Gracious Edition 2, 2016

A Magazine by Inna Hotel Group

Inna Signature

The Best of

Inna Dharma Deli Serene

A Piece of Heaven in the Land of the Batak Grand Inna Muara

Welcome to

Grand Inna Muara

Inna Parapat

Lake Toba, the Monaco of Asia Edition 2 | 2016

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Ikl inna H Gro

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lan Hotel oup

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Wonderful Indonesia without a Visa The government of Indonesia has extended a visa-free facility to 169 countries and territories.

Aside from the beautiful and exciting destinations, nothing lifts the mood of an avid traveler better than a free visa. After all, a visa-free facility eliminates one more barrier standing between a traveler and his destination. Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world known for its pristine beaches, lush tropical forests and diverse culture, has recently extended its visa-free facility to no fewer than 169 countries and territories.

The policy to grant visa-free facility to a much larger number of countries and territories was made as part of the government’s efforts to boost the country’s economy through tourism. The government has announced its aims to reach 20 million visitors by 2019. Presidential decree no. 21 of 2016, which was signed by President Joko Widodo on March 2 this year, details the policy’s terms and conditions and encloses the list of countries.

meetings and transit visits, is valid for up to 30 days.

It is non-extendable and non-convertible.

Entry and Departure Point There are designated points of entry and departure as well. But visitors need not worry, as, according to the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration, there are up to 124 immigration checkpoints composing of 29 airports (including Soekarno-Hatta, Tangerang, 30 kilometers from Jakarta; Halim Perdanakusuma, Jakarta; I Gusti Ngurah Rai, Bali; Juanda, Surabaya; Hang Nadim, Batam; and Kuala Namu and Polonia, Medan among others), 88 harbors and 7 land borders. Visitors may enter and depart through all of the listed checkpoints. The full list, along with the list of countries, is available on the Directorate General of Immigration’s website.

Wonderful

Visitors from enlisted 169 countries and territories, which include the United States and Australia, are required to have their passports with minimum validity of six months and a return ticket upon entry.

Meanwhile, nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Guinea, Israel, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan and Somalia, still need a visa approval from the Immigration Office in Indonesia prior to their travel. The visa-free facility, which is granted for the purpose of leisure or tourism, family, social, art and cultural, governmental, educational, business

Lengkuas Island, Belitung • Indonesia

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Indonesia has come a long way in granting free visa for short visits. The government had previously granted visa-free status to neighboring Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, as well as territories and countries, such as Hong Kong, Chile, Morocco, Peru and Ecuador, through presidential decree no. 69 of 2015. Later last year, it amended the policy with presidential decree no. 104 of 2015, which added 75 other countries eligible for the visa-free facility.

Lengkuas Island, Belitung • Indonesia

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Inspire your soul with our beauty At some point in your life, you will feel that it is time to unwind. With your usual daily vast occurrences, remember to push the reset button.

Stop for a second, let go of your worries. Reconnect with the earth and experience our way of relaxing. Be one with our nature, take your pick: endless mountains, infinite beaches, sparkling cities, or historical wonders. Don’t think twice. Because when everyone else is busy living, we celebrate life instead. www.indonesia.travel

indonesia.travel

@indtravel

indonesia.travel

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Letter from CEO

Greetings from Inna Hotel & Resort!

This is a very special edition for us as we celebrate our achievements over the eight months since the birth of the Indonesian Hotel Indonesia Group (Hotel Indonesia Group/ HIG) and we would like to share our joy and excitement with you, Gracious readers and Inna Hotel & Resort guests.

Everything started with the signing of the Agreement of Cooperation on 12 February 2016 in the office of Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises. This landmark agreement established the Indonesian Hotel Group, a network of hotels under the largest national hotel chains in the country: Aerowisata, Inna Hotel & Resort and Patra Jasa. It aims to help bring Indonesia’s hotel and hospitality industry at par with international quality standards through joint activities, marketing and shared learning.

As a government-owned enterprise, HIG envisions to play a significant role in organizing foreign visits to the archipelago and in developing 10 tourist destinations.

It plans to partner with other state-owned enterprises and encourage cooperation with local governments to build and manage hotels in the group.

We are proud to report that the group has been expanding slowly but surely. It has grown from the original 26 member hotels spread across the island of Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok and Papua to the current 36 with the addition of nine hotels owned by PT Pegadaian (Persero) and one Borobodur hotel owned by Taman Wisata Candi. HIG now has a combined room capacity of 5,445 and a manpower complement of 5,400 employees serving 1.7 million overnight guests spread over 20 locations.

We at Gracious and Inna Hotel & Resort are thrilled at these developments. The HIG gives a new face to the hospitality industry in Indonesia and presents new prospects at raising the industry to equal, if not surpass, international standards.

Iswandi Said

President & Chief Executive Officer

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Contents

Cover Story

Lake Toba, the Monaco of Asia

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Chef’s Table

Authentic West Sumatra Cuisine

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Checking In

Inna Grand Bali Beach A Paradise in Sanur

30 38 Travelogue

The Jewel of Myanmar 8

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54 Serene

Karya Terindah Dari Tanah Batak Cover Story

Selamat Datang di Grand Inna Muara

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Cover

Inna Signature

Yang Terbaik Dari Inna Dharma Deli 10

Photo by: Febri Amar

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Patrons:

Publisher:

Corporate Public Relations & Marketing Communications

Board of Commissioner

Corporate Advisory Council:

Marketing:

Iswandi Said President & Chief Executive Officer

Riati Dwi Rahma Putri riatiputri@innagroup.co.id

Andy F. Manvaludhi Chief Financial Officer

Editorial & Design:

Maximillian Publishing +62 21 352 4526 info@ptmaximillian.com

Satria Pringgodani Chief Operating Officer Vice Presidents

PT Hotel Indonesia Natour (Persero) Menara BCA Lantai 39, Grand Indonesia Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1, Jakarta 10310 Indonesia

Contributor Febri Amar Febri Amar has extensive experience in the travel media. Febri got his start as a graphic designer and along the way he honed his photography skills. An avid traveller, Febri has been around Indonesia, including his native Java, and has travelled further afield to explore Hong Kong, South Korea, India and more. He recently returned from Cambodia, a country he describes as beautiful, particularly through a camera lens.

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Iklan TWG

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Lake Toba, the Monaco of Asia “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharlal Nehru Text by Melani Semuel | Photos by Febri Amar

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know what you must be thinking when you read the title of this article. Honestly, I was thinking the same way when I first heard someone refer to North Sumatra’s immense volcanic lake as the future Monaco of Asia. Well, Monaco or not, Lake Toba certainly has a lot to offer and is now one of my favourite places. My journey to this magical place is my most enchanting and memorable one.

Lake Toba has been part of travelers folklore for decades. It is the largest lake in Indonesia,

the second largest in the world and the largest volcanic lake in the world. It is also the deepest lake in the world with a depth of about 450 meters.

My sojourn started the moment the Siantar Express train that carried us from Medan arrived in Pemantang Siantar City after three hours. The party I was with continued our journey by car which took us on a winding road bordered by pine forests. We zigzagged along the mountainous path and then after

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Cover Story

a short hour, Lake Toba presented itself in majestic awe! The towering mountains in the background stood out against a dazzling sky, creating the perfect backdrop for green foothills and a vast picturesque lake as blue as the sky.

We stared at the breathtaking view speechless, with mouth agape, suddenly unable to hear the rickety car’s noise. It was late in the afternoon and I did not want to miss the sunset, so I asked our driver to stop at one of the local cafes strewn along the road. We sat there soaking in the beauty, watching the sun quietly change

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from Crayola orange a fiery vermillion before it shyly sets into the lake. We continued our journey to the best hotel in town.

The best way to indulge in the beauty of Lake Toba is to stay at Inna Parapat. Not only is this hotel strategically located by the lake shore, but it also has one of the best facilities and services in town. Staying at Inna Parapat gave me my memory of a lifetime as I savoured the alone down time surrounded by beautiful scenery from the time I checked in until I said goodbye.

I am not a morning person but the beautiful, serene view I woke up to early the next morning was so inviting it was hard to pass up. As I opened the curtain from our living room, I was shocked at how close our room is to the lake. Because it was late at night that we arrived in our room, I did not realize that we were just within stone’s throw until this morning. Here, before me, is the celebrated lake with its glittering blue surface and softly undulating waters. When we stepped out of our villa, we were greeted by a fresh morning

breeze. I stood on our terrace soaking in the beauty, but I wanted more, so we ventured out of the hotel.

We went down to the lake and found it to be calm and calming even as we could observe the communities surrounding it. I could not believe it, here I was at Lake Toba. I saw that the hotel has some water activities for guests to enjoy.

As we strolled along the lakeside, I looked up and appreciated how uniquely beautiful Inna Parapat is. The structure is not just one of an

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Cover Story

ordinary hotel building. The whole complex of rooms actually looks like a small, elegant traditional village. There is a wide variety of rooms to choose from that will suit your needs, from a fully equipped and well maintained standard room to a more elegant and luxurious villa suite. Choose from any of these types: Villa Suite, Traditional Room, Family Room, Deluxe Room, and the Superior Room.

I recommend Inna Hotel’s Traditional Room for an ultimate Bataknese experience. Designed as a typical Bataknese house, its façade is artfully adorned with wooden ornaments atop each corner with the carved details giving it an oldworld magical touch. Although the exterior is very traditional, it has all the modern comforts inside. If you wish to stay in the suite where Indonesia President Joko Widodo stayed recently, simply book the Villa Suite. This Villa suite is equipped with two bedrooms,

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a living room, kitchen and also some fitness equipment.

Although Inna Parapat is the perfect place for your holiday, it is actually a very popular place for business, conferences and events. This hotel is equipped with four meeting rooms which have a capacity of 15 to 350 people.

Other than the spacious size, these meeting rooms are fully equipped with LCD & screen, sound system, microphone, white board, flip chart, stationary as well as a small garden.

North Sumatra is one of the most popular culinary destinations in Indonesia and I strongly suggest dining at the Topi Tao Café, where you have a close-up view of Lake Toba while enjoying the mouth-watering dishes. Don’t miss the traditional dish called Ikan Arsik, which is fish that is spiced on the inside and fried golden on the outside and made savory with a tomato

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Cover Story

based sauce on top. My absolute favourite is Kopi Batok, a coffee drink mixed with coconut milk and sugar accompanied by its sparring partner, the very delicious the singkong goreng (fried cassava). Once you start eating the fried cassava, you will crave for more.

Parapat is a small town on the shores of Lake Toba that is blessed by verdant natural gardens and soul-soothing views of the expansive and calm lake. It is where Inna Parapat is located.

There are many ways to reach Parapat from Medan besides taking the train like we did. You can take a scenic five-hour drive from Medan or fly to Silangit airport and then take a twohour drive to Lake Toba. Trust me, every minute of the drive is worth it as the view along the way is simply astonishing.

The best way to explore the Parapat is by foot starting early morning when locals start

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their daily routine. We took a stroll along the lakeshore. Just opposite to the hotel is a street filled with souvenir shops that sell clothes, accessories and ulos (the traditional cloth of Batak people of North Sumatra). As we continued our walk, we came across an old building that stands firmly on the tip of the peninsula in very steep cliffs, a silent witness to the long history of the struggle of Indonesia.

This is where the first President of the Republic of Indonesia, President Soekarno, was exiled. Built in 1820, it depicts a neoclassical architectural style, adding to the classic beauty of Parapat City. This building has a perfect view of Lake Toba. We came across the local people doing their morning routine: children walking to school, fishermen fixing their nets, and women tending to their stores. We sat in one of the traditional coffee shops dotted along the busy traditional market near the harbour and enjoyed the all-famous traditional drink,

teh tarik accompanied by a kaya toast. Oh, how I love this city with it has many unique architecture and beautiful old buildings and, again, great food.

Parapat and its surrounding has some of the most beautiful sceneries I have ever seen. The strategic location of Inna Parapat makes it easy for us to explore the region and after a long day we can be sure that we will have a good night’s sleep in our cool hotel room. I have to say that the Lake Toba region is blessed by the most beautiful natural scenery, a rich and interesting tradition, and exquisite food. Lovers of the funky smelling fruit Durian would love it here because durian is aplenty and cheap.

As we were driving along exploring the region, one of my friends who has lived in Germany for most of his life exclaimed, “This place reminds me of home”. At that moment I realised the

unique but familiar beauty that Lake Toba has is comparable to any of the world’s beautiful lakes. I know that for some of you it might be hard to believe. I admit that I was not convinced until I came to Lake Toba and saw it with my own eyes.

Inna Parapat is the perfect place to be for a guaranteed beautiful scenery and stress-free holiday. Simply enjoy the peaceful beauty, the rich culture and the great food of North Sumatra and experience the future Monaco of Asia.

Inna Parapat Jl. Marihat No. 1, Parapat North Sumatra – Indonesia Phone. +62 625 410 12 www.innaparapat.com

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Advertorial

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he Hotel Indonesia Group (HIG) is a network of hotels established in order to bolster tourism as a core industry in Indonesia. This was encouraged by the Government of Indonesia to address the needs of the growing number of tourists in the country, both domestic and international. The Ministry of State Owned Enterprises established this network of state-owned hotel chains such as the PT Hotel Indonesia Natour (HIN), PT Patrajasa (a subsidiary of PT Pertamina), and PT Aero

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Wisata (a subsidiary of PT Garuda Indonesia Tbk) in order to harmonize hotel services and create a single brand that ensures service at par with international standards.

State-owned Enterprises Minister Rini M. Soemarno and Tourism Minister Arief Yahya inaugurated the HIG on September 28, 2016 in a ceremony at the Patra Jasa Building in Jakarta City. The HIG portal and logo was introduced at this event, giving the network of hotels a single identity. The Cooperation

Hotel Indonesia Group Officially Formed Text by Antonius Martono

Agreement among the HIG and sixteen other state-owned enterprises was then signed. Each of the member hotels commit to cooperate on supply chain needs, human resources and hotel management. Immediate plans are to upgrade human resources through training and development.

The HIG now has 36 state-owned member hotels spread all over the archipelago in strategic locations, and ranging from 2- to 5-star levels. Included in the Group are: Aerowisata’s 7 hotels, Hotel Indonesia Natour’s 12 hotels,

and 7 Patrajasa-owned hotel, Pegadaian’s (Pesonna Hotel Group) 9 hotels, and Taman Wisata Candi’s Manohara hotel in Borobodur.

More state-owned hotels are expected to join as HIG further develops its network services.

Hotel Indonesia Group will promote the warm Indonesian hospitality, rich culture and traditions, and breathtaking land and seascapes. It will build up the network of hotels as a singular brand equated with international standard quality and supported by well-trained human resources.

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Advertorial

Aerowisata Hotels & Resorts

New Brand Reflects Authentic Indonesian Hospitality Text by Antonius Martono Photos Courtesy of Aerowisata Hotels & Resorts

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any local companies rebrand, aiming to be more familiar in the eyes of the global market but in doing so loses its Indonesian identity. Aerowisata Hotels & Resorts remains true to Indonesian culture and values even as it reinvents itself. The company offers a new service concept: “Authentic Indonesian Hospitality” that can be felt through the five senses.

Sight. Experience seeing Aerowisata Hotels & Resorts through the warm greeting ‘Salam Aerowisata’ and the traditional Indonesian elements are impressed on everything, from staff uniforms to hotel interiors. The rich, relaxing Sound of Indonesian history tells of

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the rich story of past events, traditions and culture of this Asian archipelago. The hotel also boasts of its signature Scent – the aroma of the Green Bamboo from Sumatra – in addition to continuing the tradition of using exotic flower petals and herbs to soothe the body in its aromatherapy and modern spa treatments.

Rich culinary selections offer true Indonesian Taste that creates an everlasting memory of home. Snuggly soft pillows, including a body pillow, are placed in each room to give guests that cushioned comfort Touch.

The company operates seven hotels and villas throughout Indonesia and each embodies the unique local character of the region where it is located.

Patra Jasa GrowWith OurValue Text by Antonius Martono Photos Courtesy of Patra Jasa

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T Patra Jasa has entered the modern era by developing its business in hotels and residential and office towers. Our success is driven by our people and their consistent focus on delivering results the right way, adhering to our corporate values of customer satisfaction, continuous learning and innovation, and taking advantage of new opportunities for sustainable growth.

Our pursuit is not just profitability, but more so providing our customers with excellent service.

We take great pride in contributing to the communities where we live and work. We

also care about the environmental and social responsibilities and are proud of the many ways in which our employees work to safeguard it. To meet new challenges in the global hospitality and industrial market, PT Patra Jasa launched a Transformation Program for management and employees as we pursue a long term vision to become a company chosen by customers in the hospitality and property industry. We plan to put up PT Patra Jasa as an IPO (Initial Public Offering) in the future so that the business can grow. We realize that the world needs to put a smile on its face and that is why we do our best to make our customers SMILE.

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Advertorial

Inna Hotel & Resort Experience Indonesia’s Gracious Hospitality Text by Antonius Martono Photos by Febri Amar & Agus Darmika

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ndonesia, home to the world’s finest natural scenery and thousands of interesting ethnic venues, is inviting you to come and discover its innate beauty and splendor.

Inna Hotel & Resort is the proud agent of Indonesia’s wonders. The most authentic hotel network offers you the very best of Indonesia.

Enjoy fascinating culture and heritage travel experiences served up with the country’s famed warm hospitality in any of its 12 hotels scattered all around the country: Medan

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and Lake Toba (North Sumatra), Padang (West Sumatra), Pelabuhan Ratu (West Java), Yogyakarta (Central Java), Surabaya (East Java), and Bali. Whereever you are, Inna Hotel & Resort offers you warm beach sand to sink your toes into, fresh mountain air to breathe in, great cities to walk around in, Indonesian heritage to discover, and spacious rooms to rest in.

No other hotel says as much about Indonesia as us. Distinctive originality is simply our style.

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Advertorial

HIG ID

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Text by Antonius Martono

he Hotel Indonesia Group’s logo is as unique and interesting as its network. The circle shape is symbolic of being limitless or without boundaries. The shape has no beginning or end and has no divisions, making it the perfect symbol of completeness, eternity and the soul. It stands for Hotel Indonesia Group’s full commitment to providing quality and dedicated service to its group’s members and their clients.

The lavender flower, known as the hallmark of flowers, has been valued for its understated beauty, calming fragrance and healing properties. It symbolizes refinement, elegance and royalty. These are all fine qualities with which the Group aims to serve its partners and clients. Each spikelike flower grows on single stalk and is composed of little flowers or “florets”. This structure represents Hotel Indonesia Group as a dynamic network with a vision to become a bridge for Indonesia’s hotel and hospitality industry to the world.

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Iklan Ina 6

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Inna Grand Bali Beach A Paradise in Sanur Text by Priscilla Picauly Photos by Agus Darmika & Courtesy of Inna Grand Bali Beach

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Checking in

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anur, located on the eastern side of Bali, was originally known to be the best seaside resort area in the island, way before Kuta or Seminyak gained fame.

It has a unique character and nuance that charms visitors local and international. Unlike its more rowdy sister Kuta, Sanur is more laid back, less crowded and has a more natural feel to it. Inna Grand Bali beach is located on such a quaint setting where you can marvel at the seascape. So, while some say that iconic Kuta is a must-go on your Bali visit, there is something in Sanur that you cannot miss on your Bali trip - the magical sunrise. Watch the first orange hued rays of sunrise as you feel the gentle sea breeze and the cool of the morning sand. Enjoy this natural scenery from a perfect spot: Inna Grand Bali Beach Sanur.

Satisfying Accomodations Inna Grand Bali Beach is a 25-minute ride from Ngurah Rai International Airport and strategically located right on the banks of Sanur beach. It sits in an expanse of 42 hectares of lush tropical garden by the sea, making it a marvelous spot for a holiday visit. The hotel

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features the rich culture and heritage of Bali with its trademark seamless integration of new and old, natural and man-made, sea and land. Its quiet and relaxing ambience is surely a mood booster.

Inna Grand Bali Beach has 523 rooms of three types. There are 246 rooms within ten storeys in the Tower Wing where the Presidential Suite and 20 other suites are located, 197 rooms in the two-storey Garden Wing, and 80 cottage rooms. All accomodations have direct and easy access to the sunrise beach.

Restaurants & Bars Inna Grand Bali Beach has been proven to be one of the best Bali hotels. The rooms and suites can accommodate all types of guests and cater to varying needs, giving visitors the best of facilities and service. What more is needed?

The best food and beverages!

The resort offers a delightful seaside dining for every occasion, from elegant dining to a casual affair, choosing from a wide range of dining and leisure opportunities. Spend your special time

sitting back and enjoy some of the best cuisines from any of the five the in-house restaurants and bars. Each restaurant dares you to try out a menu with a variety of taste and appearance.

There are Baruna Beach Seafood Restaurant, 1688 Beach Bar, Tirta Pool Pizzeria, Rajapala Snack Bar and Bali Kopi Shop. Almost all dishes are available here, ranging from seafood, Indonesian food, pasta and pizza with Italianstyle. You can also be creative and make a special request in the unlikely chance that you cannot spot your favorite food on the menu.

Facilities and Services Rooms and suites are spacious and wellequipped, check. Food and beverages with a variety of options, check. Beachfront location, check. Serene ambience with tropical gardens and Balinese atmosphere, check. What else?

A nine-hole golf course a short walk from the hotel, big check!

For sports enthusiasts, you’ll be satisfied when staying at this hotel because there are so many sports facilities spread across several areas.

There are jogging and cycling track in a certain

area, fitness centre, four outdoor swimming pools, also two gravel tennis courts, including water sports and children playground.

If you are more interested in enjoying nature, go for day trip package to visit Nusa Lembongan which the hotel can arrange for you. The tour starts in the morning with a speedboat ride from Sanur Beach. Once you arrive at Nusa Lembongan, you can enjoy water rides such as banana boats or explore several metres under the sea with a marine walk. Done with water activities, passengers will be transported for an exploration of the island. This is the best moment to capture the scenery of Nusa Lembongan as visit spots such as the Panorama Point, seaweed village and Jembatan Cinta (Love Bridge). You can also do kayaking on the beach or just laze about at the beach bar’s pool.

Inna Grand Bali Beach Jl. Hang Tuah, Sanur Bali - Indonesia Phone. +62 361 288 511 www.grandinnabalibeach.com

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Reasons to Visit HQ Beach Bar Bali’s signature sun, sand, and sea – HQ Beach Bar is the place to enjoy the best of the island, and here we tell you why.

Text by Melani Semuel Photos by Febri Amar & Courtesy of HQ Beach Bar

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The Rankers

1. Location, Location, Location HQ Beach Bar is a hip beachfront hangout located right in the heart the famed Kuta beach. Also known as Headquarters, it is the only beach bar in Kuta with direct access to the beach and is a mere 5-minute walk to Kuta’s shopping and entertainment hub. You can access HQ Beach Bar straight from the beach or from Grand Inna Hotel Kuta where it is located.

2. See and Be Seen HQ Beach Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy the scenery that Bali is well-known for – the vast seascape and a friendly crowd. The swimming pool takes centre stage, giving you a front seat to the beach view. During the day, you can watch local vendors selling souvenirs,

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inking a temporary tattoo, or giving a relaxing traditional massage. Famous among tourists around the world, the beach is busy all day long with never-ending flow of people walking by, making HQ Beach Bar just the right place to see and be seen.

3. Glorious Coral Sunset Kuta beach is famous for its dazzling coral sunset, and there is no better place to watch it than HQ Beach Bar. Sit and relax in the pool or in the open-air seats, your drink in hand, and soak in the beauty of the sun gently lowering into the waters. No matter how many times you have seen a sunset, you cannot help but gaze in awe as the day ends in magnificent colour.

4. Mouth-watering Dishes HQ Beach Bar is not just a place where you can chill out with family and friends, but also a bar where you can enjoy casual dining and choose from an array of delectable eats. Whether you prefer traditional Indonesian dishes or international favourites, the food is definitely a must-try. The price is also surprisingly reasonable for a Kuta restaurant.

5. Ice-cold Beer Take a retreat from the searing Balinese sun and enjoy a bottle (or two) of ice-cold beer. As you enter HQ Beach Bar, you will be greeted with a signage calling out “Minus 2 Beers” and inviting you to enjoy an extra cold (minus two degrees

Celsius) beer to cool your body off. There is a wide selection of beers that you can choose from and you will surely find your favourite. If beer isn’t your thing, you can opt for HQ Beach Bar’s special cocktails and mocktails to quench your thirst as you delight in relaxing music and scenery.

HQ Beach Bar Grand Inna Kuta Jl. Pantai Kuta No. 1, Kuta Bali - Indonesia Phone. +62 361 751 361 www.grandinnakuta.com

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Travelogue

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The Jewel of Myanmar Bagan is the most beautiful jewel of Myanmar, a country in southeast Asia which newly opened themselves a few years ago.

Text and Photos by Priscilla Picauly

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Travelogue

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hat makes Bagan so special?

What makes this ancient city so sought after by travelers?

You can’t not love Bagan, with its morning view of fog enveloping the pagodas giving them a calming silhouette, trees warming their leaves in the sunlight and colorful air balloons rising up into the clouds that gives you a sense of paradise on earth. I wish I can go there! I have to watch all of it! And this wish of mine came true.

Home of Thousands Pagodas Bagan is almost synonymous with pagoda. This ancient city, also known as Aramaddana-pura (literally, the “City that Tramples on Enemies”) or Tampadipa (“bronzed country”), is home to over 10,000 Buddhist temples. From 11th to 13th centuries more than 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries were built in Bagan. Still standing now are just 2,000 because others were destroyed in several earthquakes. Just this year, an earthquake in central Myanmar damaged over 150 pagodas in one of the world’s best archaeological zones, prompting UNESCO to help in reconstruction.

Let’s explore Bagan. Choose among the thousands of pagodas the one that suits you best -- the highest, the grandest, the most beautiful carvings, or the most historical. All in this enchanting city.

Ananda Temple My first stop was the Ananda Temple, which some compare to the artistic and classical Westminster Abbey in London. It was built around 1105 during the reign of King Kyanzittha from Pagan Dynasty and is said to be one of his greatest accomplishments. The Buddhist temple is an architectural wonder in a fusion of Mon and Indian architecture. Laid out in a perfectly symmetrical cruciform with several terraces leading to a small pagoda, it is covered at the top by an umbrella structure known as hti which is found in almost all Myanmar pagodas. Four alcoves each house one golden standing Buddha statue made of teak wood

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facing East, North, West and South. You’ll be totally captivated by the statues’ faces glow with a surreal radiance an effect of natural light entering through the high dormer windows IF you think that the golden Buddha statues are all there is to Ananda, you’re way off the mark! This temple packs in quite a lot of interesting stuff, including some of the best stone sculptures in Bagan. Especially beautiful and well preserved are the stone sculptures depicting episodes from Buddha’s life which are just excellent works of art. Equally interesting are the restored mural paintings of Buddha, Arahats and lotus flowers on the walls of the devotional hall.

Shwesandaw Pagoda Wake up early in the morning and by 5 am grab the best spot in Shwesandaw Pagoda to watch the most breathtaking sunrise. Just be prepared to share it with the sunrise-watching crowd.

Walk up to the fourth level of the pagoda (okay, third if your knees can’t hack it) and you can catch the view of thousands of temples scattered across the plains of Bagan embraced by fog. Magical! Because of the crowd, it might be a bit hard to meditate and find inner peace in the misty morning around the pagoda. But if you just sit away from the crowd, you still have a chance to peacefully celebrate a new day in Bagan. A few hours after sunrise, the crowds dissipate and you can take your time climbing up or down the steep steps. It’s totally a great photo-op, so don’t miss.

Built in 1057, Shwesandaw is one of the first pagodas built by Anawrahta, the father of the Burmese nation. It’s a white pyramid-style pagoda with five terraces and a stupa top where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Bagan.

Maybe you’re not a morning person, but catching the sunrise in this pagoda is absolutely one of the things you must do while in Bagan. And if early mornings just isn’t your style, then enjoy instead the magnificent sunset at Shwesandaw.

Thatbyinnyu Temple Built in the 12th century by King Alaungsithu, Thatbyinnyu Pagoda is located east of Gadawtpalin Temple and is adjacent to the Ananda Temple. Thatbyinnyu means “omniscience of the Buddha” which means knowing thoroughly and seeing widely. It is the tallest temple in Bagan, and its 60 meters height indeed gives it a towering and majestic aura when viewed from afar. It is made up of two white colored boxy storeys each with three diminishing terraces rimmed with spires and leading to a gold-tipped sikhara. Uniquely interesting is that unlike other temples which are mostly red-colored, Thatbyinnyu has a white and gray brickwork. And when you view it in the early morning or late afternoon, you experience a mesmerizing play of colors on the white exterior wall.

Sulamani Temple Sulamani, or the “crowning jewel”, sits three miles south-west of Nyaung-U. This central

temple was built in 1811 by King Narapati Sithu, and resembles the architecture of Thatbyinnyu, consisting of two storeys standing on broad terraces, one on top of the other which creates a pyramid effect. The terraces are adorned with parapets and small stupas at each corner.

You must admire the brickwork in this temple, which is considered some of the best in Bagan.

It is so tight that it is said a needle can’t even be inserted between two bricks. Inside the temple it is nice and quiet, a good atmosphere to admire the remarkable paintings covering its interior walls.

Bulethi Pagoda My friend told me to visit Bulethi (also, Buledi).

It seemed as if this red brick pagoda promised nothing special, looking as ordinary as the next temple. My travel buddy and I found it difficult to operate our e-bikes while navigating through the dusty road leading to the pagoda. We almost missed the pagoda because there were no signages. There are plenty of pagodas that

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look alike, so you have to look carefully. It was quite an ordeal getting to it. When we finally found it, I thought our troubles were over only to find out that we had to climb the narrow small and steep stairs sans handrails!

But come early evening, we saw the most poetic scenery of an orange sun setting on the plains while we perched beside a fellow traveler high up on the temple. Totally worth all that trouble! It was one peaceful scene that allowed me to clear my mind of worries. I just sat down on top of that small quiet pagoda, thankful for everything.

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Shwenandaw Pagoda Shwenandaw wasn’t part of my go-to list but my guide-cum-horsecart driver suggested it when I asked for a less crowded spot for enjoying the sunset. I found nothing online about its history. The Pagoda is made of red brick as with most other pagodas. You have to climb a steep flight of brick stairs to the second level which is also the “rooftop”. It is on this level where I witnessed again another exotic sunset. This is my favorite pagoda – a simple one with no wall carvings but enough space to see the sunset casting a beautiful silhouette on the majestic Ananda and Thatbyinnyu and other smaller temples.

More Temples and Pagodas There is a myriad of temples and pagodas to visit in Bagan. Here are some tips especially if you have only two or three days in the city.

Shwezigon Paya is the closest pagoda from the touristic Nyaung U area. This Golden temple reminds me of Sule, Botahtaung and Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon city maybe because of the gold ornament applied all over the construction. Bu Paya is definitely a must visit if only because it has Irrawaddy River as a background.

Mahabody Temple is just five minutes away by horse cart. This fascinating temple has similar design and architecture to the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, India. Shwegugyi Temple also has beautiful shape with beautiful view of Thatbyinnyu from the rooftop. Lastly, Htilominlo Pagoda has amazing horoscopes inscribed on the walls in order to secure the sacred site against damage or destruction.

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Travel Tips: • You can buy tickets to Bagan Archeological Zone before entering the city. The admission fee is Kyats 25,000 valid for 5 days. This gives you access to all pagodas and temples all around Bagan, but does not include entry to the museum.

• In Bagan, and in Myanmar in general, you must take off your shoes and socks before entering the main gate. You can leave your shoes on a rack, or just next to the door, or put them in a plastic bag and bring them with you.

• For more efficiency, I suggest you use sandals instead of shoes. Also bring wet tissue to clean your foot after your pagoda visits.

• Dress appropriately. You’re not allowed to wear low cut tops and your shoulders need to be covered. It’s not like in Bangkok where some temples provided sarongs, you must bring your own shawls or sarong.

• You may take photos in almost all areas, but must be respectful of those worshipping during your visit.

• The best time to visit temples is in the morning from 5.00 to 10:00. You can rest at the hotel then continue the journey from 3.00pm until sunset time. You’re going to have a hard time when pagoda hopping at noon because the temperature is around 40⁰C-45⁰C.

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• There are no toilets in the pagoda areas.

• In some pagoda there are souvenirs shop but they are quite pricey. Feel free to bargain.

• Ask a map from the hotel or download from the internet. With thousands of temples, it could be confusing when searching for your destination. Make sure you download the temple’s photos also because many temples look alike.

• For fun exploring, riding an e-bike or electronic bike is highly recommended. A little more expensive than a bicycle, but then you don’t have to pedal. Make sure the battery is fully charged.

• For a different experience, take a day tour with a horse cart. For $20-$25 per day, you can sit and relax, enjoy the view while the driver explains the story behind the temples and takes you to hidden spots that you won’t be able to find by yourself.

• Some travelers expect spectacular views and there is no better view than high up in the sky on a hot air balloon. For $275 per person, you can experience the exhilaration of seeing everything! You should book in advance and remember the schedule well.

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5 Favourite Theme Parks for Families Family holidays don’t have to mean going to the beach or camping by a lake. Family fun and excitement can be had by visiting a theme park. A theme park is the perfect venue for the whole family to enjoy quality time together. Here are 5 favourite theme parks for families.

Text and Photos by Priscilla Picauly

Universal Studios Singapore Singapore is Indonesia’s closest neighbour and plenty of Indonesians make the quick hop over for family getaways. In addition to being a favourite destination for shopping, Singapore is also home to Universal Studios Singapore.

Universal Studios Singapore opened in January 2010, becoming the first Universal Studios in Southeast Asia and the second in all of Asia, after Universal Studios Japan. Universal Studios Singapore is located on Sentosa Island. The park features seven fun zones – Lost World, Far Far Away, New York, Sci-Fi City, Hollywood, Madagascar and Ancient Egypt.

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Universal Studios Singapore 8 Sentosa Getaway Sentosa Island – Singapore Phone. +65 6577 8888 www.rwsentosa.com/Homepage/Attractions/ UniversalStudiosSingapore

Tokyo DisneySea Tokyo DisneySea theme park is located in the Tokyo Disney Resort, in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. This amusement park opened on 4 September 2001. DisneySea is the property of The Oriental Land Company, which has a license from the Walt Disney Company.

Tokyo DisneySea has seven themed ports of call, each a unique style and attractions. The entrance is located on the Mediterranean

Harbour, connecting with the six other themed ports of call – American Waterfront, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast and Mysterious Island.

Tokyo DisneySea 1-13 Maihama, Urayasu Tokyo – Japan www.tokyodisneyresort.jp

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Warner Bros. Movie World

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Warner Bros. Movie World (more commonly referred to as Movie World) is a popular movie-related theme park on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. It is owned and operated by Village Roadshow, which took it over from Time Warner, and is the only movierelated park in Australia. It opened on 3 June 1991.

take photos with them. Capture the moment with Batman, Austin Powers, Marilyn Monroe, Scooby-Doo and Shaggy and various Looney Tunes characters. Street shows including skits and singing performances are also present. The All-Star Parade showcases vehicles alongside costumed characters and movie-themed floats.

The park is home to various movie-themed rides and attractions ranging from motion simulators to roller coasters and river rides.

In addition, costumed character performers patrol the park, allowing visitors the chance to

Warner Bros. Movie World Pacific Motorway Oxenford – Queensland Phone. +61 7 5573 3999 www.warnerbros.com.au

Trans Studio Bandung Trans Studio Bandung is an integrated tourism area in Bandung, the capital of Indonesia’s West Java province, located near the Bandung Supermall. Trans Studio is built on 4.2 hectares, making it the largest and most comprehensive entertainment district in Bandung. Trans Studio Bandung is the second Trans Studio theme park in Indonesia, after Trans Studio Makassar.

Trans Studio Bandung is divided into three zones – Studio Central, The Lost City and Magic Corner. Studio Central will take you back in

time to 1960s Hollywood with its architectural design. Get ready for an amazing adventure in Lost City zone, and create magical moments with Magic Corner. There are 20 rides and shows here offering adventure and new sensations for the whole family.

Trans Studio Bandung Jl. Gatot Subroto No. 169 Bandung – Indonesia Phone. +62 22 910 99999 www.transstudiobandung.com

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Dreamworld Dreamworld is a theme park on the Gold Coast in Queensland. It is Australia’s largest theme park with more than 40 rides and attractions, including five roller coasters. The park is made up of several themed lands, which are Ocean Parade, DreamWorks Experience, Wiggles World, Gold Rush Country, Rocky Hollow, Tiger Island and the Dreamworld Corroboree.

In December 2006, Dreamworld expanded its

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offerings by opening Whitewater World next door. On Several occasions during the year, Dreamworld remains open after dark.

Dreamworld Dreamworld Parkway Coomera – Queensland Phone. +61 7 5588 1111 www.dreamworld.com.au

Goods to Go

Travel Chic Five items to keep you looking fashionable on the road.

Text by Melani Semuel | Photos by each collections

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hen it comes to travel, we often have to choose between comfort and fashion, and most of the time comfort wins. But no longer. We show you five must-have items that will help you look chic without sacrificing comfort when you travel.

1. Bag A good bag can instantly transform your appearance and make you look fashionable. This beautiful Tory Burch tote is your perfect travel companion.

2. Fashionably Flat Gone are the days when we had to choose between function and fashion when it came to travel shoes.

Tory Burch’s travel ballet flat offers the best of both worlds, with its fashionable look and pure comfort.

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3. Perfect Pair

4. Time Travel

Choosing a comfortable yet fashionable wardrobe when travelling can be a challenge. Diesel’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection will keep you chic and comfortable on your journey.

A travel watch traditionally offers travellers a range of functions with little or no fashion. The Hublot Big Bang changes that and is the perfect accessory to keep you on time during your travels.

5. Cool Shades They may be great fashion accessories but, more importantly, sunglasses are of extreme importance when it comes to maintaining good eye health. It is important to choose sunglasses that can block 99 per cent of UVA and UVB rays. Cartier’s sunglasses protect your eyes while keeping you looking cool.

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Karya Terindah Dari Tanah Batak Text by Priscilla Picauly | Photos by Febri Amar

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ika kembali ke masa lalu bisa jadi kita akan meratapi letusan Gunung Toba yang terjadi hingga tiga kali. Ledakan masif yang terjadi ratusan ribu tahun lalu mengubah kontur geografis juga peradaban manusia.

Namun segala yang dirasa buruk sekalipun bisa melahirkan karya terindah.

Pulau Samosir dan Danau Toba yang saya lihat sekarang hadir dalam rupa tanpa cela. Jauh sebelum Samosir dan Danau Toba berdiri, hanya ada Gunung Toba di sana. Berdiri gagah dan dilabeli gunung supervolcano. Disebabkan karena Gunung Toba memiliki kantong magma yang besar dan seandainya meletus, kalderanya besar sekali. Skenario sejarah menyebutkan ada tiga ledakan besar yang menciptakan Danau Toba dan Pulau Samosir.

Letusan pertama terjadi sekitar 800 ribu tahun lalu. Efek maksimal yang terjadi adalah terciptanya kaldera di selatan Danau Toba, meliputi Parapat dan Porsea. Lalu 500 ribu tahun lalu, letusan kedua terjadi. Kemudian ditutup dengan letusan maha dahsyat yang tentu saja mengubah segalanya. Terjadi 74.000 tahun lalu, letusan Gunung Toba menunjukkan keangkuhannya dengan epilog terbentuknya Danau Toba beserta Pulau Samosir.

Hanya Sejauh 45 Menit

Pulau Samosir dan Danau Toba bisa ditempuh dengan darat melalui Kota Medan, melewati Berastagi ataupun Parapat. Bisa juga dengan menaiki kereta api dari Medan menuju Pematang Siantar, untuk kemudian jalan darat dengan kendaraan sekitar 60-90 menit. Atau bisa juga menggunakan pesawat terbang dan mendarat di Silangit, kemudian dilanjutkan dengan menggunakan kendaraan sekitar dua jam perjalanan menuju Parapat. Jika sudah tiba di Parapat, cara termudah dan tercepat mencapai Samosir dengan kapal feri dari Pelabuhan Ajibata di Parapat menuju Pelabuhan Tomok di Samosir. Pelabuhan feri ini tidak sampai lima menit berkendara dari Hotel Inna Parapat. Tentu saja makin memudahkan langkah perjalanan Anda.

Walau terbilang cukup singkat, hanya sekitar 45 menit saja untuk melintasi danau menuju Samosir, tapi kapal feri tak selalu tersedia setiap jamnya. Jika ingin cepat bisa menggunakan

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kapal cepat, tapi hanya membatasi penumpang manusia dan mengangkut motor saja. Namun jika ingin menikmati Danau Toba dan Pulau Samosir seutuhnya, coba ikuti perjalanan darat mengitari tepian danau. Memakan waktu hingga tujuh jam, tapi saya mesti bilang kalau segalanya terbayar sempurna. Hanya siapkan fisik yang fit, minuman dan camilan sebagai teman jalan, tentu saja jangan lupa membawa kamera.

Semua Nampak Indah

Awali perjalanan dari pagi hari, sekitar jam 8 pagi. Pastikan sudah sarapan karena medan yang akan dilalui berupa jalanan berkelokkelok. Perjalanan ini menguntungkan karena Anda bisa melewati beberapa titik terbaik yang bisa dikunjungi. Seperti Menara Tele, Air Terjun Sipiso-Piso, juga tempat pemandian air panas.

Tapi sesungguhnya sepanjang perjalanan pun Anda bisa menikmati Danau Toba sepuasnya karena lansekap alamnya benar-benar menakjubkan. Serasa berada di negeri Eropa.

Saya tak menyangkalnya.

Jalanan yang dilalui berkelok-kelok, kadang naik, sesekali turun. Lalu lintas yang awalnya bersisian dengan bus dan truk, lewat sejam sudah nihil kendaraan. Jalanan yang dilalui pun jadi mengecil. Jalan ini yang akan mengantarkan untuk menikmati Danau Toba yang terhampar bagai permadani biru yang luas dan tak terbatas.

Perbukitan hijau dan cokelat yang memagarinya nampak tak tergoyahkan di setiap sisi.

Sesekali saya berhenti hanya karena menemukan objek cantik untuk dipotret.

Terkadang memarkirkan kendaraan untuk beristirahat sembari menikmati durian yang rasanya membekas hingga sekarang. Sepanjang perjalanan saya menemui beberapa tempat makan sederhana yang bisa dijadikan tempat beristirahat sejenak sembari mengisi perut.

Pisau Yang Membelah Bukit

Setelah menempuh sekitar 4 jam perjalanan, termasuk berhenti untuk istirahat sejenak, akhirnya tiba juga di pelataran Air Terjun Sipisopiso yang masuk dalam kawasan Desa Tongging, Kecamatan Merek. Ini dia destinasi yang masuk dalam bucket list. Bahkan namanya sudah terdengar hingga di luar Pulau Sumatera.

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Apa yang membuat air terjun ini begitu istimewa dan dikagumi? Salah satunya dilihat dari tingginya. Sipiso-piso diketahui memiliki tinggi hingga 120 meter, diagungkan sebagai salah satu yang tertinggi di Indonesia. Bayangkan saja seberapa deras air yang mengalir puncak.

Itulah yang menjadi inspirasi pemberian nama Sipiso-piso. Air yang mengalir deras dari atas seumpama sebilah pisau, olehkarenanya dinamakan piso (pisau) dari tanah Karo.

Alasan lain adalah pemandangan yang fantastis.

Perbukitan hijau di satu sisi lalu berubah kontras ketika menghadap bagian lain yang menyajikan si biru Danau Toba. Foto panorama dua pemandangan ini tentu saja wajib untuk diabadikan.

Jika memiliki stamina yang mumpuni dan ingin menikmati air terjun dari jarak dekat, bisa menuruni ratusan anak tangga untuk mendekati curahan air. Jika tidak terlalu kuat, Sipiso-piso masih dapat dinikmati dari atas. Merupakan

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salah satu titik pandang terbaik yang bisa dijadikan tempat untuk mengabadikan momen.

Tele Si Menara Pandang

Menara Tele nampak tak terawat baik. Bangunan bertingkat tiga ini hanya sebuah menara pandang yang sudah bolong atapnya, dengan dinding putih yang dinodai praktik vandalisme.

Menara pandang ini dibangun di sisi Jalan Tele-Samosir, satu-satunya jalan darat yang menghubungkan Bukit Barisan dengan Pulau Samosir. Kalau dari Air Terjun Sipiso, rentang waktu satu jam menjadi acuan jarak tempuh.

Menara Tele berada di sisi jalan, dekat dengan kelokan cukup tajam. Tersedia tempat parkir kendaraan di sisi lain. Untuk efek maksimal, susuri setiap lantai untuk menikmati pemandangan Pulau Samosir beserta Danau Toba. Dari titik ini juga dapat Anda saksikan Pusuk Buhit, bukit istimewa yang dipercayai sebagai asal-muasal nenek moyang kaum Batak.

Saya rasa kata-kata tak cukup untuk mewakili apa yang terlihat di depan mata. Indah. Cantik.

Memesona.

Menakjubkan.

Kesemuanya mencitra apa yang saya lihat. Saya biarkan Anda untuk mendeskripsikan sendiri panorama tersebut ketika mengunjungi Menara Tele.

Saran terakhir, sebaiknya datang pagi hingga siang, untuk mendapatkan pemandangan sempurna tanpa kabut menutupi.

Cerita Dari Samosir

Kalau saya tanya-tanya mengenai seberapa luas Pulau Samosir, katanya membutuhkan 3-4 jam untuk mengitarinya. Belum termasuk mengunjungi tempat-tempat wisata. Tapi kalau tak punya waktu, terlebih jika hanya sempat melakukan perjalanan day trip karena menginap di Hotel Inna Parapat, tentu saja waktu yang terbatas masih bisa dimanfaatkan untuk mengunjungi beberapa destinasi di sini.

Berbicara mengenai akar sejarah kaum Batak, Anda bisa mendapatkan kisah yang mungkin tidak akan ditemukan di daerah lain. Semuanya bermula dari kampung bernama Huta Siallagan. Sebuah kampung di Desa Ambarita yang dikelilingi dinding batu besar yang tersusun rapi. Sebelum berujar banyak mengenai apa yang terdapat di dalam kampung ini, mungkin sedikit cerita sejarah ingin saya sampaikan. Perkampungan ini dibangun oleh Raja Laga Siallagan, raja Huta pertama. Kemudian diwariskan dari generasi ke generasi hingga sampai pada keturunan Raja Ompu Batu Ginjang Siallagan.

Zaman dulu kampung ini memiliki sistem pertahanan dan pemerintahan yang cukup fantastis pada masanya. Jajaran batu-batu besar yang mengelilingi kampung menjadi dinding pertahanan dari serbuan suku lain sekaligus melindungi diri dari serangan binatang liar. Tingginya sekitar 1,5 hingga 2

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meter. Di depannya terdapat dua patung batu beserta gapura dengan ukiran khas Batak.

Tulisan Huta Siallagan sebagai tanda masuk.

Begitu melangkah masuk, terlihat delapan rumah adat batak yang sudah berusia ratusan tahun. Masing-masing rumah memiliki peran dan fungsinya tersendiri. Ada sebagai rumah raja, rumah untuk keluarga, juga tempat pemasungan. Lalu apa yang menjadikan Huta Siallagan ini berbeda dari kampung-kampung lainnya? Itu semua terletak di tengah lokasi.

Sentra kehidupan dan keadilan komunitas ini berlangsung di situ. Sebatang pohon besar yang cukup rindang, mungkin berusia beberapa abad menaungi satu set kursi dan meja dari batu. Ukuran kursi tidaklah megah dan besar. Sederhana, sedikit lebih kecil dari yang saya bayangkan. Kursi-kursi itu mengelilingi sebuah meja. Mereka menyebut ini kursi dan meja persidangan. Di sinilah hukum adat dilaksanakan.

Hukum adat yang berlaku di kampung ini melibatkan para petinggi dan penatua yang berperan sebagai hakim dan jaksa. Mereka akan mendengarkan kisah sekaligus menentukan hukuman bagi sang terdakwa. Hukumannya bisa dengan cara dipasung namun ada pula yang divonis dengan dihukum pancung.

Untuk prosesinya sendiri berlangsung di area yang tak jauh dari meja dan kursi persidangan.

Kalau berkunjung ke lokasinya sekarang hanya nampak jajaran batu-batu saja. Biasanya waktu eksekusi sudah ditentukan terlebih dahulu hari baiknya, menurut kalendar Batak. Para penatua yang biasa menentukan hari baik tersebut.

Namun praktik peradilan ini sudah tidak dilakukan lagi. Ketika Ingwer Ludwig Nommensen dari Jerman datang dan menyebarkan agam Kristen .

Raja dan para pengikutnya memeluk agama dan semua kisah horor mengenai bentuk peradilan brutal ini ditinggalkan dan menjadi bagian dari sejarah kaum Batak.

Tempat wisata lain di Pulau Samosir Makam Raja Sidabutar Tidak jauh dari pelabuhan feri di Tomok, hanya berjalan kaki sekitar 500 meter Anda bisa melakukan ziarah ke makan Raja Sidabutar. Makam yang tidak ditanam di dalam tanah ini tapi diletakkan di permukaan dengan peti mati yang terbuat dari batuan alami. Bagi yang mau berkunjung diperkenankan untuk mengenakan ulos sebagai bentuk penghormatan.

Boneka Si Gale-gale Tidak jauh dari makam, terdapat pula Boneka Sigale-gale. Salah satu benda keramat yang namanya sudah tersiar hingga di luar Pulau Samosir bahkan

Sumatera. Boneka mistis yang dulu memiliki kekuatan supranatural dengan diisi anak seorang raja. Namun kini boneka keramat tersebut diketahui sudah tak ada Pantai Pasir Putih Parbaba Terletak di Desa Hutabolon, kawasan ini memang terlihat seperti pantai, padahal bersisian dengan Danau Toba. Terdapat areal pasir yang cukup putih dan halus, sedangkan bagian perairan yang adalah Danau Toba secara ajaib memiliki arus yang terlihat seperti ombak di pantai pada lazimnya. Objek wisata ini juga menyediakan beberapa wahana bermain air dan tempat makan.

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Authentic West Sumatra Cuisine Text by Priscilla Picauly | Photos by Febri Amar

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asi Padang, begitulah sebutannya kalau menyebut kuliner dari tanah Minang.

Generalisasi nama yang begitu melekat. Jadi tiap kali ditanya kuliner apa yang menonjol dari Sumatera Barat, sebagian besar akan menjawab Nasi Padang. Walau sesungguhnya tidak semua berasal dari Kota Padang saja. Nasi Padang berasal dari seluruh daerah di wilyah Sumatera Barat. Namun nama Nasi Padang justru yang begitu melekat.

Selain nasi Padang, sebenarnya banyak yang bisa dieksplor dari negeri Minang. Hidangan dengan banyak rasa serta bumbu yang

Teh Talua Yang Tersohor Sebagai teman makan yang pas, ada Teh Talua. Talua sendiri berarti telur. Tentu saja ini berarti bahwa Teh Talua dibuat dari campuran telur, bisa telur ayam kampung maupun telur bebek. Rasanya segar, unik, membuat badan hangat. Tapi Teh Talua tidak sembarang dibuat. Kelihatannya mudah namun minuman tradisional ini tidak semua orang mahir membuatnya.

Rahasia nikmatnya Teh Talua terletak pada tiga lapisannya. Ada lapisan yang berwarna kecokelatan, putih dan bagian yang berbusa (foam). Untuk mendapatkan hasil yang berbeda dari tiga lapisan tersebut ditentukan

melimpah memberi cita rasa tersendiri bagi siapapun penikmatnya.

Masakan Padang secara umum begitu kaya akan rasa. Santan dan cabai menjadi dua bahan yang menonjol. Hampir setiap hidangan pasti menyertakan penggunaan santan dan cabai.

Dua bahan dasar ini yang menciptakan tiga elemen penting dari sajian khas Minang, yaitu gulai, lado (cabai) dan bareh (nasi).

Untuk lauk, aneka daging, terutama sapi, ikan, ayam juga kambing yang kerap dipilih. Masuk akal karena mayoritas penduduk Sumatera Barat beragama Islam.

dari kemahiran pembuatnya ketika mengocok.

Diawali dengan mengaduk kuning telur dengan gula hingga berbusa. Kemudian tambahkan seduhan air teh juga susu kental manis.

Kocokan terbaik dengan ritme tertentu akan menghasilkan rasa terbaik.

Sebagai penghilang bau amis, biasa ditambahi perasan jeruk nipis. Tapi ada yang bilang kalau sudah lihai membuat Teh Talua katanya rasa amis dari telur tidak akan tercium lagi. Sebagai minuman yang mampu menambah stamina, Teh Talua tersedia di Grand Inna Muara. Walau kesan tradisional melekat pada minuman ini, namun di hotel berbintang pun Anda bisa menikmatinya.

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Chef’s Table

Tradisi Makan Bajamba Makan Bajamba adalah salah satu prosesi sosial yang menjadi simbol budaya juga kuliner di tanah Minang. Tradisi unik ini dilakukan dengan cara duduk bersama-sama, tanpa melihat siapa yang duduk di samping, tanpa mengenal perbedaan status, namun hanya mengusung misi untuk menikmati kebersamaan dalam seremoni tertentu.

Makan Bajamba biasanya diselenggarakan bertepatan dengan perayaan hari besar keagamaan atau upacara adat. Tradisi ini dipercaya berasal dari Koto Gadang, di Agam.

Diyakini telah ada sejak Islam masuk di Sumatera Barat sekitar abad ketujuh. Makan Bajamba tidak sekadar prosesi makan bersama semata.

Ada aturan dan tata cara makan yang mesti

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dilakoni. Di mana cara duduk, cara menyuap makanan, baik laki-laki maupun perempuan yang terlibat di atur sedemikian rupa karena dianggap penting dalam kehidupan.

Makan Bajamba pun dihadirkan di Batandang Lounge milik Grand Inna Muara di Padang.

Para tamu bisa turut merasakan seperti apa kenikmatan makan bersama dalam satu porsi nasi dengan lauk yang khas asal Minang. Chef handal di Grand Inna Muara menyiapkan paket Nasi Bajamba dengan tiga pilihan lauk yang istimewa. Ada ayam kampung, ikan gurame dengan dendeng balado. Ketiganya ditata dalam satu piring yang dipadu dengan nasi putih dan sambal cabai hijau yang menjadi keistimewaan masakan Padang.

Puding Ala Ranah Minang Selalu ada ruang untuk makanan pencuci mulut. Filosofi yang saya pegang teguh ketika eksplorasi kuliner. Di ranah Minang sendiri ada beragam pilihan sajian dessert. Contohnya seperti Bubur Kampiun.

Siapa yang tak kenal dengan hidangan yang satu ini. Sajian yang dibuat dari campuran ketan putih yang dikukus, bubur sumsum, bubur ketan hitam, kolak pisang atau bisa juga ubi, bubur kacang hijau dan bubur conde/ candil.

Aneka jajanan pasar juga kerap menjadi sajian penutup makan, seperti pinyaram yang rupanya seperti kue cucur ataupun galamai yang terbuat dari tepung beras ketan, gula merah dan santan.

Ingin membawa jajanan tradisional yang terkadang sukar ditemui jika mencarinya di

pasaran, Grand Inna Muara menyiapkan yang istimewa bagi Anda, yaitu Ketan Sarikayo.

Dari namanya saja sudah bisa ditebak bahwa menu yang satu ini pasti menggunakan bahan ketan dan sarikaya. Sarikayo berarti sarikaya.

Ketan Sarikayo memang sudah mulai susah dicari jika Anda pergi ke restoran. Kini hanya jadi sajian rumahan saja.

Ketan Sarikayo milik Grand Inna Muara dihadirkan dengan apik dalam tatanan piring berbentuk persegi panjang. Ketan Sarikayo terdiri dari tiga bagian, yakni ketan putih yang agak lembut teksturnya. Kemudian si Ketan Sarikayo sendiri yang tekstur sejenis puding, tapi tidak disajikan dalam keadaan dingin seperti puding pada lazimnya. Lalu ada gula merah cair sebagai saus pelengkap. Ketiganya mesti disantap bersama, katanya untuk mendapatkan rasa terbaik.

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Yang Terbaik Dari Inna Dharma Deli Text by Priscilla Picauly | Photos by Febri Amar

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edan dan kuliner, ibarat amplop dengan perangko.

Saling melekat satu sama lain. Ibukota Sumatera Utara ini memang menjadi tujuan wisata kuliner bagi pemburu makanan. Percampuran rasa dari elemen yang berbeda, Batak, Melayu, Peranakan, melebur menjadi cita rasa yang sempurna.

Inna Dharma Deli menjadi produk resmi PT Hotel Indonesia Natour (Persero) yang memiliki keistimewaan dengan lokasi yang tepat di jantung kota. Dengan strategisnya lokasi, hanya beberapa langkah dari Merdeka Walk yang merupakan salah satu titik wisata untuk berburu kuliner. Inna Dharma Deli juga begitu dekat dengan Stasiun Medan, yang merupakan sarana penghubung yang memudahkan langkah menuju Bandar Udara Internasional Kuala Namu menggunakan kereta api. Akses yang efisien

dan efektif, terbukti menjadi jawaban bagi para tamu. Namun tidak hanya lokasi saja yang menjadi prioritas, elemen Food & Beverages juga diperhatikan betul oleh hotel yang satu ini.

Yang terbaik dari Inna Dharma Deli dihadirkan dalam Inna Signature kali ini.

Akulturasi Rasa Inna Dharma Deli selalu menyiapkan yang istimewa bagi para tamunya. Untuk urusan sajian makanan, konsep hidangan nusantara dominan menghiasi daftar menu. Tentu saja cita rasa asli Sumatera Utara mewarnai sajian yang dihidangkan. Ada beberapa pilihan yang sempat saya cicipi selama menginap di hotel yang berada di Jalan Balai Kota ini.

Menu roti jala sesungguhnya berasal dari India.

Namun proses akulturasi budaya juga rasa membuat menu yang satu ini mendapat tempat di nusantara, khususnya di Kota Medan sendiri. Roti Jalan Medan lahir di Deli Maimun, saat itu Istana Maimun membuka pintu bagi rakyat agar dapat mengucapkan Idul Fitri dan Idul Adha pada sultan dan keluarganya. Dan pada prosesi itulah roti jala dihidangkan. Biasanya hidangan ini disajikan dengan kuah kari ataupun gulai yang berisi ayam, bisa juga menggunakan daging kambing.

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Inna Signature

Menilik sejarah yang panjang, Inna Dharma Deli menganggap penting menu yang satu ini mesti masuk dalam daftar menu. Sajian Roti Jala dan Kari yang disajikan terasa pas di lidah. Dengan aroma rempah ala masakan India yang tercium pekat, cita rasa yang akan membangkitkan selera makan. Disajikan dengan daging kambing yang lembut, berpadu dengan gurihnya kuah kari, tentu bisa menjadi pilihan kala menyantap hidangan di Inna Dharma Deli.

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Hotel ini pun menyertakan Ketupat Sayur dengan Sambal Goreng Teri yang rasanya membekas.

Paduan bumbu dan rempah yang digunakan benar-benar mencirikan cita rasa Indonesia.

Jangan lupakan Deboer Steak yang tersohor. Ini adalah salah satu yang terbaik milik hotel ini.

Daging sapi terbaik disajikan bersama saus steak memberi rasa steak sesuai keinginan Anda.

Disajikan bersama sayuran seperti jagung muda, buncis, wortel sebagai elemen pelengkap.

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Inna Signature

Serba Manis Sajian yang manis tepat adanya untuk menutup prosesi makan bersama Inna Dharma Deli. Ada dua pilihan yang ditawarkan. Yakni Pisang Cerutu yang rupanya memang seperti cerutu.

Menu dessert ini serupa pisang yang dibungkus dengan kulit yang bertekstur garing dan renyah.

Seperti makanan pisang cokelat atau biasa kita sebut piscok. Pada bagian kulit dilumuri air gula merah untuk menambah rasa.

Untuk teman minum, Teh Tarik tak dapat ditolak.

Siapa sih yang tidak menikmati minuman ini?

Minuman yang biasa ditemui di negeri Malaysia dan Singapura ini terkenal karena proses

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pembuatannya yang unik. Bagaimana teh dituangkan dari satu gelas ke gelas lain, atau bisa dikatakan teh ditarik dengan tujuan agar setiap bahan yang terkandung bisa tercampur rata dan mengeluarkan aroma terbaik. Proses itu pun sekaligus mendinginkan suhu teh dan menciptakan lapisan busa lembut pada bagian atas minuman. Minuman familiar ini bisa Anda nikmati selagi bersantap di Inna Dharma Deli.

Inna Dharma Deli Hotel Jl. Balai Kota No. 2 Medan - Indonesia Phone: +62 61 415 7744 www.innadharmadelihotel.com

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Selamat Datang di Grand Inna Muara Text by Priscilla Picauly | Photos by Febri Amar

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adang sudah tak sama lagi dengan yang dulu. Tak lagi menjadi anak kedua di jajaran kota-kota di Pulau Sumatera. Pasca gempa yang dahsyat beberapa tahun lalu, ibukota Sumatera Barat ini makin berkembang, baik dari segi pariwisata maupun bisnis. Tentu saja semua itu berkat inisiatif untuk membangun sarana dan prasarana yang menunjang sistem kehidupan, salah satunya adalah industri perhotelan. Kini Padang sudah semarak dengan hotel-hotel terbaik, salah satunya Grand Inna Muara Hotel Convention & Exhibition.

Hotel bintang empat yang baru dipermanis melalui proyek renovasi membuat rupanya makin istimewa di jantung Kota Padang. Lokasi yang strategis untuk memudahkan langkah menjalani setiap rencana Anda di kota ini.

Sedari awal Anda melangkah masuk ke hotel, tidak hanya sambutan hangat dan senyum

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ramah dari para staf, namun disertai dengan fasilitas dan servis yang memuaskan bagi siapapun yang bertamu di sini.

Fasilitas dan Servis Dengan desain elegan yang masih mengedepankan sisi Minang yang khas, Grand Inna Muara tampil begitu harmonis dengan perpaduan dua elemen tersebut. Sebagai tempat bernaung para tamu dengan segala kriteria, hotel ini maksimal memberikan pengalaman menginap yang menjamin segala kebutuhan.

Untuk urusan kamar, tersedia 168 kamar yang cocok bagi Anda, baik bagi para pelancong maupun pebisnis. Masing-masing kamar didesain sedemikian rupa dengan tempat tidur yang mewah dan nyaman, LCD TV, layanan servis 24 jam, akses internet, sistem kunci elektronik, hair dryer, tea maker, dan

lain sebagainya. Ada empat tipe kamar yang tersedia, yakni Deluxe Room, Junior suite, Royal Suite ( balcony & no balcony) dan Grand Inna Muara Suite.

Mengingat perkembangan MICE di Padang yang makin berkembang, Grand Inna Muara Hotel and Convention Center memiliki ballroom yang sanggup menampung hingga 2.000 tamu.

Cocok untuk pertemuan bisnis, peluncuran produk baru dan acara konvensi lainnya.

Termasuk area parkir dengan daya tampung hingga 220 kendaraan.

Di bagian Food & Beverages, hotel bintang empat ini memiliki lounge and coffee shop yaitu Batandang dan Ranah Minang Coffee Shop.

Batandang merupakan lounge yang nyaman dan menyenangkan, begitu pas jika Anda ingin mengadakan pertemuan kasual atau sekadar

bersantai dengan teman maupun kolega.

Berada di Ground Floor, Batandang buka tiap hari, dari pukul 08:00 hingga 23:00. Sedangkan Ranah Minang Coffee Shop kerap menjadi pilihan bagi para tamu untuk menikmati jamuan sarapan, makan siang maupun makan malam. Dengan sentuhan modern tapi tetap mengusung cita rasa tradisional, Ranah Minang Coffee Shop juga menyediakan hidangan internasional.

Lokasi Yang Strategis Apa yang dicari para tamu selain kenyamanan dan kelengkapan fasilitas hotel? Tentu saja lokasi yang strategis. Tidak hanya dekat dengan objek wisata, namun juga mudah untuk mencapai area bisnis dan komersil. Dari Bandar Udara Internasional Minangkabau, Anda hanya memerlukan 40 menit berkendara, tentu saja tak perlu merisaukan jalanan yang macet.

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Cover Story

Sebagai kota terbesar di barat Pulau Sumatera menjadikan Padang berhadapan langsung dengan Samudra Hindia, tentu saja berada dekat dengan pantai yaitu Pantai Padang. Salah satu objek wisata yang menjadi tempat favorit masyarakat lokal. Di sini Anda bisa menikmati deru ombak yang menggulung dahsyat bersama matahari terbenam yang cantik setiap harinya.

Grand Inna Muara sendiri hanya sejauh 5 menit berkendara dari Pantai Padang. Dekat dengan

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Pantai Padang, terdapat juga Monumen Merpati Perdamaian yang baru saja diresmikan Presiden RI, Joko Widodo. Monumen dengan lambang burung merpati ini menjadi satu titik untuk menikmati senja cantik di pinggir pantai.

Jika Anda penggemar sejarah, bisa berkunjung ke Museum Adityawarman yang berada persis di depan hotel. Museum ini dipenuhi dengan koleksi-koleksi yang memamerkan budaya

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Cover Story

Minang yang kaya dan beragam. Bagi penyuka fotografi, lokasi Grand Inna Muara begitu dekat dengan dua bangunan antik sebagai objek foto, yaitu Kapel St. Leo yang merupakan cagar budaya peninggalan Belanda dan Gedung Keusukupan Padang. Jalan sejauh 500 meter, bisa tiba di Jembatan Siti Nurbaya yang cantik kala senja tiba, turut dilengkapi dengan suasana yang menyenangkan.

Di situ juga dapat menyaksikan pemandangan kapal-kapal yang mewarnai Sungai Batang Arau. Jika tertarik menelusuri lebih jauh, susuri saja sungai ke arah Kota Lama. Banyak objek-

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objek foto berbau lawas, termasuk Kelenteng See Hin Kiong yang sempat rusak parah akibat gempa bumi namun kini sudah berdiri dengan rupa baru. Sedangkan untuk pemburu kuliner, tenang saja, hotel ini menjadi solusi terbaik dalam memberi kemudahan untuk berkelana mengitari titik-titik menarik di Padang.

Grand Inna Muara Hotel Convention & Exhibition Jl. Gereja No. 34 Padang - Sumatera Barat Tel: 0751-35600 www.grandinnamuara.com

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Inna Event

Karnaval Kemerdekaan Pesona Danau Toba 2016 Sumatera Utara. Orang nomor satu di Indonesia itu mengenakan ulos Ragidup Sirara sedangkan Ibu Negara dengan ulos bermotif Tum-Tum yang dirancang khusus Edward Hutabarat.

Ada tiga aktivitas besar yang dirancang pada 2021 Agustus 2016, yakni konser dengan panggung apung di Pantai Bebas Inna Parapat, Simalungun, Karnaval Budaya di Balige, Toba Samosir, serta Pesta Rakyat.

Danau Toba adalah satu dari 10 destinasi top yang populer dengan sebutan “Bali Baru� selain Tanjung Kelayang Belitung, Tanjung Lesung Banten, Kepulauan Seribu Jakarta, Borobudur Jateng, Bromo Tengger Semeru Jatim, Mandalika Lombok, Labuan Bajo NTT, Wakatobi Sultra dan Morotai Maltara.

Bagi warga Sumatera Utara, khususnya Parapat, Pesta Kemerdekaan Indonesia tahun ini terasa berbeda dengan tahun sebelumnya. Hal ini dikarenakan terpilihnya Danau Toba menjadi lokasi karnaval dalam rangka merayakan HUT RI ke-71. Bertajuk Karnaval Kemerdekaan Pesona Danau Toba 2016, gelaran ini berlangsung dari 20-21 Agustus 2016, dan dihadiri langsung oleh Presiden Republik Indonesia beserta Istri serta jajaran pemerintahan. Presiden Joko Widodo dan Ibu Negara Iriana Joko Widodo bukan sekadar hadir pada perayaan tersebut tetapi juga ikut pawai bersama masyarakat

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Panggung apung yang di bangun di seberang Inna Parapat Hotel tersebut cukup unik. Inilah panggung mengambang pertama dengan ukuran besar, 12 x24 meter yang jaraknya 10 meter dari daratan. Di belakang panggung ada kapal-kapal berhias yang menjadi latar suasana Danau Toba pada malam. Antara 75100 media dari ibu kota hadir di sana. Mereka mengekspos acara dengan propaganda di media sosial dengan tagar #KKPesonaToba2016, juga meliput keindahan alam dan budaya di kawasan danau terluas di Asia dan terdalam di dunia (450 meter).

Tempat terbaik untuk menikmati panggung apung adalah di Pantai Bebas Sosor Pasir Inna Parapat Hotel. Akomodasi yang dapat dicapai dengan mudah dari Medan dan kurang dari dua jam dari Bandar Udara Silangit. Sebagai salah satu hotel terbaik di tepian Danau Toba, Inna Parapat merupakan satu-satunya hotel yang memiliki akses langsung ke danau serta didukung dengan fasilitas hotel berbintang terbaik di wilayah Parapat.

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Inna Event Joko Widodo Menginap di Grand Inna Muara Presiden Joko Widodo menginap di Grand Inna Muara Padang bulan Juli kemarin dalam rangka kunjungan kenegaraannya ke ibukota Sumatera Barat tersebut.

Bali Tourism Award 2016 Pada bulan Agustus lalu, Iswandi Said, selaku Direktur Utama PT Hotel Indonesia Natour (Persero) menerima penghargaan dari Bali Tourism Award. Penghargaan tersebut diterima oleh Inaya Putri Bali, salah satu hotel yang berada di bawah pengelolaan PT Hotel Indonesia Natour (Persero). Inaya Putri Bali memenangkan kategori Hotel yang dibangun berdasarkan nilai-nilai kearifan lokal.

Sebagaimana diketahui, Inaya Putri Bali adalah satu-satunya hotel di kawasan Nusa Dua yang memiliki konsep desa tradisional Bali dan mengusung nilai-nilai kebudayaan Bali, diwakili dari nama-nama vila yang terdiri dari tujuh dewi, serta bangunan utama berupa lumbung yang memiliki nilai simbolis kemakmuran.

Penghargaan ini merupakan pencapaian bagi PT Hotel Indonesia Natour (Persero) dalam usahanya untuk menjadi jaringan hotel terdepan dan terbesar di nusantara.

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Malioboro Night Festival Malioboro Night Festival diselenggarakan pada 27 Agustus 2016 di Panggung Garuda yang berlokasi di depan Inna Garuda Hotel menampilkan Katon Bagaskara sebagai salah satu pengisi acara tersebut.

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Inna Event

Hotel Indonesia Group Resmi Dibentuk

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enteri BUMN Rini M. Soemarno meresmikan pembentukan Hotel Indonesia Group (HIG) akhir September lalu. Acara peresmian yang berlangsung di Gedung Patra Jasa ini selain memperkenalkan portal HIG sekaligus juga meresmikan logo untuk memperkuat identitas Hotel Indonesia Group.

Juga dilakukan penandatanganan kerjasama antara HIG dan 16 BUMN lainnya untuk kebutuhan supply chain, SDM dan hotel management.

Hotel Indonesia Group dibentuk sejalan dengan pencanangan pariwisata sebagai core business di Indonesia. Oleh sebab itu kebutuhan akomodasi menjadi bagian penting untuk mendukung peningkatan jumlah wisatawan Nusantara dan Mancanegara. Untuk menyikapi

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hal tersebut, pemerintah Indonesia melalui Kementerian BUMN membentuk konsolidasi antar hotel yang dimiliki oleh PT Hotel Indonesia Natour (HIN), PT Patrajasa (anak usaha PT Pertamina), dan PT Aero Wisata (anak usaha PT Garuda Indonesia Tbk).

Saat ini HIG terdiri dari 26 hotel yaitu tujuh hotel milik Aerowisata, 12 hotel milik Hotel Indonesia Natour, dan tujuh hotel milik Patra Jasa, tersebar di beberapa lokasi strategis dengan variasi kelas mulai dari bintang dua hingga lima. Pada kesempatan peresmian ini sembilan hotel milik Pegadaian (Pesona Hotel) dan sebuah hotel milik Taman Wisata Candi secara resmi menjadi bagian dari HIG sehingga total berjumlah 36 hotel. Diharapkan selanjutnya hotel milik BUMN lainnya akan menyusul bergabung dengan HIG.

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Inna Snapshot

Congratulation to Lusi Rahmawati @beautybackpacker! You win 2 night stay Voucher for 2 Person at Inna Parapat Hotel.

Do you want your picture to be published in Gracious and win voucher from Inna Hotel & Resort?

@innahotelgroup @beautybackpacker Lusi Rahmawati

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Take your picture related with destinations in Pasuruan Area and mention our Instagram account @innahotelgroup & put hashtag #innahotelgroup #innatretes

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Inna Parapat Perfectly Beautiful Text by Priscilla Picauly | Photos by Febri Amar

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Cover Story

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anau Toba adalah satu dari keajaiban yang dimiliki nusantara.

Bukan hanya sebuah gambar alam yang menakjubkan tapi maknanya lebih dari itu. Makanya banyak yang beranggapan bahwa danau cantik ini masuk dalam daftar tempat yang mesti dikunjungi di Indonesia. Karena memang tidak ada yang seperti Danau Toba.

Betapa menyenangkannya bisa berada dekat Danau Toba. Menikmati kecantikannya seutuhnya, tanpa perlu usaha yang memberatkan langkah. Pilih saja hotel terbaik yang berada di posisi terbaik pula sehingga dapat memaksimalkan waktu kunjung seputar danau. Dan hotel terbaik itu adalah Inna

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Parapat. Berada di Kota Parapat yang permai, Inna Parapat merupakan bagian dari PT Hotel Indonesia Natour (Persero), yang selain menyediakan fasilitas dan layanan terbaik, tapi juga memberikan pandangan terbaik menghadap Danau Toba.

How To Get There Hotel berbintang empat ini berada di Kota Parapat. Di area yang strategis karena dekat dengan pusat kegiatan masyarakat.

Untuk menghampiri Parapat, Anda bisa berkendara dari Kota Medan selama lima jam perjalanan. Walau cukup menyita waktu, tapi pemandangan yang didapat juga sebanding. Jika ingin memangkas waktu, bisa menggunakan pesawat terbang dan mendarat

di Bandar Udara Silangit, untuk kemudian berkendara selama kurang lebih dua jam.

Tapi jika ingin bertualang dan menikmati sisi lain wilayah Sumatera Utara, saya menyarankan untuk melakukan perjalanan menggunakan kereta api dari Stasiun Medan, yakni Kereta Api Siantar Express menuju Kota Pematang Siantar.

Tiba di Stasiun Siantar, Anda bisa melanjutkan perjalanan darat menggunakan mobil dengan jarak tempuh selama satu jam. Kalau ingin lebih santai, bisa saja singgah sebentar menikmati Kota Pematang Siantar yang nampak lawas.

Sekalian menikmati kuliner di sana, seperti mendatangi Kedai Kok Tong, merupakan kedai kopi yang terletak di Jalan Cipto. Kedai legendaris ini sudah berdiri sejak tahun 1925.

Yang mencuri perhatian tentu saja kopi hitam dan kopi susunya. Pilihan lain bisa seperti Roti Ganda yang terkenal akan selai srikaya.

Sebagai panduan, perjalanan dari Pematang Siantar menuju Kota Parapat akan melewati areal dengan pemandangan hutan pinus yang rindang. Jalanan berkelok tanpa tanjakan yang berlebihan yang nantinya akan mengantarkan Anda untuk menikmati Danau Toba seriring langkah mendekati Kota Parapat.

Rooms & Suites Inna Parapat begitu menyatu dengan Danau Toba. Inilah yang menjadi daya tarik dan keunggulannya. Dari tempat Anda menginap bisa langsung memandangi wilayah perairan

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danau tanpa sekat apapun. Dalam hal fasilitas, jelas Inna Parapat unggul dari pilihan kamar yang tersedia. Anda bisa menentukan kamar terbaik sesuai kebutuhan. Ada beberapa tipe kamar, antara lain Villa Suite, Traditional Room, Family Room, Deluxe Room dan Superior Room.

Yang istimewa tentu saja Traditional Room. Jika Anda ingin merasakan pengalaman menempati rumah khas batak, tipe kamar ini bisa menjadi pilihan. Dari luar tampilan bangunannya begitu unik, lihat saja pada ornamen kayu dengan detail ukiran yang menyertainya. Belum lagi dengan atap berbentuk segitiga. Dindingnya

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pun dibuat miring, tentu inilah salah satu ciri khasnya. Untuk tampilan dalamnya sudah dipermanis dengan fasilitas modern layaknya hotel berbintang.

Atau ingin mencoba menginap di suite yang ditempati Presiden RI Joko Widodo? Beberapa waktu lalu dalam acara Karnaval Kemerdekaan Pesona Danau Toba 2016, Jokowi hadir di Parapat dan menginap di Villa Suite milik Inna Parapat. Vila cantik yang didesain dengan batu bata berwarna merah cerah sekilas mengingatkan akan bangunan-bangunan di Eropa sana. Dengan pemandangan Danau Toba

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Cover Story

yang hanya sejauh beberapa puluh meter saja, Villa Suite dilengkapi dengan ruang tamu, dua kamar tidur, ruang tengah, dapur, kamar mandi juga peralatan fitness.

Facilities & Services Walaupun hotel ini terbilang nyaman untuk ditinggali sebagai tempat untuk bersantai, tapi nyatanya banyak kegiatan bisnis dan acara korporasi yang menggunakan fasilitas milik Inna Parapat. Hotel ini memiliki empat ruang rapat yang memiliki kapasitas dari 15 hingga 350 orang. Selain kapasitas yang cukup besar, ruang-ruang rapat ini diperlengkapi dengan fasilitas seperti LCD & Screen, sound system dan microphone, white board, flip chart, taman kecil, serta stationery.

Selain tepat sebagai arena untuk mengadakan kegiatan rapat dan konvensi, satu yang saya nikmati kala menginap di hotel ini adalah Topi Tao Cafe. Yang menjadikannya menarik adalah deretan meja dan kursi yang ditata dekat dengan jendela kaca yang langsung

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menampilkan keindahan Danau Toba. Tiap pagi Anda bisa menikmati sarapan istimewa dengan panorama yang juga istimewa. Jendela kaca bisa dibuka, sekalian menghirup hawa segar yang melingkupi Kota Parapat.

Topi Tao Cafe tiap pagi menyiapkan makan pagi ala buffet bagi para tamunya. Hidangan lokal cukup mendominasi di pilihan makanan.

Ikan arsik yang dibuat dengan aneka bumbu khas Batak, seperti andaliman bisa dinikmati direstoran ini. Satu yang tak boleh dilewatkan adalah menyeruput Kopi Batok yang menjadi keunggulan Inna Parapat. Kopi Mandailing yang disajikan di gelas batok dengan kayu manis sebagai sendok pengaduk. Rasanya kuat.

Pas dipadu dengan singkong goreng sebagai camilannya.

Places of Interest Bagi siapapun yang menginap di Inna Parapat tentu saja diuntungkan dengan lokasi hotel yang berada di sentra kehidupan Kota Parapat.

Cukup mudah jika ingin mengitari sekitar. Jika

berniat jalan kaki bisa saja. Ambil waktu di pagi hari saat kegiatan masyarakat baru dimulai.

Persis di depan hotel terdapat deretan penjaja suvenir. Kebanyakan menjual pakaian warnawarni yang sebagian besar bertuliskan Lake Toba. Ada juga yang menjual aksesoris, dari gelang, kalung, topi hingga topi. Kalau mencari tenun ulos, ada juga kok. Sebagian besar barang dagangan bisa Anda tawar. Jika terus menyusuri toko-toko suvenir ke arah pasar, bisa menemukan beberapa tempat makan. Warungwarung makan sederhana serta kedai kopi yang bisa menjadi pilihan jika ingin menghirup pagi yang berbeda, lebih dekat dengan suasana lokal. Coba saja mampir di Warung Kopi H. Bakara. Rasanya minumannya khas betul.

Dari hotel pun Anda bisa juga berjalan sekitar 15 menit menuju Rumah Pengasingan Soekarno.

Mungkin sebagian dari kita tak mengira Soekarno pernah diasingkan di Parapat selama dua bulan. Ia bersama Haji Agus Salim dan Sutan Sjahrir pernah menetap di rumah milik Belanda yang telah dibangun sejak tahun 1820.

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Cover Story

Bangunan klasik ini nampak cantik, apalagi posisinya berada di ketinggian yang pas, sehingga bisa menampilkan Danau Toba secara maksimal. Pengunjung bisa memasuki rumah, tapi terlebih dulu mesti meminta izin pada pengelola. Tapi kebanyakan yang datang hanya berfoto di depan rumah atau hanya dudukduduk di taman kecil yang berada tidak jauh

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dari rumah. Duduk-duduk di sini menghadap Danau Toba sangatlah menyenangkan.

Inna Parapat Jl. Marihat No. 1 Parapat - Sumatera Utara Tel: 0625-41012 www.innaparapat.com

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