Travelling to Indonesia - Flores

When travelling for a long period, such as a year, it is almost impossible to plan in detail all of the places that you intend to visit. When my girlfriend and I travelled, we had a solid idea of all the countries we intended to travel in but we did not know exactly where we would go when we got there. Sometimes the decision to visit a specific place comes together slowly and incrementally.

Labuan-Bajo-Flores

Flores in Indonesia is a good example of this. We had originally intended to travel in Indonesia for 2 weeks. I had never heard of Flores before setting off on our travels, much less had I any intention of going there. Then at some point, somehow, I started to learn of this place called Flores. Then I hear about some particular sight or activity that draws people in. Then an idea starts to take shape: what if I was to go to Flores? What is there to do there? How would I get there? How long would I need there?

In addition, as the answers to these questions come together you are left with an easy decision to make: we are going to Flores!

The Plan

We made a plan to fly from Bali to the town of Maumere on the far eastern side of the island of Flores. From Maumere we would go to the village of Moni and visit Kelimutu volcano. From Moni we would continue heading west until we got to the port town of Labuan Bajo in the far west of the island. From here, we would make our way back towards Bali by sea and somehow visit the islands of the Komodo dragon.
Gaps in the Plan

What we did not know was how we would travel from place to place whilst on the island; where we would sleep and what the accommodation costs and quality are like; what the food was like in Flores; and do people speak English. Apart from Kelimutu we really had no idea what else there was to see and do.
Just go with the Flow

Sometimes you just have to go with the flow and see what happens. Therefore, this is what we did in Flores. We knew from online research that there was a bus from Maumere to Moni but that our plane was due to arrive after the time at which the bus would depart. Therefore, when we arrived at the airport we negotiated with a taxi driver to see what kind of a price we could get to Moni. We managed to get the price down to half of his original offer and I felt that this was too good to turn down. We also figured it would save us having to pay for a night in Maumere just so that we could take the bus the next day. The taxi driver later told he was lives in Moni anyway, so it was either drive back with an empty car or at least makes something from us. He offered us accommodation in Moni but we told him we wanted something cheaper (even though what he offered us wasn't exactly expensive) and so he dropped us off at his friends' house, literally across the road - the only road in Moni - from his own place.

Moni and Kelimutu Volcano

The next morning we awoke at 4.30am and set off to Kelimutu, whilst it was still dark, on the back of two motorbikes driven by locals. We followed the road as far as it went and then had to park up and walk the rest of the way, minus the locals. Dusk started to break as we made our way up the Volcano towards the summit. At the top, we checked out the three lakes and rested up whilst waiting for the first glimpse of the sun rising up over the horizon.

After we had had enough up there and were happy that we had taken enough cool photos, we started to head back down. We decided to walk back to Moni to experience and savor the atmosphere and local environment. It was a long walk but we really enjoyed it. From talking to the taxi driver the night before, we knew there was a bus due at some point that morning to take us on to the next village. However, no one in Moni could say when the bus would pass through and so instead we jumped into a shared taxi and paid a price similar to what the bus would have cost. We got out at the next town and again asked around for the time of the next bus to Bajawa. Again, after standing around for while being told many different times for the bus we decided to take another shared taxi. We roughly knew how much the bus ticket would cost and so we were able to negotiate the same price for the taxi.

Bajawa

Its a few hours to Bajawa. We asked the taxi driver to drop us off at a guesthouse. However, the one he dropped us off at did not have hot water so we went in search of an alternative. We found one we liked but this one also did not have hot water. We rather established that hot water is not the norm in Flores. At breakfast the next morning, we literally had no idea what we were going to do whilst in Bajawa or what there was to see. We asked the person working the hotel reception if he had any ideas and asked us to take a seat while he called his friend. Several minutes later, a person turned up asking if we wanted to go on a tour of Bajawa and the surrounding area. He explained the itinerary and quoted a price that we thought reasonable and so, as soon as he called a mate to come along with another motorbike, we jumped on the back of the bikes and went off for a day of exploring.

During the day, we went to visit a family who made palm wine where we have to climb a palm tree and collect the palm juice before being given an explanation about the production method.

We next visited a small traditional village where the local people still live by their own traditional laws and rituals and have been given special dispensations by the government to continue life in this way. We tried chewing betel nut. We had seen people chewing this in many parts of Asia, this stuff that turned the chewers' whole mouth a deep shade of red, but we had never known what it was. We did not like it.

We then went to another traditional village, an even older one. This place was cool and had the look and feel of a tribal settlement the likes of which I had always dreamed about visiting. What I really loved about these places was that they had not (yet) sold out their culture by pandering to tourists and tourist dollars. There were no tacky stalls and no expectations of tips or handouts. The people just quietly went about their business as visitors politely had a little nosey around.

After visiting the village, we drove several kilometers to the site of some natural hot springs. We had been to 'natural' hot springs before which felt more like they belonged in a resort or a leisure centre and so did not feel very natural at all. The natural hot springs that our guide took us to however could not have been more natural. Tucked away in the forest you could immediately see that they had not been altered or manipulated by the hand of man in the slightest. We had lunch and then had a great afternoon playing about in the (very) hot springs.

Labuan Bajo Western Flores


After the fun of Bajawa, we took a shared taxi we gave up on the idea of catching a bus to the main port town of Labuan Bajo. Labuan Bajo is in relatively close proximity to the islands of the Komodo Dragons (in fact a few dragons still live on a small part of Flores itself and so many captains offer their boats to take people on tours of the islands. Tourism is starting to develop as more and more people find out about this. With this comes the development of a tourist infrastructure, which although is non-existent in the rest of Flores, it is becoming clear in Labuan Bajo. There are nice places to stay, restaurants offering western dishes and good coffee and there are many tourist agencies looking to get some dollars from foreign visitors.

Indonesia Travel Information: Jakarta, Sumatra and More

Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia. The country is washed by the Pacific and the Indian Ocean and includes more than 13,600 islands. Tropical rainforests, majestic volcanoes, and lagoons characterize the nature of the archipelago. Unique culture, national parks, nature reserves, and excellent resorts with lots of opportunities for rest make Indonesia a popular place for many travelers.

Istiqlal_Mosque_Jakara

Jakarta is the capital and the largest city of Indonesia. Jakarta is situated on the northwest coast of Java and is known as the city with an original mixture of numerous buildings of the 17th-18th centuries, canals and multiple 'national' neighborhoods, each with a unique style. A paved area near Taman Kota Fatah, surrounded by old buildings overlooking the canal, is one of the centers of Batavia, the old part of the city, which is often visited by organized groups of tourists. Nearby, the tourists will see the Jakarta History Museum in the former City Hall, an ancient gun as the symbol of an entire epoch, the Doll Museum, Chicken Market drawbridge erected in the 17th century, and the Bahari Museum with a lookout tower. Some more extravagant attractions of the capital include Sunda Kelapa, the old port, and the oldest temple of the city, Tszine-Yuan.

The second most recognized tourist area is Medan Merdeka, known as Freedom Square, with a 132-meter National Monument. Nearby one can find the National Museum of Indonesia with unique historical and ethnological collections, the Museum of National History and of Indonesian Culture. Of special interest is the impressive building of the presidential palace, the Maritime Museum, and Villelme church. Colonial past is perceived in the architecture of the Portuguese Church. One of the largest religious mosques in Southeast Asia is Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. Shopping is offered in the bustling Mangadau shopping center and Glodok Bazaar. Cutting-edge business districts, architecture of all styles, the famous zoo, water parks, cultural and entertainment complexes and the largest and most popular park in Jakarta, Jaya Ancol, contribute to the general tourist impression of the city.

Yogyakarta attracts the attention of tourists due to a huge palace complex of Sultan's Kraton, numerous museums, and the exquisite temple complex Lara Jonggrang in the nearby Prambanane region. In the area of Surabaya, the capital of East Java, one will find the attractive temples of Malang district and Mount Bromo. In the south of the island, there is a sample of medieval Indonesian art, the 'Temple of a Thousand Buddha’s' built in the 8th-9th centuries.

Bali Island is the most developed tourist area of Indonesia. Denpasar, the capital and the administrative center of the island, is a surprisingly quiet city filled with aromas of plants and unusual fresh air. Many small buildings of traditional architecture, quiet cozy streets, and the constantly shining sun give the city a special charm. Nearby, there is the international Ngurah Rai airport, the main transport hub of the island. 'The Island of the Gods' itself attracts tourists with its pristine landscapes, tropical rainforests and majestic volcanoes, blue lagoons and lush tropical jungle. As for mam-made attractions, one can mention temples and superb resorts. Bali is famous for the tolerant attitude of the local people towards the lifestyle of foreigners, so it surely makes this island a perfect place for a relaxing holiday.

Sumatra is often associated with intense volcanic activity, hundreds of miles of beaches with dark sand and dozens of pristine mountain lakes. However, the region is also known for its turbulent historical past evidenced by the ruins of ancient temples and palaces. The most interesting places include Parapat luxury resort on the shores of the magnificent volcanic Lake Toba, the royal palace and the tombs of Samosir Island, mosques, museums, a crocodile farm near Medan, and an orangutan rehabilitation center. In the northern part of Sumatra, one will find the largest reserve of the country, Gunung Leuser, where rare species of Sumatran rhinoceros, tigers, wild bulls, and orangutans are preserved.

Indonesia Travel Agency to design a trip to Indonesia, you can contact one of the Indonesian travel agents or Indonesian tour operators. They will help you prepare a tour with least effort and make your trip a great experience.

Singkawang City of-thousand-Chinese-temples

Singkawang located 145 km north of Pontianak, capital of West Kalimantan, Singkawang is the second largest city in the province, bordering the State of Sarawak, Malaysia. Unlike other towns in Indonesia, Singkawang has a distinct oriental atmosphere with hundreds of Chinese temples found around almost every corner of town. This is because over 70% of Singkawang’s population is of Chinese descent, predominantly of the Hakka tribe with some Teochew. Others are Malays, Dayaks and other Indonesian ethnic groups.

Singkawang-Temple

In the 18th century, West Borneo lured many from mainland China to the gold mines at Monterado The Chinese came by the thousands, and on their way there they used to overnight in Singkawang. Most settled here and their descendents today form the majority population of Singkawang.

One of the oldest temples here is the Tri Dharma Bumi Raya temple, established in 1878 dedicated to the god of the forest, or Tua Peh Kong.  

Normally a quiet city, Singkawang comes alive each Chinese New Year, reaching its climax at Cap Goh Meh, or the fifteenth day of Chinese New Year, closing the celebrations. For this event, Chinese from around the region, including those from Java and Sumatra but from Singapore and Malaysia flock to Singkawang to celebrate the event with family and friends.

During these celebrations, the Tatung or Chinese shamans will perform their supernatural prowess to the thousands gathered along the streets, while remaining totally unharmed. However, before performing their feats they first pray for blessing at the temple of Toa Peh Kong.

Singkawang is also famous for its Chinese ceramics, still produced in the old style with “antique” designs. Center for ceramics is at Sa Kok, some 7 km. from Singkawang. Ceramics made in Singkawang is very popular on Java and can be bought in many parts of Jakarta and Surabaya.

The longhouse and the Dayak Way of Life

When travelling up the Kapuas River, you will pass typical Dayak longhouses, with smoke wafting from atop roofs disappearing behind leafy ferns and rows of coconut trees. Inside, mothers will have just extracted the coconut juice to prepare a big dinner that smells most inviting. A Dayak longhouse consists of more than 50 rooms with many kitchens, making it one of the largest houses built. Although many may look dilapidated, nonetheless, they are very sturdy; most built decades ago, and are made of strong ironwood.

Dayak longhouses

The Dayaks are the original inhabitants native to Kalimantan, this large island that was once better known as Borneo. They live in the interior upper regions of this huge island, amidst dense rainforests and along banks of wide rivers. Once feared for their headhunting raids, the Dayaks today live peacefully from agriculture, forest products, weaving and wood carving.

The Dayak longhouse is a large communal dwelling, where an entire community of extended families resides. These longhouses, known as Betang or Lamin, are normally located along riverbanks and are built on strong posts raised above the seasonal flooding. Such longhouses, therefore, are usually built on 5 meters and sometimes even 8-meter posts, while entry to the house is by a Tangka or ladder, notched into a huge log. As the ladder is precarious, visitors must be careful when climbing.

The river is necessary for the community for the supply of water and food, and of course as a means for travel, and communications with the outside world. However, today such longhouses are fast disappearing or falling into disuse, as people prefer to live in smaller homes rather in one large communal dwelling.

One longhouse takes a large number of families. The longhouse at Putussibau, in the upper region of the Kapuas River, for example, counts 54 cubicles, called Bilik, for as many families. There is however one long veranda set aside for communal meetings, rituals, ceremonies, cultural performances or other common activities, where daily, women may be seen busy weaving and the men carving their intricate woodwork. The longhouse, therefore, provides shelter and builds a framework for continuous, informal contacts and harmonious social relations.

In the village of Saham, some 158 km. from Pontianak, the longhouse is 186 meter long and 6 meters wide, and is inhabited by no less than 269 persons.

Kapuas-River

In these houses, each family is assigned the tasks of taking care of communal safety; each must be involved in ceremonies and rituals. In all, there is a division of labor but also emphasis is on cooperation. Nevertheless, distinction is still made between aristocrats and commoners. The leader is positioned in the center of the house, with the lowest ranking on the outer side near the entrance.

The original longhouses are dispersed in various places, among which are in the district of Sunge Uluk Apalin, at Melapi, Semangkok, Sungai Utica, and at the Bukung district, all in the Kapuas Hulu Region, or the Upper Kapuas. Such longhouses have become part of Indonesia’s rich national heritage.

Mount Palung National Park

The Mount Palung National Park, located in the west Kalimantan, is the oldest national park in all of Indonesia; and the fact that it sees over a million visitors a year means it is one of the most visited places in the country.

Mount-Palung-National-Park-Bird

It is no wonder the sheer number of outdoor recreational activities within the Mount Palung National Park is enough to make you tired reading about, let alone actually doing them all. One of the biggest activities is hiking, or tramping as they call it here. Short hikes, long distance hikes, it does not matter you can do them both.

Wildlife watching is a big pastime in the Mount Palung National Park, with some 56 species to find, by the way. Spotting the local wildlife is also a big deal, so keep your eyes out for giants and 2,000 orangutans, too.

Other peculiar faces of this jungle are the uniquely long nosed proboscis monkeys. Along with the orangutans, the proboscis monkeys are among many of the endemic species inhabiting Mount Palung National Park.

Other animals that also dwell in the jungle of Mount Palung are the land squirrels, forest deer, honey bears, beruk apes, klampiau, lemurs, rangkong badak, kancil, forest chicken, enggang gading, Siamese Crocodile, Ivory turtles, penyu tempayan, and the rare canary squirrels.

Mount-Palung-National-Park-Orangutan

As a National Park, the significance of  Mount Palung Park is not only limited to the country, but also to the rest of the world as  its diverse flora and fauna  act as one of the earth’s richest bio-diverse ecosystems. There are at least 7 types of vegetations found within the Mount Palung National Park, they include mangrove forests, swamp forests, alluvial forests, tropical lowland, tropical highland forests, and sub- alpine forests.
Being a place of such importance, Mount Palung National Park is dubbed by many as Kalimantan’s Eden as it features such a wide variety of colorful flora and fauna. From the exotic Black Orchid to the gentle orangutans, Mount Palung National Park is unmistakably the main gate into Borneo’s tropical wilderness.

Active Adventure Tours in Nepal

Nepal is a country that has some of the best trekking mountains in the world. It is a land where the highest mountain on earth, Mount Everest, stands proud. If one has the urge to trek in some of the fascinating mountains, Nepal comes at the top place in the list. Trekking in Himalayan mountain ranges in Nepal promises you the best opportunity to fulfill your dream of exploring the unexplored terrains. Nepal treks have attracted the attention of mountaineers from across the globe since times immemorial.

Main Trekking Routes of Nepal

The choice of trekking routes depends on the taste, availability of time and physical fitness of the trekker. There are several marvelous trekking routes in the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal.

Everest Region

The Everest region is located in East Nepal and is one of the best trekking destinations in Nepal. The altitude of the region varies from 2,845 meters above sea level to 8,848 meters on top of the world. Adventurers start their trekking from Solukhumbu, which is known as the heartland of Everest region. On this trekking expedition, one gets an opportunity to visit Buddhist monasteries and villages of Sherpas. For having a look of the highest mountain peak of the world one needs to trek up to Kala Pattar, which is located at an altitude of 5,545 meters above mean sea level.

Annapurna Region

The Annapurna region lies to North of Pokhara and is accessible after a five-hour drive from Kathmandu. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project controls most of the area under this region. This is one of the most sought after areas in Nepal by trekkers from across the world. This trekking region consists of all Annapurna peaks, Mount Dhaulagiri, and several other peaks. Pokhara is the gateway for Annapurna region. The desert plateau, Mustang in the upper valley of Kali Gandaki river also comes under this trekking route.

Langtang Region

This region lies to the North of Kathmandu, which has been blessed with various species of flora and fauna. This area was also designated as National Park in 1971. One can also visit Buddhist Gompas on the way. However, lesser number of trekkers visits this region but it offers a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Spring and autumn seasons are best for trekking in this region.

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Mount Manaslu is located to the East of Annapurna range, which is a habitation of both Nepalese and Tibetan people. This trekking route, which is not so old, requires good experience in trekking mountains along with physical fitness. This trek was opened for the first time in 1991 and since then it has attracted many trekkers every year. This trek route is exceptionally rich in biodiversity.

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Hiking and Trekking Info

Mount Everest Trekking

An Everest Base Camp Trek is most often an exhilarating and life-changing experience. You would get to see the highest peak in the world in all its glory. Conquering Mount Everest has constantly been one of the endeavors of climbers through the ages. Finally, Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay reached the summit in 1953. Today, 'the Land of the Sherpa' is a popular destination for trekkers from all over the world. Everest Base Camp Trekking is suitable also for physically fit people who have no mount climbing experience.

The Everest Base Camp Trek offers some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in the entire world. There are different routes that you can take to reach base camp. If you choose to follow the path taken by Tenzing and Hillary, you can follow the trail along Khumbu Glacier and ascend Kala Pattar.

The Everest Base Camp Trek begins with a flight to Lukla airstrip, which takes around half an hour. The flight path covers excellent scenery and gives you a taste of things to come. From Lukla, you would begin trekking up slowly towards Namche Bazaar, which is the Sherpa capital. The trek will take you along the Dudh Kosi river valley. When you reach the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge, you will get the first glimpse of the majestic Everest peaking above the ridge.

With proper acclimatization, you would begin your trek for several days until you get to the very heart of the Khumbu region. On your way, you will get an opportunity to visit Tengboche monastery. This is a Buddhist monastery belonging to the Sherpa community and is located in the village of Tengboche in Eastern Nepal's Khumbu region. The monastery was built in 1916 and is at an elevation of 12,687 feet.

The Everest Base Camp Trek will then lead you towards Kala Pattar, which is a rocky outcrop that is located west of Mount Everest. You will ascend Kala Pattar and get an excellent view of the southwest face of Mount Everest. This face of the mountain was climbed first by Chris Boning ton’s team in 1975. From here, you will also get a spectacular view of South Col and the Ice Fall.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is truly a classic adventure that could astound you. With awe-inspiring scenic beauty at every turn, the trek would be a memorable experience for every trekker. Accommodation and local food would be available for trekkers.

Bintan Indonesia Travel Guide - Indonesia Travel Agency

Bintan-Island-Indonesia

Bintan Island should be on your itinerary for your next trip to Indonesia or Singapore. Touted along with Bali as one of Indonesia's top travel destinations, Bintan offers a tropical getaway with incredible beaches, cultural sight-seeing, and lots of seafood.

If you are interested in seeing culture and the city life, Tanjung Pinang will be your main hub. Tanjung Pinang is located in the southwest and is Bintan's largest city, as well as its main seaport. Coming by ferry from Singapore is the easiest way to get here. If you are coming from elsewhere in Indonesia, you could fly into the seaport via a local flight, as the airport here has no international flights. An international airport is scheduled to open in 2015, but it will be in the tourist-friendly north of the island. Three companies in Singapore organize ferry rides to Bintan: Penguin, Indo Falcon, and Berlian or Wavemaster. Anticipate a two-hour journey, and do not forget to make return arrangements with the company before you leave the port as all the ferries fill up quickly.

Once you have arrived in Tanjung Pinang, plan to get around via taxi or by foot. Many of the city's sights are within walking distance. When needed, your resort or hotel can arrange for a taxi transport; this is advisable to catching one on your own, which requires excessive haggling and avoidance of run-down vehicles. Public transit should also be avoided if possible, as Bintan's system is rudimentary and hectic. Finally, exercise caution with motorcycle taxis, or Ojek - motorcyclists in the city can be rather reckless at times.

There are many ways to be acquainted with Tanjung Pinang. When it is time to eat, do not miss the local seafood: try gong-gong or Ketam. Alternatively, try a bit of everything - Padang restaurants are Bintan's tapas bars. Inquire about the city's cultural center to get information about festivals or performances with traditional Malay music and dance happening during your stay. The area of town near Jn Pelantar 2 is best place to stock up on supplies for your ventures.

Much of Tanjung Pinang is built on stilts over the water, so a boat tour of the city provides a unique seaside perspective. You can negotiate tours at the piers near Jn Pelantar 1 or two. Here you can also arrange to see Penyengat Island, just off the coast of the city, where you can see the picturesque Masjid Raya mosque, as well as the tombs of various ancient Indonesian royalties. Bintan along with many of Indonesia's northern islands were once Dutch colonies, so you can see the fusion of Dutch and Javanese influence in the architecture. Eat before you leave or bring food for a picnic, as there are not many accommodations here.

From the piers, you can also plan a tour of Tanjung Pinang's nearby Buddhist temples, the remote Sungai Ular Buddhist Temple, and the quaint Senggarang Temples. Bintan is largely Muslim, but waves of Chinese immigration from over 300 years ago erected these cultural landmarks.

Indonesia Travel Agency provides all relevant information tourist attractions in Asia Indonesia. We collect and put all useful information for tourist attractions in Asia Indonesia.

Jakarta Indonesia Travel - Online Travel Agent

City-of-Jakarta

Jakarta is served by Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.This airport was serving all international flights to Jakarta until the opening of Soekarno-Hatta Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport is no more in use as a commercial airport but is operating a large number of turboprops, charter, and general aviation companies previously served it. In short, it is only used for private and presidential purpose. Now Soekarno-Hatta is the major airport serving Jakarta located about 20 km west of Jakarta. It is the largest airport in Jakarta as well as in Indonesia operating since 1985. It is successfully operating passenger and cargo services.

Airlines serving Jakarta Airport: A large number of l flights are serving Jakarta flights. These airlines are offering both domestic and international flights to and from Jakarta. These flights may be reserved with any air travel company like flights to Jakarta a number of domestic and international Airlines operating at Jakarta International Airport include; Turkish Airlines, Thai Airways International, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Indonesia Air Asia, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Cathay Pacific Airways, Japan Airlines, KLM, Air Asia, Kuwait Airways and Air China. These airlines are offering discounted flights to Jakarta Indonesia with specialized travel services.

A facility at Jakarta Soekarno: Hatta International Airport is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to cater all the needs of its passengers. It has four terminals. Terminal one on South site is operating domestic Jakarta flights. Terminal 2 on North site is operating both domestic and international cheap flights to Jakarta. Terminal 3 is designed using an eco-friendly and modern concept serving international flights, while terminal 4 is under development. There are four first and business Lounges at the Transit Lounge in the departure area. Other facilities at Jakarta international Airport include; information and help desk, duty-free shops, a gift shop, newsagents, bookshops, banks, bars and restaurants. Taking flights to Jakarta from UK with any trust worthy travel operator such as will be an enjoyable experience

Indonesia Travel Agency provides all relevant information tourist attractions in Asia Indonesia. We collect and put all useful information for tourist attractions in Asia Indonesia.

Travel Holiday in Indonesia

National Monument Indonesia or Monas

Jakarta has many interesting places to see and visit. Here in this city, is the national monument; also known as Monas. It was built during the Sukarno era and stands for the people's dedication. It is the embodiment of their efforts for independence in 1945. The obelisk is 132 feet tall, sitting atop the monument is a flame encased in 35kg of gold. The base of the obelisks has an actual museum inside. It is used for meditations, and history. The monument is open to all, and visitors can expect to be carried to the top of the obelisk if they request it in advance.

Jakarta also has the largest mosque Southeast Asia. It is also ranked as the second largest in the world. The mosque, for being the largest, took only seventeen years to build. The city also has grand Orchid gardens that are renowned globally. They are open to the public and house exotic varieties of the sensuous plant.

Kalimantan is settled in between Malaysian states. It is the site of the world’s largest tropical rain forests and home to very rare plants and animals. Indonesia country is tropical and has many interesting natural sites to see. The Derawan Island has green sea turtles, star fruit turtles, and sea cows. The site is also home to many spots for scuba diving. Another part of the area, known as Bontan, is the home of Kutai National Park. The Gunung Palung National Park and Nature Reserve, is home to the Giant Flower and other rare plants. There are also many caves and hot springs in the area. The Sampit town is the big city in Kalimantan. The Sampit River is unique and home to beaches, and other natural spots of interest. Visitors can get to Kalimantan, by taking a domestic flight.

There are some great spots in Lombok Island. The island was part of the kingdom of Sasak. The society was mainly agrarian, and the people were ancestor worshippers. The island has the resort of Kuta, a beach resort what offers laid back atmosphere for tourists. The area of Pura Lingsar, offer the holiest spot on Lombok. It is a temple, which is part Balinese Hindu and Wektu Telu. The Hindu temple section is taller than the Weku Telu area.

Lombok-Island-indonesia

There are so many regions to visit in Indonesia, a remnant of the ancient kingdoms of the Muslims and Hindus. Time has not touched many of its pristine beaches and temples. The cities are a mixture of European and Asian lifestyles, with the traditional of remembrance, always honored. The country of Indonesia, offers the most exotics plants, animals, streams, rivers and towns that European travels will ever see.

Indonesia Travel Agency provides all relevant information tourist attractions in Asia Indonesia. We collect and put all useful information for tourist attractions in Asia Indonesia. 

Beautiful Beaches in Indonesia

Manado-Beach

Travel Indonesia offers everyone the best available choices of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here are top five most beautiful beaches in Indonesia

1. Balikpapan - is an Indonesian seaport located in the eastern coast of Borneo island. This is small city that is clean with its clear blue skies and a secluded city. Not of the city, life is seen so one can always enjoy a peaceful and quiet visit in this lovely place. The can be reached via plane, or car rides and ferry rides. There are lots to be seen in the place including the beautiful and attractive beaches together with the other establishments found in the place. This is a very ideal place for people who wants a fun beach vacation but wants to have a serene and quiet time without the may noise.

2. Manado - the capital of one of Indonesia's provinces that is the North Sulawesi. This very beautiful beach bay is a resident area for many locals. There are also other attraction sites here apart from the coast. There are many tarsiers found here that makes the place very well known. In addition, everyone will enjoy seeing these animals once they visit Manado beach.

3. Makassar - the capital of South Sulawesi and is the largest city in the island. The beaches are here are crowded during weekends that make this beach very well known. Visitors of the beach can enjoy picnics and a swim to the waters with their family and friends.

4. Jayapura - where the best beaches in Indonesia are found specially the amazing Amai beach that is a famous beach in Indonesia and a perfect getaway place for lots of beach and nature lovers.

Borneo-island

5. Ambon Island - part of Indonesia's Maluku Islands that is mountainous and very attractive. During the months, October and April are the best time to go for a beach trip in Ambon when the summer heat is on without the heavy rains and cloudy skies. This is a perfect place for families to spend their summer vacation trips.

Indonesia Travel Agency provides all relevant information tourist attractions in Asia Indonesia. We collect and put all useful information for tourist attractions in Asia Indonesia who wants to holiday in Asia Indonesia. 

Thailand Travel Tips - Online Travel Agency

Bangkok-City

Asian tours, with hordes of like-minded seniors comfortably traveling in gigantic, air-conditioned buses. Of course, there are advantages to this type of travel: One has a greater expectation of safety and expects to see the highlights of the destination without wasting much time in trying to find them. Another point to note is the unavailability of literature in describing what they are looking at. A guide for a particular group will most likely be able to communicate in the group's language, making the whole spectacle that much more understandable.

On the other hand, there are travelers that love the personal discovery that could only be had by hitting the road on their own. Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand offers one of the most gorgeous opportunities to find your own way. The need to rely on large tour operators is limited, as the country has a cheap and easy transportation structure, with options ranging from trans-country train tickets that start under five dollars to first-class flights to tropical island destinations. Most importantly, the country is manageable in size so that traveling within the borders never take too much of a toll.

Such travelers tend to like, or at least do not shy away from, physical activity. Of course, when one visits Thailand for the first time, a couple of days in urban Bangkok are necessary. Skip being outdoors, though, and opt instead for the air-conditioned excess of fine restaurants and fancy shopping. Then leave the big city and discover the rest of Thailand.

Here are some specific destinations to consider if you love an adventure:

Koh Phangan: A quick flight from Bangkok can take you to the stunning islands in the Gulf of Thailand in a matter of minutes. The island that gets the most press is probably Samui, though its hippy sister just 25 minutes to the north draws a fun and natural crowd. Expect lots of sunshine and few hassles: No peddlers trying to sell you items on most of the island's many beaches. Try some yoga, as it is everywhere on the island!

Kanchanaburi: Just 3 hours west of Bangkok is Kanchanaburi province, covering a great expanse that borders up to Burma. With its seven National Parks, Kanchanaburi offers the active traveler a great choice of activities from river rafting to wild jungle treks. Famous sites include Bridge on the River Kwai, a hike on the tiered Erawan Waterfall, and The Tiger Temple.

Kanchanaburi

Kho Ya: Also about 3 hours northeast of Bangkok is one of Thailand's most stunning National Parks. Khao Yai overlaps four provinces: Saraburi, Nakon Nayok, Nakon Ratchasima, and Prajinburi. With more than 500,000 acres of land to explore, this stunning location provides the ultimate backdrop to camping, sightseeing, and hiking.

Online Travel Agency provides all relevant information tourist attractions in Asia. We collect and put all useful information for tourist attractions in Asia who wants to holiday in Asia.

Destinations for the Best African Travel

Victoria-Falls

Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most-populous continent. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers six percent of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4 percent of the total land area.

If you are deciding to head over travel to Africa, you cannot miss the opportunity of a lifetime to see its natural wonder, the abundant wildlife, and birdlife, ranging from stunning savannas to arid deserts, the various jungles to the powerful waterfalls. Travel Africa over the last century especially on the popular game reserves found in South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania. Now days in Africa there are a lot of privately own reserves or natural parks where you can experience the wilderness and the beauty that comes with it.

Each and every one of the wilderness and nature parks has something unique and special to offer its guest but there are those reserves that are more sort-after than others.
The best and most for Africa safari travel include the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya, the Serengeti in Tanzania, Victoria Falls, picturesque Okavango Delta in Botswana and perhaps the most famous, and Kruger National Park in South Africa. The Masai Mara Game Reserve is a land of hills, woodlands and the acacia tree, but is most famous for encountering wildlife as well as the semi nomadic tribe known as the Masaai People. If you intend to visit, the beautiful country of you truly cannot miss the Masai Mara safari. It's one of the most highly recommended reserves found anywhere on the continent of Africa.

Here the game reserve continues on the from the Serengeti so during the months of July and October each year you may be lucky enough to witness the largest land migration on Earth and over 450 bird species year round. For the best viewing of the famous land, migration however is to head across to the Serengeti where the climate and ecosystem has hardly been changed in the last few million years. Here you witness millions of herbivores making the dangerous journey to greener grasses, with the predators following close behind. Victoria Falls is a top contender for the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Although Victoria Falls is not the tallest or widest waterfall in the world, it does have the largest falling sheet of water on Earth. This is one of the most photographed landmark features on the continent of Africa.

The Okavango Delta is the world's largest inland delta and created by annual floods, spreading over 15 000 kilometers of the Kalahari Desert in a complex system of lagoons and waterways. The abundant and spread out islands that have been unearthed from these waterways allow several habitats to be formed throughout the area which now days provides home and shelter to large numbers birds. Kruger National Park found in South Africa is the largest and most popular safari parks in Africa. The reserves hold within the grounds an incredible variety of wildlife and birdlife. South of the park is home the majority of lodges and accommodation as the wildlife is in abundance.

Okavango-Delta

The middle is lined with green leafy environments where as the North is inaccessible to safari vehicles and for game viewing, which is therefore less popular for the majority of tourists. A trip to all or any of these amazing safari reserves may take some time, but if you can make at least one of these parks, it will be well worth the journey. Always book in advance to secure your spot on one of these safari tours and make sure you check what time of year is best to visit. Plan your safari adventure with Africa Safari Travel. Discover the Big 5 Safari Animals at Kruger, Serengeti, the Masai Mara, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Mt Kilimanjaro and more.

Travel Oh Travel to provide all relevant information about tourism for whole Africa. Country by country, we collect and put all useful information for tourist who want to visit some of African countries.

Asia Travel Guide - Online Travel Agency

Hong-Kong

Asia is the largest and most diverse continent of all, hence it is difficult to describe it in one word or consider it as one tourist destination. As you travel from the quaint villages in India to the stunning cityscape in Bangkok, Asia offers you a melting pot of different cultures, traditions, and languages. It is almost impossible to explore the whole of Asian in a single trip; you will need several trips in order to cover the thousands of amazing and diverse tourist destinations that include a plethora of beautiful villages, beaches, forests, modern cities, and so on.

Whether you are looking for a romantic vacation with your spouse, an adventurous trip to quench your adrenalin rush, a family holiday or a quiet break from the madding crowd, Asian tourist destinations have it all. The beautiful countries are infused with the best of both worlds and the tourists can see monuments that are reminiscent of the past while at the same time witness the remarkable skyscrapers that reflect the advancements made by the cities. This is the land where you will find the principles of Buddhism, teachings of Islam, deities of Hindu Gods, and the rules of Christianity. Wherever you go, you will find numerous temples and churches built by people of different faiths.
Besides the religious shade, Asia is also abounding with numerous ancient wonders and regions that speak volumes of the majestic dynasties that once ruled on earth. You can still see the palaces and historical monuments that stand as a testimony of the history and glorious eras. There are the picturesque temples of Angkor, the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and the various other lesser-known marvels in Afghanistan, Nepal, and Indonesia.

Taj-Mahal

If you thought Asia was only about historic monuments and cultural attractions then you are mistaken because the modern side of the place will surprise you. Modern cities like Singapore and Hong Kong are considered as the fashion centers and they can easily challenge the bigger cities in America or Europe. The Asian cities boast vibrant nightlife replete with bars, discos, and nightclubs that are open over night. The full moon parties that are held every month in Koh Phangan have created news all over the world, and Asia has become a hot destination for those looking for fun and entertainment.

The nature lovers who would like to break free from the madding crowd and enjoy a relaxing holiday amidst natural surroundings will also find several Asian destinations worth exploring. From the snow capped mountains to the pristine beaches and verdant jungles, Asian landscapes offer a lot of explore and discover for the tourists. You can enjoy trekking in the virgin trails or enjoy other adventure sports such as scuba diving, parasailing, water rafting, and wind rafting, snorkeling, and kayaking, and so on.

Koh-Phangan

Finally, another aspect of Asian travel guide that we must mention here is the fresh, spicy, and flavorful cuisines. With a wide range of cuisines to tantalize your taste buds, you will be spoilt for choice and remember the taste changing experience forever.

Online Travel Agency provides all relevant information tourist attractions in Asia. We collect and put all useful information for tourist attractions in Asia who wants to holiday in Asia. 

Iceland Travel Destinations

Strokkur-geyser-Iceland

Iceland is one of those trips that you never quite recover from; you will be forever changed by the beautiful landscape and friendliness of its people. No other trip you take will ever measure up to your Iceland vacation. Here are some of the top destinations you absolutely must include in your itinerary, in order to make the most of your vacation with your friend and family.

Blue Lagoon: This fabricated geothermal lake is a wonder and is considered to have natural healing properties. The water is a steady 40 degrees Celsius and is literally a clear, see-through aquamarine color. Nowhere else on earth can you bathe in such warm water, and yet be surrounded by snow and ice. This is one of the most photographed spots in Iceland.

Geysers: Strokkur geyser is one of the most famous and predictable geysers in the country, and erupts every 15 to 20 minutes, reaching a height of about 20 meters. Cold and hot springs surround it.
The Westmann Islands: These islands have an abundance of wildlife; tours can be arranged to view the breathtaking landscape. In 1963, a volcano created the world's youngest island, named Surtsey. This is truly paradise on earth.

Lake Myvatn Conservation area: This is one of the most beautiful areas of Iceland. You can see bubbling mud flats, lava fields, volcanic craters and a stunningly blue lake. The waterfall of the Gods is also located in the park. It is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe, falling from 163 meters.

Thingvellir National park: The country's parliament was founded here in 930 and is an important part of the country's history. This park is rich with wildlife, nature trails, lakes, and Rolling Meadows.

Arnesinga Folk Museum: Located in the village of Eyrarbkki, this building dates back to 1765 and is one of the oldest in Iceland. It was originally built for the Eyrabakki trading post merchants and their staff. It is considered one of the most remarkable buildings in the country.

Glaciers: The Snaefellsjokull glacier is visible from the capital city on a clear day, even though it is located over 60 miles away. This famous glacier is rich with lava caves, waterfalls, and hot springs. This is truly an amazing landscape with great coastal views. (Source Iceland tourism board)

China Travel Agency

Great-wall-of-china

If you think traveling China is fun without any travel agency, you are quite wrong. The China Travel agency arranges every required facility for the tourists leaving them only to explore the secret and beauty of the glorious land. Once you land in Beijing, you will understand that it is quite painful to manage and visit every tourist attraction without any professional guidance. The Travel agencies of China act as guides for the tourists who visit the land of the Great Wall for the first time. The packages offered by the travel agencies of China are especially customized keeping in mind the variety of tourists visiting the city.

The China Tours arranged by the local travel agencies are well designed. The tour covers almost all the important sights of attractions in some of the beautiful and most popular cities of the country. From ancient temples to the Forbidden City, every corner of China is filled with specks of glorious past. The best thing about the country is that it has a perfect amalgamation of the traditional and modern culture. Because of which tourists get to see an extensive variety of beautiful sites in the capital city of Beijing. Make your China tour memorable by availing any of the several tour packages designed by the China Travel agencies.

Every good travel agency in China ensures that their list of attractions contains a few unique and less known sights of attraction. In this way, they try to make their packages different and popular amongst the tourists. The China travel agencies also offer special tour packages during occasions like Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. The honeymoon packages on offer are very lucrative. Once you decide to avail the services of any of the China Travel Agency, you can get hold of their addresses and contact details on the Internet.

When you take a package tour for moving around in China, you are relived of all hassles. There is no need to arrange for transport or accommodation. From food and lodging to sightseeing, the travel agents of China look everything after. Some of the travel agents of China also arrange special river cruise and entertainment activities for the tourists. The competition is very strong among the Chinese travel agents. That is the reason why tourists are nowadays getting attractive discounts and other special offers from the travel agents of China. Some of the travel agents also provide you with the opportunity to customize your tour plan according to your own wish.

Therefore, this vacation if you are planning an outing, go for any of the several China tour Packages. The China Budget tour packages are ideal for people who want to spend holidays within a limited budget.

Tips Travel agency marketing

 Perfect opportunity to "mine" your data base, in addition to, updating your client information. With the many travel offers currently available, match relevant offers with your clients and COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE. This is a critical time to step up the meter on communication to your database, as well as, other prospects. By the way, how many email addresses do you have? Now is the time to update your client information so you can better serve your clients one to one.

 Increase your sales training and prospecting skills. The phones may not ring as much in the near future as in the past. Take this time to fine tune your sales skills so you can be better prepared for tougher sales in the weeks ahead. Also, if you are not a CTC, CTA, MCC, or ACC: now is the time to do so.

Be aware: the more you can be perceived as the travel knowledge/safety expert, the more your clients will rely on you for your guidance and counsel. Use the Internet, trade associations, news, consortium membership, peers, etc. to fully gain knowledge, not just information, which your clients desperately need, thereby building credibility.

If you are not a member of a travel consortium - now is the time to join. The technology enhancements, regional/national marketing opportunities, preferred travel supplier overrides, and just more influence in the local marketplace is more critical now than ever before. Support your preferred travel partners: they are the ones who are offering you the higher commissions, training and additional marketing support.

Do you have a working marketing plan? If not, please develop one. You cannot get to where you want to go without a road map. The marketing plan will force you to take an aggressive sales posture and will provide you with the strategies and tactics to reach your goals, whatever they may be. The key is to have them. It will also establish action plans for everyone. However, if you do not inspect what you expect, the plan is meaningless. A standard easy to use marketing plan format is attached.

Have the attitude that today is the first day of your business: and the rest of your life. Go back to the basics of growing your business as you once did. Sometimes when times are good, we forget about all the grunt work we had to do to build a client roster. You still have clients, however, if they are not currently traveling, you need to supplement with new clients. Remember, only 30% of all leisure travelers use a travel agency: there are many new customers out there.

Identify more pied pipers who have the ability to bring in new business. Think of the number of airline employees who have been recently laid off. What a wonderful opportunity to hire them as outside agents who can bring in new customers. They will also be grateful to stay connected to the travel industry. Think of the other layoffs as well: great source of talent, and we need them now!

Develop more customized client promotions: air/car/cruise/hotel/theme Park/golf/spa/etc. Take the stress and worry out of the pre-planning experience for your clients. In addition, if they absolutely do not want to travel by air for the present time, package other means of transportation. Also, think of new commission opportunities: whether its vacation home rentals or selling adds on insurance, travel intelligence, and services offering convenience. IN ADDITION, with the incredible pricing opportunities available for your clients, there is no better motivation than NOW to promote travel.

Be creative and think of promotions, alliances, partnerships, etc. which you could develop with local merchants, local colleges and universities, department stores, restaurants, recreational entities, local associations and clubs, fundraisers, community associations, local special events, etc. This list is endless in identifying new ways of attracting business. In addition, ASTA has a complete set of ad slicks which can be downloaded from their website HYPERLINK "http://www.astanet.com" www.astanet.com for your marketing communications.

Use PR as a tool to get the positive word out about travel. I can't think of a more powerful, cost effective means, of getting your name out there in the local marketplace as the travel expert, especially now. All you hear about in the media is the travel industry. You have a wonderful opportunity to create a meaningful story on travel, business, or leisure, which not only your local market will want to read, but also it will be news worthy. The media is relying on travel experts for advice: you can be one. ASTA also has sample speeches, PowerPoint presentations, press releases, etc on their website.

The Benefit of Hiring a Travel Agency

One of the most enjoyable things to do that you cannot miss in your life is a vacation out of the country. Thinking about going to another territory to check out the places and encounter a completely new lifestyle is exhilarating. However, the trouble of organizing the entire trip may also be difficult. This empties you of the extra energy you could have used to do more work before going upon that much-awaited trip. If you are located in California and you are simply considering going on vacation, it is advisable to work with a Los Angeles travel company.

Many people are afraid of the expenses, which go along with finding a travel agent. However, only expert travelers know that employing such agent delivers much more benefits to you and helps make the overall vacation planning hassle-free. To highlight some great benefits of dealing with a Los Angeles travel company, here are some pointers:

1. Travel companies know their business. Many travel agencies talk with networks of hotels, airlines, and tourist guide agencies. When you use them, it will be simpler for them to organize the whole trip, as they have in mind the right people to contact.

2. Travel agencies assist with record processing. If you are a first time visitor and the document specifications about going on vacation are unfamiliar to you, it is advisable to work with a travel company. These people fully understand the needs required by every country and they know how you can get them quickly. With a travel agency, you conserve time from homework and you are able to process everything more efficiently.

3. Travel agencies always have a contingency plans. Imagine when you organize a vacation on your own and something goes completely wrong. It is not easy to make changes to your plan when you are in a foreign country and you have no idea whom you can contact to ask for help. Having a travel company, you just inform them the problem and they would plan to save you time consequently.

4. Most travel companies offer insurance. What is best about requesting a travel agency to organize your vacation is their addition of insurance plan. Without such insurance, it might be difficult to figure out what you would do in case an unwelcome event occurs.

A Los Angeles travel agency may cost you a few extra cash, depending on your trip. However, they are effective for your both safety and enjoyment. Obviously, the advantages of working with a Los Angeles travel agency are worth the cost. Therefore, when you choose to go on vacation, you know whom to call to be able to enjoy the best out of your trip. Try to find the best agency to make your vacation worthwhile and stretch your every penny!

Travel Agent Marketing

"Be a good marketer or if you are not, hire a marketing agency to help you, or use a travel referral service like IDTRAVEL AGENCY for targeted, pre-qualified luxury leads."

You may be wondering how to begin travel agent marketing if you are thinking about starting your own company or need to give the organization you work for a little boost. The first thing you must be aware of is the fact that you need to be prepared to put a little money, as well as creativity, time and effort into your marketing plan. This means dedicating hours beyond your normal workweek to achieve your goal.

The whole point to marketing is to promote your business and draw in customers. However, attracting consumers is only half the battle because you need to make sure you have something good to offer them that will motivate them to stay and not turn to the competition.

The following are some travel agent marketing ideas you can put to good use:

Create a travel website - All businesses need an online presence. Shopping on the World Wide Web is a convenience many enjoy. You need to provide people with many different ways that they can contact you and create their travel plans. The more methods you provide, the larger the market you will reach.

Advertise in your local papers - The papers in your city can give you exposure and help you establish yourself in your community. Take the time to advertise deals, events and so on to raise people's interests.

Make your agency appealing - A large part of travel agent marketing is making sure things look great. This includes you and where you work. If you have an office where you meet with clients, make the environment very bright and inviting. Do not clutter up a room with furniture or other knickknacks. Keep the area fresh, modern, and all about travel. Contact suppliers and request new posters and displays. The same goes for your travel website. Do not junk it up with too many options. Keep it simple and make it easy for consumers to contact you, use your travel resources, and search tools.

Network - You should have business cards created so you can give them out whenever an opportunity presents itself. It is also important to have your friends and associates spread the word about your travel company and make sure to return the favor whenever you can. Attend business conventions and make you known.

You need to give people a reason to want to take a chance on you. The right travel agent marketing techniques can do this for you. If you are really stuck for ideas, do not forget that there are marketing professionals who can help you.

Travel Agent Easy Your Holiday

Planning a long - awaited vacation can sometimes be overwhelming what with the amount of choices and destinations to choose from. This is especially true when you are searching for the best holiday deals out there. We all want to find those terrific advertised cheap family holidays, but how do we really know that we are actually getting the best deal for a selected vacation package?

Well, we really do not know and many times we just find out the hard way when we are actually on that dream vacation. Have you ever met someone on the same holiday and discovered that they actually paid much less for the same vacation package as you? Many people have and it is a terrible thought to know that you could have had your holiday for much less.

It is extremely tough to take, when you spent all those long agonizing hours searching and checking numerous travel websites on the internet, all telling you that they have the best prices guaranteed! You book what you think is the best deal around and when you find out otherwise, well, it is heart wrenching!

This is where a professional travel agent can be of help and best of all, they do not even charge for their services.

A qualified and professional agent will ensure that you receive the best deal possible for your vacation of choice. It is their business to know and they stay up to date daily with all the specials that surface on an ongoing basis.

Whether you choose one of those great all-inclusive vacations for your family or a weekend getaway package to a favorite destination, a travel agent will ensure they find you the best price possible that is available during that time. After all, finding those best deals for you may also ensure repeat business, referrals and much more for years to come!

Using a travel agent will save you time, money and will ensure nothing is forgotten when holiday planning. Let the trained professionals work for you and help you find that perfect vacation at an affordable price.

Whether you are planning a tropical vacation to Hawaii or looking to take advantage of an all-inclusive cruise special, a travel agent will help you along the way in selecting the perfect vacation for you and your family.