To compelete my post series about interesting tourist destination before we entering to Ubud Bali (the venue for BaliSpirit Festival 2012). This post will inform you where to get some traditional Balinese wood masks and sculpture crafts with good quality. The Bali wood masks and sculpture crafts center was located in the village mas, Gianyar, Bali. This Mas village located for approximately 20km from Denpasar city and 6 km before Ubud. Mas village communities have dynamics live oriented such as the other villages attractions major in Bali. They do some transformation from an agrarian society and continues to craft maker community until service sellers and souvenir trade. Mas village is a tourist village located in the the art network villages which is so mutually supportive and complementary of the surrounding villages.
Along the road in Mas village, it was developed some of the art shop that serves as the marketing and the production of statues and even accommodate the workforce as a carver, sculptor and engraver. The village is characterized in the art of carving wood sculptures that promote synergy characteristic humanism and naturalism. Statues of deities resembling coin lined up to have a very high artistic value. The results of these crafts can be found at any art shop that lined the road when entering the village of Mas.
The Strength from attraction of statues and masks which made by sculptors in the village mas is at the end of the result that looks very smooth on each sculpture and masks that have been so. Mask models that was sales in here leads to a form that is often used to any mask dance performances in Bali. Such as the barong dance, masks are used so realistic, so that adds to the perfection of the show. In addition to crafting a mask, the crafts of Mas village also makes some sculptures were coated with kepeng (pis perforated). Statues of deities resembling kepeng lined up to have a very high artistic value. The results of these crafts can be found at any art shop that lined the road when entering the village of Mas. If you are a collector of traditional statues and masks, then the village mas is the perfect place for you to complete the collection of Balinese statues and masks.
At the end for this series "road trip to Ubud" , we hope this information can help you to guide to the other tourist destination near ubud, Bali. More over if you had a plan to attend the Bali Spirit Festival which held in the end days of next march 2012. Happy reading and enjoy your road trip to Ubud 2012.
Bunaken Marine National Park had an area of 75,265 hectares with five islands as a major, namely Pulau Bunaken, Manado Tua Island, Siladen Island, Island Mantehage and the last is Naen Island. Although this five islands marine park are closed together, only the most famous Bunaken Island as a dive sites. Bunaken Island area is in the Gulf part of Manado city , provincial capital of North Sulawesi. Bunaken Marine National Park is one of the most beautiful marine park in the world, famous for its coral formations which are very beautiful and spacious. This marine park have habitats of fish in more than 3000 species that need to be guarded from extinction such as lolosi yellow tail fish (Lutjanus kasmira), fish gusumi horse (hippocampus and horses), goropa (ephinephelus spilotoceps), white oci (seriola rivoliana) and many others.
How to get there ?
The simply and easiest way to get there is by an airplane . From any direction you just have to go to Manado city at North Sulawesi island in Indonesia . Landing at Sam Ratulangi International airport then go to Manado harbor (MARINA ). Bunaken National Park can be reached through the port of Manado, Marina Nusantara Diving Centre (NDC) in the District of Molas and Marina Blue loud. From the Port of Galway using a motorboat to the island can be reached Siladen 20 minutes, 30 minutes Bunaken Island, the island Montehage 50 minutes and 60 minutes Nain island. Blue Banter Marina with a yacht that is available to the tourist area on the island of Bunaken be taken within 10-15 minutes, while the NDC to the port on the island of Bunaken dive sites by using speed boat taken within 20 minutes.
There a lot of boats in the harbor , and you can charter the boat to Bunaken.The Price is the range of Rp 350 000 until Rp 750.000. For speed boat itspublic boat who also just once a day of departure from Manado to Bunaken price for this trasportation is more cheaper and count per person Rp 25.000 per person. But for the return offorced to tomorrow morning at 7 AM for departures only once daily. All visitors to the Bunaken National Park (divers and non divers) are required to pay the entrance fee, according to Government Regulation No. North Sulawesi. 9 / 2002. The entrance fee for foreigners is Rp 50 000 for a daily ticket (approximately U.S. $ 6), or Rp 150,000 (approximately U.S. $ 17) to get the tag (badge) signed a waterproof plastic which is valid for one calendar year.
What to see ?
With snorkeling, simply by floating on the sea, you seemed to be under the sea. Why? Because, he's just being on the surface you may feeling comfort at the sea water below. Can clearly be seen a sight such a world-class marine park. Coral reefs that grow naturally into a habitat for the ornamental fish that you can enjoy just by looking over it. You are like hypnotized and are willing to linger to enjoy the underwater life of Bunaken. And with Scuba Diving, you can explore and may participate with a clear taste sensation of life under the sea there. One of a variety of fish is an angel fish that have nests in their own territory. This type of fish form the group consisting of one male and several females. Interestingly, this fish is born as females when adult males changed. Another uniqueness of this fish is capable of making a tap in the water. Maybe that's because of its uniqueness, make it known as an angel. Amazing is not it? You can observe objects clearly under the sea was much closer and more alive. Remove your stress and enjoy the beauty of Bunaken marine. Visit this linkfor further information about diving sites in Bunaken island
Where to stay ?
There are so many hotels and inns in Manado with so many different charge for one night . i found this while googling , may be it can help you to find hotels while you are traveling to bunaken .
*. Bastianos Dive Resort, ☎ +62 431 3325678 (info@bastianos.com), Full service dive resort.
*.Bunaken Cha Cha Nature Resort, ☎ +62 813 56930370, On the eastern side of Bunaken; 10 cottages all with en-suite bathrooms (hot water showers), large balconies, all superior cottages are equipped with A/C. Private white sand beach, "House Reef" with floating pontoon for snorkelers, massage treatments available. Restaurant above the beach, Wifi throughout the resort, PADI Dive Center. Skype: bunakenchacha. Packages start from US$75 per person/per night ; Accommodation & Dive Packages from US$165 per person/per night..
*.Bunaken SeaGarden Resort, (Pangalisang beach), ☎ +6281244738802, On a beautiful location at Pangalisang Beach, a small and cosy resort with spacious cottages built in a traditional style. All cottages have nice veranda and modern style bathrooms. Right in front of the resort you wil find the Bunaken Timur Reef. The high tide creates a long natural swimming pool along the resort and at low tide a shady and sandy beach appears. From €15 inclusive all meals, coffee, tea and water.
*.Bunaken Village Resort, Located along the Pangalisang beach on the east coast of Bunaken. 8 cottages, restaurant, dive shop, beach bar, and swimming pool around a nicely landscaped small garden. Rooms €25-28, 2 boat dives €45.
*.Cicak Senang Resort (Happy Gecko), Liang Beach, ☎ +62 852 5665 0099 (cicak.senang@gmail.com), Five wooden bungalows on a hillside with spacious bathroom and a beautiful view. Breezy beachside restaurant and bar. Good snorkeling right in front of the resort. Snorkeling tours and dolphinwatching tours are offered. The owner Jerry is a Bunaken original who knows a lot about the island and he is happy to show you around. Families with children welcome. Rp 250,000 per person per night fullboard.
*.Froggies Divers, A high quality dive operator with comfortable bungalows and excellent food.
*.Living Colours, ☎ +62 812 4306063,. Diver-oriented resort run by the shop of the same name. The bungalows are spacious and clean. Rooms €35/person including three excellent meals.
*.Lorenso's Bungalows,. 5 min down the coast from Living Colours, offering cheaper but more basic bungalows at Rp 125,000- 250,000 per person
*.Panorama Resort. Cheapest room is 135,000 Rp. The rooms for 150,000 Rp have a nice view on the sea but are quite basic. The food is very good, but you have to buy your own drinking water. Tea and coffee are only available at mealtimes and if you ask for it. Staff here tends to be quite rude. The beach on this side of the island is not very nice and the corals are mostly dead.
*.Two Fish Divers, ☎ +62 811 432805, Small and friendly PADI Gold Palm IDC Resort based on Bunaken Island. Cottages are basic but comfortable, and are right in front of the mangroves. The food is reliable, if monotonous. Vegetarians are usually offered fresh grilled fish in place of meat dishes. Offers fun dives for experienced and inexperienced divers, with small groups of 2-4 divers per dive guide. Also offers a full range of PADI dive courses from Open Water Course through to Instructor. Rooms from €12 to €25 per person..
For hotels in Manado hotel with affordable prices ranging from Rp 150.000 until Rp 200.00
H. Central 0431.851234. H. Celebes 0431.870425. Losmen Unique Inn 0431.864987. H. Regina 0431.850090. H. Emerald 0431.844944.
For medium range hotels from the price of Rp 250.000 until Rp 350.000
H. GranCentral 0431.878888 . H. Sahid Kawanua 0431.867777. H. New Queen 0431.855551. H. Wisata 0431.860908. H. Formosa 0431.854555.
For the 3-4 star hotels with prices upwards of Rp 400.000.
H. Quality 0431.8883888. H. Ritzy 0431.855555. H. GranPuri 0431.822888.
Where to eat and shop ?
If you're traveling to Manado, North Sulawesi , do not forget to visit the local souvenir center Wanea, Mercifull Building, which is open for 24 hours. At the center of this gift, you can shop while enjoying the music typical of the area.Thousands of souvenirs you can find in here is like, typical food and beverage North Sulawesi, a variety of fabrics and clothing. Not only that, various knick-knacks are also unique handicrafts here.Every day, local and foreign tourists have never stopped coming and shopping at this place. You also can order a typical traditional house of Minahasa miniature, with affordable prices . Sineleyan restaurants in Tomohon. This place can be your outlet to satisfy culinary desires. As the name suggests, the menu presents Sineleyan lot of fish, sea water and fresh water. Processed according to a typical course of Manado
Tips on the go
1. The best season to visit the Bunaken Marine National Park is in May to August
2. For your comfort and your spouse during the Bunaken, book accommodation and dive package in advance. For lodging, currently widely available in the beach resort island of Bunaken. These resorts are equipped with support facilities that support your comfort such as clean water, electricity, bathroom and western style toilet, a comfortable mattress and mosquito net and fan, wireless internet connection, as well as bars and restaurants open. Bastiano's, Bunaken Village, Cha Cha, Daniel's Homestay, Panorama, Scubana Dive Cottage, Seabreeze Resort, and Two Fish are the names of the diving resorts spread across two point dive at Bunaken Island, Beach and Coastal Pangalisang Liang.
3. Prepared your cash money for additional purpose.
After traveling from Batubulan village which is famous for stone sculptures handicrafts, and villages Celuk with gold and silver craft, the next trip is we will stopping by on sukawati village. The village is famous for the market which have sold every wares in quite cheap price. This market is situated in Sukawati village, approximately 1 hour drive from the city of Denpasar. In the past, Sukawati was the capital of a kingdom in Bali, but this time Sukawati is one of the center of manufactures and sales of the most famous traditional Balinese craft items. This market is better known as Art Market Sukawati. Sukawati art market, is the most appropriate place for those of you who like to hunt traditional Balinese souvenirs, so do not be surprised if this market gets the title as a shopping paradise island of Bali.
What makes this Sukawati Art Market must to visit?
CHEAP PRICES !Of course this requires a little from your ingenuity to bid on items that you want to buy. Sukawati market is a traditional market, so do not hesitate to haggle prices to create an agreement between you and the merchant. Sukawati market is also not devoid of tourists. They used to buy groceries, because the price offered is cheap. In addition, the merchants were friendly!
Although Sukawati hawking souvenirs or by-the sort of sandals, necklaces, key chains, paintings, hats and such, but this one seems the market is better known as a place to buy all kinds of Balinese garments. Starting from the typical Balinese shirts, pants Bali, Balinese sarongs, negligee, nightgowns and other Balinese casual clothes.
About the price depends on the persistence and your ability to bid. For goods in Sukawati all negotiable. So there is no benchmark price is right. But in general the price offered is quite affordable. Especially if you buy in bulk. Small tips for those who want to shop at this place, which came in the morning at 8 am to 10 noon. Because it is reportedly the best time to get a cheap price because traders just observe prayer. And they believe the goods are sold in the morning will continue in the next hour. Interesting to haggle on yours craft items on Sukawati art market ?
Several shopping tips on sukawati art market
1. Make a list of who and what items would you give a gift. This is important because it will prevent you from 'hungry eyes' when you saw a lot of good stuff and cheap offer here. 2. No less important, have a maximum budget that you will spend. Because in every experience, regardless of the amount of your money, would be exhausted, if we are not good at self-control. Remember there are still a lot of tourist destinations in Bali. 3. Do not ever hesitate to shop around first, so its important to get the goods in accordance with your shopping list. 4. Examine before buying, if you want to buy clothes, check whether the strong seams, right size, and color when buying clothes, make sure the color does not fade. 5. And most importantly, do not hesitate to haggle. After spending a couple of times, the average asking price could be reduced by 40% -60%, of course, it is strongly influenced by to skills in the bargain.
After passing by the village of Batubulan, to get to Ubud, we will pass the Celuk village. Celuk village is located in the district sukawati within 10km from the city of Denpasar. Celuk village could become a haven of considerable interest, especially for those of you who like to see and buy jewelry made from gold and silver. Gold and silver handicrafts are produced in Celuk villages have a high-grade quality and able to produce in large quantities. Various types and creations of jewelry , both as an export commodity and souvenirs, manufactured in the village such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, studs, Bross and various other types of jewelry.
As a tourist village, Celuk can be visited every day for a closer look to the worker who are creating the gold and silver jewelry with high quality. Celuk tourist village is becoming known as a silvers mith area since 1976. According to information from some villagers in Celuk, at that time, there were only 3 silver craftsmen in the village. They are making jewelry from silver, which then place it in front of the house. When the development of tourism began to be felt in Bali and many tourists who flock to the island, eventually emerging new silver craftsmen which follow the three steps of the craftsmen.
Entering Celuk village on either side of the road, there are so many lined art shop. Almost all display and sell silver and gold. Various models and forms neatly displayed in glass display case, making it easier for visitors to choose and see the variety and creativity of gold and silver in the village. The gold and silvers craft exhibition space are big enough, you can find in some shops along the main highway, and this room is usually crowded by tourists group. If you are interested, do not be awkward to go and see the jewelry. For happily, art shop keeper will let us go and see for the crafts that they display.
Art shop keeper was usually dressed in mild traditional uniform, but some are dressed in uniforms from each art shop. The shelves display U-shaped followed the shape of the room. Craft items organized by categories whether it be jewelry, utensils, or ornaments. On the shelves of jewelry, rings will be on display together or side by side with the earrings, brooches, bracelets, pendants, chains, and similar. Glasses will be display on near the kettle, dishes, order desk, spoons, and forks. While fan, miniature motorcycles, gadang home miniature, giant lock, tricycles, and other displays will be next to each other. Tourists are also allowed to visit the workshop of making silver and gold handycrafts. You can see up close how the gold and silver were processed into handicrafts that have a high quality value. Here you can also order jewelery to suit your taste if given samples or sketches.
In general craft items on display, they have been attached by label of the price, but visitors who intend to buy can make an offer. Prospective buyers may bid to get the price as they wish. Sometimes, the buyer managed to get the craft items that they want at half of the price from price tag. If you are interested in buying jewelry souvenir in form of gold or silver , its better to stop by the Celuk village first.
Tips for buying jewelry in Celuk village
1. To facilitate the bidding process and obtain the appropriate price according to you, you'd better bring a friend or relative who can speak Balinese. 2. Before deciding to buy jewelry here, watch and carefully for the jewelry in advance, whether it is in conformity with the design you want? Do not hesitate to ask and look more closely at the jewelry you want to buy. 3. According to some sellers in the shop, they do not like the tourists who talk too much but not buying the goods. So it's better for you to fully looking at to the jewelry you want to buy. 4. If you make an offer, try to bid in the rupiah and bargain up to half price , if you're lucky, you can buy jewelry at half price.
Bali Spirit Festival 2012 will be held in Bali, exactly in the Ubud area. Common route taken to get to Ubud is through Denpasar city, a city which is the provincial capital of Bali. From Denpasar to Ubud, there are some interesting places you can visit during Road trip to Ubud. The journey from Denpasar to Ubud usually through out area named Batubulan, Celuk, Sukawati, Batuan, Mas, and a few other places. This route is commonly used by tourists who are looking for trinkets and souvenirs of Bali. In this post, we will provide information about the region of Batubulan. What makes the region of Batubulan should to visit? If you ever hear about terracotta army in the land of China, with hundreds of troops, lined up and stretching complete with armor and horse-drawn carriage. All of it is statue, that looked entirely made of stone. And the region of Batubulan is the center of famous stone craft in Bali (although not as terracotta figurines earlier). Hundreds of statues of various shapes and types, displayed along the road from the Batubulan village to Silakarang . Batubulan is located approximately 10 miles from the city of Denpasar and 17 km from the city of Gianyar. Batubulan village adjacent to the Celuk village and Singapadu and have similarities in terms of art, such as: the art of dance, sculpture and a variety of percussion enticing.
Stone carving is actually the main mark of Batubulan village since very long time ago which is around 1970s. The first sculpture, just like wooden carving use the main object were various myth such as the epic of Ramayana, Mahabharata, and others. Until now actually most of their sculptures are still using this traditional ethnic figures, very few new designs or creation. Only the enrichement of materials are found to be bearing more type of figures. In this area, visitors can see up close how the statue was made, even if you are interested, you can buy them as souvenirs. Batubulan stone sculpture are made of from material called "paras", A kind of porous volcanic rock that has a soft texture and light. Yet the variation of stone carving is considered has been experincing a great developement in the choice of materials, not only natural stone, but also created from cement and concrete.
The resulting sculptures are very diverse. ranging from statue of humans, animals, boats, and many others. Finely carved on stone, is a hallmark which well known from the maker of statue in this region. Almost all statue which used as a gate keeper on every temple in Bali, was the result of statue maker in the region of Batubulan. Come to a temple which is located 200 meters to the east of the highway. This temple called Pura Paseh. This temple decoration is unique and different from pretending that exist in Bali in general. Pura paseh combines elements of Hindu and non Hindu culture.
If you are lucky and comes at the right time, you can see some of art performance organized by a few souvenir shops around the region Batubulan. Usually they show dance Barong and Rangda. The show usually done in collaboration with tour organizers. As a tourism object and stone carving business area, Batubulan village is visited by tourist of foreign countries and domestic since in the morning time until evening time. At 09:00-10:30 am daily, Barong Dance is held while at 18:00-19:00 pm, the Kecak Dance or Bali Night performances are executed.
Be prepared while you are visiting Bali at the end of next March. Because in Bali, exactly in Ubud region, there will be held a festival that is feasible for you to attend. The festival named is BaliSpirit FESTIVAL. Bali Spirit Festival is an annual celebration of yoga, dance and music. Bali Spirit Festival is always eagerly anticipated by fans, as recognized by most of the visitors that this festivity had a lot of inspiration. Do not be surprised if tickets are sold, although expensive is always sold out, even well before the festival was held. The festival has experienced success since it first opened in 2008. It is recognized is exceptional in terms of organization, networking and coordination.
The BaliSpirit Festival is indeed a celebration of the richness of culture, the sanctity of the environment and harmony between people of all nations. Balispirit Festival more than just a vibrant and uplifting festival of yoga, dance, and music. It celebrates connecting sacred world music and dance from many cultures and traditions with yoga and universal spiritual practices. The BaliSpirit Festival is becoming a model for presenting inspirational, sacred performing arts with healthy lifestyle education and cooperative, peaceful community action which awakens and nourishes each individual’s potential for positive change within, leading to positive change in our homes, in our communities, and around the world.
Bali is internationally recognized as a unique center of healing energy, arts & culture. Spectacular spas, tropical resorts, holistic practitioners and artists from around the world make Bali the world's leading destination for yoga & spiritual retreats, artist workshops, yoga vacation, deep healing & serious relaxation. This festival brings a variety of art activities such as unique series of concerts features and knits together the distinctive traditional rhythms of Africa, Indonesia and Australia with the contemporary music of the rest of the world.
The BaliSpirit Festival takes place at two of the most stunning venues in Ubud: Purnati Centre for the Arts and Arma Resort and Museum.
1. Purnati Center for the Arts, Batuan Just 15 minutes south of Ubud. The majestic daytime Festival grounds of Purnati contain sprawling green lawns, a large swimming pool, 5 workshop spaces and 3 healing bungalows. At the base of the property and near a holy temple, there is a blessed river flowing through.
2. Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) – Jln Pengoseken, Ubud. Located on the South end of Ubud Center, ARMA is a 15 minutes walking distance from central Ubud and every transport driver in town knows its location, so it is easy to find.
Bali spirit festival will be held on March 28th until April 1st, 2012. For more info, please visit his official website at http://www.balispiritfestival.com
If you want to find another alternative tourist attractions beside the island of Bali. You may visit the island of Sulawesi as your destination. Sulawesi is one major islands in Indonesia. Wakatobi, Selayar and Takabonerate, is one of many small and beautiful islands around large Sulawesi island. Sulawesi is an island that holds group of very beautiful little islands, you can visit as a place to perform various beaches and diving activities. This time, we will invite you to look at one small island in Sulawesi located in the southern city of Makassar. The island is known as Samalona island.
Administratively, the island is located in the Makassar Strait, or rather on the southwest coast of South Sulawesi and the western entrance Wajo districts with a distance of about 2 km. Samalona island can be seen clearly from the Citadel Fort Rotterdam in the Keling - Makassar with a distance of only about 500 meters from the edge of the cliff fortress Fort Rotterdam. Samalona island is a coral archipelago with a circular area 2.34 acres. with a diameter of not more than 100 m2 with a height of land about 3 meters above sea level. The island has white sand with its cool air and the green line of trees and lush.
The main attraction on this island is diving and snorkeling. The clearly blue ocean water expanse with golden sand circled around these small island, the water was very clear to be able to compel every traveler who came to this remote island willing to swim or dive among the colorful fish. There were seven ships belonging to some countries directly involved in World War 2. Various types of cargo ships either, warships or submarines were sunk in the waters around the Samalona island. This makes some diving spot were so mysterious and beautiful. In addition, you can also enjoying sunset or sunrise time on the island. To reach the island of Samalona is not difficult, the tourists can rent / charter a boat from a population of around Losari Napier City. Boat rental prices between Rp 350 - 500 thousand depending on the negotiations, with a capacity of 10 people mileage required approximately 45 minutes.
Samalona island does have a stunning beauty, and is perfect for Cast Away holiday concept, because although the location of the island is pretty close to Makassar city, but its provide another setting that's so quiet away from technology, it could be the main attraction for tourists who are fed up of activities and want to be alone in a remote island. Natural beauty and friendly people at the island of Samalona make the travelers do not forget to visit one of Indonesia's wealth of nations.
Travel Tips
1. Lodging prices between Rp 300,000 - Rp 500,000 for each day, before deciding, it is better, for you to check the condition of existing facilities. 2. One set of rents snorkeling equipment is more than Rp 30.000 until Rp 50.000 . Consider for the feasibility of the tools you will use. 3. If you want to see sunrise and sunset, went to the island during the day and returned to Makassar on the next day, and avoid to come in the rainy season. 4. On this island there is no fresh water unless you want to buy with expensive price, bring enough drinking water, adjust the length of your stay time on the island. 5. Bring mosquito repellent lotion.
If you are planning to travel to Indonesia in this February, especially with Lombok island as your major destination. Do not miss a festival that is very interesting to visit. The festival is named "Bau Nyale". Bau Nyale is a festival that always held regularly on the Lombok island. The festival is held right on 16 point of the southern coast which extends as far as tens kilometers from east to west in Central Lombok, such as Kaliantan Beach, Kuta Beach or Selong Belanak Beach. And the most attractive view is in Seger Beach, Kuta village, Central Lombok.
On 12-13 February 2012 Sasak society, the dominant ethnic group who inhabit Lombok island, West Nusa Tenggara, will hold a traditional ceremony of Bau Nyale, a regular festival which celebrated in Lombok, five days after the full moon day of the 20th or 10th month in traditional Sasak calendar. The word "Bau" in Lombok means catch, while the "Nyale" is a kind of sea worm that only appears on the surface several times a year near the beach.
Bau Nyale Festival is basically as a ritual to catch sea worms that come out at Kuta beach area in certain months. Several worms in green color, brown, orange until red is going out at midnight to early morning when the coastal sea began to recede. These worms are captured, and will be consumed by people of Sasak then cooked and eaten together. According to some explanation from the experts, the worms that captured in this festival are very good for consumption because so rich in protein.
The festival will feature some variety of traditional competitions such as bekayaq, cikolaq, peresean, begambus, unrequited rhyme and paddle boat race. There are also performing arts like colossal drama which talk about Princess Mandalika, shadow puppets, penginang robek and theater legend of Nyale Princess.
Bau Nyale Festival is attracting for many people. Not only for the society in Lombok island, but also for the visitors who want to see the uniqueness of this festival. All visitors directly can participate to capture the Nyale / Worms at the festival. The festival is also have a means of unity among society and visitors in the island of Lombok. As one of the artistic richness of Indonesian culture, Bau Nyale Festival has become a pride for society in Lombok island.
There are so many interesting places you can visits in Indonesia, and one of them is in the town that lies between Semarang and Salatiga. The city is known as Ambarawa . In addition , Ambarawa stored a rich culture and history behind their beautiful nature. The most historical place stored in Ambarawa is the Railway Museum. This museum had a lot of train completeness ever victorious in his day. The museum is also claimed to be the only museum in the world with many of steam locomotives collection, and still able to climb the mountain. In colonial times, All the train in this station is used as a means of public transport to serve passengers and agricultural products around the site.
To traverse the hilly area, in the middle of the railway there is a special metal plate according to make it easier while climbing the hill. Ambarawa Railway Museum has a collection of 21 major steam locomotive. Some of them, have a high historical value, the C28 locomotive German factory-made, was helping the fugitive of President Sukarno from Jakarta to Yogyakarta in 1946. While the locomotive D5106 had served in Hedjaz Railway and transport paths of pilgrims as well as the Turkish army logistics.
The famous one of the steam locomotive number B 2502 and B 2503 made in Maschinenfabrik Esslingen are still able to conduct business as a tourist railway today. Toothed steam train is unique and is one of three remaining rural steam locomotive in the world. Two of them were in Switzerland and India. In addition to the unique collection, you can still see the different types of steam locomotives, strating from types B, C, and D with most major types of CC (CC 5029, Schweizerische Lokomotiv und Maschinenfabrik) in front of the Museum .
Entering Ambarawa Railway Museum is like passing through a time machine. Because the nuances of ancient times are still very strong, as seen from the old equipment such as the old-fashioned telephones, typewriters, adding machines, cable machines, the old stamp tickets, to a variety of hats machinist and another equipment that makes you feel like returning to the past. In addition, there are historical photographs of railways in Indonesia and another ancient objects are still stored either in a shelf made of glass.. On either side of the buildings lined up a comfortable old wooden chair if you want to enjoy the fresh evening breeze.
In the holiday season, weekend, or when there was a lot of tourists, The green tourist train carriage covered with yellow ornament has a capacity of 15-20 passengers will be run along the rail Ambarawa - Tuntang. This train carriage usually pulled by a locomotive B5202 or B5203 which is the old locomotives made Maschinenfabriek Esslingen, Germany. For every tourist who want to feel the riding experience of the locomotive train. These museums charge a fee of 3.5 million rupiah (+ / - 400 USD) for a travel route using the old train that can carry up to a maximum of 40 people.
The course of history "old days" had a distance of about 20 miles round trip, from Ambarawa station to Bedono station in two hours travel time. Although old, the only remaining locomotive in three places in the world is still able to pull carriages and climb mountains to Bedono Station. Even the rates are very expensive for departure comparable to gained the experience while riding the jagged steam train is worthed. Along the way, your eyes will be spoiled with the charming landscape of rice paddies and fields with Mountain Merbabu and Ungaran as a backcground, and Pening Swamp in the distance. Not just a mere excursion train, the journey is both a trail of railway tracks in Indonesia.
Location Railway Museum Ambarawa JI. Ambarawa station. No.1 Ambarawa phone: (0298) 591035 Get tickets Adults: Rp 3,000 / people Children: Rp 2,000 / people
Train travel Jagged Train Travel Packages from Ambarawa station - Bedono Rp 3.25 million for capacities of 40 people as far as 9 km (rates subject can change according to the price of fuel wood ) * Updated November 2011. Tourism Lori Ambarawa station - Tuntang 5 km at a cost of Rp 10.000 / people at least 15 people.
Additional Information Every year after 5 days from Eid-ul Fitri day, the manager opened the opportunity for tourists who want to ride the Locomotive Steam Railway Jagged individually with cost of Rp 100,000, - per-person by one trip daily schedule in the morning.
