Wakatobi, an amazing underwater paradise

Did you know that Indonesia has one of the most beautiful underwater paradise on earth? Underwater paradise known as the Wakatobi National Park is located in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Wakatobi is the capital of Wangi-Wangi.

Wakatobi consists of four major islands, namely Wangiwangi, Kalidupa, Tomia, and Binongko. So, Wakatobi is an acronym for the name of the four main islands. Prior to December 18, 2003, these islands are called Junior Iron Islands and is still a part of Buton.

Astronomically, Wakatobi located south of the equator, and like other regions in Indonesia, Wakatobi has two seasons, rainy and dry seasons. Wakatobi National Park established in 1996, with a total area of ​​1.39 million hectares, involving marine biodiversity and coral which occupies one of the highest priority position of marine conservation in Indonesia.

The beauty and richness of the Wakatobi National Park is already well known abroad, especially after Wallacea expedition from England in 1995 which mentions that the region of Southeast Sulawesi is very rich in coral species.

There, there are 750 of the total 850 species of coral in the world. Configuring the depth varies from flat to sloping to the sea, and in some areas there are bertubir steep waters. The deepest waters reaching 1044 meters.

Marine tourism is a tourist activity has long been recognized and is the mainstay of tourism in the Wakatobi National Park. The wealth of marine life is not because coral reefs along the vast waters of the underwater topography colorful as slop shape, flat, drop-off, atoll and underwater cave.

More than 112 species of corals from 13 families including Acropora formosa, A. Hyacinthus, Psammocora profundasafla, Pavona cactus, Leptoseris yabei, Fungia molucensis, Lobophyllia robusta, Merulina ampliata, Platygyra versifora, Euphyllia glabrescens, Tubastraea frondes, Stylophora pistillata, Sarcophyton throchelliophorum who live in harmony with other underwater inhabitants.

Fish species richness national park is owned by 93 species of fish including (Cephalopholus argus), takhasang (Naso unicornis), pogo-pogo (Balistoides viridescens), napoleon (Cheilinus undulatus), red fish (Lutjanus biguttatus), rabbitfish (Siganus guttatus) , Amphiprion melanopus, Chaetodon specullum, Chelmon rostratus, Heniochus acuminatus, Lutjanus monostigma, Caesio caerularea, and others.

Wakatobi National Park is also a point of some kind of sea birds such as goose-brown stone (Sula leucogaster plotus), Malay plover (Charadrius peronii) and King Prawn Eurasia (Alcedo atthis) nested.

Several species of turtles also make this park their home as hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), and fission turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea).

Wakatobi waters have loyal guests who make Wakatobi waters as a playground, a guest was none other than the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). Normally, sperm whales are in Wakatobi in November, while the other hemisphere freezes. In the relatively warmer waters of Wakatobi and abundant feed the whales could be filling the stomach.

Not only that Wakatobi is also a place to play manta rays (Manta ray) were classified as giant body size. Manta is one of the distinctive and unique fish, which is only found in tropical waters.

The presence of 25 pieces of coral reef and depth that makes the waters ideal Park Authority ideal place for various species of marine life to live, make the inhabitants of the sea here has aesthetic value and high conservation.

Specifically Park Authority surrounded coast of coral islands along the 600 miles along the beach attractions with huge potential to run, spread throughout the Wakatobi region. So it was not without reason that the beach area in Wakatobi is perfect for sightseeing as diving, snorkeling, swimming and fishing.

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Peering through the beauty of Bengkulu Fort Marlborough

After approximately 140 years of the British Government was in Bengkulu, they leave a lot of "legacy" historical heritage. One is Fort Marlborough. Fort Marlborough is a sturdy heritage buildings built Britain in 1713 until 1719 in the leadership of Governor Joseph Collet.

Name using the name of the fort was an aristocrat and hero of England, John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough I. The fort is considered the largest in Asia.

This heritage has great appeal because of its rarity. This fort was once the center of British colonial rule which controls Bengkulu province for about 140 years (1685-1825).

So this castle still has a shape corresponding to the original design of the 17th century building. It is an attraction that is rarely found elsewhere.

Site Fort Marlborough region is in an area with natural attractions beaches, the beach Tread Padri. Thus providing a blend of natural and cultural attractions. Completeness of this area as a potential tourist attraction to be a tourist attraction for the city of Bengkulu seed.

Fort Marlborough since being built has held a strategic function in the ideological, political, economic, social, cultural, defense and security. Potential historical research thus is an attractive commodity. This potential has a great value in enriching the scholarly study.

John Bastin in his book: The British in West Sumatra (1685-1825) A Selection Documents with An Introduction. Kuala Lumpur: University of Malaya Press, 1965, provides information about the many events around Fort Marlborough.

Even more interesting is the use of official documents from the British government, based in Fort Malborough, including a document called SFR (Sumatra Factory Records). The work of this library can be a source of information that can provide an incentive for the foreign tourists and the archipelago.

Like one of John Bastin information interesting that Fort Marlborough never abandoned by the British government for nearly five years, ie 1719-1724. Of course it's interesting to know more, about who controls the Fort Marlborough during 1719-1724, and what actually happens during these five years.

That information would contain a high historical value and is a source of valuable scientific. As the full potential of heritage science, Fort Marlborough has had its own market segment, namely the students.

Joseph Collet in 1712 was appointed as Deputy Governor. He asked permission to replace the fortress York and built a new fort on top of a rock, a small hill overlooking the sea about 2 km from the fort York.

Construction began in 1714 and completed in 1718. Yoseph Colet called the castle "Malborough" which is the first Duke Of Malborough who became a national hero after he won several battles against the French and other enemies.

In the reign of Thomas Stamford Raffles became famous in Bengkulu 1818-1824. In 1825 England who knew Bengkulu exchanging Dutch master with Malaysia and Singapore.

The next Dutch fort occupies Malborough until World War II that ultimately all of the Sumatra region occupied by the Japanese until the Japanese surrender in 1945. After Independence in 1945 the fort was used by the military and police until 1970.

After the independence of Indonesia, Bengkulu is one of residency in the province of South Sumatra, new in 1968 Bengkulu province materialize into a stand-alone and separated from South Sumatra Province.

 So, what is offered to the visitor of these attractions? The visitors can see the greatness of the power of colonial power in his time with the big castle building and still maintained this completeness.

Then enjoy the panoramic sea views from one side of the castle which is beautiful in the afternoon. For lodging, the tourists do not need to bother anymore, because there are hotels and inns in a radius of up to 1 km from the fort.

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Enjoying Nature Mountains in Buntu Lamba

Since the National Community Empowerment Program (PNPM) Mandiri touch Buntu Lamba village, District Baraka, Enrekang regency, South Sulawesi, worth USD 260 million, with the ring road project reached the summit of Mount Spate, the village is now frequently visited by tourists.

Spate mountain or the Buntu Lamba called by the name of Mount Pagan because just above the top of the mountain there are dozens of graves (graves) are already hundreds of years not facing the Qibla direction.

Spate mountain scenery district serving Enrekang so lovely and beautiful. Bone-chilling cold air will add to the attraction of tourists to linger on this mountain. "Since the project PNPM road to the top of the hill with a cast, the village is visited by tourists every day. Work we did helped the surrounding communities," said village chief Buntu Lamba, Maning.

The plan, according to blogging, it will make use of trail bikes owned by local people who used to transport crops to rent to tourists around to enjoy the scenery.

"We also plan to ask the horse to local government aid Enrekang as another choice of bike trail, so that tourists will enjoy the scenery on horseback," said Maning.

On top of Mount Spate this, you can see the whole District Baraka is so charming, like a snake river channel that runs arel rice. "Every day, I and a friend climbed to the top of this mountain," said Irma, one of the first junior high school students Baraka.

Dervish, tourists from Parepare, who deliberately took his family enjoying nature at Mount Spate was admitted amazement. "I do not think the attractions that are served on the mountain is very unusual," said the Dervish.

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Biak Has Diverse Attraction

Various potential natural attractions such as the beauty of the marine park islands Padaido distinctive cultural and artistic diversity of Biak, Papua, is expected to increase the flow of tourists and foreign tourists to Biak.

Head of the Department of Tourism and Culture Destinations Biak, Mecky Kapitarrauw in Biak, Tuesday (01/08/2013), said the island Biak as the area is known to have the potential for a variety of nautical tourism, in which typical cultural arts and historical objects remnants of World War II, which still attract tourists.

"The destination of foreign tourists and among caves of Biak Binsari Japan, World War II monument at Paray / Anggraidi, Padaido sea islands, beach Wari, Bosnik Beach and several other historic Biak," he said.

Alluding to the detailed data of tourist visits to Biak, according Mecky, until the beginning of 2012 is still in the process of preparing the annual report.

He said there were a number of hotel managers until the end of the end of 2012 has not been handed a list of shelter guests to the Department of Tourism and Culture.

The Department of Tourism and Culture Biak each time to record the many attractions to be included in the data Biak tourist destinations Biak. With the natural beauty of Biak expected to encourage the flow of foreign and domestic tourists visit to Biak.

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Ecotourism Potential Tessonilo High Enough

Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN) in Riau Province has ecotourism potential is quite high with the number of tourist visits an average of 900 people each year.

"If calculated per year, visits to Tessonilo numbered approximately 800 to 900 people per year," said Public Relations Program WWF Riau, Pekanbaru Syamsidar on Tuesday (08/01/2013).

He said the ecotourism TNTN now managed jointly by the Institute under the Ministry of Forestry TNTN, and by the Group of Community Care Services (Kempas). Since Kempas established in October 2010 to date has facilitated many guests from abroad by about 450 people.

Foreign travelers who've been to TNTN recorded from Sweden, Singapore, United Kingdom and Germany.

"Ecotourism positive impact on both sides, both for the development of ecotourism Tessonilo and to the surrounding community because it provides additional income, though still limited because of a new beginning," he said.

Attention of government to the community also began to appear in 2012. Department of Culture and Tourism Pelalawan provide funding of USD 75 million for the purchase of boats pompong, business souvenirs, clothes organizations, increased community arts and manufacturing outlets for businesses Kempas.

Head of TNTN, Kupin Simbolon said, there is still a lot that needs to be addressed for the development of ecotourism in the conservation area. In addition to lacking adequate infrastructure, a threat to the development of ecotourism potential TNTN come from the eroding forest encroachers.

 In fact, continued Simbolon, encroachment of forests destroyed not only ecological but also threatens the survival of wildlife in TNTN such as Sumatran elephants, tigers and monkeys.

"Disruption of encroachment of forest to oil palm plantations makes us not too focused on the development of ecotourism TNTN. Therefore all parties should stand together hand in hand to build the promotion, improvement of facilities and accessibility," he said.

During this TNTN ecotourism offers a number of tour packages such as through the forest, boating on a river patrol with elephants Flying Squad team, and harvesting honey Sialang forests sustainably.

"If it could be developed further homestay in people's homes, but it needs support from other regions as well as Tessonilo be in a number of areas that Pelalawan, Indragiri Hulu and Kuantan Singingi," he said.

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Marine Tourism Offers Door Small Town

Bitung City Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi is storing a myriad of marine tourism potential is not inferior to other destinations such as Bunaken. Even when viewed from a variant of islands and seaside villages that exist along the Strait of Lembeh, Lembeh Island offers can say things that do not exist in Bunaken.

Strait along 16 km with a width of about 1-2 km's got a 88 point dive spots with rich beauty that offer sea views. No wonder every day can be found enjoying the travelers down "menu that water" Lembeh Strait.

Additionally Lembeh Strait has multifunctional roles such as port, local marine transportation, fishery, industry, shipping, tourism, maritime security base, and natural laboratory.

But we will go this time is a village in the district of North Lembeh named Door Small town, with a very affordable cost. Access to the village can be reached by taxi boat ride motorized paste awaits at Pier Pateten commercial, Aertembaga. Simply by paying freight Rp 7,500 per person, we can get Door Small town takes about 20 minutes.

Along the way we will be presented with a view of boats docked in various sizes Lembeh Strait schedule awaits unloading cargo. Similarly, traditional fishing boats parked at the edge of the mainland island of Sulawesi. Not to forget also will pass the Navy's dock with its warships.

No it's just the way we will pass through the Strait of Lembeh various tourist destinations, such as the Tanjung Karang Island Bolongnya Serena. Doors Small Town is a simple village of approximately 6 acres. Inhabited by about 80 heads of families who are all tribal Sanger. Their livelihood from fishing in the sea.

Villages that still keep the tradition of the Sanger's if evening often AMPA Wayer dance, social dances fellow citizens. Stay in the homes of residents who cordially welcomed every guest who comes. Feel free to negotiating the price to stay, do not even hesitate residents it offers a free stay.

A time to get up early to enjoy the sunrise splash notch beaches and fishers looking after fishing. Buying fresh fish and then burn it directly on the waterfront is a very cheap pleasure.

Later that day we can spend with frolic with the kids fishing at Pasir Panjang beach that can be reached about 15 minutes. Nan clean white sand await you with silence music. There are no inhabitants on this beach. And do not forget to bring snorkeling equipment to enjoy the treats of colorful marine life.

In the afternoon sunset will tersuguh with a distinctive golden color. The sun seemed to set behind the pillars Bitung container port seen in the distance. Passing fishing boats add to the beauty of the silhouette of the afternoon to pick up the night as seen from the start menyalanya lamps in mainland Bitung. Spend the evening with the singing of the villagers who trained naturally melodious voice. Guitar and string bass harmonization would traditionally accompany your voice.

Doors Small Town is a modest village with friendly people and charming, easily accessible for a cheap fare travel. From Manado towards Tangkoko Bitung Bus Terminal can be accessed by Regular Bus from Terminal Paal Dua. One-way cost of Rp 7,500 per person. Arriving at Terminal Bus Tangkoko, rent a taxi to drive to the commercial dock Pateten. Simply pay Rp 3,000 per person.

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Keep Customary Law Tengger Tribe Village Charm

Tengger tribe in East Java is known to still hold fast to noble values ​​espoused according to customary law. Although not written, this law has been imprinted on their minds.

One of the Tengger tribe village located in the district of Malang, East Java, is the village of Ngadas. The village is located at an altitude of approximately 2100 meters above sea level is occupied by 1800 the majority of the population's living as a vegetable farmer. Administratively, this village subdistrict Poncokusumo entry.

Besides in Malang, Tengger tribe villages spread over Pasuruan, Probolinggo and Lumajang. The numbers in the dozens of villages and is in the area of ​​Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

Before there was a national park, Tengger tribe has occupied the region since hundreds of years ago and helped maintain the balance of nature there. They depend heavily on nature so that each ceremony is always performed to pay homage and tribute to nature. In fact, there is a traditional ceremony led by a shaman or ceremonial leader whose goal pray and ask forgiveness of nature, earth, water, and trees because they use it every day.

There are several ceremonies held Tengger tribe, such as Karo and Yadnya Kasada ceremony. Not only that, one of the ceremonies held every five years, known as Unan-Unan, also drawing attention of researchers, tourists, students, and the general public to see it.

As did the people in the village Tengger Ngadas, they just hold the ceremony Unan-Unan on December 30, 2012 last. The ceremony aims to give alms to the nature and contents, including those who guard places, such as springs, villages and farmland.

"This ceremony is also to pray that the residents were given the safety and convenience of fortune got," said Shaman Ngatrulin (80).

Shamans Ngatrulin itself has become a ceremonial leader since 1955. He explained that, before the offering was brought to the Studio as a place Pamujaan offerings, diverse variety of offerings, such as buffalo head equipped 100 pieces of cone and its contents are wrapped in leaves tlotok, marched from the village head Ngadas. The procession was led by the shaman, village chiefs, and the people are respected and followed by all residents and accompanied tetabuhan.

After arriving at the Studio, each one offering mantra recited by the shaman. Previously, the history or the history of ceremonial Unan-Unan also told by shamans and listened to the wisdom of the people. After all the mantra recited offerings, the offerings are then distributed to residents and a bone of contention. Still, happy and relieved look on his face could be seen on their faces after holding this ceremony.

After uapacara in Studio Pamujaan, all residents are welcome to come to the house of the village chief to hold Kauman or a bite to eat together. Atmosphere of mutual respect and intimacy is created and the main attraction.

In fact, the village chief Kartono Ngadas invited guests to participate in the event Kauman and should not be rejected because it was considered disrespectful and will offend them. "People Ngadas better adherence to customary law and uphold honesty," he said.

Not only the behaviors and rituals that are particularly attractive. Views of rice fields on the slopes of the hills and the peak of Mount Semeru travelers can see from this village. Panorama of sunrise and sunsets and passing Tengger girl with typical holster strapped tourists stay at home also adds in a village full of charm.

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