L'Ultimo Paradio

Your ultimate lifestyle retreat in paradise

Vol. VI No. 12, 2011

The Charm of Mount Batur foto by spc

www.ultimoparadiso.com - Indonesia Tourism News

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Vol. VI No. 12, 2011 www.ultimoparadiso.com BOARD of DIRECTOR

Dewantoro Umbu Joka Tonny Wijadjanto tonny@ultimoparadiso.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Igo Kleden igo@ultimoparadiso.com

REPORTER

Tri Wibowo bowo@ultimoparadiso.com

REPORTER

Steffi Purba steffi_nov@yahoo.com

MARKETING MANAGER Tania

MARKETING Ben Sisko

sales@ultimoparadiso.com GRAPHIc DESIGNER

Yudick Ariant yudickariant@gmail.com

ACCOUNTING

accounting@ultimoparadiso.com

TRANSLATOR

Indira Sari Paputungan

CONTRIBUTOR

Christovao Vinhas christi_ani09@yahoo.com

DISTRIBUTOR

Martin Sanjaya

BANK Account

580 129 3435, Permata Bank Jl. Dewi Sartika - Denpasar

foto by lakeview hotel and restaurant

Ni Komang Suciani

Kintamani, The Charming Beauty of Mount and Lake Batur

Overseas: Malaysia - maxiINFO, 32-3-1, Jalan Medan Putra 4 Medan Putra Business Centre.

Off Jalan Damansara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur. Australia - Mr. Andre Wecklif Antonio. T, D/a 262 Wardel rd, Dulwich Hill-Sydney – NSW – 2203.

Australia. THAILAND - Andrea Capucci, 94/23 Wichitsongkram Rd. Kathu, Phuket 83120, Ph. 076 249 688. WASHINGTON DC - Aria Salaka 19233 - Wheatfield Terrace - Gaitthersburg, MD 20879.

CANADA - Johanne Dube, 152, rue Notre-Dame est, 8 etage, Montreal, Qc, Canada H2Y 3p6.

NETHERLAND - Vrijburglaan 72051 LA Overveen +31 235253619. ITALY - Viaggi del Mappamondo, Viale Regina Margherita 270 - 00198, Rome, Ph. +39 06 48789200, Fax. +39 06 4815506. FRANCE - Europasia Commercial Agency, 15, rue Vallete 75005, Paris. GERMANY - Hattersheimerstr, 19, Frankfurt 60326. CZECH REPUBLIC - Mr. Miroslav Radakovic, Na Zamecke 6/409 140 000 Prague Czech Republic, Ph. +420 261219316 - 19, Fax. +261 219320. CUBA - Viaggi del mappamondo - Cuba, c/o Hotel Sevilla, Trocadero y Zuleta y Prado, 55, La Habana, Ph./Fax. +53 07 8669767.

SLOVENIA - Miss. Polona Pirnat, c/o Kompas D.D, Prazakova 4, 1514, Ljubyana, Slovenia.

Hotel

There are several types of accommodation available around Kintamani area ranging from fivestar hotel up to a home stay. You can choose one of them according to your budget, like Lakeview Hotel, Toya Devasya and many more.

Restaurant focus my indonesia whats on bali island explorer island explorer whats on bali island explorer whats on bali whats on NTT whats on bali nusantara

CV. Paradiso Timur Raya Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No. 620 Suwung, Denpasar-Bali-Indonesia P/F: +62 361 - 727010 E: info@ultimoparadiso.com redaksi@ultimoparadiso.com

There are several restaurants in Penelokan,

foto by lakeview hotel and restaurant

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where you can relax and eat food that suits your tastes.

Special from Kintamani Kintamani is famous for its orange mascot. Oranges can be an alternative for something to bring home with you after a visit to Kintamani. Souvenir shops can easily be found along the way of Denpasar - Kintamani, especially if you go via Tampaksiring.

What are the interesting activities in Kintamani??

Trekking & Hiking at Mount Batur or Batur Caldera If you have enough time and like adventure, it would be perfect to stay for a day in Toya Bungkah to further climb to the summit of Mount Batur to see the sunrise. Lakeview Hotel can help you to fulfill your desire to climb.

Visiting Trunyan Village Trunyan Village is one of the Old Villages or often called Bali Aga or Bali Mula. The villagers of Trunyan still very strongly hold their tradition, particularly the tradition of burial. Burial in Trunyan differs from the common burial carried out in other areas in Bali. The bodies wrapped in the shroud and then placed on the ground surrounded by “ancak saji” that is woven bamboo which is formed in such a way, then planted around the corpse. The unique thing is, although the body is not buried in the ground, but it doesn’t smell. People believe that the smell of corpses was neutralized by taru menyan trees that grow large in the area of the village cemetery of Trunyan.

According to the story, long time ago dead bodies were deliberately put on the ground to block the smell of taru menyan tree that supposedly spread to Java. Because the king who ruled in Trunyan at that time was afraid that his kingdom would be attacked due to the fragrant taru menyan tree, so he took the initiative to neutralize the fragrance by not burying the dead bodies. Finally, until now the tradition is still firmly held by the community.

Enjoying the natural Toyabungkah hot spring Toya Bungkah is one of the areas in Bali that has a natural hot spring. Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana, one of Indonesian great poets built a house in this area that was used by the surrounding community for arts event in 70-80s. There are two kinds of hot water in there, which is managed by the Foundation of Batur traditional village, while the other one managed by the company. There is a good idea to try this hot water, because with temperatures reaching 30-45 degrees hot water in Toyabungkah is believed to cure various skin diseases.

Visiting Ulun Danu Batur Temple Ulun Danu Batur Temple is located near the village of Batur. This is the most important temple after Besakih. Pura Batur is one of Kahyangan Jagat temples, which is the most important temple on the island of Bali. This temple can be visited any time throughout the year, especially during Odalan, which usually occurs in March but depends on the full moon, which is dedicated to the Goddess Danu. Lake Batur is trusted as a source of irrigation throughout the island of Bali.(*)

foto by spc

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n mountainous areas around Kintamani, there is Mount Batur with its deep crater lake and natural hot springs located in Toyabungkah. The cool mountain air with a view to all directions, and a number of important temples are things that have made Kintamani become one of the places that are not forgotten in Bali’s tourist agenda.

Mount Batur is a small volcano, but it is located in the midst of a large crater with a diameter of 14 Km. Mount Batur is also adjacent to the crescentshaped Lake Batur that is surrounded by high walls of the crater edge. The size of the steepness of the crater will make you imagine the massive eruption of Mount Batur that occurred ten thousand years ago.

The volcano is still active today and there are many Balinese who still remember the eruption that occurred in 1917 and had taken thousands of lives and destroyed hundreds of houses Old Batur village at the base of Batur caldera. People who survived finally had to move to the current Batur village called Kalanganyar, which means a new place. Batur Ulundanu Temple that previously also located at the base of the caldera to the south of Mount Batur also moved into its current location.

Kintamani area offers more than just beautiful natural landscapes. It offers a unique combination of natural scenery of Lake Batur and Mount Batur which stands in the middle of the caldera, which makes this area one of the most favorite tourist destinations in Bali.

If you have more time and like adventure or photography, it would be great to spend more time staying in the area around Mount Batur. You can try climbing Mount Batur or Batur caldera to the east of Mount Batur while enjoying the beautiful sunrise coming out from behind Mount Rinjani in Lombok.

Kintamani can be reached in approximately 2 hours drive from Denpasar or Kuta.

foto by lakeview hotel and restaurant

Distribution Domestic: BALI - Kuta, Ngurah Rai Airport, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Denpasar and Ubud Area. JAKARTA - Ahmad Sufyani - Jl. Tomang Raya No. 63 - Jakarta 11440. Surabaya - Jl.Jend.Basuki Rahmat 129-137, Surabaya 60271, Ph : 031 – 5316364, Fax: 031 – 5315435. Yogyakarta - Jl.Rumah Makan Gudeg 60 Citro, Laksda Adisucipto Km 9, Yogyakarta 55281, Ph.0274-488663. Manado - Resort Scuba Diving-Liveboard. Manado, Hp. 08114303655 / 081 340 247 788 Fax. 656720685, LOMBOK - Lombok Eksotis, Jl. Adi Sucipto No. 43, Ampenan - Lombok 83234, Ph. (0370) 643014, Fax (0370) 646840. KUPANG - Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan III/38 - Walikota Kupang Phone: 0380 822102 SUMBA BARAT - Jl. Sudirman No. 5 Waikabubak - Sumba Barat. SUMBA TIMUR - Melanthon, Jl. Eltari No. 41 Matawai - Sumba Timur, Ph. 081353977788, 085239118181. LABUAN BAJO Martin Meotoda, Ph. 081338151744

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Vol. VI No. 12, 2011

T Orangutans are the main attraction of the island borneo.

Globespots: Indonesia is the Fourth World Favorite Destination G

temples in Java, funeral ceremony in Toraja of Sulawesi, exploring Papua and many more.

Globespots.com itself is a community site of travelers from various countries to share experiences when visiting a country.

This is an independent site and not a travel agent, there is also explained that they did not make the guidebooks, the only thing to do is sharing their inspiring experience in traveling to their fellow travelers.

This is the fourth year they make the rating “Top 10 countries” since 2009. They analyzed based on the input of the contributors, who are mostly tourists. They divided the three categories for the class of destination, which are convenient journey, exciting trips and thrilling journey. To see the details you can visit in www.globespots.com (*)

lobespot.com has determined Indonesia as the fourth favorite destination of the 10 countries in the world recommended to be visited in 2012. According to the site that is based in Denmark, Indonesia is an archipelago that offers the thrill of the exciting adventure for tourists.

Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands, and offers beautiful and natural scenery. The uniqueness of traditional tribal culture and a distinctive fauna have put Indonesia into the list of ten countries recommended to be visited in 2012 according to Globespots.com.

The information on the site mentioned about the attractiveness of Bali, many places in Indonesia offering interesting objects to visit, such as visiting orangutans in Borneo, Sumatra Rafflesia flower in Sumatra, exploring

Here’s a list of “Top 10 Spots Globe for 2012”: 1. Georgia 2. Norway 3. Slovenia 4. Indonesia 5. Madagascar 6. Iraqi Kurdistan 7. Sierra Leone 8. Uruguay 9. Greece 10. Southern Sudan

Agent Cocktails Gathering in Grand Kuta

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Listyani said that the gathering is also to greet and meet of Grand Kuta Hotel and Residence new General Manager, A.A Sri Laxmi Aryani.

“She has been joining us since last November as a General Manager,” Theresia said.

The gathering was also enlivened by music DJ and Grand Kuta Hotel and Residence also provides vouchers to stay in the hotel for media colleagues and agents who had previ-

rand Kuta Hotel and Residence held an Agent Cocktails Gathering in Jasmine Pool on Friday (9/12). This event was held as a form of appreciation of Grand Kuta to the media colleagues and agents who have been working together and supporting the development of Grand Kuta Hotel and Residence.

Grand Kuta Public Relation, Theresia Gera

he 6th Session of UNESCO which took place at the Bali International Convention Centre, Nusa Dua, Bali, on 2229 November 2011 appealed to all Indonesian people not to be fooled by the “vote” for Komodo as one of the world seven new wonders.

Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, said we do not get fooled by a variety of “vote” to support the island of Komodo as has been done some time ago. “The various vote through social media was actually aimed to gain popularity,” she said at a press conference on Monday (22/11).

UNESCO, as a world institution has already had a long and comprehensive academic study to determine this. “Komodo dragons have been included in the UNESCO list in 1991,” she said.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Mari Elka Pangestu, appealed to the public to remain guided by UNESCO’s standardization to nominate the island of Komodo as the seven new wonders of the world. “If there are private parties who want to hold a vote on the selection of dragons is not a problem,” she said.

On the same occasion, Mari Elka, reminding that in 1991 UNESCO has recognized the island of Komodo as a list of categories of tangible object belong to Indonesia. “It’s already a form of recognition from UNESCO,” she explained. The appointment of Komodo as tourism icon is expected not to damage the habitat of the Komodo dragon. “Komodo has included as a rare animal,” she said.(*)

Visitors of Borobudur’s Top to be Restricted

ously given their name card to be put into the lucky draw.

General Manager, A.A Sri Laxmi Aryani extended her gratitude to all agents and media for their support to Grand Kuta Hotel and Residence.

“I hope this won’t be the last gathering, and there will be another event like this in the future,” she said. (*)

Russian tourists Will Flood Lombok S ince Lombok has an international airport, hundreds of tourists from Russia fly directly to the island with wide-body charter aircraft owned by Nordwind Airlines B 767 300 ER series. They come from the City of Novocsibirsk, Russia and have been in Lombok since mid-November.

Their group is on vacation for two weeks, and just a few days after their arrival another group of 300 people also landed in Lombok.

It is estimated that around 4000 tourists from Russia will continuously visit Lombok for vacation until May 2012.

Head of West Nusa Tenggara Investment Agency Bayu Windia, who welcomed their arrival, said that he is very happy with the coming of group of tourists from Russia. “This is our first guests coming directly from their country,” he said.

Secretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism of West Nusa Tenggara Muhammad Nasir explained that he will take them to beautiful and interesting tourist destinations in Lombok such as whitewater rafting from Sesaot forest to Karang Bayan in West Lombok.

Managing Director of Go Vacation Indonesia, Putu Gede Arya Swadharma, said 12star hotels in Senggigi have been renovated.

“They are free to choose the tour package,” he said.

The opening of Lombok International Airport has begun to improve the island of Lombok tourism industry with Russian tourist arrivals via direct flights from Russia.

As of May 2012, about 4,000 Russian tourists are expected to visit Lombok. This num-

ber is expected to increase in coming years.

Putu Arya, a representative for Go Vacation Indonesia (GVI) stated that there will be a group of Russian tourists who come on charter flights with a seating capacity of 284 each month.

“At first we introduce Bali-Lombok tour packages, but many tourists prefer to go di

rectly to Lombok without visiting Bali first,” said Putu.

GVI mainly provides accommodation packages for Russian tourists, while tour packages are optional. A number of tour packages offered to tourists including visits to the Gili Islands, Mandalika resort package, a trip to the craft center, and much more. (*)

T

foto by tri wibowo

foto by spc

UNESCO: Do not be fooled by Various Vote for Komodo

he management of Borobudur will limit the number of tourists visiting the top of the temple as part of the maintenance of the temple so that it will not easily damaged and after cleaning, the top of the temple can be visited, but the number of people visiting will be restricted.

Head of Tourism and Creative Economy Office of Central Java, Prasetyo Aribowo said in Semarang that the number of tourists allowed to visit Borobudur top three floors will be limited to a maximum of 82 people.

“In addition, duration of visits at the top of the temple will also be restricted. Visitors will be allowed at the top for about 15 minutes. With that restriction, the burden on top of the temple may be reduced. We will not let the damage as the world heritage in Peru occurred here, “he said.

It is said, previously, the cleaning process of Borobudur from volcanic ash of Mount Merapi has been declared completed on November 19, 2011. Closure of the cleaning process is characterized by delivery of the award plaque to 550 volunteers who participated actively cleaning the temple of Borobudur by the UN Director General of Scientific and Cultural Education Irina Bokova and the Minister of Education and Culture Mohammad Nuh. “On that occasion, UNESCO also confirmed that Borobudur is still one of world’s cultural heritages,” he said. (*)

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Vol. VI No. 12, 2011

Need Breakthrough to succeed MP3EI

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eputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sapta Nirwandar said that the government gave the central role of tourism to local government and the tourism businesses in the area.

“Through the conference with the theme of the Regional Tourism Development to Support National Tourism and Improvement of Regional Economy, we will describe the design of the Ministry’s strategic map that can be implemented by local governments significantly through their respective policies that supported the private sector,” he said.

It is said, tourism can contribute significantly not only on revenue (PAD) but also on regional economic development. The conference also becomes a means of socialization of the National Tourism Development Master Plan (RIPPARNAS).

“The conference was expected to produce a roadmap that can be implemented together and designed with the participation of actors including the research on tourism sector,” he said.

He added that currently, only 20-30% areas in Indonesia that have enough information and knowledge about tourism sector and even only 10% of all local governments. Therefore we have to convince the heads of the regions that tourism sector is solutions to drive the regional economy.

So far the provincial government is serious in the development of tourism are the DKI Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Bali, Lombok, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Riau, Bangka and Billiton and Lampung. (*)

11 Countries to Join Sand Sculptures Festival in Sentul

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inmark Mendawai Indonesia and the World Sand sculpting Academy (WSSA) in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economic and Sentul City held for the first time Sand Sculptures Festival in Indonesia. The festival runs from December 18, 2011 to 28 January 2012, open daily from 11am until 7pm.

Sand Sculptures Festival is an international event and also the largest festival in Southeast Asia in particular chose the theme “Wonders of Indonesia and Wonders of the World”.

Indonesian Organizing Committee invites 22 sand sculpture artists from 11 countries, namely USA, UK, Ukraine, Holland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Belgium, Republic of CHEC, Singapore and Japan. The artists need 2 weeks in the construction process as well as 2400 tons of sand from Cilegon.

Gita Aryanti, Director of Winmark Mendawai Indonesia at the same time conveyed, “The idea of ​​holding a magnificent sand sculpture festival is a manifestation of our commitment to fully support tourism in Indonesia, and this activity is well received by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and the WSSA as the parent organization. Sand Sculptures Festival will become tourism event that attract not only domestic but also foreign tourists. “ Furthermore, Berman Lubis, Director of MICE, Ministry of Tourism and Creative said, “This festival is the first sand sculpture exhibition in Indonesia and the largest in Southeast Asia. This activity is expected to be a means of communication and promotion of tourism information for the participants and of course increase the number of tourist arrivals to Indonesia. “ Implementation of the 2011 ISSF that is located in Alam Fantasia, Sentul City Cultural Park is well welcomed by the Board of Directors of PT Sentul City Tbk since it is in line with one of the concepts of the City of Enovation of Sentul City, which is the Art & Culture City.

This activity is very useful for opening new horizons in art that is very great potential to be developed in Indonesia. The first Sand Sculptures Festival is held on an area of ​​30.000m2, there are two major largesized tents each 800m2 for an exhibition of more than 40 best sand sculpture in the form of statues, among others; part of the building Borobudur, Prambanan, Rumah Gadang, Barong , Komodo, one-horned rhino, Puppet, Taj Mahal, Big Ben, Pyramids and the Pharos, etc.. (*)

The Working Committee on Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesia Economic Development (KP3EI) Economic Corridor Bali and Nusa Tenggara in Kupang.

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ari Elka Pangestu, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy said the implementation of the Master Plan for Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesian Economic Development (MP3EI) must be carried out with a breakthrough.

All problems should be resolved quickly and timely so as not to interfere with the implementation of projects in the field that will begin in 2012, said Mari who is also the Chairperson of the Working Committee on Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesia Economic Development

(KP3EI) Economic Corridor Bali and Nusa Tenggara, in Kupang recently.

She brought it on a meeting of Economic Corridor Task Team KP3EI Bali and Nusa Tenggara in Kupang. The meeting was attended by a number of national employers, Governor of East Nusa Tenggara Frans Lebu Raya and Vice Governor of NTT, Esthon Foenay and Director General of Tourism Destination Development, Firmansyah Rahim.

“As a team work, we have a quite hard task of implementing the projects that have been established through a presidential decree,” said Mari Pangestu.

That is, the team must resolve the problem quickly and on time because of the credibility of the MP3EI is very influential in the activities and identification. She asked that the communication must continually be built between the team, so there’s always progress at each meeting.

Regarding expectations for the region she said, representatives in the region need to confirm to the “list of project”, ensuring the capacity of the land, and licensing.

Additionally, coordination to all business sectors is a must, so that if there are any problems, should be identified together to be resolved immediately.

She acknowledged the issue of land often becomes a problem but is expected to be completed so that all projects are already in preparation can be implemented on time and not hampered by land issue.

The meeting was aimed to establish good coordination between the working team and the local government. The same meeting will be held in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).(*)

Saman dance officially inscribed in UNESCO`s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

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n the 6th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, on Thursday (24/11) at 9:47 PM at the Bali International Convention Centre, Nusa Dua, Bali, Saman dance from Gayo Lues and its surrounding areas in Aceh Province has been officially included into UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in urgent need of Safeguarding.

Annual session which was attended by more than 500 delegates from 69 countries, international NGOs, cultural experts and the media took place at the Bali International Convention Centre from 22 to 29 November 2011. Indonesia is believed by 137 countries in 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Protection of intangible cultural heritage to be the host and lead this prestigious meeting.

Saman nomination file has been compiled carefully and submitted to UNESCO in March 2010 by the Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare, with full support from the Central Government, Provincial Government of Aceh, Gayo Lues Regent, H. Ibnu Hashim and Gayo Lues local government, and the society. Once the file is checked by the Secretariat of UNESCO and by NGOs and international experts, it was brought into the meeting in Bali this morning.

Saman dance has been confirmed to comply with the requirements and then included in the list of intangible cultural heritage in urgent need of safeguarding.

Coordinating Minister of People’s Welfare, H. Agung Laksono is grateful for the success of this Saman to enter the UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. “I am grateful to all who have fought for researching in the field, and then compile the file, and to support and fight for the nom-

ination of Saman until the session in Bali,” he said. He reminded that conservation should not be stopped here. This recognition is the begin-

ning of the implementation of the Action Plan to protect and develop Saman as cultural heritage by all stakeholders.(*)

Saman Dance

Tourism to become National Economy Security Belt

foto by tri wibowo

Sapta Nirwandar

foto by tri wibowo

foto by tri wibowo

Sapta: The Role of the Central Tourism is left to the local govt.

Mari Elka Pangestu

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inister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf), Mari Elka Pengestu said that tourism sector and

the domestic market potential to be national economy security belt when the world economy runs slow.

“Tourism Indonesia is not vulnerable to the crisis so that the tourism sector and the domestic market can be a security belt for the national economy,” said Mari Elka Pangestu in 2012 Tourism Outlook Seminar themed Optimization of Creative Economy Sector for Tourism Industry in Indonesia at Wisma Antara Jakarta recently.

She further said that the economic crisis and the uncertainty of the global situation are expected to last until the next few years. It will be a global challenge itself in which the development of global tourists for 15 months in the period of 2008-2009 had experienced negative growth, according to the UN-World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

In 2010 and 2011, the UN agency noted that global tourist development experienced positive growth, which was 6.6 percent in 2010 and 4.5 percent in 2011.

“But do not worry because we have great potential in tourism sector. Indonesia is the largest archipelago country and has the fourth largest population in the world with 237 million people. Our country stretches 5120 km from east to west, 1760 km from north to south,”

she said.

Mari said Indonesia also ranked 39 of the “Cultural Heritage” of 139 countries according to the World Economic Forum.

“We have eight World Cultural Heritage Sites and the potential to be the venue for the International Festival and Exhibition and strong creative industries,” she said.

In terms of age groups, it was noted most of the population of Indonesia is still in the productive age or are under 29 years. She said the trend and the number of tourists coming to Indonesia also increased in the last two years.

“Even in July 2011, we experienced the highest point of arrival of foreign tourists in the last three years amounting to 750 thousand in one month,” she said. Her department sets optimistic targets of foreign tourists visit in 2012 as many as 8 million people.

She realizes one point that will also be a challenge for the future, which is the coordination between the various parties. “Hopefully there will be a better coordination in the future that includes facilitation and advocacy. We must also encourage the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights in terms of strengthening and protection of intellectual property,” she concluded. (*)

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Vol. VI No. 12, 2011

Tourism potential in Batanghari river

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ambi is a province located on the east coast in the middle of the island of Sumatra.

Jambi is also the name of a town in the province, which is the provincial capital. It is one of three provinces in Indonesia that the capital was named after the province, apart from Bengkulu and Gorontalo. The total area of​​ Jambi province is 53.435.72 km ² and is divided into 9 regencies and 1 city.

Jambi is a beautiful province and rich in tourism potential. But unfortunately, the beauty and grandeur of Jambi tourism has not been visited by many tourists due to the lack of promotion and access to the region.

Didy Wuryanto, Head of Jambi Provincial Culture and Tourism Office said, every district and city in the province of Jambi in fact has its

foto by tri wibowo

Jambi is rich in tourism potentials

special tourist attraction.

He pointed out that tourism in Jambi, which is now beginning to be developed is Tanggo Rajo.

It has been the recreation centre in Jambi due to the view of Batanghari River, traditional food sold by the locals and regular entertainment held in the area.

“The area together with Seberang Kota and temple complex of Muaro Jambi form the “Golden-triangle of Jambi tourism” for Rajo Tanggo area is the dock for tourists who will visit the Seberang Kota and the temple complex,” said Didy.

Seberang Kota is famous as batik industrial center and the cultural heritage marked by the presence of the old house of the kingdom of Jambi Malay, including a unique tradition of its

society.

Another interesting tourist attraction is the Museum of Jambi, Jambi People’s Struggle Museum, and Jambi Cultural Park, which is the center for people who want to know more about the cultural richness and history of the province of Jambi, including the diversity of the artist from Jambi.

“The three places show a promising increase in the number of visitors. These places are in the process of renovation to enhance its functions, which include educational, recreational, social and economic function,” he said.

Temple complex of Muaro Jambi in the Muaro Jambi regency, which has the technical area of ​​2612 ha and has been inaugurated by President SBY as Integrated Historical Tourism Area.

Muaro Jambi is the largest temple complex in Asia and the only temple area that is maintained and preserved on the island of Sumatra.

Muara Jambi development has received financial assistance from the state budget because it was registered as a candidate for World Heritage by UNESCO. Another ODTW that is being developed is a Geopark Indonesia in Merangin regency that is predicted to be significant foreign exchange earner.

“Based on the analysis of the Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources, if Merangin is taken seriously would be easily confirmed by the UNESCO to be Geopark of Indonesia,” he said.

The result of cooperation with the National Geological Agency has carried out technical studies as required by UNESCO and even gets the allocation of funds from the state budget to construct a portion of the supporting facilities.

The region also has tracks of Rafting Sports for National Level.

The life of Anak Dalam tribe in Sarolangun also becomes another tourist attraction for Jambi. Anak Dalam tribe has even become a target of international tourists for eco-tourism, enjoy a jungle adventure, and understand the harmony between the community and tribal children in the integrity of the forest around them.(*)

Museums should be more interesting D eputy Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs Wiendu Nuryanti said that museum is a major milestone for maintaining the national culture. Therefore, museums should not be less interesting than the malls or shopping centers.

“Don’t let museum becomes a silence in the midst of the hustle bustle of the city. We need to gather as much as possible the aspirations of the community and young people to make the museum as attractive as the malls,” said Wiendu in the inauguration of Museum Ambassador 2011 Sigi Wimala in Jakarta recently.

Wiendu said the museum is not only convenient as a place to visit and learn. Museums should also be a place to interact, gather, and organize other creative activities.

“Museum could be used as a place for poetry reading, fashion shows, or other entertainment. Don’t create a sense that museum is an

old, ancient and unattractive place to visit,” said Wiendu.

Another thing you can do to make museum mote interesting, Wiendu further said, is by creating objects with creative inspiration from the museum. We can make the replica of objects in the museum in the form of creative things that can be worn everyday. This is a way to make the museum presents in people’s everyday life.

On the same occasion, Intan Mardiana, Museum Director, Directorate General of History and Archaeology, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy said efforts to change the image of the museum started last year with a museum revitalization program. There are 275 museums across Indonesia owned by the central government, local, and private.

“Our target in 2014, we have at least 87 mu-

seums revitalized. In 2010 we have completed six museums, and 2011 there are 36 museums,” Intan explained.

She explained that the revitalization program is aimed to increase people’s awareness towards the importance of museums as an opportunity to explore the cultural treasures of the nation. Thus, the character or national identity can be formed. Intan further said that so far people still have negative picture about museum.

“They say museums are spooky, old and cannot attract people to visit. And surely it cannot compete with the charm of the mall. That’s one of the reasons we carry out this revitalization,” said Intan.

“We try to make the revitalization involving some basic things like museum building, human resources management, networking, management, and imaging aspect,” Intan said. (*)

Achyaruddin (center).

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ourism Destination Development Forum (FKPDP) is formed to examine the dynamics of the problems and challenges and issues of strategic development of tourism destinations.

Achyaruddin, Secretary Directorate General Tourism Destination Development, said that in line to the regional autonomy policy, it would require a balanced and proportional division of roles among all stakeholders in tourism devel-

foto by tri wibowo

Synergizing Tourism Development Through FKPDP

opment process.

“Hopefully, this activity will be able to build and raise the glory and excellence Indonesia’s tourism competitiveness in the world,” he explained during a press conference FKPDP at the Novotel Hotel, Jakarta, recently.

In addition, continued Achyaruddin, the purpose of this communication forum is to optimize the process of medium-term tourism development and integrated synergistically, strength-

ening local government and private sector coordination, cross-sector policy coordination / inter-ministry.

“Development of tourism is absolutely needed to be able to develop other sectors, such as the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Welfare, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs and BAPPENAS. Cross-sector coordination and synchronization will result in an appeal of a quality and competitive, because all the lines of a destination have been met, “explained Achyaruddin.

The communication forum will also create vision and mission in the development of Indonesian tourism.

“More importantly is building a shared commitment to improve understanding of perception, thought patterns and actions oriented to the successful development of tourism in certain destination,” he explained.

On the same occasion, Dadang Rizki Rahman, Director of Culture, Tourism, Youth and Sports BAPPENAS said that the result of the communication forum is that there will be 50 tourist attractions throughout Indonesia proposed to be developed.

The budget for the developent depends on the needs of each area. Surely not the same in each region needs, it will be tailored according to the level of feasibility, “said Dada.

Participants of FKPDP activity consisted of the Provincial Tourism Office, Tourism Office of District / Municipal, Provincial BAPPEDDA, Provincial Association of Tourism and Ministry / Related Institutions throughout Indonesia.

FKPDP this time was held at Hotel Novotel Jakarta, on Wednesday, (30/11). (*)

“TransNusa re-serve KUPANG - Larantuka - KUPANG route

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ransNusa seemed to not stop doing breakthroughs in the improvement of air transportation services in NTT in particular.

As is already known that management of PT. TransNusa Aviation Mandiri reopens the routes of Kupang - Makassar – Kupang, which is effective on December 8, 2011. And now the management again showed their committment to continue serving the people of NTT by reopening the flight route of Kupang - Larantuka - Kupang, which is effective on December 15, 2011, three times a week: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The flight departs from Kupang at 06:30 and from Larantuka at 07:35.

With the re-operation of these routes, the community of East Flores is no longer need to go through the Maumere route. As for the runway extension, the Gewayantana airport of Larantuka is now ready to receive Fokker 50.

Therefore PT TransNusa Aviation Mandiri with 52-seat capacity Fokker-50 will serve the customer by providing a promo price of Rp. 450.000/trip and passengers can carry up to 15 kg baggage.

Reopening of this route, which is planned to serve daily flight, is expected to answer the high demand from our customers as well as convenience, speed and accuracy of the time required to arrive at the destination city.

It is also aimed to fulfill the desire of the customers who have connecting flight like from / to Makassar, Denpasar, Surabaya and even to Jakarata. Moreover, East Flores as developing regency needs air transportation services for enhancing the growth and development of investment climate in the regency.

We remain committed to increasing the growth of air transport in West Timor, Lombok, Bali and Makassar while hoping to maximize our service to all loyal customers of TransNusa either by adding additional routes or flight frequencies in some regions, which is expected to mobilize the public, especially in the areas mentioned above can be served well and going forward we continue to make improvements and new breakthroughs.(*)

Malaysia wins International Blowgun Competition in Singkawang

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articipant from Sarawak, Malaysia, dominated the International Borneo Sumpit Tournament (IBST) 2011 held in Singkawang, 18-20 November. In the tournament, which was held in the yard of Mess Pemda Singkawang on Saturday (19/11) divided into individual class and international team class.

There were 217 participants taking part in the tournament that was firstly held by Local Government of Singkawang and Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

Apart from the 14 districts / cities in West Kalimantan, the tournament was also attended by 14 participants from East Kalimantan and 10 participants from Central Kalimantan.

There were also 13 participants from Club Menyumpit Julau, Sarawak and seven participants from Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU).

The first and second position in man individual class of standing style was taken by participants from Klub Menyumpit Julau, while the third place was won by SDNU. In squat style, the first, second and third place were all taken by participants from SDNU Sarawak.

In women group, the first place was taken by SDNU Sarawak, followed by Klub Menyumpit Julau on the second position and the third place by team from Singkawang. For individual women, standing style, the first and second place was won by SDNU Sarawak, and the third place by Klub Menyumpit Julau. In women squat style, the first, second and third position won by Klub Menyumpit Julau.

Each participant was firing a target, which has the distance of about 50 meters. There are 10 pieces of “Damang” (bullet) prepared and every participant was given limited time to fire all bullets.

Promoting Singkawang Singkawang Mayor, Hasan Karman said that sumpit (blowgun) is a traditional weapon that is often used for hunting and is very effective. This weapon can be as good as modern weapon for its firing distance can reach up to 200 meters.

“Through this blowgun competition, it is expected that people especially young people in Kalimantan to know about the traditional and local culture and love them more,” said Hasan Karman.

On the same occasion, M Faried, Director of Domestic Tourism Promotion, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy explained that IBST is an attempt to encourage the movement of tourist arrivals through cross-border and regional ASEAN. Faried also explained that there are three concepts of tourism development, which is known as the Triple A. The concepts include Attraction, Access and Accommodation. These three points are very important. West Kalimantan has already had good tourist attractions.

“Access or an entrance to the province is available through air and land transport. Those who use the air transport can enter via Supadio airport, and via Entikong for those who use land transport.”

The blowgun competition was also enlivened by various programs such as art and cultural performance, exhibition, music performance and 26 booths that presented handicrafts and culinary from Kalimantan. (*)

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foto by igo

Vol. VI No. 12, 2011

Labuan Bajo

Let’s Go to Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park!

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foto by spc

abuan Bajo and Komodo National Park (KNP) is an integrated tourism destination. Labuan Bajo is the main entrance for tourists to enter the Komodo National Park. Both destinations are storing the uniqueness and beauty that we can be proud of, especially KNP is nominated and is now competing to be the World Seven New Wonders. Labuan Bajo is not included in the KNP, but the beauty of the beach and Marine Park is amazing. Lately, the local government district of West Manggarai has even teamed up with Energy Drink Company in order to declare the year 2011 as the Visit Labuan Bajo Year with a very simple tag line “Let’s Travel to Labuan Bajo!.” Although the tagline only mentions Labuan Bajo, it covers all areas around the islands of Flores including the Komodo and Seraya Island. Labuan Bajo as the capital of West Manggarai regency is a cozy little town. Although it’s quite hot during the day, the air becomes cooler in the evening. The hospitality of the local people makes tourists feel comfortable to stay there. No need to worry about finding accommodation in Labuan Bajo. There is sufficient accommodation available ranging from non-star to star-hotels, as well as adequate dining with various menus and prices. One of the five-star hotels recommended is Bintang Flores Hotel.

The Bintang Flores Hotel offers all the standard services and amenities of a four-star hotel. Affiliated with the Ramada Bintang Bali Resort in Kuta, Bali, Bintang Flores Hotel is able to provide maximum service for those who stay there. The hotel also has a restaurant that provides a wide range of menus: oriental, international and Indonesian cuisine. There is also “Flores Coffee Shop” located on the ground floor.

To enjoy the charm of Labuan Bajo, there are many ways that can be taken, which include through the air and ferry transport via Denpasar and Kupang, whereas by road, it can be reached by the route of Maumere or Ende through a long and winding road.

Labuan Bajo is famous for the beauty of the sea garden, so no wonder that it is now the favorite choice of many foreign tourists who love diving or snorkeling. The water is crystal clear with colorful coral reefs, and white and clean sandy beaches, which makes it very comfortable place to sunbathe and release fatigue. There are

Bintang Flores Hotel at Labuan Bajo - West Flores

many beaches and islands around Labuan Bajo which offers stunning beauty such as Seraya Island, Kelor Island, Kanawan Island, Bidadari Island, and Sabalon Island. Bidadari Island is the most visited by many tourists who enjoy sunbathing and snorkeling.

Besides nature, Labuan Bajo is also rich in cultural potentials, such as Caci Dance that is used to welcome guests. The dance uses the whip as a tool to dance and it is one of the important heritages of local communities in Labuan Bajo that should not be missed. Komodo National Park (KNP) is the habitat of the only ancient pre-historic fauna left on earth, Komodo dragon.

Komodo: Living Legacy of the pre-historic Period KNP itself consists of three large islands, namely the island of Komodo, Rinca, and Padar Island, as well as 26 other small islands. A total of 11 mountains and hills can be found there, with the highest peak is Mount Satalibo (± 735 m asl). Natural conditions of KNP are dry and arid with a vast savanna, limited water resources, and quite high air temperature. It is a perfect habitat for the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). Most part of the parks are decorated by savanna with palm trees (Borassus flabellifer) as the most dominant and distinctive plantation. Some other plants that exist in the KNP include rattan (Calamus sp.), Bamboo (Bambusa sp.), Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), bulging (Sterculia foetida), lote (Ziziphus jujuba), and mangrove (Rhizophora sp.)

In addition to Komodo, in KNP we can also find deer (Cervus timorensis floresiensis), wild boar (Sus scrofa), ajag (Cuon alpinus javanicus), wild horses (Equus qaballus), wild buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), two species of sea turtles, 10 species of dolphins, 6 species of whales and manatees are often seen in the waters around. The potential of marine life in this park are as many as 259 species of coral and 1,000 species of fish, like barracuda, marlin, yellow tail, red snapper, rabbit fish, and others.

Komodo National Park is a national asset which has the support of

Caci Dance

technical assistance for management internationally, and has been designated as World Natural Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve

by UNESCO. Both status acquired by KNP confirms an important role of KNP in the preservation of the natural world for their beauty and biological richness contained therein.

Currently, there are more foreign tourists visiting KNP compared to domestic tourists. KNP has long been given the nickname as the “world apart” by the foreign tourists. It is because as far as the eye could see, there was only a stretch of open field with several tall palm trees that towered into the sky with the background of Mountain Range. Although seems to be barren, KNP is rich in biodiversity.

Some interesting objects to visit Loh Liang is tourist area that becomes the main entrance to the wildlife observation activities in the monsoon forest which bordered by white sand beaches.

Lasa Island, Red Beach, Loh Bo, and Sebita are favorite places to dive and snorkel with facilities of dive shops and glass bottom boat. Banu Nggulung is a place for tourists who like to do wildlife observation.

How to get there?

Denpasar-Mataram-Sape-Bima. Road trip and ferry usually takes two days. We can use ferry from Sape to KNP. Denpasar-Labuan Bajo. Daily flight is available for this route. The trip is then continued using a boat from Labuan Bajo to the Park. It usually takes 1 - 1.5 hours. The island closest to this route is the island of Rinca.

Tips The best visiting season is March until June and October until December each year. Visit the park in the late afternoon or evening, because if you’re lucky, we could see the Komodo dragons lay its eggs.

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Vol. VI No. 12, 2011

END YEAR GATHERING OF IFBEC & ICA Under Horizon Point of THE 1O1 LEGIAN ROOFTOP, Dine & Music Lounge, Skyline

A FAMILY ACHIEVEMENT Nikko Bali Resort and Spa received a prestigious Hospitality Asia Platinum Award (HAPA) for “Signature Family

foto by nikko bali resort and spa

and Recreational Resort”

foto by the 101 legian

N Dewi Mas Bloem (right) - GM of The !01 Legian

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ecently, Wednesday November 30th, 2011, THE 1O1 LEGIAN – ROOFTOP, Dine & Music Lounge proudly became the host for end year gathering of two prestigious associations IFBEC and ICA in Bali. The theme of the month is end year gathering and event opened with greetings from Chairman of IFBEC Bali and Chairman of ICA BPD Bali followed with appreciation applause for ROOFTOP and THE 1O1 LEGIAN Management as the host of this prestigious event.

In addition a gathering and celebration of the end of the year, that became an important line in this event is to introduce THE 1O1 LEGIAN - ROOFTOP, Dine & Music Lounge as one of the best spot for culinary lovers lo-

cation and relaxing that presents the beauty scenery of Bali island with extensive ocean view, sunset and the sparkling stars all fused in a appearance of happening music and intimate atmosphere beneath horizon in this island of God. On the same occasion, this event also introduced the ranks of the new management team Feriani Chung as Marketing Communications Manager for THE 1O1 LEGIAN Hotel.

With these introduction proved the stronger and solid team from THE 1O1 LEGIAN management in prepared to enter the competitive world of hospitality as a mission to be the best and leading in its class.

Attended by more than 200 participants

and 25 media who covered these event including food experts, food lovers, food suppliers, and restaurants made that night incredible completed with live entertainment and Live Jazz Band and Chilled Out Music from Resident DJ presented by THE 1O1 LEGIAN – ROOFTOP, Dine & Music Lounge make these event more festive and make anyone who attended did not move away until end of the show.

Opened with grandeur and appreciation for the greatness culinary world in beautiful scenery sunset above rooftop until the eve of laughter and togetherness under the night sky of horizon make this events that are beneficial also deliciously entertaining and all round fun!.(*)

foto by anantara seminyak resort and spa

Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, Bali Scoops HAPA Signature Boutique Hotel/Resort Award

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nantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, Bali has once again received proud recognition in the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA), this time scooping a Gold ranking in the “Signature Boutique Hotel/Resort – Best 10 in Asia” category.

HAPA, organized and managed by World

Asia Publishing (WAP) which publishes the leading hospitality magazine Hospitality Asia, honors the most outstanding and deserving establishments and industry personalities for their exceptional performance.

In conjunction with HAPA’s 10th anniversary, a new concept of the “Best 10 in Asia”

was introduced for all categories, with the exception of the Major Awards. The concept of awarding the 10 most outstanding establishments and personalities within each category now serves as HAPA’s benchmarking system. For the 2011 – 2013 award series, the benchmark score is set at 77.60 for the top 10, and will be raised for every HAPA Regional Series.

In the HAPA Regional Series 2011 – 2013, Anantara Seminyak received Gold placement in the “Signature Boutique Hotel/Resort – Best 10 in Asia”, alongside eight other hotels from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Ms. Iva Farida, Anantara Seminyak’s Director of Sales, received the award which was presented in an event at the beautiful Capella Singapore Hotel, on November 17, 2011. “It feels me with great pride and honor to have picked up this prestigious award for Anantara Seminyak and personally, it was an unforgettable experience to attend such a glamorous gala event. Our team works very hard to deliver amazing stories for our guests and the acknowledgment proves that our efforts are being recognized“, commented Ms. Farida.

Prior to this noteworthy accolade, in the HAPA Regional Series 2008 – 2010, Anantara Seminyak received the award for the “HAPA Indonesian Chill Out Bar” presented to SOS Supper Club. In the same award series, SOS Supper Club received recognition of excellence certificate in the “Top 10 HAPA Best in Southeast Asia” for the “HAPA Best Night Spot”, while the resort was also named in the “Top 5 HAPA Best in Southeast Asia” for the “HAPA Exceptional Housekeeping Department”.(*)

OVEMBER 2011 – NUSA DUA. Thursday, November 17th, was a celebration day for Nikko Bali Resort and Spa when the resort received a gold award in the category “Signature Family and Recreational Resort” from the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards.

The Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards recognizes and rewards the “crème de la crème” of the hospitality industry at all levels. Nikko Bali Resort and Spa enrolled in this year’s judging and went through an assessment process like all other participating hotels and resorts in Asia. The judging process was done by anonymous judges who came as regular guests to review the resort based on the category it enrolled in and the supporting criteria such as facilities, services and so on. Each judge does not reveal who he or she is until the time of departure, enabling them to have a fair judgment on each property.

Featuring the resort’s latest addition, Family Room and the exclusive kid’s club “Jungle Camp”, Nikko Bali Resort and Spa managed to exceed the qualifying score to achieve a gold rank in the Signature Family and Recreational Resort category. This award acknowledged Nikko Bali Resort and Spa’s achievement of being a family friendly resort. (*)

Bali Safari as Indonesia Leading Amusement Park 2011/2012

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e are very proud to announce that the Indonesian Travel and Tourism Awards 2011/2012 (ITTA) has awarded the Bali Safari & Marine Park the prestigious title of “Indonesia’s Leading Amusement Park 2011/2012”.

On the evening of Thursday the 17th of November 2011, the Grand Award Ceremony of Indonesia’s Travel and Tourism Awards 2011/2012 will be held in the Theatre Jakarta Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta Pusat.

Bali Safari & Marine Park receives the Grand Award for its awareness campaigns and quality of service provided to the travel and tourism industry, especially in the conservation and wildlife education sector. The judging and selection process was carried out by online voting and The Board of Advisors.

The General Manager of Bali Safari & Marine Park, Hans Manansang, stated “This is the second time we have been honoured with the title of Indonesia’s Leading Amusement Park and we are not only accepting this award as a great compliment, but also as an encouragement to continue improving, particularly in our conservation and education programs. We hope this great responsibility to protect the wildlife of Indonesia will serve to inspire visitors, especially children, to always care for Indonesian wildlife. I’d like to take this opportunity to offer our sincere gratitude and give thanks the voters and the Board of Advisors.”

As an amusement park at the forefront of Indonesia’s tourism industry, this recognition has proved Bali Safari & Marine Park to be one of Bali’s most fascinating and world class attractions. Through our wildlife and Balinese cultural exhibits, Bali Safari & Marine Park always embark on our conservation campaigns in fun and exciting ways. For example, on the 5th of November 2011 Bali Safari & Marine Park opened a ‘Safari Poo Paper Factory’, the first factory in Indonesia that recycles animal dung into a unique and odour-free paper. This effort emphasises the theme of Bali Safari & Marine Park’s ‘Green Safari’, as it substitutes the dung of animals for wood as the main ingredient of paper. The other awards that Bali Safari & Marine Park has gratefully received are ‘The Best Conservation Institution 2011’, from the Indonesian Minister of Forestry, and ‘The Cleanest Toilet in Tourism Destinations 2011’, from the Indonesian Minister of Travel and Tourism.(*)

Visiting Muaro Jambi Temple en era of the past. Currently, the government attempts to establish a Sister Site between Muaro Jambi Site and Nalanda Site in India.

Myth of Muaro Jambi Temple

If the other temples in Indonesia have certain myth, then the Temple Muaro Jambi also has its own story. The myth is widely spread among the community and of them is the love myth.

Believe it or not, it is rarely found that young visitors come in couple to this temple complex. It is believed that if you come with your girlfriend or boyfriend, then that relationship will soon fall apart after visiting the temple.

Conversely, if visitors that come in pairs as a friend, it will most likely “going together� after a visit to this temple. This myth is only applicable for couples who have not married yet. (*)

foto by tri wibowo

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our visit to Jambi is incomplete before visiting Muaro Jambi Temple. The temple is located in the village of Muara Jambi, Muaro Sebo District, Muaro Jambi regency, Jambi Province, Indonesia. The site is situated on the banks of the River Batanghari or about 25 km northeast of the City of Jambi.

The archaeological site of Muaro Jambi is the widest Buddhist temple complex in Asia. This site has an area of 12 square kilometer, more than 7 Kilometers long and 260 hectares width stretching in the direction of the river path.

Approximately 110 buildings of the temple which consists of approximately 39 groups of temples have been indentified in Muaro Jambi site. The temple building is from Malay kingdom until the kingdom of Srivijaya with a Buddhist Malay cultural background. It is estimated that the temples in Muaro jambi temple were built since the 4th century AD. The location of the temple can be reached by land and river route.

If you choose the river route, it takes approximately 20 minutes by speed boat. If you take land transport, it has two different routes. The first route is started from Jambi Municipality to Aur Duri Bridge. The second route is begun from Jambi municipality to Aur Duri Bridge and then to Simpang Jambi Kecil.

The presence of archaeological sites of Muaro Jambi was first known by a British army officer, Lieutenant SC Crooke, in 1820, when assigned to visit the countryside of Batanghari for mapping Batanghari River.

There are many temples in Muara Jambi site, and some temples have been renovated by the local government of Jambi Province.

Among them are: Tinggi Temple, Gumpung Temple, Astano Temple, and Kembar Batu Temple.

Inside the complex there are temples as well as ancient ditch or man-made canals, ponds and water container and mound of earth in which there is an ancient brick structure.

In the complex there is a minimum of 85 menapo which are currently still owned by the local residents. There are also statues of prajnyaparamita, Dwarapala, gajahsimha, stone base, mortar / stone mortar.

There also found Bronze gong with Chinese writing, Buddhist mantras written on gold paper, ceramics, pottery, a large cauldron of bronze, the Chinese currency, beads, inscribed bricks, pictorial and marked, broken fragments of stone statues, precious stones and fragments iron and bronze.

Among the many findings it can be concluded that the area was heavily populated and a place to meet a variety of cultures. There are beads that come from Persia, China, and India.

Bike rent for tourists who wanted to travel around the temple complex of Muaro Jambi is available in the temple complex. Seeing the beauty of the temples are scattered across the region on a bike is a unique and exciting experience. The air is fresh and clean, which makes it the ideal place for tourists who want to travel as well as having an exercise.

In the Year 2007, the Indonesian Buddhist Council (MBI) chose Muaro Jambi Temple area, as the venue for the national Day of Vesak 2551 BE. This was the first Vesak celebration outside Java to recall the gold-

foto by tri wibowo

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Vol. VI No. 12, 2011

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Modern Home Comfort that embrance the Balinese way of life

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foto by tri wibowo

Vol. VI No. 12, 2011

Enjoy the beauty of Pasir Panjang beach in Singkawang clean makes it convenient to use as the area for sunbathing or doing sports activities, such as beach volleyball and beach football.

The atmosphere around the beach becomes beautiful approaching the sunset. Visitors can enjoy it from the beach or from tourist huts that can easily be found around the beach area.

When you get bored on the beach, visitors can look around the life of fishing village community that is not too far from the beach, or relax in the shelters located in the Cinta Peninsula.

In the area of Pasir Panjang beach there are tourist information centers, speed boat rental, water bikes, Go Kart, shelters, cottage, and gift shop. Visitors who are not accustomed to swim on the beach can swim in the pool available around the beach area, whereas those who do not like swimming or sunbathing can explore the beach on a banana boat. Visitors who bring their children can still have fun because children’s playground is also available here.

Visitors won’t find any difficulty finding food in this area, because there are restaurants, cafes, food stalls, and street vendors around.

No needs to bring a tent or sleeping bag for guesthouses and hotels with various types are easily found here. Palapa Beach Hotel with its complete range of facilities is ready to pamper your vacation in Pasir

Panjang Beach, Singkawang. (*)

foto by tri wibowo

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ingkawang is known as China Town of Indonesia or Amoy City, because the majority of the population (about 70%) is Chinese ethnic. Singkawang is directly bordered to the State of Sarawak, Malaysia. A visit ot Singkawang is certainly incomplete if you have not visited Pasir Panjang beach.

Pasir Panjang beach is located in Tujuh Belas district, Singkawang, West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia.

Singkawang is about 142 kilometers from the city of Pontianak, West Kalimantan provincial capital. From Supadio Airport or Pontianak Bus Terminal, visitors can take a taxi, travel, or the bus until Singkawang. From the center of Singkawang city, Pasir Panjang Beach is about 17 kilometers to go.

The beach is a tourism icon of Singkawang and one of the main attractions of West Kalimantan Province that has been developed into an integrated tourist package called Taman Pasir Panjang Indah (TPPI).

From the beach, visitors can enjoy the stunning view of Blue Ocean with blue horizon background. In the distance, we can see green reflection of Lemukutan Island, Kabung Island, and Randayan island which is surrounded by Natuna Sea. Extensive sand beaches and

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ingkawang is the second largest city in West Kalimantan after Pontianak. Old buildings that have stood since the days of Dutch occupation provide certain nuance in addition to

foto by tri wibowo

Singkawang, the City of Thousand Temples

the atmosphere of the city, which is very tranquil.

However, there is one thing that makes the city located about 120 km north of Pontianak is so distinctive and different. The city is predominantly

Chinese ethnic and has a very strong oriental atmosphere. In this city you can see hundreds or even thousands of temples known by the locals as Pekong. No wonder this city is commonly called a city of thousand temples.

The oriental nuances will be more viscous in the Chinese New Year celebrations. The Chinese New Year celebration in the city is very lively, and will culminate in the celebration of Cap Go Meh. Cap Go Meh itself falls on the fifteenth day of the first month in Chinese calendar. On that day the whole population will be poured into the streets to watch lion dance and dragon parade.

One of the oldest temples is Tri Dharma Bumi Raya. The Vihara (temple) that was established in 1878 is believed to be the oldest place of worship of Tri Dharma followers in Singkawang.

Singkawang was a transit place for Chinese people who want to mine gold in Monterado (now Bengkayang District). The surrounding of Singkawang was still forest.

According to Chinese belief, each forest is said to have a guardian spirit that protects the region.

A temple was built in that forest for worshipping the god of Bumi Raya (Tua Peh Kong) as its guardian.

A monk from China who runs a religious ritual named Lie Shie is believed to carry the statue of God Bumi Raya from mainland China and build the temple.

In the beginning, the temple was just a simple hut of transit for people from outside Singkawang.

Around the hut there is a place to tether horses.

In around 1920, the hut was knocked down and a more permanent monastery was built there.

“But, the temple was ruined during a major fire struck Singkawang in 1930. Three years later it was rebuilt, “said one of the temple keepers.

The rebuilding of this temple was forbidden by the Dutch authorities in Singkawang. It is said that the Dutch authorities approved the rebuilding after having a dream of Old Peh Kong.

In the center of the temple that has become a cultural heritage of West Kalimantan there are statues of God of Bumi Raya and his wife, who can be rescued from the raging fire. On the left and right stands a statue of god Kok Sin Bong and god On Chi Siu Bong. While in the top center there is a statue of Buddha Gautama.

According to the founder of Tri Dharma Vihara Foundation of Bumi Raya Singkawang A Soewardi, one thing that distinguishes this temple from the other is the presence of Ru Yi or a symbol of power and fortune in the right hand Tua Peh Kong statue. “On other temples, Tua Peh Kong statue is carrying a stick with a bottle of wine.”

Every Chinese New Year and Cap Go Meh, this temple is visited by thousands of Tri Dharma.

They not only come from Singkawang, but also from other cities in West Kalimantan and outside Kalimantan such as Jakarta and Surabaya. Many of them also come from Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and China.

During the celebration of Cap Go Meh, all loya or Tatung (Chinese shaman) from inside and outside Singkawang shall ask for the blessing of God of Bumi Raya in this temple before they get around the city running a ritual of cleaning the city from evil spirits. Tua Peh Kong statue of the other temples are also paraded.(*)

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Vol. VI No. 12, 2011

Ancient Waruga grave: the icon of North Minahasa

Waruga is the grave of the ancestors of Minahasa people, which spread throughout Minahasa districts, one in them in the complex of Waruga Archaeological Park in the Village of Sawangan. The park has been designated as archaeological sites and protected by the Act No. 5 of 1992. It contained 144 waruga graves collected from a number of houses in some districts.

Marine tourism is also one of the min attractions in North Minahasa especially those located in a number of islands in the district of Likupang, East Likupang, and West Likupang. In Likupang District there is an Island of Lihaga, which has white sandy beach with beautiful sea garden. It is suitable for swimming, snorkeling and diving or just sunbathing.

Bangka Island is located in East Likupang district. It also has white

foto by tri wibowo

N

orth Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi, has a diverse tourism potential, one of them is the ancient grave of the ancestors of Minahasa people called Waruga. To promote waruga to be more widely known by the public as well to make it as tourism icon of North Minahasa, recently the local government held Waruga Festival (WF) for the first time. WF lasted for a week and presented various events. The festival not only featured art and cultural events, but also activities with environmental theme.

There are at least three tourist attractions in North Sulawesi that have become main tourism attractions in the province and have attracted many domestic and international tourits. They are Waruga historical tourism, marine tourism in a number of islands in Likupang, and natural attractions of Mount Klabat.

foto by tri wibowo

sand, beautiful Marine Park and the natural habitat of Maleo bird.

While in the District of West Likupang, there is Gangga Island with its smooth and clean sandy beach and a beautiful marine park. In this island we can find Resort and Spa built in traditional wooden house of Minahasa.

Mount Klabat is the main natural attraction in North Minahasa. In the slope of the highest mountain in North Sulawesi there are new objects to enjoy. They are the scenery of North Minahasa Regency (Minut) and Manado City without having to climb to the summit of Mount Klabata. The place is called Kaki Dian.

The location is about 3 km from the City of Airmadidi. In this place there is a Kaki Dian-shaped tower with seven branches of lamp.

Another object that is being intensively developed to attract tourists to the Minut is cultural tourism. One of them is Tumatenden dance, which is inspired by the legend of nine princesses who went down from heaven to bathe in the pool of Tumatenden (i.e.mini pool in the sub district of Airmadidi Bawah).

North Minahasa also has variety of culinary. They include dishes made from fresh-water fish such as tilapia, pomfret, nila and gold fish. One of the special menu is Rica-Rica (grilled fish with spicy flavor) that is guaranteed to raise your appetite during lunch or dinner.

It is not difficult to find restaurants that serve the menu, among other are Pondok Kelapa Restaurant and Sukur Resturant that are located on the edge of Manado-Bitung Highway precisely in the Village of Suwaan, Kalawat District, North Minahasa. If you want to bring home typical snack from Minut, you can try nutmeg candies, dodol salak , and coconut cookies.

Minut with Airmadidi as its capital is about 19 km from Manado City. It can be reached by public transport in about 1.5 hours. In Airmadidi, there are several types of public transportation such as bendi and motor taxi. Small boats are available on the dock if visitors interested to visit the surrounding islands. Although the accommodation here is not as many as in Manado but star-hotels are available here such as Sutan Raja Hotel in Watutumou and Paradise Hotel in Likupang, international-standard resort Kima Bajo Resort and Gangga Resort & Spa. (*)

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Vol. VI No. 12, 2011

foto by papa’s limoncello bali ristorante

New Dining Experience in Papa’s Limoncello

K

uta Beach is still a tourist magnet. Thus, spending holiday in Bali without enjoying the beauty of Kuta Beach is incomplete. Papa’s Limoncello Bali Ristorante is a perfect dining place for enjoying the sunset and stunning panorama of Kuta Beach.

Papa’s Limoncello Bali Ristorante was built with the concept of “Alfresco Italian Family Restaurant” preferring outdoor seating on the wonderful setting of Kuta beachfront. Alfresco itself is intended as a fresh atmosphere, open and friendly atmosphere that is also convenient for the family.

Quality is number one for us. All of the meats are of high quality products. The salad is made of organic ingredients (without preservatives) and fresh fish bought daily. The restaurant pays careful attention to hygiene and sanitation level. All

the channels use a triple water filter to ensure the cleanliness of water with strict level of control. The water used in Papa’s Limoncello Bali to produce ice cubes is consumable and all kinds of food served raw, like salad, are washed with clean water with high standard. In addition, we are also a Halal certified restaurant.

First three years, our restaurant has become one of the top restaurants in Bali. In the year 2004, based on the results of a poll of tourists who spearheaded by the Hello Bali Magazine, Papa’s Limoncello Bali Ristorante was named “BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN BALI 2004”. This achievement was followed by the award of “BEST DESSERT 2005” for our Chocolate Cake by Hello Bali Magazine. In the event of Bali’s Best Restaurant & Bar Award 2006 organized by Hello Bali Magazine,

our Vulcano Pizza was voted as “BEST MAIN COURSE”. Later on, two years in a row, 2008 and 2009, Papa’s Limoncello Bali Ristorante was named as one of “BEST RESTAURANT IN INDONESIA” by Indonesian lifestyle magazine, Indonesia Tatler Recently, we have been working with TV stations. Our Vulcano Pizza was chosen as holiday reference menu for viewers who want vacation to Bali Island by Redaksi Siang Trans 7. Our restaurant was also used as the setting of TV shows which aim to educate children, such as “Cita-Cita”, “ Koki Cilik “ and “ Si Bolang “ on Trans 7. Another TV station which covered and recommended our Vulcano Pizza as a must try when going to Bali was TV One. As member of Alam Resorts Indonesia, we con-

sistently work together with AlamKulkul Boutique Resort in preserving the nature, such as plantation activity. We keep up with the effort to stay green in our daily operation and management. We minimize the use of paper, moving forward to paperless action.

As you know that this time Papa’s Cafe Bali has changed its name into Papa’s Limoncello Bali Ristorante. Despite being turned into Papa’s Limoncello Bali Ristorante, we still have the same concept of “Alfresco Italian Family Restaurant”.

For memorable souvenir from our restaurant, feel free to choose our range of merchandise: T-shirt, stubby holder, bag, camera bag, sandals, apron, cap, travel pillow.

Our well-known warm and friendly staffs await you any time you visit Bali!.(*)

First Class Budget.

GrandmasHotels.com – Affordable Trendy Hotels!

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ali has always been a favorite destination that makes the local entrepreneurs keep building new hotels to accommodate business demand with competitive rate, quality and even quantity. One of the newest local chain hotels is the GrandmasHotel. com, targeting 10 hotels in Bali with more than 1000 rooms by 2015.

Nyoman Aryadana the Corporate General Manager has briefly explained that the word Mas in Indonesian means ‘Gold’ - small, smart and precious. Grand, as you may already know, means ‘Of Great Importance’ - these two words and their philosophies combine to create our brand “GrandmasHotels.com’’ Through application of this philosophy, Mas is committed to building GrandMasHotels.com into a name that people will not only trust implicitly but also refer to their friends when choosing quality accommodation.

GrandmasHotels.com only works with professional team of architects and designers; build using highest quality materials to providing Two star Budget class hotels. Trendy design with attention to Comfort, Quality and Value based accommodation to cater for all.

We are dedicated to providing Quality, Budget accommodation without the Price Tag you would expect elsewhere, he added. Booking Rooms Early… Results in Cheaper Rates! All-in ONE Rate includes high quality Sheets and Bedding. Towels and Toiletries. Split system air-conditioning, 26” LCD TV, Local & International Channels. In room Telephone, Safety Deposit Box and Free WIFI. That’s All You Really Need In addition, we are ideally situated whatever your needs. Close to Beach, Shops, Markets, Restaurants & Nightlife. Where you are always Valued & Welcome!

Brand new hotel chain GrandmasHotels.com aim to share to all smart travelers the philosophy and concept of our brand. It’s all about “First Class Feeling With Budget Rates” So.. why pay more to experience First Class accommodation when you can pay 25% off normal accommodation rates and save up to 75% off your accommodation costs?

Because we have reduced your accommodation costs through discarding unnecessary facilities that you may not need namely; Tennis court, Ballroom, Large gardens, Gym, Sport and Recreation, Swimming pool, Restaurant/Bar, Parking, Kids Club and we do not have Bathtub, Hairdryer, Tea/Coffee making facility, Mini bar and Balcony/Terrace. In our opinion, All a guest really need from a hotel is a good night’s sleeps. but...with Budget Rates, it still feels like staying in a Five Star Hotel.

GrandmasHotels.com would like to share these smart holiday concept to all smart travelers and cut their accommodation cost up to 50% and more... and saving up to 75%. He added.

Corporate Director of Sales & Marketing, Yati Artini added that the first Grandmashotels.com @ Seminyak is now open, catego-

rized as ‘Charming Seminyak’. Strategically located on Jalan Camplung Tanduk 99 Seminyak. Close to shops, restaurants and nightlife. Only three minutes walk to beautiful Seminyak beach.

Each hotel is deliberately given certain categories as adjusted by region or emphasize the location of the hotel like Funky Kuta, Cheerful Legian, Transit Tuban and Cozy Jimbaran.

This type of room in Grandmashotels.com includes Cozy Room with double or twin bedded and triple room which will only be available at GrandmasHotels.com @ Legian. The rate offered is rang-

ing from IDR 199.000net to 495.000net including 10% government tax and based on room only. “We do not add 10% service charge because of our limited service concept” Yati added.

GrandmasHotels.com sells its accommodation online. Bookings are confirmed online and sent electronically to our hotel within seconds of the credit card guarantee. For easy booking and instant confirmation can only be done through our website at www.grandmashotels.com, or directly by contacting our Corporate Sales Office at +62 361 300 6789 or email to: info@grandmashotels.com

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Vol. VI No. 12, 2011

The Beauty and Charm of Ngada Nature and Culture pig jaws put in front of the house. Buffalo horns on display indicating that the family in that house ever do a kindness to the poor, while the pig jaw indicate the number of pigs that had been slaughtered for Kasao Ceremony (ceremony to make traditional house).

In the middle of the village of Bena there is an open field where there are megalithic stones which are the graves of ancestors and some buildings called Ngadhu and Bhaga. Ngadhu is a symbol of men, shaped like an umbrella as high as three meters are supported by carved wooden pillars. Ngadhu pole is made of a special type of hard wood because they serve as sacrificial animals gallows during the traditional feast. The meaning of these symbols is that although the male went into the female family, he remains the sole ruler in the family and become someone who is nurturing and protecting the families. While Bhaga is a symbol of women, a miniature of traditional house, which means women are prepared to accept a man into the house they will share. On the roof there is a useful weapon to protect residents from the interference of evil spirits.

Bena villagers who are mostly farmers always hold a traditional feast called Reba every year. Reba is held in December or January each year. Reba is a traditional feast for thanking for what the villagers have acquired during the year and pleaded with success in the years to come. The procession is an act of gratitude to God and also as a ritual to honor the ancestors. During Reba procession, all family members gathered in a traditional house and have to wear traditional clothes of Bena.

To visit Bena village, visitors are not charged with admission. Visitors are only required to fill the guest book and giving donations. Donations collected will be used for maintenance of the village in order to keep the authenticity of the tradition.

P

erhaps you rarely or never even heard the name Ngada regency.

It is located in the middle of the island of Flores and the access to reach the area is quite difficult. Thus, it makes it as isolated and not much heard by people outside Flores. Ngada is the capital of Bajawa and it offers a variety of tourist charm that is not less interesting as the other regions in Indonesia. It has tourism potentials ranging from natural attractions such as mountains, beaches, marine parks, waterfalls, hot springs, to cultural attractions such as unique tradition and traditional houses and village. Interestingly, all the attractions in Ngada are still completely natural and untouched by commercialization. These are some places that should be visited during your visit to Ngada.

The quiet and beautiful city of Bajawa Your adventure in Ngada can be started from Bajawa City, the capital of Ngada. Bajawa is located right in the heart of the island of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. The city is located at an altitude of about 1,100 meters above sea level, so that the air is very cool. According to the locals, Bajawa name comes from the word “Ba” and “Java.” Ba means bowl, and Java means the island of Java. That is, Bajawa is a city located in the basin / bowl and a lot of its people coming from Java. In fact, this beautiful town is like being in a bowl because it is surrounded by beautiful mountains and hills, and a lot of its people indeed came from Java. Due to its beauty Bajawa is frequently visited by tourists, both domestic tourists and foreigners.

With a population of approximately 15 thousand people, Bajawa offers hospitality and adequate facilities for guests who stop by. The city has the nickname of the “City of Flowers” is already equipped with hotel facilities, restaurants, cafes, a traditional market and art shop. From Bajawa, you can continue the adventure to a variety of other interesting destinations in Ngada.

Wawo Muda Crater The crater is located in the village of Ngoranale, Susu sub-district, Bajawa District, Ngada regency. The crater can be reached in about 15 minutes drive and walk up to the mountain for about 30 minutes.

In the morning is the best time to visit Wawo Muda Crater because it is usually sunny and the mountain peak is not covered by fog. Thus, you can see the beauty of Wawo Muda crater with its colorful water.

Wawo Muda has three small craters with different colors. The crater is often called the “Mini Kelimutu.” When I visited there, the three craters have the colors of red-brown, yellow, and brown.

There is an interesting story about this crater. The crater is located in Mount Wawo Muda, which is situated not very far from the city of Bajawa. Before the eruption, Mount Wawo Muda is just an ordinary volcano, and has no crater. The mountain is also not so high (only 1559 meters high above sea level), so it looks like a hill. Mount Wawo Muda began to seize public attention and is well known to foreign tourists since erupted in 2001. At that time, the night of January 11, 2001, one of the slopes of Mount Wawo Muda erupted and surprised the people of Bajawa City and its surrounding areas. The eruption was accompanied by an earthquake that eliminated some of the slopes of the mountain, which was once a coffee plantation area.

The eruption formed a crater with colorful colors. From the description of the hotel official where I stay, the eruption formed five craters of various sizes on the slopes of Mount Wawo Muda. This crater filled with water which was originally has maroon color. The color of water in the crater of Mount Wawo Muda is often changed over time. Today, there are only three craters left. According to experts, the changing colors of water are due to changes in content of minerals and rocks surrounding the crater.

foto by igo

Mount Inerie

The air is fresh, cool and free of pollution. This makes visitors feel comfortable to stay there. Near the waterfall there is a building used

by PLN to be a power plant. However, I do not know, whether it is still used or not. On the left side of the waterfall there are stairs that can be used by visitors to get to the top of the waterfall. Just follow the path as far as 6.5 km.

Bena village Have you ever read the comic titled Asterix and Obelix? The story takes place in Gallia village where the houses have similar construction. Ngada regency has a megalithic village that is similar to Gallia village in Asterix and Obelix comics and its name is Bena village.

This unique traditional village is located in the Village of Tiworiwu, Jerebuu District, Ngada. The village, which is situated at the foot of Mount Inerie is about 19 miles from downtown Bajawa or a half hour drive. The village location that is near the mountain is one of the characteristics of dynamism community who believe that the mountain is where the gods reside. The people of Bena believe in the existence of Yeta, god who reside on Mount Inerie that protects their village.

The unique thing about Bena is that the life and culture of the people is still very traditional. Although we are already in modern era, Bena people still adhere to customs and culture of their ancestors.

Bena village has elongated shape, from north to south with the contours of the sloping land. The entrance of the village is only in the north part, on the roadside. While the other end at the southern edge of the cliff is a steep peak. The houses in the village of Bena form two lines and lying face to face. Currently, the number of houses in the village of Bena is about 45 houses, inhabited by the nine tribes, namely: Bena, Dizi, Dizi Azi, Wahto, Deru Lalulewa, Deru Solamae, Ngada, Khopa, and Ago tribe. To distinguish between one tribe to another tribe, the houses are separated by nine ground level elevation and the stone grave which becomes a border for each tribe. Bena tribe is the oldest and the founder of Bena village, thus the name is used as the name of the village.

The houses in the village of Bena have identical shape with walls made of wood and bamboo, as well as the high roof made of palm fiber. The house of core family from man’s side is called Sakalobo.

This is marked by a statue of a man holding a machete and bow at the top of the house, while the house of the core family from woman’s side is called Sakapu’u. In some houses there are buffalo horns and

Ngada is one of the districts in the province of East Nusa Tenggara that has a lot of mountains. The highest one is Mount Inerie. It looks like a cone with a height of 2245 meters above sea level. For those who like mountain climbing, you must be challenged to climb this mountain. The starting point of climbing Mount Inerie is located in the Village of Watumeze (about 30 minutes drive from Bajawa). It takes three hours from the village of Watumeze to the summit of Mount Inerie. From the summit of Mount Inerie you can see the spectacular panorama of Bajawa, Sawu Sea, and the forests in the region of Ngada.

Mengeruda Hot Spring It would be perfect to end your tour in Ngada by bathing in Mengeruda hot spring. This hot spring is located in the Village of Mengeruda, Soa District. The distance is about 25 km from the city of Bajawa or about forty minutes drive away. To visit Mengeruda, it’s better for you to rent a vehicle or ride motorcycle from Bajawa because there is no public transport to or through this area.

At first, Mengeruda Hot Spring was a natural bath for farmers in surrounding areas who were tired of working all day in the fields. Before returning home, they bathed in Mengeruda so that the body was refreshed. Currently, Mengeruda hot spring has been well managed and opened to tourists. Local government of Ngada has built a wall surrounding Mengeruda Hot Spring Complex. Various tourist facilities are available here, which include: swimming pool, restaurant, toilets and changing rooms. Unfortunately, when I was there, the toilet and changing room were not well in a well maintained condition. The restaurant also has long been closed.

To enter Mengeruda hot spring local tourists are charged Rp 2,500 per person, while foreign tourists are charged Rp 5,000 per person.

You can choose to bathe in hot water in the river or the one in the pool.

Both warm water because the water comes from the same springs.

Soaking in warm water with temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius must be very pleasant. In addition to eliminating aches, Mengeruda Hot Water is believed to cure various skin diseases because it contains sulfur.

Getting There To visit Ngada that is located on the island of Flores, you must first fly to Denpasar or Kupang. From Kupang, continue the journey by plane to Bajawa or Ende (the nearest town to Bajawa). If from Denpasar, you can only fly to Ende. From Ende, you must continue the road trip of about three hours to Bajawa. From Bajawa, you can go to many tourist attractions in Ngada by renting vehicles or ride motorcycles. Actually you can ride public transportation but I do not recommend for public transport cannot reach all areas in Ngada and has very limited operating time.

Airline that serves flights from Kupang to Denpasar or Bajawa and Ende are Lion Air (www.lionair.co.id), Merpati Air (www.merpati. co.id), and Trans Nusa (www.transnusa.co.id). You should ask directly to the airline or check flight schedules on the internet for flights to both cities are not available every day.(*)

Perhaps this is the only waterfall in Indonesia, which is located very close to the city. Ogi Waterfall is located in the Faobata Village, Bajawa District. The distance is only about 7 km from downtown Bajawa. Because it is located near the city, the access road to Waterfall Ogi is very easy with a pretty good road conditions. Unfortunately, there are no road signs or directions to this waterfall. So you should ask the locals to reach this waterfall. From the center of Bajawa, you need to go toward the village of Faobata. On the way you will pass a petrol station, which is the only gas station in the City of Bajawa. From this gas station you go straight until you arrive in front of houses with fields across the street. Turn right, follow the footpath beside the rice fields (approximately 500 meters) and you arrived in Ogi Waterfall.

Ogi Waterfall has a height of about 30 meters. There is no admission to enter this area. Ogi Waterfall is surrounded by green trees.

foto by spc

Ogi Waterfall

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Vol. VI No. 12, 2011

Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel awarded “Indonesia Leading Beach Resort 2011 / 2012”

Ubud Hotels Association Unite to Celebrate 7th Anniversary

foto by discovery kartika plaza hotel

U

D

iscovery Kartika Plaza Hotel is honoured to announce that it has been awarded as “Indonesia Leading Beach Resort 2011/2012” in the Indonesia Travel and Tourism Award. The ceremony was held in Jakarta on 17 November 2011 at Theatre Jakarta Taman Ismail Marjuki – Jakarta Pusat.

On behalf of the property, our General Manager Mr. Urs Klee was on hand to receive the prestigious award during the gala ceremony.

The phases of judging and selection went through a screening by ITTA, qualitative judging by the Board of Advisories, on-line voting, and the final judging by a Board of Com-

THE ROUND BAR at UBUD

Bali’s first bar dedicated to serving, exotic cocktails, in a building that reflects its proprietors wish to preserve the environment by the use of extensive recycled materials including wood, steel piping even plastic bottles.

Named The Round Bar it is located on Jalan Penestanan Ubud and is clearly visible because of its unusual shape and the extensive exterior use of graffiti painting. Its owner, Warwick Purser enlisted the design expertise of d-Bodhi a company based in Yogyakarta famous for its furniture based on recycled teak. The range more recently has incorporated the use of metal piping and even more recently has launched a range of linen using recycled textile waste. The d-Bodhi workshop in Yogyakarta employs over 700 people and exports to 30 countries in the world.

The Round Bar by d-Bodhi features a

bar and furniture made from recycled teak including that from old sailing boats, tables from the same wood and recycled piping & seating from jeans material. A feature is the unusual central lighting made from a collection of used one gallon water bottles. Further evidence of the commitment to the use of recycled products are the serving trays also made from recycled plastic water bottles and a boundary wall made from the same material.

Already the hot meeting spot in Ubud it has started to attract guests from all over Bali who appreciate the effort the Round Bar in making in its attempt to help preserve the environment but equally because of the high standard of both cocktails and light finger food.

The bar hosted a gathering attended by

mittee before the winner was announced.

Indonesia Travel and Tourism Award is the award for excellence and quality across Indonesia’s Travel and Tourism Industry. The aim of the event is to create awareness of the indispensable service-quality providing in the travel and tourism industry.(*)

the Media Friends from Bali on the 24th of November.

Enquires: Agus, Bar Manager ( mobile : 0878 630 74441 ).(*)

bud Hotels Association (UHA) 7th Anniversary will be celebrated today under the theme “Tri Hita Karana” to honour the philosophy of Balinese people and the Harmonious relationship they maintain with nature (Palemahan), human (Pawongan) and God (Parahyangan).

Numerous activities have been staged throughout the celebration month that encompasses the Tri Hita Karana philosophy.

Environmental programmes where 500 cempaka trees (magnolia) where planted at Kedisan Village in Kintamani on 18 November and the Ubud Clean up on 9 December have taken place to represent the harmonious relationship with nature.

Socio-cultural programmes included a downhill cycle from Kintamani to Ubud on 3 December, culminating with a medical check up scheduled for all UHA Members in a tribute to the human to human aspect of Tri Hita Karana.

To honor the relationship between man and God as part of the Tri Hata Kirana philosophy, a spiritual programme was held with all members joining in a spiritual journey (Tirta Yatra) to Pulaki and Melanting Temples on 25 November.

The peak of UHA 7th Anniversary is the “Night of Celebration” on 9 December. 38 UHA members will gather at the renowned Museum Puri Lukisan, Campuhan, Ubud to celebrate the finale of a month long program and celebrate their successes in unison.

UHA Chairman 2010-2012, Heri Sumawan said, “Ubud is internationally acknowledged for its visual arts and performance, as well as exceptional arts and crafts, making it one of the most important cultural and artistic centres in Indonesia. In the last 5 years Ubud has metamorphosed from one of the places of interest in Bali to a tourist destination with many of the islands most reputable hotels and villas. UHA aims to establish and maintain these professional standards for the hospitality industry in Ubud which ultimately benefit our visitors and our people.”

UHA former chairman 2008-2010, Ramia Adnyana commented, “I am delighted to learn that Ubud Hotels Association (UHA) has gone from strength to strength during these seven years.

We celebrate this moment as a time of great professional satisfaction, and also to encourage UHA to keep moving forward with increased vigour to spread the message of or our hospitable destination and what we offer.”

“It’s encouraging to know that during the past seven years, UHA’s mission to highlight Ubud as a green destination, has been accomplished through recognition of Ubud as the Best City in Asia 2009 by Conde Nast Traveller’s (CNT) Magazine USA, and Best Destination in Asia over 3 consecutive years by Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice (2008, 2010 and 2011). These welldeserved rewards are a testament to the vision and hard work of all of UHA members and to cement our motto that Ubud is the spirit of Bali.” he added.(*)

Havener’s Club Lounge now is open

The Opening of Favehotel Seminyak - Bali

A

T foto by favehotel seminyak

ston International announced that the group celebrates the opening of the forth select service hotel in Indonesia, favehotel Seminyak in Bali. favehotel Seminyak located in Southern Bali situated in the very heart of Seminyak right on Jalan Dhyana Pura which offers a myriad of restaurants and clubs. The hotel will offer 251 modern, functional and stylish guest rooms, several small meeting rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and an eclectic street front coffee shop.

Seminyak is one of popular and bustling area in Bali, owing to its high density of highend small boutiques, combines with the many fine eating places makes it becoming one of the most attractive tourist area in the island.

Aston International’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Mr. Norbert Vas, said “Seminyak area is a very perfect match for favehotel with its chic design and trendy concept. We believe favehotel Seminyak will become the preferable hotel which in line with modern people lifestyle, looking for a simplicity and pleasurable that have an eye for value of money.”

Within this week, Aston International will open another favehotel in South East Asia right on Cenang Beach Langkawi, which also known as a famous resort island in Malaysia. (*)

o alleviate the discomfort of late check-out times, The Haven Seminyak will developed its Departure Lounge concept that will provide a relaxing area complete with shower facilities and sofas for the exclusive use of guests as they await their flights. This departure lounge, also known as Havener’s Club Lounge, is NOW OPEN. The ambience will be natural, cozy, and comfortable, and using optimal openings in the ceiling to get as much of natural lighting in the lounge. There will be comforting seating arrangement with many areas providing privacy.

The lounge will be focused on functional aspects to fulfill the various needs of our guest on their departure day, such as informal meeting area, free Wi-Fi, entertainment, TV programs, and magazine will also thoughtfully prepared.(*)

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Vol. VI No. 12, 2011

Ratusan Penari Meriahkan Festival Losari 2011

foto by spc

Gala Dinner Sambut Natal di Berbagai Hotel

Jumlah Kunjungan Wisatawan Akhir Tahun Kunjungan wisatawan setiap akhir tahun selalu terjadi kenaikan di Provinsi Bali. Angka kenaikan per tahunnya memang hanya sekitar 2 % saja jika dilihat dari angka kenaikan bulanan dalam setahun bisa mencapai 10%. Seperti data Badan Pusat Statistik Bali mencatat kedatangan wisman ke Bali pada Desember 2010 mencapi 227.251 orang dengan kenaikan sebesar 2,11% dibandingkan dengan Desember 2009.

Ketua GIPI, Ngurah Wijaya mengatakan kenaikan tersebut biasanya terjadi pada minggu-minggu terakhir antara perayaan Natal dan Tahun Baru 2012. “Pada hari minggu biasanya hotel dan restoran di Bali mengalami peak season yang sangat berbeda jika dibandingkan pada masa liburan Juni hingga Agustus,” tutupnya. (*)

T

idak kurang 200 penari ikut meriahkan Festival Losari yang digelar di Anjungan Pantai Losari, Makassar tanggal 20 November 2011 lalu. Festival yang bertema “Phinisi Membawa Makassar Menuju Kota Dunia” ini digelar bersamaan dengan ulang tahun kota Makassar ke- 404 tahun.

Festival Losari yang didukung Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif ini menampilkan berbagai jenis tarian yang berlangsung kurang lebih dua jam.

Prosesi pembukaan Festival Losari sendiri dimulai dengan arak-arakan dari fort Roterdam menuju anjungan dengan karnaval dan membawa Bambu yang sudah di lilit kain oleh beberapa penari, menggambarkan Perahu Pinisi akan berlayar, disambut dengan Angaru dan tarian Mappasili.

Sesampainya di atas panggung para penari yang membawa perahu Pinisi dan property bambu itu melepas layar Pinisi yang menjadi Backdrop , kemudian Festival Losari 2011 dibuka secara resmi oleh Walikota Makassar, setelah terlebih dahulu Kepala Dinas Kebu-

foto by tri wibowo

D

esember identik dengan berbagai ornamen pohon pinus yang dihiasi berbagai macam pernak-pernik warna merah, emas, putih, hijau dan berbagai macam warna untuk memeriahkan penyambutan Natal.

Banyak perayaan yang digelar oleh berbagai macam tempat untuk memperingati Natal yang diperingati setiap tanggal 25 Desember, tak terkecuali hotel yang berusaha mengajak para tamu untuk merayakan natal bersama.

Hotel-hotel tersebut antara lain Hotel Harris, Nikko Bali Resort and Spa, Grand Kuta Hotel and Residence.

Sambut Natal Hotel Harris mengadakan berbagai macam acara. Adinda Ashrinintya, selaku Public Relations Hotel Harris Sunset Road mengatakan Harris mengadakan Christmas Eve Dinner, Children Choir untuk hiburan, Gala Dinner Bufffet dengan menu utama Turkey Roasted serta Ginger bread as a hamper. “Keseluruhan acara kita bikin pada malam Natal atau sehari sebelumnya, tanggal 24 Desember 2011,” ujarnya.

Nikko Hotel tidak jauh berbeda dengan Harris, pada malam Natal di The Shore Restaurant and Bar diadakan Gala Dinner dengan live music Duo Jazz Performance.

“Gala dinner dari 6.30 pm – 10.30 pm dengan harga Rp 450.000/person. Kami tahun ini mengangkat tema “White Out”,” ujar Aini Zariyah selaku Asissten Public Relation Manager Nikko Bali. Grand Kuta Hotel dan Residence pun juga mengadakan Gala Dinner pada malam Natal dengan harga Rp 250.000/personnya.

Setiap hotel berusaha menyajikan yang terbaik untuk sambut Natal dimana diketahui bulan Desember selalu ramai dikunjungi oleh para wisatawan dari berbagai belahan dunia untuk merayakan Natal dan Tahun Baru di Bali.

kuliner yang menampilkan beragam makanan khas Sulawesi Selatan. Jajanan Kue baruasa’ jajanan tradisional khas bugis Makassar yang berbahan dasar tepung ketan dan kelapa, menjadi salah satu kuliner yang di tampilkan di setiap stand pameran festival kuliner Makassar. Kue kering bulat dengan diameter 3 cm ini diperlombakan sebagai upaya melestarikan makanan tradisional Makassar.

Peserta lomba ditantang menyajikan kue baruasa’ dengan berbagai model dan rasa, mulai dari rasa kelapa, durian ,kacang mente, keju dan coklat. Kue baruasa’ ini juga merupakan oleh-oleh khas Makassar.

Sementara itu, ratusan pengunjung pantai losari terlihat sangat menikmati keberadaan festival kuliner tradisional Makassar, selain menikmati udara pantai losari, juga bisa menikmati aneka ragam kuliner Makassar .

Tidak hanya kue baruasa, berbagai macam kue tradisinal Makassar juga di sajikan dalam festival kuliner Makassar, untuk memeriahkan Festival Losari yang hanya digelar satu tahun sekali ini. (*)

dayaan dan Pariwisata Kota Makassar sebagai ketua panitia pelaksanaan Festival Losari 2011 membacakan laporannya. Hadir dalam kesempatan ini Esthy Reko Astuty, Direktur Sarana Promosi Pariwisata Kemenparekraf.

Walikota Makassar, Ilham Arif Siradjuddin mengatakan, Festival Losari di harapkan menjadi daya tarik Masyarakat luas umumnya dan warga makassar khususnya untuk memperkenalkan Kawasan Pantai Losari dan sekitarnya.

“Festival ini juga untuk mengangkat citra pantai Losari sebagai daerah tujuan wisata yang bersih, aman, nyaman dan bersahabat,” ujar Ilham.

Selain itu, lanjut Ilham, festival ini juga sarana mengembalikan tradisi dan budaya Makassar sekaligus menjadikan Pantai Losari sebagai aset pariwisata sekaligus salah satu ikon kebanggaan masyarakat Kota Makassar.

“Festival Losari 2011 ini diharapkan dapat menjadi lokomotif untuk menarik pasar wisatawan yang lebih besar ke kota Makassar dan sulawesi selatan,” tambah Esthy Reko Astuty. Selain parade tarian, juga digelar festival

Kelompok Sadar Wisata Ikut Aktif Lestarikan Hutan Kalimantan

Hotel-hotel Di Bali Masih Gunakan Listrik Bersubsidi?

Sarman Pamungkas ikut melakukan penanaman pohon di Kecamatan Bukit Batu, Palangkaraya.

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utan Kalimantan merupakan paru-paru dunia terbesar kedua setelah hutan amazon di Brazil. Seluruh kehidupan dunia bergantung pada kelestarian hutan di Kalimantan, setiap penebangan hutan yang terjadi di Kalimantan selalu menjadi sorotan dunia sebab itu Persatuan Bangsa Bangsa (PBB) menaruh perhatian lebih pada kelestarian hutan di Kalimantan.

Selain upaya pencegahan penebangan hutan, pemerintah melalui Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif membangun kesadaran masyarakat sekitar untuk rajin menanam pohon. Melalui gerakan Sadar Wisata diharapkan masyarakat Kalimantan terbangun kesadarannya untuk melestarikan hutan di Kalimantan dengan menanam pohon. Hal tersebut diungkapkan Sarman Pamungkas, Kasubdit Bidang Media, Ditjen Pengembangan Destinasi Pariwisata Kemenparekraf.

foto by tri wibowo

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eluruh hotel di Provinsi Bali baik hotel berbintang maupun non-bintang masih mengkonsumsi listrik bersubsidi dengan menyerap sedikitnya 41% dari daya rata-rata besar 587 MW. General Manager PT PLN persero Bali, Dadan Koerniadipoera mengatakan seluruh daya yang dialirkan masih menggunakan tarif bersubsidi. Berdasarkan data, tercatat pelanggan hotel-hotel di Bali hanya 8%, 55 % dikonsumsi oleh sektor bisnis dari subsidi yang diterima oleh PLN per tahunnya. “Penerapan tarif business to business untuk industri pariwisata harusnya di atas Rp 950/kwh,” ujarnya.

Tarif hotel berbintang di Bali hanya US$ 1.500 hingga US$ 3.000/harinya. Seharusnya hotel menggunakan tarif niaga bukan tarif rumah tangga. “Saat ini dana untuk rumah tangga terbatas dibandingkan hotel,” lanjutnya. Dadan menambahkan jika hotel menggunakan tarif bisnis maka dijamin Bali akan zero subsidi karena selama ini pelanggan di Bali menggunakan tarif subsidi.

Sisi lain, Ketua Gaungan Industri Pariwisata Indonesia, Ngurah Wijaya mengelak atas tudingan PLN terhadap penggunaan listrik bersubsidi untuk hotel. “Kami sudah membayar tarif sesuai dengan tarif bisnis atau di atas rata-rata Rp 950/kWh,” ujarnya.

Ngurah Wijaya pun menolak dengan usulan kenaikan tarif hotel di Bali. “Tarif listrik untuk hotel sudah sesuai dengan ketentuan, kami berharap pemerintah dan PLN bisa menyediakan listrik berbahan murah untuk menjual sesuai ketentuan,” lanjutnya.

Sekjen Persatuan Hotel dan Restoran Indonesia, Perry Markus mengatakan akan mengadakan pengecekan di instalator engineering di setiap hotel. “Kami akan mengecek apa masih ada hotel yang masih menggunakan listrik bersubsidi,” ujarnya. (*)

“Hutan di Kalimantan Tengah perlu dijaga kelestariannya untuk umat manusia di dunia, sebab itu perlu pembinaan pada masyarakat sekitar akan arti pentingnya penghijauan.

Gerakan Sadar Wisata menjadi sentral untuk membangun sumber daya manusia (SDM) di kawasan wisata, salah satunya mengajak masyarakat sekitar untuk rajin menanam pohon,” ujar Sarman saat acara pembinaan Kelompok Sadar Wisata (Pokdarwis) di Taman Gaul Km 21, Kecamatan Bukit Batu, Palangkaraya, Kalimantan Tengah, Minggu (5/11/2011).

Tingkatkan SDM Indonesia

Sarman juga mengatakan pariwisata merupakan pembangunan lintas sektoral. Ini berarti dalam pelaksanaannya, pemerintah tidak dapat bekerja sendiri tanpa didukung stakeholder dan masyarakat. Saat ini daya saing SDM

pariwisata Indonesia menempati posisi 51 di dunia, keberadaan Pokdarwis merupakan salah satu upaya dalam meningkatkan daya saing tersebut.

“Disisi lain perlu dicermati pesatnya pembangunan kepariwisataan ternyata kurang diimbangi peningkatan profesionalisme sumber daya manusia. Oleh karena itu pembinaan kepada kelompok sadar wisata merupakan salah satu upaya peningkatan profesionalisme sumber daya manusia di bidang pariwisata agar daya saing SDM pariwisata Indonesia bisa meningkat pada tingkat dunia. Sebab, keberhasilan pariwisata di suatu daerah ditentukan sikap dan kesadaran masyarakat mendukung kepariwisataan,” katanya.

Lanjut Sarman, kelompok sadar wisata merupakan ujung tombak destinasi pariwisata untuk memberikan kesadaran ke masyarakat tentang pentingnya pariwisata. Sehingga masyarakat dapat merasakan dampak dan manfaat dari sisi ekonomi. Kelompok sadar wisata juga diharapkan dapat memberikan contoh tauladan dan bimbingan kepada masyarakat dalam mewujudkan Sapta Pesona.

Kesempatan sama, Kardinal Tarung, Kepala Dinas Pariwisata dan Kebudayaan Kalimantan Tengah mengajak seluruh lapisan masyarakat Kalimantan Tengah dapat melakukan kampanye sadar wisata seluruh elemen masyarakat.

“Pariwisata telah terbukti mengangkat kehidupan masyarakat. Sebab sektor ini mampu menggerakkan roda perekonomian di segala lapisan masyarakat dan berdampak langsung ke kesejahteraan masyarakat. Sekaligus mampu mendorong pertumbuhan pembangunan dan pengembangan wilayah,” ujar Kardinal. Dalam acara pembinaan kelompok sadar wisata Kalimantan Tengah tersebut, selain penandatanganan pengukuhan kelompok sadar wisata (Pokdarwis) yang berjumlah 20 kelompok juga dilakukan penanaman pohon secara simbolis oleh Sarman Pamungkas, Kasubdit Bidang Media Ditjen Pengembangan Destinasi Pariwisata Kemenparekraf dan Kardinal Tarung, Kepala Dinas Pariwisata dan Kebudayaan Kalimantan Tengah serta Godlin, Sekretaris daerah II Kalimantan Tengah. (*)

18

Vol. VI No. 12, 2011

Bali Masih Mendominasi Ajang ITA 2011

Sosialisasi Perpres No 79 Tahun 2011

foto by tri wibowo

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Penerima penghargaan Indonesia Tourism Award 2011

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yang terdiri atas 1.350 wisatawan Nusantara dan 150 wisatawan mancanegara. Juga melibatkan 100 responden dari kalangan profesional dan eksekutif. Aspek yang dinilai antara lain kebersihan, informasi wisata, kewajaran biaya, promosi, keragaman obyek, keamanan, keunikan obyek, dan keramahan.

ali masih mendominasi dalam ajang Indonesia Tourism Award (ITA) 2011 dari lima kategori untuk daerah wisata terbaik, Bali masuk dalam empat kategori yang dilombakan. ITA 2011 merupakan penghargaan tertinggi untuk destinasi dan industri pariwisata terbaik di Indonesia yang digelar Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif bekerjasama dengan majalah SWA. Pemberian penghargaan ITA 2011 kali ini digelar di studio Metro TV, Jakarta, Kamis (8/12).

Selain itu, Raja Ampat berhasil meraih predikat Kota Tujuan Wisata Favorit. Diikuti Denpasar dan Badung mendapatkan penghargaan yang sama. Hal ini berarti Provinsi Bali menempatkan dua kota/kabupaten dalam kategori Kota Tujuan Wisata Terfavorit. Sementara kota dengan pelayanan terbaik diraih Kota Malang. Di peringkat kedua, lagi-lagi diraih Denpasar.

Obyek wisata yang menjadi tujuan wisata terfavorit ditempati lagi oleh Raja Ampat dan Bali. Tiga obyek wisata tersebut antara lain Pantai Waisai yang berada di Raja Ampat, Tanah Lot di Tabanan, Bali, dan Jatim Park, Malang.

Bali kembali disebut karena memenangi penghargaan Provinsi Terbaik dalam Pengembangan Pariwisata. Selain Bali, penghargaan yang sama diraih DKI Jakarta dan Yogyakarta. Penghargaan Khusus Pariwisata diberikan kepada Kota Sawahlunto dan Provinsi Bangka Belitung.

Kategori yang disurvei dalam ajang Indonesia Tourism Award 2011 meliputi kabupaten/ kota terbaik dalam layanan wisata, kota tujuan wisata favorit, dan obyek wisata favorit. Adapula penghargaan yang dipilih berdasarkan kompetisi program, yaitu pemerintah provinsi yang paling berkomitmen terhadap pengembangan pariwisata. Survei dilakukan di 25 kota. Kota-kota yang terpilih merupakan daftar kota dengan pendapatan domestik regional bruto (PDRB) di bidang pariwisata terbesar.

Ke-25 kota tersebut adalah Belitung, Batam, Badung, Bandung, Bogor, Cirebon, Denpasar, Jakarta, Malang, Makassar, Manado, Padang, Palembang, Pekanbaru, Tanah Toraja, Lombok Barat, Raja Ampat, Sawahlunto, Surakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Semarang, Tangerang Selatan, Samarinda, dan Medan.

Survei dilakukan terhadap 1.500 wisatawan

Motivasi Bagi Industri Pariwisata dan Pemerintah Daerah

Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif (Menparekraf), Mari Elka Pangestu dalam sambutannya mengatakan wisatawan haruslah merasa nyaman dan senang mulai sejak ia datang ke suatu destinasi sampai pulang kembali ke daerah atau negaranya. Oleh karena itu, industri pariwisata maupun pemerintah daerah memegang peranan penting dalam pelayanan kepada wisatawan.

“Wisman semakin banyak datang ke Indonesia. Wisatawan harus end to end, dari mereka datang, jalan-jalan, sampai pulang lagi, dia harus sangat happy. Karena itu industri penunjang pariwisata penting sekali,” ungkap Mari.

Industri penunjang pariwisata yang ia maksud adalah hotel berbintang, maskapai penerbangan, biro perjalanan wisata, taksi, restoran,

golf, spa, dan mal. Sehingga industri-industri tersebut pun perlu diberikan apresiasi dalam bentuk penghargaan seperti ajang Indonesia Tourism Award 2011.

“Juga memberi apresiasi bagi kota ataupun destinasi favorit. Maupun memberikan apresiasi bagi destinasi yang memberikan pelayanan terbaik,” jelasnya.

Mari Pangestu mengungkapkan pembelanjaan terbesar saat wisatawan mengunjungi obyek wisata adalah belanja dan makan. Oleh karena itu, restoran dan mal masuk dalam kategori penghargaan.

“Selain itu juga hiburan, seperti golf dan spa yang cukup populer di Indonesia, kita beri apresiasi,” ungkapnya. Ia berharap penghargaan tersebut dapat memberikan motivasi bagi industri pariwisata maupun destinasi wisata untuk meningkatkan mutunya.

Indonesia Tourism Award tahun ini merupakan kali ketiga. Ke depan, Mari mengatakan pihaknya akan mempromosikan ajang ini dengan lebih gencar. Ia berharap orang-orang pariwisata akan berlomba-lomba ikut ajang penghargaan tersebut. “Akan kita perbaiki terus entah dari sistem sampling-nya, cangkupannya, dan promosinya. Ini jadi target kita ke depan. Kami harap award ini bisa jadi motivasi dan target pelaku pariwisata,” tutupnya.(*)

Penerima Penghargaan : - Kota dengan Pelayanan Terbaik: 1. Malang, 2. Denpasar, 3. Toraja - Daerah Tujuan Wisata Terfavorit: 1. Pantai Waisai (Raja Ampat), 2. Tanah Lot, 3. Jatim Park - Kota tujuan wisata terfavorit: 1. Raja Ampat, 2. Denpasar, 3. Badung - Penghargaan provinsi terbaik dalam pengembangan pariwisata: 1. Bali, 2. DKI Jakarta, 3. Yogyakarta - Penghargaan Khusus Pariwisata: 1. Kota Sawah Lunto, 2. Provinsi Bangka Belitung - Hotel bintang 5: Mulia Senayan Jakarta, Hotel bintang 4: Santika Premiere Jakarta, Hotel bintang 3: The Aroma’s Kuta - Restoran: Bandar Jakarta - Mal terfavorit : Plaza Senayan, Mal luar Jakarta: Paris Van Java, Mal luar Jawa: Ska Mal - Penerbangan layanan penuh terfavorit: Garuda Indonesia - Penerbangan layanan ekonomi terfavorit: Sriwijaya Air - Biro Perjalanan terfavorit: Panorama Tours - Armada taxi terfavorit: Taxi Putra - SPA terfavorit: Javana Spa - Lapangan golf terfavorit: Royale Jakarta

Wanita Karir Picu Kenaikan Wisnus K

M. Faried

foto by tri wibowo

ecenderungan wanita enggan di rumah namun bekerja untuk mendapatkan penghasilan menjadi salah satu pemicu meningkatnya jumlah wisatawan nusantara.

“Dengan istri bekerja membuat penghasilan rumah tangga meningkat, sehingga bisa memanfaatkan sisa penghasilannya untuk

berlibur,” ungkap M Faried, Direktur Promosi Pariwisata Dalam Negeri, Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif dalam acara Pameran Pariwisata Accor dan BCA di Grand Indonesia belum lama ini.

Angkutan udara juga berperan di dalam memainkan pariwisata nusantara. Bahkan saat ini telah menduduki posisi kedua setelah angkutan darat untuk wisatawan nusantara.

“Saat ini, ada 16 operator penerbangan domestik dengan kapasitas sebanyak 70,8 juta kursi yang melayani 81 kota. Ini memberi peluang bagi wisatawan nusantara menjelajahi nusantara,” ungkapnya.

Faried menjelaskan, bahwa pergerakan wisatawan Nusantara di tahun 2012 meningkat dibanding 2010. Itu dilihat melalui indikator penumpang angkutan udara domestik.

“Selama Januari-September ini, jumlah penumpang domestik adalah sebanyak 32,25 juta orang atau naik 22,7 persen dari tahun 2010 sebanyak 31,17 juta orang,” jelasnya.

Bahkan di Pulau Bali, kehadiran wisnus kini bersaing ketat dengan wisatawan mancanegara, meningkat sebesar 12 persen.

Peningkatan ini, menurut dia karena semakin banyaknya penerbangan domestik yang te-

lah dibuka tahun ini. “Untuk tahun ini, sudah tersedia sebanyak 70,5 juta seat untuk penerbangan domestik,” tuturnya.

Fokus Pembangunan 3A

M Faried mengungkapkan ada tiga komponen penting dalam industri pariwisata Indonesia. “Hal tersebut adalah 3A yaitu Atraksi, Akses dan Akomodasi. Yang mana ketiga hal ini tentunya saling berkaitan satu sama lain,” kata Faried.

Ketiga hal ini merupakan komponen penting yang butuh dorongan pemerintah agar dapat berjalan dengan baik.

Untuk mendukung hal itu, Farid mengungkapkan, perlu ada perbaikan infrastruktur, khususnya untuk mempermudah akses agar destinasi wisata mudah dikunjungi wisatawan. Selain itu juga perlu adanya kerjasama dengan pemerintah daerah.

“Perlu adanya edukasi kepada daerah mengenai bagaimana mengelola daerahnya agar dapat menjadi destinasi wisata yang menarik. Kemudian juga perlu kerjasama dengan pemda untuk sosialisasi kepada masyarakat setempat mengenai industri pariwisata,” tutupnya. (*)

foto by tri wibowo

Kapal Yacht Akan Lebih Mudah Masuk Indonesia

emerintah sedang berusaha menggenjot kunjungan wisatawan asing menggunakan kapal yacht untuk berlayar masuk ke Indonesia, melalui Perpres No 79 Tahun 2011 diharapkan wisman yang menggunakan kapal yacht akan lebih banyak lagi berlibur ke Indonesia.

Dalam acara sosialisasi Perpres tersebut di Hotel Nikko, Jakarta, Jumat (9/12), Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif mengatakan potensi kunjungan wisata dari para yachter atau pemilik yacht sangatlah besar.

“Kami melihat yacht sangat potensial, jika dikembangkan di Indonesia karena laut kita luas dan indah. Namun dari pantauan kami, dalam setahun laut Indonesia hanya dikunjungi 1.000 yachter,” kata Dirjen Pengembangan Destinasi Pariwisata Kemenparekraf, Firmansyah Rahim.

Hal ini dikarenakan birokrasi yang berbelit dan infrastruktur yang belum tertata baik. Dia pun menambahkan yachter yang datang ke Indonesia selama ini karena ada event saja, seperti Sail Indonesia.

Lewat Perpres No 79 Tahun 2011 ini, diatur agar wisatawan yang ingin berlibur ke Indonesia menggunakan kapal yacht diberikan kemudahan. Kemudahan yang diberikan adalah permohonan dan pemberian Clearance And Approval For Indonesian Territory (CAIT) ke pelabuhan, kepabeanan, dan karantina untuk kapal wisata asing apabila masuk dan keluar melalui 18 titik pelabuhan.

18 Titik pelabuhan tersebut adalah Pelabuhan Sabang (Aceh), Belawan (Sumatera Utara), Teluk Bayur (Padang), Nongsa Point Marina (Batam), Badar Bintan Selani (Bintan), Tanjung Pandan (Belitung), Sunda Kelapa dan Marina Ancol (Jakarta), Benoa (Bali), Penau (Kupang), Kumai (Kalimantan Tengah), Tarakan (Kalimantan Timur), Nunukan (Kalimantan Timur), Bitung (Sulawesi Utara), Ambon (Maluku), Saumelaki (Maluku), Tual (Maluku), Sorong (Papua Barat), dan Biak (Papua).

“Dari 18 pelabuhan, hanya 3 saja yang sudah siap, yaitu Batam, Benoa, dan Marina Batavia,” ungkap Firmansyah.

Deputi IV Bidang Koordinasi Industri Perdagangan Kemenko Perekonomian, Edy Putra Irawady menambahkan, kunjungan wisatawan dengan yacht asing bisa mendorong wisata bahari dan menjadi pemasukan yang sangat besar bagi masyarakat pesisir pantai.

“Sebelum tahun 2014, kita menargetkan 20.000-30.000 yacht yang akan datang ke Indonesia. Wisata bahari akan meningkatkan human capital dan meningkatkan hidup masyarakat pesisir, kita ingin bisa maju seperti di Miami, Florida, Amerika Serikat,” kata Edi. (*)

7 Desa Wisata di Bali Siap Sambut Wisatawan

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idak salah jika semua orang dari berbagai belahan dunia datang ke Bali untuk menikmati alam dengan keunikan budayanya. Kini para wisatawan bisa merasakan suasana pedesaan yang memiliki karakteristik khusus dan menginap di desa dengan dilengkapi fasilitas ala hotel berbintang. Sebanyak tujuh desa di enam kabupaten Bali sedang bersiap sambut turis secara langsung di desa mereka.

Ke tujuh desa wisata tersebut dipilih berdasarkan keunikan alam dan budaya yang mereka miliki sehingga mempunyai status sebagai desa wisata. Tujuh desa tersebut antara lain Desa Blimbingsari (Jembrana), Desa Pinge (Tabanan), Desa Bedahulu (Gianyar), Desa Penglipuran (Bangli), Desa Pancasari (Buleleng), Desa Budakeling dan Desa Jasri (Karangasem).

Di desa-desa wisata ini wisatawan bisa tinggal atau menginap di rumah-rumah warga yang akan diubah ala hotel berbintang. Jangan khawatir, fasilitas dan pelayanannya seperti standar hotel pada umumnya. Kali ini masyarakatlah yang menjadi subyek dari pembangunan pariwisata.

Semua desa wisata ini merupakan dukungan dari Bank Indonesia Denpasar bekerja sama dengan Bali Hotels Association (BHA) untuk memajukan pariwisata. Seperti diketahui Bank Indonesia merupakan lembaga non-profit yang memang mempunyai anggaran CSR untuk perkembangan pariwisata Bali.

“Kami sangat peduli dengan dengan perkembangan wisata Bali, untuk itu kami memilih pariwisata kerakyatan,” ujar Pimpinan Bank Indonesia Wilayah Denpasar, Jeffrey Kairupan. Warga desa telah dilatih oleh BHA untuk mengelola tamu dan perbaikan manajemen bahkan perbaikan infrastrukturnya. Lebih lanjut, Jeffrey Kairupan menambahkan bahwa tidak akan mengubah bentuk asli desanya.

Direktur Eksekutif BHA, Djinaldi Gosana, membenarkan kerjasama tersebut. “Kami pihak BHA benar-benar bersemangat untuk mewujudkan kerjasama mengembangkan pariwisata di Bali khususnya di desa-desa, seperti diketahui Bali memiliki banyak desa yang masing-masing memiliki keunikan tersendiri,” ujarnya. (*)