Suluban Beach: Bali’s Surfers Paradise at Uluwatu

Overview

World-class thrilling waves meet jaw-dropping scenery at the secluded surfers’ paradise of Suluban Beach. Located not too far from the picturesque Uluwatu Temple, this beach is the actual site of the famous Uluwatu surf break. This beach extends right up and joins the Uluwatu Beach. Together they are the Mecca for wave chasing junkees who come to Bali.

Located at the Pecatu Village, in the South Kuta sub-district, Badung Regency, Suluban is among renowned surfing beaches along the Bukit Peninsula at the southern end of Bali that include the Uluwatu Beach, Bingin Beach, Padang-padang Beach, Dreamland Beach, Impossible Beach and Balangan Beach.

The beach is blessed with a breathtaking view on the Indian Ocean which offers a serene atmosphere and spectacular sunsets in the late afternoons, creating that most romantic aura. Approaching the area, visitors will be greeted by afascinating scenery of white rock cliffs that stretch as far as the eyes can see. Descending some 50 meters down to the shore, a vast white sandy beach kissed by turquoise blue waters await, while the pounding waves play the true resounding sounds of nature: the perfect setting for a thrilling surfing adventure.

The character of waves at Suluban Beach is similar to those at Uluwatu Beach that come in with that  great, powerful, long swell and  consistent barrels that have always fascinated surfers who came to this point. Here waves can reach to between 3 and 12 feet with the average wave size being 3 to 5 feet, perfect for advanced and professional surfers. The best season for surfing at Suluban Beach is during the dry session (April to August) when the wind blows from east to west creating the perfect waves for surfing.

The word Suluban comes from the Balinese language “mesulub” which translated means: to bow down. It is suggested that the name was adopted since visitors must first crouch or bow down when they pass the crevice between boulders that resembles a cave, before reaching the beach below the rocky cliff. The Beach is also known by many people as the Blue Point Beach since it is closely associated with the Blue Point Bay Villa located on the top of the cliff which shade Suluban Beach.

Be it for a surfing holiday or a romantic getaway, the waves together with the spectacular scenery at Suluban Beach are indeed a true gem that make Bali sparkle.

Get There

Located at the Bukit Peninsula, Suluban Beach is connected to Kuta and Denpasar through Jimbaran by the busy Jalan Bypass Nusa Dua and this is the only route in. Approximately 34 Kilometers from Denpasar, the beach is about 30 minutes’ drive from the I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport or about 45 minutes from the tourist resorts of Kuta-Legian. 

From Denpasar or Kuta, Take the main road (Jalan Bypass Nusa Dua) south to the junction with Jalan Uluwatu II (the famous McDonald's junction), turn west towards Jimbaran Bay, continue about 2 km and at the four road junction make a sharp left up the hill (signposted for Uluwatu). Follow the road southward until you reach the outer post of Uluwatu Temple where you will find a signpost to Suluban Beach to the right. Follow that road until you reach the Beach.

A taxi from Kuta to Suluban or Uluwatu will take approximately 30 to 40 minutes over winding roads and will cost about Rp 120,000 one-way. If you are just visiting for the day, consider asking the driver to wait for your home trip as it can be difficult to find transport back. Figure on paying the taxi driver Rp 20,000/hour to wait. Joining a tour can be a cheaper way of getting to the area as this destination is very widely offered by tour operators all over the island.

To Eat

Despite its secluded location, eating facilities around Suluban Beach are not hard to find. Restaurants and cafes serving international, Indonesian, and typical Balinese food can be easily found on the path leading down to the shoreline of the beach. Some of these restaurants and cafes have astounding views on the ocean, making it a perfect relaxing place after an exhausting surfing adventure.

 

 

To Stay

he other popular name for Suluban Beach is Blue Point Beach and this is not without reason since if you want to reach the beach you will have to pass the Blue Point Bay villas and spas. Luxury ocean front villas located in the Southern Peninsula of Bali, right on Uluwatu and Suluban Beach facing the Indian Ocean, offer the perfect accommodation if you want to spend your time on Suluban Beach or at the Bukit Peninsula.

Aside from the Blue Point Bay Villas and spas there are also several other accommodation options that you can find near the Suluban Beach. Here are some of the accommodation options available around Suluban Beach:

Blue Point BayVillas & Spa

Jl.Labuansait - Uluwatu, Pecatu, Bali 80364, Indonesia.

Phone: +62 361 769 888, 3009729 ~ 31 (Hunting),

Fax: +62 361 769 889, 3009728

Email: info@bluepointbayvillas.com

Website: http://www.bluepointbayvillas.com

Gong

 Jl Pantai Suluban, Uluwatu (on the main road to Uluwatu Temple about 500 m before the temple gates)

Phone:  +62 361 769976

Email: thegongacc@yahoo.com

Sandat Mas Cottages

 Jl Pantai Suluban, Uluwatu

Phone: +62 361 769965

Email: info@sandatmas.com

Suluban Cliff Bali Villa

Jalan Pantai Suluban No.9, Pecatu, Uluwatu

Email: info@sulubancliffbali.com

Website:  http://www.sulubancliffbal  

 

 

Indonesia Travel

Seven countries participate in the Tomohon International Flower Festival 2015

Seven countries namely the Philippines, India, New Zealand, the United States, France, Poland and Indonesia are confirmed to take part in the International Flower Festival that is scheduled to take place in the Flower City of Tomohon on the slopes of Mt. Lokon, some 22 km from the capital city of Manado, North Sulawesi.

To be held from 8-12 August 2015, highlight of which is the Flowers parade, some 37 floats will roll along the main streets of Tomohon carrying an array of displays in flowers, watched by cheering crowds. Next to international participants are floats from companies, state enterprises, regencies across Indonesia and more.

Prior to the parade a number of exciting and participative activities are being held in town, as follows:  

The  Flower Queen National Pageant, : 7 – 11 August 2015

A Tourism, Investment, Trade, and Floriculture Seminar : 8 – 12 August 2015

Indonesian Cultural Performances: 8 – 12 August 2015

10K run around the Tomohon Linow Lake: on 7 August 2015

 Gateball Tournament:  7^th and  8th August 2015

 Marching Band  Parade to break the Indonesian MURI record : 9th August 2015

Seminar Developing Destinations in East Indonesia (for  APEKSI Komwil VI members): 7^th August 2015 

Seminar on Asian Churches : 7^th and 8th August 2015

To publicize the Flower Parade, the government of Tomohon held a promotional campaign along Kuta Beach on Bali on 24 July to attract foreign tourists who daily flock to Bali , in particular to this popular beach, to also visit Tomohon as another attractive Indonesian destination.

This biannual event which was started in 2008 has gained plenty of popularity since.

The town of Tomohon is a cool mountain resort covering 35 villages and 5 sub-districts. Because of its refreshing and cool climate, houses along the road are seen decorated with pretty and colorful flowers.   Tomohon is also the center for Christian religious learning. 

When in Tomohon do visit its traditional market which offers a wide variety of flowers, vegetables and meats.  As for food, North Sulawesi is famous for its mouth-watering food, so there are many restaurants here to choose from. But Muslims do beware, though, as the population here is mostly Christian, many restaurants serve pork.

To get to Tomohon, there are plenty of taxis and public transportation that ply between Manado and Tomohon.  Daily flights serve Manado from Jakarta, Bali and other main cities.

Indonesia Travel

Bandung Culinary Guide

Overview

Many people visit Bandung, the capital of West Java province, to pamper their taste buds. You'll be amazed with what Bandung has to offer. From various food sold on street vendors to haute cuisine, every visitor will be able to find something to their liking here, in Bandung.

Sundanese (the people living in West Java are called Sundanese) has tempting refreshments. Sundanese food tends to be bland yet tasty unless you add sambal dadak (chili and other ingredients grinded together) to your food. If you're looking for more spicy taste, just add this sambal dadak with nasi timbel (steamed rice formed into a roll inside a banana leaf) and other specialties. This mouthwatering treat is too good to be missed! Usually sour vegetables soup (sayur asam) is accompanied by nasi timbel.

Sundanese people eat vegetables a lot. Sometimes they even eat raw vegetables (called lalap or lalapan) like cucumbers, tomatoes, coriander leaves, eggplants, cabbages, lettuces, and so on. Lalapan is usually accompanied by sambal dadak.

Probably one of the most well known dish, timbel, consists of nasi timbel, lalapan, sambal dadak, a piece of chicken (fried or roasted Sundanese style), fried beancurd, fried tempeh, a slice of jambal (salted fish). If you want to, you can add gepuk (slices of beef, mixed in traditional herbs, then fried), pepes (main ingredients such as fish, chicken, mushroom, etc. mixed with crushed and blended herbs, folded into a banana leaf, then steamed until they're ready to eat), sauteed greens, and others. Nasi timbel is a favorite among locals and visitors. Batagor baso tahu goreng (literally means, fried meatballs & beancurd) is one of the most well-sought specialty. Made from blended fish and beancurd, with a special peanut sauce, batagor's popularity remains constant.

People with sweet tooth might fancy pisang molen, an Indonesian traditional pastry filled with banana and cheese. For a variation, try brownies kukus (steamed brownies). Es cendol, made of blended/grinded rice, palm sugar, and coconut milk, is delightful on a hot day. While for a colder day, you might want a taste of bandrek or bajigur.

Bandung also offers various milk products most notably, yoghurt. Basically there are two kinds of yoghurt in Bandung the thin one, and the thick one (French style).

Hot snacks ala Bandung are widely sold throughout the city. Among them are gehu-toge tahu- (beancurd with beansprouts and vegetables filling), pisang goreng (fried banana), cireng-aci goreng- (fried tapioca), and many more. You might be interested in trying other snacks such as, nangka goreng (fried jackfruit), peuyeum goreng (fermented cassava, fried), nanas goreng (fried pineapple), and so on. Ketan bakar (roasted sticky rice) and jagung bakar/rebus (roasted/boiled corns) are also recommended.

Nasi goreng (fried rice), although not originally from Bandung, is always the locals' favorite. The ingredients vary, according to people's preference. Sometimes the rice is mixed with seafood (usually shrimps, pieces of cuttlefish, pieces of crab's flesh), chicken and vegetables, mutton and vegetables, salted fish, and so on.

Cakue, a dish made of flour dough then fried, is also worth a try.

Bandung also has other kinds of restaurants, like Padangese (food from West Sumatra, very spicy in taste), Javanese (sweeter in taste), Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Western, Indian, and so on.

Get There

Fondly called Parahyangan meaning, Land of the Gods, Bandung has both metropolitan and homey atmosphere at the same time. Full of eateries, factory outlets, and malls, many people find going on a trip to Bandung both enjoyable and memorable.

Ways to reach Bandung from Jakarta may be as many as to Rome, so to speak. You can ride trains, buses, or use the many shuttle services with hourly schedules. Flights are less favored because the time it takes to travel to Jakarta's airport (Soekarno Hatta) and check in may take longer than travelling by car.

To Eat

For a taste of nasi timbel and other Sundanese food, you can try the restaurants mentioned below. There are many others, though, so while you're in Bandung, you might be able to spot other restaurants selling tasty food.

BUMBU DESA

Jalan Pasirkaliki 160, Bandung

Jalan Laswi 1, Bandung

Traditional food with elegant surrounding.

BALE GAZEEBO

Jalan Surapati 49

Wide place, where you can eat while lesehan (sitting on the floor without chairs) or using a chair.

SINDANG RERET

Jalan Raya Cikole Km 22

Jalan Raya Propinsi Ciwidey, Kabupaten Bandung

Jalan Surapati 53

One of the most famous Sundanese restaurants in Bandung.

SAUNG KABAYAN

Jalan Dr. Junjunan 107, Bandung

Modernized Sundanese cooking.

SARI PARAHYANGAN

Jalan L.L.R.E. Martadinata (Riau) 156-158

Jalan Soekarno-Hatta 408

Good, plain Sundanese cooking.

KELAPA LAGOON

Jalan Sumatera 9

Chic place. Tasty but the price is higher than other Sundanese restaurants.

Sari Sunda is a restaurant chain in Bandung that Serve typical  West Java's Sundanese food in elegant surroundings:

Sari Sunda Soekarno Hatta, 

Jl. Soekarno Hatta no 479B, South Bandung 

Tel: +62 22 7300696

Sari Sunda Setiabudhi
Jl. Dr. Setiabudi No. 86/88 B. North Bandung

Tel.: 62 22 2034263

Sari Sunda Lengkong 

Jl. Lengkong Besar no 77, Central Bandung 

Tel: +62 22 4238125

To Stay

Bandung has it all, cozy little inns to five-starred hotels. Just click the Find a Hotel button.

Tips

If you plan to go to Bandung often, buy a complete map in major book stores. It's a great investment. That way you might save some money. Instead of renting a car, for instance, you can maximize the public transportation to bring you anywhere you want to go.

• If you're not certain of local customs, language, menu, etc. don't hesitate to ask!
• It is advisable to learn a few important phrases in Indonesian. Not all Indonesians can speak English well.

To Buy

Bandung mainly offers food and drink as souvenirs. Visit these stores to grab the famous keripik tempeh, keripik oncom, sale pisang, dodol, and other delicacies:

RAOS, KARYA UMBI

Both are located in Jalan Cihampelas.

Jalan Cihampelas happens to be the central of jeans stores, so you might want to look around some more. And there's more of course. Which is why Bandung is the shopping capital of West Java.

Get Around

If you have multiple destinations in mind, you'd better rent a car for a day (or two). There are taxi services in major streets and malls. Other parts of the cities mostly use public transportation called angkots, which are only recommended if you actually live in Bandung.

Indonesia Travel

The Surreal Madakaripura Waterfall, vestige of the great Majapahit Kingdom

Overview
Leaving misty Mount Bromo behind and descending into the Probolinggo Regency, one will find a spectacular sight secluded within the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park: this is the enchanting Madakaripura Waterfall.

Believed to be the final meditation place of military Commander-in-Chief, Gajah Mada, of the great Javanese kingdom of Majapahit in East Java, the towering waterfall is fondly dubbed the eternal waterfall, since its waters never cease to pour down an endless rain of blessings on those fortunate enough to walk underneath it.

Located not too far from Mount Bromo near the village of Sapih, in the Lombang district, Madakaripura Waterfall is about three hours’ drive from the capital of East Java, Surabaya. The spectacular waterfall lies hidden at the end of a deep valley in the foothills of the Tengger mountain range. To reach this, visitors must trek about 20 minutes crossing rivers and a rocky path, set amongst beautiful sceneries along the way, before reaching the entrance. Here a statue of Majapahit‘s great Commander, Gajah Mada, in the seated position of deep meditation greets visitors before they continue further on foot.

An atmosphere of natural grandeur radiates around as the waterfall comes into view. As the rumbling sounds of water grows louder, a spellbinding feature of water curtains cover the path, that will not only please the eyes but also freshen body and soul. Here, nature gracefully pours her endless refreshing gifts, making getting wet quite inevitable. While it may be best to be ready with raincoats or umbrellas, stalls along the trekking path will offer umbrella rentals and plastic bags to protect valuables, such as cameras.

The path ends in a surreal tube-like valley where the staggering 200 meters gallant waterfall highlights the scene. Decorated with a cave on the wall which was believed to be the exact location where Commander in Chief Gajah Mada performed his last meditation, Madakaripura Waterfall is even dubbed as the tallest waterfall in Javaand the second tallest waterfall in Indonesia after Sigura-gura Waterfall near Lake Toba, North Sumatra. While the waterfall’s sheer height is by itself already a wonder, the ambience around the area is truly something that needs to be experienced first-hand to be believed.

Surrounded by outstandingly high walls, the Fall flows down into an almost mystical natural chamber. Inside the 200 meters “chamber”, the reflected sunlight shining through onto the wet green moss on the rocky wall accompanied by the ever rumbling sounds of water creates a spectacle unlikely found elsewhere. Decorated with huge boulders, endlessly falling water, and sparkling moss, one only needs to gaze up to the distant sky and immerse oneself in the spellbinding beauty of nature. While the fascinating scene can be captured on camera, the true sensation of being in one of the most outstanding places on earth can only be felt by being there.             

According to ancient Javanese 14^th century epic poem, Negarakretagama, Madakaripura was a piece of land given to Commander Gajah Mada by the Majapahit King Hayam Wuruk. Gajah Mada himself is the most celebrated military commander in the history of the great Javanese Majapahit Kingdom that thrived between 1293 to 1500AD.  Its commander is recognized as the main figure who succeeded in unifying the entire Indonesian Archipelago then under the huge Majapahit empire (that at the time was said to stretch until Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Southern Thailand , the Philippines and East Timor) under his famous oath the “Sumpah Palapa”.

It is said that the source of his overwhelming power and abilities lie within the cave of the Madakaripura Waterfall, where Gajah Mada frequently came to meditate. The great commander eventually chose the place as his last place for mediation before he was believed to have been –what ancient Javanese believed- “Muksha” -  or vanished spiritually and physically from the face of the earth, rather than just dying  physically.  To honor this legacy, many people still visit the Falls to meditate or perform rituals, especially on the eve of 1 Suro, the Javanese New Year.

As a place that is historically significant, culturally sacred, and naturally spellbinding, Madakaripura is simply a must, when you visit East Java.

Get There

The best way to get to Madakaripura Waterfall is to rent a car from Surabaya or Malang, or include it in the tour package along with Mount Bromo. From Surabaya, capital of East Java, the trip will take a little over three hours, by taking the intercity route to Sidoarjo-Porong-Pasuruan-Probolinggo. Upon reaching Tongas, there will be a sign directing to both Mount Bromo and Madakaripura Waterfall to the right. The intersection is marked by a small monument in the center of the road. Follow the road for about 20-30 minutes until you reach another sign pointing to Madakaripura Waterfall to the right. From there the road is a bit narrow, but the view will be most pleasing. Follow the road until you reach the entrance to the Madakaripura Waterfall.

To Stay

Its close proximity to Mount Bromo means that there are plenty of accommodation options around Mount Bromo that can also serve as staging point to the Madakaripura Waterfall. You can refer to our to stay and find a hotel in Mount Bromo to see the accommodation options around Mount Bromo. Other accommodations available within the regency of Probolinggo are:

Bromo Home Stay

Jl. Ngadisari Probolinggo

Phone : +62 335 541022

Cemara Indah

Cemorolawang, Ngadisari Probolinggo

Phone +62-335 541019

Sakura

Jl. Panglima Sudirman, Kraksaan

Phone +62-335 841257

Sang Dimur

Ds. Ngepung – Sukapura – Probolinggo

Phone +62-335 581193

Saragih

Jl. Raya Paiton Probolinggo

Phone +62-335 843020

Dhimas

Jl. Raya Dringu 55 Probolinggo

Phone +62-335 425357

Lava View

Cemorolawang, Ngadisari Sukapura

Phone +62-335 541009,541020

New Panorama

Jl. Raya Lemah Kembar Probolinggo

Phone +62-335 421517

Paiton Asri

Jl. Raya Binor 147 Paiton Probolinggo

Sukapura Permai

Desa Sukapura Probolinggo

Phone +62-335 581067

Ucik Tengger

Ds.Wonotoro – Ngadisari

Phone +62-335 541014 , 428306

Fax. +62-335 431491

Yochis

Ds. Krajan Wonokerto 01

Ngadisari Probolinggo

Phone +62-335 541018

Sukapura Hotel

Jl. Raya Bromo 135 Sukapura Probolinggo

Phone +62-335 561067

Bintan opens Lagoi Bay and Plaza Lagoi Mall : Exciting Beach and Shopping Destination

Present at the ceremony were Tourism Minister, Arief Yahya , Riau Islands Governor,  H.Muhammad Sani, Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, Andri  Hadi, and many dignitaries and investors.

Lagoi Bay and Plaza Lagoi Mall are located right by the beach so that tourists can go shopping in the mall, then dive straight into the sea,  or while chatting with friends enjoying a cold drink and snacks on the veranda,  watch the sun slowly set over the South China Sea.

Anchor tenant at the Mall will be the Pasaraya , a popular mall in Jakarta, best known for its fine and wide array of  Indonesian made handicrafts, fashion and genuine Indonesian cuisine from all across the archipelago.

The Lagoi Bay and Plaza are expected to be filled  with activities and  become the new “heart” of Bintan Resorts . Officially opened at the same time are also the super luxurious The Sanchaya Beach resort and the Swiss-Belhotel Grand Lagoi.  

The  Plaza Lagoi Mall , built in modern contemporary design with Indonesian  architectural  touches is spread over almost 1,000 square meters of retail space, offering  60 shop units on two floors with a generous plaza for people to meet and chat. Here are also the tourism information and tour booking center, a baggage drop-off facility for those leaving by ferry to Singapore as well as shower and changing facilities for those heading for the pristine beaches just  a few steps from the mall.

Other projects soon to open include the spectacular Crystal Lagoon at Treasure Bay, a crystal clear sea water lake covering a 6 hectare area which will be the first and largest in South East Asia.  While  Hotels  soon in construction are the Prime Plaza,  the Ibis Style, Novote, Dialoog, Four Points managed by Sheraton and the Ambhara Hotel.   To be built around Lagoi Bay, these will add another 4,000 new hotel rooms to the area within the next 4 years.

Furthermore, the completion of the nearby modern airport with its 3,000 meters runway, able to receive the latest wide-bodied aircrafts, is expected to boost arrivals to Bintan and become a hub to Indonesia’s multiple wondrous tourist destinations.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Gianto Gunara of Gallant Venture and Executive Director of Bintan Resorts said  : “the opening of the Mega Project of Lagoi Bay  and Lagoi Mall is a major milestone for Bintan Resorts’ development and tourism for the KEPRI (the Riau Islands Province) development”. Bintan Resorts is a major international gateway into Indonesia , Gunara added and is expected to play an increasing role in Indonesia’s Tourism development to  achieve the goal of 20 million tourists nation-wide in 2019. 

In 2014 Bintan resorts hosted 478,457 international and domestic tourists, a growth of 4.6% over 2013. Top growing markets are China (+40%), Indonesia (+12%) and India (+9%).

Bintan Resorts and Bintan Industrial Estate were established since 1990 as a result of a G to G agreement between the Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of Singapore.  To date the estate has more than 100 kms of roads, power plants with a capacity of 45 MW, Reservoir, Potable Water meeting WHO Standards, International Ferry Terminal for goods and passengers, Telecommunication Network, Waste Management and an elaborate security network. Today it has a total of 1,600 luxurious hotel rooms, 3 fantastically designed golf courses with a total of 79-hotes. In all providing employment to 18,000 workers. 

Pulau Misool : Raja Ampat’s spectacular world class Dive Destination

Overview
Misool Island is a remote, tropical hideaway, one of four largest islands in the Raja Ampat archipelago, world renowned dive destination in the province of West Papua.

Located off the west coast of the main island of Papua, directly bordering the Seram Sea, the waters are a veritable traffic lane for many large sea creatures, including whales.

The crystal clear turquoise sea-waters allow spectacular views of Misools sub-surface colorful treasures even when still aboard your boat.  And once under the water, visibility can reach from 10 meters to as far as 30 meters.

The sea gardens of Raja Ampat hold 75% of all known species of corals and ornamental fish in the world, and boast the highest level of marine biodiversity on the planet.

On land, the wild territory of Misool is one of the most visually breath-taking and captivating sites in Raja Ampat. The island is heavily forested, and at first sight reveals nothing but a thick green carpet of dense forests and mangrove swamps. The rugged terrain is predominantly limestone, the frostily coloured rock clashing starkly with the deep green jungle. To the east and west of the island, a maze of limestone pinnacles jut sharply out of the blue sea, carved and eroded by the waves and carpeted luxuriantly in vegetation. The rare beaches on Misool are pure white sand, fringed with coconut trees leading out to the stunningly turquoise waters.

A side from the enchanting panoramic scenery and wealth of marine life, Misool is also home to ancient cultural sites. A number of petroglyphs can be found on walls of caves throughout the island, dating back approximately 5,000 years.

Get There

To get to Misool Island, first fly to Sorong Airport in West Papua, Indonesia. This is a domestic airport with available flights from Jakarta, Makassar, Surabaya, Manado, Ambon.  Batavia Air has recently started flights to Sorong from Surabaya. (click www.batavia-air.com for information and booking).

(For the full Sorong flight schedule, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorong_Airport)

From Sorong, a private speedboat will take you to the Resort. Boats depart on a pre-arranged schedule by the resort, usually at 7:30 a.m. on alternating Sunday mornings. The trip takes between 4 – 5 hours but will seem like no time at all as you journey through some of the most mesmerizing sceneries you have ever seen or ever will see. Transfer fees from Sorong to Misool are included in the resort’s package price.

 To Do

With the highest level of marine biodiversity on the planet and 60 over dive spots within an hour from the resort, (not to mention the hundreds more that await further out to sea,) you can just imagine the enthralling scenes you will behold just beneath the water of Misool.

It’s impossible to even dream of trying to list all the many marvellous species of marine life, but here is a small glimpse of what you may encounter. On the tiny side, ghost pipefish, blue-ringed octopus, frogfish, pygmy seahorses, mandarin fish and literally millions of other critters dart in, out and around the extravagant coral formations. On the large side, immense schools of surgeons roam the waters together with Barracuda, Wobbegang Sharks and dolphins while giant mantas and Mobula Rays glide overhead.

Diving among the Raja Ampat islands is excellent just about all year round, and the term high season does not carry much meaning, as Misool’s only resort has a maximum capacity of 30 people. From May to July is light rainy season, and July to September may bring heavier rain and small surface swells, but rarely enough to obstruct your enjoyment. It is possible to travel to other parts of Raja Ampat during this time, but the Misool Eco Resort is closed during the months of July, August and September. While the rain may not interfere with diving, the sunny season between October and April is more recommended, as you will have the opportunity for other activities such as trekking and exploring the island. Between October and November is the season for large schools of bait fish, which in turn attracts bigger fish and Mobula Rays, while the May and June south winds bring more sharks.

A side from diving, a selection of other water sports are also available at Misool Resort, such as kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing on the beach and appreciating the act of doing absolutely nothing at all. Boats can also be hired for short trips to the various surrounding islands.

For more “land-friendly” activities, take a tour of the island and explore the mangrove forests and see if you can spot any of the birds and mammals that inhabit it. The rare village can still be found, hidden in some remote corner of the island, which may be interesting to pay a visit to, to learn more about the local culture, customs and traditions.

Another popular spot is a cave with various petroglyphs, dated at about 5,000 years old. The most recognizable one is that of a human hand, colored in a deep red. Finding the petroglyphs is not so easy, as they are hidden amongst a maze of rocks and lagoons, but that only adds to the adventure.

To Stay

Misool Eco Resort is an exclusive, secluded dive center 165 kilometres away from the nearest port. It is located on the privately-owned island of Batbitim, barely a stone’s throw from Misool Island. The island is surrounded by a 1,220 square kilometre no-take zone. That’s roughly twice the size of Singapore.

 The resort offers 8 luxurious cottages built on stilts over the water, each with a hammock integrated into the veranda and stairs leading down to the lagoon. For a higher level of service and seclusion, you have a choice of 4 Deluxe Villas, located on various corners of the island.

A dive resort is also built on stilts near the water cottages, and is fully equipped with a comfortable lounge, a small library, a massive work station, and a veranda for sunning out between dives. Dives are scheduled three times a day, with diving equipment and private guides available upon request.

A restaurant is located tucked under coconut palms, and overlooking the lagoon. It offers a broad selection of Western, Asian and Vegan cuisine. All sea-food is caught outside of the no-take zone, and fruits come from organic plantations around the island.

Misool Eco Resort
Email: info@misoolecoresort.com
Website: misoolecoresort.com
http://www.welcomebeyond.com

For other accommodation please check with:

Papua Diving Indonesia
Phone:: +62 811 480 7610; +62 815 27000610
Guest Relations Airport: +62 815 27000624
Skype: papua-diving.com
Email: info@papua-diving.com
Wensite: http://www.papua-diving.com

Indonesia Travel

Nikoi Island: Tropical Paradise in the South China Sea

OVERVIEW

The island of Bintan in the Riau Islands Province never ceases to amaze visitors with its enchanting natural landscape. The smooth roads on this island, accompanied by spectacular sceneries are ready to take you to some of the amazing splendors beyond your imagination. One of these roads will  lead you to a secluded small island off the coast of Bintan: Nikoi Island, a tropical Paradise in South China Sea.

Located less than 85km from Singapore, Nikoi is a 15 hectare exclusive island 8km off the east coast of Bintan. To reach the island, one must take a fast boat from the Kawal Pier at the Agro Beach Resort Bintan or a Ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Port in Singapore.

Long regarded as one of the most stunning islands on this relatively unspoilt coast, Nikoi is fortunate to have retained its pristine condition. It is ringed with white sandy beaches and coral reefs of spectacular color and diversity and has  a coastline studded with granite boulders that seemingly defy gravity. Rising to a height of 30m, the island also boasts a rain forest where giant  trees, including native Banyan trees, provide a sanctuary to a diverse population of local birds.

The island is managed by a small group of expatriates who have lived in Asia for most of their working lives and share a passion for the outdoors, nature, food and wine. The name Nikoi is a local variation of the Chinese Hokkein word for papaya (paw paw) – a fruit that was originally grown on the island.

Today the island resort features beach houses that reflect both traditional Indonesian architecture and contemporary form.  Using driftwood and ‘alang alang’ grass roofing to blend into the environment, each beach house incorporates a modern ensuite bathroom.  Thus, provides a “simple barefoot luxury” in a superb  setting.

A spectacular pool has also been built in amongst the granite boulders on the north-eastern side of the island and provides a destination within a destination.  Set high above the sea it overlooks one of the prettiest beaches on Nikoi and provides an uninterrupted view over the South China Sea.  There is also an adjacent wading pool for young children and a bar.

The ability to hire out the entire island for groups of up to 60 is also attractive for corporate groups wanting to focus on team building or smaller style conferences. The island has also become popular for groups of friends celebrating milestone birthdays and other occasions. In May 2007 Nikoi was opened to the public and has fast become a popular destination for Singapore expatriates and visitors from further afield. Many of these guests have already returned for their second, third and fourth visits.

Nikoi Island is fully booked on weekends months in advance. With weekday bookings filling up fast it appears the secret of Nikoi is well and truly out.

More information available at: www.nikoi.com

TO DO

There is nothing more comforting than lying back on a quiet beach and absorbing its serenity accompanied by spectacular sceneries under the bright blue sky. Relaxing benches of  soft white sands along the coast are ready to indulge you in this tropical paradise.

The island also offers diverse activities for those who wish to have that ultimate tropical experience including swimming, sailing, snorkeling, massage, nature discovery and island hopping, windsurfing, standup paddle boarding, kayaking, tennis, croquet, and boule . Those who wish to explore the underwater splendors around the island can also dive into some of the coral reefs. However the current here are relatively strong, so only advanced divers with appropriate qualifications should  dive here.

TO STAY

Accommodation on Nikoi Island features Robinson Crusoe-inspired driftwood beach houses which all have direct access to perfect white sandy beaches. The beach houses utilize a unique double layered roof design to promote natural ventilation. This cooling system is enhanced by the use of overhead fans and the siting of each beach house just meters from the beach.  Ocean breezes and the unique cooling effect of the land mass provide a working example of “nature’s air-conditioning”.

There are a total of 15 beach houses (10 x one bedroom, 4 x 2 bedroom and 1 x 3 bedroom) with no plans to build any more. The total accommodation provided is for 42 guests and up to 60 guests with  additional bunkrooms used.

For reservation and more information, contact:

Telephone: +65 31582119, +62 771 7008040

Email: relax@nikoi.com

TO EAT

There are two dining rooms on Nikoi, one for families and one for couples. Each has a 9m long dining table made from an impressive piece of driftwood. Guests dine communally or can take the option of dining in the privacy of your own beach house, or as a picnic on the beach. For those seeking total seclusion, picnic hampers can be ordered and taken to your choice of the nearby deserted islands (additional charges apply for the use of speedboats). Menus change daily according to seasonal availability of ingredients from local markets. The emphasis is on the freshest ingredients prepared simply. Barbequed seafood, local dishes and tropical fruits feature prominently on the menu.Daily menus are put up on blackboards in the dining rooms and whilst they are fixed menus the kitchen is happy to tailor them according to any specific dietary requirements. 

GET THERE

There are a number of airlines  that serve daily flights between Jakarta-Tanjung Pinang on Bintan Island, capital of Riau Islands Province. From Tanjung Pinang you can rent a car to go to Kawal Pier which takes about a half hour'sr drive. The boat ride from Kawal Port to Nikoi Island will take approximately 30 minutes. It is better to contact the management of Nikoi Island to arrange your transport from Singapoire or Bintan to Nikoi Island.