesy of Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Industry
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Old Town The Old Town of Semarang is pure heaven for heritage buffs. It is home to many buildings that date back to the Dutch colonial period, and some are now used as residences and offices. Some of the more famous buildings are the Tawang Railway Station, St. Joseph Gedangan Church, Susteran Gedangan, Blenduk Church, the Marba Building, Marabunta and De Spiegel. And don’t miss one of the oldest restaurants in the city, Toko Oen on Jl. Pemuda, which was built in 1936. Sam Poo Kong Chinese Temple (Gedung Batu) Sam Poo Tay Djien, also known as Admiral Cheng Ho, the great Chinese explorer, built this temple during his time in Semarang. This is the oldest Chinese temple in Semarang and today is shared by Buddhists and Muslims. It is located at Jl. Simongan No. 129, about two kilometres from the Tugu Muda monument to the southwest. Jawa Tengah Great Mosque This really is a great mosque, covering about 10 acres and large enough to accommodate up to 13,000 worshippers. A minaret towers over the structures, along with the Al Husna Tower, which climbs 99 metres into
the sky. There are also six giant electric umbrellas that can open and close automatically to shade worshippers in the courtyard. There is also a museum and Islamic cafe inside the courtyard and a telescope for enjoying the views of Semarang. In addition, there’s a convention hall, souvenir shop, food stalls, offices, libraries and accommodations. Avalokitesvara Pagoda Avalokitesvara Pagoda is located in the Buddhagaya Watugong monastery. It is the tallest pagoda in the country at 39 metres. It was built in 2005 and houses 20 statues of the goddess Kwan Im. The statues are moved around according to the direction of the wind, so the goddess can spread love and peace all around Semarang. Marina Recreation Park Marina Park is in the north of the city. It has a swimming pool, jet skiing, gazebos, jogging track and facilities for motorboats for water skiing. There are plenty of things to do just outside of Semarang, including going up into the mountains to enjoy a bit of cool air. Check out these places: Gedong Songo Temple Gedong Songo is a complex of Hindu temples located at an altitude of 1,800, on the slopes of Mount Ungaran, near Candi village. It got its name because the complex has nine temples. Gedong in Javanese means “house,” while songo is “nine,” so Gedong Songo is “nine houses” or “nine houses of gods.” Only five of the temples are still intact while the others are little more than foundations and rubble. The temples are about 12 kilometres from Ambarawa city to the north. There are food stalls, souvenir shops, horse rentals, campsites, an outbound area, children’s playground, rock climbing and ponds for sulphur baths.
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18 Kampoeng Kopi Banaran Banaran is a tourist spot located in the area of the Getas coffee plantation and garden. It is situated at an altitude of 480 to 600 metres, at kilometre 35 of the Semarang-Solo highway. The air is cool and the coffee is hot, and visitors can enjoy coffee walks, fruit gardens, games, a pool and more. Kopeng Recreation Park Kopeng is located up in the mountains, about 15 kilometres southwest of the city of Salatiga, and has refreshing air and great views. There are hostels if you want to stay overnight and traditional markets where you can buy vegetables, fruits and ornamental plants.
Bee-Kun is a festival for commemorating the arrival of Sam Poo Tay Djien on the shores of Semarang. Hundreds of people
Semarang Great Sale is organised by the local government and generally lasts for a month. It features great deals at malls, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants across the city.
WHERE TO EAT Jl. Pandanaran is one of busiest streets in Semarang and is a hotspot for shopping and dining. Here are some of the city’s food specialties: Lumpia, made of bamboo shoots, rolled in flour and then fried. Milkfish presto, a tender fish. Where to Stay Wingko babat, made of Grand Candi Hotel glutinous rice flour, coconut, Jl. Sisingamangaraja No. 16 sugar and fruit. It comes in Semarang different flavours, including chocolate, durian, coconut, Gumaya Tower Hotel and jackfruit. Jl. Gajahmada No. 59-61 Moaci, a traditional round Semarang pastry made of glutinous rice powder and filled with Horison Hotel peanuts and pounded brown Jl. KH. Ahmad Dahlan 2 sugar. The skin is covered Simpang Lima, Semarang with sesame seeds.
For a memorable business trip head to Hotel Horison Semarang for true pampering and comfort ------
Photos courtesy of Hotel Horison Semarang
WHAT TO SEE Dugderan is a traditional festival that welcomes the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. This event includes a procession celebrating the warak ngendog, a mythical creature resembling a rhinoceros carrying eggs on its back that are believed to represent three different ethnic groups in Semarang: Javanese, Chinese and Arabs.
The Semarang Night Carnival celebrates the anniversary of the founding of Semarang. More than a hundred performers wearing beautiful costumes will parade along Jl. Pemuda, Jl. Pandanaran, Jl. Simpang Lima and finish on Jl. Pahlawan. Semawis Imlek Market is a night market in Chinatown. It is held every year to welcome the Chinese New Year. There is shopping, recreation, performances and lots and lots of food from Semarang, the country and beyond.
Curug Tujuh Bidadari This 10-metre waterfall is located near Keseneng village, in Semarang regency. The water is clean and fresh and the air is cool. It is surrounded by trees and has views of terraced rice fields. Not far away are the Banyan and Banten rivers. Locals say angels have come down to bathes in the waterfall, but it seems to attract more backpackers. Kalipancur The roar of the Kalipancur or Nogoasem waterfall, near Nogosaren village, can be overpowering as the water comes crashing down the cliff from about 100 metres. This is a great spot for hiking, climbing and camping.
dress up like soldiers, their faces painted like typical Chinese opera characters. The festival is held on the 30th of the 6th month of the Chinese calendar, or about July/August.
Hotel Horison Semarang Jl. KH. Ahmad Dahlan No. 2 Simpang Lima Semarang – Central Java Phone. +62 24 845 0045 www.horisonsemarang.com
N
estled in the most prestigious area of Semarang, the capital of Central Java province, Hotel Horison is a super-relaxing destination in the heart of the city, near the main business district and the most exciting shopping experiences. Its ideal location offers you easy access as you travel around the city. It’s only a 15minute drive from Ahmad Yani International Airport and 10 minutes from the Tawang train station. A traditional ambience greets guests when they arrive at Hotel Horison. The hotel features 165 spacious and exquisitely furnished guestrooms and suites that have been designed down to the smallest detail to ensure the most comfortable stay possible. Guests can savour the perfect combination of friendly and professional service with all the facilities of a leading business hotel. You will never lack for delicious food at Hotel Horison. La Luna Western and Garden Restaurant, which overlooks the pool and garden, makes any dinner more special with a diverse menu of delicious barbecue dishes. For conventions and meetings, Hotel Horison Semarang offers spacious rooms able to accommodate up to 2,500 people.
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21 “You can make the coffee and tea yourself, free and available 24 hours a day,” said the woman behind the reception desk, pointing towards a table with plastic glasses, spoons and jars of sugar, tea and coffee. There are a number of stories about where Balikpapan got its name. One version says a king drowned his daughter by binding her to a plank (papan in Indonesian) to prevent her from being taken by his enemies. One day, a fisherman found the plank and the princess had turned upside down (balik in Indonesian). From that time on, the area where the princess was found was called Balikpapan. Another version tells about the King of Kutai, who asked for a thousand wooden planks to build his palace. Of one thousand planks sent down the river, ten of them returned back (balik) to the city from where the planks were sent. So the Banjar tribe called the place Balikpapan Tu, meaning returned planks. Once the Dutch found oil in the area, Balikpapan took off, becoming one of the biggest and wealthiest cities on the island thanks to all that black gold being pumped from the ground. Gunung Dubbs (Dubbs Mountain) is known as the elite area of Balikpapan, a kind of tropical Beverly Hills with big houses and spacious green yards, wide, quiet streets and great views of the beach. That’s where the Dutch built their homes when they started
For me, Balikpapan is not just a city in Indonesia’s East Kalimantan province where fortunes are made in the oil business. It is my hometown and is filled with millions of childhood memories. Known as an oil city, Balikpapan is much more than that: It is history, natural beauty and most of all, it is the friendly and unique people who call it home.
W
hen I returned Balikpapan, I didn’t just see the buildings as my airplane glided in, but also pieces of my childhood that I had left behind 26 years ago.
Samarinda is the capital of East Kalimantan, but Balikpapan, which is located just three kilometres from Samarinda, has everything you would expect from a big city. To be honest, it’s better developed than the capital. Balikpapan has surpassed Samarinda in another regard as well: It has won the prestigious Adipura award, presented by the central government to the cleanest cities in Indonesia, for consecutive years.
Referring to the Lonely Planet guidebook (remember, it had been a long time since I lived here), I headed for the Murni Hotel, a budget hotel in the Nusantara area. The hotel looks a bit like a shop and it is surrounded by stores and people selling everything, which is handy for finding dinner and filling up on snacks. Murni is a family-run hotel and is pretty basic. There’s a little reception desk, a table with candies and cakes, and a little stove for making your own coffee or tea.
Photos courtesy of Yudasmoro
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Where to Stay Mitra Amanah Hotel ARS Muhammad Street No. Balikpapan Phone. 76112 / +62542 422857 Comfortable and clean for Rp 150,000 a night.
pouring into the area, drawn by the smell of oil. That old Dutch feeling is still strong. Houses have windows that are typically Dutch and there is invariably a white trellis out front. I lived in one of those houses in the 1980s with my family, and I remember how spacious it was. The funny thing about Gunung Dubbs is that there’s actually no mountain. It’s just hilly, which was clearly enough to earn it the “gunung” tag. Gunung Dubbs is very neat and comfortable, but if you live there you better have your own car or be ready to walk. There are no other transportation options available, which does help keep the streets quiet. Next up on my trip down memory lane was the Folker area, about a 20-minute walk from Gunung Dubbs. Folker has a typical view of an oil refinery, and once there I was able to get some public transportation and headed to the port. It was a lot different than 26 years ago. The port, now called Semayang Port, was busier and more crowded, and out in the distance was a ship from Pelni, the state shipping company, waiting for its turn to dock.
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Murni Hotel (budget) Antasari Street No. 2 Phone. +62542 738692 A budget hotel that is a good fit for backpackers. Price starts at Rp 60,000 a night.
For lunch I made a beeline for the world-famous, or at least Balikpapan-famous, Barunawati, a food stall that offers goat satay and curry. It was just like I remembered it, a modest little place with a strong goat satay aroma. A portion of satay and a glass of young coconut water were enough for me to recharge before continuing my journey. With sunset approaching, I went to Melawai, a beachside strip with lots of food stalls. While certainly no Bali, the beach here is relaxing enough and is a popular weekend retreat
22 for families and others. Of course things were not always so pleasant here. History has it that when Japanese troops occupied Balikpapan during World War II, they marched Dutch soldiers down to the beach and slaughtered them. Asking around the next day about the best place to take an overhead photograph of the massive Pertamina oil refinery, everyone pointed me to a lighthouse in the Pelayaran area, near Gunung Dubbs.
dish that I never miss is the crab at Kenari Restaurant in the Gunung Bakaran area. The restaurant is located near the airport and plenty of people order the crabs days ahead of time and pick them up on the way to their flights, carrying them home as a very tasty Balikpapan souvenir. Torani and Dandito restaurants, not far from Kenari, are also crab hotspots for tourists. Word has it that Dandito is particularly popular with pilots from the nearby airport.
Oil, as the lifeblood of the local economy, cannot be separated from Balikpapan. The role of the Dutch in building up the city was also significant. During World War II, when Japan occupied Balikpapan, the Allies devastated Where to Eat the oil refinery there. After Japan left on Kenari Restaurant Jan. 24, 1942, the Dutch retook operation Iswahyudi Street No. 4 of the refinery through the company Royal Phone. +62 5427 64018 Shell. It was then taken over by Pertamina, Indonesia’s state oil company, in 1965. Barunawati Satay Stall near Semayang Port There is a story about Balikpapan during the war. Because of the city’s oil wealth, the Allied Samarinda Bubur Ayam troops led by the American General Douglas A. Yani Street (moved from Antasari) MacArthur landed at Balikpapan to wrest it from the grasp of the Japanese. After landing Bumahai in a hilly area that was still occupied by the near Sepingan Airport Japanese, an Australian general warned Phone. +62 5427 0171 01 MacArthur that the Japanese had machine guns at the top of the hills.
“Just follow the paved road, it will lead up,” said a woman in Gunung Dubbs, pointing me in the right direction. So I trudged up and up along the road, passing rows of houses facing the sea. Much of the road is hemmed in on both sides by jungle and I wouldn’t have wanted to make the trip in the dark. But I was unlucky, because when I got to the lighthouse the gate was locked. Unable to get a picture from the lighthouse, I decided to turn my attention to filling my growling stomach. But before eating, I stopped at Australia Tower to take some pictures of the Klandasan area. The tower was built to commemorate Australian troops who died fighting the Japanese in the area during the war. Australia still holds an annual ceremony to commemorate the dead.
Bekapai Park, across from Klandasan Market, is a shady little spot in the city for relaxing. The park, which is also known as PLN Park because it is located in front of the PLN (Indonesia’s electricity company) building, is famous for its steel statue of an oil gusher. In addition to being famous for oil, Balikpapan is also something of a destination for food lovers drawn by its local specialties. One
As MacArthur was reading a map, a barrage of gunfire sent all the soldiers to the ground. But MacArthur stood his ground, looking over the map as the bullets whistled by. Then he handed the map to the Australian general and said, “We have to go there and seize their machine guns before they shoot us.” It’s that unique history, and my personal memories, that make Balikpapan such an irresistible draw.
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Once a busy stopover for travel destinations in eastern Indonesia, Makassar is now a rising tourist star as the capital of the region. Makassar has lots more to offer visitors than just a walk under the city lights.
Makassar likes to bill it self as a capital of good food. Following are food centres that are worth a visit:
T
his was my first trip to Makassar. The main plan was to visit Tana Toraja, but I was curious and decided to explore the capital of South Sulawesi. So I checked into my hotel and then went to check out the city.
Pisang Epe at Losari Beach Buroncong at Losari Beach Nyuk Nyang on Jl. Bali, Restoran Nelayan on Jl. Alimalaka Sop Konro Karebosi on Jl. Lompobattang Pisang Ijo at Bravo Restaurant on Jl. Andalas
I was staying at a hotel downtown, figuring it would be easier to find public transportation and walk around. First stop was Losari Beach, the most famous beach in Makassar. It’s a great beach for all those normal beach things like sand and surf, but its real claim to fame is the line of food stalls that pop up near the strand. It may be the longest line of beach food stalls in the world. As dusk approaches, you will be able to find stalls offering every kind of food, with an emphasis on grilled fish and other seafood. Everyone must have heard the name of the beach and its colourful stalls that are said to stretch a full kilometre. Losari Beach is in the west of Makassar. It’s not the kind of beach you will ever have to yourself. Losari attracts locals and visitors, starting from the morning. But the crowds get really big at dusk, as families and lovers come over and stake out their seats facing the ocean, waiting for the sunset.
Photos courtesy of Toto Santiko
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As the orange tinge of the sunset gives way to the dark of night, the lights of the nearby buildings take over and reflect off the ocean, offering another side of the beauty of Losari. Then the stage went up and the music started for a live television performance. Like moths to lights, the songs of famous Indonesian musicians drew people to the area.
So Losari has it all: sand, surf, food, music and more. But there is more to Makassar than the beach. After all, it has been around since 1607.
Historic Makassar Makassar was known as Ujung Pandang until 1999. Makassar comes from the name of the one of the biggest ethnic groups in the city, which is also home to Buginese, Torajanese, Mandarnese, Butonese, Javanese and Chinese. Modern Makassar is a descendant of the kingdoms of Gowa and Tallo. The two kingdoms played an important role in the spice trade. Islam grew rapidly and became the main religion in the area. Soon more and more merchants were arriving from Europe and the middle east, bringing with them all their influences. The golden age of Makassar was during the reign of Sultan Alauddin (the King of Gowa) and Sultan Awalul Islam (the King of Tallo). It was a centre of the spice trade and grew to become one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia. The story of the golden age of Makassar can be found in the 14th century book Nagara Kertagama, written by Mpu Prapanca. Drawn by the valuable spice trade, the Dutch conquered Gowa-Tallo in 1669, beginning their long rule. Fort Rotterdam Fort Rotterdam was originally known as Jum Pandang (Ujung Pandang)
26 or Panyyua. It was built in 1545 by the ninth King of Gowa, Manrigau Daeng Bonto Karaeng Lakiung Tumpa’risi Kallona. During the reign of the 14th King of Gowa, Sultan Alauddin, the fort got an upgrade using stones that were brought down from the mountains. The fortress, in western Makassar, resembles a turtle crawling to the ocean. This was no accident. Young turtles hatch from the eggs buried in the sand by their mothers, and then bravely move towards the open sea. They challenge the waves and the breadth of the ocean. just like the Kingdom of Gowa, finding glory both on land and sea. The Dutch took over the fort in 1667 and named it Fort Rotterdam. It was renovated and rebuilt to resemble a medieval European fortress, including dungeons and secret underground corridors. The fort was also used to store spices from Eastern Indonesia. It also has a darker history, and was used as a detention centre by the Dutch for Indonesian independence fighters. These included Diponegoro, a Javanese prince and national hero who led a revolt against the Dutch in Java in 1825-30. Inside the fort complex is La Galigo Museum. La Galigo is the name of a young 14th century king in the Kingdom of Luwu. La Galigo is also one of the sons of Sawerigading, a figure in Bugis mythology, who married a princess from the Kingdom of Cina Wago. La Galigo is also the name of an ancient epic in the Bugis language, Surek La Galigo. This 9,000-page tome was written by a noblewoman during the Kingdom of Srivijaya, and offers a complete retelling of Bugis society, from the customs to stories of adventure, romance and war. Legendary Pinisi Maker La Galigo also tells about the history of the legendary Bugis and Makassar ship, the Pinisi. These wooden boats still transport goods amongst islands in the archipelago. The shipbuilders of Pinisi can be found in Tana Beru, where they create wooden boats that are not much different from the ships that existed in the 14th century. They continue to be built without nails, and are in use not only in Indonesia, but are popular with certain
Where to Stay Hotel Sahid Jaya Makassar Jl.Dr. Sam Ratulangi No. 33 Phone. +62 411 875 757 Hotel Clarion (Liquid & Retro) Jl. A.P. Pettarani No. 3 Phone. +62 411 833 888 Hotel Singgasana Jl. Kajaolalido No. 16 Phone. +62 411 315 087
foreigners with a taste for seafaring tradition. WHAT TO EAT Makassar, in addition to being a land of history, is also a land of culinary treasures. From snacks to main courses and desserts, Makassar has a host of delicious treats.
Hotel Aston Jl. Haji Bau No. 7 Phone. +62 411 855 555
Try the Pisang Epe, Coto, Sop Konro, Pallu Butung Ice, Iced Green Banana or Barongko. For some of the best Coto Makassar in town, head for Jl. Gagak. Around Karebosi and Jl. Ratulangi are plenty of stalls offering Sop Konro, and Jl. DR. Wahidin Sudirohusodo is known for its Sop Saudara. And if you are down around Losari Beach, don’t miss the Pisang Epe. WHAT TO DO Trans Studio Fun is a modern entertainment park built on 24 hectares of land, making it the biggest indoor theme park in Southeast Asia. Jusuf Kalla, the vice president at the time, officially opened the park on 9 September 2009. It is divided into two areas: the Trans Studio Theme Park, a family entertainment area, and Trans Studio Walk, an international-class shopping centre. Trans Studio Theme Park was inspired by Disneyland and Universal Studios. Its 2.7 hectares feature 21 rides divided into four different zones. Trans Studio Walk is a five-floor building with three atriums. It’s an international-class shopping centre offering internationally branded fashion. That’s Makassar, a city with a great history and an even brighter future.
29 Europe Heritage Full of cheer and affection, the Minahasa people live in natty wooden houses, with fences and flower parks, turning Manado into a kind of Little Europe. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants, where you can sample the spicy Minahasa cuisine. Manado is a provincial capital, so you can find all the shops and markets you could want. Manado faces the blue waters of the Bay of Manado, but it’s back is hemmed in by fertile mountains, coffee plantations, rice fields and orchid gardens. It is a lush land and you could spend days tromping through the greenness. You can also explore the nearby Dua Saudara National Park, a veritable repository of Sulawesi wildlife. Getting There Manado is perched at the very top of Sulawesi’s outstretched neck, far from any other big city. Flying in really is the best option, but if you are feeling adventurous, fly into Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, and then travel overland across the breadth of Sulawesi Island to Manado.
The capital of North Sulawesi province, a former stronghold of the Dutch and the cultural heart of the Minahasa people, for a long time Manado prospered through trade with the nearby Philippines and the spice trade with the rest of the world. Alas, the bombings of World War II and the suppression of a local insurgency in the 1950s flattened most of Manado’s older buildings. Manado is one of Indonesia’s more prosperous regions, and it is the ideal jumping-off point for the islands and reefs of nearby Bunaken National Marine Park. Unlike much of the rest of predominantly Muslim Indonesia, Christianity is the main religion in Manado.
Manado’s Sam Ratulangi International Airport is an airy, modern facility last expanded in 2001. The airport has international flights between Singapore and it is possible to arrange a visa on arrival. There are also frequent flights between Jakarta (Batavia Air, Garuda, Lion Air) and Makassar. Other routes include Surabaya in East Java, Balikpapan in East Kalimantan, Denpasar in Bali, Ternate in North Maluku and Sorong in West Papua. The taxi trip from the airport to central Manado takes about 30 minutes and costs around Rp 70,000, or about $7.50 (bargaining may be necessary). There are also frequent mikrolets, public minivans, leaving from Terminal Paal and will get you downtown for about 20 cents. Getting Around Getting around Manado is pretty simple. There is plenty of public transportation, and the city is not so big that you will get lost; or at least too lost. But maybe the best way to really Bunaken National Marine Park explore Manado is by foot. No visit to Manado, or even North
Photos courtesy of Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Industry
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By Taxi There are several taxi operators in Manado: Blue Bird, Taxi Kokapura, Trust and Celebrity. The most reliable one is Blue Bird, the blue taxi. It is the most trusted taxi operator in Jakarta and other cities in Indonesia. The Manado office phone number is (0431) 861234. If you’re new to town, use this taxi. By Angkot (angkutan kota) Also known as mikrolets or bemos, angkot are common in cities around the country. They are cheap, cover every corner of a city and you can expect one to come along every few minutes. These minibuses can carry eight to ten passengers, and cost about 20 cents for a ride.
Sulawesi, would be complete without including Bunaken National Marine Park on your itinerary. Declared a national park in 1991, this underwater coral paradise is acknowledged as one of the top dive sites in the world. It is about a 40-minute drive from Manado to one of the dive centres or to the central harbour, where a motorized outrigger canoe or dive boat will whisk you to Bunaken Island in about 45 minutes. The natural reserve comprises Bunaken, Siladen, Manado Tua, Montehage and Nain islands, and too many dive and snorkelling sites to count. The dropoff wall at Liang Cave in particular is rare and described by enthusiasts as spectacular, with its caves, gullies and caverns harbouring an immense wealth of marine life. Brilliantly coloured fish dart amongst the vibrant coral and the water is clear and warm. It is ideal for first-time snorkellers and experienced divers alike.
By Rental Car Manado Rental Car offers vehicles for around Rp 500,000 per day, or $55, which includes a driver and petrol. If you want to drive yourself it is about $33. Contact them at (0852) 40220620 or (o431) 892979. CV. Sinar Berkat Rent a Car Manado has been operating since 1995 and has a nice selection of different types of vehicles. You just need a copy of your driver’s license or ID card. Reservations can be made by email at sinarberkatmanado@gmail.com or at (o818) 834 726 or (o431) 8876. The service includes pick-up and drop-off at the airport. By Ojek Ojek, or motorcycle taxi, is a cheap and convenient way to get around. Rates aren’t fixed so you will have to bargain, but a short distance, about a kilometre, should cost around Rp 3,000, or 30 cents. And always wear a helmet. What to See The Triangle Gold Rock Wall This mysterious rock formation got its nickname because it shines like gold under the moonlight. The catch is that you have to dive in Bunaken Sea to enjoy the sight.
30 Mount Lokon and Mount Mahawu The active Mount Lokon affords a magnificent panoramic view of the highlands and out towards the sea. Solidified lava flows meander down the side of the volcano and can easily be followed up to the steaming crater (a brisk walk of about 45 minutes). Ash is often seen around the tip of the crater and is sometimes blown into the nearby town. Opposite Lokon is its smaller sister, Mount Mahawu. The gentler slopes of Mahawu offer a less challenging hike but the view is no less impressive. Inside the crater is a steaming emerald-green lake ringed with yellow sulphur deposits. Lake Linow This pretty lake is like sulphur central from all the nearby volcanoes. The bubbles at the side of the lake transmit vapour. Depending on the time of day and the angle of the sun, the lake will appear blue, green or turquoise. Hin Kiong Temple and Tapikong Ceremony. Built in the early of 19th century, the Buddhist Hin Kiong Temple is one of the oldest in eastern Indonesia. It is located in downtown Manado and hosts the Tapikong (Toh Peh Kong) ceremony every Chinese New Year. The peak of the ceremony is the traditional Chinese cortege and barongsai dance. Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve Located on open grassland the reserve is home to a great variety of flora and fauna. There are black apes, Maleo birds, snakes, wild pigs, hornbill birds and deer. But special interest is given to the Tarsius monkeys, which sneak out at dawn and dusk. About the size of a child’s fist, these tiny monkeys are the smallest in the world and a delight to see.
Where to Stay Aston Manado City Hotel (Aston Manado) Jl. Jend Sudirman No. 128 Manado Phone. +62 431 8888989 Hotel Gran Central Manado Jl.Sudirman No. 45 Manado Phone. +62 431 878888 Sintesa Peninsula Hotel Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Gunung Wenang Manado Phone. +62 431 855008 Hotel Sedona Desa Tateli Phone. +62 431 825888 Hotel Santika Manado Tongkaina Village Phone. +62 431 858222 Hotel Aryaduta Manado Jl. Piere Tendean Bulevard Manado Phone. +62 431 8555554 Grand Puri Jl. Sam Ratulangi No. 458 Manado Phone. +62 431 822-888 Quality Hotel Jl. Piere Tendean No. 88-89 Manado Phone. +62 0431 888-3888 Tasik Ria Resort & Spa Manado Jl. Raya Trans Sulawesi (30-minute drive south of Manado)
Phone. +62 431 823444
Batu Nona This is one of the best beaches in the area. It has white sand and blue water, which is what every good beach should offer. The name Batu Nona (young lady stone) comes from a stone girl-like figure close to the beach. Legend has it that that a young woman committed suicide because of a lost love and was turned into a stone. The beach is located in Kema, 35 kilometres from Manado, and can be reached by public transportation. Eat Manadonese food is famous throughout Indonesia for two things: the Minahasa eat absolutely anything, and the food is very, very spicy. Sugar is used little if at all, with flavour added through lemon and herbs. Being Christian, the Minahasa also often marinate meat in alcohol and favour pork. More exotic protein options include cats, forest rats, fruit bats and dogs, the last of which is the obligatory centrepiece of any wedding ceremony or Christmas feast. Classic dishes include: •ikan mas bakar rica bambuden, grilled spicy fish cooked traditional style, with a piece of coconut shell. Grilled with chilli, which is poured on the fish while cooking. •ikan mas goreng bambuden, fish fried until the bones are crunchy.
•ayam rica-rica bambuden, grilled chicken topped with a fiery red chilli-and-onion paste. •ikan mas woku balanga bambuden, fish simmered in herbs. •babi tore, pork fried until it is crunchy, with a lot of chilli. •perkedel milu, corn fritters. •tinutuan (or bubur manado), a goopy porridge of rice, pumpkin, noodles and random vegetables — doesn’t look very attractive, but it can be tasty (and, for once, not spicy). The Dutch also left behind some culinary influences, notably: •breneibon, a rich kidney bean soup. •klappertaart, a Western-style coconut cake.
Unique Lombok Lombok has a rich and enduring indigenous culture that has withstood the pressures of modernity remarkably well. •A notable non-orthodox Islamic group found only on Lombok are the Waktu Telu (Three Prayers), who as the name suggests pray only three times daily, instead of the five times stipulated in the Koran.
Lombok is the perfect secluded getaway for people who need to escape the fast-paced life of big cities like Jakarta, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Known by the lucky few as a quieter, more stylish and more affordable alternative to its sister island, Bali, Lombok is often referred to as the Bali of the past. Lombok’s unspoilt beaches,gorgeous waterfalls and towering green mountains enable you to be at one with nature.
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ombok, which is just east of Bali and part of West Nusa Tenggara province, is surrounded by a series of smaller islands known as the Gilis, which are popular for their pristine whitesand beaches and clear blue waters. New Paradise Lombok is an untouched paradise, the kind of tropical idyll where the natural landscape and traditional way of life have remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of years.
Getting There By Plane The new Lombok International Airportis located near the city of Praya in south-central Lombok, about 40 kilo metres south of Mataram, the provincial capital, and 55 kilometres southeast of the tourist precinct of Senggigi in West Lombok.
Waktu Telu has influences not only from Islam, but also Hinduism and pantheistic beliefs. There are also remnants of Boda (people without a religion) who maintain pagan Sasak beliefs. •The Nagarakertagama, a 14thcentury palm-leaf poem that was found on Lombok, places the island as one of the vassals of the Majapahit Kingdom. This manuscript contains detailed descriptions of the Majapahit Kingdom and also affirms the importance of Hindu-Buddhism in the kingdom by describing temples, palaces and ceremonial observances.
That doesn’t mean there isn’t some serious luxury to be had. There are fivestar hotels run by some of the biggest names in the global industry, and smaller villas perched enticingly on the beach. But Lombok is all about getting back to nature and a simpler time. It’s not overrun by kitschy tourist shops and fast-food places like you find in Bali. This is the kind of unspoilt tropical island people dream of escaping to.
Bali is a short hop away by air, about 25 minutes, with several daily flights by both turboprop and jet-powered aircraft. There are daily connections to the main cities in Java, including Jakarta, which is about two hours away, and Surabaya (an hour). Direct flights between Lombok and Jakarta or Surabaya are a good alternative to flying into Bali and then continuing on to Lombok by bus or ferry, which makes for a much longer trip. International flights are currently limited to direct services from Singapore three times per week and daily flights from Kuala Lumpur with a stop in Surabaya. There are also limited seasonal charter services by Nordwind Airlines to Novosibirsk-Tolmachevo in Russia. Photos courtesy of Satya Budi Widagdo
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By Boat Bali. Slow ferries from Padang Bai Harbour in Bali leave approximately every hour for the four- to five-hour trip to Lombok’s Lembar Harbour, south of Mataram. The ferries are well worn, with minimal restroom facilities. Flores and Sumbawa. Ferries run from Labuhan Lombok on the east coast to Poto Tano on Sumbawa Island. Since arranging your own
transport on both sides can be difficult and expensive, it’s cheaper to arrange this through any travel agent, many of whom offer fares across Sumbawa and onward to Flores Island. What to See Tanjung A’an A beautiful strand near Kuta Beach that is known for its surfing. The sand is very unique in that it looks like fine pepper. Beach guards are on the beach early and prevent hawkers from hassling tourists. Sukarare A village of traditional weavers. You can watch as these master craftsmen create gorgeous textiles, and pick up pieces for less than what you pay in the shops in Senggigi. Narmada Water Park (Taman Narmada) Located 10 kilometres east of Mataram. This is where the kings who used to rule Lombok came to relax. There is a Hindu temple and swimming pool. It also has a fountain, called the Fountain of Youth, which is believed to give long life to anyone who drinks its water. Air Terjun Sindang Gila, or the Slightly Crazy Waterfall Located near Senaru village, on the slopes of Mount Rinjani. The waterfall is gorgeous and creates a pool that makes for a refreshing swim. The 20-minute trip down the long run of steps and trail to the falls and then back up again requires a bit of effort, especially on a hot day.
34 Where to Stay The Oberoi Lombok Medana Beach, Tanjung PO Box 1096 Mataram, Lombok 83001 Hotel Vila Ombak, Lombok Gili Trawangan Island, Lombok Novotel Resort Lombok Mandalika Resort Pantai Putri Nyale Pujut, Lombok The Lombok Lodge Hotel Desa Medana, Tanjung, Lombok
Air Terjun Tiu Kelep Senaru’s “second waterfall” is about a further one-hour walk from Air Terjun Sindang Gila. You might want to hire a reputable guide if you don’t already have a driver willing to show you the way. In order to get to the second waterfall, follow the path most of the way down to the first waterfall and then cut off and follow a bush track upstream.
What to Do Traditional massage Local Sasak women offer massage services within the main tourism areas and especially on the beaches in Senggigi and Mangsit. Snorkelling There are several good sites between the Gili Islands. If lucky, you can spot and swim with turtles. Surfing The area around Kuta in southern Lombok is a surfer’s paradise. Scuba Diving There are several accredited dive centres in Lombok and they provide a wide range of services and packages. Trekking There are several good treks around the island, including multiday hikes up Mount Rinjani, a 3,726-metre volcano. There are several short treks to see waterfalls and other island attractions. Visitors can find any number of reputable suppliers of Rinjani climbing packages and services. Adequate forward planning is essential for Rinjani climbs. Rinjani last erupted in May 2010 and the last major eruption was in 1994.
Urban Legends & Festivities •Weed Islands. It is rumoured that you can enjoy marijuana freely on the Gilis since there are few police patrols.
Fishing Charters Charters either with professionally organised boats, or for the intrepid, more informal arrangements with local perahu operators on the beaches of Lombok, are available for day trips or longer but be cautious that the boats are carrying suitable safety gear and other equipment required for the trip and your personal requirements.
•Rain Chaser. Go outside when it rains and you will be amazed how the people of Lombok, all of them, let themselves get wet. There is no explanation for this, but maybe it’s a throwback to ancient Hindu rain festivals.
Biking Tours Guided biking tours are available to experience Lombok from a bicycle seat.
•Runaway Bride. Don’t take a photograph of women bathing in Lombok’s pristine waters, or you might be forced to marry one.
Getting Around By Car Rental If you are going with your family and you want to drive a car on your own, you can rent a car for around $60 a day (2012 exchange rate). The traffic rules may take a while to get used to but you’ll get the hang of it. By Motorbikes/Scooters If you just want something that will quickly get you to the nearest convenience store or market, you can rent a bike or scooter. You will be required to wear a helmet every time you go for a ride around the city.
•Street Party. Got an appointment? Better leave for it early because you might run into a Nyongkolan, a traditional wedding ceremony, which are held night and day and can take up the whole street. •Worm Food. There is an annual festival in Kuta called Nyale, which literally involves harvesting sea worms to eat.
37 Komodo Island The Komodo dragon is the world’s largest and also one of the oldest living lizards. This natural wonder can only be found in the wild in Komodo National Park (more precisely on the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Nusa Kode and Gili Motang). Adult dragons can reach a length of up to three metres, with an average weight of around 90 kilograms, and they feed on deer and sometimes humans.
If you are the kind of traveller who likes to get off the beaten path, East Nusa Tenggara might be the destination for you. Island-hop from adventure to adventure as you discover everything the unexplored east has to offer
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usa Tenggara Timur (NTT), or East Nusa Tenggara, lies just south of the equator, hemmed in by the Flores Sea and the Indian Ocean. This province consists of 566 islands, but Flores, Sumba, Timor and Alor are the main ones. Only 46 of the islands are inhabited, which means there are hundreds of uninhabited islands for all you Robinson Crusoes. Nusa Tenggara Timur is a natural paradise and is rich in cultures and traditions unlike any other. Adventure Travel Liang Bua Cave Liang Bua Cave is impressive enough with its collection of stalactites and stalagmites, but its real claim to fame is as the home of Flores Man, otherwise known as the Hobbit. The cave is located near Liang Bua village, about 14 kilometres from the town of Ruteng or approximately a 30-minute drive from the district capital. Discovered inside the cave were the ancient remains of a hominin somewhat controversially called Homo floresiensis, which may or may not have been a precursor to modern man. This cave is the subject of archaeological research by teams from the United States and Britain. Near Liang Bua are other caves, including Liang Tanah and Liang Galang, and who knows what secrets they may hold.
Festivals Pasola Festival is the most well known cultural event in NTT. It is held in West Sumba and involues hundreds of spear-throwing combatants charging at their opponents in an open field. According to tradition, the Pasola must be preceded by the catching of the Nyale(sea worms) which occurs in February in Kodi and Lamboya and March in Wanukaka. The exact time is six days before the full moon. Take the time and make the effort to get to one of these action-packed events; it will be the highlight of your trip.
How these huge dragons found their way to Komodo and why they can only be found there is still not clear, but there are plenty of unproven theories and dragon tales. One popular theory suggests that periods of low sea levels enabled the dragons to reach Flores by land. As an assumed relic of extinct giant lizards, they only survived because of a lack of natural enemies on these islands’ isolated environment. With less than 2,500 lizards left in the wild, the Komodo dragon has been placed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of endangered species. The biggest threat to the dragons is poachers who kill off the population of Timor deer, the Komodo dragon’s staple food. Komodo Island is the most-visited attraction in Flores. Rinca, a smaller island where Komodo dragons can also be found, is a good alternative to crowded Komodo Island. There are numerous tour operators both inside and outside of Flores offering Komodo or Rinca tours. There are plenty of guides and boat captains at the fishing village of Labuan Bajo in Flores to take visitors to see the dragons.
Photos courtesy of Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Industry
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8INDONESIAnDESTINATIONs camouflage themselves as dry branches. So it goes without saying that for safety reasons, you are going to want to hire a local guide to join you on your adventure.
Near the top of the mountain are Batu Embu, two rocks from the ancient animistic past that symbolise the female and male gender. These rocks are considered sacred by the local people because they are believed to be the home of ancestral spirits who guard the forest. From time to time, the local community holds ceremonies in this area, such as rituals to ask for rain. It takes about four hours to reach this mystical site. Early morning bird watching will (hopefully) bring you encounters with various bird species, ranging from cockatoos, punglors and kingfishers to the Flores crow and sometimes even lawelujangs (Asian paradise flycatchers), the symbol of the district. And at night, the forest comes alive with the hoots of the Flores Scops-owl.
Mount Ndeki The forest around Mount Ndeki in Flores is the perfect place for bird watching. It is about 12 kilometres from Borong, the capital of Manggarai Timur district.
For morning bird watching and forest trekking, you can either spend the night at the local seminary (Wisma Anjas) in Kisol or start your journey around 3am from Labuan Bajo. Of course, you can also arrange an early morning trip starting from Borong.
Mount Ndeki rises about 950 metres above sea level and is covered by pristine forest, so much that you will need a machete to cut your way through some spots. The forest is also home to green vipers that
Leworahang If you are in Larantuka or on the TransFlores highway between Maumere and Larantuka, make sure to stop in Leworahang. This
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39 easy to spot freshwater fish. Other prominent animals around the lake are the wild macaques.
water makes it a perfect place for swimming, snorkelling and underwater photography.
To make the most of the trip, you may want to pay a visit to the local rangers. The forest is thick, and the rangers can clue you in on the best routes, and also offer some helpful insight on the flora and fauna in the area. Alternatively, you can contact local tour operators to help you arrange a full excursion in advance.
Beach Travel Pink Beach Padar Island features a natural phenomenon that you should not miss: a pink beach. This peculiar beach gets its colour from red coral fragments. It is definitely a great place to spend some time by just laying back or enjoying the underwater world with your snorkelling gear.
Ranamese easily makes for a full-day excursion. Bring warm clothes, drinks and your favourite snacks and have a picnic under the forest canopy while enjoying the view of the lake. During the rainy season, the forest comes alive with wild orchids in every hue imaginable. A good pair of binoculars will come in handy here to get a close-up look at the forest’s exciting flora and fauna along your trekking route. 17 Islands Riung subdistrict, north of Bajawa, is famed for its beautiful coral gardens. The coast and the surrounding area have been designated a national marine park, Pulau Tujuh Belas, or Seventeen Islands. In fact, the national park consists of more than 20 small and larger islands. Locals, however, named the area Riung Seventeen Islands, a reference to Indonesian Independence Day, on the 17th of August.
hamlet is situated near a beautiful stretch of beach, and the lush village centre beckons anyone looking to escape the midday heat and wait out the day beneath the towering trees. Most of the people here work as farmers and fishermen, and visitors can always expect a friendly welcome. As you enter the village, you will find a korke, a ceremonial house, standing on wooden piles behind the big stone-pile in the village centre. The korke is the centre of many traditional ceremonies and is decorated with ornamental carvings. Some of the most prominent carvings are of birds and fish, which symbolise the newcomers who arrived from land and sea to become the lords of the land of Leworahang. A bit further inside the village you will find a kebang, which is used to store corn and rice. It is built on massive wooden piles, and the pig jaws attached to the corners of the kebang (you will also find them on the korke) symbolise the strength of the villagers and their devotion to maintaining the customs of their ancestors. Traditional ceremonies still play an important role for the people of Leworahang, above all the Ahik Kokor, an annual ceremony that heralds the renovation of the korke. It is usually held around the end of March and involves dancing and music, praying, communal meals, as well as the ritual sacrifice of pigs (which explains where all those jaws come from). If you travel to Leworahang on your own, make sure to get permission from the residents before you start poking around their traditional houses. Lake Kelimutu Ende regency in Flores is a land of extraordinary beauty. It is home to Mount Kelimutu, in Kelimutu National Park, and Lake Kelimutu, or the Three-Coloured Lake. Word of this unique site began to leak out after a Dutchman, Van Such Telen, stumbled upon it in 1915. But it wasn’t until 1929 that news of the lake reached a wider audience, thanks to the writings of Y. Bouman. Mount Kelimutu is 1,640 metres high and the lake is located
Food Seafood is naturally one of the specialties here. Freshwater fish is considered a delicacy and you might want to try gurami asam manis (sour and sweet fish). Sasak cuisine is considered quite spicy so you might want to ask before ordering, if you prefer bland food. Sauteed vegetables are also popular here. Try pelecing kangkung; this sauteed green, leafy vegetable is tasty eaten hot with steamed rice.
in its summit crater. The three “fingers” of the lake have different colours and are known to change from time to time, from red to dark green and sometimes to a blackish brown or blue. Kelimutu is beautiful any time of the day, but the best time to enjoy it is early in the morning before the clouds roll in and cover the view. The most popular and convenient starting point to climb Mount Kelimutu is Moni, a village close to the TransFlores highway. Until not too long ago visitors had to hike all the way up to the top of Kelimutu, but now there is a paved road to a parking lot, from where it’s a 30minute walk through lush forest to the lake area. Moni, too, is worth a stay. There are lots of great treks through the surrounding rice fields, forests and hills. Relax in the nearby hot springs, hunt for some fine Lio ikat textiles in the market or enjoy a performance of local dance and music. Another starting point to Kelimutu, and a good alternative to Moni, is Detusoko village, which is about 30 kilometres from Kelimutu. Lake Ranamese About 20 kilometres from Ruteng, in the direction of Bajawa, is Lake Ranamese, or as the locals call it, Little Kelimutu. Ranamese, a mountainous natural reserve, impresses with its dense forest and a 21-meter-deep crater lake at an altitude of 1,220 metres. It’s ideal for those who want to explore the Florinese highlands. It is also a perfect place for bird watchers. Lake Ranamese is situated in the middle of the forest, surrounded by a dense vegetation of mosses, scrubs and tropical woods. The climate is comfortably fresh, and the lake’s calm and clear waters make it
The national park is home to many animals, including the Timor deer, hedgehogs, monkeys, ferrets, Timor monitor lizards, marsupials and partridges. There are also Mbous, kind of a smaller version of the Komodo dragon, though they are rarely spotted by tourists or even park workers. But the real action is beneath the waves. The Seventeen Islands area encompasses a rich coral-reef ecosystem where you can count up to 27 different species of coral. The Riung waters are home to plenty of exciting animals, ranging from marine mammals such as dolphins and whales to various colourful fish. The crystal-clear
Another pink beach, though smaller in size, can be found on Komodo Island. The shallow reef begins just in front of the beach, so its deep enough to snorkel at low tide and not too deep at high tide. Alor Beach Alor is home to some of the best diving in Southeast Asia. The beach itself is one of those glorious tropical escapes, white sand, palm trees swaying in the breeze, total paradise. Labuan Bajo Beach A fishing village located on the eastern tip of Flores Island, Labuan Bajo is pleasant enough. But people really come for the beach and all the water activities like snorkelling and diving. Offshore around Labuan Bajo there are several small islands with beautiful views and powdery white beaches. Lasiana Beach Just 14 kilometres outside of Kupang is Lasiana Beach, where locals and tourists alike come for a spot of relaxation and beach fun. During the week, the beach is almost deserted apart from the village fishermen. The beach is about two kilometres long and the water is perfect for swimming with gentle waves and a sandy bottom. During the weekend, Lasiana Beach comes alive with sometimes hundreds of visitors and sellers hawking BBQ corn, fresh young coconut, cold drinks and more.
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mbon has a long colonial history and was occupied by the Portuguese, Spanish, British and Dutch, who left behind a mix of international cultures, food and languages. It takes about three days to experience everything that Ambon has to offer.
Where to Stay Aston Natsepa Ambon Resort & Spa JL. Natsepa No. 36, Suli Salahutu Phone. +62 911 362257 Email. DOS@astonambon.com
soldiers who died in the region during World War II. Siwalima Museum has a fine collection of local arts and crafts. And Ambon is at the Maluku end of the annual yacht race that starts in Darwin, Australia. The race usually takes place in July and August.
Imperial Inn Jl. W.R. Soepratman Gang Kedondong Phone. +62 911 355047
Getting There There are daily flights from Jakarta to Ambon, via Makassar or Surabaya. Alternatively there are boats from various parts of Indonesia. Schedules change frequently, but any travel agent in Jakarta or other major city can arrange this.
Manise Hotel Jl. W.R Supratman No. 1 Hop On Island Phone. +62 911 341445 Ambon has become a Getting Around Email. sales@manisehotel.com favourite stopping-off Bemos, or minibuses, and other buses ply the island. Becaks, point for people headed to pedal-powered carts, and motorcycle taxis, known as ojeks, Baguala Bay Resort (Baguala Bay) Seram Island and the Banda are quick and convenient for shorter distances. Taxis are also Jl. Raya Waitatiri Islands, which have been available for hire and can be found at most major hotels. Phone. +62 0911 362717 less touched by tourists Email. bagualabayresort@yahoo.com and have become popular What to See destinations for water Amsterdam Fortress (Benteng Amsterdam) sports. Ambon also used to This was the second fort built by the Dutch in Ambon city. It be the main gateway to the easternmost islands of Indonesia, and was built in 1642 and later expanded around 1650. The fort is near was the last transit point for those headed to Jayapura, the largest the beach and offers great views of the ocean. Nearby is the oldest city in Papua. church in Ambon, which is still well maintained.
Ambon, part of the Maluku Islands, used to be on the map for every traveller in search of a unique tropical adventure, but fell off the radar in the late ’90swith the troubles there. Well, now it’s back, better than ever and offering an adventure like no other.
Photos courtesy of Edy Purnomo
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But don’t be fooled; Ambon has plenty of attractions of its own. These include historical and cultural sites, like the remnants of forts built by the Dutch and Portuguese when Ambon was the centre of the spice trade. The ruins of the Portuguese fort at Hila are stunning, having been swallowed up by a majestic banyan tree.
Lelisa Beach Located near the well-known Namalatu Beach, Lelisa is famous for its coral reefs, which can be seen from the beach when the tide is out. Lelisa is a popular destination for snorkelling and diving, or just lying on the sand and catching a tan.
The ANZAC War Cemetery near the city of Ambon is the site of services held every year on April 25, to commemorate the Allied
Batu Capeo (Hat Stone) This little hill, which got its name from a large stone that resembles a
hat, is located at a popular beach and is a great spot for catching the sunrise. Not too far from Siwalima Museum. Siwalima Museum This museum opened 8 September 1973. It has an interesting collection of arts and crafts from Maluku, as well as historic objects. Around the museum is also a good place to find people selling Maluku souvenirs. Tanjung A nice little spot with plenty of coconut trees and a great little beach with some good coral reefs and great views of the Banda Sea. Santai Beach Located near Latulahat village, Santai is famous for its blinding white sand. It gets a lot of visitors who come for the sun, surf Magical Seram and, of course, the sand. Seram, translated as “scary,” got its name for a reason. The island is said to Felawatu Beach be replete with magic, with numerous Near Airlouw village, about 15 kilometres from downtown anecdotes of men who can fly, kill at a Ambon. There are plenty of trees here, and it is a nice spot for distance and change their shape at will. swimming or fishing. While the western part of the island has lost much of its mystery, thanks to a thriving timber industry, the remote eastern mountains are where the magic is now said to be concentrated.
Pintu Kota The famous Pintu Kota, or Gate of the City, is a massive coral rock out in Ambon Bay that looks like a gateway, welcoming visitors. It lies between Airlouw and Seri villages, and is a great day trip if you want to get a feel for the natural beauty of Ambon. Gotong Royong Market This traditional market in the harbour area of Ambon is slowly being replaced by the sanitized setting of the newly built Merdeka Market. But you can still head down Jalan Patty in the market and pick up shaped pieces of mother of pearl, ikat cloth from Taimbar and miniature ships cleverly made from wire and cloves. Getting Out Banda Islands This small archipelago has a colourful history at the centre of the “Spice Wars” over nutmeg. Located about 160 kilometres southeast of Ambon, it consists of three larger islands and seven smaller ones, perched on the rim of Indonesia’s deepest sea, the Banda Sea. Near Manuk Island, the water reaches more than 6,500 metres deep. The seas around Banda are home to the famous Maluku sea gardens with their bright corals and colourful fish darting through the crystal-clear waters. The old “perkenier houses,” or what is left of them, and old churches still give a peculiar colonial character to the port town of Banda Neira. Two old forts, Belgica and Nassau, are inside the town limits. Others are found elsewhere on the islands. See also the former Dutch Governor’s mansion, the History Museum in Neira and the huge nutmeg plantation nearby. Seram Island Seram, the largest and among the least known islands in Maluku, hovers over Ambon, Saparua and lots of sea. Many of Ambon’s traditions are said to have originated from Seram, including the division into two sets of customs, patasiwa and patalima, as well as pela alliances between two villages often located far apart. Kei Islands The Kei Islands are made up of numerous little islands that offer a perfect beach setting for doing absolutely nothing. Laze the days away while snorkelling, getting massages on the beach, fishing or going for long walks on the beach. For something a little more adventurous, you can explore caves, visit offshore islands, learn Maluku traditional cooking or take painting classes.
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ne thing you will encounter when setting foot in Papua is the beauty of sea and land. Papua, in eastern Indonesia, offers a paradise not only for divers or trekkers, but also a rare chance to see ancient cultures and tribes found nowhere else on earth. Where to Go Lake Sentani One of the highlights of Papua is Lake Sentani. This volcanic lake lies in the Cyclops Mountains and is fed by the Jaifuri Puay estuary. Lake Sentani offers the incredible scenery of an untouched paradise, nature wild and free, much as it has been for centuries. There are cranes and eagles to be spotted, and of course plenty of fish. The Lake Sentani Festival is held every year in the middle of June as a celebration of all the different tribes and cultures around the lake. Villagers, and tourists, descend on the lake for a festival of dancing, art and more. Among the events is a war dance, with about 600 people showing off the steps on boats in the lake. It is an impressive sight. The three-day festival closes with a cultural parade on boats and on land. Wasur National Park Wasur National Park is a veritable repository of rare plants and animals. It is home to ancient tribes and also features the gorgeous Lake Blue Marsh. Located in Merauke, Wasur National Park is known as the Serengeti of Papua because of its amazing diversity of animal life. It is the largest wetlands in Papua, with about 70 per cent of the vegetation consisting of sabana, swamp forests and monsoon forests. Some of the rare bird species found in the park are Pesquet’s Parrot, Cassowary Gelambir, Red Cendrawasih and the King Cendrawasih. There are also freshwater crocodiles, deer and tree kangaroos, which are smaller than the Australian version and, as their name implies, live in trees.
A new world will be unveiled, with unspoilt natural beauty, Honai thatched houses, men in koteka, carved statues and an amazing adventure in Cendrawasih.
Photos courtesy of Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Industry
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WHERE TO STAY Aston Jayapura Hotel and Convention Centre Jl. Percetakan Negara 50-58, Jayapura Swiss-Belhotel Papua Jl. Pasifik Permai Jayapura Business Centre Jayapura Hotel Le Premiere Papua Jl. Raya Kelapa Dua Entrop No. 18, Jayapura Hotel Matoa Jl. A. Yani No 14, Jayapura Baliem Valley Resort Sekan Village, Baliem Valley, Jayawiiaya Regency
Around September, during the transition from the dry to the rainy season, thousands of birds converge on Lake Blue Marsh, turning it into a riot of sound and colour. At the same time the scene is lit up by the blooming of yellow flowers everywhere. Another wondrous site at the park is the musamus. These are towering structures made by ants from soil, hay and ant saliva. Wasur National Park occupies 413,810 hectares, and is home to four tribes that survive by small-scale farming and hunting. The tribes are the Konume, Narind, Marori and Yei. Baliem Valley Entering Baliem Valley in the Papua highlands is like stepping into a lost world. Nature here is so vibrant and unspoilt, and the valley feels completely cut off from the rest of the world. This isolation does make getting into the valley and exploring it more difficult, with no maps or signs to guide you. So hire a local guide who can be your eyes and ears as you discover a whole new world. Baliem Valley is 1,600 metres above sea level and surrounded by three towering peaks: Mount Puncak Jaya, Mount Trikora and Mount Mandala. The Dani, Yali and Lani tribes live in the valley and continue to follow the traditions and customs of their ancestors. It is a way of life that is very much in touch with the surroundings. Most of the
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WHERE TO EAT Papua is famous for dishes like Papeda, a sago porridge, and grilled Manokwari fish. You can find these and other local dishes at these restaurants: Rumah Makan Dapur Papua Sentani, Jayapura men here wear koteka, or penis gourds, and the women wear sali, dry grass woven into a skirt.
Restoran Bagus Pandang Jl. Raya Bhayangkara II, Jayapura Rumah Makan Salam Manis Wossi, Manokwari
regency in West Papua province, has four main islands: Salawati, Misool, Batanta and Waigeo. Flying over Raja Ampat, you will be dazzled by the blues, greens and silvers of the pristine waters. In some place, like Saondarek village, when the tide is out you can see the coral reefs from the land.
Wamena Rumah Makan Karunia Wamena is the largest town in Baliem Valley, Jl. Trikora, Wossi, Manokwari but don’t expect an urban centre. It’s a good base for exploring nearby villages such as Sugokmo, Yetni, Polimu and Kurima, which When to Go to Papua will require some serious walks up steep hills, along narrow trails and Papua has plenty to offer visitors, including amazing natural beauty, across countless streams on shaky hanging bridges. But the scenery great diving and plenty of culture. If you come in the middle of June, you can catch the annual Lake Sentani Festival, which is a celebration and the encounters with local villagers make the effort worth it. of the art and culture of the local tribes. And check out the traditional handicrafts and enjoy some of the local foods and drinks of Papua. Padaido Islands The Padaido Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, off the eastern coast of Biak Island. They consist of 26 small islands divided into In August Papua holds the Baliem Valley Festival and in September it is Top Padaido and Bottom Padaido. The underwater scenery here is the Raja Ampat Festival. The Raja Ampat Festival features boat races, breathtaking, with coral reefs, a stunning diversity of fish and even an exhibition of traditional boats and the chance to catch fish using a spear or bow and arrow. The Papua Tourism Department usually underwater caves waiting to be explored. organises the Asmat Culture Festival in October and the Perahu Layar Orange Mountains (Jayawijaya) Teluk Tanah Merah Festival in November. Cutting down the centre of West Papua all the way to Papua New Guinea, like the spine of a sleeping giant, the Orange Mountains offer How to Get There the highest peak in Indonesia and one of the few chances to enjoy Garuda Indonesia has direct flights from Jakarta to the capital of snow in the tropics. The mountains are a playground for trekkers and Papua, Jayapura. Other carriers, including Merpati, Batavia Air and climbers, offering unlimited chances at adventure. Lion Air, fly circuitous routes with stops at cities like Denpasar (Bali) and Makassar (South Sulawesi). Or you can take a Pelni boat, which stop in Jayapura and Fakfak. Raja Ampat For diving fans, Raja Ampat is a paradise found. Raja Ampat, in Sorong
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49 Urban Legends and Festivals •There is an urban legend that some street-side barbeque vendors in Rio sell cat meat, “churrasquinho de gato.” •One of the highlights of Carnival is the famous samba school parades. One of the more famous ones is Cordao do Bola Preta, which goes through the centre of the city. In 2011, two million people attended the Carnival celebrations. •Rio inspired the famous song “Garota de Ipaneme,” or “The Girl from Ipanema,” composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim. The song helped define the Bossa Nova style of music that was born in Rio.
connection in Sao Paulo. Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, commonly known as Galeao Airport, is located 20 kilometres from downtown. By Bus All long-distance buses arrive at the Novo Rio Rodoviaria Station, which is close to downtown near the old port. You can catch a taxi from the station or a city bus. By Cruise Ship The terminal for cruise ships is located opposite of Praça Mauá. Downtown is an easy walk, and public transportation is close by. What to See Corcovado No trip to Rio would be complete without visiting the Christ the Redeemer statue, which is perched at the top of the 710-metre granite peak Corcovado. To get to the top visitors have to take the cog-train, which leaves Cosme Velho station every hour. Sit on the right side of the train for the best views.
Unique Rio de Janeiro • The name “Rio de Janeiro” means “River of January.” When the Portuguese arrived in Rio and they saw Guanabara Bay, they thought it was a river and they baptized the place Rio (river) in January. • The second largest city in Brazil lies on the South Atlantic coast and is divided into four areas: Centro (downtown), Zona Oeste (west zone), Zona Norte (north Zone) and Zona Sul (south zone). Zona Sul houses most of the tourist attractions, including Sugarloaf Mountain and the famous beaches. Zona Norte is home to the world-famous Maracana stadium, Zona Oeste holds the famous Rio Barra da Tijuca borough and Centro is home to most of the city’s biggest cultural and historic sites. • The Christ the Redeemer statue took nine years to build, from 1922 to 1931. The statue is made from soapstone and cost $250,000. The monument is the fifth largest statue of Jesus in the world and was opened to the public on 12 October 1931. Other designs for the statue were considered, including a statue of Jesus with a globe in his hand and a representation of the Christian cross. But in the end, the statue of Christ with open arms as a symbol of peace was chosen.
Sugarloaf Mountain This is the place to view the sea, mountains and the city. Board the cable car to reach the top of the mountain. Check out the views of Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, Tijuca forest and the Christ the Redeemer statue. Copacabana Beach Sit at one of the beachfront restaurants to enjoy both the view and a famous Rio cocktail, like a batida or caipirinha. Fall in love with the clear water, smooth sand and fashionable crowd. Ipanema Beach Get a true taste of Rio at this world-famous beach. Stretching almost three kilometres from the granite peaks of the Pedra Dois Irmaos and Ponta Arpoador, Ipanema Beach is the perfect place for sunseekers. On Sundays, there is a market at Praça General Osorio where you can find handicrafts, clothes and Rio souvenirs.
Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s most popular places to visit, especially during its sleepless festival season. With sun, sand and shops, the city always has something new to offer.
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io de Janeiro in Brazil is a city of breathtaking natural beauty, architecture, culture and food. Rio is also home to 23 beaches and the extraordinary Carnival celebration. It was also used to shoot scenes for “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn,” part of the blockbuster Hollywood series about vampires in love. Scenes were shot in Lapa district and Paraty, where the honeymoon between Edward and Bella was shot. Wonders of the World Rio is one of the most spectacular cities on the planet. Get a fantastic view of the city from the Christ the Redeemer statue, which stands guard over Rio and was named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World.” Rio is a teeming city but it is also in touch with its natural
side, with lush mountains all around it and world-famous beaches like the Copacabana and Ipanema. But its best asset is its people and culture. Brazil is a melting pot of races, colours and creeds. They all live harmoniously together, creating the warm and fun vibe the country is famous for. But visitors to Rio should be aware of their surroundings at all time and stay away from the favelas (slums). Travel simply and leave your luxury items at home. Be a smart traveller and Rio will be a trip of a lifetime. Getting There By Plane Most major airlines fly to Rio de Janeiro, sometimes with a stop or
Tijuca National Park The 8,000-acre rainforest includes spectacular views, historical spots, a 115-foot waterfall, a simple chapel and (of course) lots of trees. Tijuca is the biggest urban reserve in the world. Native vegetation like coffee plants and sugarcane dominate the area. Photos courtesy of Lily Suriani
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What to Do Carnival The greatest reason for visiting Rio is to experience Carnival. There are massive parades, floats, dancing, fireworks and music shows as two million people descend on Copacabana Beach for some serious fun.
Eat and Drink The most famous dish in Brazil isfeijoada, a black bean stew filled with sausage, beef and pork. And don’t miss the comida kilo, buffet-style restaurants where you pay by the weight of the food on your plate. Try Fellini restaurant located in Leblon, and then grab some drinks in famous bars like Botequim, which offer various local drinks and samba. Shopping There is some great shopping to be had in Rio, but be ready to bargain. Prices for tourists can be marked up by up to 20 per cent, especially in markets around the beach. Shopping malls can be found all over town. Things to buy in Rio include fashion items, bikinis and sunglasses.
Nightlife Lapa and Centro are famous for their nightlife. You’ll find street parties, open-air bars and clubs playing samba. If you’re in Rio, you have to sample the local nightlife, hang out at the bar, hit the clubs and mix with the locals. Nature Mountains, forest and ocean are ever present in Rio. The city’s buildings combine harmoniously with nature. And the tropical climate is great for outdoor activities like hiking. Getting Around By Metro The metro is the easiest way to get around. The subway covers almost every major area in Rio. Buy a magnetic Where to Stay ticket card at any station, Hotel Fasano de Rio de Janeiro either from a machine or Avenida Vieira Souto 80, Ipanema from a ticket booth. Phone. 32024000 Copacabana Palace Avenida Atlantica 1702 Phone. 2548 7070 Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel Avenida Atlântica, 1500, Copacabana Phone. 2546 8000 Marina All-Suites Avenida Delfim Moreira 696, Leblon Phone.2172 1001 Sofitel Hotel Avenida Atlântica, 4240 Copacabana Phone. 25251232
By Bus Rio’s buses are reliable and will take you to any main street. Figuring out which bus to take is easy, just pay attention to the route number and final destination, which are displayed in big letters on the front of the bus.
51 Where to Eat Boisdale of Bishopsgate Swedeland Ct 202 Bishopsgate EC2M 4NR Phone. +44 20 7283 1763 Email. info@boisdale-city.co.uk Club Gascon 57 West Smithfield EC1A 9DS Phone. +44 20 7796 0600
Getting There By Plane Underground services are connected to all major London airports, as well as Express train services that take you directly to some of the main stations in the centre of London.
Gow’s 81 Old Broad St EC2M 1PR Phone. +44 20 7920 9645 Email. gows@ballsbrothers.co.uk
By Tube •Bank (Central, Northern, Waterloo and City lines and the DLR) and Monument (Circle and District lines) Simpson’s Tavern stations – linked by an 38 Cornhill EC3V 9DR underground walkway. Phone. +62 020 7626 9985 Bank, near the Bank of Email. manager@simpsonstavern.co.uk England, is perhaps the most central to access ----------------------------the City of London. •Old Street (Northern Where to Stay line) – for the north-west Malmaison London, of the City Charterhouse Sq, London •St Paul’s (Central line) – Phone. +44 20 7012 3700 for the west of the City Email. london@malmaison.com •Blackfriars, Mansion House, Cannon Street (closed Sunday), Tower Hill (for Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and Fenchurch Street National Rail station) (all Circle and District lines) and Aldgate (Circle, District and Metropolitan lines) – for the south of the City.
Growing from a little village in ancient times, London is now one of the largest cities in the world. Travelling in Old London, you will not only witness traces of history, you will also experience the goosebumps of discovery.
On foot Once in the City, its small and compact nature means travelling on foot between attractions is possible and advised. You can quite easily get lost and miss out on interesting features if new to the City. The street pattern is particularly chaotic in some parts (being medieval and unplanned) and there are many fun shortcuts and routes that take you away from main roads. Buy and bring a detailed map!
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ondon is a leading global city and one of the world’s largest financial centres. It is home to a diverse range of peoples, cultures and religions, and more than 300 languages are spoken within its boundaries. But for a truly unique experience explore the old quarter of this megapolitan, where history and leisure mix like nowhere else. Legends Live in the City Although modern London grew from this old quarter, the official City did not change in size and the borders of the City of London have barely changed in centuries. The City of London does not include Tower Bridge or the Tower of London; they are in the London borough of Tower Hamlets. Small statues of dragons (sometimes described as griffins) mark the boundary of the City on most roads. At weekends the area can resemble a ghost town, with empty streets, closed shops and cafes. Another thing to note is the high concentration of churches within the Square Mile. Due to the massive decline in population within the City, most are now eerie temples of silence or have been converted into art or creative spaces.
military leaders, and significantly held peace services marking the end of the two world wars. Tower of London Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns, the Tower is today one of the world’s most famous and spectacular fortresses. Discover its 900-year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house. What to Do Climb to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral or The Monument to get excellent views over the financial heart of London. Lord Mayor’s Show Held annually, normally in November, the ceremony celebrates the appointment of the new Lord Mayor of the City of London. It is one of the great annual processions held in all of London.
By Boat An increasingly popular way of travelling through London, by both tourists and residents, is by boat on the Thames itself. The City has two piers from which regular services operate: Blackfriars Millennium Pier (in the west) and Tower Millennium Pier (in Sherlock Holmes (2009 & 2011) the east). The City was ready for its close-up with Getting Around This is a small confined area, and anyone wanting to get the most out of a visit here should walk around. What to See Old Bailey This is the probably the most famous criminal court in the world, and has been London’s principal criminal court for centuries. Photos courtesy of Visit London
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St. Paul’s Cathedral The great domed cathedral of St. Paul’s, designed by Sir Christopher Wren to replace the Gothic medieval cathedral destroyed in 1666 in the Great Fire of London, was built between 1675 and 1710. It’s a significant building in British history, having been the site of the funerals of several British
the filming of the two Sherlock Holmes movies. In the 2009 film “Sherlock Holmes,” the famous detective Holmes is played by Robert Downey Jr. with Jude Law as his faithful sidekick Watson. It is a reinterpretation of the classic tale by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and focuses on Holmes’ more anti-social personality traits as an unkempt eccentric with a brilliant analytical mind and formidable martial abilities, making this a very cynical incarnation of Holmes. Downey won a Golden Globe for his portrayal. Downey and Law returned for the 2011 sequel, “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.”
London Walks Consider going along on one of the many excellent guided tours of the City, often with an evocative theme such as ghosts or Jack the Ripper. London Film Locations Bus Tour The City of London is hugely popular with filmmakers so consider going on a bus tour of famous film locations.
53 Lucia train station on the west side of Venice; make sure you don’t get confused with Venezia Mestre, which is the last stop on the mainland. From the station district, water buses (vaporetti) or water taxis can take you to hotels or other locations on the islands, but walking is usually the best option. By Car Cars arrive on the far western edge of Venice, but remain parked at the entrance to the city (Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto – Europe’s largest car park.) There are no roads past this point – and never were, even before cars. The Tourist (2010) By Boat Ships arrive at the Stazione Marittima, which is at the west end of the main islands. It is served by vaporetti and water taxis.
Venice is one of the most interesting and lovely places in the world.This sanctuary on a lagoon is virtually the same as it was 600 years ago, which adds to the romance and mystery of the city.
What to See Saint Mark’s Basilica is on the Piazza San Marco and is one of the highlights of a visit to Venice. As with most churches in Italy, you must be dressed appropriately to be allowed in; this means no short skirts or bare shoulders. The top of the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica (Campanile di San Marco) offers great views
of Venice and the lagoon. The current tower dates from 1912 and is an exact replica of the previous tower, which collapsed in 1902. Don’t miss Rialto market and Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) on San Polo, the smallest sestieri. The bridge has become one of Venice’s most recognizable icons and has a history that spans more than 800 years. What to Do Vogalonga, the yearly equivalent of a marathon run on water.
“The Tourist” is a 2010 romantic thriller starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp that was shot mostly in Venice. Depp is Frank, an American tourist whose playful dalliance with a stranger leads to a web of intrigue, romance and danger. During an impromptu trip to Europe to mend a broken heart, Frank unexpectedly finds himself in a flirtatious encounter with Elise (Jolie), an extraordinarily beautiful woman who deliberately crosses his path. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Paris and Venice, their whirlwind romance quickly evolves as they find themselves thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse.
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enice has decayed since its heyday and is heavily touristed (there are slightly more tourists than residents), but the romantic charm remains. The city might not seem large but it is divided into six sestieri, or districts, made up of 118 small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea. Best Time to Visit Summer may be the worst time to visit Venice. It’s sometimes very hot and often humid, the canals usually smell, there are mosquitoes and occasional infestations of flies, and there are more tourists than usual. Spring and fall are probably best, a compromise between temperature and the tourist load. Between November and January, you may manage to feel you have Venice all to yourself, an interesting and quiet experience.
Where to Stay Venice Ca’ del Pozzo Venice Phone. +39 041 2413 875 Ca’ delle Acque Venice Phone. +39 041 2411 277 Ca’Dor Venice Phone. +39 392 3906 152 Faronhof Venice Phone. +39 041 4283 63
Do you want to get a little wet during your holiday? Make sure when the acqua alta (high water) is coming, a fact of life in Venice. The lagoon water level occasionally rises above the level of the squares and streets, flooding them.
Getting There By Plane The closest commercial airport is Marco Polo Airport, on the mainland near Mestre (a more typical Italian city, without Venice’s unique structure). There is a city bus and a shuttle bus from Marco Polo to Piazzale Roma, a square in Venice that is the main gateway for land transportation.
Treviso Airport, 25 kilometres from Venice, is relatively smaller but becoming increasingly busy as the main destination for Ryanair, Wizzair and Transavia budget flights. By Train Trains from the mainland run through Mestre to the Venezia Santa
Photos courtesy of Alka Ilyasa
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Regata Storica (historic fleet event) is held on the first Sunday of every September. Celebrating a historic event from 1489, the regatta features almost a hundred varieties of Venetian boats from the city’s rich past. Getting Around Venice, the world’s only pedestrian city, is easily walkable, and the absence of cars makes this a particularly pleasant experience. If you want to get around a bit more quickly, there are numerous vaporetti and water taxis. The vaporetti are generally the best way to get around, even if the service route map changes frequently.
55 Mission:Impossible: Ghost Protocol (2011) Secret agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) accepts an impossible mission for the fourth time with his new trio of likable operatives: beautiful, resourceful Paula Patton; computer wizard Simon Pegg; and constantly fretting analyst Jeremy Renner. With an ultra-violent pre-credit sequence in Budapest and a brief, sentimental coda in Seattle, the picture moves from an ingenious jail break in Moscow to Dubai and thence to Mumbai, and there are chases and shoot-outs as Hunt’s team use their state-of-the-art equipment and considerable ingenuity to survive. Two sequences are breathtaking. The first is an explosion that blows up half of the Kremlin. The second sees Cruise clinging to the plate-glass and stainless steel surface of the 130th floor of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa tower, the world’s tallest building, with only a pair of adhesive gloves to stop him falling. The movie manages the escalations from the preposterous through the more preposterous to the most preposterous with skill and wit, but there isn’t much time for developing complex relationships when you’re constantly accepting missions to save the world.
ubai is a sovereign state and part of the United Arab Emirates. It is south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory of the seven emirates, after Abu Dhabi.
Beach area of Dubai, 15 kilometres from the city centre and 25 kilometres from Dubai International Airport. It is well served by taxis and has its own fleet of 10 chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royces. The Burj Al Arab is the world’s tallest hotel at 321 meters, and is known as the world’s only seven-star hotel. You might have seen it in the latest “Mission: Impossible” movie; it’s the hotel Tom Cruise was hanging off the side of.
Dubai is essentially a desert city with superb infrastructure, liberal policies (by regional standards) and is famous for its excellent tourist amenities. Just five hours from Europe and three hours from most parts of the Middle East, the Near East and the Indian subcontinent, Dubai makes a great short getaway for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining, sporting events and even a few sinful pleasures. It is a city of superlatives: for the fastest, biggest, tallest, largest and highest, Dubai is the destination.
Bastakia The old Bastakia quarter, with its narrow lanes and historic buildings, was built in the late 19th century and provides an insight into old Dubai. Located near Al Fahidi Fort, Bastakia is home to the largest concentration of traditional courtyard houses with wind towers. These distinctive wind towers were not merely decorative but were the only means of cooling houses in the days before air-conditioning, and worked by drawing wind into the house from all directions to create movement.
Dubai offers glam, beauty, glitz, and sophistication, making for a fascinating getaway.
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Once you land in Dubai, you could be forgiven for thinking you are not in an Arab country. You might think that you are in India or the Philippines. Since the oil boom, Dubai has attracted thousands of migrants from all over the world, notably from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and the Philippines, who come in search of jobs. All these migrants have made their mark on the emirate: Indian restaurants and Pakistani bakeshops are everywhere, and Filipino supermarkets continue to pop up. After them the Europeans, mostly British and French, and Sri Lankans, form the next largest communities. Chinese and Indonesian migrants are on the rise.
What to See Dubai Fountain At 270 metres in length and sporting a jet that shoots water up to 150 metres into the air, or as high as a 50-story building, this is no ordinary fountain. Designed by the creators of the Bellagio Where to Stay Fountain in Las Vegas, the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Dubai Fountain is the world’s Crescent Road (West) Uni Emirat Arab largest dancing fountain. The www.jumeirah.com show starts every evening at the 30-acre manmade Burj Burj Al Arab Khalifa Lake. The easiest PO Box 74147, Dubai, UAE way to get to the fountain www.jumeirah.com is through Dubai Mall. Shows take place every 30 Banyan Tree Al Wadi minutes from 6pm to 10pm Al Mazraa, Ras Al Khaimah, on weekdays and from 6pm United Arab Emirates to 11pm on weekends. It is www.banyanrtee.com the world’s largest dancing fountain with classical, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa Arabic and world music, and Endurance Village Dubai about 1.5 million lumens of Uni Emirat Arab projected light. www.meydanhotels.com Burj Al Arab Atlantis The Palm Dubai The Burj Al Arab hotel is Crescent Road, The Palm Island, located in the Jumeirah Dubai, UAE www.atlantisthepalm.com
Photos courtesy of Bab Al Shams Deset Resort and Spa
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Dubai Creekside Park This beautiful park lies along the west shore of Dubai Creek and is a green paradise in a bustling city. Spread over 96 hectares, there is a lot to do here for the entire family, with an array of facilities for adults and children. Global Village The Global Village, located in Dubailand, is a unique international destination for tourism, entertainment, leisure and culture. It was started in 1996 as a small site alongside Dubai Creek with kiosks selling products from various countries and moved to a permanent location in Dubailand in 2005. It brings together diverse customs
and cultures covering a broad spectrum of activities including music, dance, arts and handicrafts, theatre, costumes and different cuisines. Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) is based in the Bastakia quarter and was established with the aim of removing the barriers between people of different nationalities and to raise awareness of the local culture, its traditions and customs, and Islam among foreign residents and visitors. Jumeirah Mosque Tours Jumeirah Mosque is the only mosque in the UAE open to nonMuslims. Visitors must be accompanied by an SMCCU guide. Tours are every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at 10am. No booking necessary, but appropriate conservative dress is required. WhERE TO EAT Cultural Breakfast Experience a traditional homemade UAE breakfast in the SMCCU’s centre, a typical wind-tower house in the Bastakia quarter. The breakfasts are held on Mondays at 10am. Bookings required. Cultural Lunch Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of local dishes with an explanation of the region’s traditions and culture. Every Sunday at 1pm. Bookings required.
57 in Margao, from which there are several useful daily services to Mumbai. By Plane To get to Goa by air, you may be flying into Mumbai airport (Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport) and taking an onward domestic connection. Otherwise, you will be flying into Goa’s Dabolim International Airport. By Boat One of the joys of travelling around Goa is joining locals on flat-bottomed ferries that cross the state’s many rivers. What to See Basilica of Bom Jesus The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous throughout the Roman Catholic world. It contains the tomb and mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier who, in 1541, was given the task of spreading Christianity among the subjects of the Portuguese colonies in the East.
The Bourne Supremacy (2004) Director Paul Greengrass’ 2004 sequel to “The Bourne Identity” finds superspy Jason Bourne, played by Hollywood A-lister Matt Damon, and girlfriend Marie Kreutz (Franka Potente) living incognito in the beach paradise of Goa. Bourne’s hideaway is on the isolated Palolem Beach, about three kilometres from the Canacona railway station in southern Goa. The market town, though, is not so close as it appears. It’s the Goan capital, Panaji, way in the north of Goa, where hired killer Kirill (Karl Urban) tries to trace Bourne at the “telegraph office”: the Communidade Building on Church Square. He chases Bourne’s Suzuki Gypsy through the old Fontainhas Heritage Precinct and Candolim, before it plunges off Nerul Bridge into the Nerul River.
Polem Beach Goa’s southernmost beach, ranged along a beautiful small bay, is seldom visited but makes a fine spot for a seaside stroll or a picnic on the deserted sands, with a beautiful view of a cluster of rocky islands out towards the horizon. Tourist development hasn’t yet made it as far as Polem. Cabo da Rama Fort A fort, named after the god Rama of the Hindu Ramayana epic fame, has occupied this bluff guarding the mouth of the Sal River for centuries, and came into Portuguese possession in 1763. Chapel of St. Sebastian Aside from its general old-world charms, Fontainhas, the old Latin Quarter of Panaji, is notable for being home to the delightful Chapel of St. Sebastian, built in 1818. This small whitewashed church at the end of a lovely lane contains one of only a few relics remaining as testament to the Goan Inquisition, which terrorised the state’s population for more than two centuries.
Nirvana for dropouts, flower children and New Age travellers since the late 1960s, Goa, in west India, peaked as a hippie haven in the ’70s, when Anjuna Beach became a rocking venue for party demons and naturalists who would sell their last piece of clothing at the local flea market for just enough cash to buy more dope and extend their stay.
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or many, Goa still conjures up images of all-night parties and tripping, naked hippies sauntering along sun-soaked beaches. But there is more to this tiny western state than sea and sand, dropouts and hedonists. Goa’s history alone has ensured that its persona, a rich amalgam of Portuguese and Indian influences, is unlike any other in India.
are held in the main towns.
Festivals & Events Goa’s Christian heritage is reflected in the number of feast days and festivals that follow the religious calendar. Panaji (Panjim), Goa’s state capital, in particular, has a bumper crop of festivals.
Getting There By Bus India has a comprehensive and extensive public bus system, but most state-run vehicles are decrepit and overcrowded. From neighbouring states you’ll find frequent bus services into Goa – it’s just a matter of turning up at the bus station and checking timetables or jumping on the next available bus.
Feast of Three Kings (6 January; Chandor) At churches local boys re-enact the story of the three kings bearing gifts for Christ. Shigmotsav (Shigmo) of Holi (February/March; statewide) This is Goa’s version of the Hindu spring festival Holi. Coloured water and powders are thrown around at everyone and anyone and parades
Palacio do Deao About eight kilometres southeast of the village of Chandor, in the busy small town of Quepem, stands Palacio do Deao. This was once the home of the town’s founder himself, and sits on the banks of the small Kushavati River, a tributary of the Pareda River.
Sabado Gordo (Fat Saturday; February/March; Panaji) Part of the statewide Carnival, this festival is held on the Saturday before Lent. It’s celebrated by a procession of floats and raucous street partying.
By Train The Konkan Railway (www.konkanrailway.com), the main train line running through Goa, connects Goa with Mumbai to the north, and with Mangalore to the south. Its main train station in Goa is Madgaon
Photos courtesy of Department of Tourism Goa
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What to Do Anjuna Flea Market Without doubt the most important date in the Anjuna diary, market day sees scores of local and expat vendors descending on the market site at the far south of the beach, to haggle the day away over clothing, jewellery, souvenirs and a good deal, these days, of usual tourist tat. Barracuda Diving The closest beach to Panaji is at Miramar, three kilometres southwest of the city along Dayanand Bandodkar Marg. It’s far from the cream of Goa’s beaches but is a pleasant enough place for a sunset stroll and a good place to aim for on a short bike ride out the city. On the way you’ll pass the Goa Marriot Resort, where you’ll also find Barracuda Diving, one of the state’s most professional diving operations.
Interesting Facts •Cambodians greet people by placing their palms together as in prayer while bowing slightly and saying “chum reap suor”; saying goodbye is “chum reap lear.” It is called sampeah, or showing respect in English. •Cambodians will eat anything with four legs, including grasshoppers, meaty tarantulas and other unidentified flying objects. •For Cambodians, a krama, a kind of scarf or bandanna, is no mere fashion item. It protects them from the sun, is a hammock for infants, doubles as a tool for climbing trees and comes in handy as a towel. •Wedding ceremonies in Cambodia can run for three days or even a week. That includes a cleansing ceremony, where the couple needs to undergo a process of cutting their hair, shaving the groom and covering themselves in perfume. Then the families and friends of the bride and groom will come forward to tie ribbons on the couple’s wrists as a sign of good wishes. •The Water Festival is the largest festival on the Cambodian calendar and plenty of fun to attend. The threeday festival in Phnom Penh marks the end of the rainy season, the start of the fishing season, and also means the changing direction of Lake Tonle Sap. Villagers throughout the country will spend almost a full year preparing their boats for the competition. At night, fireworks light up the sky and people dance in the streets.
Over the last few years, Cambodia has become an increasingly hot tourist destination. It still has that fun unexplored vibe, but offers the kind of conveniences that travellers love, including visas that can be taken care of online, public buses that go everywhere and plenty of hotels for any budget.
5 Top Temples in Angkor Wat Angkor Wat is a powerful symbol and the pride of Cambodia. Construction on the temples was started by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century for religious purposes.These are the five most famous temples in the complex: .Angkor Wat. Built by Suryavarman II, this temple is considered the biggest pyramid in Asia. Sixty-five metres high, Angkor Wat is divided into several layers, with each layer decorated with detailed bas-relief carvings of the history of the Khmer. Reliefs of Apsara (heavenly nymphs) are well preserved, adding to the beauty of Angkor Wat. .Ta Prohm. Hollywood visited this temple for the “Tomb Raider” movie. Still covered by jungle, Ta Phrom is in the process of being renovated. The way the ancient trees have “swallowed up” the temple is a reminder that nature can take back what is hers. .Bayon (Angkor Thom). Built by King Jayavarman VII, this temple stands out with its 37 standing towers and massive stone faces carved into the towers. It looks best in the morning just after sunrise or in the late afternoon as the setting sun shines on the faces. .Ta Keo. Known as the mountain with golden peaks, Ta Keo is dedicated to Shiva, the supreme God in Hinduism. It has five towers and is known as a symbolic depiction of Mount Meru. The main area is the final pyramid, which stands 14 metres tall. .Phnom Bakheng (Bakheng Hill). This is the most famous sunset location in the complex, offering a magnificent scenic view of Angkor Wat and Lake Tonle Sap. To reach Bakheng, you can either scramble up the hill or take an elephant ride, which will cost you about $10.
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ambodia is of course famous for its temples, and no temples are more famous than the Angkor Wat complex. That is, after all, where Hollywood superstar Angelina Jolie got into some serious adventure in “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.”
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By Bus If you’re on a budget, it is cheaper to fly to Phnom Penh and then take the bus to Siem Reap. It is about a six-hour bus ride to the famous temple city. When you arrive at the bus station, you can get to your hotel by tuk-tuk, motorized rickshaws, which cost about $8 for a medium-length trip.
You don’t have to be a professional adventurer to tackle Cambodia, but the country can be a challenge, so you might want to tap your inner Lara Croft.
If you are travelling from Laos, you can take a minibus across the border to Dom Kralor and then continue your journey by bus to Phnom Penh.
Full of Adventure Cambodia offers ancient temples, unspoilt nature and local culture still very much rooted in ancient traditions. It is a country with a rich and often painful history.
It is relatively simple to get to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh from Bangkok by bus. Take a standard bus from the Mochit Northern bus terminal in Bangkok (near the Mochit BTS Skytrain and Chatuchak MRT subway station) to get to Aranyaprathet. The trip takes about five hours. Continue the journey by tuk-tuk to the border (cost around 100 baht).
For most people, Cambodia is Angkor Wat, but the country is more than just temples. Like an onion to be peeled slowly, Cambodia has layer upon layer of charms, such as its chic capital,Phnom Penh, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, Lake Tonle Sap, and the little-known Sihanoukville Beach.
Photos courtesy of Lily Suriani
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Getting There By Plane There are two international airports in Cambodia, Phnom Penh International Airport and Siem Reap International Airport. Phnom Penh has direct flights from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong and Guangzhou. There are also direct flights between Bangkok and Siem Reap. A small note, when leaving Cambodia by air, there is a $25 departure tax for foreigners.
From Vietnam, you can take the bus from Ho Chi Minh City (bus tickets are available in Pham Ngu Lao). It takes six hours to go to Phnom Penh and another six hours to Siem Reap. Visa on arrival is available any border crossing in Cambodia. By Boat From Laos, take a boat from Voeung Kam to Stung Treng in Cambodia, crossing at Koh Chheuteal Thom. There is a daily boat between Chau Doc in Vietnam and the town of Neak Loeung to Phnom Penh. Getting Around You can get around Cambodia by car or motorcycle. Rental cars are available at big hotels or through travel agents. Hiring a car with a
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60 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum This former school turned detention centre witnessed the torture and murder of more than 15,000 Cambodians during the bloody reigns of the Khmer Rouge. Now it houses exhibits, paintings and photographs of many of the people who were killed there. Visitors can see the crude cells built in the classrooms and the torture tools used to extract phony confessions. It’s not a comfortable place to visit, but it is important to understand Cambodia’s horrific past. Lake Tonle Sap Do a morning boat trip and cruise across Southeast Asia’s largest natural freshwater lake. Lake Tonle Sap is a fantastic opportunity to experience floating villages and the local lifestyle. The lake is unique as twice a year, its flow changes direction. During the dry season (November to May), Tonle Sap drains into the Mekong River at Phnom Penh. While in June, it backs up to form a gigantic lake.
By Motorcycle taxi This is a good option for exploring cities. Most trips around town will cost less than a dollar. By Cyclo Pretty much the same rates as a motorcycle taxi, cyclos are slower but take a lot of stress out of getting from place to place.
By Tuk-tuk You can hire a tuk-tuk to explore the temples in Angkor Wat. It will cost about $15 for a full day. By Bus Tickets can be bought through most hotels or travel agents. Sorya Transportation and GST Express are the two main bus companies and can get you to all the major towns in Cambodia. There are a few night buses with long seatsso you can sleep through the journey. What to See Angkor Wat The temples of Angkor Wat were created by the Khmer kings over almost four centuries, and were rediscovered by a Frenchman about 150 years ago after they had been swallowed up by the jungle. The temple complex has been listed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site and is Cambodia’s main tourist attraction. Sihanoukville Beach White sand and warm water are not all that this beach offers. It’s a great tropical getaway with snorkelling, scuba diving, great seafood and a laid-back vibe for the ultimate escape.
What to Do Watch a traditional dance Travelling to Cambodia would not be complete without catching an Apsara performance. This is a classical Khmer dance that is also known as the Khmer royal ballet. Apsara involves elaborate costumes, amazing postures and slow flowing movements. It tells the stories behind the Ramayana and the Age of Angkor. You can see an Apsara performance at Amazon Angkor Restaurant or Angkor Village Hotel. Performances last about 45 minutes to an hour. Enjoy the sunset Have your sunset moment at Phnom Bakheng Hill. This hill, which rises to about 65 metres, is the site of the first Hindu temple rediscovered in Angkor city. Dedicated to Shiva, the temple was built at the end of the ninth century, during the reign of King Yasovarman. You can take an elephant to the top for about $10. All the effort is worth it when you see the sun go down over the western Baray while the five towers of Angkor Wat slowly disappear in the forest to the east.
Puri Wulandari is heaven on earth, with its celebration of culture, nature and the most unbelievable pampering in Bali.
Dolphin spotting Kratie is the best place to see the Irrawaddy dolphins. Local people believe there may be as few as 75 Irrawaddy dolphins left in the Mekong between Kratie and the Lao border near Don Khone. The best time for viewing is in the early morning and late afternoon when the dolphins are most active. Dolphin tours can be booked through Cambodian Rural Development Tours. Get on the bamboo train Located on the east bank of the Sangker River 3.7 kilometres south of Battambang’s Old Stone Bridge, the train runs southeast to O Sra Lav. Known in Khmer as a norry, the bamboo train is one of the world’s all-time classic rail journeys. Sadly, the $8 trains will soon be banned if the rail line to Phnom Penh is renovated.
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ucked away in a lush green corner of the Island of the Gods is a heaven on earth in the heart of mystical Ubud, called Puri Wulandari Boutique Resort & Spa. This secluded paradise, surrounded by dazzling green paddy fields and the deep blue Bali sky, offers the ultimate in comfort and tranquillity. Puri Wulandari Boutique Resort & Spa is a refuge, an escape from the frenzied outside world.
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Take an elephant ride Do as Khmer royalty did centuries ago by straddling an elephant for a memorable sunset journey. The service is available at the Angkor temples, or in Cambodia’s wild east of Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri.
Puri Wulandari Resort & Spa Kedewatan Village, Ubud Bali – Indonesia Phone. +62 361 980252 www.puriwulandari.com Photos courtesy of Puri Wulandari Resort & Spa
driver will cost between $20 and $30 a day. Another way to get around is by motorcycle or, if you are feeling particularly active, bicycle.
Where to Stay Hotel De La Paix Sivutha Boulevard, Siem Reap Phone. +855 6396 6000 Naga World Hotel & Entertainment Complex Naga World, Hun Sen Park 12207, Riverfront, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Phone. +855 2322 8822 Sokha Beach Resort Street 2 Thnou, Sangkat 4, Mittapheap District, Pantai Sokha, Sihanoukville Phone. +855 3493 5999 White Mansion Boutique Hotel Street 240, No. 26, Phnom Penh, Phone. +855 2355 50955 Bambu Battambang Hotel Ko Street Romcheak 5, Sangkat Rottanak, Battambang 5 Phone. +855 5395 3900
Phnom Penh One of the big tourist attractions in the city is the Royal Palace, the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni, which was built in 1886. Check out the Silver Pagoda (the pagoda’s floor is covered with more than 5,000 silver tiles). Remember to dress appropriately (no bare legs or shoulders) or you will need to rent a sarong and T-shirt for $1.
Puri Wulandari is a unique new boutique hotel and spa that is one of the finest properties in Ubud. A spacious open lobby welcomes you to the accompaniment of traditional gamelan music and a smile from every staff member you meet. Puri Wulandari was designed with traditional Balinese spirit, offering a level of comfort and privacy unsurpassed on the island. There are 35 individual villas, with each villa equipped with furniture and artefacts carefully chosen to create an exotic and intimate atmosphere that captures the feeling of true tropical luxury. Puri Wulandari also provides a private swimming pool and personal butler service that is available 24 hours a day. Fill your days by indulging in spa treatments. Puri Wulandari offers a complete wellness centre with gymnasium, hair and beauty salon, and two treatment rooms with massage beds, plunge bath and sauna. For your culinary adventure, Janger Restaurant offers contemporary international cuisine for dinner. For breakfast, lunch and afternoon meals, Legong Terrace specialises in Italian cuisine. And the Barong Cocktail Bar, with its selection of wines, spirits and cocktails, is ideal for an early evening aperitif.
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63 formations and magnificent waterfalls or explore the inland waterways. Not to be missed is the Bungle Bungle Range in the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, and Lake Argyle. Broome: Let Yourself Go Near Broome, on the west Kimberley coast, dinosaur footprints preserved in rock take you back to the dawn of time. Or simply relax on the timeless stretch of glimmering white sand called Cable Beach.
Where to Stay Hotel Kununurra 37 Messmate Way, Kununurra WA 6743 Phone. +61 08 9168 0400
palette and unique landscape came alive on the big screen like never before. Experience the Kimberley, the real star of Australia, and create an epic adventure of your own.
Mackerel Islands – Club Thevenard Village Thevenard Island, Onslow WA 6710 Phone. +61 08 9184 6444
Getting There Travelling to Western Australia is easy with access via land, sea and air.
The Pearle of Cable Beach 14 Millington Road, Cable Beach WA 6726 Phone. +61 08 9194 0900 Oaks Cable Beach Resort 1 Lullfitz Drive, Cable Beach WA 6726 Phone. +61 08 9192 8088
Pearling heritage runs through Broome’s veins. Be thrilled by stories of the first deep-sea pearl divers, explore pearl farms showcasing the modern industry or indulge in the opportunity to buy locally made pearl jewellery. Bush Adventure in Beautiful National Parks A little farther south is the Pilbara – famous for its rich red earth and the rocky landscape of Karijini National Park. Tours into the park from coastal towns can be day trips or camping expeditions. This is hiking at its best, punctuated by the occasional cooling swim in lush waterholes refreshed by waterfalls.
The state’s capital, Perth, is Australia’s western gateway. Perth Airport is the international and regional gateway to Western Australia, and is located only 12 kilometres from the heart of the capital. One of the most exciting ways to get to Western Australia is by rail. Perth is the western terminus for the legendary Indian Pacific rail service operated by Great Southern Rail, which spans the entire continent from sea to sea. The three-day trip is one of the world’s great train journeys, and visitors can board the train in Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide and travel across the country. During summer (November to February in the Southern Hemisphere), Perth, Broome, Geraldton, Exmouth, Bunbury and Albany feature on world cruise itineraries as part of Australian coastal cruise packages.
Farther inland along less-travelled roads is Ruddall River National Park. Here’s the spot for four-wheel drive bush adventure – camping under the stars, trailing through untouched landscapes and soaking up the outback experience. Throughout the Region If fishing is your thing, take your pick from some of the best barramundi fishing spots in Australia located in the northern coastal areas, or head out on a boat to the pristine Dampier Archipelago off the Pilbara coast.
For an extraordinary holiday, you need to go to an extraordinary destination, and Australia should be top of your list. If you’re looking to step into a world of aweinspiring beauty and discover experiences found nowhere else on earth, you’ve come to the right place.
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ustralia’s North West is one of the world’s last true wilderness areas and home to the Kimberley – the inspiration for “Australia” the movie. The seaside town of Broome forms the southern gateway to this spectacular region and offers up breathtaking Cable Beach – a 22-kilometre stretch of soft white sand and warm turquoise waters. From Broome, venture into red-earth country and experience an authentic Aussie outback adventure by four-wheel drive, take a scenic flight over extraordinary rock formations and magnificent waterfalls or cruise through the inland waterways that permeate the region. Highlights of Australia’s North West include the Bungle Bungle Range, the rocky landscapes of Karijini National Park, the many ancient gorges featured along the Gibb River Road and Lake Argyle – a mass
of water large enough to be classified as an inland sea.
Tourism Western Australia spent $1 million on a campaign linked with the release of the movie “Australia” in the United States, Canada, Japan, Europe and South Korea that tied in with an international Tourism Australia plan. Federal Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson said, “This movie will potentially be seen by tens of millions of people, and it will bring life to little-known aspects of Australia’s extraordinary natural environment, history and indigenous culture.”
Must See and Do The Call of the Wild Australia’s North West offers up true wilderness adventures that can be found nowhere else on earth. This is one of the few remaining places where you can experience the authentic Aussie outback. Try a four-wheel drive adventure, take a scenic flight over the region’s extraordinary rock
The North West region is rich in pioneer history and Australian Aboriginal culture. Dampier boasts the highest density of rock art in the world, and there are pockets throughout the Kimberley. Look out for Aboriginal art galleries for more modern works.
Photos courtesy of Australia Tourism Board
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Mining is big business in this region. Visit some of the world’s largest open-cut mines and watch in wonder as the world’s longest trains hurtle past. ‘Australia’ the Movie Australia’s North West was one of the stars of director Baz Luhrmann’s epic adventure ‘Australia.’ The Kimberley’s rich colour
Australia (2008) Director Baz Luhrmann cast Hugh Jackman to replace Russell Crowe as the male lead in his much-publicized epic film “Australia,” which co-starred Nicole Kidman. The film was a character story, set between 1939 and 1942 against a dramatised backdrop of events across northern Australia at the time, such as the bombing of Darwin during World War II. Production took place in Sydney, Darwin, Kununurra and Bowen. Set in northern Australia, an English aristocrat who inherits a sprawling ranch reluctantly teams up with a stockman in order to protect her new property from a takeover plot. As the pair drive 2,000 head of cattle over unforgiving landscape, they experience the bombing of Darwin by Japanese forces firsthand.
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ew Zealand is a country of stunning and diverse natural beauty, from jagged mountains, steep fjords and pristine lakes, to raging rivers, scenic beaches and active volcanoes. The islands are amongst the richest on earth with their diversity of flora and fauna, including unique animals like the flightless kiwi, the national symbol.
New Zealand is known in the native Maori language as Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud.
What to Do Explore the Southern Lakes of New Zealand, home to Middle Earth. Spend time in the land that J.R.R. Tolkien wrote about but never saw. An enormous amount of the trilogy’s outdoor scenes were shot in this area and rumour has it that “The Hobbit” may also be filmed here.
The country is sparsely populated but easily accessible. New Gondor (Twizel), Zealand has modern visitor facilities and developed transportation Lord of the Rings Tour. networks. It often adds an adventure twist to nature, and is the This 1.5-hour tour departing from Twizel takes you to the very home of such thrilling pursuits as jetboating through shallow place King Théoden gives gorges and bungee jumping off anything high enough to give his speech to the Rohirrim, Tour highlights include: a thrill. before they charge into •Absolutely spectacular scenery battle. •A great lunch Behind the Scenes •Half a day travelling by helicopter New Zealand is known as Middle Earth, in honour of “The Lord Lord of the Rings and half a day by comfortable touring of the Rings” trilogy. New Zealand-born director Peter Jackson Edoras Tour. vehicle filmed all three films, based on the books by J.R.R Tolkien, in Full-day 4WD adventure, •Handle and photograph NZ$15,000 locations around the country. starting from Christchurch. worth of weapons and costume items This amazing day includes from the trilogy The Academy Award-winning films (four Oscars for “The 4WD access onto Mount •Travel in small groups Fellowship of the Ring,” two for “The Two Towers” and 11 Sunday/Edoras itself. •Guides who are incredibly for “The Return of the King,” including for Best Film and Best knowledgeable about LOTR and the Director) showcased the skills of the cast and crew. One of the The Quest scenery you travel and fly through big winners, however, was New Zealand. It took two years to This is THE most •Glaciers, snow-clad mountain tops film the trilogy but millions of years to build the sets. comprehensive “Lord of the and river valleys Rings” day tour available! •A collection of “top secret” items from Regions This tour combines the very the making of the movies New Zealand is a very diverse country with many regions that are best of both the Trails of •Lots and lots of stories from the worth seeing, but it’s easiest to break New Zealand down according Middle Earth and Gwahir’s making of the movies. to its two main islands and the smaller offshore islands. Patrol. Your senses will be overwhelmed by the Lord of the Tours North Island stunning beauty of the •www.tourism.net.nz/ Mild, with scenery ranging from sandy beaches, through rolling Southern Alps of New lord-of-the-rings.html farmland and forests to active volcanic peaks with bubbling Zealand and the intensity •www.lordoftheringstours.co.nz/ mud pools. of the “Lord of the Rings” •www.wellingtonrover.co.nz/ experience will ensure you rover_rings_tour.htm South Island talk about this day for years •www.hobbitontours.com Spectacular mountains and fjords, large beech forests, beautiful to come. •www.doc.govt.nz/ beaches, large glaciers and a motorcycle mecca. parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/ lord-of-the-rings-locations Offshore Islands (Stewart Island, Chatham Islands, Sub-Antarctic Islands) The other, wilder islands of New Zealand, ranging from the nearby and accessible Stewart Island to the remote windswept SubAntarctic Islands and the distant uninhabited Kermadec Islands.
The Lord of the Rings “The Lord of the Rings” is an epic film trilogy consisting of three fantasy adventure films based on the threevolume book of the same name by English author J. R. R. Tolkien. The films are “The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001), “The Two Towers” (2002) and “The Return of the King” (2003). The films were directed by Peter Jackson and distributed by New Line Cinema. Considered to be one of the biggest and most ambitious movie projects ever undertaken, with an overall budget of $285 million, the entire project took eight years, with the filming for all three films done simultaneously and entirely in Jackson’s native New Zealand. While the films follow the book’s general storyline, they do omit some of the plot elements from the novel and include some additions to and other deviations from the source material.
Where to Go “The Lord of the Rings” was filmed over 274 days, using 350 purposebuilt sets in more than 150 locations all over New Zealand (including 30 Department of Conservation sites). The use of conservation sites and national parks meant Jackson had to employ a specialist lawyer to gain consent to film in protected areas.
Photos courtesy of New Zealand Tourism Board
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The popularity of “The Lord of the Rings” has seen New Zealand tourism companies offer a wide range of tours that cover locations seen in the movies and general sightseeing or adventure activities. For Tolkien fans and those with just a mild interest, these tours vary in length with many personalised “Lord of the Rings” options available. The Department of Conservation also provides detailed information on “Lord of the Rings” locations in New Zealand, including GPS coordinates, links to Google maps, access roads, scene references and information about the DOC parks and reserves where filming took place.
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Where to Stay Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh Gardens Bay PO Box 58 South Sinai Sharm el Sheikh Phone.+20 69 360 1234 Maritim Jolie Ville Golf & Resort Sharm el Sheikh Phone. +202 269 014 65
Travel back in time and experience the oldest destination on earth – a land that gave birth to the most impressive ancient civilizations known to man. Encounter the mystery of the painted Valley of the Kings, the Great Pyramids, Pharaohs and Sphinx. Grab a camel or jeep and embark on a desert journey, trailing sand dunes to lush oases. Experience the colour and chaos of Cairo’s wild bazaars filled with exotic sounds and scents. Uncover the ancient secrets of Egypt and say hello to King Tut while you’re there.
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xplore Egypt with an expert Egyptologist guide, enjoy a traditional Nubian dinner in a local family home, on-site lectures on Egyptian culture, ancient history and archaeology, taste popular, traditional foods in local restaurants As you cross the sands into the shadow of the Sphinx, you’re reminded that Egypt is perfect for those that delight in mysteries. Feel the thrill of discovery as you pursue treasures through the halls of the Egyptian Museum and gems of a different sort in the Khan El Khalili Bazaar. In Abu Simbel, witness the glory of Ramses II and the modern engineering that saved it from ruin. Then, for a real taste of Egyptian culture, visit a Nubian village and share a traditional dinner with a local family. Embrace your inner archaeologist and discover the Land of the Pharaohs. Let’s go! WHAT to Do Shalakarn’s boutique This large store sells pretty much everything you could ever hope to
Mara House Salah Al Din Al Ayoubi Luxor Phone. +201 075 71855
buy! It doesn’t look so big from the outside, but once inside you get lost easily. Jo Jo Hut, Alexandria This is a one and only store, not a chain, and has been around for about a decade. It is famous among locals, especially for its mango shakes and pineapple smoothies, and nipping into Jo Jo’s is a great way to take a break from basking in the sun to get some muchneeded refreshment. The shop is air-conditioned and drinks are very reasonably priced.
ALPA Apartment El Shomos Kahled Ibn al Walid St. Luxor Phone. +201 005 688 439
Understand Egypt Schistosomiasis In order to avoid contracting the rightly dreaded schistosomiasis parasite (also known as bilharzia or snail fever), a flatworm that burrows through the skin, do not swim in the Nile or venture into any other Egyptian waterways, even if the locals are doing so. It is also a good idea not to walk in bare feet on freshly watered lawns. Baksheesh Keep in mind that most Egyptian workers expect tips after performing a service, known as baksheesh. This can be expected for something as little as pressing the button in the elevator. Many workers will even ask you to tip them before you get a chance. The typical tip for minor services is 50 piastrepts to 1 Egyptian pound. Due to the general shortage of small change, you may be forced to give 5 pounds to do simple things like use the bathroom. Just understand that this is part of the culture; the value of the baksheesh is very small to most Westerners (10 to 25 US cents) but makes up a good portion of monthly income for many Egyptians. Asalamualaikum and Walaikumasalam One sign of respect is to use the Arabic greeting “Asalamualaikum,” which means “hello, peace be upon you.” And the reply should be, “Walaikumasalam” (“peace be upon you”). That lets the person know you want respect, and nothing else.
Mena House Oberoi Pyramids Rd. Giza Phone. +20 2 383 3222
Where to Go Cairo Cairo is the bustling capital of Egypt and unforgettable to anybody who has ever visited it. It is an intoxicating mix of old and new, with the ancient ruins and pyramids located just outside the city and visible from the city itself. Local markets are great fun to visit and bargaining is expected. Nightlife in Cairo is very different from what you would experience in the West. Due to the Islamic nature of the country, alcohol is not permitted; however local tea shops and shisha offer fun, and all are welcome to discussions and political exchanges in these cultural melting pots.
Photos courtesy of Egypt Tourism Authority
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Alexandria Alexandria is Egypt’s second city, named after Alexander the Great, who once conquered this region. It is a getaway for locals in the summer who want to escape the oppressive heat of Cairo. The cool sea breezes and delightful seafood make Alexandria a place worth checking out when in Egypt, however, it is very busy during the summer months and so it may be an idea to visit when it is a little less busy, as hotels can be overbooked and prohibitively expensive during the peak season. Winter is a great time to come as the weather is still pleasant, but prices are lower and you may even get the beach to yourself, if you are lucky! Giza Giza is the most famous site for pyramid watchers. Located just a short drive outside of Egypt, this area is by far the most popular for foreign tourists. However, if you enquire locally it is possible to find regions with equally impressive temples, but fewer tourists. This
is a winner in every way as you get the ancient mystique without the hawkers and camera-wielding tourists that are such frequent nuisances at Giza. WHAT TO EAT Classic Egyptian dishes Ful medames is one of the most common Egyptian dishes. It consists of fava beans slow-cooked in a copper pot (other types of metal pots don’t produce the right type of flavour) and partially or entirely mashed. Olive oil is often an ingredient, and garlic is sometimes added. Ful medames is served with plenty of olive oil, chopped parsley, onion, garlic and lemon juice, and typically eaten with Egyptian (baladi) bread or occasionally Levantine (shami) pita. It is also sometimes seasoned with chilli paste and turmeric. One must-try is the classic falafel (known as ta’miya in Egypt), deepfried ground fava bean balls (but better known worldwide for the ground chickpea version typically found in other cuisines in the Middle East). It is believed that the Egyptian Bedouins invented the dish, which these days is usually served as fast food or a snack. Koshary is usually a mixture of macaroni, lentils, rice, chickpeas and tomato sauce. Very popular amongst the locals and a must-try for tourists, the gratinated variation is called taagin. Egyptian cuisine is quite similar to the cuisine of the Arabic-speaking countries in the Eastern Mediterranean. Dishes like stuffed vegetables and vine leafs, and Shawarma sandwiches are common in Egypt and the region.
71 Unique Jozi There are many things that are unique about Johannesburg. It features a distinct street entrepreneurship, and motorists can buy things from vendors selling goods at traffic lights, as in many other developing-world cities. This includes food, umbrellas, soccer balls, cellular phone accessories and many other goods. Barbershops consisting of nothing but a chair and an enthusiastic barber can be found on the sides of roads, although they tend to specialize in African rather than Caucasian hair. Mine dumps can also been seen throughout the city and are a reminder of the city’s legacy of gold mining. These dumps are fast disappearing as new gold extraction techniques have made it profitable for mining companies to reprocess these dumps.
Tips For getting money try to avoid the banks and money changers. They display the exchange rates but don’t indicate their excessive “commissions” that can reduce what you actually get by 10 per cent or more – this is the case at all banks and bureaux de change in South Africa. Better to use the ATM machines to withdraw cash (South African ATMs do not charge fees for withdrawals). The ATMs are located one floor higher up in the airport, in the retail mall where there are many shops and restaurants.
With around six million trees, Johannesburg is most likely the world’s largest man-made urban forest. The city is certainly one of the greenest in the world, considering that the natural landscape is savannah.
Towers and eating at Wandie’s restaurant in Dube. The Hector Pieterson museum focuses solely on the 1976 Soweto uprising, when police opened fire on schoolchildren and killed many, including the 12-yearold Hector Pieterson.
Kruger Park, which is about 350 kilometres from Johannesburg. Mpumalanga Escarpment. Rietvlei Nature Reserve, next to the R21 in Tshwane, offers an opportunity to forget about the city for a while.
The Apartheid Museum, which you enter through either the whites or the non-whites entrance. And pop by Constitution Hill, the site of the Old Fort Prison Complex, where Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela were detained. View the city from the top of the Carlton Centre or via a helicopter trip.
Lion Park (info@lion-park.com). Open 8.30am to 6pm. Lion Park is a 500-acre lion wildlife conservation enclosure in Gauteng province. It is situated near Lanseria Airport and Fourways, within distance of Johannesburg and Pretoria. The park has a large variety of predators and large herbivores indigenous to Africa. The Lion Park is home to more than 80 lions including rare white lions and many other carnivores such as cheetahs. Thaba Ya Batswana eco-hotel and spa is a rare and valuable jewel surrounded by the southern Johannesburg metropolis, and captures the spirit of the African renaissance. It is situated in the Klipriversberg Nature Reserve area and has an abundance of indigenous trees, plants, birds and wildlife. Gaborone is the capital of Botswana and has a lower crime rate. It can be easily reached by plane, usually in less than an hour.
Gold Reef City amusement park, which is built on an old gold mine, with one of the rides dropping you from the top below ground level down into the shaft.
Shopping or theatre. Shopping at Sandton, 44 Stanley, the Design Quarter, Rosebank Rooftop Market (open Sundays) or 4th Avenue (Parkhurst). Theatre at the People’s Theatre, the Johannesburg Youth Theatre or Ubunye Theatre at Emperor’s Palace. Play a round of golf at Houghton Golf Club or break in your hiking boots at the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve or watch a game of rugby at Ellis Park or watch cricket at the Wanderers Cricket Ground or watch football at Soccer City, South Africa’s largest stadium. Walk through the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens on the West Rand. Hot air ballooning at Hartbeespoort Dam. How to Get There By plane O.R. Tambo International Airport, formerly called Johannesburg International and before that Jan Smuts Airport, is the main airport for Johannesburg. It is the busiest airport in Africa and is the connecting hub for flights to other cities in southern Africa. There are many flights to Johannesburg from international hubs, especially London. Most flights from Europe are overnight and arrive in the early morning. If you arrive on one of these flights be prepared for very long waits at immigration. Remember your yellow fever certificate.
“Err … so, where are the guys with the guns?” may be your first thought on arriving in Johannesburg. Whilst Joburg has a fearsome reputation and people like talking about how many times they’ve almost been killed there, in reality it’s not too frightening. For most people the closest sign of the potential violence are the bricked up walls hiding beautiful residential houses, with electric fences and razor wire above them and a sign indicating “armed response.”
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ohannesburg represents the spirit of South Africa, and in some ways a visit to the country is not complete without an introduction to the city. It is he capital of Gauteng province and the largest city in the country; and is endearingly known to locals as Joburg, Jozi or Egoli (place of gold). Indeed, mine dumps are never far away, rubbing shoulders with the fruits of its labour – shiny modern skyscrapers intermingled with 19th century architecture, Indian bazaars and African muti shops where traditional healers dispense advice and traditional medicine. Johannesburg is the largest city in the world not situated on a lake, navigable river or by the coast (the only reason that it was born was because of gold). It is home to Africa’s tallest building, the Carlton Centre.
Top 10 Things to Do in Johannesburg Visit “Mrs. Ples” and “Little Foot” (our ancestors) at the Sterkfontein Caves at the Cradle of Humanity, Maropeng. Combine this with a visit to the Origins Centre at Wits University, where you can view exhibits of Khoisan and rock art that give the background to the origin of humans. Pet the lion cubs at the Rhino and Lion Park and visit the Elephant Sanctuary near Hartebeespoort Dam. Tour of Soweto (cycle, drive or walk), including seeing the Hector Pieterson memorial and museum, sampling a grilled sheep’s head, locally known as a “smiley,” bungee jumping from the Orlando
Photos courtesy of Joburg Tourism
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Getting Out Pretoria is just a step away from Johannesburg and has a lot to offer tourists. It is the nation’s capital and is almost completely joined to the Johannesburg metro area! Sun City is a two-hour drive away and offers world-class golf courses and entertainment. The Pilanesberg Game Reserve is adjacent to Sun City and offers visitors a taste of an African game reserve. However, it is no comparison to the world-famous
Where to Stay Ekala Guest Farm and Eco Tours Plot 81 Alewynspoort Eikenhof, Kibler Park Phone. +27 (0)72 604-1879 Protea Hotel Wanderers Cnr Corlett Dr & Rudd Rd Illovo Phone. +27 (0)11 770-5500 Hyatt Regency Johannesburg 191 Oxford Rd Rosebank Phone. +27 (0)11 280-1234 12 Decades Art Hotel Main Street Life Building 286 Fox St. Maboneng Precinct Johannesburg Phone. +27 861 548 548
Where to Stay Parco del Gran Sasso Hotel Campo Imperatore Street 7 Castel del Monte Phone. +39 0862/938484 It is located at an altitude of 1,345 metres, between Gran Sasso Mountain (in the Campo Imperatore Upland), one of the most fascinating and the highest mountain in Italy, and the Sirente and Maiella mountains. It is also part of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park and is near some of the “most beautiful villages in Italy,” including Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Rocca Calascio, Castelvecchio Calvisio, Barisciano and San Pio delle Camere with its strange castle. Why you have to visit this village This small and fascinating medieval village has attracted the attention of international film directors, who have used it as the perfect setting for their movies. Many sequences of the movie “Ladyhawke,” starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer, were shot in the narrow streets of Castel del Monte, called in the movie “Aguillon.” Castel del Monte was the main setting for “The American,” with George Clooney. The secret atmosphere spreading though the narrow streets of the village and the many tunnels under the village and the dark silence enshrouding the sleeping burgh at night were the main features that attracted Anton Corbijn, the movie’s director.
Miramonti Hotel XX Settembre Square 10 Castel del Monte Phone. +39 0862/938142 Della Pineta Hotel Vittoria Street 72 Castel del Monte Phone. +39 0862/938263 Nel Borgo Antico Guest House Phone. +39 333 7272972 Palazzo Colelli Medieval Mansion Castel del Monte Phone. +39 334 6167360 La Locanda delle Streghe Relais Castel del Monte Phone. +39 0862/938911 +39 339 3638449
On 8 September, an ancient tradition is celebrated in Castel del Monte. It is the feast of the Madonna of the Shepherds, or Madonna del Suffragio. During this night, a procession starts from St. Marco’s Church and arrives at the Madonna del Suffragio Church. Here, in ancient times, the shepherds prayed for protection and divine grace before leaving for a long journey to the far land of Apulia, through the ancient transhumance streets
Not many people who travel to Italy put Castel del Monte on their itinerary. Despite its legendary background, the town is simply unknown for most travellers who never step off the beaten path.
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ere, in this small village where time seems to have stopped, you can admire the beauty of ancient times, when the glow of a fireplace and the sweet smell of a soup were enough to warm the hearts of the people; when a stolen kiss under the light of a “sporto” brought a blush to a maiden’s cheeks. Walking the narrow streets of Castel del Monte (and the narrow tunnels under the village) is like walking back to the past: out there all is changed, inside here everything is just as it always has been. Castel del Monte is a village of mystery, of ancient beliefs connected with legends and myths, of witches raping children and tales as ancient as man’s fear in front of the incomprehensible. Here, where the shadows jumble up reality and imagination, sometimes you can hear strange noises coming from far away, like children’s moans and soft laughs lost in the dark. Where is castel del monte Castel del Monte is a small village in the province of L’Aquila near two beautiful medieval villages, Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Rocca Calascio.
What to Visit Castel del Monte, like many medieval villages, is on a high mountain. The highest part of Castel del Monte is known as Ricetto and it was here where people fled to escape from enemies. All of the Ricetto is surrounded by walls and in the middle is the Bell Tower, an ancient sighting tower that soars above the village.
Night of Witches Castel del Monte has a busy festival schedule. On 12 August of each year there is an arts and crafts festival, when all the streets of Castel del Monte come alive with ancient traditions connected with rural life. Another festival is on 8 September, the feast of the Madonna of the Shepherds or Madonna del Suffragio. On this night, a procession starts from St. Marco’s Church and arrives at Madonna del Suffragio Church. Here, in ancient times, shepherds prayed for protection and divine grace before leaving for a long journey to the far land of Apulia. However, the peak of all festivals is the Night of Witches, celebrated on 17 August each year. It is one of the most fascinating events in Italy, during which the narrow streets and the small squares of Castel del Monte become the perfect setting for tales and strange shows that tell the ancient beliefs and rites connected with witches. During the festival thousands visit the town for the late-night spectacle where the entire historic district serves as a stage for residents who play the roles of townspeople and witches in a folk drama in the local dialect known as Castellano.
The entire village was built over rocks and it is crossed by narrow underground tunnels known as “sporti.” The tunnels were used to move through the village safely and today they are the main feature of Castel del Monte. Many churches were built in this small village and are intact to this day. One is St. Donato’s Church, for the patron of Castel del Monte. But the most famous churches in Castel del Monte are Madonna del Suffragio Church (or Church of the Shepherds) and St. Marco’s Church. They house precious treasure of the past: bas-reliefs, toiles and wood statues.
Photos courtesy of Abruzzo Tourist Board
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What to buy The ancient flavours live on in the minds of those who consider them the most important expression of a past worth preserving. The people of Castel del Monte agree with this idea and this is why they keep producing the best pecorino cheese in Italy, the Canestrato of Castel del Monte, produced with uncooked sheep’s milk, rennet and salt. But the recipe is a secret!
73 How to Get There By car from Rome A24 Highway to East L’Aquila; drive through SS17 Street in the direction of Pescara to the Barisciano exit. Drive through SP Street in the direction of Castel del Monte and turn to Calascio. By car from Pescara A25 Highway in the direction of Rome; leave the highway through the Bussi exit; drive through SS153 Street in the direction of L’Aquila and turn to Ofena; then, turn to Castel del Monte and go straight. By bus from Rome Catch a bus from Rome’s Tiburtina Station to L’Aquila city; catch a bus from L’Aquila to Barisciano, in the direction of Sulmona; in Barisciano, catch a bus to Castel del Monte.
By bus from Pescara Catch a bus from the Pescara bus station to Barisciano, in the direction of L’Aquila; in Barisciano, catch a bus to Castel del Monte. By train Catch the train from Rome or from Pescara to Bussi sul Tirino. From Bussi sul Tirino, catch a bus to Barisciano; from Barisciano, catch a bus to Castel del Monte.
75 Dhivehi is the main national language in the Maldives, with different dialects from island to island. English is widely spoken by Maldivians and visitors can easily make themselves understood. In the resorts, a variety of languages are spoken by the staff, including English, German, French, Italian and Japanese. Getting Around After landing at Male International Airport, you can catch either a boat or a seaplane to your final destination. There are several transport options within the islands, by sea and air. To get to Male, you can catch a ferry from the airport, which leaves every few minutes. Male itself is most famous for its motorbikes, which are the fastest way to get around the city. Taxis are easily available and you will be charged about $2 for a trip, no matter where you are going. You could always take the easier option and walk: anywhere in Male is reachable in 10 minutes. If you are going to a tourist resort, hotel or cruise, the hotel will arrange for your transportation, usually either by speedboat or seaplane. What to Pack The Maldives is warm throughout the year. Light cotton and linen is ideal. Pack lots of T-shirts, beachwear and wraparound skirts, cotton shirts and shorts. For visits to inhabited islands, where most of the streets are of compact sand, sandals are your best bet. Some essential items include swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat or a cap. If you are planning on visiting lots of islands, including uninhabited ones, mosquito repellent will come in handy.
If you are looking to experience sun, sand and sea, Maldives is the destination for you.
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he Maldives is a tourist paradise with its coral islands, crystal-clear waters, blindingly white beaches, lagoons, reefs and perfect tropical climate. This is the kind of place people in cold cities dream about escaping to as they trudge through another day of work. These small, picturesque islands offer dense tropical vegetation including shrubs, flowering plants and tall coconut palms surrounded by powdery soft beaches and crystalline lagoons in every shade of blue imaginable. This really is paradise.
Photos courtesy of Conrad Hotels Maldives
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WHAT TO DO White powdery beaches, tall palms leaning towards the sea, crystalline white sand giving way to crystal-clear waters, shades of turquoise blending flawlessly with deeper hues of blue; pristine coral reefs, amazing seafood, private cabanas and some of the most incredible underwater life on the planet. You can find all that and more in the Maldives, the “World’s Leading Dive Destination” and the “Best Island Destination.” Diving in the Maldives The warm seas of the Maldives have high visibility throughout the year, with water clear enough to see the passing fish as far as 50 metres away at times. Over
Best Time to Visit Maldives While planning your pleasure trip to the Maldives, it is important to be aware about the best time to visit. The most important factor to remember is the weather and seasonal climatic conditions. Another deciding factor is whether you prefer sunny summers or wet rainy seasons. However, these wonderful islands with their green vegetation, white beaches and tranquil atolls remain interesting year round. Winters here are very pleasant and there is adequate sunshine. But if you wish to fully savour the charm of Maldives and enjoy a few more hours of sunshine, then the ideal time to visit is during the months of December to April. It is the peak time for resorts, as they are in great demand. You can also enjoy various sporting activities like beach volleyball and table tennis.
a thousand species of fish and other underwater creatures inhabit the Maldivian waters. Water Sports In a place that is more sea than land, there is no end to the fun things you can do in the water. Maldivians swim for recreation, they play water polo with their friends at weekend picnics and they surf addictively. Excursions The best way to experience the life of an ordinary Maldivian is to travel to an inhabited island. Some of these islands are slightly more modern, with brightly painted houses and harbour areas. Maldives Honeymoon If a honeymoon is meant to be a celebration of love in an intimate, secluded and, most importantly, beautiful setting, then the Maldives is the world’s best honeymoon destination. You can choose from any of the 90 resort islands across the Maldives for your honeymoon or holiday stay, allowing yourself the freedom to explore everything this amazing tropical wonderland has to offer. For couples, families, honeymooners and incurable romantics, the crystal blue lagoons and stunning islands are a perfect destination. Relax and Unwind The Maldives is considered by many to be the premier tropical beach destination in the world and the best place to relax and unwind from the hectic and chaotic lifestyle of the modern world.
77 for migratory birds that travel thousands of miles to frequent these spectacular islands. Drawn to the idyllic surroundings and ideal weather, they also endure punishing long flights, except they don’t pay for airfare. With nearly half of the country’s land preserved as natural parks, the Seychelles are an ecologist’s dream. For those who want a small island getaway, choose from some of the Seychelles’ picturesque outer islands – all with their own distinct environment, geography and style, and reached by sea or air. Getting around the Seychelles can be a unique experience in itself, with a variety of transport available, either by road, sea or air. On the main islands, private cars and taxis are the easiest way to get around, whilst private coach tours make a perfect touring experience to discover the main attractions. Island hopping is definitely recommended for those who want to take home a real Seychelles experience and take in what the surrounding islands of this little piece of heaven have to offer. Getting tHERE Air Seychelles is the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles. Every week, Air Seychelles connects Mahe with four European capitals and three major cities around the Indian Ocean. Air Seychelles operates numerous interisland flights every day. WHERE TO GO What sets the Seychelles apart from so many other holiday destinations is its wide variety of islands – each one with its own particular geography, character and history. Whether you choose a day excursion to one of the many inner granitic islands or an extended stay on one of the exotic island hideaways, the Seychelles has something exceptional to offer. Experiencing more than one island during your stay is a must and will add a dimension to your holiday experience that you will never forget.
For those looking to get away from life, the Seychelles may be the perfect destination. Unspoilt islands, fine white sand beaches washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, lush tropical vegetation and exotic palms, spectacular views, genuine Creole cuisine, the Seychelle Islands will amaze you.
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he geographical isolation of the seychelleshas manifested Nearby St. Anne National Park, a short boat ride away, is one of the itself in nearly every aspect of life here. The Seychelles history, best places in the Indian Ocean to view marine life. Terrestrial fans for example, has been relatively tame, as the islands were will want to visit Praslin, which is home to Vallee de Mai, another uninhabited until modern times. The islands’ isolation has also had Unesco World Heritage Site. This tropical forest is the best place to ecological consequences, as much of the flora and fauna on the check out the coco de mer, the famous palm that yields the world’s Seychelles cannot be found anywhere else on earth. Most visitors are biggest fruit (and one of the most interestingly shaped ones at that). drawn to the scintillating beaches and turquoise waters that dot the sea like an exquisite pearl necklace. The coral atolls are home to Desroches, the main island giant lagoons chock full of marine life. in the Almirantes Group, is renowned for its scuba Creole Festival Aldabra – a Unesco World Heritage Site that is home to more diving. Other islands are This annual festival held in the last than 150,0000 giant land tortoises – is the second-largest atoll in even more off the beaten week of October in the capital, Victoria, the world. Aldabra has been billed as one of the wonders of the track, such as La Digue. is a celebration of Creole culture, with world by prominent naturalists due to its pristine coral reef and With ox-carts dominating plenty of music, dancing and theater is still protected from full-scale tourism. Mahe, the largest island the streets and an easyproductions going on all week. There is in the Seychelles, is home to the international airport, the capital going spirit, visiting La Digue plenty of food to sample, drinks to be city, Victoria, and a vast majority of the country’s inhabitants. It is like taking a trip back in enjoyed, local art to purchase and fun is surrounded by coral reefs, making its powdery white beaches time. The Seychelles are to be had. optimal for a dream island vacation. also a favoured destination
Photos courtesy of Fregate Iskand and www.seychelles.travel.com
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8mustvisitDESTINATIONs Vallee de Mai Located on the quintessentially tropical island of Praslin, this virgin forest was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site and for good reason. This park is the best place to ogle the coco de mer palm, which produces the largest fruit in the world, and vanilla orchids. Some of the Seychelles’ rarest birds are also found here such as the Seychelles Bulbul and the endemic Black Parrot. This valley was once thought to be the Garden of Eden by early explorers and it will sure make you wonder. La Digue This quaint little island is renowned for its stunning beaches, made famous in a number of advertisements and swimsuit shoots. The array of deserted beaches, each seemingly more beautiful than the next, is stunning. Visitors are especially attracted to Anse Source d’Argent, considered one of the most beautiful and unique beaches in the world, or the exquisite shores of L’Union Estate.
What to See Curieuse Marine National Park is a popular visit from Praslin as well as the turquoise waters and red reefs of Ilê Coco Marine National Park. Some of the world’s best shallow-water scuba diving can also be found here, particularly at Baie Ternay, where shipwrecks and carpet anemone dominate. For those that don’t scuba or aren’t ready for a side-trip to one of these parks, anyone with a mask and snorkel can witness a rich array of submarine activity along any of the reef-protected coasts. Dolphins, porpoise, shark and barracuda can be found in deeper waters, primarily between islands.
Morne Seychellois National Park On Mahe lies the impressive mountain range that is home to this national park. The peak is the highest in the country, offering exquisite views of the sea beyond. Enjoy a day hike into the lush forest, with breaks along the way to appreciate the visually vivacious vistas. National Botanical Gardens The 15 acres of lush vegetation of these gardens are a relaxing getaway for
those holed up in the capital city of Victoria. Among the most noteworthy of the plants here are the famous coco de mer palms. The orchid garden is worth seeing and the restaurant serves up tasty fare. Ste Anne Marine National Park There aren’t many “parks” that are made up of six islands, but this is indeed the case here. With boat trips departing from Victoria Harbour, this park is one of the Seychelles most easily accessible and is a great place to see where the Hawksbill turtles nest. The calm clear waters and well-endowed coral reefs make for super snorkelling conditions. Creole Festival This annual festival held during the last week of October in the capital Victoria, is a celebration of Creole culture, with plenty of music, dancing and theatre productions going on all week. There is plenty lots of food to sample, drinks to be enjoyed, local art to purchase and fun to be had. George Camille Gallery This museum honours a fine local painter who so effectively captures the Creole culture and life in the Seychelles. His studio at Cote D’Or on Praslin Island is a popular spot for tourists looking for a cultural attraction. Beau Vallon Bay On the northern coast of Mahe lies the scintillating Beau Vallon Bay. With its natural beauty, it’s easy to see why this was developed as a beach resort area. The bay itself is fantastic for scuba diving, as there are two shipwrecks and several coral reefs. Natural Wonders The Seychelles were once thought to be the Garden of Eden and most visitors will say that on a natural level, these islands are tough
to beat. Mahe is the most developed island, but is still extremely well preserved. A mountain range runs along the spine of the island, where the country’s highest peak – Morro Seychellois – is located. These central highlands are also home to a national park perfect for hikers in search of breath-taking vistas. One half of the country’s land is protected as a nature reserve, making the Seychelles ideal for those interested in ecotourism. Being so isolated from the rest of the world, many of the birds here are endemic and cannot be found anywhere else. There are bird sanctuaries located on four of the islands: Aride, Fregate, Cousin and the cleverly named Bird Island. There are also four marine national parks loaded with hundreds of species of fish and coral. The one at Saint Anne, established in 1973, was the first in all of the Indian Ocean; its crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkelling. Curieuse Marine National Park is a popular visit from Praslin as well as the turquoise waters and red reefs of Ile Cocos Marine National Park. Some of the world’s best shallow-water scuba diving can also be found here, particularly at Baie Ternay, where shipwrecks and carpet anemone dominate. Dolphins, porpoise, sharks and barracudas can be found in deeper waters, primarily between islands. The Seychelles is one to the two places in the world (besides the Galapagos Islands) where giant tortoises have evolved into being. In the previous centuries, these defenseless tortoises were nearly hunted into extinction by hungry seafarers, whalers and pirates, who valued the tortoises’ ability to survive long sea voyages. Luckily, though, about 100,000 of these wondrous animals still inhabit the island of Aldabra. They grow to up to 100 kilograms in size, which is testimony to their genetic adaptations to their arid environment and the absence of predators. So come get away from it all and witness nature at its best in the Seychelles.
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Guided palace tours generally include one hour inside the palace; allow at least that much time to walk up and down the many steps leading up to and from the palace. The palace is 14 stories tall and any visit involves climbing a lot of stairs. Make sure you are fully acclimated before visiting. Getting In Non-Chinese nationals are required to obtain a special permit to visit Tibet and hire a tour guide every day during their stay. Individual permits are almost impossible to obtain for average tourists; group permits (at least five people) are easier.
The land of snow on the roof of the world, Tibet is a mystic Buddhist kingdom locked away in the majestic Himalayas. Take in breathtaking views of the world’s highest mountains and most famous rivers, namely the Yangtze, Yellow, Indus and Ganges. Explore glacier passes, aquamarine lakes and primeval forests, and embark on a quest for the lost Shangri-la. From ancient stupas trimmed with fluttering prayer flags to gentle monks chanting mantras, explore a unique and exotic culture based in peace and tranquillity.
It is possible to visit Lhasa on three- to sevenday tours from Kathmandu, Nepal, but there have been reports of tours that do not allow enough time for visitors to adjust to the dramatic altitude change, resulting in some travellers suffering from altitude sickness being left along the way (without a refund, of course). Chinese Standard Time (Beijing) is used in Tibet, which is 8 hours ahead of GMT and 2
Where to Stay Four Points Sheraton No.5 Section 1 Lin Kuo East Lhasa Phone. +86 891 634 8888 Himalaya Hotel 6 East Linguo Road Lhasa Phone. +86 891 6331300 Hotel Kyichu 18 Beijing Zhong Lu Lhasa Phone. +86 891 6331541 Lhasa Hotel (Lhasa Fandian) 1 Minzu Road Lhasa Phone. +86 891 6832221 Tibet Hotel (Xizang Binguan) 221 West Beijing Road Lhasa Phone. +86 891 6834966 Tibet International Grand Hotel 1 National South Road Lhasa Phone. +86 891 6832888 St. Regis Lhasa No.22, Jiangsu Road Lhasa Phone. +86 891 680 8888
Highlights Lhasa This city is regarded as the holiest centre in Tibet by Tibetan Buddhists and is the seat of the Dalai Lama. Lhasa, the “Land of the Gods,” is more than 1,300 years old, and sits in a valley right next to the Lhasa River. Parts of the city look like a typical Chinese city, but the Tibetan influence is still strong and evident around the old quarters near Barkhor Street. The eastern end of Lhasa is more prominently traditional Tibetan, focusing on the area around Jokhang Temple and Barkhor. Traditionally dressed Tibetans engaged in a kora (a clockwise journey around Jokhang, a major Buddhist shrine), often spinning prayer wheels, are a common sight in the area. Jokhang Temple The first Buddhist temple in Tibet is known as Jokhang, which means the “House of the Buddha.” Constructed in the seventh century A.D. to house the statues of Buddha that Princesses Bhrikuti from Nepal and Wen Cheng from China’s Tang Dynasty brought as
gifts for their future husband, King Songtsan Gampo. The temple has been enlarged many times over the centuries and now also houses statues of King Songtsan Gampo and his two famous foreign brides. However, the original statue of Jowo Sakyamuni Buddha that Princess Wen Cheng brought from Chang’an more than 1,300 years ago is definitely its most sacred and famous possession, and is perhaps the most venerated religious artefact in all of Tibet. Potala Palace The palace was rebuilt from a fortress by the Fifth Dalai Lama, while the Thirteenth Dalai Lama extended and repaired it into what it is now. It became a winter palace in 1755 when the Seventh Dalai Lama made Norbulingka Palace into a summer residence. With more than 1,000 rooms, the Potala contained the living quarters of the Dalai Lamas while they lived, and their sumptuous golden tombs when they died. Potala Palace also houses great amounts of rare cultural relics including the gold hand-written Buddhist scriptures, valuable gifts from Chinese emperors and a lot of priceless antiques.
Photos courtesy of China Tibet Tourism Bureau
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hours 15 minutes ahead of Nepal. However, it is not uncommon for Western climbing groups to keep on Nepali time since this better coincides with the expected times of sunrise and sunset. Respect •Do not wear a hat, shorts or tank top inside Jokhang, Potala or any other sacred site. When visiting shrines it is customary to leave a small money offering, especially where you do not have to buy a ticket! •Circumambulate stupas and other sacred objects in a clockwise direction. •Do not climb onto statues, mani stones or other sacred objects. •Avoid eating garlic before visiting a temple. Tibetans find garlic breath in a temple disrespectful. •Photography is not allowed inside Potala Palace, but you can take photos in Jokhang Temple. Some monasteries will allow photography upon payment of a small donation or fee. Monks begging will often allow a photograph after you make a small contribution. When in doubt, ask before snapping a picture.
83 WHERE TO STAY Sorido Bay Resort Kri Island, Raja Ampat, Papua, 98413, Indonesia Phone. +62 951 328 038 Raja Ampat Dive Resort Waiwo, Waigeo Island, Raja Ampat, Indonesia Phone. +62 812 4844 2284 Kri Eco Resort Mansuar Island, Raja Ampat, Waisai, Indonesia Misool Eco Lodge No. 1 Bukit Baru, Komplex Pertamina, 98415, Indonesia
Undoubtedly, Raja Ampat is the richest marine destination in the world. The 40,000-square-kilometre area is dominated by the sea. Imagine diving into the beautiful underwater paradise with 1,309 fish species, 537 coral species and 699 mollusk species. On land, the amazing ecotourism area houses lush forests, rare plants and nesting beaches for thousands of sea turtles.
To access the dive spots, contact one of the professional diving organisers in Sorong. Please note that before going to the dive spots, you’ll need a permit from the local police station. Bring your passport and three copies of the passport to obtain permission. From Sorong, there are two types of boats, a Speed Boat (1-hour trip, carries 15 passengers, costs Rp 2 million) and a Long Boat (2-3 hour trip, carries 10 passengers, costs Rp 1.2 million). Boats can be rented for getting around the islands. They leave Sorong daily around 1pm, and the return boat from Waisai to Sorong leaves around 11am. What to See Waiwo Located 10 minutes away from Waisai, Waiwo offers numerous beautiful dive sites. Several of them are located around Kri Island, an area rich in fish, including giant Queensland groupers and bumphead parrotfish. Wayag It takes 2 hours and 45 minutes from Waisai to get to this island. Meet Kalabia, a fish species famous in the area. Enjoy the great views here, both under the water and above.
Interesting Facts About Raja Ampat •There’s an interesting story behind the name, involving a local myth about a woman who finds seven eggs. Four of them produced kings that occupy four of Raja Ampat’s biggest islands, while the other three became a stone, ghost and a woman.
Karst Area Tired of diving? Then trek around the islands to find hidden beauties like waterfalls and ancient caves. The karst area is famous for its natural beauty. Meet birds of paradise (Cenderawasih), red Cenderawasihs, maleo waigeos, kus-kus, orchids and palms.
•Raja Ampat islands have a very diverse topography with steep mountain shores and deserted whitesand beaches. Explore the land on foot, and use a boat to move from one dive site to another.
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aja Ampat is located in Indonesia’s West Papua province, which was formerly known as Irian Jaya. Located in the coral triangle of Indonesia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, Raja Ampat is one of the best place in the world for scuba diving. Beautiful Four Kings Raja Ampat has four main islands: Misool, Waigeo, Salawati and Batanta. There are also hundreds of small islands and Cenderawasih Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia. Diving in Raja Ampat is the greatest, but it’s not really good
for beginners. The variety of marine life can be staggering. Some areas have sharks such as wobbegongs, while in Mansuar you’ll encounter large groups of manta rays and turtles.
The Passage A salt river separating Waigeo Island from Gam Island is rich with Archer fish and countless species of goby. Collection includes archerfish, mangroves, orange cup corals, seahorses and Percula clownfish. Kaboei Bay Rock Islands The bay offers a labyrinth of rock islands. This is a great place for finding nudibranches, mollusks and the dragonet. Bat caves and skeletons are found on some of the islands.
•Raja Ampat has 10 times the number of hard coral species than found in the entire Caribbean. The area houses 75 per cent of all known coral species in the world.
Getting There The best gateway to Raja Ampat is Sorong. Take a direct flight from Jakarta (six-hour flight) or from Manado (two-hour flight). Alternatively, you can join a diving tour in Bali and fly from there.
Photos courtesy of Lily Suriani
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Getting Around By Boat To get to the islands, you should rent a small boat so you can stop to enjoy the dive sites. Raja Ampat has four beautiful main
islands and hundreds of smaller islands, so you may want to take the opportunity to explore as many islands as you can. What to Do Diving October or November is the best season for diving in Raja Ampat because the ocean is typically flat and perfect for photography. Pay attention to information like reef type and visibility before diving into paradise. Spot dolphins Swim with dolphins near Waisai base camp. Enjoy this heaven of coral and fish species. Walk on beautiful beaches It’s hard to stop from being overwhelmed by the remarkable scenery. Enjoy the sight of so many islands with crystal-clear waters that softly brush over the powdery white beaches. 4 Top Dive Sites in Raja Ampat •Cape Kri. The fish here are superb! Sharks, snappers, Napoleon wrasses, barracuda, meaty Queensland groupers and dogtooth tuna; they are all here. •Misool Island. Soft coral galore and critters such as seahorses and ghost pipefish. •Fabiacet. You’ll be dazzled by the schools of fusiliers and surgeonfish, masses of triggerfish and bannerfish, plus numerous Napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, turtles and hammerhead. •Jet Fam Group. This is quite a large dive site. What makes Jet Fam special is its diversity of marine encounters. The place is the best site to find wobbegongs, giant clams, mackerel, great barracuda, manta rays, spinecheek anemonefish, octopus, shrimp and pygmy seahorses.
Visit traditional villages Arborek village is known for its handmade hats and bags. Learn about the culture, like bameti, the local word for searching for sea cucumbers and combing the beach for other edible marine creatures. Don’t miss the opportunity to dive and meet mantas. One of the most interesting villages is Sauwandarek Tourism Village. Located on the western part of Waisai, the tourism village is home to about 180 people. And the women in Arborek produce hats and bags made of pandan leaves and then sell them to tourists. Sauwandarek is famous for its beautiful coral and salty lake, called Telaga Yenauwyau.
85 limited to 400. To access the site, you must have both a bus ticket (currently $15.50 for foreign adult round-trip, less for others, available from a small ticket booth near the bus departure area) and ticket for Machu Picchu, which are available in advance from machupicchu.gob. pe or from various ticket offices described on that website. The only ways to get to Aguas Calientes are by train or on foot – no roads go there. On foot, it is possible to get to Aguas Calientes by travelling through Santa Maria and Santa Teresa. This alternate route involves walking 1 to 3 hours. Getting Around There are no vehicles of any kind in the park, so bring some comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to do any of the hikes such as Wayna Picchu. No walking sticks are allowed. The main ruins are fairly compact and easily walkable. Take your time walking around the site, there are many places to see and explore. Although it is not necessary, taking a guided tour does provide a deeper insight into the ancient city, its uses and information on the geography of it. Keep in mind that relatively little is known about the history and uses of the ruins, and some of the stories told by the guides are based on little more than imaginative hearsay. Sun Gate (Inti Punku) If you’ve just arrived via the Inca Trail, this will be your first experience of the ruins. From here you can see back down each valley offering excellent views. It’s a fairly strenuous hike (probably 1 to 1.5 hours each way) but well worth it. If you catch the first bus from Aguas Calientes and head straight here you may be able to reach it in time to see the sun peek over the mountain and through the gate. Temple of the Sun Near the summit of the main city, the stonework on the temple is incredible. Look closely and you will see that there are a variety of stonewalls throughout the city. Most are rough stones held together with mud, the common stonewalls found throughout the world. The temple is the absolute pinnacle of this technology.
Although the archaeological discovery of Machu Picchu came nearly a hundred years ago, historians are still unsure of the function of this ancient Inca citadel. The Inca had no system of writing and left no written records, and archaeologists have been left to piece together bits of evidence as to why Machu Picchu was built, what purpose it served and why it was so quickly vacated.
Intihuatana A stone carved so that on certain days, at dawn, the sun makes a certain
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he Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is easily the most popular trek in South America. It combines a gratifying physical challenge with the opportunity to visit world-renowned Incan ruins in the midst of unparalleled natural beauty. Machu Picchu is built on the flat top of a mountain 2,000 feet above the Urubamba River. The mountains have very pointed peaks that thrust themselves straight up into the sky. Clouds hover around the peaks and they are continually moving and changing the unbelievable sight.
High passes with breathtaking vistas of snow-covered peaks, mountains covered in lush tropical vegetation, all joined by a well-preserved trail that is a unique expression of the marvellous feats of Incan engineering. This mountain trek to the famous Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Peru.
Getting There Visitors to Machu Picchu typically either hike the Inca Trail or leave by rail from Cuzco or Ollantaytambo, either on a day-trip or overnighting in Aguas Calientes. Overnighting allows you to visit the park early or late in the day and avoid the worst of the crowds, and on sunny days, gives you a nice window of reprieve from the beating sun. Don’t forget sunblock. Machu Picchu tickets are NOT sold at the entrance gate and are limited to 2,500 per day, with entrance to Huayna Picchu being further sub-
Photos courtesy of Peru Tourism
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8mustvisitDESTINATIONs shadow, thus working as a sundial. From the Quechua language: inti = sun, huatana = to take, grab: thus grabbing (measuring) the sun. (Pronounced “intiwatana.”) Temple of the Condor The tour guides will try to tell you that this was a temple, but look closely: between the wings of the condor is a chamber with grooves cut in the stone to secure manacles, a walkway behind where a torturer could have walked to whip the prisoners’ backs and a scary looking pit to let the blood of the prisoners drain. Clearly the condor was a symbol of cruel justice, but a sanitized version is told for the benefit of middle-aged tourists and their children. What to Do If you have some energy in you, there are a few great hikes involving a bit of legwork. Do make sure that you’ve taken the time to acclimatize to the elevation either in Cuzco or Aguas Calientes for a couple days before exerting yourself too much, especially on Wayna Picchu (limited to 400 visitors per day). The entire walk is through beautiful landscape, and the views from the top are stunning, including bird’seye views over the whole site. If you have the time, or long for a sparkle of solitude, you can also walk to the Moon Temple (Templo de la Luna) and the Great Cave (Gran Caverne). It’s a long walk and an adventurous hike involving several ladders. Where to Stay Due to the fact that this is a protected park, further construction in the area is nearly impossible. Thus, there is currently only one very expensive hotel at the site itself. Almost everyone who wants to overnight near Machu Picchu books a hotel in nearby Aguas Calientes. Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (Tel: +51 84 21 1039/38; res-mapi@ peruorientexpress.com.pe), this superbly overpriced hotel is the only option for sleeping at the park. There are two equally expensive restaurants on site, and two suites that have partial views of the ruins. Unless you have more money than sense, you won’t want to stay here. It’s located just outside the ticket booth. US$800+ in the high season, US$400+ in the low season.
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89 West Sumatra is rich in stunning natural sights, including a number of unique stalactite caves. There are also beautiful lakes, nature reserves and eighteen mountains, three of which are active volcanoes: Mount Merapi, Mount Talang and Mount Tandikat. In general, the tourist destinations in the province are spread out in three main areas. First is Padang and its vicinity, with beautiful beaches. Then is cool Bukittinggi, a popular central location in the highlands from which to explore the culture and history of the Minangkabau people, including architecture, crafts, dances, music and food. There are a number of museums and cultural centres, and the city of Pariaman hosts one of the famous festivals, Tabuik. The Mentawai Islands are a popular destination for surfers and those looking to experience the culture and more primitive lifestyle of the Mentawai people. Here are some of the more interesting destinations in West Sumatra:
West Sumatra bechons to travellers with its natural beauty, history and culture.
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long time ago, in a small village near a beach in West Sumatra, lived a woman and her son, Malin Kundang. Malin’s father passed away when Malin was a baby, and life was difficult for the boy and his mother. One day, when Malin was sailing, he saw a merchant’s ship that was being raided by a small band of pirates. A brave Malin went to the ship’s rescue and defeated the pirates. The merchant was so happy that he asked Malin to sail with him. Many years later, Malin became a wealthy merchant, with a huge ship, many crew members and a beautiful wife. In his journeys, his ship landed on a beach. The villagers recognised him, and the news soon spread: Malin Kundang had become a rich man and come home. His mother, after years of loneliness, ran to the beach to see her beloved son again. When the mother arrived, Malin, with his rich clothes, beautiful wife and many crew members, refused to meet the old, poor and dirty woman. Enraged, she cursed Malin and warned that he would turn into a stone if he didn’t apologise. Malin just laughed and set sail. The quiet sea suddenly turned violent as a thunderstorm came. His ship was wrecked and he was thrown from the ship. He washed up on a small island, where he turned into a stone. That is a famous legend from West Sumatra, on the west coast of Sumatra Island. North Sumatra province is to the north, Riau and Jambi are to the east, and Bengkulu is to the southeast. West Sumatra includes the Mentawai Islands off the coast, and its capital is Padang.
The beach on Bungus Bay has white sand and is good for swimming, boating or just watching the fishing boats going out to sea in the afternoon. Small boats can be hired from here to some small islands nearby: Sirandah, Sikoai, Pagang and Parsumpahan. South of Padang, the massive Kerinci-Strait Nature Reserve is Indonesia’s largest national park, sprawling over 345 square kilometres of jungle and mountain, dominated by the volcanic core of Mount Kerinci, Sumatra’s highest peak. One of the most popular places in town is Air Manis Beach, which stretches from the north to south of Padang’s coast. It is famous for its beautiful stretch of sand and palm trees, and also for the Malin Kundang legend.
Bukittinggi Bukittinggi, literally meaning high hill, is the cultural centre of the Minangkabau people. It is situated at one degree south of the equator Padang Padang is the capital of West Sumatra, but it still has a laid-back, and 930 metres above sea level, in the Agam Valley. While Padang is the modern commercial, educational and administrative relaxed vibe. Adityawarman centre of the province, Bukittinggi is the cultural centre of the Museum is housed in a Traditional Food Minang realm. A centre of attraction is the town’s clock tower, traditional Minangkabau Typical Minangkabau dishes are topped with a horn-shaped roof and referred to by the people house and features a good available throughout the archipelago as Jam Gadang. It overlooks the market square and the city’s collection of antiques. It also and commonly called Padang cuisine. magnificent surroundings. houses a cultural centre, The ingredients are highly varied and which hosts traditional the typical taste of the food is hot and Bukittinggi is refreshingly cool, and is surrounded by three dances on Sundays and spicy. For Minangkabau people, the volcanoes: Tandikat, Singgalang and Merapi. Attractions within regular pencak silat (martial main ingredients for their dishes are the city include Ngarai Sianok (Sianok Canyon); Lobang Jepang arts) performances. The beef, bowels, brains, chicken, duck, and (Japanese Caves), a network of underground bunkers and tunnels cultural centre also offers eggs. Consumed are long green beans, built by the Japanese during World War II; Pasar Atas and Pasar free tours of the city. Padang cassava leaves, jackfruits, string beans Bawah, traditional markets; and Taman Bundo Kanduang park. Museum is also located as well as petai (beans with pungent The park includes a replica Rumah Gadang, literally, big house, in a traditional house and odor, widely eaten raw and cooked). with the distinctive Minangkabau roof architecture, used as a has a collection of objects The main seasonings are red chillies, museum of Minangkabau culture, and a zoo. The Dutch hilltop of cultural and historical garlic, ginger, galingale, turmeric and outpost Fort de Kock is connected to the zoo by the Limpapeh interest. turmeric leaves, basil leaves. If you are Bridge pedestrian overpass. A Museum Rumah Kelahiran travelling in West Sumatra you must taste the local food.
Photos courtesy of Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Industry
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ADVERTORIAL
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Where to Stay Premier Basko Hotel Jl. Prof Dr. Hamka No. 2A Padang Phone. +62 751 4488 888 www.baskohotel.com
Notable nearby destinations include Lake Maninjau and the Harau Valley. Lake Singkarak For a spot a recreation and water sports, check out Lake Singkarak, 36 kilometres from Bukittinggi and 10 kilometres from Solok city. There are several motels and restaurants in the area. Singkarak is the biggest lake in West Sumatra and the second-biggest in Sumatra, after Lake Toba.
Hotel Pangerans Beach Jl.Juanda No.79 Padang, Phone. +62 751 7051 333 www.hotelpangeran.com Hotel Mercure Jl.Purus IV No.8 Padang - Indonesia Phone. +62 751 891 188 www.mercurepadang.com Pusako Hotel Bukittinggi Jl.Soekarno Hatta No. 7 Bukittinggi – Indonesia Phone.+62 751 232 111 www.pusakohotel.com Grand Inna Muara Hotel Jl Gereja No. 34 Padang - Indonesia Phone. +61 751 35 600 www.grandinnamuara.com
Lake Singkarak is located in 362 metres above sea level, and is home to a species of fish that can only be found in that lake. Locals call it Bilih fish. You can get a taste of the fish at any one of the restaurants located around the lake. There are also hotels and water sports facilities.
Pariaman Pariaman is a coastal city in West Sumatra. Pariaman means “safe area” and the city is administratively divided into three districts: Pariaman Selatan, Pariaman Tengah and Pariaman Utara. The city hosts the Tabuik festival every year to commemorate the Day of Ashura, which marks a holy day on the Islamic calendar. The festival commemorates the death of the grandsons of Prophet Muhammad, Hasan and Husen. A mythical creature called a Bouraq – a winged horse with a human head – is said to have carried their souls to heaven. In the festival, two effigies of the Bouraq, called tabuik, are carried through the city, accompanied by tambur music and tasa drums. During the afternoon, the tabuik are moved to the coast and before sunset they are immersed in the sea. Mentawai Islands Four islands make up the Mentawai cluster of the West Sumatra coast: Siberut, Sipora, Pagai Utara and Pagai Selatan. The people of these islands still live in comparative isolation, maintaining their age-old ways. Siberut is well known for its untouched forests; part of a nature reserve inhabited by a number of animal species not found anywhere else, among them some rare monkey species. Beautiful coral reefs are found offshore. So welcome to West Sumatra, a natural paradise like no other.
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With its central location, Grand Aston City Hall Hotel & Serviced Residences is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Medan for the most convenient and luxurious stay possible.
he Grand Aston City Hall is ideally located in the heart of Medan, the capital of North Sumatra province, just 20 minutes from Polonia International Airport. The central location allows easy access to all the main attractions in the city. As a sanctuary for business and leisure travellers, the Grand Aston City Hall Hotel & Serviced Residences provides an effortlessly comfortable atmosphere, ideal for both short-stay business trips and long-stay assignments.
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Rooms and suites at Grand Aston City Hall are imaginatively designed in a contemporary style, offering the best in modern city living with all the luxury and premium facilities. There are 207 well-appointed rooms and 40 apartment rooms, all outfitted for a luxurious escape, but equipped to please the most discerning travellers.
Grand Aston City Hall Hotel Medan Jl. Balai Kota No. 1 Medan – North Sumatra Phone. + 62 61 4557 000 www.aston-international.com
Photos courtesy of Grand Aston City Hall Hotel Medan
Bung Hatta (Museum of Bung Hatta’s Birthplace) is the house where one of Indonesia’s founding fathers, Mohammad Hatta, was born.
With four food and beverage outlets at Grand Aston City Hall, travellers can relax and enjoy the innovative cuisine in some truly great dining locations. Jade Dragon is a contemporary Chinese restaurant serving a harmonious blend of the finest Szechuan, Shanghainese and Cantonese cuisine. Demitasse Lobby Lounge offers solo piano and jazz live performances. D’Heritage is located in an original Dutch colonial building and is a classic venue for tea, coffee, pastries and traditional sweets. The building dates back to 1909 and was first used in 1918 by Baron Mackay. Grand Aston Medan is one of the few commercial buildings in Sumatra with a seismic bearing device, which minimises the impact of up to a 9.0-magnitude earthquake. Grand Aston faces the popular Merdeka Walk and is next door to the Central Business District and the Bank Indonesia office complex. And some of the top attractions in North Sumatra are within easy reach of Grand Aston City Hall Medan, including Lake Toba, the Great Mosque, East Mount Temple, Pantai Cermin theme park and more.
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The West Java capital offers the best of all worlds, with great shopping, wonderful architecture and unspoilt nature.
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t the beginning of the 20th century, Europeans would fly for as long as 28 hours, transiting several times, and then continue by car from Batavia to enjoy Bandung and its surroundings. Now, most visitors just make the short drive from Jakarta on the modern toll road. The northern part of Bandung is often overrun by visitors from Jakarta and can turn into a traffic nightmare on the weekend, but go south and you will find untouched nature, tea plantations, volcanic craters, milk factories and trace of colonial time.
Photos courtesy of Jaka Permana & Satya Budi Widagdo
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What to See Architectural jewels Many buildings in Bandung were built in classic Dutch colonial style during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Locals refer to this time as the Bandoeng tempo doeloe (old Bandung) era. The Art Deco style was very popular throughout the earlier half of the 20th century and the city and its suburbs retain many fine examples of this architectural style. Mount Tangkuban Perahu If you are in Bandung, take a look Ram fighting towards the north keeping an eye out Villages around Bandung for a mountain of unusual shape. The host ram fights on alternate name itself comes from the local legend Sundays. It’s a big event for of Sangkuriang (Legenda Sangkuriang). locals who turn out in the The legend is based on a disobedient hundreds to watch five-minute son who kicked his boat upside-down bouts between prize-fighter and was transformed into stone. Hence male sheep. Tournaments are the name of the mountain: Tangkuban held in purpose-built rings in is “flipped” and perahu is “boat”. It is outlying villages. Best to hire still an active volcano. The crater is a motorbike/guide in Bandung reachable by car and it is fun to hike to who knows when and where the top by foot from Lembang.
95 Batagor is similar to bakso tahu/siomay but it is fried instead of being steamed. It is served with peanut paste and sweet soy sauce. Some of the more famous places selling Batagor are Kingsley at Jalan Veteran, which has been selling the dish for 28 years now; Batagor Riri at Jalan Burangrang 41 (in front of the BCA building); Batagor Haji Isan at Jalan Bojongloa; Batagor Haji Darto at Pasar Simpang Dago; and Dailycious Batagor at the Summit Factory Outlet at Jalan RE. Martadinata (Riau) 61. Soto Bandung is a soup with beef, soybeans and vegetables. Try Soto Ojolali on Jalan Cibadak (near Alun-Alun), which has been dishing up Soto Bandung since the 1940s. Lotek is mixed boiled vegetables, served with peanut paste and chillies, similar to gado-gado. The hotter the better. Lotek Kalipah Apo, on Jalan Kalipah Apo, has been serving lotek every day from 9am to 4pm for 48 years.
the next tournament is on. Ram fighting is not a blood sport but animal lovers may be upset at the sight of the fights, which are organised and refereed rather like boxing matches. Kawah Putih (White Crater) Kawah Putih is a striking crater lake and tourist spot in a volcanic crater around 50 kilometres south of Bandung. Expect quite a lengthy drive from the city centre, and plan on spending at least half a day to visit the lake. Admission is not as cheap as other tourist spots, but the scenery is breathtaking and out of this world.
Where to Stay Villa Roberni, Villa Istana Bunga V3 Parongpong North Bandung Phone. +62 22 278 9443 Tamara Guest House Jl. Wira Angun-Angun No.46 Phone. +62 22 420 4442 De Villa Kompleks Villa Istana Bunga Parongpong, Cisarua North Bandung Phone. +62 22 811 248912 Grand Preanger Jl. Asia-Afrika 81 Bandung Toll free: 0 800 182-1112 Phone. +62 22 423 1631 Panghegar Jl. Merdeka 2 Bandung Phone. +62 22 423 2286
Situ Patengang (Lake Patengang) Hyatt Regency Bandung A spectacular lake in the Jl. Sumatera 51 middle of a tea plantation. Bandung With its cold mountain Phone. +62 22 421 1234 winds, green carpet-like tea trees and pine forest, this Hilton Bandung is a perfect getaway from Jl. HOS Tjokroaminoto No. 41-43 the Bandung crowds during Bandung the weekend. In the middle Phone. +62 22 8606 6888 of the lake is Pulau Sasaka (Love Island), which got its name from its heart-like shape, and Batu Cinta (Love Rock). Couples in search of eternal love, inspired by the local legend of Ki Santang and Dewi Rengganis, step on Pulau Sasaka and write their names on Batu Cinta. Ranca Upas This campground is the perfect family destination. The name means “Deer Swamp,” for the deer that live in the area.
Bakmi Naripan, at Jalan Naripan 108 (around the corner from Jalan Sunda and Jalan Naripan), is an Indonesian-Chinese noodle establishment that has been a destination for food lovers since the 1960s.
What to Do Saturday night on Jalan Dago Every Saturday night, teenagers turn Jalan Dago into the hottest hangout spot in town. The street stretches from the Holiday Inn in the south to Simpang Dago to the north. Sit back and enjoy the parade of youngsters in their modified cars, pumping out loud music. There are cafes and chic restaurants along the Ship. The street party usually lasts until past midnight. Factory outlets These shops selling all kinds of brand-name goods at discounts can be found scattered from north to central Bandung, particularly around Jalan Riau. During the quality inspection, some of the products may have been rejected, or the local manufacturers may have overrun their production quota. These residual products are sold in factory outlets with export tags, but at lower prices. Distros (distribution outlets) Distros are a new phenomenon in Bandung. These shops sell stylish products made by local designers. They serve as distribution stores, because these local designers do not have their own marketing labels yet. Distros sell everything from books, indie label records and magazines to clothes and accessories. Kopi Aroma Jalan Banceuy No. 51 (close to Alun-Alun), Phone. +62 22 4230473. This store and factory located in an old district of town is famous for its delicious coffee. The Robusta coffee beans are stored for five years and the Arabica beans for as long as eight years and sourced from coffee plantations throughout Indonesia. Where and What to Eat Bandung is heaven for food lovers who enjoy new experiences. There are a lot of varieties, not only local dishes but international ones. You can find any food you want for any kind of taste. Do note that most eateries in Bandung focus on creating new variations, not making sure it tastes good. Here are some of the most popular dishes and food stalls in Bandung.
Santosa, Jalan Aceh, open daily from 5pm to 9.30pm. This open-air hawker stall has been open since the 1960s. Try the fried kway teow/ noodles/rices. They use a special wok to enhance the taste. Waroeng Boentoet, at Jalan Anggrek No. 48, (near Jalan RE Martadinata/Riau). This is the only restaurant in Bandung that specialises in traditional oxtail soup with its legendary spice sensation. Waroeng Boentoet has a simple vintage theme, with very
good service and affordable prices that guarantee some serious dining satisfaction. Kampung Daun, Jalan Sersan Bajuri Km 4.7 No. 88, Villa Trinity Complex (you’ll need to drive there with your own car). This place is all about local Sundanese food. You eat in a hut in the middle of the valley (near a small waterfall and river.) At night it’s really amazing to walk along the candlelit pathways. Eating out really means eating out here. Sumber Hidangan, at Jalan Braga 20, in the colonial centre of the city. This bakery opened all the way back in 1929 as Het Snoephuis (The Candy House). The interior is still much the same as it was back then. Breads and cookies have Dutch names, such as zwieback, roomsoes, krentenbrood, saucijzenbrood and suiker hagelslaag. Its old-time ambience and original menu attracts tourists and long-time patrons, but the run-down premise and declining sophistication of its foods and services suggest a losing struggle to remain in business. Yoghurt Cisangkuy, Jalan Cisangkuy (near the Gedung Sate complex). Fresh yoghurt mixed with fresh fruits makes for a refreshing snack from the Bandung heat. Es Cendol Elizabeth, in front of the Elizabeth bag shop at Jalan Otto Iskandar Dinata and Jalan Cihampelas. Cendol is an Indonesian drink made with coconut and coconut milk, served with ice cubes and sweet brown sugar. Bandoengsche Melk Centrale (BMC), at Jalan Aceh 30, is housed in an old Dutch colonial house. They specialise in fresh milk beverages.
97 Queen of the South Sea Nyai Roro Kidul (also spelled Nyi Roro Kidul) is a legendary Indonesian spirit, known as the Queen of the Southern Sea of Java (Indian Ocean or Samudra Kidul south of Java) in Javanese and Sundanese mythology. She is also the legendary consort of the Sultans of Mataram and Yogyakarta, beginning with Senopati and continuing to the present day. Nyai Roro Kidul has many different names, which reflect the diverse stories of her origin in a lot of sagas, legends, myths and traditional folklore. Other names include Ratu Laut Selatan (Queen of the South Sea, meaning the Indian Ocean) and Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Kidul. The royal house of Keraton Surakarta revered her as Kanjeng Ratu Ayu Kencono Sari. Many Javanese believe it is important to use various honorifics when referring to her, such as Nyai, Kanjeng and Gusti. People who invoke her also call her Eyang (grandmother).
A true traveller will spend a day or two strolling around Yogyakarta. This calm city, with a centre of Javanese cultural heritage, attracts travellers with a thirst for exotic experiences.
The role of Nyai Roro Kidul as a Javanese spirit-queen became a popular motif in traditional Javanese folklore and palace mythologies, as well as being tied in with the beauty of Sundanese and Javanese princesses. Another aspect of her mythology was her ability to change shape several times a day.
Sweet & Spicy Cuisine It’s not a big secret to Indonesian people that Yogyakartans adore sweet foods. The local dish known as gudeg, for example, made from jackfruit, palm sugar and coconut milk, is distinctively sweet in flavour. Local snacks, such as bakpia and yangko, are extremely sweet. However, not every local dish is sweet. Krecek, the fried beef often served with gudeg, is poignantly hot for the untrained tongue. It’s a good idea to ask whether a dish is hot or not. You can always ask them to leave the chilli out of the dish and serve it separately. This way you can still taste the original flavour of the dish, but if you can’t handle the heat, you can simply choose not to add the chilli.
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ogyakarta is a bustling town and the most popular tourist destination on Java, largely thanks to its proximity to the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. The town is a centre of art and education, offers some good shopping and has a wide range of tourist facilities.
While the city spreads in all directions from the Keraton, the Sultan’s Palace, the core of the modern city is to the north, centring on Dutch colonial-era buildings and the commercial district. Jalan Malioboro, with rows of sidewalk
Other notable landmarks and attractions are: Tugu Monument A well-known landmark in the centre of downtown Yogyakarta. Built by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono VI, the top spire was originally a round sphere that represented the universe. During the colonial era, the spire was replaced with a golden cylinder. vendors and nearby markets and malls, is the primary shopping street for tourists in the city, while Jalan Solo, further north, is a shopping district more frequented by locals. At the southern end of Malioboro, on the east side, is the large local market of Beringharjo, not far from Fort Vredeburg, a restored Dutch fort. Yogyakarta was built with a deep philosophy: the city was designed so that the main elements form an imaginary line. This straight line starts from Parangtritis on the coast, to the Keraton, to Tugu Monument and finally to Mount Merapi. This represents the strong relationship between the sultans of Yogyakarta and the guardian spirits of Mount Merapi and the beach of Parangtritis. What to See Being one of the oldest cities in Indonesia, Yogyakarta has many heritage buildings and monuments. The number one must-see attraction is Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono’s palace, better known as Keraton Ngayogyakarta.
Benteng Vredeburg A Dutch fort located in front of Gedung Agung (the President’s Palace), this is a great example of Dutch colonial architecture. A few warfare items are still preserved, including a twin cannon. Kotagede The capital of the ancient Mataram kingdom. The tomb of the Mataram Kingdom’s first king, Panembahan Senopati, is located here. Photos courtesy of Satya Budi Widagdo
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Imogiri Southwest of town, this is the graveyard of the Yogyakarta and Surakarta royal families. Sultan’s Carriage Museum (Museum Kereta) Home to the sultan’s horse-drawn carriages, including two beautiful carriages imported from the Netherlands and known as the Golden Carts (kereta kencana).
Nyai Roro Kidul in a significant amount of the folklore that surrounds her controls the violent waves of the Indian Ocean from her dwelling place in the heart of the ocean. Sometimes she is referred as one of the spiritual queens or wives of the Susuhunan of Solo/ Surakarta and the Sultan of Yogyakarta. Her literal positioning is considered as corresponding to the Mount MerapiKeraton-South Sea axis in the Solo Sultanate and Yogyakarta Sultanate.
Taman Sari Also known by the Dutch name Waterkasteel (Water Castle), this is a partly ruined complex built as a pleasure garden by the first sultan in 1765. One of the bathing pools was dedicated to the sultan’s harem, and he had a tower overlooking the area so he could take his pick. Siti Hinggil Selatan This somehow-muted palace is rarely used for formal occasions. You can catch a shadow puppet performance during weekend mornings and nights.
Jalan Malioboro A well-known shopping promenade and very popular among Indonesian as well as international tourists. Running from Tugu Station to the Sultan’s Square, Malioboro is two kilometres in length and home to hundreds of shops and street stalls offering various handicrafts. Getting There By Plane Yogyakarta’s Adisucipto International Airport, eight kilometres east of town, is a small but busy mostly domestic hub. There are near-hourly connections on Garuda to Jakarta (50 minutes) and Denpasar, while other domestic airlines service major cities in Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi. For international service, AirAsia connects Yogyakarta to both Kuala Lumpur and Singapore while Malaysia Airlines flies between Yogyakarta and Kuala Lumpur.
Eco-Friendly Transport in Yogya Becak This traditional three-wheeled and pedal-powered cart can be found in most parts of Yogyakarta. Haggle furiously before getting into a becak. Be sure to determine whether the price is for a one-way or return (pulang) trip and if you want the driver to wait whilst you conduct your shopping or business. A ride from within the city to the Malioboro shopping precinct should not cost more than Rp 10,000. Horse cart Traditional horse-pulled carts, known as andong or dokar, wait for tourists outside hotspots like the train station, the Keraton and Malioboro. Haggle furiously. The traditional route is from Jalan Malioboro to the Keraton, and this is where you’ll find the most andong. Usually, an andong will try to take you to shop for fake Dagadu T-shirts in the Ngasem area with hefty prices. Then it will take you back to your initial journey. A round trip on an andong is usually Rp 20,000, but you will have to bargain. Andong can accommodate up to five adult passengers.
Where to Stay Venezia Homestay Jl. Tirtodipuran 27 Yogyakarta Phone. +62 274 374049
Yogyakarta airport is the sole rail-connected airport in Indonesia. Those Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta arriving or departing from Jl. Palagan Tentara Pelajar the airport can take a Yogyakarta Prambanan Ekspres regional Phone. +62 274 86 9123 train to/from Kutoarjo (west of Yogyakarta), Palur The Phoenix Hotel (just east of Surakarta) and Phone. +62 274 566617 several stations in between, including Tugu (just off Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Jalan Malioboro) and Resort and Spa Solobalapan station in Solo. Jl. Laksda Adisucipto km 8.7 The station at the airport is Yogyakarta just a few minutes’ walk Phone. +62 274 488588 from the terminal, with an air-conditioned underpass leading all the way to the platform for trains into Yogyakarta. By Bus The main bus station is Giwangan, four kilometres southeast of the city centre. There are regular services throughout the island, including to Jakarta (9 hours), Bandung (6 hours) and Surabaya (8 hours). By Train Trains to Jakarta take between 7 and 12 hours from the main Yogyakarta station, Tugu Station. The Argo-class trains (Argo Lawu and Argo Dwipangga) are the best of the lot being the most comfortable and fastest.
101 can. The ticket you purchase to enter Prambanan is valid for a whole day, meaning you can exit and re-enter the site as many times as you wish. This is the same for tickets purchased for Borobudur temple. For photographers this means you can take pictures of the site at different times of the day. Getting Around Visitors to Prambanan wander around the temples on foot. This is the best way to enjoy the lush landscape and take in the detailed architecture and design of the temples up close. This temple complex covers 39.8 hectares. In the main yard, there are the three main temples, as well as three Wahana The Others Temples around temples, two Apit temples Prambanan Temple and eight Patok temples Candi Ratu Boko: Ratu Boko is located surrounded by fences. on a plateau, about three kilometres In the second yard there south of Prambanan temple are another 224 Perwara Candi Barong: A unique temple situated temples, which are mostly at the southern part of Prambanan in just scattered stones at this the hills of Desa Bokoharjo, Kecamatan point. Wandering around Prambanan, Kabupaten Sleman. here and examining the Candi Plaosan: Candi Plaosan, also intricate stonework will known as the “Plaosan Complex,” is keep you busy all day. one of the Buddhist temples located in Bugisan village, Prambanan district, Compared to the temples about a kilometer to the northwest of in Angkor Wat, the temples the Prambanan complex. of Prambanan are much Candi Kalasan: This temple, also known easier to navigate and more as Candi Kalibening, is an 8th-century tourist friendly. The area Buddhist temple. It is located 13 kilometres east of Yogyakarta on the way to Prambanan temple.
There are many temples in Indonesia, but Prambanan is one of the most magnificent masterpieces of Hindu culture in Central Java.
There were at one point in the mists of history 240 temples in the complex, but most have long since crumbled and the main remaining attractions are the six temples of the central court, richly decorated with carved reliefs. Three of them, known as the Trimurti (“three sacred places”), are particularly important.
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andi Prambanan, or Candi Rara Jonggrang, is a 9th century Hindu temple complex in Central Java, dedicated to the Trimurti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu) and the Destroyer (Shiva). Prambanan is not far from the famous Borobudur Buddhist temple, the proximity of the two temples telling a story of the peaceful coexistence of Buddhism and Hinduism on Java.
Sendratari Ramayana (Ramayana Ballet) The Ramayana Ballet is basically a Javanese performance that combines drama and dance and tells the story of the Ramayana and Rama, a legendary Hindu king. The performances are organised in an outdoor setting within the Prambanan temple complex. The Ramayana ballet has four episodes. Each episode is represented in a night. Shows are at 7.30 until on in Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday, They feature more than 50 professional dancers. And Gamelan orchestra.
After hundreds of years of neglect, Prambanan was rediscovered by CA Lons, a Dutchman, in 1733. The complex was revitalized and today it is widely regarded as the most beautiful and graceful Hindu temple in Indonesia The grandeur, complexity and integrated architectural concept of Prambanan make this a truly amazing structure. As a unique cultural and architectural marvel, Prambanan was declared a World Heritage Site in 1991 by Unesco. Candi Prambanan is the grandest temple in Indonesia apart from Borobudur and is one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. It is characterized by its tall and magnificent architecture, and by the towering 47-metre-high central building inside a large complex of individual temples. This majestic temple attracts visitors from around the world.
Photos courtesy of Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Industry
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Candi Shiva, dedicated to Shiva the Destroyer, is the largest of the six, rising to a height of 45 metres. There are fine reliefs of the Ramayana in its forecourt and four chambers with statues. The largest chamber, to the east, contains a statue of Shiva himself, while the south has the sage Agastya, the west his son Ganesha (the elephant-headed) and the north his wife Durga. Durga is also known as Loro Jonggrang (Slender Virgin), a legendary beautiful princess who was turned to stone. Candi Brahma, to the south, continues the story of the Ramayana and has a statue of Brahma the Creator inside. Candi Vishnu, to the north, tells the story of Vishnu’s avatar Krishna and has a statue of Vishnu the Preserver inside. Opposite the three large temples are three smaller ones originally dedicated to the vehicles of the gods. Only the statue of Nandi, Shiva’s bull, has survived. What to Do The reliefs inside the temple tell the epic story of the Ramayana. Inside, there are ancient items such as the Lingga Batara Siwa stone, a symbol of fertility. From May to October during the full moon, the classic Javanese Ramayana ballet or dance drama is performed by more than 250 dancers on an outdoor open stage with the full moon dramatically rising over the temples in the background. While you are here you will want to snap as many photos as you
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surrounding Prambanan is developed, with a landscaped park and stores selling tourist souvenirs. While it’s not set in a remote rustic setting, the splendour of Prambanan will make you quickly forget your surroundings. You will be transported back to an ancient time where ritual and culture dominated every part of life.
Unesco Site Today, the Prambanan Temple Complex is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site and it has become one of Indonesia’s key tourist attractions and a major landmark in the area. Even so, Prambanan is often overshadowed by the nearby Borobudur. The reality is that most people find Prambanan just as awe inspiring as its bigger brother and I’m sure you will like it as well.
How to Get There The closest cities to Prambanan are Yogyakarta and Semarang. Garuda Indonesia, Sriwijaya Air, Lion Air and a number of domestic airlines fly to these cities from Jakarta and other large cities in Indonesia. AirAsia is the first international airline to fly directly from Kuala Lumpur to Yogyakarta. From Yogyakarta, you can rent a car to go to Klaten. From there, you can walk to the temple. If you are tired of walking, you can always call for a becak, a cycle rickshaw. The becak driver will bring you right up to the entrance of the temple, not far from the ticket box
The Legend of Prambanan Candi Prambanan is often called Loro Jonggrang Temple after the local name of the Durga statue enshrined in one side of the Shiva temple (Loro Jonggrang means “Slender Virgin”). The substitution of Durga for a more locally derived god occurred through the fame of an ancient legend. According to legend, the statue of Durga is actually the petrified body of Loro Jonggrang, the daughter of King Ratu Boko. When Prince Bandung Bandawasa asked for her hand in marriage, the king answered that he could have her only if he could kill him in battle. In the ensuing fight, the prince killed Ratu Boko. Loro Jonggrang did not wish to marry the murderer of her father, so she
asked of him an impossible task: build 1,000 temples in one night. If he fulfilled the task, he could marry her.
Bandung nearly accomplished the job by securing an army of spirits through the help of his dead father. The supernatural labourers erected temples at lightning speed, and Loro Jonggrang realized that Bandung would finish before daybreak. To stop him, Loro Jonggrang pounded on a rice block, making the cocks in the neighbourhood wake up early and call the arrival of dawn. Hearing this, Bandung’s army of spirits feared the daylight and rushed away from their work, leaving just a single temple unfinished. In a fury, Bandung cursed Loro Jonggrang and had her body turned to stone. Through the intervention of Shiva, the petrified body became the idol that now stands in the Siva temple at Candi Prambanan. In recent centuries, the fame of Loro Jonggrang spread far and wide, and the original purpose of the temple was forgotten as worshippers flocked to the idol, leaving offerings of food, money and gifts. Early foreigners who visited the temple often had trouble reaching the statue with all of the offerings clogging the narrow passage. Of the idol itself, the numerous hands of the worshippers have rubbed the breasts and stomach to a smooth sheen, giving the appearance of shining metal.
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Every visitor to Scotland will say that Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the north of the United Kingdom. Its well-preserved buildings, fun and friendly residents, hidden narrow streets called “close” and the stunning Edinburgh Castle call out to travellers and encourage them to linger in the city.
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dinburgh manages to combine the ancient and the modern in a uniquely Scottish atmosphere. Watched over by the imposing castle, the symbol of the city, Edinburgh combines medieval relics, Georgian grandeur and a powerful layer of modern life with contemporary avant-garde. Mediaeval palaces rub shoulders with the best of modern architecture, Gothic churches with amazing museums and galleries. Scotland’s throbbing nightlife centre, Edinburgh, “the Athens of the North,” is also a feast for the mind Where to Stay and the senses, playing Radisson Blu Hotel host to great restaurants, 80 High Street shops and an unequalled The Royal Mile programme of city festivals Edinburgh throughout the year. Phone. +44 131 557 9797
Photos courtesy of Antonius Martono
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When to Go Travellers should note that Edinburgh becomes overwhelmingly crowded ( a c co m m o d at i o n - w i s e ) during the main festival periods of high summer (August to early September) and Hogmanay (around New Year’s Day). Visitors at these times should plan well ahead (even more than a year in advance!) for booking central accommodation and event tickets at these times. How to Get There If you are flying from Asia, the best way to reach
Learmonth Travelodge 18-20 Learmonth Terrace Edinburgh Phone. +44 131 343 2671 Lyncliff Hotel 4 Windsor Street Edinburgh Phone. +44-131-556-6972 The Old Waverley Hotel 43 Princes Street Edinburgh Phone. +44 131 556 4648 Balmoral 1 Princes Street Edinburgh Phone. +44 131 556 2414
Edinburgh is by plane mainly through a connecting flight. Many visitors to the city arrive via a connecting flight from London. In comparison to most Scottish airports, Edinburgh’s European flight network is well developed, with frequent scheduled flights to destinations such as Amsterdam, Athens, Brussels, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dublin, Frankfurt, Geneva, Helsinki, Kaunas, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Oslo, Paris, Prague, Rome, Stockholm and Zurich. Getting Around Edinburgh is a compact city – most of the sights and major tourist attractions are within the Old Town and New Town and are no further than a 15-minute walk apart. Walking along elegant or atmospheric streets is one of the pleasures of the city. There are, however, a number of hills to be navigated; for example from Princes Street, up the Mound towards Edinburgh Castle requires some significant legwork, but it’s worth it for the views en route. What to See For the budget-conscious and/or avid sightseer, the Edinburgh Pass is well worth bearing in mind, offering a maximum of £155 worth of entry to 27 of the city’s top attractions, a 90-page guidebook, retail and restaurant offers and discounts. It also comes with free public transport around the city and airport transfers. A one-day pass costs £29, two days £39, three days £49 (2011 prices). The Edinburgh Pass can be purchased online or at Tourist Information Centres. For a shopaholic and souvenir chaser, Royal Miles is the best place to find unique gifts. Take a route from behind Hotel Balmoral up to the castle; you will pass shops on your left and right, interrupted by interesting narrow streets known as “close.” Edinburgh Castle, Old Town Edinburgh Castle, home to the Edinburgh Tattoo, is a magnificently situated royal fortress located on one of the highest points in
106 Stone of Destiny: The Coronation Stone Legend says that the Stone of Destiny was used as a pillow by Jacob in biblical times. It was believed to have been brought to Scotland in the 9th century. It was used as part of the crowning ceremonies of the kings of Dalriada, in the west of Scotland (now Argyll). When Kenneth I, the 36th King of Dalriada, moved his capital to Scone from western Scotland around 840AD, the Stone of Destiny was moved there, too. Coronations of Scottish kings took place at Moot Hill at Scone Palace. There is now only a replica of the stone there. John Balliol was the last Scottish king to be crowned on the stone at Scone in 1292. The Stone was taken from Scone by King Edward I of England in 1296 and remained under the Coronation Throne at Westminster Abbey in London for 700 years. However, there have always been theories that the Scots did not hand over the real stone! On 25 December 1950, a group of Scottish nationalists removed the stone and brought it back to Scotland where it remained for four months before it was returned. Or was it? There have been suggestions that a copy was returned, compounding the earlier stories about substitution. The stone finally came back to Scotland on St. Andrew’s Day, 30 November 1996, and is housed beside the other Honours of Scotland in Edinburgh Castle. Historic Scotland examined the stone on its arrival and pronounced that it was “probably” the original stone from Dalriada. In the event of a future coronation of a British monarch, the Stone of Destiny is to be temporarily replaced under the Coronation Throne at Westminster Abbey.
the city. The castle has been continuously in use for 1,000 years and is in excellent condition. Abbey and Palace of Holyroodhouse, Old Town The Palace is a royal residence, and hosts the Queen’s Gallery containing a collection of art from the Royal Collection. Mary King’s Close, Old Town, Warriston’s Close (opposite St Giles’ Cathedral) Open daily except 25 December – a slice of Edinburgh’s mediaeval history, preserved since being closed over in the 18th century – watch out for the haunting. The Edinburgh Dungeon, 31 Market Street The scariest attraction in Edinburgh featuring 11 shows and 2 rides about Scotland’s horrible history: William Wallace, Mary King’s Ghost, the cave of Sawney Bean, Burke and Hare and more. Rosslyn Chapel, South Take bus number 15 to see this chapel, featured in “The Da Vinci Code” novel and film.
What to Do Walk along the Water of Leith A small river that meanders through Edinburgh, providing a peaceful haven from the busy city. Check out the Leith or Stockbridge and Canonmills sections of the route. Arthur’s Seat The extinct volcano to the east of the city centre offers fantastic views
A Sip of Scotch As for Scotland’s first drink, you will find the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre at the top of The Royal Mile. It offers an interactive “tour” of the history and practise of whisky distilling, complete with a rather sedate barrel ride. This is a good place to go if you want to sample whisky, as they have a very large selection (200+) at fairly reasonable prices. Older whiskeys tend to cost more and the rarest ones can cost up to £50 per measure! The atmosphere is less pub-like than some might like as it tends to be fairly quiet. If you don’t fancy the interactive tour and just want to try some whisky then check the listings for some good whisky pubs, but in any event, the majority of Edinburgh pubs tend to have a reasonable array of Scotch whiskeys on offer. The food at the centre is reasonably priced and fairly good.
from its summit – and at only 251 metres high the ascent isn’t too strenuous. Edinburgh in the summer becomes “festival city” when a huge number of major national and international arts festivals are hosted by the city. Most of these occur virtually simultaneously in August. These cater to a wide variety of interests.
As in most of the rest of Scotland, Hogmanay, the New Year celebrations, are the main focus of the festive season rather than Christmas. On the night itself whole sections of central Edinburgh are roped off and accessible only by ticket for the Hogmanay street party, which takes place across several stages and is easily the largest in Scotland. Hogmany and Edinburgh fit together like hand and glove.
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bus stops at a viewpoint halfway along the dike. There is a ferry that runs from Enkhuizen in Noord Holland to Stavoren. The journey takes around 80 minutes. In the summer the ferry runs up to three times daily, but in April and October not as frequent.
Where to Stay Golden Tulip Tjaarda Oranjewoud Koningin Julianaweg 98 Oranjewoud Friesland Phone. +65 6226 3310 Tulip Inn Franeker Hertog Van Saxenlaan 78 Franeker Friesland Phone. +65 6226 3310 Bastion Hotel Leeuwarden Legedijk 6 Leeuwarden Friesland Phone. +65 6226 3310 Nieuw Hanenburg Wijde Noorderhorne 2 Sneek Phone. +65 6226 3310 Van Der Valk Hotel Sneek Burgemeester Rasterhofflaan 1 Sneek Phone. +65 6226 3310
Once a great naval power, the Netherlands boasts a wealth of cultural heritage and is famous for its painters, windmills, clogs and notoriously flat lands. A modern European country today, it has preserved its highly international character and is known for its liberal outlook. The Netherlands, with its gorgeous capital, Amsterdam, welcomes travellers with its great sights and relaxed attitude.
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lthough the Netherlands is a small country, visitors will want to focus on one of four different areas, each with a unique heritage and sights. Friesland, in the north of the country, is an unexplored destination full of fresh sights and experiences for visitors. How to Get There By Train You can travel from the direction of Groningen or Zwolle. And by bus from Den Helder or Hoorn. In the latter case you will pass through the Afsluitdijk, a 30-kilometre-long dike separating two seas. The
Photos courtesy of Antonius Martono
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which takes place in early August. The 14 10-metrelong boats, each with a crew of more than 10 people, compete over 14 What to See matches on anything from Wieuwerd mummies the huge IJsselmeer to tiny Wieuwerd is a small town where a local church crypt created the Veenhoop. This event is right conditions for natural mummification. called Skutsjesilen, Skutsje being the traditional type Fries Museum of sailing boat used in The local museum on the area (located in Leeuwarden). these contests. •Go boating on the lakes Jopie Huisman Museum (Workum) or canals. An art museum dedicated to an eel fisher turned realist painter. •Go mudflat hiking to the West Frisian Islands. As Eise Eisinga’s planetarium (Franeker) the sea is dry at low tide, A schoolteacher created the world’s oldest still working planetarium it is possible to walk to (1774) to disprove claims that the world was going to end. some of the islands. Take a guide. Hindeloopen •Kaatsen is a sport dating A small town comparable to Volendam or Marken, though not as to the Middle Ages that is touristy Sloten. A small fortress town with a rich past. still played in Friesland, the Basque country and parts of southern France. A precursor to tennis, Afsluitdijk the game consists of two teams hitting a solid leather ball with their A 32-kilometre-long dike connecting North Holland and Friesland. bare hands. The main event each year is the PC, in Franeker. The city Built in 1930 to close what is now the IJsselmeer from being flooded will be filled with spectators. Warning: Kaatsen is to Frisians what by the North Sea. The dike was built as part of a plan to reclaim land cricket is to the English, so you will not understand a thing of what in the IJsselmeer; this land is happening. became the province of •Fierljeppen (far-jumping) is a sport where contestants attempt Flevoland. to jump as far as possible over a ditch, using a 10-foot pole. The Woman of Stavoren •Follow the route of the Elfstedentocht by car or by bicycle. Seven A rich female merchant living in the Kazematten Museum of the original cities of the tour are in this area, namely Sneek, prospering Dutch seaport town of The bunkers defending the IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum and Bolsward. You Stavoren sends out her shipmaster on entrance to the Afsluitdijk can get a detailed map of the route at tourist offices throughout a journey to obtain the most precious were a vital part of Holland’s the area, and suggestions on how to traverse the route. thing in the world for her. Since no man defence plan during World can live without grain, the shipmaster War II. Some of the bunkers WARNING: If you’re going mudflat hiking, always do it under returns with a load of grain. This is have been restored, the supervision of a licensed guide. Though tides change a bitter disappointment to the rich with period-appropriate in regular cycles, these are easily misjudged by unqualified woman of Stavoren. She asks the weapons, equipment and hikers, who could find themselves quickly surrounded by shipmaster on which board the grain everyday items giving an rising water on all sides. As hikers are basically walking in was loaded. When this turns out to be overview of the soldiers’ life the middle of the sea, this is not to be underestimated. on larboard, or port, the woman orders inside the bunkers in 1940 the load thrown into the sea over WHAT TO EAT starboard. A beggar warns the woman Het Monument Eat she is not to waste this precious food: A small statue of a dike•Fryske dumkes, sweet cookies with crushed hazelnut she might be poor and hungry one day builder that has been placed •Oranjekoeke, a kind of cake with orange snippers herself. Hereupon the haughty woman on the spot where the dike •Drabbelkoeken, a buttercake takes a golden ring from her finger. She was closed in 1932. Next to •Sukerbole, a sweet bread with 40 per cent sugar and throws it into the sea and says, “Sooner the monument is a plaque, cinnamon will I recover this ring than I will become cafe and a watchtower poor.” Then the load of grain is thrown where (because of all the Drink overboard. A few days later there is water) you can see the •Beerenburg, the “national” drink of Friesland. An alcoholic fish (cod or haddock) on the menu. To Wadden islands on a bright drink, made by adding herbs to juniper. It has an alcohol the utter amazement of the woman of day. percentage of around 30 per cent. Stavoren, her golden ring comes out •Frysk Hynder (Frisian horse), the only Frisian whisky, distilled of the fish when cut open. Soon the What to Do in Bolsward woman is reduced to poverty: she loses The main event in Friesland •Us Heit (Our father), Frisian beer, brewed in Bolsward her fleet and her worldly possessions. each year is the yearly The seaport of Stavoren silts up and sailing contest between 14 year after year empty grain grows out ships on the various lakes, of the water.
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conveniently located in the city centre, after crossing the Turkish Straits by ferry. The busy Canakkale bus station also has several daily connections to most major Turkish destinations, such as Edirne and Izmir.
Another dish to try is peynir helvasi, a special dessert made of cheese, yolk, semolina and sugar. Husmenoglu is a patisserie famous for the dessert. Where to Go Canakkale is a convenient base for exploring many nearby sights.
By Boat Troy (Truva or Troya in Turkish) You can cross the straits on the 24-hour An archaeological site about 30 kilometres away. Contains ruins of Eceabat-Canakkale ferry line, with 20- the legendary city with the (re-constructed) wooden horse. minute intervals during the busy morning to midnight hours. This Gokceada (Imbros) and Where to Stay is probably the most convenient Bozcaada (Tenedos) Kolin Hotel way to get to the city from the Two of the biggest islands Kepez 17100 European mainland. Passengers in Turkey, also the only Phone. +90 286 218 0808 from Istanbul must be aware that, significant Turkish islands in in bad weather conditions, sea the Aegean Sea. Akol Hotel traffic in the straits is limited or Kayserili Ahmet Paşa cancelled, and crossing the straits Gallipoli Kordonboyu may become impossible. On the opposite banks Phone. +90 286 217 9456 of the Dardanelles Strait. Getting Around Take a tour with the people Buyuk Truva Hotel Most places in Canakkale are within of the Crowded House Cevatpaşa Mah. M.Akif Ersoy cad. No. 2 walking distance. There is a tourist Hotel – they will meet you Phone. +90 286 217 1024 information office several metres as you disembark from the from the ferryboat station (on ferry in Eceabat. Hotel Kervansaray the right if you are coming from Fetvane Sokak 13 the ferry). You can pick up a free Phone. +90 217 8792 tourist map of Canakkale and the surrounding areas. They also have schedules of the minibuses to Troy and ferries to Bozcaada. What to See Archaeological Museum (Arkeoloji Müzesi) İzmir Caddesi (on the highway to Izmir, about 30 minutes from the ferry harbour on foot. Minibuses are also available) Phone. +90 286 217-65-65 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8.30am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-5.30pm
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Naval Museum (Deniz Muzesi) Fevzipaşa Mahallesi Cimenlik Sokak (on the waterfront, just west of ferry harbour) Phone. +90 286 213-17-30 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday, 9am-noon, 1pm-5pm
ere is a destination to consider, Canakkale, believed to be the location of the legendary city of Troy. Canakkale is a town and seaport nestled in the Asian part of Turkey, a short distance from the coast of the Dardanelles. Canakkale is a popular tourist destination because of its long history and rich heritage, which is tied up with the legendary ancient city of Troy. If you visit Canakkale, you will have the unique chance to see the “wooden horse” from the Hollywood blockbuster “Troy,” starring Brad Pitt. Canakkale is also home to a compact Jewish community that makes it even more attractive and lively. Turkey has long been a favourite travel destination for its rich culture and amazing landscapes. Many travellers put Istanbul at the top of their itinerary, others head straight for Cappadocia, but few venture further inland to experience the amazing diversity Turkey has to offer.
How to Get There By Bus There are buses from Istanbul at any time, day or night. Just go to Istanbul’s main bus terminal, or otogar, and look for “Canakkale” signs on the windowpanes of bus company offices. It takes about six hours to get from Istanbul to Canakkale. Most buses drop their passengers off just next to the ferry harbour, which is
Trojan Horse – the one used in the movie “Troy,” which was donated to the city. Now it’s a two-minute walk east of the ferry harbour, on the waterfront. Photos courtesy of Go Turkey
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What to Eat One thing not to miss while in Canakkale is bomba, which is the usual kebab in half a pita with an omelette added in. There are lots of buffets making it in the cluster of shops located just across the street from the ferry harbour. Totally local, so don’t expect to find it anywhere else.
Kilitbahir Another village just opposite the city across the Dardanelles on the Gallipoli Peninsula, known for its extremely well-preserved castle (the most obvious landmark seen from the city when it is illuminated at night). The village has frequent ferry services (by private, smaller-sized boats) from Canakkale, which depart from near the Naval Museum and is a convenient point for visits onward to the southern, and decidedly less-visited World War I monuments of Gallipoli, such as Cape Helles. Abydos An ancient city where the story of Hero and Leander took place.
Legend of Troy Troy is a city that existed more than 4,000 years and was known as a centre of ancient civilization. Troy (Truva in Turkish) is located in Hisarlik, near Canakkale province, where the remains of this once-great city can be visited. All that is left are the remains of the destruction of Schliemann, the famous German archaeologist or treasure hunter depending on who you are talking to. In the Bronze Age, Troy wielded great power because of its strategic location between Europe and Asia. It was mentioned by Homer in the ancient sagas “Iliad” and “Odyssey.” Later, it became a popular subject in Greek drama. Virgil’s “Aeneid” contains the best-known account of the sacking of Troy. The story begins with the powerful King Agamemnon and the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen, who was married to Agamemnon’s brother. Paris, the son of Priam, the king of Troy, loved and abducted Helen, bringing her back to Troy. It ends with the defeat of Troy and the sacking of the city.
Assos (also known as Behramkale; about 100 kilometres to the south) A historically important, pleasant seaside village.
Troad Coast An itinerary south of Canakkale combining visits to Troy, Assos and a number of other historical sites along the Aegean coast.
115 Santorini, a volcanic island known for its beautiful views, towns and sunsets How to Get There By plane Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, located near the Athens suburb of Spata, is the country’s largest, busiest airport and main hub, handling more than 15 million passengers annually as of 2006. Other major international airports in terms of passenger traffic are, in order of passengers served per year, Heraklion (Nikos Kazantzakis International), Thessaloniki (Macedonia International), Rhodes (Diagoras) and Corfu (Ioannis Kapodistrias). Athens and Thessaloniki handle the bulk of scheduled international flights. However, during tourism season, several charter and planned lowbudget flights arrive daily from European cities to many of the islands and smaller cities on the mainland. By car Greece can be entered by car from any of its land neighbours. From Italy, ferries will transport cars to Greece. From Western Europe, the most popular route to Greece is through the former Yugoslavia. Speak Greek Greek is the official national language and is the native tongue of the vast majority of the population, but English-speaking visitors will not encounter any significant language problems. English is the most widely studied and understood of the foreign languages in Greece, followed by French, Italian and German. Basic knowledge of English can be expected from almost all personnel in the tourism industry and public transport services, as well as most Greeks under the age of 40. However, learning a few Greek terms, such as “hello” and “thank you,” will be warmly received. What to See Few countries can pride themselves on a heritage as important to Western civilization as Greece. A range of first-class historic landmarks remind one of the days when the great Greek emperors and writers made their mark on the development of science, literature and democracy. No less than 17 of those monuments are listed as World Heritage Sites. However, the many charming little islands, sandy beaches and picturesque whitewashed coastal towns are at least as much a reason to come for the millions of tourists that this Mediterranean country receives each year.
Greece is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, ranking in the world’s top 20 countries. Visitors are drawn to the country’s beaches and reliable sunny summer weather, its nightlife, historical sites and natural beauty.
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any first-time visitors arrive in Greece with specific images in mind and are surprised to discover a country with such regional and architectural diversity. The famous whitewashed homes and charming blue-domed churches only characterise a specific region of the country (the Cyclades Islands). Architecture varies greatly from one region to the next depending on the local history. Visitors will find neoclassical architecture in the cities of Ermoupolis and Nafplion, Ottoman-influenced buildings in Grevena and Kozani, whitewashed Cycladic homes on the island of Paros, and pastel-coloured baroque homes and churches on Corfu. The nation’s terrain is just as varied as its architectural heritage: idyllic beaches, towering mountain ranges, wine-producing valleys, vast stretches of olive orchards in the south, and lush forests in the north. Greece’s historical sights are also varied; the country is littered with just as many mediaeval churches and castles as classical ruins and temples. Where to Go Travelling around Greece reguires more than just two weeks of vacation days. Greece has millions of sights to offer that still amaze any frequent visitor to the country. Here are the top 18 places in
Greece that any traveller much visit: Athens, capital city known for the Parthenon Chania, second-largest city on Crete surrounded by beaches and Samaria National Park Chersonissos, party capital of Crete in the summer Heraklion, Crete’s largest city and home to the archaeological site of Knossos Patra, known for the wines it produces Larissa, the country’s fourth-largest city Rhodes, magnificent city with impressive mediaeval structures, nightlife and beaches; main city on the island of Rhodes Thessaloniki, the country’s prime city in the Macedonia region Volos, coastal port city with nice museums and architecture Corfu, large island with many attractions Delphi, site of the famous oracle of Apollo, major archaeological site Meteora, hilltop monasteries Ithaca, famous home of Odysseus Mount Athos, semi-independent ecclesiastical republic Mykonos, world-famous sophisticated vacation centre Olympia, sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, site of the ancient Olympics Rhodes, island with ancient monuments, as well as beaches
Photos courtesy of Subiarto Martono
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Some major sights are nicely located on one of the beautiful Greek islands, allowing for a delightful combination of sightseeing and relaxing on one of the many fine beaches. Patmos is a lovely example,
boasting the historic centre Chora, the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse, but also some pleasant seaside restaurants with pretty views. Corfu has the same characteristics, being a popular holiday destination with good beaches and an impressive historic town centre. The beach towns of Samos, just a stone’s throw away from the Turkish mainland, are a good place to try local wines (famous in the ancient world!). On the island are also the World Heritage Temple of Hera, the remains of the fortified port of Pythagoreion and the famous Tunnel of Eupalinos, a one-kilometre-long subterranean aqueduct built in the 6th century BC. Although not an island, the ancient Mount Athos is located in the north of Greece, on the peninsula of Chalkidiki. It’s one of the country’s most popular tourist regions with excellent beaches, numerous other ancient sites and many charming villages. When it comes to Greece’s famously gorgeous islands, it’s hard to take your pick out of the 6,000 options you have, 227 of them being inhabited. Their rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, charming villages, sheltered bays and many yacht harbours make them extremely popular among all kinds of travellers. The large island of Crete is a highly popular tourist destination, with landscapes varying from great sandy palm beaches to snow-covered high peaks and stunning river gorges, plus a good deal of nightlife in its main tourist towns. If you’re looking to party at night, lovely Mykonos or Ios are good options. The volcanic island of Santorini is one of the most romantic picks and offers some spectacular views. Its whitewashed capital of Fira is dramatically situated on the edge of a 400-metre-high cliff, overlooking a beautiful blue lagoon. Other popular ones are Lesbos, Paros, Lefkada and Kos. The National Marine Park of Zakynthos is
117 To Avoid in Greece •Do not say that Greece is part of Eastern Europe; Greece was the only openly pro-Western country in a shore of Communist neighbours, both proSoviet and neutral. •The Macedonian issue is considered a very sensitive topic: Greeks believe the name “Macedonia” was stolen from them and used by Tito’s partisans in southern Yugoslavia to address the country created after World War II as a new constituent republic within Yugoslavia. •Be very careful when talking about ancient Greece and the Byzantine Empire, which are the symbols of Greek national pride and splendour. •Be polite when asking about their relationship with the Turks, the Turkish occupation and the Cyprus civil war of 1974, as these create passionate, sometimes aggressive debates. •To “swear” at someone using their hands, Greeks put out their entire hand, palm open, five fingers extended out, like signalling someone to stop. This is called “mountza.” Sometimes they will do this by saying “na” (here) as well. •Be careful when refusing something in Greece: when refusing the offer of a drink, it’s best to put your palm over your glass (or any other refusing gesture that limits the showing of the palm).
the primary nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles in the Mediterranean. The rugged, green hills and valleys of Kefalonia boast a number of vineyards, and the island’s cliffs and beautiful beaches make it a tourist hotspot. For a slightly more authentic and less touristy experience, try Syros, Amorgos or any of the other small and less developed islands. What to Eat The traditional fast foods are gyros, roast pork or chicken (and rarely beef) and fixings wrapped in a fried pita; souvlaki, grilled meat on a skewer; Greek dips such as tzatziki, made of strained yoghurt, olive oil, garlic and finely chopped cucumbers and dill or mint; and skordalia, a garlic mashed potato dip that is usually served with deep-fried salted cod.
With its extensive coastline and islands, Greece has excellent seafood. Try the grilled octopus and the achinosalata (seaurchin eggs in lemon and olive oil). By law, frozen seafood must be marked as such on the menu. Fresh fish, sold by the kilo, can be very expensive; if you’re watching your budget, be sure to ask how much your particular portion will cost before ordering it. Greek salad (called “country salad” locally, horIatiki) is a mix of tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese and onion – all sliced – plus some olives, and occasionally green bell pepper or other vegetables, usually garnished with oregano. Traditionally it is dressed only with olive oil; vinaigrette or lettuce is added only in the most touristoriented restaurants. Where to Sleep If you enjoy local traditions and an unhurried pace of life, small, family-run pensions are the best way to enrich your experience. Owners and workers there are friendly and open-minded, compared to the impersonal service you normally encounter in large hotels. If you have a bigger budget, renting a villa is a splendid idea. They are normally near or on the beach and provide more space and great views.
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121 open to the public. To end the day, visit Gwanghwamun Plaza and Cheonggyecheon Stream. Expenses: Transportation, Rp 150,000. Lunch and dinner, Rp 100,000. Hotel, Rp 650,000 Total cost: Rp 900,000 3rd day: Jeonju Rodeo Street The area is packed with interesting shops selling cosmetics, clothing, cafes and restaurants. The must-try is the famous bibimbap (rice with a Korean sauce called Gochujang). Hanok Village The term hanok is used to describe traditional Korean architecture and the positioning of buildings in relation to nature. It’s a great place for learning traditional Korean culture. Pungnammun Gate Rebuilt in 1768, this is the only remaining gate of the old Jeonju kingdom. Across from the gate is Jeondong Cathedral, which is said to be the oldest and most unique Catholic church in South Korea. They make a beautiful site in the Jeonju area. Expenses: Transportation free with the Jeonju free shuttle bus (www. visitkoreayear.com and click Free Shuttle Bus). Lunch and dinner, Rp 100,000. Hotel, Rp 650,000. Note: To take the free shuttle bus head to Gwanghwamun Station. Bus departs at 8 am. Total cost: Rp 750,000 4th day: Sokcho Mount Seoraksan The national park is internationally recognised for its rare species. It was designated a Biosphere Preservation district by Unesco in 1982. The park covers 398,539 kilometres and is home to more than 2,000 animal species and 1,400 rare plant variations. Abai Village Located at the end of the long peninsula that creates the harbour of Sokcho, Abai is the home of North Koreans. Don’t forget to try the Abai Sundae, a special North Korean sausage. Expenses: Transportation, Rp 400,000 (Express bus return tickets Gyeongju-Sokcho). Lunch and dinner, Rp 100,000. Hotel, Rp 650,000. Total cost: Rp 1,150,000
Travelling on a limited budget is not easy. Unexpected expenses seem to always pop up, like that cute shirt or that painting you just have to have. But nothing is impossible for a smart traveller. On a budget of just 5 million rupiah, you can have the time of your life in these three countries: South Korea, India and Japan. Airfare is excluded.
South Korea in 7 days 1st day: Jakarta-Seoul Travelling from Jakarta or elsewhere in Indonesia requires a departure tax of Rp 150,000. Total cost: Airport tax, Rp 150,000 2nd day: Seoul Myeong-dong The area is filled with shops, cafes and restaurants. Myeong-dong is the centre of fashion trends in Seoul. It’s where the fashionable people hang out in South Korea.
The National Museum of Korea The museum is a 14-minute walking from the Ichon subway station. The architecture is modern, complete with small lakes and beautiful gardens surrounding it. The prime collections are the Archaeological Gallery and the Historical Gallery. Gwanghwamun There are plenty of historical sites in this area, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Deoksugung Palace. Gyeongbokgung means Shining Happiness. Built at the beginning of the Chosun Dynasty, the palace covers 419,100 square metres. Deoksugung Palace was built during the mid-1400s as a private villa for Prince Wolsan. It was designed by England architects and is now a museum
Photos courtesy of Lily Suriani
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TIPS
Recommended Budget Hotels: Amourex Hotel 70, Doseon-dong, Seongdong-gu, Dongdaemun, Seoul, South Korea 133-040 Hill House Hotel 133-1, Heohyeon-dong 1-ga, Jung-gu, Myeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea Hotel Nostalgia 1110, Hwagok6-dong, Kangseo-gu, Gangseo/Bandara Gimpo, Seoul,South Korea
5th Busan Bulguksa Temple The temple complex was built using Silla architecture and is home to a number of important Korean national treasures. Bulguksa Temple was added to the World Heritage list by Unesco in 1995. The complex is home to more than hundreds of Buddhist monks.
king and queen, likely King Soji and his wife, who were buried around 500 AD.
Seokguram Grotto Together with Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram was added to the Unesco World Heritage list in 1995. The Buddhist temple contains a monumental statue of the Buddha looking at the sea. Built in the 8th century on the slopes of Mount Toham, Seokguram Grotto is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art in the Far East.
6th Seoul Kimchi Museum The museum was opened in Coex Shopping Mall in 1998 to promote Korea’s kimchi culture. The museum features a variety of kimchi and historic cooking utensils and has demonstrations on how the dish is made. Visitors can taste some different types of kimchi and make it on our own.
Tumuli Park Right in the centre of town, Tumuli Park contains 23 of the more than 200 royal tombs in the Gyeongju area. Here lies Cheonmachong, the only tomb in Korea that you can actually enter. The tomb, thought to date back to the 5th century was excavated in 1974. Another tomb, Hwangnamdaechong, is the largest in the area and was the tomb of a
Expenses: Transportation (Express bus Gyeongju-Busan-Seoul), Rp 250,000. Lunch and dinner, Rp 100,000. Hotel, Rp 650,000. Total cost: Rp 1,000,000
Bukchon Hanok Village Bukchon area is a traditional residential area in Seoul that keeps 600 years of history. Hanok village is the perfect destination for those who love history. The village is surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo. It has traditional Korean
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123 houses with black tiles on the roofs and walls made from brown and white wood. Hanok’s beauty is undeniable. Insa-dong Shopping Area Opened in 2004, Insa-dong is famous as Seoul’s iconic traditional street. Lined with dozens of fashion shops, art galleries and antique shops, Insa-dong is heaven for shoppers. Namsan Hanok Village Located in the Pil-dong area, on the northern side of Namsan Mountain, the folk villages consists of anumber of traditional Koreanstyle houses. There are also traditional gardens, pavilions, a pond and five traditional Hanok. Visitors can get a glimpse of old Korea in the Joseon Dynasty. Myeong-Dong Shopping Area One of Seoul’s trendiest shopping districts, the place to hunt for fashion and beauty items, especially for the ladies. Welcome to shopper’s paradise. Namdaemun Market-Gwangjang Market-Dongdaemun Market. The three largest traditional markets in Korea with various goods. Get affordable prices and exclusive products made directly by the storeowners. A must-visit for everyone. Expenses: Lunch and dinner, Rp 100,000. Hotel, Rp 650,000. Transportation, Rp 100,000. Total cost: Rp 850,000
7th Seoul-Jakarta Expenses: Lunch, Rp 50,000. Transportation, Rp 150,000 (subway and airport bus). Total cost: Rp 200,000
Total Travelling Cost: Rp 5,000,000
India in 7 Days 1st day: Jakarta-Kolkata-Varanasi Travelling from Jakarta or elsewhere in Indonesia requires a departure tax of Rp 150,000. Total cost: Airport tax, Rp 150,000 2nd day: Varanasi Tulsi Manas Temple This temple is a combination of modern architecture and historical background. Located near Durga Temple in Varanasi, the temple was built in 1964. Tulsi Manas was constructed in the Shikhara style with modern marble rocks. You will be amazed by the performing structures of Ramayana warriors and the majestic wall carvings. Ganges River No trip to India would be complete without visiting the holy river. Formerly called Hindi Ganga, it is the symbol of the spiritual purity of India. The Ganges flows 2,510 kilometres and offers some fantastically romantic views. Ramnagar Fort and Museum The brick castle lies 14 kilometres to the east of the Ganges River. The fort was built for Maharaja Balwant Singh in the 18th century. It has a
temple and a museum within the grounds and the temple is dedicated to Ved Vyasa, who wrote the Mahabharata, the great Indian epic. Legend has it that Ved Vyasa stayed here for a brief period. There is also a collection of vintage cars, Royal palkies, swords, old guns and antique clocks from the Royal collection. Expenses: Transportation, Rp 100,000. Lunch and dinner, Rp 50,000. Hotel, Rp 500,000. Total cost: Rp 650,000 3rd day: Varanasi-New Delhi-Agra Qutb Complex This masterpiece was built in the early 13th century and measures about 235 metres by 155 metres around the exterior. Qutb Complex contains funerary buildings, the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, a beautiful Qutb Minar tower and two mosques. It remains to this day a highlight among Islamic architecture in India. Expenses: Lunch and dinner, Rp 50,000. Transportation (train/airplane Varanasi-New Delhi-Arga), Rp 750,000. Getting around, Rp 50,000. Hotel, Rp 500,000. Entrance Tickets for Qutb, Rp 50,000. Total cost: Rp 1,400,000 4th day: Agra-Jaipur Taj Mahal Get to the Taj entrance at dawn, before it opens, to feel the real beauty of this place. Taj Mahal is famous for the romantic story behind it; built by Shah Jahan as an eternal symbol of his love for his wife. Magnificent architecture that combines beautiful carvings (and calligraphy) and precious stones: agate, jasper, malachite, turquoise, tiger’s eye, lapis lazuli, coral and carnelian. Expenses: Transportation, Agra-Jaipur by bus/train, around Rp 100,000. Lunch and dinner, Rp 50,000. Hotel, Rp 500,000. Total cost: Rp 650,000 5th day: Jaipur-Ajmer-Pushkar Holy Lake The prime attraction of Pushkar is the lake. Legend has it that the holy lake was consecrated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. When Brahma dropped three lotuses from his hand into the deserts, a lake emerged in that place. The famous ritual is to bathe at one of the 52 available ghat, the broad flights of stairs leading down to the water. Brahma Temple Brahma Temple is the only temple that is dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. Located near the lake at Pushkar, in Rajasthan, Brahma Temple was built in the 14th century. The main shrine houses a life-size image of Lord Brahma with four hands and four faces, facing the four basic directions. The walls of the temple are decorated by beautiful images of peacocks and the goddess Saraswati. Expenses: Transportation, Jaipur-Ajmer-Pushkar by train, around Rp 100.000. Lunch and dinner, Rp 50,000. Hotel, Rp 500,000. Total cost: Rp 650,000 6th day: Pushkar-Jaipur-Kolkata Old City Known as the Pink City, Jaipur has much to offer, including pink buildings. Old City was built (and painted) during the reign of the Maharaja Ram Singh. Pink was the symbol of hospitality. The Old City has a number of beautiful gates and is partially encircled by walls. The highlight is Iswart Minar Swarga Sal, near the Tripoli Gate. Hawa Mahal This is probably Jaipur’s most recognised building and is as beautiful
as a palace. Famous as the Palace of Winds, Hawa Mahal has 593 finely screened windows and was built in 1799 for Jaipur royal women to watch the streets below without being observed. Albert Hall This old museum was modelled on the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The collection includes portraits of local kings, royal costumes, paintings, art and crafts. Expenses: Transportation, Pushkar-Jaipur-Kolkata by airplane, around Rp 800,000. Lunch and dinner, Rp 50,000. Hotel, Rp 500,000. Total cost: Rp 1,350,000 7th day: Kolkata-Jakarta St. Paul’s Cathedral This Catholic church is considered to be the first “Episcopal Cathedral church” in India. St. Paul’s Cathedral was designed in an Indo-Gothic style. It took eight years to build and was completed in 1847. The church has managed to survive two earthquakes, one that almost completely destroyed it in 1897, and another in 1934 that led to the collapse of its tower. Indian Museum Opened on 2 February 1814, this museum soon become an important national institution in India. It has sixty galleries, divided into six sections: art, archaeology, anthropology, zoology, geology and botany. Expenses: Transportation to airport, Rp 50,000. Lunch and dinner, Rp 50,000. Entrance tickets, Rp 50,000. Total cost: Rp 150,000
Total Travelling Cost: Rp 5,000,000 Recommended Budget Hotels: Hotel J.S Residency B, 12/112 B-2- Gauri Ganj, Bhelupura, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Varanasi, India 221001 Hotel Taj Resorts Plot No. 538, Near Shilp Gram, Eastern Gate of Taj Mahal, Fatehabad Road, Agra, India 282010 Devraj Niwas Jaipur Near Mahal Cinema, Khasa Kothi Crossing, Bani Park, Gopalbari, Jaipur, India 302016
Japan in 5 Days 1st day: Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur-Tokyo Travelling from Jakarta or elsewhere in Indonesia requires a departure tax of Rp 150,000. Expenses: Airport tax, Rp 150,000. Dinner, Rp 30,000 Total cost: Rp 180,000 2nd day: Tokyo Kappabashi Kitchen Town Kappabashi Street is a shopping haven between Ueno and Asakusa, and is lined with hundreds of shops selling kitchenware and kitchen instruments. The shops are filled with pots, pans, cooking utensils, stoves, tables, chairs, lanterns, even plastic and wax food models for restaurant displays. Meiji Shrine Once Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrine, it was dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. An interesting thing to do here is write wishes on little pieces of paper and tie them onto the
125 Gion District Gion is Kyoto’s traditional entertainment district. It is prettiest in the early evening, when a visit offers the best chance of spotting a geisha on the way to or from an appointment. Nishiki Market Take a culinary adventure in Nishiki. Popularly known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, the market is lined by more than a hundred shops and restaurants. Find great fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware. It is also a great place to find seasonal foods and Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi. Expenses: City bus (all-day pass), Rp 55,000. Shinkansen (KyotoShinosaka), Rp 150,000. Train (Shinosaka-Fukushima-Namba), Rp 35,000. Subway (Hommachi-Umeda), Rp 30,000. Lunch and dinner, Rp 75,000. Hotel, Rp 1,000,000. Total cost: Rp 1,355,000 5th day: Osaka-Jakarta Osaka Castle Recognised as the symbol of Osaka, this famous landmark has eight floors, with an observation deck on the top floor. Osaka Castle was built at the end of the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a wellknown warlord who brought the whole country under his rule in the late 16th century. On display are various weapons, armours and folk items. Shintennoji Temple Founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, a Japanese prince best known for creating a strong, united government in Japan. The highlights include a five-story pagoda and the Golden Hall in which Prince Shotoku is enshrined. There is also a turtle pond and the garden of Gokurakujodo, which represents Buddhist paradise. Recommended Budget Hotels: Tokyo City Hotel Umeda 1-3-19 Minamimorimachi Kitaku, Umeda / Amagasaki, Osaka, Japan Super Hotel Shijyo Kawaramachi 538-1 Nakano cho, Shijo agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto Tengah, Kyoto, Japan Omori Tokyu Inn Atre Omori, 1-6-16, Omorikita, Ota-ku, Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan prayer wall, or do as the locals do and toss some yen into the offering box, bow your head twice, clap twice and bow once more. This is supposed to bring you great luck. Harajuku Tokyo is famous for its unique fashion and hairstyles, and Harajuku is Japan’s most extreme mix of teenage culture and fashion styles. The area offers great shopping and some historic sites. The centre of Jarajuku is Takeshita Dori and its side streets, which are lined by trendy shops, fashion boutiques and food vendors. Shibuya Packed with shops, restaurants and nightclubs, Shibuya bewitches visitors with its fashion culture. The area is decorated with colourful neon advertisements and giant video screens that make the place popular as a movie location. Nakamise Shopping Street Paradise for shopaholics, this street runs 250 metres from Asakusa’s
Expenses: Train, Rp 55,000. Lunch, Rp 50,000. Nankai Airport Express, Rp 120,000. Total cost: Rp 225,000 Kaminari Gate to Sensoji Temple. The shops sell items from the Edo period and other traditional Japanese goods such as yukata, the famous Japanese garment. There are also various traditional Asakusa snacks sold on the street. Sensoji Temple Popularly knows as Asakusa Kannon, Sensoji is the oldest temple in Tokyo. It is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy and happiness who is able to release humans from all suffering. The temple was built in 645 AD. Although a Buddhist temple, it is the site of Tokyo’s largest and most popular Shinto festival, the Sanja Matsuri. Expenses: Transportation from airport and unlimited subway, Rp 150,000. Lunch and dinner, Rp 75,000. Hotel, Rp 1,000,000. Total cost: Rp 1,225,000 3rd day: Tokyo-Lake Kawaguchiko-Kyoto Lake Kawaguchiko Located near Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko is a popular destination for fishing, camping and water sports. Catch the Kachi Kachi Ropeway (cable car) to the top of Mount Tenjo to view the fantastic Mount Fuji. Other attractions include art museums, jewel museums, a music park and a hot springs. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building The spot to view Tokyo from above. Its twin towers soar 243 meters into the air and the surrounding buildings include offices and the assembly hall of the Tokyo metropolitan government. Observe Tokyo from the 45th floor of each tower and find out why Tokyo is the most
amazing city in the world. Tokyo Sky Tree The newest attraction in Tokyo is the 634-metre-high tower. Opened in February 2012, the Tokyo Sky Tree gives you breathtaking views of Tokyo. Facilities include an aquarium, academic institute and a theatre. In an emergency situation, the tower can also be used as a transmitter network for radio and television information. Expenses: Subway, Rp 25,000. Bus to Odakyu resort (Lake Kawaguchiko), Rp 370,000. Cable car, Rp 75,000. Night bus TokyoKyoto, Rp 480,000. Lunch and dinner, Rp 75,000. Hotel, Rp 1,000,000 Total cost: Rp 2,025,000 4th day: Kyoto-Osaka Sanjusangendo Temple The temple houses 1,001 Buddhist statues that are stored in a wooden house. Sanjusangendo Temple was built by Taira no Kiyomori for Emperor Go-Shirakawa in 1164 and dedicated to Bodhisattva Kannon. Speaking and photography are not allowed inside the temple. Kiyomizudera Temple Located halfway up Mount Otowa in the eastern part of Kyoto city, Kiyomizudera is a historic temple that was built in 778, even before Kyoto became the capital of Japan. The main hall (hondo) of the temple is designated a national treasure. It also houses Deva Gate, a three-story pagoda and a bell tower. In 1994, it was added to the Unesco World Cultural Heritage list as one of the historic monuments of ancient Kyoto.
Total Travelling Cost: Rp 5,010,000
Tricks to save money: •Travel out of season. Avoid travelling during the high season (July-August, December) and you will get a cheaper deal. Some countries basically double or triple their prices in the high season because all the local tourists have holidays in those months. •Travel light. Pack light and smart. Experienced travellers always do the math before packing. It will save you money (and your back) because heaviness will cost you more for taxi fees (like in Rio de Janeiro) or a porter. Take items that serve doubleduty and don’t carry stuff you can buy at your destination. •Don’t buy souvenirs. Don’t bother buying key chains or refrigerator magnets as souvenirs; you know those things aren’t useful anyway. But if you have to, avoid shopping in popular souvenir shops, instead choose local markets with cheaper prices. •Do lots of browsing. Some countries maintain their tourism by providing free facilities (like shuttle buses) to enjoy the main attractions. Do some homework on everything you can get for free to reduce your expenses. •Do your own laundry. This may be difficult on holiday, but it will save you a lot. Do remember that doing the laundry is more expensive than you think. Set aside a few minutes and save a lot of money.
Cubes as an option. These area small, lightweight fabric cubes that can keep your clothes nice and compact. If you are going to attend an important meeting on your business trip and don’t want to show up in a wrinkled shirt and pants, try to fold your clothes using the Bundle Wrapping technique. Lay out your shirt on a flat surface, then lay out another shirt on top of it, but rotate it upside down. Keep layering shirts and keep alternating up or down until it becomes thick and ready to fold.
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acking seems like it should be the easiest part of any trip, but the truth is that really good packing is always a challenge. Not everyone knows how to travel light, which is really the essence of all travel packing. So some people try to move all the items from a big wardrobe into a tiny suitcase. Here’s a hint: It doesn’t work.
Shoes Packing shoes can be tricky because you want your suitcase to be odour free and clean. To achieve that, you can put your shoes inside a zip-lock bag and slip an “odour ball”inside to keep them fresh. Also, stuffing socks into your shoes can keep the odour down and save space.
So, whether you are travelling for business or leisure, here are some tips for packing efficiently. Carry-On Baggage It is a smart move to separate the items that need to be in your carry-on baggage from those in the check-in luggage. Keep your valuable items in your carry-on bag to prevent theft. Items that need to be in carry-on baggage (or on your body) are your passport, ticket, money and credit cards, important papers, medication, pen, journal, reading material, cell phone, camera and entertainment gadgets. Make sure that your electronic items are fully charged before you get on the plane. It won’t hurt to slip in your toothbrush, clean underwear and a nextra shirt because they will be useful in case of lost checked baggage. Be careful if you bring lotion or toothpaste to observe rules for the small amount allowed and a zip-lock bag to put it in. Weather It is important to know the weather forecast, or at least the season, of the place that you are intending to go because it will determine the clothes that you need to bring. Simply pack clothes that suit the weather. Southern Hemisphere seasons are different from the Northern Hemisphere, so don’t pack summer clothes when going to Southern Hemisphere countries in July because it’s winter down there then. Checklist Making a simple checklist filled with items that you need to bring can help the packing process, as well as the elimination process for things you don’t need to bring. And it will help you avoid leaving behind something important like your ticket, passport, credit card, toiletries, guidebook, adapter and even mosquito repellent. When needed, hotel information, rental car information and any other important information can be included on the checklist as well.
Toiletries Always have a set of toiletries packed and ready to go, that way you won’t forget anything thing. Liquids are best in your checked baggage, but storing them in small bottles saves space and is wise, since you don’t use much on a trip. Still, to avoid leaks put them in a zip-lock bag. If you must have some liquid in your carry-on bag, then abide by the strict regulations for small quantities in a zip-lock bag. Chargers Gadgets always come with c h a rge rs ,
Clothes When it comes to packing, it is undeniable that we tend to bring all our favourite clothes. It’s also undeniable that we then end up packing too many clothes that we just won’t wear during the trip. Lay out all the clothes you plan to bring on a bed and just take half of that, or less. Pick clothes with basic colours like black, blue, brown and white. These colours match everything, so it will be easy to mix and match and appear stylis has ever! If you are going to travel for a long time, you can always wash your clothes on the road. Also, the less you bring the more reason you have to buy that souvenir shirt or pants; you might actually need it. Folding and Rolling Rolling your clothes instead of stacking them will create more space in your suitcase. An effective way to keep your clothes from getting so wrinkled is to put a few layers of tissue paper in them before you roll them up. If rolling your clothes does not appeal to you, then to maximise space in your baggage consider Packing
and most people will bring three or four gadgets with them when travelling. Let’s count; cell phone, camera, laptop, music player and who knows what else. Chargers are heavy and eat up space in your suitcase. To avoid this, get lightweight adapters that can be charged through the USB port on your laptop. Keep Your Belongings Safe Last but not least is keeping all your belongings safe while travelling. For money matters, store your money, credit card and traveller’s cheques in different places, or in different bags, wallets or pockets. If a bag is stolen you still have other financial resource to keep you going. For important information, always have a hard copy of your passport and other travel documents in your bag and a soft copy stored in electronic mail. This way, if your bag is stolen you can go to the embassy and get temporary travel documents issued.
Photos by Rini
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I hope these tips will help you pack smarter for your dream destination. But remember, experience is the best teacher. The more you travel, the more you learn!
Winter Women’s fashion boots are great for travel. Look for tall black boots, brown boots and tan boots with medium heels for walking. This is winter fashion at its best and guarantees you will be travelling in style. Every woman needs a pair of tall black boots with heels, and lucky gals also have brown boots and tan boots with medium heels or even flat boots for walking. Summer These great summer travel shoes are affordable and lightweight, extremely comfortable and breathable for packing. All of these are personal favourites, tested on our own feet and in our own luggage around the world, and in more seasons than just summer. When you travel, you can expect to do a lot of walking. With all that window-shopping and sightseeing, a pair of comfortable and rugged walking shoes is crucial. It’s also important that they are versatile and go with any outfit, so you don’t have to pack multiple pairs of shoes. So ladies, here is a list of the top travel shoes for every season.
Spring The hottest trends in spring shoes are a mashup of what we’ve been seeing the past few years, but in many cases, those familiar styles have been updated with feminine twists. The chic looks for spring travel include cork wedges, ballet shoes and heels (low heels, mid heels, kitten heels).
Product’s Photos Courtesied
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Fall Autumn colours and the often warm weather make for glorious outdoor walks. This is a time for harvests and tromping through a thick layer of golden leaves. Rubber soled shoes, ankle boots and sneakers are the perfect shoes for fall getaways.
Livescribe’s Pulse Smartpen While many people like to journal while they travel, most of them can’t use their pen to translate foreign phrases, read aloud and project new words on a tiny built-in screen. Livescribe’s Pulse smartpen speaks a multitude of languages like Japanese, Korean, Spanish, German and French. Just write a phrase in English and listen as you clearly hear the translation from its speaker and see the word appear on its little screen. Or you can simply write notes while recording what you say, then upload the audio to your computer to create a multi-media travel log.
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aybe you like to hang off cliffs, navigate third-world neighbourhoods or strap water-powered rockets to your back. Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. We’ve made our own list of suggestions to help you decide which tools will rescue and transform your adventurous vacation.
The SPI Belt The SPI Belt is a compact way to keep track of your tiniest belongings no matter what activity you have planned. The belt’s special compartments have space for all kinds of valuable belongings, such as car keys, house keys, cash and even wedding bands. The SPI Belt is perfect for carrying small items close to the body, safely.
Powerbag Never lose power while on the road. This bag charges your laptop, tablet and smartphone while you carry them. The Powerbag comes fully equipped with a built-in charger and all the cables necessary to charge your device.
ITripButler WiFi TripButler allows you to stay connected to the internet while travelling, without racking up hefty roaming charges. This rentable wifi portal hooks up to five devices at once and fits in your pocket.
Targus Premium Laptop Charger Save space in your luggage with the Targus charger. About the size of a BlackBerry, the Targus charger will power both your laptop and one other mobile device from a wall socket, on a plane or in a car. Throw out all those extra chords and cables and let the Targus do the work for you. IPolaroid SC1630 Smart Camera powered by Android The Polaroid SC1630 allows you to take and share high-definition digital images instantly from your camera. The camera is backed by Google’s Android operating system and enables instant sharing through sites like Flickr and Twitter. It will be available some time later this year for a price yet to be announced.
Jawbone UP Feel like you’ve been lying on the beach too long? Jawbone UP will let you know. This coloured wristband works together with an iPhone app to track your daily exercise activities and check your metabolism. Its alert feature will help you stay active even when that’s the last thing on your mind.
I’M Watch Give your wrist an upgrade. This futuristic watch displays your inbound calls, text messages, Facebook, Twitter and the weather forecast all on a high-resolution screen. The I’M Watch connects wirelessly to your smartphone via Bluetooth, so you can stay in touch without ever picking up your phone. Cost: From $389 to $2,299 depending on MB space and materials. Product’s Photos Courtesied
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Sony HMZ-T1 With the help of Sony, you can get admission to a private movie theatre while on the road. The Sony HMZ-T1, a head-mounted portable home cinema system, has an HDTV screen and surround sound that simulates the feeling of being in your very own movie theatre.
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ViewerMate Ever catch yourself holding your smartphone instead of the steering wheel, trying to navigate your phone’s GPS? You may not want to admit it, but now you never have to be in that sticky situation again. The ViewerMate serves as a flexible and stable viewing stand for any palm-sized device. It attaches to a car visor so you can view your GPS and have hands-free phone conversations. You can also snap it on to any up-and-locked tray table for watching movies in flight. UWater G4 Chrome MP3 Player This product is ideal for anyone interested in water sports, and creating a soundtrack for them. This MP3 player is 100 percent waterproof and highly resistant to saltwater. So, strap on your scuba gear and pump up the volume. The aquatic world never sounded so good.
PowerTrekk Now you can stay connected even in the most remote places on Earth. The PowerTrekk is a water-powered portable fuel cell charger that lets you power your cellphone and other devices by mixing just a tiny bit of fresh or saltwater with a special PowerPukk. Now you never have to search for an outlet. If you have a tiny bit of water, then you have enough energy to charge any device you need.
Mushroom GreenZero Wall Travel Charger This device is the most eco-friendly charger on the market. Using patented GreenZero Technology the Mushroom shuts off the charge from the outlet when your device is fully charged. The Mushroom keeps your battery from overcharging, while managing to save a little energy at the same time.
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Great vacations don’t just happen. They take lots of preparation, which is where these websites come in with all the latest information on travel hotspots, discount hotels, cheap airline tickets and more.
Maxx-M www.maxx-m.com Maxx-M.com takes travel websites to a whole new level. It offers the latest news and views on the hospitality industry, culinary happenings, destinations, special offers and more. If it’s related to travel, we cover it. Maxx-M even offers contests where you can win trips by submitting your travel article and pictures.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith www.mrandmrssmith.com Mr. and Mrs. Smith makes booking boutique and luxury hotels easy. Travellers can also get information about hotspots around the world and new getaways. Mr. and Mrs. Smith also offers a free VIP Travel Club.
redDog Travel Support www.reddog.nl Situations change rapidly so travellers need to stay on top of the situation and the latest news. Think of tsunamis, SARS, Mexican swine flu and Sept. 11. That is no reason not to travel, but there is every reason to be well prepared. Thanks to the redDog alert service, you quickly receive information relevant to your safety. The sooner you can respond to a situation, the better, so redDog uses international security specialists that operate worldwide, 24 hours a day, and who gather, analyse and categorise information.
Lonely Planet www.lonelyplanet.com This site offers all the information needs by tourists when they are planning a trip. It covers a variety of interesting destinations and has information on hotels, hostels, restaurants and things to do once you arrive.
Willgoto www.willgoto.com This site has information on hotels, rentals, airlines, weather, tour operators and more for a whole host of destinations. With Willgoto, you can plan your whole holiday or business trip, customise it according to your preferences and budget, and book it online worldwide.
Agoda www.agoda.com Agoda is Asia’s leading and fastest growing online hotel reservation service, focused on securing and providing the lowest available hotel prices in every destination worldwide. Agoda’s reach in the Asia-Pacific region is unmatched, with instant availability at more than 30,000 hotels. Available in 37 different languages, Agoda has helped millions of travellers during its 10-year history and shares the reviews and experiences of hundreds of thousands of people on its website.
iStopOver www.iStopOver.com Connects people who want to rent out extra rooms in their homes to travellers who want to save on costly hotel bills. It has the added benefit of offering travellers a taste of “home” on the road; a cosy place to stay that is far from the sterile cubicle environment of a hotel or motel. iStopOver currently has listings in the United States, Canada, London, France, South Africa and Brazil. But they are expanding as hosts from more countries add their listings each day.
World Travel Guide www.worldtravelguide.net This is the database for travel agents, a massive source of information now available to the rest of us. From skiing to beaches, cities to what’s on, if you can’t find it here you’re probably not looking for the right thing.
Expedia www.expedia.com Plan your next great vacation with Expedia. As the world’s largest online travel agency, Expedia makes it easy to get the best prices on flights and hotels. Click on “Destinations” for some well-researched and up-to-date travel guides to where you are going.
lastminute www.lastminutetravel.com All the last-minute airfares, hotels, attractions and packages in one database. If you want to book a vacation for this weekend or grab a flight for tomorrow, start your search here for the best prices on last-minute deals.
Oftentimes, while traveling, we find ourselves very concerned with the destination or with the journey itself. Seldom do we give a second thought to airports, which, truth be told, are very important parts of a journey.
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pon arrival, airports are literally the first place that we see. Many times, that’s a first-sight that does not inspire much love or appreciation. Famed British writer Douglas Adams, author of the beloved The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series of novels, once wrote “It is no coincidence that in no known language does the phrase ‘As pretty as an Airport’ appear”. To be fair, Mr Adams probably never had the chance to travel through any of these airports, widely regarded as architectural marvels, first impressions never to be forgotten. Beijing International Airport’s Terminal 3 Designed by Norman Foster, Beijing International Airport’s Terminal 3 is a grandiose symbol of China’s rise to global preeminence. At nearly two miles long, it is one of the world’s longest terminals, and it is designed to be airy, open, and luminous. It is larger than Heathrow’s all five terminals combined, with over 15% to spare. With details like an ancient imperial Chinese copper vat and an interior garden in the tradition of those found at the Summer Palace, the airport is undeniably modern and at the same time very traditionally Chinese. As a note, the roof of the control tower is red - the Chinese color for luck.
Photos courtesy of siemens.com; archinoah.com; topworldcities.net; barajas airport madrid; commons.wikimedia.ord; de.wikipedia.org; kansai international airport co., Ltd
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Madrid International Airport The main international airport for Madrid is also Spain’s largest. It is the main hub for Iberia, and Europe’s gateway to Latin America. While the airport has been in continuous operation since its inauguration in 1931. Its T4 and T4S international terminals were designed by architects Antonio Lamela and Richard Rogers (designer of the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Millenium Dome in London), and feature expansive spaces and undulating ceilings designed to provide as much natural light as possible. Terminal 4 is one of the world’s largest in terms of area, with over eight million square feet of space. Kansai International Located on an artificial island in the middle of Osaka Bay, Kansai International (its official name) is an impressive construction. Visible from space, the artificial island is spacious enough for the airport terminal itself, hangars, maintenance buildings, and runways, with room to spare. From the outside, it looks modern, almost futuristic. Once inside, one is treated to a long, clean interior full of glass and exposed structures that give an impression of openness, with views of the bay and beyond. The work of Italian architect Renzo Piano, the airport is also a wonder of civil engineering, built to withstand
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earthquakes and typhoons. It was recognized as one of the 10 Engineering Monuments of the Millenium by the American Society of Civil Engineers. While a few years ago it was sinking due to the weight of construction (this was planned for and expected), it has now settled for the most part and continues to act as a tribute to Japanese engineering prowess. Incheon International Airport Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea, the primary airport serving the Seoul national capital area, and one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. For seven years in a row (2005–2012), it was rated the best airport worldwide by Airports Council International and received the full 5-star ranking by Skytrax, a recognition shared only by Hong Kong International Airport and Singapore Changi Airport. The airport has a golf course, spa, private sleeping rooms, ice skating rink, a casino, indoor gardens and a Museum of Korean Culture. It takes only 16 minutes for departure and 12 minutes for arrival process, which is far above the global standards of 60 and 45 minutes respectively. The airport serves as a hub for international civilian air transportation and cargo traffic in East Asia. Incheon International Airport is also currently Asia’s eighth busiest airport in terms of passengers, the world’s fourth busiest airport by cargo traffic, and the world’s eighth busiest airport in terms of international passengers in 2010. TWA Terminal at John Fitzgerald Kennedy International Airport If you have ever flown in or out of the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, you may have experienced or noticed Eero Saarinen’s Trans World Flight Center. Even in the hustle and bustle of a busy airport, the building deserves more than just a passing glance. When Saarinen was commissioned in 1956, the client wanted this building to capture the “spirit of flight,” and as visitors rush to make it to their flight there is no choice but to admire the swooping concrete curves that embraced flyers into the jet age. In order to capture the concept of flight, Saarinen used curves to create spaces that flowed into one another. The exterior’s concrete roof imitates a bird in flight with two massive “wings.” The interior consists of a continuous ribbon of elements, all whisking themselves in from the exterior, so that ceilings continously run into walls and those walls become floors. The TWA Terminal represents a moment of optimism and ambition in the American economy and in architectural history, as well as an inventive interaction between engineering and architecture. Marrakesh – Menara Airport The airport of Marrakesh - Menara is part of the 13 best airports in the world. Located 3 km from downtown, the airport of Marrakech-
Menara Airport is the second Moroccan airport in terms of traffic after Mohammed V in Casablanca. According to some publications, the new Terminal 1 at the airport is an example of a successful marriage between traditional Islamic architecture and modern architecture. Marrakech-Menara has two terminals, Terminal 1 which was completely refurbished in June 2008, is fueled partly by solar energy. Terminal 2 was opened in 2005. A third terminal is planned for 2012 to bring the total capacity to 8 million passengers per year.