Goes to 'Ngalam'

I had a very nice trip to Malang in November last year. I just forgot to write my story here, It's been almost a year already, so shy to tell, but Important to publish for such a beautiful place like this Ngalam ;). 

Actually, I went to Malang for the second time a year, My first visit was with friends of AS.Roma fans community for our annual gathering. And my second visit with my office colleagues for our annual 'Staff outing',  Including Bromo & Surabaya Tours.

As we know, This East Java's second largest city is now moves at a far more leisurely pace than the regional capital, Surabaya. Identically with its leafy, colonial-era boulevards and a breezy climate. Also it's home to a large student population, as There are several important universities here. Above all, Malang for me is an ideal base to explore the intriguing corner of East Java, Indonesia.

For everyone who have listed Malang as your next travel destination, You need at least one-week to explore every corner of city's tourist sites, then you'll be satisfied. Here i try to list down the places i visited last year for you:

1. Inggil Museum Restaurant. 
You must be questioning, Is it a restaurant or a museum? Both of them are correct. This is a museum that also provide restaurant inside the building, So If you're getting hungry when you're looking around, You don't have to worry as you just sit and order some foods to the staffs at the museum itself.

This museum displays a lot of antics collection with Javanese nuanced. Such as: an old alarm clock, old sewing machine, radio, coins and even an 84 years old hairdryer from Dutch is here. Amazing!

While for the restaurant, They serve some local foods from East Java of course likes: Corn rice, Rawon Buntut, Eggplant, Etc.

Fyi, This museum & restaurant is located in the center of Malang city. So i think it's easy for you to come, look and eat :D.

detik.com

 2. Batu Night Spectacular (BNS)
It is a Recreation Park which is very famous in the city of Batu, Malang. From this place, You can see the City Light of Malang, You'll also find some lampoons around the area, setting-up very romantic, becoming this place is deserved to visit with your family, girl/boyfriend, or even closed-friends.

Besides it, All visitors here can buy some local products for Oleh-Oleh which are available at the Night Market along the roads into the exit gates. And also The food court for you who want to have meals here.

The entrance fee to BNS is around Rp 25.000,- per person. (If i'm not mistaken).

wisataindonesia.besaba.com

3. Museum Angkut
Let's explore the history from the automotive sides, then You won't get bored after all.
If you never like to visit Museum or There is no museum on your travel list, Now, You must to consider it again, As i propose here the most 'interesting' museum ever in Indonesia, probably in Southeast-asia as well.

This museum have a different concept than any other museum in this country.
I have two-times now visited this museum and seriously still got excitement. 

Museum Angkut collects and displays a lot of Old authentic cars. The cars collections coming from Europe, Amerika, Asia and even from the ancient time such as: A horse & cow cart.

And if You're idolized or respect to our First Indonesian President, There is and old car which is known ever used by President Soekarno displayed at the museum, make it wort to visit.

The entrance fee for this museum is quite expensive for me, But it's value for money. You need to spend around Rp 55.000 (weekdays) & Rp 75.000 (weekend).

intaninchan.files.wordpress.com

Beautiful Bedugul Bali

We did a short day trip yesterday, Feb 19, 2015.  It's public holiday here. We spent the day by doing a tour to one of bali's tourism icons, Bedugul & Tanah lot temple. I actually already visited the places about 3 times. But some of my friends never did. So we decided to go then.

Our first visit to the ancient Mengwi's kingdom palace, Taman Ayun. Located in Mengwi village, about 18km north side of Denpasar town. Historically, The function of Taman Ayun Temple is a place to pray the god in their manifestation. My friend took a picture at one spot in the area as below:

Taman Ayun Temple (photo by Adrian)

FYI, The current entrance fee for this tourist object is: IDR 10.000 (Domestic) & IDR 15.000 (International).

After that, Our tour continued to the highland of Bedugul, it's approximately takes around 1,5 Hours from Mengwi by car. Don't be surprised as en routing to this place, you will be welcomed by the cloudy, damp and possibly rains. This is an area of great natural beauty however.

The focus point of the area are the crater lakes of Bratan (Beratan) & The Ulun danu temple. This temple is probably the most photographed temple on the island after Tanah Lot and It's certainly one of the iconic images of Bali. The temple sits on the western shore of Lake Bratan and it can give the illusion of actually floating on the water. Absolutely stunning :) !

Ulun Danu temple, Bedugul

The panorama en route to Ulun danu/Lake Beratan, Bedugul

Tourism Ministry to Increase Tourist Visits Through Four Efforts

The Tourism Ministry has set four efforts to increase the number of tourist visits to Indonesia, thus improving the local people’s economy, an official has stated.

“At least we have four efforts to increase the tourist visits. The first is the government is encouraged to set bigger target of the tourist visits to Indonesia which previously only reached 8 to 9 million per year,” the Head of Tourism Resource Development Agency of the Ministry I Gde Pitana said here on Sunday.

The minister said President Joko Widodo has set a tourist visit target from 2014 to 2019 at 20 million, with an increase of 16 percent per year.

Pitana said the average development of international tourism sector is only at 5 percent.

“The approach can help the people who have business in tourism sector to conduct innovation in order to achieve the target at our tourism sector,” Minister said.

The second effort from the ministry is using digital media as promotion tools to international community.

“We will develop the awareness, interest, and decision of Indonesian tourism before tourist candidate went to the destination. The digital media is more effective to increase the awareness of Indonesian tourism and we have allocated 50 percents of our budget to develop the digital media,” Pitana said.

The third effort is the enhancement of the tourism marketing and promotion in foreign countries, he pointed out, adding that the total budget for the ministry has also increased to RP3.7 trillion for 2015.

“The fourth effort is the stepping up of attention to tourism human resources. The human resources factor is a key success amid the competition era,” Pitana noted.

The Ministry also planned to establish three new tourism high schools in Mataram of West Nusa Tenggara Province, Palembang of South Sumatra Province and Manado of North Sulawesi Province.

Source: thebalitimes.com 

Waterbom Bali

Sunday, 30 November 2014,  My friend and I went to Kuta visiting the best water park in Asia (reviews on tripadvisor), Waterbom Bali. This water park sets itself in lush tropical garden with many great rides and attractions. It's also said this waterbom is 68% garden, Using the energy very efficiently, and They recycle 3600m3 of water per day. Yes, I granted this place is very 'green' with its trees and grass at every corner of all its attractions. Offers a cosiness and beauty.

Actually, it's my 3rd times visiting Waterbom, however i still very excited to be there.
There are more than 10 rides available here, Some of them as per below:

1). Boomerang
The rides is so quick, but it's totally awesome to take anyway, Scream out our lungs as we twisted down around 20 meters drop only to get swept straight up back up again! Absolutely challenging.
I ride this Boomerang 5 times yesterday, it was really excited.

2). Green Vipers 
I myself didn't play this to be honest, But i ever did it on my last visit in 2012.
I still remember the bends on the tube, really got a heartbeat. Minimum weight required at 45 (I was 46 at that time, only 1 level heavier.

3). Superbowl 
I firstly ever impressed with this ride, But yesterday i didn't try it at all. Because for me, It's not so damn 'frightening' :). I hate whenever you get into the huge cauldron from the tunnel, then need much times to flushed you down again for a splash into the pool.

4). Python
Ah, This is the new ride at Waterbom Bali. I think it's also the biggest waterslide here, with can be ridden by max. 4 persons in one slide (Weight Requirement Maximum 240 Kg.).
I tried this with 2 of my friends, This slide positioning us to face & cross our feet each other in a circular tube. When the 'Pool attendant' pushed us down the tunnel, It was really unexpected, It's dark all around, We didn't know the twists and the turns at all until surprisingly flushed down to an open tunnel until it's over. My friend who sat down and facing both of us on the tube slide said "Python really got him headaches", lol.

5). Lazy River
What most important from a 'war' is a break, so do we. By taking a slow drift on the tube ride along the river, It totally lulled heartbeat back to normal :). It's likely the best 'break time' ever.

Adrian, Maya, Lilla, Sunary, Vicky, Trie, Deafry, Henz

Tri Nova mau di bawa kemana

Well, We finished at 3pm in the afternoon. Took a shower, changing cloths before leaving the best water park in Bali. And do not forget to check and buy some photos to the Photo counter on the way out. It's highly recommended because the Pool Photographers were so great. The photo price is around Idr 140.000 /pcs, and Idr 600.000 per package including free soft copy.

"Don't leave every moment you have, as it might be an endless memory!"

"Dare to ride the top attraction in Asia! Come & experience the excitement of the Waterbom Bali Ride Waterslides! Fun for the whole family."

 

For more information regarding the reservation and details of the park, Please visit their official website: Waterbom Bali

Blue Point Beach Bali

As we know, Bali has so many spectacular places to visit. And for you as a traveler both backpacker or leisure it's a must to come.

Blue point beach or the local calls as Suluban beach, I have visited this place twice in 2012 and the latest in October last month. 

What unique from this beach are its corals and the steep canyons.

The distance from downtown is not too far and easy to reach, Approximately will takes 45mins from Airport Ngurah rai or Kuta area.

When you arrive there, You must getting down the stairs which are crookedest and full of cafes on each corner. So must be careful all the way. It sometimes dangerous.

I have some photos for you, they would describes more :)

 

 You can see, The beach is blessed with a breathtaking view on the Indian Ocean which offers a serene atmosphere and spectacular sunsets in the late afternoons, creating that most romantic aura.

Actually, The character of waves at Suluban or Blue point Beach is similar to those at Uluwatu Beach that come in with that  great, powerful, long swell and consistent barrels that have always fascinated surfers who came to this point. Here waves can reach to between 3 and 12 feet with the average wave size being 3 to 5 feet, perfect for advanced and professional surfers. 

FYI, The word Suluban comes from the Balinese language “mesulub” which translated means: to bow down.
While why many people call with Blue Point Beach since it is closely associated with the Blue Point Bay Villa located on the top of the cliff which shade Suluban Beach.


Photo by: henz & adrian

Nusa Dua Fiesta 2014 (Throwback Oct12)

The Nusa Dua Fiesta is an annual festival that features a week of arts, culture, sports, music and exhibitions in and around the peninsula in Nusa Dua. The aim of the festival is to highlight Bali's rich traditions and culture. The opening day features various art competitions and exhibitions at the beach fronts of the hotels that line the Peninsula. The following days are also filled with diving tours, children's carnivals, charity gala dinners and various live modern and cultural entertainments for the public.

I came to the event almost each year, Only to watch the performances / exhibitions, visiting some booths and buying some foods there :).

Below are some pictures i took from Nusa Dua Fiesta on October 12, 2014:

This Nusa Dua Fiesta is aiming to promote Indonesia's tourism effectively & efficient on the place, time and the target itself. And for me, This event also can be used as a place to expand our business networks. So It's absolutely worth to visit.


Photo by: henz, deafry, lilla, adrian.
 

Bali 3D Trick Art Gallery

To be honest, when i read the above title, I felt so curious what was that mean, I mean, The word "Trick" was so strange combining with its Art gallery. But then, I browsed lot of things about this on Google. I found the place, Located not too far from my boarding house in Jimbaran, Bali.

I drove my own motor-bike there, It took around 30mins only. This is a museum, So it's easy to find it along Jalan Sunset Road Bali. It's also new opened in last April this year 2014.

Well when i was around the museum, So impressed with the warm welcome by their receptionist. She explained me a lot regarding this place, Giving me a couple of brochures of this newly Art gallery in Bali.

Actually, The contents of the museum is basically the same with another Painting museums in Bali, such as: Pasifika Museum in Nusa dua or Rudana museum in Ubud, But what most interesting and different is The 3D Trick. It's draw out!

Collection of paintings in 3D Trick Art Gallery is very complete. Different types of painting tricks reliable and professional painters to make paintings that extraordinary results are spectacular.

Collection includes Classic theme roman, Dinosaurs, Animal, trick, Bali Themes, and many more are up to 80 tricks painting. The atmosphere in the collection is a favorite hill bridge accompanied by the flow of water.

I'm sure that all young age, even adults are very enthusiastic to visit this 3D Museum in Bali.

As for your information, This 3D Trick Art Gallery is open daily Monday through Sunday, at 09:00 am to 22:00 pm. access to the location is also very convenient because it is near the Kuta beach and the airport.

 

More information about this Museum, Please simply click: balitrickart.com

Booking & Reservation can be made through your local travel agent : Reseravtion

Photo by: henz

'Halal tourism' explained in six questions

The first-ever Halal Tourism Conference (HTC) is set to take place on September 22 and 23 in Granada, Spain. At the event, hospitality and travel professionals will examine how to better attract Muslim tourists, especially those of the high-income variety.

Here is the lowdown on Halal tourism:

1. What is Halal tourism? 
The phrase was coined to refer to the specific traveling habits and expectations of Muslim tourists.
Essentially this clients are looking for service in accordance with their religion principles, such as restaurants serving Halal meats & hotels with dedicated prayer areas.

2. Who are Halal tourists?
Potentially, anyone of Muslim faith. In terms of nationality, demand for this type tourism comes primarily from Indonesia (home to the World's largest Muslim population), Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. North African travelers also represent a considerable clientele.
Also read: Halal tourism guide for Muslim Travelers

3. What expectations are specific to them?
Notwithstanding the diversity of global Muslim population, there are certain amenities and services that Muslim tourists everywhere are likely to expect. Generally, Halal tourists may seek out restaurants that serve Halal meat and do not serve alcohol. They might also expect to find dedicated prayer rooms at their hotels, or at least be provided with a prayer mat for use in their room. More conservative Muslims might also look for separate swimming pools or beaches for men & women. Finally, they may also tend to be interested in activities and excursions on the theme of Islamic religion and culture.

4. What are the top destinations?
According to the HTC's Muslim Travel Index in Europe, Muslim travelers most often listed France (30%) as their destination of choice on the continent. England and Italy tied close behind in second (28%), followed by Germany and Turkey in third (26%). Naturally, however, there is a higher availability of services catering to Halal travelers in countries where the religion is prevalent, such as Turkey, Dubai & Qatar.

5. Are there tour operators specializing in Halal tourism?
Travel agencies catering to Muslims clients have proliferated on the web in recent years. There's Halal booking, Muslim Tripper, Halal Trip and Sun Sea & Halal, just to name a few. All of these companies have one thing in common: They sell vacations guaranteed to be in sync with Islamic principles.

6. How big is the industry? 
Last year, the global Halal tourism market was worth an estimated $140 billion, again according to HTC organizers. This represents around 13% of total tourist spending worldwide. By 2020, revenues from the sector are expected to reach $192 billion.

Source: hindustantimes.com 

See Indonesia in One Afternoon!

There are so many ways to learn & know more about Indonesia. Our country (Indonesia) are well-known with its diversity whether from the cultural, religion or even its ethnic. We're certainly should be proud we're a part of this country.

If you're traveling to Jakarta, you can visit the famous TMII (Indonesia's Miniatur park), This park is one of the ambit of the Indonesia's cultures which are include all aspects of the society from around 33 provinces. It's all showed in local traditional shapes (it's called "Anjungan").

As I'm living & work in Bali, I advise you NO need to go that far to the capital's Jakarta to knows our beloved country. There's now a miniatur park such TMII in bali which is called "TAMAN NUSA".

Taman Nusa is also a cultural park that aims to offer a comprehensive information on the cultures of Indonesia’s various ethnic groups in an attractive and interactive way, while enjoying the natural beauty of Bali.
Its mission is to provide a conservation, didactic and recreative means for both domestic and foreign visitors to accurately understand the depiction of Indonesia.

I visited this place yesterday (Sep 14), I know this from my colleague who already visited there. I was so curious of this place since my friend said that It's worthwhile to visit.

I went to the place in the afternoon at 1pm from my boarding house in Jimbaran.
To be honest, I didn't know where the park is located unless around Gianyar area. Luckily, We had a very useful GPS & Google navigation to reach there. This will takes only 1hour from Jimbaran/Nusa dua area. En route to the place, you will be welcomed by a very fresh air, beautiful rice terrace & stunning panorama with the mountain as its background. Perfect!

Actually it is not difficult to be there, We just go straight follow the main road of I Bagus Mantra Bypass. Until then we found the sign board of Taman Nusa, lead you to turn left then also just follow the street & ended after 20-30mins later.

This Taman Nusa Park is situated on 15 hectares of land. All visitors are invited to explore and experience Indonesia’s journey throughout the ages beginning from the prehistory, bronze age, kingdoms, and an archipelago of Indonesian cultures.

The journey continues to the early national era, independence, modern times and finally to the nation’s future.

You will take at least 2hours exploring all the sites around the park. And you will never regret right after that!

I myself started the tour inside the park from 3pm, and finished at 5pm.
You also no need to worry if you're thirsty or need some drinks/meals during the journey, since you'll find some canteens which are available at several part of the park.

What's interesting i found here was we can interact directly with the local, I mean in every Traditional house there would be one person originally from its region. Let's say if you visit the Traditional house from West Java (Jawa Barat), There's one person in charge (the local) who can explain the details of the house, the art, the history & more. You will be invited to enter their house, Take some pictures or just sitting down to enjoy the atmosphere right inside the house. That's should be delightful experience, right?

The place also called as "Cultural village". With more than 60 traditional houses, some of which are hundreds of years old. Visitors are given the opportunity to experience the modest village life of the diverse and distinct ethnicity from all over Indonesia and see various crafts and performing arts. Like what we have done below:

And... Don't forget the Indonesia's masterpiece as I found it also in here:
Candi Borobudur (Borobudur temple), That should be located in Yogyakarta, but we can see the replica of its masterpiece in this Taman Nusa. Very historical site and known as one of the World heritages. Absolutely Stunning!

I had anyway a very nice conversation with this local girl from The ethnic group of Minahasa (If not mistaken). The girl was very helpful, honest, and very kind telling about her tribe's history, cultures, and its faiths.

Well at the end of the journey, We were treated with scenic cliff view, overlooking verdant rice terraces and lush jungle, with the waters of Melangit River rush below. Very wonderful panorama.

 

  

I think that's enough telling you about my trip experience visiting Taman Nusa. 

If you're interested to go there, You can check more information about the place on their official website: Taman-nusa.com . Or you can also contact / send me an email for any required assistances & special admission price probably? :). Thanks anyway & Have a wonderful day!

Photo by: henz & adrian

Day Trip - Nusa Penida (Throwback June 8th)

June 8, We received an invitation from Indonesia Travel Agent Association to attend "Nusa Penida Festival". The festival themed "The Rise of a New Paradise"and held within 8-11 of June, 2014.

It was the first ever festival at this island and planned to continue yearly. The activities which available during its 3-days events were such: Cultural Carnival, Tourist object inspection, Culinary competition, Painting competition, Local product & Photography exhibition, Mangrove planting, Tourism seminar & more. 

My colleague asked me to join this "Day Trip" & I said "Yes". We were four persons, Drove to Sanur beach in early morning. Waiting for the fast boat to reach that island.

The journey takes around 1,5 hours using the fast boat. Upon arrival, We were greeted by the locals and got some refreshment. The trip started 30mins later. We took our local transport (An old small car occupied until 6-7 persons). We went to the most famous beach at this island called "Crystal Bay", The trip felt quite fun but also tortured for me, I don't know whether it's because of the Old car we were OR due to some of the roads still looks rather terrible all the way.

Well after about 30mins, We arrived at the place. The beach was so beautiful, White sand, Beautiful corals & the lime-stone at some sides looked very stunning. No time to talks after getting-off the car, We ran on to the beach, Taking some pictures & make some poses as we always do.

This was a tropical island similar with its neighbour Nusa Lembongan. But the Lembongan island is more well-known than Nusa penida for most of tourists so far. This Nusa penida also very hot, humid & some of the area are desolated.

Actually, This island has several tourism sites to visit such as: Crystal Bay (we visited), Goa Giri Putri (Karangsari cave), Ped penataran temple (An extremely important temple to the Hindu Balinese many of whom make an annual pilgrimage to Nusa Penida specifically to pray here to protect against illness, disease and death), Mundi hill (The highest point of Nusa penida), Sebulluh waterfall and South coast cliffs. But anyway, We only visited one place "Crystal Bay" as we only had a very limited time on that Day Trip. 

In the afternoon, We were transferred to the centre of the event, A hall and a park to watch some exhibitions there. And then, All of us returned to Sanur beach at about 3pm remain using The speed boat. It's all ended when we touched down the white & beautiful Sanur beach. 

I think, It's one of our great experience even's only in a "Day Trip". Absolutely a moment to remember at all time :). 

By the way, Herewith i posted some pictures we had during that trip, Check this out below: 

 

On the pictures: henz, adrian, lilla
Photo by: henz & adrian

The panoramic "Pandawa Beach"

Pandawa Beach

What do you think about the above picture? For me, It's totally awesome! I took this when i visited a beach in Bali last March if not mistaken.

This is "PANDAWA BEACH", You can see the hill, the lime-stone cliff surrounding & the view to the ocean, It's all Remarkable!

The Bali's tourism department knows this place has huge potential for tourists, So they' already re-set & emended all the infrastructure needed especially the road to reach this beach, It's all new now & easy access to be here.

What i amazed a lot from this beach are the statues decorating alongside the wall nearer to the beach, the white sands & the blue emerald water, It's absolutely catch my heart.

This beach is also known as "Kutuh Beach" as it's located at The Kutuh village, Southern part of Bali. It's quite easy to get there now, You can contact me if need some helps or driving you there :).

Well, Just right along the way to the beach, You'll also find 5 huge white statues of Pandawa Brothers, the protagonist of Mahabharata story. They are Yudhistira (the eldest), Bima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sadewa. This is another reason why i like this place so much, We can take some pictures at this statues, the lime-stones cliff & of course the background Pandawa beach. I did it with my friends last time. Here they are, Take a look please! :)

 

The above pictures we took during a visit to Pandawa Beach. Is that enough to attract you to go there? Hopefully :)

I know that Bali has so many beaches. But this one is highly recommended to visit. The white sands, blue emerald water, the lime-stone cliff, the statues, and Its green and deep blue aquatic sight, That's all AMAZING! Be there soon...

On the pictures: henz, adrian & vicky
Photo by: henz & adrian

That afternoon at Geger Beach

Ah, It's totally insane IF living in Bali but never visit or knows the beach. Bali's well-known as the tourist beach destination and one of the best in Asia even in the world. So, This island must have kinds of beach to offer, From the famous Kuta beach until the northern Lovina beach which is also known with its Dolphin.

I visited a  beach in Nusa Dua last sunday (August 31). Most people called its a "Grill Beach", Located along the fairly famous Geger beach. I impressed as there were only some tourists coming here, Still desolated but I really like a place like this, No crowd surrounding. Best time to relax and enjoy the ambiances, definitely!

I never forget carrying my camera at every place i visit, And we took some pictures during "That afternoon at Geger/Grill Beach". Check this out below:

Two Balinese girls are having their own rituals such a "self purification".

Beautiful path in the middle of the two small cliff at both side

Be careful to get down the 'rock ladders' to the beach, it's rather keen & steep for me :)

 

The last picture shows that i'm the one who looked so indecisive & terrified when defying the waves :(. "Enjoy the beach and never think of the tsunami", I told to my self! Lol.

On the pictures: henz & vicky
Photo by: henz & adrian