WAKATOBI, INDONESIA ISLAND OF DIVER'S DREAM !!!

As you might imagine in the beautiful waters of Indonesia, the fish are plentiful as well as the reef. I was told this over and over, and so my expectations were high, but Wakatobi waters and diving did not disappoint, in fact I was even more surprised than I thought I would be. This is my and my buddy's first trek into the Pacific, and I'm afraid we are spoiled for future trips, but that doesn't mean we won't go back. The diving was all its cracked up to be, but so it the resort.

The worst part of this trip is the traveling itself. Although we flew with Singapore Airlines and they do know how to make this trip as bearable as possible - even in Economy Class. I highly recommend them. The attendants are pleasant and delightful the whole way. The other thing to remember is that not only are you traveling half way around the world (east or west), you are also traveling to the Equator, so you have two large plane flights ahead of you. We trekked from DFW to LAX, to Tokyo to refuel, then to Singapore where we had a 6-hour layover. We checked into theTransit Hotel there and it is very simple, plain and very nice respite on this long trip. I highly recommend it. It
costs around $50 for a 6-hour stay with an ensuite bathroom. Please remember this hotel books up so make your reservations about 4 months in advance.

We traveled with Island Dreams and Ken Knezick and I can not say enough wonderful things about the details they all attended to for us. If this is your first (or one of your many) I highly recommend traveling with Ken and Island Dreams. Ken was on the trip and once we arrived in Bali made sure that all of us were met and gathered and taken care of. Having traveled internationally lots, I know all the intricacies that can and do happen, and Ken took care of all of these, without any fanfare or half the time without the group knowing anything had been done. In hindsight, this was good, cause about this time, my buddy and I were just taking in all the environs and not really paying attention to the business at hand! We stayed at a beautiful boutique hotel in Bali, Alum Kul Kul, where we had a wonderful feel of the country. The next morning we woke up to a wonderful breakfast buffet in the open-air lobby (we're on the Equator, so there's no need for too much protection except from the occasional rain, but our morning was comfortable and had a breeze from the ocean view. We then took a bus back to the airport to take our charter flight to Wakatobi.

Wakatobi (Wangiwangi, Kaledupa, Tomea and Binongko Islands) is named after four other islands in a small string of islands off the Southeast coast of Sulawesi which is the middle "upside-down Y" shaped island. We take our charter flight to Tomea the closest island to Wakatobi, and then a very short ferry ride on one of the dive boats to the resort. We are greeted by the most cheerful and energetic staff I've ever seen. They take over completely where all you have to do is walk to and from your hut and meals, and the dive boat. They really have set up a marvelous system to allow you to see and do the maximum amount of diving in the shortest amount of time. Each boat is split into two groups which allows the divemasters to be more specific about what you would like to see and better serve you. On the first dive you will be asked to perform some basic scuba skills just so they can tell your scuba level of diving, however we unfortunately had one of those wild currents (if you've done some of the wild-current dives in Cozumel, that's what this is), and we were doing good to stay in as a group, much less do any serious diving exploring or photography. Later in the week we did this dive a number of times, and the current was never this strong.

A word on currents here, cause this, as a photographer was one of my main concerns. As the diving went on, what we discovered is that the currents can be strong here, but they also seem to last for a short time and can in the middle of a dive, change. Don't kid yourself, these currents are dangerous, and if you know how to dive in wild currents, you're OK. This is one of the things that makes this a dive trip for more experienced divers. No open water newbies here - it just won't be that enjoyable for you. But for experienced divers, this is a piece of cake. Some dives, I would just tuck my camera under my arm and enjoy the ride, till the current died down, and then start shooting photos again. The boats were always close, and although my buddy is an air hog, and we were usually last in and first out, the boat was always close by to pick us up, no matter which direction the current seemed to be going or at what speed. And I have to ad, that the reef was so gorgeous at such shallow depths that when we would do our safety stops, it was usually among a plethora of reef and fish
and was NEVER boring! Some dives, we would just whirl right along with the current and not worry about the speed, and some dives the current was negligible which meant lots of fine opportunities for photography.

Our daily schedule was to rise to a beautiful sunrise, to have a breakfast of custom prepared eggs, juice, pastries, and international cuisine buffet, then off to change clothes and to the dive briefing in the Long House (the main building @ Wakatobi). After the briefing, everyone boarded the dive boat, where your gear and full tanks were waiting. The dive sites were usually 10-15 minutes (if that) from the resort, with a short trip to the next dive site, and an hour interval time, and a dive briefing on the boat for the second dive, then dive, then return to the resort, where you would change into dry clothes for lunch. The dry clothes may seem like a bother, but I liked it as it made the eating more special and you felt as though you were in a restaurant not an eating hall! A leisurely amount of time (usually time for a short nap), then the afternoon dive briefing in the Long House, afternoon dive, return to the resort, and plenty of time to clean up and change into dry clothes
for the restaurant and dinner...

After dinner we would saunter over to the dive shop and analyze our morning nitrox tanks....

.....and then trek out to the jetty bar for a nice night cap or just to enjoy the beautiful southern sky...

...you can see the Milky Way, Southern Cross - the the southern hemisphere's
counterpoint to Big Dipper, North Star - the little luminescent shrimp who leave a stream of glow-in-the-dark trails. Then off
to your beach hut....

for another night of snooze before another day of great diving.

The talk about the plethora and number of types of fish and reef and marine life is not over-blown here. This is the crossroads between two great oceans, Indian and Pacific and you can tell this is an area that has an over-abundance of life on the reef. I'm not a tree-hugger, but I did have the feeling that I was diving in a very special area, sort of like visiting an
antique china boutique in which everything had been beautifully preserved and I was going to do everything I could to make sure that I left it in the same condition I found it. Granted, the remoteness of the location and the difficult and time it takes to travel to Wakatobi will keep it from becoming a huge tourist joint, but if you are a diver who is looking for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, this is well worth giving up a couple of short trips to make this one great trip. Either as a celebration or just as a reward for whatever reason, this location has to be on your to-do list. It is a must. From the service, diving, dive sites, accommodations - everything gets an A+, which makes this a must do trip. And do it with Ken Island Dreams cause
they will make this so painless, you won't even know you've been through customs!!!

UJUNG KULON NATIONAL PARK

Ujung Kulon National Park is the first national park, founded in Indonesia. The park (80,000 ha) lies on a peninsula in south-west Java and includes the islands Pulau Peucang, Pulau Panaitan and the Krakatau archipelago. On 1 February, 1992, the Proposed Ujung Kulon National Park complex and the Krakatau Islands Nature Reserve were declared a World Heritage Site. The borders on the north, south and west side of Ujung Kulon are made up by the Indian Ocean. The Honje mountain range, including the highest point of the park Gunung Honje (620 m), forms the eastern border. The Indian Ocean is the main access route.

Habitats in the park consists of lowland rainforest, swamp, mangrove and beach forest. Vegetation on Pulau Panaitan consists of dry-beach forest, mangrove forest and lowland rain forest which is characterized by an abudance of palms. On Anak Krakatau, the island that came into existence after the Krakatau exploded, flora and fauna are still young. Small animals and birds gradually colonize the lava island. The principal flora consists of grasslands, beach forest, lowland rain forest and moss forests at the higher altitudes.

The most important reason to declare Ujung Kulon a National Park is the existence of the almost-extinct Javan Rhinoceroses in the area. The population of these extremely endangered animals in Ujung Kulon is estimated to be 50-60. The remaining Javan rhinos, around 2 to 8 rhinos, are believed to live in Vietnam`s Cat Tien National Park. Valued for their horns, they face a serious threat from poaching. Some cultures believe that the powdered rhino horn will cure everything from fever to food poisoning and will enhance sexual stamina.

Getting There
Ujung Kulon National Park is accessible by boat (5-6 hour) from Labuan. You can get to Labuan by minibus from Jakarta (3-4 hour) or Bogor. An other possibility is to take a bus with destination Merak from Kalideres bus station in Jakarta. Get out in Cilegon and from there catch a bus to Labuan.The boat from Labuan leaves for Pulau Peucang or Tamanjaya. Coming from Sumatra by ferry, your journey will end in Merak. From Merak, take the bus to Jakarta, jump off in Cilegon and from there see above. There may be minibuses going all the way from Merak to Labuan.

A cheaper alternative to access the park runs over land. From Labuan you may take the HM minibus (from Serang bus station) or a taxi to Tamanjaya (about Rp. 250,000, 3,5 hrs). In Tamanjaya you’ll be able to arrange a boat to Pulau Peucang (Rp. 700,000), Pulau Handeleum (Rp. 200,000) or Pulau Panaitan (Rp. 900,000); mooring and boat entry permits are not included. Krakatau is best visited from Labuan. Please Bargain !!

Where to Stay
Permits, local guides speaking only bahasa Indonesia (about Rp. 50,000/day, excluding meals and cigarettes), English-speaking guides (Rp. 100,000/day, excluding meals and cigarettes) and accommodation can be arranged at the PHPA office in Labuan, or at Kagum in Jakarta. You can also find accomodation in Ujung Kulon. But it’s always best to plan ahead.

Other Things to See or Do
Round Pulau Peucang and Pulau Panaitan you’ll be able to snorkel and dive among beautiful coral reefs.

TOBA LAKE

Lake Toba (Indonesian: Danau Toba) is a lake, 100 km long and 30 km wide, and 505 m. (1,666 ft.) at its deepest point, in the middle of the northern part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra with a surface elevation of about 900 m (3,000 feet).

History of Toba Lake

The Toba eruption (the Toba event) occurred at what is now Lake Toba about 67,500 to 75,500 years ago. It had an estimated Volcanic Explosivity Index of 8 (described as “mega-colossal”), making it possibly the largest explosive volcanic eruption within the last twenty-five million years. Scientiest of Michigan Technological University deduced that the total amount of erupted material was about 2800 cubic km (670 cubic miles) ? around 2,000 km? of ignimbrite that flowed over the ground and around 800 km? that fell as ash, with the wind blowing most of it to the west. By contrast, the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens ejected around 1.2 cubic km of material, whilst the largest volcanic eruption in historic times, at Mount Tambora in 1815, emitted the equivalent of around 100 cubic kilometres of dense rock and created the “Year Without a Summer” as far away as North America.
The Toba eruption was the latest of a series of at least three caldera-forming eruptions which have occurred at the volcano. Earlier calderas were formed around 700,000 and 840,000 years ago.
To give an idea of its magnitude, consider that although the eruption took place in Indonesia, it deposited an ash layer approximately 15 cm (6 in) thick over the entire Indian subcontinent; at one site in central India, the Toba ash layer today is up to 6 m (20 feet) thick and parts of Malaysia were covered with 9 m of ashfall. In addition it has been calculated that 1010 metric tons of sulphuric acid was ejected into the atmosphere by the event, causing acid rain fallout.
The subsequent collapse formed a caldera that, after filling with water, created Lake Toba.

Most of the people who live around Lake Toba are ethnically Bataks. Traditional Batak houses are noted for their distinctive roofs (which curve upwards at each end, as a boat’s hull does) and their colorful decor.
in 13 up to 16 June every year will be held Toba Lake Festival , this festival is centered around Toba Lake. The festival features traditional sport, boats races, cultural performance and contemporary shows, horse races, water sport competitions and local handicrafts exhibitions.

MOLA-MOLA

During such moments when we are relaxing under the sun, we dread the spotlight of curious stares and we could become agitated, even furious, if a stranger suddenly brushes against us. We may feel such uninvited contact to be intrusive, bursting our holiday bubble - besides, our sunscreen suit now has a clean spot where we might burn!

The ocean sunfish may empathize with us. This fish is commonly known as the mola, a name that comes from the Latin word meaning 'millstone' in reference to its round shape. It is called poison lune (moon fish) in France, schimmernderkopf (swimming head) in Germany, and manbou (flipping wheel fish) in japan. It is one of three members belonging to the Molidae family: Mola mola, the common mola; Masturus lanceolatus, the sharp-tailed mola; and Ranzania laevis, the slender mola.

In Indonesia, Mola mola can be found in the waters around Nusa Penida, one of the three 'sister' islands located off the eastern coast of Bali. They 'arrive' in the area around June, specifically in Crystal Bay and Blue Corner, and usually stay till October. They use these few months to sunbathe like many seasonal holidaymakers hence their name.

Spending most of their time in the upper 40-50m of the ocean, the mola restore their body temperature with the heat from the sun by floating horizontally to soak up the rays. In the afternoons, the fish dive repeatedly to 100-300m and occasionally to depths of over 600m and in the evenings, the rest near the surface.

They also use this time to bathe, as in cleaning their bodies. Amazingly, the mola can host up to forty different parasites on its skin; for this reason it is wise for us not to touch it unless you want a sample of marine parasites.

As it sunbathes near the ocean surface, the mola acts as a free buffet for seabirds and cleaner fish. So if we meet a mola, it is a good idea not to disturb them during their food-supplying program. Besides, in touching the fish we will remove the outer layer of mucus that protects it against infection.

Spotting a mola during a diving trip is a wondrous, joyous experience. Despite our excitement, however, it is important to be courteous to the fish.

During their sunbathing 'holiday', our awe-filled gaze will not disturb them as long as we maintain a minimum distance of 3m when the fish is at a cleaning station, and a minimum distance of 10m the fish is considering an approach to the reef or appears unsettled. It is also best that we do not make any unnecessary noice, so as not to disturb the rhythm of marine music.

Coming accross the mola is a lucky meeting that may inspire a Kodak moment but don't use flash, because it disturb them. Be careful no to block their escape route, and swim ahead of or next to the fish so as not to startle their friendly cleaner fish with bubbles from our breathing apparatus.

The sunfish live on a diet of jellyfish, supplemented with zooplankton, squid, fish, larvae, crustaceans, algae, eelgrass, and various seabed invertebrates. With such items on their menu, the fish increases its weight about 60 million times as they grow from larva to adult. A mola at California's Monterey Bay Aquarium apparently gained 346kg in only 14 months! Obviously, the sunfish do not have a problem with obesity.

A mola reaches its full size in 10 years, attaining a vertical span of over 3m from it dorsal to anal fins and weighing about 1000kg, and enjoy an underwater lifespan of an average 20 years.

These unique ships with their parasitic passengers also carry a secret. While it is known that female sunfish lay their eggs in the water for the males to fertilize externally, no one has ever witnessed the mola spawn in the wild. A few of the mola's spawning areas have been identified, but it is believed that there are many more areas yet to be discovered.

WILDLIFE OF BALI AND LOMBOK

FOREST
Much of Bali and Lombok was once covered in forest, including large areas of lowland rainforest. Much has been destroyed; causes include volcanic eruptions, coffee and coconut cultivation and collection of firewood. Lush forests still grow on Bali's southern and western mountain slopes. On the drier, northern slopes the forest is deciduous.

Giant golden orb weaver, common in lowland areas.

The black-winged starling is an endangered species that lives in the deciduous forest of nortwest Bali, as well as in open grasslands.

The long-tailed macaque monkey is often seen in forest, on roadsides and around temples.




VOLCANIC PEAKS
After volcanic ash is deposited by an eruption, centuries pass before the formation of soil capable of sustaining a rich plant life. However, the slopes are soon colonized by mosses, grasses and ferns, and there is a diverse bird life. On the grid northern and eastern slopes grows a grassland vegetation often punctuated by lontar palms.



The mountain white-eye gathers in treetops, uttering a characteristic high-pitched call.

The helmeted friar bird inhabits the arid mountain areas of Lombok

The senduduk flower, with its exotic pink petals, is found in mountain scrub.


RIVERS AND RICEFIELDS
Some 150 rivers flow through the gorges of Bali and Lombok, assisting irrigation of the rice crops. Here birds, frogs, toads and spiders can live on planthoppers and other small pests which cause damage to the rice itself. The birds include egrets, herons, ducks and small finches.

The Java sparrow, a red-billed native of Java and Bali, is found around river gorges and ricefields.

Toads live in the damp habitats such as ricefields; here they survive on the diet of insect, including grass-hoppers, beetles and crickets.

COASTLINES
The beaches, coral reefs and shallow waters around these islands support a huge variety of marine life, even in developed areas such as Sanur. Although little true mangrove forest remains, mangroves still absorb the force of waves, helping to reduce coastal erosion.

The lionfish, while visually attractive, is poisonous to touch. It lives in waters off the smaller islands around Bali.

The green turtle is endangered; it is hunted for its meat, sometimes used in Balinese ritual.

BEST ECO-TOURISM DESTINATION : KOMODO NATIONAL PARK

If one day your friend asked, “Have you ever seen a dinosaur?” and you said “Yeah, sure! At the movie…!” then you really have to pack your bag and go straight to Komodo National Park (Taman Nasional Komodo), East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Indonesia. Because what’s you’re going to experience is the real deal!

Unforgettable adventure with the Komodo Dragons

Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is the closest prehistoric creature that we can still see alive, not just from the Jurassic Park movie. Komodo has muscular body, with almost 10 feet (3 meters) in length and more than 300 pounds (136 kilograms) weight, Komodo dragons are definitely the biggest lizard on earth.

Komodo Dragons are very athletic. They can run fast, climb a tree, swim, dive, and in the end they got very hungry and get to eat… and then they eat a lot (almost 80% of the prey) in a single feeding. If any animal can run away from Komodo Dragons attack, they won’t survive for long. Komodo dragons tongue is very deadly, because it contains some gross bacteria that kills. You really don’t want to kiss them! Weird thing is, despite the toxicity of a Komodo Dragon’s bite, Komodo Dragons bitten by their own species seem unaffected by the bacteria. That’s not fair!

The only place you can find Komodo Dragon living in his natural habitat, is in Komodo Islands, Indonesia. It’s the most unique eco-tourism destination in the world. To get there, the easiest way is to go to Denpasar, Bali and use airplane from there to the nearest city to the island, Labuan Bajo. From Labuan Bajo, you can rent a boat to start the adventure in the islands. Make sure you visit the island around July – October, because the dragon likes it hot!

In the island, you can immediately start the journey to watch the life of Komodo Dragons, enjoying the suspense of Komodo Dragon’s arrival, exploring the land (guided by the trained park guide armed with a branch with a forked end that were used to poke Komodo Dragons in the nose), walking through the dry savannah, smell the beautiful flowers and spoil your eyes with the breathtaking view of the beach and the hills. It’s almost like a wonderful journey to the prehistoric past!

Taste of Paradise

Who knew! Komodo Dragon has perfectly choose to life in a peaceful paradise One of the most famous beach in Komodo Islands is the Pink Beach. It has pink sand, the perfect blue sea and the green hills. You will want to spend your time a little more longer here. Don’t forget to use your sunblock

The unique plants and other wild animals

In 1980, Komodo Islands (consist of Komodo, Rinca and Padar Island) was declared National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site to protect the distinctive animal, Komodo dragons, and other fauna and flora that make up their environment. That’s why, here you can also see wild pigs, buffalo, eagle, and also beautiful native trees and flowers.

The Komodo National Park administrative offices are located in Labuan Bajo in west Flores. An information center and travel agents where transportation to and from the Park can be arranged are also found in Labuan Bajo. The majority of tourists to the Park pass through the Loh Liang ranger station nestled in the sweeping arc of Slawi Bay on Komodo island. This is the largest facility in Komodo National Park with bungalows and rooms, a restaurant and a dormatory for the park rangers.

The most popular tourist activity is a hike to the Banugulung viewing area, a two-hour roundtrip level walk that originates from Loh Liang. Hikes to other areas of Komodo are also possible, and vary from one to two days: Gunung Ara, Poreng, Loh Sebita, Gunung Sata libo, Soro Masangga. On longer walks overnight accommodation can be arranged at ranger posts at Loh Sebita and Loh Genggo. For certified divers there is a compressor and diving equipment available for hire at Loh Liang as well as masks and fins for snorkellers. Handicrafts made in the nearby village of Komodo are for sale at the arrival jetty.

The hiking on Rinca is less strenuous than that on Komodo, and has the added attraction of viewing the wild horses and monkeys which are not found on Komodo. On Rinca wild buffalo are more common and easily seen as well. On the north side of the island, behind Rinca village, is a large cave with a resident bat colony. Rangers at both Loh Liang and Loh Buaya are readily available to lead walks, and are knowledgeable about the local fauna and birdlife.

The under water glory

Not only great on the land, Komodo Islands also have a great under water scene. The variety of marine life for scuba diving in Komodo rivals the world’s best dive destinations. This is the world’s epicentre for marine diversity and you’ll see loads of stuff here on a diving cruise that you just won’t see anywhere else in the world, from sunfish, mantas, dolphins and eagle rays to pygmy seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, clown frogfish, nudibranchs and blue-ringed octopus, all at home amongst a spectacular range of colourful sponges, sea squirts, tunicates and corals. Komodo Islands is simply the best place to dive!

Best sunset

Enjoy sunset view with the best scenery of Komodo islands, it’s peaceful and calm. Take some pictures to upload on your photo gallery and enjoy a sip of coffee to wrap the day.

Learn new culture

After you’re busy taking Komodo photos, you can relax for a while and mingle in Labuan Bajo local market. Buy anything local, like souvenirs or cultural accessories. Get in touch with the smiling and happy people, accept their generosity, learn some new phrases and get to know their culture. You always can find some great values in them.

I’ve spent years of my teen life in NTT and I’ve travelled to some of the most interesting places there. I still can feel the amazement when I saw endless beautiful savana, I can almost see some horses running around the dry grass and some cockatoo flying right above my head. It’s just too exotic and every time I remember it, I just want to go back! You’d know how it feels

Komodo National Park is currently among three destination in Indonesia that has been qualified in the New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign held by the New 7 Wonders Foundation (two other candidates is Lake Toba and Krakatau Island). You may support Komodo National Park to become the New 7 Wonders of Nature by voting through the following the URL:

http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/vote_on_nominees/

Have a great adventure!

Note: This article is also submitted to Bubu Awards V06. Alhamdulillah I win the competition. Click here to read my creative process of writing this post.

Image Sources:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thejerk/292140488/in/set-72157600175423244/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thejerk/292161411/in/set-72157600175423244/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/odesya/3230371453/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/abra_kadabra/3214984666/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/komodo_underwater/3612758085/in/set-72157619533201724/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/raxzanema/2599106923
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pat_cahalan/357623385/

Article Sources:

http://www.indonesia.travel/destination/37/komodo
http://www.komodonationalpark.org/
http://www.komodo-gateway.org/getthere.html
http://www.dive-the-world.com/diving-sites-indonesia-komodo.php

Surf , surf and surfing

Surf , surf and surfing

The surf in Bali is generally not huge, but most often in the 2-6 foot range (shoulder-high to double overhead). Larger waves can occur on some of the exposed reefs, but a mellower surf break can always be found in Bali by anyone who wishes to avoid life-threatening conditions. Bali has surf breaks both the west-facing and east-facing coastlines and, because of this an offshore wind can be found somewhere on the island on any given day. Because of the number of surf breaks and the quality and consistency of the waves in Bali, it is still possible to find a many places to surf with only a small to moderate crowd.

The surf is always up on the Island of the God's! and regardless of what country you hail from you will feel the mystique of surfing Bali's beaches ...with so many exotic locations available on the island you can choose from white sands, black sands, amazing scenery, traditional fisherman and fishing villages which all add to the unique experience that comes with Surfing Bali.

In Bali spirits come out to play in the moonlight, every night is a festival and even a funeral is an opportunity to have a good time. The surf camp is architect designed and newly built. Located near the balinese pipeline, there are a variety of breaks nearby suitable for surfers of all standards - from beginners to professionals. Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Impossibles, Bingin, Dreamland and Balangan are all easily accessible from the centrally located Surf Camp.
Feel the adventure , hot , winds , wet so exiting and more adventure.

Bromo and Semeru Mountains

Bromo and Semeru Mountains

If you are traveling to East Java, unfortunately if not visit to the Nature Tours area of Bromo-Semeru National Park. Moreover the weather is cool and fresh condition and nature mountainous is imprisoned.
Bromo-Semeru National Park is the only conservation area has a unique of sand sea caldera in Indonesia with wide around 5,250 hectares and resides at height of 2392 above meters of sea level

Bromo and Semeru Mount are Active Mountain and the most famous objects as a tourist in East Java. This beautiful tourism area will not find in other places. You can see the active volcano from the Peak of Bromo Mountain and spread of Sand Ocean, also you can bear witness the majesty of the Semeru Mountain and beauty sunrise.

Event around of 14th or 15th in Kesodo [to-ten] of mount according to the Java calendar, you can witness the Kesodo ritual ceremony, which was held by the Tengger Ethnic. Kesodo is a rituality ceremony for pray as omen blessings from the God.

How to achieve in this area.
You can reach this area by a car Around 125 Km from Juanda Intrnational Airport (Surabaya). And there are four main gates to enter to this national park area that is: Cemorolawang village if through via Probolinggo traffic lane, Wonokitri village through via Pasuruan traffic lane, Ngadas village through via Malang traffic lane and Burno village through via Lumajang traffic lane.

Overnight place
Various hotels and lodging can be found in the Bromo-Semeru National Park district, from the cottage till four star hotels can be made the choice to stay in the Bromo with low price.

And you can wander around in the area National Park with rented of the vehicle jeep type 4x4. Or if you want to wander around only at sand sea of Bromo, you can ride on horseback, which many available for rent in there.

Suggestion
The best season for visits around June till October and December till January.
Your health should be excellent and should be prepared the previsions of cold weather such as warm clothing, headgear, gloves and the much provision of foods and drinks when you trip will be better if you buy a stock of food and drink as your stock.
Enjoy the scenery spectacular Mount Bromo-Semeru, East Java.

DIVING BANDA ISLANDS

Gunung Api

Gunung Api is a small volcano island lying just across a small strait, to the west of Banda Neira. Its last volcanic eruption took place in 1988, and hot molten lava streams flowed down its north-eastern and northern slopes into the Banda Sea, destroying the existing reef system. The local village was permanently evacuated.

After a time the lava cooled and set like a 200 metre wide concrete path on the reef substrate. The solid platform provided by the cold lava, the attendant ionisation process and the earthen minerals with the lava, have combined to form ideal conditions for the regeneration of the coral reef at Gunung Api.

The regrowth rates here have been phenomenal, dumfounding marine biologists and shattering misconceptions about how fast hard corals grow in nature. The size and conditions of the coral formations are quite staggering, especially when one considers that they have only being growing for a maximum of 19 years. Contrasting the existing formations of neighbouring Gunung Api reefs that were not exposed to lava with the new reef, it is clearly evident that a natural wonder of global proportions has occurred at the Banda Islands.

The best point to drop in to see Banda's wonder-reef is the northern most flow of lava on north east coast of the island. Descending from the Banda Sea surface you are immediately struck by the awesome spectacle below you. In the shallows there are tiered table corals, warty finger corals, bottlebrush corals, acropora corals, then from 20 down to 35 metres cabbage leaf corals take over the scenery. Some of the table corals are as big as houses, the cabbage patches are more like fields, and the corals are so densely packed that there is hardly a spare space amongst them.

Slender fusiliers, greensnout parrotfish and cuttlefish are commonly seen here, as are triggerfish. The shy clown triggerfish could lay claim to being the prettiest of all fishes, with its black, yellow, gold and white contrasting markings. Black triggerfish are far more abundant at Gunung Api, and can be easily identified by their black body with a white band at the base of their dorsal and anal fins.

There are also a couple of rocky outcrops that break up the landscape and add topographical variety. These too are totally covered in corals and a seafan or two, with anthias and damsels swarming all over. A close examination of the gorgonian fan may bring you reward in the form of a longnose hawkfish sighting.

Swimming along at depth, there's a good chance that you'll see large Napoleon wrasse, schools of round batfish and pinnate batfish. If upwelling conditions bring in murky planktonic water, then you're in luck. Some of the Banda Islands more numerous pelagics are likely to visit. Mobula rays fed on the rich plankton, dogtooth tuna and blue trevally will hunt at the extreme of your vision, searching for stray fishes as easy prey.

Gunung Api is a once-in-a-life time experience, and is a 'must-see' on any Banda Islands liveaboard safari.

Gunung Api Reef Basics: Hard coral reef phenomenon
Depth: 5 - 35m
Visibility: 10 - 15m
Currents: Gentle
Surface conditions: Calm
Water temperature: 26 - 29°C
Experience level: Beginner - intermediate
Number of dive sites: 2
Diving season: March, April, and mid-September to mid-December
Distance: ~1km (5 mins) west of Banda Neira
Access: Banda Sea liveaboards

BUNAKEN NATIONAL MARINE PARK - INDONESIA

General Information

The Bunaken National Marine Park was formally established in 1991 and is among the first of Indonesia's growing system of marine parks. The park covers a total surface area of 89,065 hectares, 97% of which is overlain by sparkling clear, warm tropical water. The remaining 3% of the park is terrestrial, including the five islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain and Siladen. Although each of these islands has a special character, it is the aquatic ecosystem that attracts most naturalists.

The waters of Bunaken National Marine Park are extremely deep (1566 m in Manado Bay), clear (up to 35-40 m visibility), refreshing in temperature (27-29 C) and harbor some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. Pick any of group of interest - corals, fish, echinoderms or sponges - and the number of families, genera or species is bound to be astonishingly high. For example, 7 of the 8 species of giant clams that occur in the world, occur in Bun aken. The park has around 70 genera of corals; compare this to a mere 10 in Hawaii. Although the exact number of fish species is unknown, it may be slightly higher than in the Philippines, where 2,500 species, or nearly 70% of all fish species known to the Indo-wes tern Pacific, are found.

BUNAKEN NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEE: All visitors to the Bunaken National Park (divers and non-divers) are required to pay an entrance fee, i n accordance with North Sulawesi Provincial Government Provincial Law Number 9/2002. The entrance fee for foreign visitors is Rp 50,000 per daily ticket (approximately US$6), or Rp 150,000 (approximately US$17) for a waterproof plastic entrance tag valid for the full calendar year. Entrance tags and tickets can be purchased direct from all NSWA members, or from ticket counters on Bunaken Island and on Siladen Island. They must be carried at all times that guests' are within the park boundaries, and tags can easily be affixed to guests' diving or snorkeling gear or on backpacks. Enforcement of the entrance fee system is conducted via spot checks by park rangers on land and at sea. The entrance fee system has been adapted from the well-known Bonaire Marine Park system, and the proceeds from the sales of the entrance tags are managed by the Bunaken National Park Management Advisory Board (BNPMAB), a multi-stakeholder board that NSWA is a member of. The system has been very successful in raising over $250,000 for conservation programs in the Bunaken Marine Park since its inception in 2001. Please read: The Bunaken Entrance Fee - Questions and Answers

Oceanic currents may explain, in part, why Bunaken National Marine Park is such a treasure trove of biodiversity. Northeasternly currents generally sweep through the park but abundant counter currents and gyros related to lun ar cycles are believed to be a trap for free swimming larvae. This is particularly true on the south s ide of the crescent-shaped Bunaken Island, lying in the heart of the park. A snorkle r or diver in the vicinity of Lekuan or Fukui may spot over 33 species of butterfly fish and numerous types of groupers, damsels, wrasses and gobies.

The gobies, smallish fish with bulging eyes and modified fins that allow them to attach to hard surfaces, are the most diverse but least known group of fish in the park.
Biologists believe that the abundance of hard corals is crucial in maintaining the high levels of diversity in the park. Hard corals are the architects of the reefs, without them, numerous marine organisms would be homeless and hungry. Many species of fish are closely associated with particular types of corals (folious, branching, massives, etc.) for shelter and egg-laying. Others, like the enormous Bumphead Parrotfish, Balbometopon muricatum, are "coralivores" and depend on hard corals for their sustenance. Bony mouth parts fused into an impressive "beak" allow these gregarious fish to crunch corals like roasted peanuts.
Some 20,000 people live on the natural resources of Bunaken National Marine Park. Although there are inevitable conflicts between resource protection and use by people, the Indonesian government is taking a fairly unusual and pragmatic approach to park management. The idea is to promote wise resource use while preventing overexploitation. Local communities, government officials, dive resort operators, local nature groups, tourists and scientists have played an active role in developing exclusive zones for diving, wood collection, fishing and other forms of utilization. If successful, Bunaken Marine Par k will stand as an important example of how Sulawesi, and the rest of Indonesia, can work to protect its natural resources.

Bunaken Island is the main island of the theMarine National Park and became famous through it's world class diving and snorkling spots.

The 5 island were established as marine park in 1991.
Indeed, Bunaken was identified as home for more fish species than even the Great Barrier Reef by the International Oceanographic Institute. There are quite many phantastic places around Bunaken Island but also on the neighbouring Islands and the mainland are wonderful places, wich you should not miss.

Coelacanth
Latimeria chalumnae

The primitive-looking coelacanth (pronounced SEEL-uh-kanth) was thought to have gone extinct with the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. But its discovery in 1938 by a South African museum curator on a local fishing trawler fascinated the world and ignited a debate about how this bizarre lobe-finned fish fits into the evolution of land animals.

There are only two known species of coelacanths: one that lives near the Comoros Islands off the east coast of Africa, and one found in the waters off Sulawesi, Indonesia. Many scientists believe that the unique characteristics of the coelacanth represent an early step in the evolution of fish to terrestrial four-legged animals like amphibians.

The most striking feature of this "living fossil" is its paired lobe fins that extend away from its body like legs and move in an alternating pattern, like a trotting horse. Other unique characteristics include a hinged joint in the skull which allows the fish to widen its mouth for large prey; an oil-filled tube, called

a notochord, which serves as a backbone; thick scales common only to extinct fish, and an electrosensory rostral organ in its sn

out likely used to detect prey.

(Source - National Geogr

aphic )

A high diversity on corals, fish and special underwater creatures.

Accommodation and Transfer
On the island you have the choice amongst a number of homestays, with rates starting at around Rp. 80 000 per day and person incl. fullboard. If you only go for the cheapest option don't complain afterwards if the water in your mandi (bathroom) doesn't get filled up regularly, or food isn't quite as nice as you had hoped for. Life in North Sulawesi in general isn't as cheap as in other regions of Indonesia, a nd most things on Bunaken have to be brought in from Manado. Depending on the season even fish can be pretty expensive. Better think twice before you try to bargain down prices which are already cheap; for the locals it could mean the difference between being able to eat 3 or only 2 meals a day, or buying school books for the children or not.
Some of the dive operations on Bunaken are offering more upmarket accommodation, even hot showers (Living Colours, Cha Cha Nature Resort).

Some guesthouses ("homestays") on Bunaken:
Pangalisang Beach: Lorenso's Homestay
Liang Beach: Panorama, Nelson's, Papa Boa
There are a lot more...

Bunaken's much smaller neighbour Siladen only offers few accommodations. Most popular among budget travelers seems to be Martha's Homestay.
The most upmarket resort within the boundaries of the Bunaken National Park is Siladen Resort & Spa which started operations in 2003. The eco-friendly luxury boutique resort places high emphasis on the protection of the Marine Park and the environment.

The public boats from Manado to Bunaken are leaving daily around 2 p.m (depending on tide), except Sundays, from Pasar Jengki near Manado harbour. Back from Bunaken to Manado usually early in the morning, around 7-8 a.m. Even on Sundays there might be boats, just go to the harbour and ask people there. To charter a boat is about Rp. 150,000 - 200,000 OW. If you want to go to Siladen it is better to inquire first at the harbour, but usually there are several boats as well. The fare to Siladen is also Rp. 15 000.

Bunaken - Scuba Diving

A growing number of dive centers is operating from the mainland around Manado and directly from Bunaken Island. Generally spoken you should rather pay a few dollars more and go for safe and experienced operators than just choose the cheapest option. Tank fillings can be a problem, and headaches after each dive give you a clear sign that your dive operator saves money on filters; better go somewhere else if you experience this.

In general diving standards in North Sulawesi are high, as is environmental awareness among the dive operators, especially the ones who have formed the North Sulawesi Watersports Association, NSWA. The NSWA has made significant strides in improving the management and conservation of Bunaken National Park and surrounding marine ecosystems and in conferring concrete benefits of tourism to the villagers living within the park. Many of its members have spent a lot of their money and time for various ecological and social achievements within the park. This has not gone unnoticed; the Bunaken National Park has received the "Tourism for Tomorrow Award" and the "UN Equator Prize" (more on www.divenorthsulawesi.com).
Unfortunately some stupid backpackers still think that they know everything better than these international organisations and refuse to pay the entrance fee to the National Park. If you are planning to do this, please stay away. You are not welcome - the National Park needs support, not ignorance!

A few Bunaken Dive Operations (not complete):

Living Colours Diving Bunaken: Dive center and resort on the eastern side of Bunaken; idyllic location, nice and professional team, relaxed atmosphere, good food. Hot water showers.
Cha Cha Dive Lodge Bunaken: Small and intimate dive resort, also on the eastern side. Run by an Irish-Italian/Japanese couple. Excellent food, hot water showers.
Two Fish Divers Bunaken: PADI operation based at Pangalisang. Two British instructors, recommended for courses.
Bastianos Resort & Diving Center: located on Liang Beach, western side of the island. Since April 2004 the dive center is managed by Indonesian instructor Frans Rattu.


A few Manado Dive Operations (not complete):

Eco Divers Manado have their base at at Kima Bajo Resort north of Manado. From there it's just around 15 minutes by boat to reach the famous sites of the Bunaken National Park. Modern and well-organized dive center. Highly recommended dive trips to Lembeh Strait can also be organized.
From 1st April 2009 diving at the nice and friendly Tasik Ria Resort Manado (about 20 minutes by car from the city) will be run by Tasik Divers, with all new boats and equipment.
Celebes Divers: Nice resort south of Manado, run by Italians.
Minahasa Lagoon Resort: One of the most upmarket (dive) resorts in North Sulawesi. Located at a beautiful bay about 30 km south-west of Manado. Very well run, excellent services, even small things are very well taken care of.
LumbaLumba Diving: Dive center with own cottages based in Tasik Ria. Run by a Dutch couple.