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| Jakarta : Nowhere else in Indonesia are the sharp contrasts of Asia so concentrated in one place as they are in the economic and political heart of the nation. Many people have said that Jakarta is not the 'real Indonesia' but, as the city is a potpourri of everything the entire country has to offer, it should actually be said that no visit to this fascinating archipelago is complete without at least a stop over in its capital. This enormous and vibrant city actually has quite humble roots, starting life as a small harbour town called Sunda Kelapa at the mouth of the Ciliwung river, and still the name for the old port in the north of the city that hasn't changed for centuries. But small it was not meant to be. Officially founded on June 22, 1527 under the name of Jakarta, the city has under-gone a number of name changes, invasions and improvements. Under Dutch control it was called Batavia which later changed to Jakarta with the arrival of the Japanese. Now it's the centre of government, business, industry, and fashion for some two hundred million people spread across the entire archipelago. After a series of developments, new hotels, restaurants and travel services, Jakarta has finally made the grade as a new ASEAN center of commerce, entertainment and culture that easily rivals other capital in the region. Often by-passed on the regular tourist stampede to Bali and beyond, Jakarta is now worthy in it's own right of at least a few days visit by the traveller who doesn't always need to get completely away from it all. It is a great city for those who enjoy a little hustle and bustle, a taste of some fine night life and excitement as well as the obligatory beach combing that a trip to the equator involves. Taman mini Indonesia Indah A great place to get a cultural and culinary taste of the country. Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature, a rough translation of what Taman Mini means, is an extensive park exhibiting twenty seven pavilions, each dedicated to one of Indonesia's twenty seven exotic provinces. Indonessia in Miniature Traditional dances, handicraft, music and food from around the archipelago as well as a large walk-through aviary and sky-train make Taman Mini an excellent way to see the some of Indonesia. South East Asia's Largest Theme Park In north Jakarta lies Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, a multi-hectare leisure complex with an amusement park that, while not quite its equal, is often referred to as "Indonesia's Disneyland'. Sun, Sea and Sand Jakartan's island offers the outdoor enthusiast, skin diver, snorkeller, sailor or sun-bather all they could ever need. Art and Culture Back to Ancol after a weekend on the islands, and on to Pasar Seni, an artist's center, providing aspiring and established artists with a place to practice their craft and make a few sales Living Traditions Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) is the centre for arts and cultural performances. The Bharata Theatre This old-time theatre is a bit off the beaten track but an unforgettable place to check out. Tens of players, some playing slow but all concentrating on the very soul of the music and all in perfect time! Ramayana plays are on nearly every night of the year. Jakarta is one of those places where the more you look the more you find, and you can find almost anything, anywhere, anytime. Traditional to modern, crocodile farms to snake-blood restaurants, bird markets to orchid gardens, old mosques, Christian cathedrals and Chinese temples. Jakarta has it all. Bali : It seems that everyone has heard of Bali. The island of the gods. Shangri-la. The centre of the universe. The last paradise. The morning of the world. One thing is for sure, it is a truly beautiful tropical island inhabited by a remarkably artistic people who have created a dynamic society with unique arts and ceremonies. The passage of life on this small island between Java and Lombok is culturally and spiritually linked to satisfying and appeasing the gods, spirits and demons, impressive volcanoes and pristine beaches. Art, culture and day to day activities for most Balinese are strongly bonded to a unique form of Hinduism called Hindu Darma, which is widely thought to be the closest example to the religion and social framework that existed in Java during the zenith of its power and is now found nowhere else. Classical dance dramas based on the old Hindu epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabarata which arrived from Java, are like everywhere else in Indonesia, mixed with pre-Hindu animist belief and peculiar local folklore. Not all Balinese adopted the new Hindu religion though. The 'Bali Aga' who now live in isolated groups in the mountains at Trunyan and Tenganan, for example, preferred their ancient animist beliefs which are still practiced and remain largely intact to this day. The very soul of Bali is rooted in religion and is expressed in art forms and skills that have been passionately preserved over the centuries. During the mid sixteenth century Bali reached a cultural climax, encouraging and developing elaborate arts and customs which are the foundations of what is practiced today. What Paradise Has to Offer The Balinese are an amicable people who have been more exposed to international tourists than most. Unfortunately this exposure has occasionally lead to some not so friendly and pushy street selling. On the whole, though. Bali is perfect for a wide variety of visitors. World class resort hotels with facilities and recreational opportunities that are second to none bump shoulders with quaint bamboo houses surrounded on all sides by verdant green paddy fields and thousands of temples. Artist communities, the most well known being in Ubud in the central highlands, inspire extraordinary creativity while rushing white water gives a major adrenaline hit for adventurers and thrill seekers. Water sports are understandably popular given the perfect climate and idyllic surroundings and diving, snorkeling, sailing, jet skiing, para gliding and surfing are all big business. May be nowhere more so than in Nusa Dua. This beautiful and newly developed region located in the southern part of the Bali peninsula is fast becoming the island's premier tourist destination. A magnificent white sand beach is surrounded by thousands of coconut trees and not surprisingly there are a whole bunch of international first class hotels. Facilities at Nusa Dua include golf courses, supermarkets, shopping centers and gift shops where locally made handicrafts can be purchased without much problem, even if prices are a little on the high side. The quiet and somewhat exclusive Sanur area, also has a number of first class hotels right on the beach, all equipped with swimming pools, jogging tracks, tennis courts, fitness it's almost a world unto itself and hardly a fair representation of what the rest of Bali is like, but is great for a blast, albeit a short one. Yogyakarta and Solo : Living in the shadow of an active volcano can be a dangerous game at the best of times. The 1994 eruption of Mouth Merapi (appropriately translated as Fire Mountain of Mountain of Fire) in Central Java is certainly testimony to that. Whole villages disappeared in mud slides and hundreds of people tragically lost their lives in a shower of destruction. But there are also advantages to living so close to the awesome forces that have shaped our planet, especially in Java. Fertile rice fields that cover every available piece of land, like an outrageous patchwork quilt, provide three crops a year, and with tens of millions of mouths to feed that means a lot of rice. Cradles of Culture Culture, the arts, magic, spirits, powers of good and evil together with a healthy respect for nature are all very much intertwined and part of the central Javanese makeup which has held a special fascination for visitors from all over the world for years. Literally at the very heart of the island lies Yogyakarta, normally shortened to Yogya (pronounced Jog-ja) and neighbouring Surakarta or solo often described as the cradles of Javanese culture'. It is Yogya, however, that carries the rare honour of being a Special Region within Indonesia.Originally named Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat (meaning orderly and peaceful town - the beauty of the world), the younger city of Yogyakarta is where most visitors are likely to experience the heritage of the once mighty Mataram Empire. The whole court moved from there, however, to the banks of Java's longest river, Bengawan Solo in the late 1600's until a land dispute in 1755 effectively split the power of Mataram into two; the Sultanates of Yogyakarta and Solo The royal courts of both cities are remarkably similar in style and are still the hub of a traditional way of life, radiating a spirit of refinement which has been the hall mark of Javanese art and culture for centuries. Traditional Ways, Modern Days For the visitor, Yogya is undoubtedly the more popular of the two cities. While modernization is rapidly changing the face of Jakarta, Yogya still retains its character while Solo is pretty much like any other Javanese city. Both are dominated by Dutch colonial architecture and the fact that many of these buildings appear not to have seen a brush of paint since those times, simply enhances their charm.Just strolling down the city's main street of Jalan Malioboro is a good insight into the life if Yogya's people. Old shuttered houses jut into the road, their arches framing a colourful world of street hawkers and storekeepers. Here, in dusty corner shops or in huge gleaming department store you can find anything from the latest fashions to fifty year old marionettes. And, of course, truck loads of batik. There is so much to see and do in Yogyakarta and Solo that a few days sightseeing is hardly enough. And then, after you think you have seen it all it's time to head for the nearby beach Parangtritis, a special place for those who believe in the legends of the Queen of South Seas, Nyai Ruro Kidul and enjoy even more facets of central Java's charm. Lombok : The West Coast - Senggigi If you are looking for a luxury hotel option on Lombok, this is pretty much the only place you will find it except for new / planned developments on the northern Gilis (islands). To its credit, Senggigi offers an incredible range of accommodations along an even more incredible coastline - wonderful bays with towering headlands. A very relaxed area with significantly lower numbers of beach / street sellers, a low-key night life and good range of restaurants prevail. The Gili Islands (Air, Meno & Trawangan) The most talked / bragged about secret in paradise? These 3 islands have an increasingly growing, loyal following. Mostly taken with the bamboo beach huts, absolute lack of hawkers, often lack of electricity and mainstream tourist amenities (though increasingly less so). The spotless "Robinson Crusoe" beaches, clear blue water and easy opportunity to watch both sunrises and sunsets from these small islands, together with the snorkelling / diving areas, provides, for some, the perfect rustic appeal. Gili Trawangan attracts younger people looking for the occasional late night beach party. The South & South West Coasts A surfer's paradise, perhaps. Around Kuta (the Lombok Kuta that is), you will find a number of low cost, basic accommodations, a few with hot water and air conditioning. There are also some basic accommodations around the ferry port of Lembar and the enticing smaller Gilis just off the coast, such as on Gili Nanggu. The Rest of Lombok Most of the accommodations outside the above areas, including in the capital Mataram (which really includes Ampenan, Cakranegara and Sweta), are mostly geared up for Indonesian travellers. Tourists may be somewhat disappointed with the options available. |
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