Here, one is most likely to be greeted by intense rainfall, particularly during the Northeast Monsoon (October to March), although the Southwest Monsoon (April to August) also brings plenty of rain. In addition to daytime temperatures of 30-32 °C, humidity is constantly high. Only in the higher reaches of the centre of the island do things get noticeably cooler.
Although Borneo conjures images of dense rainforests stretching as far as the eye can see, the landscape offers a mosaic of varied habitats. Mangroves, peat swamp and freshwater swamp forests, lowland dipterocarp forests, ironwood forests and hill dipterocarp forests are all found in Borneo. The island is also home to the largest heath forests in South East Asia.
Cracking open Borneo's biodiversity vault
Although Borneo has a long history of research and exploration, the most recent findings suggest that there are still literally thousands of species of plants and animals left to discover.
The most likely area to offer new discoveries is the Heart of Borneo – the relatively inaccessible inner region that harbours some of the most pristine forest left on the island.
The forests' caretakers
The Heart of Borneo is mostly inhabited by the Dayak, a term which is generally agreed to mean "interior" or "upriver" person, and refers to the variety of indigenous peoples living in the area, each of which has a specific language and culture.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Genting - Malaysia
2,000 meters above sea level, Genting Highlands, a magnificent city on the hilltop, is but a mere 50km from Kuala Lumpur. It offers a cool respite from the hustle and bustle of the city capital. Crisp invigorating mountain air complemented by majestic scenery spreads out before your eyes. Lush green tropical rainforest shrouded in a veil of perpetual mist makes it hard to believe that you are just minutes away from the sweltering equatorial heat and the ever dusty city. Here, consistent temperatures between 16 and 23 degrees provide natural air conditioning.
Genting Highlands Resort offers the bountiful harvest of nature together with a staggering potpourri of international standard facilities. Besides the cool air and scenic surroundings, this hilltop city also houses the country's one and only casino. However, one should not underestimate its value as this casino has been featured in many films produced by Hong Kong, Taiwan, and even Hollywood. Besides the casino, this hilltop resort also has a theme park of its own and an entertainment center.
Moscow - Rusia
Moscow is the barometer and nucleus of the changes sweeping through Russia. Nowhere are Russia's contrasts more apparent than here - ancient monasteries and ultra-modern monoliths stand side by side, and 'New Russian' millionaires and poverty-stricken pensioners walk the same streets.
Moscovites now prefer international name brands to monolithic department stores, and the beautiful churches vandalised or abandoned during the Soviet era of hardline atheism are being lovingly restored. But the real flavour of this city is in its nooks and crannies, each of them unique.
When to go
Moscow's climate really consists of two seasons: winter and summer. Russian winter, if you're prepared, can be adventurous: furs and vodka keep people warm, and snow-covered landscapes are picturesque. A solid snow pack covers the ground from November to March. The lowest recorded temperature is -42°C (-43°F), although it's normally more like -10°C (14°F) for weeks on end. Occasional southerly winds can raise the temperature briefly to a balmy 0°C (32°F). Days are very short.
During the spring thaw - in late March and early April - everything turns to mud and slush. Summer comes fast in May and temperatures are comfortable until well into September. The highest recorded temperature is 39°C (102°F), although on a humid August day you'll swear it's hotter than that. July and August are the warmest months and the main holiday season. Train tickets and accommodation can be difficult to come by during these months, and attractions around Moscow tend to be overrun with visitors. They are also the dampest months in Moscow, with as many as one rainy day in three. Rain showers are brief but thunderstorms can be violent. For these reasons, early summer, with its long days, and early autumn, with its colourful foliage, are many people's favourite seasons.
A Top Day in Moscow
The best days in Moscow start off at Coffee Bean with the Moscow Times . After a leisurely latte, I hop on the metro: I'm off to do some shopping amid the sounds and scents of Dorogomilovsky Market. I buy some fresh fruit and hot pirozhki (pastries) and stash them in my backpack. From Kiev Station, I ride the riverboat along the Moscow River, past the golden domes of Novodevichy Convent and the Stalinist skyscraper at Sparrow Hills, getting off at Gorky Park. Here, among babushkas pushing strollers and lovers kissing on park benches, I find a quiet corner to enjoy my picnic. After lunch, I spend a few hours exploring the art galleries and trolling for treasures in the Central House of Artists. Afterwards, I don't miss the opportunity to stroll around the Sculpture Park, where Lenin and Stalin and Sverdlov have been laid to rest among flower-filled gardens and other whimsical statues. As the sun sets, I walk across Krymsky val and up ulitsa Ostozhenka. For dinner, I have my heart set on the rich, spicy flavours of Georgian food, and that means Tiflis. I sit out on the restaurant's terrace, sipping wine from the house vineyard, and drink a toast to a delightful day in Moscow.
Author: Mara Vorhees
Moscovites now prefer international name brands to monolithic department stores, and the beautiful churches vandalised or abandoned during the Soviet era of hardline atheism are being lovingly restored. But the real flavour of this city is in its nooks and crannies, each of them unique.
When to go
Moscow's climate really consists of two seasons: winter and summer. Russian winter, if you're prepared, can be adventurous: furs and vodka keep people warm, and snow-covered landscapes are picturesque. A solid snow pack covers the ground from November to March. The lowest recorded temperature is -42°C (-43°F), although it's normally more like -10°C (14°F) for weeks on end. Occasional southerly winds can raise the temperature briefly to a balmy 0°C (32°F). Days are very short.
During the spring thaw - in late March and early April - everything turns to mud and slush. Summer comes fast in May and temperatures are comfortable until well into September. The highest recorded temperature is 39°C (102°F), although on a humid August day you'll swear it's hotter than that. July and August are the warmest months and the main holiday season. Train tickets and accommodation can be difficult to come by during these months, and attractions around Moscow tend to be overrun with visitors. They are also the dampest months in Moscow, with as many as one rainy day in three. Rain showers are brief but thunderstorms can be violent. For these reasons, early summer, with its long days, and early autumn, with its colourful foliage, are many people's favourite seasons.
A Top Day in Moscow
The best days in Moscow start off at Coffee Bean with the Moscow Times . After a leisurely latte, I hop on the metro: I'm off to do some shopping amid the sounds and scents of Dorogomilovsky Market. I buy some fresh fruit and hot pirozhki (pastries) and stash them in my backpack. From Kiev Station, I ride the riverboat along the Moscow River, past the golden domes of Novodevichy Convent and the Stalinist skyscraper at Sparrow Hills, getting off at Gorky Park. Here, among babushkas pushing strollers and lovers kissing on park benches, I find a quiet corner to enjoy my picnic. After lunch, I spend a few hours exploring the art galleries and trolling for treasures in the Central House of Artists. Afterwards, I don't miss the opportunity to stroll around the Sculpture Park, where Lenin and Stalin and Sverdlov have been laid to rest among flower-filled gardens and other whimsical statues. As the sun sets, I walk across Krymsky val and up ulitsa Ostozhenka. For dinner, I have my heart set on the rich, spicy flavours of Georgian food, and that means Tiflis. I sit out on the restaurant's terrace, sipping wine from the house vineyard, and drink a toast to a delightful day in Moscow.
Author: Mara Vorhees
Osaka - Japan
Situated on the Honshu Island in the region known as Kansai, Osaka lies on mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay a inlet off the Pacific Ocean. Osaka has been a leading commercial and industrialized centre with a huge amount of interesting and exciting attractions, sights and activities for the visitor.
Surrounded by the historical Japanese cities of Kyoto to the east and Kobe to the west, Osaka has a history which dates back over 1400 years. The whole area is home to over 17 million people while the Osaka area is home to just over 2.6 million. This makes Osaka the third largest city after Tokyo and Yokohama to the north and the second largest metropolitan region if you include Kyoto and Kobe.
Kita is home to the retail district of Umeda while Minami is home to the entertainment districts around Dotonbori Bridge, the Amerika-Mura American village and the Shinaibashi shopping strip. The business district with banks, courts and most of the offices are located in Youdoyabashi and Honmachi which are really in between the two sections. The city has 24 wards one more than Tokyo, these are like councils, shires or counties.
Today this modern city with its rich historical past has a unique and distinct style with its own traditional arts, cuisine and entertainment. This is a city that knows how to enjoy itself.
Osaka is fairly easy to get around, the public transport system, like much of Japan is best in class. There is a very good train network, which includes a great subway network which is the second biggest in Japan that gets visitors to most places of interest around the city and the JR Osaka Loop line that circles the city. The Midosuji Subway Line is the main artery which links Shin Osaka, Umeda, Shinsaibashi, Namba and Tennoji. Most of the stations have huge shopping complexes built on top or around them.
The cities of Kyoto, Kobe and Nara are all less than an hour away by bullet train and are all worthy a visit even for a day while visiting Osaka
www.happyjappy.com
Surrounded by the historical Japanese cities of Kyoto to the east and Kobe to the west, Osaka has a history which dates back over 1400 years. The whole area is home to over 17 million people while the Osaka area is home to just over 2.6 million. This makes Osaka the third largest city after Tokyo and Yokohama to the north and the second largest metropolitan region if you include Kyoto and Kobe.
Kita is home to the retail district of Umeda while Minami is home to the entertainment districts around Dotonbori Bridge, the Amerika-Mura American village and the Shinaibashi shopping strip. The business district with banks, courts and most of the offices are located in Youdoyabashi and Honmachi which are really in between the two sections. The city has 24 wards one more than Tokyo, these are like councils, shires or counties.
Today this modern city with its rich historical past has a unique and distinct style with its own traditional arts, cuisine and entertainment. This is a city that knows how to enjoy itself.
Osaka is fairly easy to get around, the public transport system, like much of Japan is best in class. There is a very good train network, which includes a great subway network which is the second biggest in Japan that gets visitors to most places of interest around the city and the JR Osaka Loop line that circles the city. The Midosuji Subway Line is the main artery which links Shin Osaka, Umeda, Shinsaibashi, Namba and Tennoji. Most of the stations have huge shopping complexes built on top or around them.
The cities of Kyoto, Kobe and Nara are all less than an hour away by bullet train and are all worthy a visit even for a day while visiting Osaka
www.happyjappy.com
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Komodo Dragons
Komodo dragons are the world's largest lizards. They live on the islands of Komodo, Rinca and other tiny surrounding islands, and on the westernmost part of Flores Island in Indonesia. Komodo is west of Flores, east of Sumbawa, and north of Sumba.
If you are an ordinary person, you can only reach Komodo by boat. If you are a wealthy celebrity, you might be able to get permission to fly there in a helicopter and use the helicopter pad that was constructed especially for President Suharto.
Komodo and Rinca are odd islands. They are dry, hot, and relatively barren compared to the lush and jungly islands to the east and west of them in the Nusa Tenggara island chain. As you approach from a distance, you see Komodo as a low, hilly island.
As you get closer, you can see the barren, rocky terrain of Komodo.
These islands are composed of a silica-rich rock called rhyolite porphyry. The rhyolite contains large, perfect doubly terminated quartz crystals (lacking the prism faces), some of which are up to a centimeter long. The rhyolite is also rich in magnetite, which weathers out of the rock to form magnetite-rich sand on some of the beaches. In places, silica-rich groundwater has replaced the bedrock with chert. On Rinca, one can see fragments of worked chert lying around near the outcrops. These rocks are geologically distinct from the rocks found on islands to the east and west, which are more mafic in character.
If you want to see the big Komodo dragons, you should get to the park early, before 6:00 a.m. when the first tour starts. Even this early, the island is hot. You should dress lightly, and bring a lot of water. Before the tour starts, you can visit the little museum they have at park headquarters, where you can see an exhibit of the various rock types found on the island, and a display of all their poisonous snakes, of which there are a great many. You can also pet the many deer that hang out at park headquarters. The big dragons don't come into the park headquarters area, so the deer are safe there. You can also see a lot of the little Komodo dragons, the young ones, who must spend their first several years in trees to be safe from their elders, who would gladly eat them. Komodo dragons are cannibals who eat their own young, and even other adults when they can pull it off.
The tour is led by a couple of men from the park service. The men carry long, forked sticks, but say that their main protection from the dragons is the special rapport they have with them. They tell us that the dragon is called ora locally, and they talk about their habits and behaviors. They used to bring a goat with them to feed to the dragons on the river bank where the lizards gather, but this practice has been discontinued.
You soon pass the sign that warns, "Dangerous area - watch out. Komodo crossing. Be silent." The park service men tell us that silence is necessary not to avoid scaring the dragons, but to avoid attracting them. The dragons are large, ferocious predators that are fully capable of killing and eating a human being. The men recount several tales of dragons eating people. The most famous story is that of the German tourist who went to the beach alone to sunbathe. All that was found of him were his glasses and his camera.
As we were walking along the path, a large dragon came along. The park men had us stand in a single row along the edge of the path and told us to stay still and quiet. We did this, and the dragon swung by us, eyeing us and flicking his tongue. After he had passed, we went on our way.
The hike is fairly long and very hot. The destination is a river bank by a dry creek bed where the dragons like to gather to sun themselves in the morning. The park has constructed a fenced-in area for tourists to stand in while observing the dragons. This is like a zoo in reverse. The people are in the cage and the animals are on the outside.
If you get there early enough, you will see lots of big dragons. They move about languidly, slowly, ambling around in a clumsy, shambling manner on their pillar-like legs.
It's hard to believe, watching them, that they are capable of running as fast as a dog.The park service guys stay outside with the lizards, holding their big forked sticks and keeping an eye on everyone.
Like other reptiles, the Komodo dragons detect chemical signals such as odor and taste with their long, forked tongues. The one below is checking out the delicious tourists on the other side of the fence.
The giant lizards have powerful claws which they use to devastating effect in fights with other lizards. Males have scratching fights with each other during mating season.
Once the sun gets high, the Komodo dragons head down the river bank to the dry stream bed below, to the left on the picture below. The dragons dig deep burrows where they get cool, and where they lay their eggs.
Komodo dragons drool copiously. Their saliva is not venomous, but the mouth of a Komodo dragon is so full of bacteria that a bite from one almost always leads to infection. If untreated, the infection is usually fatal. This is one way in which the dragons get food. They hide in the scraggly jungle and wait for a victim to pass by. The victim is most often a deer, carabao or goat. The dragon attacks the prey, and may succeed in killing it on the spot. Otherwise, the bites sustained by the victim will generally kill it eventually, and the dragons will then eat the carrion.
Komodo dragons are the largest kind of lizard still living on Earth, but they are not the largest reptile. Alligators and crocodiles get bigger than Komodo dragons. Alligators and crocodiles are also more closely related to dinosaurs than are Komodo dragons.
Komodo dragons are excellent swimmers, and can swim from one island to another. The island of Komodo has many beautiful beaches where a visitor can play and swim, but the presence of Komodo dragon foot- and tail-prints in the sand warns the visitor to be cautious and watchful.
Some of Komodo's beaches have beautiful pink sand, tinted by fragments of red coral mixed in with other shell and coral fragments. Other beaches have gray sand derived from cliffs of rhyolite. Heavy black sand composed of nearly pure magnetite accumulates next to the cliffs.
The snorkeling and diving around Komodo are some of the best in the world, especially for seeing soft corals. A professional diver told us, "You know, when you're a diver, you spend your life dreaming of and searching for the best dive site in the world. Well, Komodo is it."
by Brenna Lorenz
If you are an ordinary person, you can only reach Komodo by boat. If you are a wealthy celebrity, you might be able to get permission to fly there in a helicopter and use the helicopter pad that was constructed especially for President Suharto.
Komodo and Rinca are odd islands. They are dry, hot, and relatively barren compared to the lush and jungly islands to the east and west of them in the Nusa Tenggara island chain. As you approach from a distance, you see Komodo as a low, hilly island.
As you get closer, you can see the barren, rocky terrain of Komodo.
These islands are composed of a silica-rich rock called rhyolite porphyry. The rhyolite contains large, perfect doubly terminated quartz crystals (lacking the prism faces), some of which are up to a centimeter long. The rhyolite is also rich in magnetite, which weathers out of the rock to form magnetite-rich sand on some of the beaches. In places, silica-rich groundwater has replaced the bedrock with chert. On Rinca, one can see fragments of worked chert lying around near the outcrops. These rocks are geologically distinct from the rocks found on islands to the east and west, which are more mafic in character.
If you want to see the big Komodo dragons, you should get to the park early, before 6:00 a.m. when the first tour starts. Even this early, the island is hot. You should dress lightly, and bring a lot of water. Before the tour starts, you can visit the little museum they have at park headquarters, where you can see an exhibit of the various rock types found on the island, and a display of all their poisonous snakes, of which there are a great many. You can also pet the many deer that hang out at park headquarters. The big dragons don't come into the park headquarters area, so the deer are safe there. You can also see a lot of the little Komodo dragons, the young ones, who must spend their first several years in trees to be safe from their elders, who would gladly eat them. Komodo dragons are cannibals who eat their own young, and even other adults when they can pull it off.
The tour is led by a couple of men from the park service. The men carry long, forked sticks, but say that their main protection from the dragons is the special rapport they have with them. They tell us that the dragon is called ora locally, and they talk about their habits and behaviors. They used to bring a goat with them to feed to the dragons on the river bank where the lizards gather, but this practice has been discontinued.
You soon pass the sign that warns, "Dangerous area - watch out. Komodo crossing. Be silent." The park service men tell us that silence is necessary not to avoid scaring the dragons, but to avoid attracting them. The dragons are large, ferocious predators that are fully capable of killing and eating a human being. The men recount several tales of dragons eating people. The most famous story is that of the German tourist who went to the beach alone to sunbathe. All that was found of him were his glasses and his camera.
As we were walking along the path, a large dragon came along. The park men had us stand in a single row along the edge of the path and told us to stay still and quiet. We did this, and the dragon swung by us, eyeing us and flicking his tongue. After he had passed, we went on our way.
The hike is fairly long and very hot. The destination is a river bank by a dry creek bed where the dragons like to gather to sun themselves in the morning. The park has constructed a fenced-in area for tourists to stand in while observing the dragons. This is like a zoo in reverse. The people are in the cage and the animals are on the outside.
If you get there early enough, you will see lots of big dragons. They move about languidly, slowly, ambling around in a clumsy, shambling manner on their pillar-like legs.
It's hard to believe, watching them, that they are capable of running as fast as a dog.The park service guys stay outside with the lizards, holding their big forked sticks and keeping an eye on everyone.
Like other reptiles, the Komodo dragons detect chemical signals such as odor and taste with their long, forked tongues. The one below is checking out the delicious tourists on the other side of the fence.
The giant lizards have powerful claws which they use to devastating effect in fights with other lizards. Males have scratching fights with each other during mating season.
Once the sun gets high, the Komodo dragons head down the river bank to the dry stream bed below, to the left on the picture below. The dragons dig deep burrows where they get cool, and where they lay their eggs.
Komodo dragons drool copiously. Their saliva is not venomous, but the mouth of a Komodo dragon is so full of bacteria that a bite from one almost always leads to infection. If untreated, the infection is usually fatal. This is one way in which the dragons get food. They hide in the scraggly jungle and wait for a victim to pass by. The victim is most often a deer, carabao or goat. The dragon attacks the prey, and may succeed in killing it on the spot. Otherwise, the bites sustained by the victim will generally kill it eventually, and the dragons will then eat the carrion.
Komodo dragons are the largest kind of lizard still living on Earth, but they are not the largest reptile. Alligators and crocodiles get bigger than Komodo dragons. Alligators and crocodiles are also more closely related to dinosaurs than are Komodo dragons.
Komodo dragons are excellent swimmers, and can swim from one island to another. The island of Komodo has many beautiful beaches where a visitor can play and swim, but the presence of Komodo dragon foot- and tail-prints in the sand warns the visitor to be cautious and watchful.
Some of Komodo's beaches have beautiful pink sand, tinted by fragments of red coral mixed in with other shell and coral fragments. Other beaches have gray sand derived from cliffs of rhyolite. Heavy black sand composed of nearly pure magnetite accumulates next to the cliffs.
The snorkeling and diving around Komodo are some of the best in the world, especially for seeing soft corals. A professional diver told us, "You know, when you're a diver, you spend your life dreaming of and searching for the best dive site in the world. Well, Komodo is it."
by Brenna Lorenz
Friday, January 25, 2008
Mount Bromo - East Java (Indonesia)
Mountainous areas of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park was stated firstly as a national park based on a letter of Statement of The Agrarian Minister on the date of October 14 th 1982 on area of 58,000 ha.
After having applied a limitation order of the budgetary year of 1983 / 1984 until the budgetary year of 1995 / 1996 on the area, there issued the letter of designation for it as Taman National Bromo Tengger Semeru ( Bromo Tengger Semeru Park ) based on a letter of decision of the Agrarian Minister Number : 278 / KptsVI / 1997 on May 23 rd 1997 that included an area of 50,276.20 ha.
Potentials of is ecosystem or natural resources that ground the designation of the area as a national park area :
1. Natural phenomena caused uniquely by or as volcanic activities of Mt.Tengger
have become 5 (five) mountains :
Mt. Bromo ( 2,392 m high asl.(above sea level ),
Mt. Batok (2,40 m asl. )
Mt. Widodaren ( 2,614 m asl. )
Mt. Watangan ( 2,601 m asl. ) and
Mt. Kursi ( 2,581 m asl ),
and a wide Laut Pasir ( Sand Sea ) caused by its eruption.
Besides Mount Semeru is the highest mountain in Java Island and it is now still an active volcano.
2. A scarce endemic flora of family Orchidaceeae has 40 scarceorchid types, 15 of which are endemic in East Java, and 3 of them are typical South Semeru, those are Malaxis purprreonervosa, Meleola wetteana, and Liparis rhodocila. Besides there are also Corybas fornicatus ( red pearl orchid ) and Mavodes petola which are protected by Laws.
3. Hydrological Potential as water resouce area for several important river bank areas ( DAS )
in East Java for example DAS Brantas.
This hydrological potential is very famous as life support system.
In strengthening treatment of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park area intensively, its treatment has been started sic\nce 1984/1985 by Natural Resources Conservation IV through development of Suaka Alam and forest of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park project until 1992/1993.
Then in 1992 Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is legal as Technical Operator Unit (UPT) of Direktorat Jenderal Perlindungan Hutan dan Pelestarian Alam based on descision letter of Forest Minister No. 1049/Kpts-II/1992 date November 12, 1992
in 1997 through decision letter of Forest Minister No.185/Kpts-II/1997 date March 31, 1997 Bromo Tengger Semeru organization structure changed as Balai Taman Bromo Tengger Semeru.
The main duty Balai Taman Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is doing the treament of National Park (Bromo Tengger Semeru) area for plant natural resource conservation and its ecosystem based on the related role.
Source: http://www.eastjava.com/
After having applied a limitation order of the budgetary year of 1983 / 1984 until the budgetary year of 1995 / 1996 on the area, there issued the letter of designation for it as Taman National Bromo Tengger Semeru ( Bromo Tengger Semeru Park ) based on a letter of decision of the Agrarian Minister Number : 278 / KptsVI / 1997 on May 23 rd 1997 that included an area of 50,276.20 ha.
Potentials of is ecosystem or natural resources that ground the designation of the area as a national park area :
1. Natural phenomena caused uniquely by or as volcanic activities of Mt.Tengger
have become 5 (five) mountains :
Mt. Bromo ( 2,392 m high asl.(above sea level ),
Mt. Batok (2,40 m asl. )
Mt. Widodaren ( 2,614 m asl. )
Mt. Watangan ( 2,601 m asl. ) and
Mt. Kursi ( 2,581 m asl ),
and a wide Laut Pasir ( Sand Sea ) caused by its eruption.
Besides Mount Semeru is the highest mountain in Java Island and it is now still an active volcano.
2. A scarce endemic flora of family Orchidaceeae has 40 scarceorchid types, 15 of which are endemic in East Java, and 3 of them are typical South Semeru, those are Malaxis purprreonervosa, Meleola wetteana, and Liparis rhodocila. Besides there are also Corybas fornicatus ( red pearl orchid ) and Mavodes petola which are protected by Laws.
3. Hydrological Potential as water resouce area for several important river bank areas ( DAS )
in East Java for example DAS Brantas.
This hydrological potential is very famous as life support system.
In strengthening treatment of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park area intensively, its treatment has been started sic\nce 1984/1985 by Natural Resources Conservation IV through development of Suaka Alam and forest of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park project until 1992/1993.
Then in 1992 Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is legal as Technical Operator Unit (UPT) of Direktorat Jenderal Perlindungan Hutan dan Pelestarian Alam based on descision letter of Forest Minister No. 1049/Kpts-II/1992 date November 12, 1992
in 1997 through decision letter of Forest Minister No.185/Kpts-II/1997 date March 31, 1997 Bromo Tengger Semeru organization structure changed as Balai Taman Bromo Tengger Semeru.
The main duty Balai Taman Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is doing the treament of National Park (Bromo Tengger Semeru) area for plant natural resource conservation and its ecosystem based on the related role.
Source: http://www.eastjava.com/
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Jeju - Korea
Situated in a most ideal setting, just 64 kilometers south of the Korean Peninsula is Korea’s largest island, Jeju. Jeju is a magical place known for 3 things: roaring winds, magnificent rocks, and women, since there is a bigger population of women versus men. As one of the host cities of the 2002 Korea/Japan FIFA World Cup, Jeju’s Seogwipo City made the most charming places to host it.
Jeju is a focal point of international affairs and is able to offer people many kinds of recreational activities with breathtaking vistas, a temperate climate and a unique traditional culture. Located in the center of this volcanic island is Mt. Hallasan (a dormant volcano), which is filled with over 1,800 species of vegetation, scores of deer, and an ecosystem that will surely amaze all.
Jeju offers unbelievably breathtaking views from coast to coast, ranging from the waterfalls at Hae-anjidae to the naturally sculpted cliffs at Jusang Jeolli. Tourists can enjoy each season in Jeju with a particular splash of color; brilliant yellow-colored flowers in the spring that spread across the landscape, the golden beaches and sea vistas in the summertime, the Eulalia’s light brown wispy reeds flowing in the autumn winds, and the lovely snow flowers of Hallasan in winter are all must-sees of Jeju.
One can enjoy these wonders of the world by hiking, bike riding, paragliding, scuba diving, windsurfing, hunting, horseback riding, swimming, and going on boat trips. Jeju also has a wide variety of native foods such as the delicious Jeju tangerines and native dishes including redtile fish stew, grilled and seasoned redtile fish, rice porridge with abalone, pheasant dishes and hair-tail fish soup.
Jeju is more than simply a tourist destination; it is an island full of wonder. Making the most of its charm and beauty to attract considerable numbers of tourists and with its geo-political location, Jeju is in the process of changing into an International Free City. Jeju promises to be an island that rides the wave of technology while still keeping true to its ecological treasures.
tour2korea.com
Jeju is a focal point of international affairs and is able to offer people many kinds of recreational activities with breathtaking vistas, a temperate climate and a unique traditional culture. Located in the center of this volcanic island is Mt. Hallasan (a dormant volcano), which is filled with over 1,800 species of vegetation, scores of deer, and an ecosystem that will surely amaze all.
Jeju offers unbelievably breathtaking views from coast to coast, ranging from the waterfalls at Hae-anjidae to the naturally sculpted cliffs at Jusang Jeolli. Tourists can enjoy each season in Jeju with a particular splash of color; brilliant yellow-colored flowers in the spring that spread across the landscape, the golden beaches and sea vistas in the summertime, the Eulalia’s light brown wispy reeds flowing in the autumn winds, and the lovely snow flowers of Hallasan in winter are all must-sees of Jeju.
One can enjoy these wonders of the world by hiking, bike riding, paragliding, scuba diving, windsurfing, hunting, horseback riding, swimming, and going on boat trips. Jeju also has a wide variety of native foods such as the delicious Jeju tangerines and native dishes including redtile fish stew, grilled and seasoned redtile fish, rice porridge with abalone, pheasant dishes and hair-tail fish soup.
Jeju is more than simply a tourist destination; it is an island full of wonder. Making the most of its charm and beauty to attract considerable numbers of tourists and with its geo-political location, Jeju is in the process of changing into an International Free City. Jeju promises to be an island that rides the wave of technology while still keeping true to its ecological treasures.
tour2korea.com
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Mount Agung - Bali
Mount Agung or Gunung Agung is a mountain in Bali. This stratovolcano is the highest point on the island. It dominates the surrounding area influencing the climate. The clouds come from the west and Agung takes their water so that the west is lush and green and the east dry and barren.
Gunung Agung last erupted in 1963-64 and is still active, with a large and very deep crater which occasionally belches smoke and ash. From a distance, the mountain appears to be perfectly conical, despite the existence of the large crater.
From the peak of the mountain, it is possible to see the peak of Gunung Rinjani on the island of Lombok, although both mountains are frequently covered in cloud.
The lava flows missed, sometimes by mere yards, the Mother Temple of Besakih. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous and a signal from the gods that they wished to demonstrate their power but not destroy the monument the Balinese faithful had erected. However, over 1,000 people were killed and a number of villages were destroyed in this eruption
Climbing the Mountain
There are two routes up the mountain, one from Besakih which proceeds to a higher peak and starts at approximately 1100metres and another which commences higher from Pura Pasar Agung, on the southern slope of the mountain, near Selat and which is reputed to take 4 hours. There is no path between the two routes at the top. Cecilie Scott provides an account of the ascent from Pura Pasar Agung. The mountain can be seen from various directions in video, there is a well produced video of the climb from Pura Pasar Agung and a short video from the top above Besakih. Greg Slayden describes a climb from Besakih claimed to have taken a remarkable four and a half hours to the peak and Ken Taylor describes a climb that took much longer and which included getting lost.
Guides are available in Besakih and the mountain can also be climbed without a guide. The climb from Besakih is quite tough. It is sometimes tackled as a single climb generally starting about 10.00pm for a dawn arrival at the peak and sometimes with an overnight camp about three quarters of the way up. It is far harder than the more popular Balinese climb up Gunung Batur. It is not a mountain that needs ropes and not quite high enough for altitude sickness but adverse weather conditions develop quickly and warm waterproof clothing is required and should be carried. There is no water available along the route.
Proceed through the temple complex then continue on a path that travels continuously upwards on a steep narrow spur through open forest and jungle most of the way. There is little potential to get lost until the route opens up towards the top where the correct route doubles backwards. Many climbers miss this turn and continue up a small valley which can be climbed out of with some difficulty.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bali
Gunung Agung last erupted in 1963-64 and is still active, with a large and very deep crater which occasionally belches smoke and ash. From a distance, the mountain appears to be perfectly conical, despite the existence of the large crater.
From the peak of the mountain, it is possible to see the peak of Gunung Rinjani on the island of Lombok, although both mountains are frequently covered in cloud.
The lava flows missed, sometimes by mere yards, the Mother Temple of Besakih. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous and a signal from the gods that they wished to demonstrate their power but not destroy the monument the Balinese faithful had erected. However, over 1,000 people were killed and a number of villages were destroyed in this eruption
Climbing the Mountain
There are two routes up the mountain, one from Besakih which proceeds to a higher peak and starts at approximately 1100metres and another which commences higher from Pura Pasar Agung, on the southern slope of the mountain, near Selat and which is reputed to take 4 hours. There is no path between the two routes at the top. Cecilie Scott provides an account of the ascent from Pura Pasar Agung. The mountain can be seen from various directions in video, there is a well produced video of the climb from Pura Pasar Agung and a short video from the top above Besakih. Greg Slayden describes a climb from Besakih claimed to have taken a remarkable four and a half hours to the peak and Ken Taylor describes a climb that took much longer and which included getting lost.
Guides are available in Besakih and the mountain can also be climbed without a guide. The climb from Besakih is quite tough. It is sometimes tackled as a single climb generally starting about 10.00pm for a dawn arrival at the peak and sometimes with an overnight camp about three quarters of the way up. It is far harder than the more popular Balinese climb up Gunung Batur. It is not a mountain that needs ropes and not quite high enough for altitude sickness but adverse weather conditions develop quickly and warm waterproof clothing is required and should be carried. There is no water available along the route.
Proceed through the temple complex then continue on a path that travels continuously upwards on a steep narrow spur through open forest and jungle most of the way. There is little potential to get lost until the route opens up towards the top where the correct route doubles backwards. Many climbers miss this turn and continue up a small valley which can be climbed out of with some difficulty.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bali
Bali
Bali's natural attractions include miles of sandy beaches (many are well-known amongst surfers), picturesque rice terraces, towering active volcanoes over 3,000 meters (10,000 ft.) high, fast flowing rivers, deep ravines, pristine crater lakes, sacred caves, and lush tropical forests full of exotic wildlife.
The island's rich cultural heritage is visible everywhere - in over 20,000 temples and palaces, in many colorful festivals and ceremonies (including tooth filings and cremations), in drama, music, and dance.
You can experience Bali on many different excursions and guided tours by coach, private car or "Big Bike", by boat or by air plane: seeing Bali's beaches and rice terraces, the famous Besakih Temple on the slopes of holy Mount Agung, Lake Batur and it's active volcano, Ubud, Legian, Kuta, Nusa Dua, and the temples of Tanah Lot and Ulu Watu from a helicopter is a really special experience. For helicopter tours and private charters (3 to 6 passengers) please contact the Balivillas.com Service Center at 703-060 as soon as you arrive.
Most full day tours by car (about 8 to 10 hours) cost about US$30 to US$40 per person, half day tours US$20 to US$25. These prices include a multi-lingual guide and transport in an air-conditioned private car, all entrance fees, but no meals. Which guide and driver you choose can make or break your day: be warned that those who offer very low prices tend to waste your time by showing you hardly any more than those shops which pay them a commission on your purchases
www.baliguide.com
The island's rich cultural heritage is visible everywhere - in over 20,000 temples and palaces, in many colorful festivals and ceremonies (including tooth filings and cremations), in drama, music, and dance.
You can experience Bali on many different excursions and guided tours by coach, private car or "Big Bike", by boat or by air plane: seeing Bali's beaches and rice terraces, the famous Besakih Temple on the slopes of holy Mount Agung, Lake Batur and it's active volcano, Ubud, Legian, Kuta, Nusa Dua, and the temples of Tanah Lot and Ulu Watu from a helicopter is a really special experience. For helicopter tours and private charters (3 to 6 passengers) please contact the Balivillas.com Service Center at 703-060 as soon as you arrive.
Most full day tours by car (about 8 to 10 hours) cost about US$30 to US$40 per person, half day tours US$20 to US$25. These prices include a multi-lingual guide and transport in an air-conditioned private car, all entrance fees, but no meals. Which guide and driver you choose can make or break your day: be warned that those who offer very low prices tend to waste your time by showing you hardly any more than those shops which pay them a commission on your purchases
www.baliguide.com
Lantau Island
This is Hong Kong's largest island, with some of the most popular attractions, like the Giant Buddha and the brand new Ngong Ping 360 with its fantastic view, as well as Hong Kong Disneyland. It also offers some of Hong Kong's best beaches, hiking trails and peaks to explore.
Enjoy grand views of the Ngong Ping plateau and surroundings by climbing the steps to the Giant Buddha. From near the bottom of the steps, take the path through the Lantau Tea Gardens to a restaurant. Just beyond this a magnificent view of Lantau Peak, which is the second highest peak on the island and offers exhilarating hikes, expansive views and a fantastic selection of flora.
Nearby is the start of the Lantau Trail Section 3, he leads you to the summit of the 934 metre peak. It's a rather steep and strenuous climb and could take over an hour, depending upon the heat. But on a clear day,it's well worth the effort! The views of the surrounding hills, mountains and the South China sea are breathtaking. You also get a fantastic view of Hong Kong's award-winning international airport below you.
Back at the start of Lantau Trail and to the right is the Wisdom Path, another new Hong Kong attraction. make a quick visit and then head to the hilltop for more fantastic views of the South China sea and the outlying islands, and west for another memorable view of the Giant Buddha.
Below Wisdom Path is Ngong Ping Tree Walk, featuring different types of trees. At the end go straight on and climb a short distance up to the 751 metre Nei Lak Shan to enjoy breathtaking views of the north coast of Lantau Island, with Tung Chung and the airport in the distance. Farther along the trail, which now curves around the hillside, you get views over Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Buddha. Follow the trail and there is a junction taking you to the upper station of the Ngong Ping Skytrail where you can follow paths back to the Giant Buddha and the Bus terminus.
By Hong Kong Tourism board
Enjoy grand views of the Ngong Ping plateau and surroundings by climbing the steps to the Giant Buddha. From near the bottom of the steps, take the path through the Lantau Tea Gardens to a restaurant. Just beyond this a magnificent view of Lantau Peak, which is the second highest peak on the island and offers exhilarating hikes, expansive views and a fantastic selection of flora.
Nearby is the start of the Lantau Trail Section 3, he leads you to the summit of the 934 metre peak. It's a rather steep and strenuous climb and could take over an hour, depending upon the heat. But on a clear day,it's well worth the effort! The views of the surrounding hills, mountains and the South China sea are breathtaking. You also get a fantastic view of Hong Kong's award-winning international airport below you.
Back at the start of Lantau Trail and to the right is the Wisdom Path, another new Hong Kong attraction. make a quick visit and then head to the hilltop for more fantastic views of the South China sea and the outlying islands, and west for another memorable view of the Giant Buddha.
Below Wisdom Path is Ngong Ping Tree Walk, featuring different types of trees. At the end go straight on and climb a short distance up to the 751 metre Nei Lak Shan to enjoy breathtaking views of the north coast of Lantau Island, with Tung Chung and the airport in the distance. Farther along the trail, which now curves around the hillside, you get views over Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Buddha. Follow the trail and there is a junction taking you to the upper station of the Ngong Ping Skytrail where you can follow paths back to the Giant Buddha and the Bus terminus.
By Hong Kong Tourism board
Monday, January 21, 2008
Hongkong Island
In Hong Kong island's bustling downtown districts, it can be difficult to see what you are in the middle of a very green and compact paradise. you truly are!
Most of the island is dedicated country parkland, boasting mountain hiking trails with unforgettable ocean vistas and harbour views.
Keen hikers can plan to traverse the island's grassy heights and wooded valleys on the Hong Kong trail. There are coastal villages and towns that still illustrate how much of Hong Kong's past belonged to fishing and farming families. Centuries-old temples and other relics also remind us that the island's inhabitants worked, prayed and prospered long before British colonists took control in the middle of the 19th century
Their island became a thriving imperial outposts, international entry port and financial centre. Reservoirs were created, roads sculpted, schools and mansions built. So was a great galaxy of country parks and public beaches that no other world-class city possesses. Take any of this section's trails to see and sense the happy contrasts of Hong Kong ancient and modern, Chinese and Western, traditional and futuristic.
Hong Kong tourism board
Most of the island is dedicated country parkland, boasting mountain hiking trails with unforgettable ocean vistas and harbour views.
Keen hikers can plan to traverse the island's grassy heights and wooded valleys on the Hong Kong trail. There are coastal villages and towns that still illustrate how much of Hong Kong's past belonged to fishing and farming families. Centuries-old temples and other relics also remind us that the island's inhabitants worked, prayed and prospered long before British colonists took control in the middle of the 19th century
Their island became a thriving imperial outposts, international entry port and financial centre. Reservoirs were created, roads sculpted, schools and mansions built. So was a great galaxy of country parks and public beaches that no other world-class city possesses. Take any of this section's trails to see and sense the happy contrasts of Hong Kong ancient and modern, Chinese and Western, traditional and futuristic.
Hong Kong tourism board
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Bunaken - Indonesia
From a distance you can see the mountain on the sea which called by the local with "Manado tua mountain" or old manado mountain.
It took 1,5 hr by speed boat from Manado shore , it's a good place for a diver with the coral and the beautiful fish and the water are so bright even you can see the below water....
If you want to spend a night or stay for a long period then you can stay in the beautiful villas in bunaken island and during a night you can find a fantastic experience that you will never forget.
Manado is the capitol of North Sulawesi province, it will takes around 3 hr flight from Jakarta, if you want your travel comfortable you can ask your travel agent to arrange the trip so you just sit and relax and enjoy the trip.
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