Island tourism

vacation at the beach ujung genteng

2011-06-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

Edge tiles are located in Sukabumi, West Java. To reach it takes about 6 to 7 hours from Jakarta. Time is not a little dizzy. Distance of more than 200 kilometers plus the state of roads that have not been too good to make it takes a long time to reach the end tile.

Beaches in this region is the south coast of Java Island which is the coast of the Indian Ocean. However, because of the rocks in a sea before the shore making big waves that come fragmented, so the waves on the beach is not too large. Sea water is still clear soyou can settle for enjoying the scenery and enjoy the crystal clearwater beaches. In fact you can see coral reefs and beautiful fishare colorful without having to dive or snorkel. This beach is also aperfect place to enjoy the sunset or sunset.

Changi Beach Park

2011-01-24T07:06:00.000-08:00

Changi Beach Park, sprawling over 28 hectares of land, is one of the oldest coastal parks in Singapore. It is known for its boardwalk running with the coast, linking the Changi Beach Club to the Changi Sailing Club. Enjoying the sea breeze on the coast is definitely a pleasant experience.

Synopsis

Country	Singapore
Location	North-Eastern Singapore
Accommodation	Hotels, bungalows and campsites
Dining	Nasi Lemak and sea food

Beach Attractions

The Beach Park, in the vicinity of Changi village, is a nice place for passing some time in leisure. Along with fine sandy stretches, the prominent attractions of the place are Chek Jawa and the Boardwalk. Chek Jawa is a newly-found eco haven at Pulau Ubin island which has also led to the construction of new ferry terminal at Changi village. Sri Ramar Temple at Changi Village is also a good place to see.

The Beach Park is good for activities like fishing, golf and jogging. Sunrise and sunset vistas of the Park are also appreciated.

The Boardwalk
A 1.2 km boardwalk along the scenic coast connects the Changi Beach Club to the Changi Sailing Club. One passes amidst several heritage trees when on the way to the walk. The boardwalk comprises four segments:

Sunset Walk: It provides glorious views of the sunset over Changi point, with massive boulders working as a backdrop.

Kelong Walk: This stretch has kelong stilts built over water, giving one an idea of the old Kelong days.

Cliff Walk: Passing through verdant landscape, the walk is located just below the hilltop chalets. Viewing decks on this stretch give lovely views.

Sailing Point Walk: One can enjoy open sea walking on this stretch.

How to Reach
Visitors can take several buses of SBS Transit bus services which drop the visitors at various bus stops along the length of the beach. The tourists can also get down from the vehicle at Changi Village Bus Terminal.

Accommodation & Dining
Few hotels and bungalows provide lodging to the visitors. The beach assumes the role of a camping site on the weekends.

The food centre at Changi Village is known for its dish nasi lemak and sea food. Some other food courts are also present at the place. One can purchase other things of necessity from the grocery shops of the village.

http://singapore.tourism-asia.net/changi-beach.html

Bidadari Island Tour

2011-01-13T03:28:00.000-08:00

Supported by accomodation facilities, special building cottage with Menado ethnic , floating cottages with fishing settlement, meeting room, restaurant, bar, souvenir shop, Cheroke, Discotheque, billiard and exciting sport facilities, volley beach, table tennis and much more which may be conducted during enjoying recreation.Bidadari island is very steady please for family vacation, recreation of the company employees and meeting or other activities which can be done in funy relation.
And one unique facility which is offered as the onlyone in Indonesia is outbond training or teambuilding challenge matra bahari ( sea bases ) located in Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Island).

ROOM ONLY
COTTAGE			WEEKDAY	WEEKEND
Deluxe
Family
Suite
Boat transportation Return/pax

PACKAGE RATES
ONE DAY TOUR			WEEKDAY	WEEKEND
Adult Children up 2 yrs old			Rp. 265.000,-	Rp.265.000,-
Included :Boat Return,Welcome Drink, Lunch,Asuransi, Tax & Services 21%

FULLBOARD PACKAGE	WEEKDAY	ADDNIGHT	WEEKEND	ADDNIGHT
Price Per person Twin share	WEEKDAY	ADDNIGHT	WEEKEND	ADDNIGHT
Deluxe	Rp. 580.000,-	Rp. 500.000,-	Rp. 775.000,-	Rp. 695.000,-
Family	Rp. 712.000,-	Rp. 635.000,-	Rp. 1.020.000,-	Rp. 950.000,-
Suite	Rp. 880.000,-	Rp. 800.000,-	Rp. 1.323.000,-	Rp. 1.250.000,-
Single Supplement	Rp. 388.000,-	Rp. 388.000,-	Rp. 388.000,-	Rp. 388.000,-
Extra Bed	Rp. 60.000,-		Rp. 60.000,-

FULLBOARD PACKAGE	WEEKDAY	ADDNIGHT	WEEKEND	ADDNIGHT
Price Per person Quart share	WEEKDAY	ADDNIGHT	WEEKEND	ADDNIGHT
Deluxe	Rp. 464.000,-	Rp. 385.000,-	Rp. 560.000,-	Rp. 490.000,-
Family	Rp. 530.000,-	Rp. 440.000,-	Rp. 680.000,-	Rp. 600.000,-
Suite	Rp. 614.000,-	Rp. 530.000,-	Rp. 835.000,-	Rp. 775.000,-
Fullboard package included :Boat Return, Welcome Drink, 3x meals, Cottage, Asuransi, Tax & service 21%

Fasilities Bidadari Island

6 Romantic Island for Honeymoon

2011-01-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

You intend to pass the honeymoon or wedding anniversary, but do not have a recommendation? Six islands have to offer the following tours for you and your romantic partner.

Apart from the many islands in Indonesia out of hand, as an archipelagic country, Indonesia has many advantages. The beauty of the landscape radiated from the thousands of islands in Indonesia, thus potentially be used as a tourist destination.

Here, the recommendation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for the six islands attract a decent romantic nan you visit with your partner.

1. Pulau Bintan, Riau
Teletak Bintan Island in Riau Islands Province. Its natural beauty with gleaming white sand, blue sea water, and pepohonaan. It's a combination that makes this island so beautiful. In this island there are many resorts that can be rented for honeymoon, private beach, dive tourism, and culinary tourism can be an alternative during their honeymoon.

2. Kaliurang, Yogyakarta

Ground is 28 kilometers north of Yogyakarta city center, precisely in the hamlet of Kaliurang, Hargobinangun, Pakem, Sleman. Ground has now become an area of natural and cultural attractions that lure.

Kaliurang is suitable as a place to honeymoon. The cool weather and natural background with a gurgling mountain stream really make a very romantic honeymoon.

3. Senggigi Beach, Lombok

This beach is located on the west coast of Lombok. The atmosphere and the beautiful underwater scenery is so charming. The waves are not too big to add romance honeymoon.

4. Moyo Island, West Nusa Tenggara

If you want to really feel the world belong to both, there's no harm in choosing Moyo Island in West Nusa Tenggara, as a honeymoon. The terrain is still quiet and authentic, but fear not there is no facility.

There was a cottage-cottage which provides various facilities. In addition to the white sand, coral reefs there are also complete with colorful marine fish. Not to forget the waterfalls and natural pools.

5. Village Ubud, Bali
The village is famous for its culture and natural beauty. Here, you and your partner will feel the peace of mind by looking at the green mountains and beautiful terraced rice fields. The village is also believed to provide a million inspirations.

6. Bunaken, Manado, North Sulawesi

In this island there is an exotic Bunaken Marine Park. Bunaken Marine Park is one of the sea that has the highest marine biodiversity in the world.

10 Places Romantic Valentine's Tour

2011-01-04T06:57:00.000-08:00

1. Parai Beach Tenggiri, Sungailiat, Bangka.In a resort called Parai Beach Resort &Spa which has the most complete facilities andfamous on the island of Bangka. Whitesandy beaches with ornaments typical of granite boulders, making it as a romanticplace to soothe and pamper you and of course the couple. In this place you can alsoair-water sport.2. Ubud, Bali.Speaking of romantic places, sketchy if not included in the list of your vacation in Bali.One of the areas in Bali which has romantic attractions is Ubud. By relying on the naturalbeauty of hills, valleys, fields, and villas / resorts beautiful and lush3. Prambanan Temple complex.The atmosphere feels different to you eat at a restaurant located in this temple complexin Yogyakarta.4. Umang Island.Located far from the hustle and bustle of the city. The island hasmanaged the resort is located in Banten Province. Objects being offered are a tropicalbeach. You can enjoythe beautiful scenery, candle light dinner on the beach or theair-water sport.5. Kampung Sampireun.Resort is located in Garut, West Java this can be said to be anexotic place for its naturalbeauty and ambiance that are still beautiful and takes the concept of rural. Eve is cooland resorts in the middle of the lake more and make youfeel at home for long in this place.6. Tourism Kampoeng Tabek Belle.Tourist attraction that is located alongside a city ofBandar Lampung offers a seductiveatmosphere for you and your partner to berkasih.Resort and cafenya impressedromantic moonlight dinner and provide mood.
7. Senggigi Beach, Lombok. Resorts on the white sandy beach is able to provide a romantic and tranquilatmosphere. Keelokannya able to tempt you to sit on it to forget all the routines of life.There you and your partner can breathe fresh air while enjoying theviews of the sea of blue and green shades to award the most beautiful piece of twilightfor her lover.8. Resto Peak Building, Jakarta.The capital Jakarta has many interesting and romanticplaces that you can choose toberomantis fun with a partner, from the beach to the top of the building. To feel a different atmosphere and fantastic try her candle light dinner on the rooftop Menara Imperium. From the top level you can enjoy views of sparkling city of Jakarta on the floor of the restaurant which can rotate so that different points of view of Jakarta could be seen without having to move from my seat.9. Nature Tourism Bangkirai Hill, East Kalimantan.Nature and adventure tourism regionis located in Samboja district, Kutai regency, about 58 km from the city of Balikpapan.For those who liked the atmosphere a little challengeor adventure, may be able to inviteyour partner to better enjoy the scenery of tropical rainforest is protected.10. National Parks and National Park Wasur Cendrawasih, Papua.Maybe if you andbarely considered a national park with flora and fauna in the unity ofecosystems as aromantic place, you should come to the National Park in MeraukeWasur with variousspecies of mammals or Cenderawasih Bay National Park withvarious species of marine life and beautiful coral. Wherever you travel valentine,romantic atmosphereshould be fostered. In addition to mood, the selection of the placeis also very crucial.Happy valentine day trips.
Source : Majalah Travel Club

package tour new year 2011

2010-12-28T22:09:00.000-08:00

LOMBOK TOUR NEW YEAR 2011
3 DAYS - 2 NIGHTS
Edition: 30 Dec - 1 January 2011 (High Seasion)

Tour Facilities:

"Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner Local Restaurant (Under the program)
"Hotel / Lodging AC tailored to your request
"cold mineral water during tours (soft drinks)
"Cidomo Ward
"AC Transport + Driver + Petrol
"Charter Boat Gili Trawangan (p-p)
"Souvenir Typical Lombok
"Tour Guide (Guide)
"Admission Tourism

Facilities not included:
"Air tickets
"snorkeling & diving equipment and others that are not mentioned in this tour package

Price per org tour packages according to hotel / inn star
(Min 2-4 org):
"Senggigi Beach **** / 2 nights: Rp.1.770.000
"The Jayakarta **** / 2 nights: Rp.1.795.000
"Holiday Resort **** / 2 nights: Rp.1.795.000
"The Santosa **** / 2 nights: Rp.1.795.000
"Lombok Raya *** / 2 nights: Rp.1.695.000
"Grand Legi *** / 2 nights: Rp.1.745.000
"Graha Beach *** / 2 nights: Rp.1.745.000
"Lombok Garden ** / 2 nights: Rp.1.645.000
"Puri Saron *** / 2 nights: Rp.1.645.000
"Puri Mas **** / 2 nights: Rp.1.870.000
"Puri Bunga ** / 2 nights: Rp.1.525.000

our package price per person according to hotel / inn star
(Min 5-9 org):
"Senggigi Beach **** / 2 nights: Rp.1.645.000
"The Jayakarta **** / 2 nights: Rp.1.685.000
"Holiday Resort **** / 2 nights: Rp.1.685.000
"The Santosa **** / 2 nights: Rp.1.685.000
"Lombok Raya *** / 2 nights: Rp.1.535.000
"Grand Legi *** / 2 nights: Rp.1.610.000
"Graha Beach *** / 2 nights: Rp.1.610.000
"Lombok Garden ** / 2 nights: Rp.1.455.000
"Puri Saron *** / 2 nights: Rp.1.455.000
"Puri Mas **** / 2 nights: Rp.1.765.000
"Puri Bunga ** / 2 nights: Rp.1.255.000

source:http://www.garudawisatalombok.com/2010/09/wisata-tahun-baru-2011-3-hari-2-malam.html

Honeymoon Budget in bali

2010-12-28T08:43:00.000-08:00

The beauty of Bali is that you could rent a beachfront bungalow for an entire month, and it might only cost you in the neighborhood of $300—total. Sure, you'll likely pay a bit more in airfare, but your expenses once you arrive will be paltry. You can have massages at your private villa for $30 an hour. Or take surfing lessons in the mornings, before heading to a local hut for fried rice with eggs and a fresh fruit smoothie to fill your belly afterward.

Meals at the most expensive restaurants in Bali will run you less than $40 each, though you can find street food for mere coins. Plus, if your new marital home needs to be furnished, you can find beautiful, authentic teak pieces, dining room sets, Buddha statues, intricate pillows and linens, heirlooms, and more at stores like Udiyana Prima Cargo and Kenny Furniture & Antique for a fraction of the price you'd pay back home (and that includes the shipping costs).

Check rental agency Elite Havens for a variety of Indonesian villas in a range of costs and locations. Or if you prefer a resort instead, try the boutique-y Rama Garden Hotel for a steal of a price, $54 a night, or the Kori Ubud in the popular rural region of Ubud, which offers five-star luxury at three-star prices (rooms are as low as $180 a night).

Traditional Reog Ponorogo

2010-12-28T05:56:00.000-08:00

Reog is a traditional dance that become the main identity for Ponorogo regency.
Because of this, Ponorogo is also known as Reog city.
This theatre has been known wide in Indonesian even foreign tourists.
Reog National Festival is held every years along the anniversary of Ponorogo regency and Grebeg Suro celebration.
Reog dance is also staged full moon nightly in paseban, Ponorogo Town Square.
Reog told about the struggle for a prince who will propose to a lovely pretty princess .
This dance is staged about 25 - 40 dancers and the musician.
The interesting of Reog is his main leading figure named Singo Barong.
The dancer of Singo Barong bear the mask about 30 - 40 kg weight and supported by the strength of their teeth.
The other leading figure in Reog include Kelono Sewandono, Bujang Anom, Jatil and Warok.
The visitors can enjoy this traditional dance only in Ponorogo, East Java - Indonesia. The only area that has REOG dance is Ponorogo, not in other country.

GREBEG SURO
Is the biggest culture event in Ponorogo regency that held on a certain occasion of welcomed Islam New Year or Saka New Year that often known as one suro date (one of Javanese month). This agenda entered East Java tourism calendar (Calendar of event). Grebeg Suro is the ritual culture incident and became the party site of Ponorogo people. Usually it begun a week before 1 Suro.
It is the series of Grebeg Suro agenda is Reog National festival, various good activity sorts the race and the exhibition and ended with Larungan agenda in Ngebel lake. The parade of the elephant statue that consist of the musical procession and the elephant statues. Those statues have received by human kind and climbed onto by two children. This art is has influenced by Islam culture.

Odrot
Musical Art that influenced by Islam performance art, usually staged at the wedding reception or circumcision.

Kongkil
Art that combined the element of the dance and traditional music.
This art is usually staged by less than 10 people of gamelan beater and the dancer, the interesting one from this art is its musical instrument that formed blown big bamboo.

Hotel in Kuta Bali Honeymoon

2010-12-28T04:36:00.000-08:00

Hotels in Kuta, Bali.
Selected discounted rates for Kuta Hotels and cheap accommodation in Kuta and hotels in Tuban.

Listing of Bali Hotels in Kuta and Tuban. Kuta is only 7 minutes drive from the Airport of Bali. It is one of the most famous holiday destination within Bali. Kuta Beach offers range of accommodation and hotels both beach front location or along the busiest Jalan Legian. We have listed some recommended hotels in Kuta and Tuban Bali to suit your expectation and budget. Stay in Kuta and get our discount hotels rates ! Book your hotels in Kuta Balithrough us.?

Kuta was formerly a small fishermen village and has become a urban place for international tourist from around the world. This famous Kuta is located between Tuban Resort on the south and Legian on the north. It is around 10 minutes drive from Bali International Airport and is around 25 minutes by car from Benoa Harbour.
Kuta is internationally famous for its long & wide white sandy beach as an ideal place for surfing and swimming. If you walk along the main road of Jalan Pantai Kuta, you will be attracted with a spectacular view of the clear blue sea water and its gently waves from the Indian Ocean.

Kuta is also well-known as the hub of other Bali tourist area and is the place to start your holiday. It is within easy access from Tuban, Legian, Seminyak, Denpasar and Sanur. When you are staying with one of the hotels in Kutaand hotels in Tuban and Legian, you will be able to take a walk or ride a taxi to the center of Kuta Shopping Paradise, night life and entertainments.

Further to the southern part of Kuta Beach is Tuban Beach Resort. It is one of Bali tourist resort with hundred of Kuta hotels from simple accommodation up to luxury five star hotels and private villas. Most of the hotels in Kuta and Tuban are located by the beach front while others are just opposite the main street of Jalan Kartika Plaza.

ALL BOOKINGS ARE HANDLED ON REQUEST ONLY.
INSTANT CONFIRMATION IS AVAILABLE FOR CERTAIN HOTELS in KUTA.

source :http://www.bali-travelnet.com/bali_hotels-kuta.php

Dubai Hotels

2010-12-28T04:26:00.000-08:00

his newly renovated Dubai hotel brings together the charm of Arabian hospitality and modern day luxury. Conveniently located near the Dubai International Airport, Cargo Village and the Airport Expo, this 5-star hotel provides easy access to some of Dubai’s most popular shopping spots, and offers complimentary shuttle service to Deira City Centre Mall. With the historic Dubai Creek close by, guests can enjoy a stroll of the area, or take a romantic dinner cruise on a “Dhow”, a traditional Arabic-style sailboat. Golf lovers will appreciate the 2 world-class golf clubs nearby. Also in vicinity are a number of historical and cultural sites, such as the Dubai Museum, the Bastakiya, and Heritage Village, where visitors can learn about Dubai’s earlier days. Boasting the largest conference facilities in the city, the Al Bustan Rotana is touted as one of the “Best Business Hotels in Dubai”. Take in the stunning atrium with its natural landscaping and beautiful waterfalls. The Al Bustan Rotana houses a number of fine restaurants, including the Award-Winning Blue Elephant Restaurant noted for its fine Thai cuisine and ambiance. The Al Bustan Rotana also offers its guests access to a Private Beach Club. Those looking for a nice evening out, need look no further than the hotel’s nightclub called Oxygen, a popular one in Dubai.

Location

This centrally located hotel in Al Garhoud and just minutes away from Dubai International Airport.

Hotel Features

Top Business Hotel : rated one of the "Best Business Hotels in Dubai"

Largest Conference Facilities in the City : Largest Conference Facilities in the City with State-of-the-Art Technology.

Award-Winning International Cuisine : Award-Winning International Cuisine from Restaurants s such as the Blue Elephant and Behihana’s.

Access to Private Beach Club. : Access to Private Beach Club.

Hotel Facilities

- Access to Private Beach	- Banquet Facilities	- Beauty Salon
- Beauty Salon	- Business Center	- Car Rental
- Conference/Meeting Rooms	- Currency Exchange	- Express Check-In/Check-Out
- Facilities for the Disabled	- Fitness Center	- Laundry Services
- Parking	- Physician On Call	- Sauna/Spa
- Swimming Pool	- Tennis and Squash Courts	- Tour Desk

Guest Rooms

Air Conditioning
Balcony
Dial-Up Internet
International Direct Dial Phone
Satellite TV

Restaurants & Bars

Aquarius: Enjoy snacks at this poolside snack bar.
Benihana’s: This American-Japanese Restaurant offers a great dining experience. Watch as the Chefs prepare your meal right in front of you.
Blue Elephant: Experience some of the best Thai Cuisine in the City at this award-winning restaurant.
Choices: For a fantastic International Buffet, Choices is the place.
Come Prima Restaurant: This restaurant serves up the finest of Italian Cuisine.
Gazebo: For a lighter fare, there is Gazebo, the hotel’s café and lobby lounge.
Mawal Restaurant: Experience authentic Lebanese Cuisine while enjoying its live entertainment and exotic belly-dancing.
Rodeo Grill Steakhouse: "Sink your teeth” into a nice juicy steak at this great steakhouse.

Cancellation Policy

A full refund is applicable when cancellation is done 3 days prior to arrival, else 02 nights will be charged at BB rates. No show/ Early departure, full booking duration is applicable. Name change is considered as cancellation.

Child Policy

Children below 5 years of age stay free of charge on the same meal plan when sharing the same beddings. Children between 6 & 12 years are charged for extra beddings and are entitled to free breakfast in addition to 50% discount on other meals.

Indonesian food

2008-02-04T17:37:00.000-08:00

Introduction

Geographic and cultural diversity, together with a long history of visiting foreign merchants and colonists, have produced Indonesia's unique cuisine, which is still largely unknown to the outside world with the possible exception of the Netherlands.

The Chinese introduced nasi goreng (fried rice with vegetables), mie (noodles) stir-frying and the wajang (wok), the Indians their curries and spices (notably cardamom, coriander, cumin, ginger, onions and garlic), the Spanish chilli, peanuts and tomatoes while the Dutch have left their mark with sweets and cakes, and of course rijstaffel ( a selection of up to 40 dishes of meat, vegetables and rice served in individual bowls).

Indonesian cuisine continues to adopt ingredients and technologies – thanks to the Indonesian people's open-mindedness towards the new and their ability to give the new dishes a 'local twist'. For example, at a McDonalds in Indonesia, a Big Mac comes with chilli and you can even order McSatay!

How Indonesians eat

Indonesians eat relatively simple but delicious meals. Indonesian food is essentially 'peasant' cuisine – fresh, simple ingredients, combined with a subtle blend of spices, resulting in a delicious, inexpensive meal. Eating only becomes a grand affair in Indonesia when communal feats are held to celebrate family occasions, such as weddings, funerals and circumcisions, or harvest and religious feasts, such as the end of Ramadan.

An Indonesian meal usually consists of a main rice (nasi) dish with a combination of meat, fish, chicken, vegetable and egg side dishes. The range of flavourings used in Indonesian cooking is vast. Aromatic coriander and cumin, together with chillies, lemon grass, coconut, kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) and palm sugar are all important flavourings while sambal – a hot chilli sauce – is served just about everywhere, in case the food isn't spicy enough!

Vegetables are well catered for and Indonesian cooking uses tahu (tofu, soybean cake) and tempe (fermented soybeans), which are both good sources of protein.

Traditionally, food is eaten using the fingers of the right hand (the left is considered unclean), hence the soft stickiness of their rice. However, in areas familiar with Westerners, cutlery will be provided – usually a spoon and a fork – but otherwise you'll just have to 'do as the natives do'.

Sate, nasi goreng and gado gado (vegetables with spicy peanut sauce) are some of Indonesia's most famous dishes.

Regional Food

Many dishes served in restaurants come from Java and Sumatra. The coastal areas traditionally use a wider range of spices and flavourings. Sumatran cooking blends fresh and dry spices to produce hot and spicy dishes served with plenty of rice to tone down the spices. Rendang (meat simmered in spices and coconut milk) is a traditional West Sumatran dish. The Javanese use a more subtle blend of fresh spices, together with chilli mellowed by the addition of sugar. The Sundanese people of West Java make a beautiful crisp aromatic salad (karedok).

The third region usually visited by tourists is Bali and Lombock, where you'll find delicious sate (small pieces of meat roasted on a skewer) and poultry dishes. Babi guling (roasted suckling pig) is a traditional Balinese dish.

Where to eat

Indonesians eat best at home. So an invitation to eat with any friends you make in Indonesia should not be missed! Outside the home there are a range of eating places open all day.

Snacks – soup, sate (satay), noodles, etc. – can be obtained from a kaki lima (food cart). The smaller ones are mobile and the larger ones have tables and benches nearby.

Warungs (street stalls) are simple, open-air eating-places providing a small range of dishes based on rice and one meat or vegetable. A good place for warungs is at the pasar malam (night market). It's unlikely you'll find a menu in them – either ask for what you want or have a look and see what others are eating.

Rumah makan (eating house) refers to anything one step above a warung, although some owners prefer to use the more western-sounding restoran. Offerings may be as simple as a warung's, but usually include more choices of meat and vegetable dishes, and spicy accompaniments.

Simple Padang restaurants are common everywhere, although they are most authentic around Padang, the West Sumatran capital from which the cuisine originates. You don't order, but are presented with plain rice and a large selection of hot and spicy meat, fish and vegetable dishes. You pay for what you eat. But beware – a lot of padang food is extremely hot!

Large hotels in places such as Jakarta and Bali often have extensive buffets, incorporating richly spiced and sauced dishes. This is a modern version of Dutch rijstaffel, which once fed planters and businessmen.

Spices, sauces and flavourings

Asam (Tamarind)

In Indonesian, asam is the name given to tamarind as well as the taste: sour. This is the pulp surrounding the pod found on the tamarind tree. It is usually sold in dried form and is mixed with water when used in curries and fish dishes.

Cengkeh (Cloves)

These are the buds of the clove tree. Once only grown in the Maluku islands, cloves were the catalyst for an intense trade war between the Dutch, English and Portuguese. You won't taste cloves much in Indonesian cooking but you will smell them burning everywhere as they're the prime ingredient in kretek (clove cigarettes).

Daun Jeruk Perut (Kaffir Lime Leaves)

These aromatic, tart-tasting leaves are used much the same way as bay leaves are – namely, added into a stock or curry then taken out before serving.

Duan Salam (Salam Leaves)

These leaves are also called 'Indonesian laurel leaves' or 'Indonesian bay leaves'. But neither name does the leaf justice. It is an aromatic ingredient added to savoury dishes.

Gula (Sugar)

The main sweetener in Indonesian cooking is gula merah (palm sugar), which is made by extracting and boiling sap from the jaka (palm tree). Unlike granulated cane sugar, palm sugar is sold as a solid block. When it comes to using the sugar, it is chipped off or even grated into the mix. (It is also what makes teh manis (sweet tea) so sweet.)

Kemiri (Candlenut)

The fleshy interior of these nuts is used to add a nutty flavour and creamy texture to dishes.

Laos & Kencur (Galangal)

Laos has the same shape and function as ginger, but is bright orange and has a more bitter taste. Also popular is kencur which has more of a kick than laos.

Minyak (Oil)

The most widely used oil is minyak kelapa (cocounut oil) as it burns at a high temperature, making it perfect for deep frying. Other types of oil include minyak kacang (peanut oil) and minyak jagung (corn oil). But coconut oil, also called minyak sawit, is the number one oil used for all types of cooking.

Pala (Nutmeg)

It's ironic that the ingredient all of Europe scrambled for in the 16th-17th centuries isn’t used very extensively in the Indonesian kitchen. The fruit of the nutmeg is made into a preserve called manisan pala and both the seed and the nutmeg's shell are dried and sold whole or as powder.

Duan Pendan (Screwpine)

This plant, named for its twisted stems, is used in traditional cooking from India to Australia. Screwpine is used in sweet dishes for its delicate fragrance and green colouring.

Terasi, Belacan (Shrimp Paste)

You'll know when you come across shrimp paste because it has a very fishy, pungent aroma. This paste is made from small shrimp that are rinsed in sea water, dried, salted, dried again then pummelled to a paste. It is left to dry for about two weeks before being shaped into blocks. As you would expect, the paste adds a fishy, salty flavour to dishes.

Chilli

Known as cabe when fresh off the bush and sambal when mashed into a paste, chillies are what make Indonesians tick and they'll add them to almost anything. If you ever fall victim to a deceptively hot chilli, don't try to extinguish the fire with water as it will only make it worse. Instead, eat some plain rice.

Sambal (Chilli sauce)

The Mexicans have salsa, the Indians chutney, but in Indonesia, the essential condiment is sambal (chilli sauce). A table set without sambal isn't set properly. Sambals come in many varieties but the base for any sambal will be chillies, garlic, shallots and salt. Here are some of the most popular varieties:

Sambal Badjak: Chilli sauce made with shallots, sugar, tamarind, galangal and shrimp paste. Fried to a caramel consistency. (Mild by Indonesian standards.)

Sambal Jeruk: Chilli sauce made with lime juice, lime peel, salt and vinegar.

Sambal Terasi: Chilli sauce made with lime and roasted shrimp paste.

Ulek: Chilli sauce made with vinegar and lots of chillies. Very spicy!

Pecel: This sauce is similar to sambal but the spice is lessened with the addition of peanuts and tomato.

Saus Kacang (Peanut Sauce)

This is one of Indonesia's most famous culinary exports, the reason being that peanut sauce is so versatile. It can be used as a condiment, as a dip or as the flavour for a main meal. It is most famous for its appearance in gado gado.

Kecap (Soy Sauce)

Every restaurant in the country provides their diners with a bottle of soy sauce (made from soybeans fermented in brine). Most provide two – kecap asin (salty soy sauce), which is the same as soy sauce found throughout the world, and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) which is thicker and sweeter.

A Recipe: Beef Rendang
Ingredients

6 cups coconut milk
2 salam leaves
2 lime leaves
1 turmeric leaf
1 cinnamon stick (3 cm)
1 lemongrass tick (10 cm)
15 cloves shallots
15 cloves garlic
1 piece of ginger (3 cm)
1 piece of galangal (3 cm)
1 nutmeg seed
2 tbs chilli paste
500g prime rump beef cut into 4 sq cm pieces (leave fat on)
Salt to taste
Method

Heat the coconut milk in an uncovered wok over a very low flame. Add the salem leaves, lime leaves, turmeric leaf, cinnamon stick and lemongrass (don't cut these up). Crush the shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal and nutmeg to a paste. For this you can use a food processor or a traditional Indonesian mortar and pestle. Add this paste, the chilli paste and the salt to the coconut milk. Once the ingredients are heated through, add the beef and leave to cook very slowly for about four hours. Once the coconut milk has been reduced to an oily paste that sticks to the meat it is ready.

Rendang is very rich, so it's best served with lots of rice and other dishes.

Millie the dog prefers Indonesian food to normal dog food!

Recommended book:
World Food Indonesia, by Patrick Witton, Lonely Planet Publications.

http://www.garudarestaurant.co.uk/food.htm

Cuisine of Indonesia

2008-02-04T17:33:00.000-08:00

Indonesian cuisine reflects the vast variety of people that live on the 6,000 populated islands that make up Indonesia. Indonesian cuisine is as diverse as Indonesian culture, and has taken on culinary influences from many sources. Throughout its history, Indonesia has been involved in trade due to its location and natural resources. Indonesia’s indigenous techniques and ingredients, at least in the Malay World parts, are influenced by India, the Middle East, China and finally Europe. Spanish and Portuguese traders brought New World produce even before the Dutch came to colonize most of Indonesia. Indonesian island of Maluku is famed as "the Spice Island" also gave contribution on the introduction of native spices to Indonesian and global cuisine.

The most popular dishes that originated in Indonesia are common across most of Asia. Popular Indonesian dishes such as satay, beef rendang, and sambals also favored in Malaysia and Singapore. Soy-based dishes, such as variations of tofu (tahu) and tempeh, are also very popular. In fact, tempeh is an adaptation of tofu to the tropical climates of Indonesia. Indonesian meals are commonly eaten with the combination of spoon in the right hand and fork in the left hand, although in many parts of the country (such as West Java) it is also common to eat with one's hands.
Rice is a staple for all classes in contemporary Indonesia,[1] and it holds a central part in Indonesian culture: it shapes the landscape; is sold at markets; and is served in most meals as a savoury and sweet food. Rice is most often eaten as plain rice (nasi putih) with just a few protein and vegetable dishes as side dishes. It is also served, however, as ketupat (rice steamed in woven packets of coconut fronds), lontong (rice steamed in banana leaves), intip (rice crackers), desserts, noodles, brem (rice wine), and nasi goreng (fried rice).[2]

It was only incorporated, however, into diets as either the technology to grow it or the ability to buy it from elsewhere was gained. Evidence of wild rice on the island of Sulawesi dates from 3000 BCE. Evidence for the earliest cultivation, however, comes from eighth century stone inscriptions from the central island of Java, which show kings levied taxes in rice. Divisions of labour between men, women, and animals that are still in place in Indonesian rice cultivation, can be seen carved into the ninth-century Prambanan temples in Central Java: a buffalo attached to a plough; women planting seedlings and pounding grain; and a man carries sheaves of rice on each end of a pole across his shoulders. In the sixteenth century, Europeans visiting the Indonesian islands saw rice as a new prestige food served to the aristocracy during ceremonies and feasts.[1]

Rice production requires exposure to the sun. Rice production in Indonesian history is linked to the development of iron tools and the domestication of water buffalo for cultivation of fields and manure for fertilizer. Once covered in dense forest, much of the Indonesian landscape has been gradually cleared for permanent fields and settlements as rice cultivation developed over the last fifteen hundred years

Regional variation

In western and central Indonesia, the main meal is usually cooked in the late morning, and consumed around midday. In many families there is no set meal time where all members are expected to attend. For this reason, most of the dishes are made such that they can last and remain edible even if left on the table in room temperature for many hours. The same dishes are then re-heated for the final meal in the evening. Most meals are built around a cone-shaped pile of long-grain, highly polished rice. A meal may include a soup, salad (or the more commonly sauteed vegetables with garlic), and another main dish. Whatever the meal, it is accompanied by at least one, and often several relishes that are called sambals.

In eastern Indonesia, where the natives are more influenced by Pacific islander cultures such as on the island of Papua and Timor, the meals can be centered around other sources of carbohydrates such as sago and/or grain.

'Padang' restaurants (Rumah Makan Padang) are found in many parts of Indonesia. These restaurants serve the cuisine of the Minangkabau people. In such a restaurant, many small dishes are brought to the table. The diners eat only what they want from this selection of dishes, and they are charged accordingly. Padang food is typically spicy, a favorite being Beef Rendang.
Snacks and street food

Bakso (meatball) seller in Bandung

In most cities it is common to see Chinese dishes such as buns and noodles sold by street vendors and restaurants alike, often adapted to become Indonesian Chinese cuisine. One common adaptation is that pork is no longer used since the majority of Indonesians are Muslims. Street and street-side vendors are common, in addition to hawkers peddling their goods on bicycles or carts. These carts are known as pedagang kaki lima - (named after the 5-foot wide footpaths in Indonesia, however some people say they are named 'five feet' after the three feet of the cart and two feet of the vendor!), and many of these have their own distinctive call or songs to announce their wares. For example, the bakso seller will hit the side of a soup bowl, whereas mie ayam is announced by hitting a wood block.
Fruit in Indonesia

Rambutan for sale at a market in Jakarta.

Indonesian markets abound with many types of tropical fruit. These are an important part of the Indonesian diet, either eaten on their own, made into desserts, or even savoury dishes (ie, rujak).

Many of these fruits are indigenous to Indonesia (Mangosteen) or the Indonesian archipelago in general (Rambutan), others have been imported from other tropical countries, although the origin of many of these fruits is disputed.

Banana and Coconut are particularly important, not only to Indonesian cuisine, but also in other uses, such as timber, bedding, roofing, oil, plates and packaging , etc.

LEMBAH HARAU

2008-02-03T03:06:00.000-08:00

Today, it is our group’s “royal” tour. We are transported northeastern to Payakumbuh, literally means swamp of kumbuh or grassy swamp. We spend the whole morning till 3.00 PM, visiting the Rumah Godang/the traditional Minang Grand House, situated at the Sungai Baringin/River Baringin. Once in the yard of Rumah Godang we are welcomed with full Minang traditional welcoming dance ceremony- Tari Pasambahan/Tari Selamat Datang. This is a very decorative and elaborate traditional dance ceremony that truly replicates Minang local customs and mannerism of welcoming visitors. Perhaps, it worth to mention “get ready with your camcorder, digital and regular camera to record this event.” Our group lunch is traditionally served and it is uniquely very Minang.

There are many events that are very popular with visiting tourists at Payakumbuh: kincir air/waterwheels, kipang jagung/a uniquely local pop corn, pandai besi/craftsmanship producing lethal and no lethal weapons from smelted iron, pertunjukan Debus/magic-based martial arts performed on special stage, pacu itik/flying duck race, monyet memetik kelapa/monkeys plucking young coconuts show, pencak silat/martial art, and traditional Minang dance troupes performing live.

To complete our groups ‘royal” tour of the day, we proceed to the majestic panoramic Lembah Harau/ the Valley of Harau. Lembah Harau is in Kabupaten Lima Puluh Kota /District of Fifty Cities. Two words that fully describe the experience at Lembah Harau, a Cagar Alam or Strict Nature Reserve: very extraordinary. The ever fresh and refreshing mountain air and atmosphere, and the steeped rock terrain contours served as the decorative backdrops to waterfalls and its rainbow mists and vapors surely put us into an uplifting soothing experience of serenity and tranquility. To those mountain climbers, this Valley promises cool physical challenges.

Ending our “royal” tour of the day is to have and to enjoy a traditional dinner at our Bukittinggi hotel with live performances by traditional Minang musicians and dance troupes.

Minangkabau culture and jungle trek

2008-02-03T02:45:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the land of the Minangkabau. The name Minangkabau is a conjunction of two words, minang ("victorious") and kabau ("buffalo").n order to immerse myself into the culture, I attended a cultural performance highlighting Minagkabau dance, costumes, music, songs and self-defence. It was a colorful and very entertaining program (40.000 rupiah)which ended with the audience being ushered onto the stage to dance away, or at least try to dance, with the performers. Before the performance, I got to meet some of Buets musicians and I was looking forward to attend their concert at the clock tower after the cultural performance but rain hampered the plan and we had to resign our self to a cafe and have a cup of Sumatra cafe instead. The next day, I left with my guide Erick for a three day jungle trip. he explained some of the peculiarities of the Minangkabay culture, pointed out plants and animals for me to so that i could learn about everything from jackfruit to bamboo to batuang and cinnamon trees and cardiomon and bitter leaves, coffee plants, banana plants, snake fruit (salah), etc. I was very educational for me. Our fist stop was the village of Saua Dangka which means 'shallow rice field'. There, i had the time of my life as i got down and dirty harvesting rice for about 3 hours. I loved the people, they were constantly smiling and admiring my strength as i worked my way through the field in the middle of the heat. I also befriended the water buffalo which was grazing near by. The people served me food, and drinks and lots of smiles. My favorite food was black rice or bubur etam. Its almost like milk rice cooked with cinnamon but its much better. he color is purplish black and it tastes just so yummy and, I could have eaten the entire pot. But then again, I had to do some work. Later, after finishing work in the rice field, we went to Ismail´s house were we were to spend the night. But first, we went to a small waterfall to take a well deserved shower before relaxing at Ismails´ramshackle house. We had sweet tea and coffee and later lots of yummy food such as rice, beef, chicken and vegetables. The highlight was to watch Isamail´s mom preparing lemang tapei,glutinous rice cooked in bamboo. It goes very well with tea or coffee!The next morning, we headed through the village and took a look at the veggies the people are growing. One can find everything from red peppers, topiaka, bananas, lemon grass, papayas, green beans and they also get an income from selling cinnamon. After walking for a few hours through endless rice paddies and villages, we arrived in Lawang were we sat down for lunch. Lawang is a small chicken town with friendly and curious people. From here, we took the minibus out of town and then walked up the hill to the panorama view point Lawang. From there, we hiked through the jungle for about 1 hour to reach our next overnight stay - Anas Homestay. The home stay consists of a few ramshackle houses, a cozy lounge/kitchen/dining place and a very natural toilet and shower (using water fresh from the dirty creek). But the views are lovely, especially watching the sunset going down in the Indian Ocean. We relaxed, ate, drank beer and played games. The next morning, we left for Lake Maninjau passing a little jungle waterfall on the way and fighting of leeches that got into our socks and shoes. The lake is crater lake and has an area of 99.5 km², being approximately 16 km long and 7 km wide. The average depth is 105 m, with a maximum depth of 165 m. The natural outlet for excess water is the Batang Antokan river, located on the west side of the lake. Most of the people who live around Lake Maninjau are ethnically Minangkabau. Villages on the shores of the lake include Maninjau and Bayur. I, for my part, didn´t feel inclined to go swimming having seen the creeks feeding into the lake and knowing what people do in the waters of the creeks and lake.

Surf in Mentawai

2008-02-02T21:27:00.000-08:00

With Mentawai Adventure, surf for 125 USD per day !

Mentawai Surf Adventure is one of the first surf resorts established near Siberut, the largest of the Mentawai islands. Our resort is established on a small private island, owned by Mentawai Surf Adventure, Mentawai Trek Adventure and Mentawai Surf Charters. This resort has been entirely build of tropical wood using the ancestral traditionnal technics.
As you probably already know, surfing the Mentawai will be one of your best surf experiences, due to the consistency of the Indian Ocean swell. You will surf the most waves rich spots in the world : we have 12 world class waves and 18 secondary, in a radius of 15 minutes by speed-boat.
Surfing the Mentawai has never been so cheap : our prices start at 125 USD per day !
Yes ,125 USD, all included, with one speed boat for 6 surfers maximum !
And a superb resort !
And one large bungalow with verandah for two guests ! And bungalows for singles are available ! All that, with lots of space, privacy and comfort unthinkable onboard surf charter boats!
Mentawai Surf Adventure is also an ecotourism and sustainable development foundation that works to protect the Mentawai culture and environment.
Mentawai surf charters
We also can study with you the rental of a mentawai surf charter boat for a surf trip further south of our Mentawia islands Surf Adventure Resort, just mail us through the ‘’Contact us section’’. We will look for the best surf charter boat available at the requested time and come back to you with some prices offers. Info Selengkapnya Klik disini www.mentawaiadventure.com

West Sumatra Tourism

2008-02-02T21:13:00.001-08:00

West Sumatra is one of the most beautiful areas of Indonesia. It is mountainous and divided by three valleys. There are lovely lakes and spectacular volcanoes. But Minangkabau land is very special and has the most friendly population group of Indonesia. They love to talk with visitors and will tell us about their unique society. If a visitor tries to understand the culture and Minang traditions he will soon feel himself a member of the clan. He will be invited as a guest to their homes - a unique way to become acquainted with real Indonesian life. Most of our hosts and hostesses are English teachers so language will not be much of a problem. They will show us the community and explain their customs.The land of the Minangkabau, West Sumatra has a distinct culture, which distinguishes it from the rest of the island. A land of scenic beauty with blue green lakes and mountains, West Sumatra's Centre of culture and tourism is Bukittinggi in the highlands, north of the provincial capital of Padang. Most prominent in the landscape is the horn-shaped roofs of the houses nestled in the coconut groves. The name Minangkabau means triumphant buffalo. It leads a community and family life based on a matrilineal system, which clusters around mosques and the traditional houses. As it is the women who have the properties, the men are known for their wanderlust and entrepreneurship. Traveling is considered a mark of success and therefore many of them are found "merantau" (emigrated) to other parts of the country. This is proof that many Minang or Padang restaurants, serve very spicy food, found in all major towns in the nation. The people are hospitable and eloquent in a poetic style of speech and ceremonies. Festivals are colorful occasions.

West Sumatra has a coastline where the capital is situated. The hinterland is a range of high mountains, which dip into picturesque valleys and lakes. Amongst them are the remnants of the old Minangkabau kingdom of Pagaruyung, (the art centers for silver, hand-weaving, embroidery and woodcarving).

The BEST of BALI

2008-02-02T20:37:00.000-08:00

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Scheduled or Charter Cruises from Bali
Join a scheduled cruise or charter your own traditional schooner with 3 to 14 cabins and expert crew to see fierce dragons who have survived from the Jurassic age only on Komodo and to visit ancient tribes and cultures in Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands.

Save with BALIVACATIONS Packages from the US
Very reasonably priced packages from the US including accommodation in 5-star hotels such as the Ritz Carlton, both Four Seasons, Amandari, etc. or in beautiful private villas, cruises through the Spice Islands, your private car with driver in Bali, and flights on SINGAPORE AIRLINES with stop-over options on the way out or home.

Baliproperties.com: Acquiring & Owning Property in Bali
Many regular visitors are interested in acquiring a villa in Bali, either to enjoy as a vacation home, for future retirement, or as an investment.
Here you find straight-forward and up-to-date information on Indonesian property laws, recommended areas, acquisition, construction and maintenance costs, and legal options for potential investors.
Baliproperties.com is NOT a property agent. However, to expand its portfolio of luxurious villas in Bali, the company offers for selected villas free management/maintenance services and an attractive guaranteed annual return.
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BIRA Beach

2008-02-02T19:05:00.000-08:00

Cape of Bira is famous for its beautiful and pleasant white sand beach. Its water is clear and it is good for swimming. In the front side, there is a small island with white sand spreaded along it. This panorama enrich the beauty of the surrounding. White in the back side, soars up "puang Janggo' mountain with a height of more than 400 meters. It can be reached in 20 minutes by car, or by hiking for approximately 40 minutes.

Bira beach is located approximately 41 km toward the east of Bulukumba city.

Tana Beru
Tana beru is widely known as a place for making traditional boats. In this dry dock, we can see, a great amount of sailing boats are being made in various size, say, from the very huge to the tiny one.Pinisi Nusantara is one of the greatest sailing boats was also made there. This boat has sailed to the pacific ocean, and the great famous sailing boat is "Amman gappa" which has sailed till Madagaskar

Tana Toraja (Land of The heavenly King)

2008-02-02T18:54:00.000-08:00

TravellingToraja is one of the famous travel destination and beautiful regions in South Sulawesi in Indonesai as well. From a distances, ones can see jagged ridges of the hills stretching side by side along the slopes of the mountains. The traditional houses with carved roof among the paddy fields that are beautifully and naturally carved and colored by the sky full people of Tana Toraja

Before the Dutch come to power in this high land in the 20th century, there was no even a single word given for the name of their religion instead of the word "aluk" which refers to a ritual ways and daily lives activities that are to be controlled, without special instruction of how to build a house, to cook rice, to greet boys and the head of the village, and the number of buffaloes and pigs that must be slaughtered in every ritual ceremony.

More than half of the people of Tana Toraja are Christian. They still up hold and proud of their cultural heritage in welcoming the guest ritually.

Places Of Interest

Lemo
You can see the veranda of "tau-tau" mixed up together with the steep coral stone museum in the open air, which seems coral to be a combination between death, arts, and ritual. "Tau-tau' is asmall wooden statue which sometimes is made of bamboo tree. This statue is considered to accommodate the spirit of the pass by person.

Londa
Londa is a steep rocky sides graves. One of its sides is located on a higher place from the hills which has deep caves you can see coffin's that are arranged and grouped based on the family lines.

Kete Kesu
Kete Kesu is a village which is still characterized by the traditional lives of Toraja people.

Funeral ceremony
A Toraja's burial ceremony is complicated. First, there should be some pigs and water buffalos available.The more they are slaughtered, the higher the social status of the family of the deceased is. For some families, coming from the traditional ruling elites, the number buffalos and pigs can reach dozens of each. A burial ceremony, then, needs thousand dollars. Under ecnonomic considerations, this probably seems like a wasting and non-productive effort. Yet, the heart of a culture is often leaving aside other aspects considered irrational by many of us, who claim as being "modern".

How To Get Toraja

By Land Transportation - you can reach Toraja about 8-9 hours by Private Car 55 USD/Day will be included to your package tours on request or about 9 - 10 hours by public transportation 100 USD / Person book

By Air Plane - you can reach Toraja by air plane every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 38 USD/Person book

Our Recommended Package Tour

Toraja Tour 4D/3NDay 1 : Airport – Toraja ( L, D )
Upon your arrival in airport Makassar, our representative will meet and lead on an eight-hours drive to Tana Toraja. You’ll stop at Parepare for lunch, then at Bambapuang for refreshment. Dinner will be served at your hotel or local restaurant.

Day 2 : Toraja Tour ( B, L ,D )
This the day excursion around Tana Toraja entails visits to various ancient villages; lemo, which is famous for its stone grave as well as for its beautiful Toraja house; Londa, where the dead buried with kete Kesu Pallawa, a traditional village rich in local handicrafts; ceremonies invoking reincarnation; the business places handicrafts Rantepao, Enjoy lunch during the tour and return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay

Day 3 : Toraja Tour ( B, L, D )
You’ll spend the day exploring more of Tana Toraja, learning about the costumes and traditions of several tribes sprawled throughout the region.

Day 4 : Toraja – Sengkang ( B, L, D )
You’ll depart in the morning for Sengkang, with a stopover at Bambapuang, Sidrap, the farmed rice-shed of South Sulawesi. Once you reach your destination, you’ll embark on a tour of Buginese home industries along Tempe Lake to watch demonstration of traditional silk weaving. Lunch and Dinner will be held at hotel or local restaurant.