Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for indonesia
Dragons and Waterfalls in Java
By Linda Tancs
The Global Geoparks Network is a collection of sites of international geological significance. One of those geoparks is Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Geopark in West Java, Indonesia. The oldest rocks in the park were formed by the subduction process between the Eurasian and the Indian Ocean tectonic plates. One of its unique structures is a rocky complex called Dragon Spine Rock, representing the oldest sedimentary deposits in West Java. It’s located in the southern part of the park, where you’ll also find steep cliffs featuring spectacular waterfalls like Awang, Java’s version of Niagara. Cliffside spots are perfect for shutterbugs.
*************
To limit the spread of COVID-19, attractions may be closed or have partial closures. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.
Share this:
Bali’s Botanic Garden
By Linda Tancs
Bali Botanic Garden is reportedly the largest of its kind in Indonesia. Nestled in the cool, mountainous region of Bedugul in central Bali, it’s a refreshing respite from the hot and humid weather this time of year. Less than two hours away from Denpasar, the 388-acre paradise is prized for its wild orchid collection, some of which bloom year-round. It also boasts the world’s most comprehensive collection of begonias with around 100 species on display, including three endangered species unique to Bali. Other highlights include carnivorous plants, medicinal plants, the bamboo and fern gardens and a giant, age-old fig tree on the slope of Tapak Hill.
*************
To limit the spread of COVID-19, attractions may be closed or have partial closures. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.
Share this:
Protected in Sumatra
By Linda Tancs
Located on the tip of the southwest region of Sumatra, Indonesia, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park is like a fortress for the area’s endangered flora and fauna. For instance, one of the park’s objectives is to protect its lowland rainforests, one of Earth’s most diverse and most threatened. The park is also home to three of the world’s most endangered species: the Sumatran elephant, the Sumatran rhino and the Sumatran tiger. The park’s conservation efforts aim to decrease poaching and deforestation. The main point of entry to the park is from the town of Bandar Lampung.
*************
As coronavirus proceeds, it is likely that the vast majority of us will be limited in our travels. But this, too, shall pass. Our love for travel remains, so Travelrific will continue offering travel inspiration in this medium. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.
Share this:
Bali’s Lion King
By Linda Tancs
Singaraja is a port town in northern Bali and the former Dutch colonial capital. Its name means “lion king,” an apt description for an area historically comprising the kingdom of Buleleng. One of its prized attractions is Gedong Kirtya, a library founded by the Dutch in 1928. Located just south of the town center, it is reputedly the only library of lontar manuscripts (ancient and sacred texts on palm leaves) in the world. Its treasure trove includes collections and copies of handwritten texts on Balinese literature, myths, medicines, magic and religion.
Share this:
Earth’s Largest Lizard
By Linda Tancs
The closest living example of the legendary dragon in folklore and mythology is the Komodo dragon, the largest living species of lizard on earth. Reaching 10 feet in length and topping nearly 200 pounds, the monitor is protected from extinction in its native land of Indonesia at Komodo National Park. Sitting at the center of an archipelago, the park (which recently celebrated its 37th year of conservation) consists mainly of three volcanic islands and landscapes varying from dry savanna conditions to lush forests. Bounded by white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, the area attracts underwater enthusiasts as well. Divers claim that Komodo waters present one of the best diving sites in the world, with 385 species of beautiful corals alone.
Share this:
A Celebration of Culture in Indonesia
By Linda Tancs
Known locally as the elephant building for the large statue gracing its entrance, the National Museum of Indonesia in Jakarta is a celebration of archaeological and ethnological treasures. The archaeology garden has the largest collection of Hindu and Buddhist artifacts in Indonesia, comprising stone sculptures, relics and scriptures. The nation’s ethnography is represented by masks, weapons, instruments, toys, fabrics, tools and miniature houses from every region of the country. Centrally located, it’s accessible by taxi from Plaza Indonesia or Jalan Jaksa or the nearby Monas bus stop. Free tours in English, French, Japanese and Korean are offered by the Indonesian Heritage Society.
Share this:
Worms and Waterfalls
By Linda Tancs
A lush oasis awaits those seeking to avoid the fanfare of Bali, Indonesia. Just hop on over via speedboat to Lombok, a quieter escape offering pristine, unspoiled views like the one of Mount Rinjani, an active volcano. In that area you’ll find some of the island’s most popular waterfalls, like Air Terjun Sindang Gila, Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu. Just be cautious of local touts demanding excessive guide fees. Another hotspot is Kuta Beach, a mecca for sunbathers and surfers. Unlike its namesake in Bali, though, it lays claim to an unusual ceremony presided over by the indigenous Sasak people. Each February they celebrate the arrival of marine worms, said to represent the long strands of hair of a mythical princess who ended her life in the sea rather than marry the wrong prince. This little delicacy is often wrapped in banana leaves and roasted.
Share this:
Where Java Rules
By Linda Tancs
Surakarta (also called Solo) in Indonesia is where Java rules. And no, that doesn’t mean coffee. This city in Central Java exudes Javanese culture, like the courtly dances evocative of a royal bygone era. It’s also the heartland for traditional batik and the rich yellow hues characteristic of the area. Batik is so prized that there’s an annual batik carnival to celebrate this popular form of Javanese art.
Share this:
Chocolate in Paradise
By Linda Tancs
There’s nothing like a little chocolate in the jungle. In Bali you can tour Pod Chocolate, a hillside cacao farm located amidst jungle, rice fields and an elephant camp near Ubud. One of the few places in the world where chocolate is made just minutes from where it’s grown, your tour there includes an educational foray into the cocoa pod and a chocolate-making exercise. Their equation is simple: chocolate + antioxidants = health. So is yours: you + Bali = paradise.
Share this:
Bali, Indonesia
By Linda Tancs
In this week’s edition of Travelrific Travel Show, the topic is Bali, Indonesia. Where’s the best sunset in the world? Find out now at www.travelrificradio.com.
Travelrific® Travel Journal 