Jumat, 07 Desember 2012

EASY to EXTEND YOUR VISA

VISA ON ARRIVAL EXTENTION SERVICE VISA REGULATIONS Effective February 1st, 2004, the government of Indonesia has changed its visa policy for foreign tourists. Visiting Indonesia Without Any Visa Entering Indonesia without any visa is possible now only for nationals of the following 11 countries and territories: Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Hong Kong Special Area (Hong Kong SAR), Macau Special Area (Macau SAR), Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Citizens of the above countries will be issued on arrival a stay permit for 30 days free of charge upon presentation of a passport which is valid at least for another 6 months. This stay permit cannot be extended or converted into another type of visa. VISA on ARRIVAL (VoA) This facility is available for nationals of the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States of America. Citizens of these countries will be able to apply for a VoA valid for either 3 or 30 days upon arrival by air in Bali, Jakarta and a few other international airports or by ship at a limited number of Indonesian sea ports. A 3-day visa costs US$10 and a 30-day visa costs US$25. The VoA cannot be extended or converted into any other kind of visa. Also be aware that Immigration officials calculate the 30-day period as follows: your arrival day is counted as your first day, and you must leave the country on the 30th. day! How to Obtain the "VISA on ARRIVAL" (VoA) Travelers from the above countries must be in posession of a passport which is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and the completed embarkation/disembarkation card they received from their airline. They must also be able to prove they have sufficient funds for their stay in Indonesia. The Visa-On-Arrival can be obtain through the Immigration Clearance Points as follow: 1. Airport: Polinia Airport at Medan, Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport at Pakanbaru; Tabing Airport at Padang; Soekarno-Hatta Airport at Jakarta; Juanda Airport at Surabaya; Ngurah Rai Airport at Bali and Sam Ratulangi Airport at Manado. 2. Harbour : Sekupang, Batu Ampar, Nongsa and Marina Teluk Senimba at Batam; bandar Bintan Telani Lagoi and Bandar Sri Udana Lobam at Tanjung Uban; Belawan, Sibolga at Medan, Yos Sudarso at Dumai, Teluk Bayur at Padang, Tanjung Priuk at Jakarta; Padang Bai at Bali, and Jayapura at Papua. Arriving travelers with Visa-On-Arrival status have to go first to one of the 'VoA Counters' to pay the appropriate fee and have their passports stamped with the VoA before proceeding to the Immigration Clearance Desk. An official bank is part of the VoA service counters. Payment of visa fees can only be made in US dollar bank notes, Indonesian Rupiah equivalent or by VISA or MASTERCARD. Extensions & Overstay Payments A visa extension of 15 days is allowed upon payment of an additional fee, please note that the application for extension must be made prior to expiry of your visa. Visitors that stay beyond their visa expiry date will be charged a fine of USD20.00 per day of overstay upon departure. Notes Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia (YAP, TKK, PNI, KSA), Palau (ROR) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (MAJ & KWA) must pay USD $50 in addition to the regular visa fee. Citizens of all other countries must apply for a visa prior to arrival. Embassies & Consulates Please visit the Indonesian Foreign Affairs web site for more information and a list of Indonesian consulates and embassies world wide. Or come to ITS EASY TOUR AND TRAVEL, Tirtodipuran Street 51 Yogyakarta, (as an agent, to do that).

Senin, 12 Maret 2012

ITS EASY TREKKING PROGRAMS

Some Jogja tour operators offer volcano and mountain climbing and also provide equipment. Mount Merapi tours are the most popular. They vary in difficulty ranging from gazing at spectacular lava views on short treks to an observation point in Kaliurang to getting up in the pre-dawn areas to climb for a closer view. Leisurely strolls or hearty treks through friendly villages and plantations can be done by anyone with a yearning to walk but can also be arranged by travel agents.

The Tourism & Culture Authority of Magelang Regency offers Borobudur Sunrise tours and an Exploring Borobudur & Surrounding Area by Becak (pedicab) tour. Also white water rafting, bicycling, volcano trekking, outbound management training, team building and elephant trekking, along with other cultural courses and programs. For more information, visit their website at www.borobudurcorner.com.

Dieng Plateau
Near Wonosobo, there are remote trails at Dieng Plateau far away from the tourist crowds. Active craters, geothermal energy, lakes, caves, temples and cool mountain air are the main attractions.

Kaliurang Hills
Located 27 km north of Jogja or only an hour by car, Kaliurang lies at the foot at Plawangan hill and is an ideal place to escape the heat and humidity of the city or for getaway retreat. It is a tranquil place in the middle of lush, green, tropical splendor and affordable villas, bungalows, and a range of recreational facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and a playground. Those who like hiking can climb Mount Merapi from here, staying overnight in Kaliurang then starting the hike very early in the morning via Kinahrejo village, descending again at noon.

Visitors can enjoy casual walking and bird watching at Pronojiwo forest. At the end of the forest track is Tlogo Muncar waterfall. The local people believe the waterfall is sacred and can make believers look younger. The artificial swimming pool at Tlogo Putri is favored by families. At Tlogo Nirmolo are 22 artificial caves used by the Japanese during World War II. Incredible gas clouds (wedhus gembel) with temperatures up to 600 °C and molten lava from Mount Merapi can be viewed at Boyong observation post. Small entrance fees are charged when entering these places.

Mount Merapi
r />Mount Merapi, the eternally smoking giant, is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia and is cloaked in a sleepy, dense forest. Beyond this are vast stretches of deserted land lying deep in the steep valleys trailing amongst the hills. Sibilant pines and wild grass are the dominant vegetation, adding to the breathtaking panorama. During its resting time between volcanic activities, keen hikers and nature lovers can climb the mountain to experience its abundance of flora and fauna.

Located 27 km north of Jogja, Mount Merapi is 2,920 m above sea level with an average temperature of about 10° C. The difference in temperature between noon and night is approximately 15-16 degrees. There are two hiking tracks to climb Merapi. The first is through Jogja from the south; the second is from the north through Selo village, Boyolali.

To climb from the south, go 27 km north of Jogja to Kaliurang, a small resort town, elevation 1,300 m, then continue to Kinahrejo, the last village at the top of the mountain. Guides, supplies (such as water and snacks) and information are available here. Normally, it takes 6 hours of climbing to reach the peak.

For the northern route, Selo village is 40 km northwest of Solo and is a cool, hilly village (1,500 m) wedged between the north slope of Mount Merapi and the southern slope of Mount Merbabu. Climbers can buy supplies in Selo, where there are also some nice accommodations. To reach the peak should take 6 hours, returning to Selo in approximately 4 hours.

There's an observation post on Plawangan hill reached via a forest trail from Kaliurang for incredible views of molten rocks, bubbling mud and occasionally hot lava pouring forth and leaving long trails of smoke. Another observation post is at Ketep, 30 km east of Magelang. It includes an observation platform, a documentary film and a photo gallery tracing the history of Merapi eruptions. The newest observation post is at Trumpon, Tempel, 17 km north of Jogja. Trumpon has an observation tower, children's park, artificial lake, and a running track.

Mount Merbabu
For those who prefer to view volcanoes in the air-conditioned comfort of a car, there are breathtaking sights of Mount Merbabu (3,150 m) and Mount Merapi on the Selo Pass, to the west of Boyolali. An excellent route to take if visiting Dieng Plateau.

Ratu Boko Adventure and Cultural Trekking Tour
This ancient palace is 20 km east of Jogja or 3 km south of Prambanan temple.

Amazing trekking through isolated villages, breathtaking views of mysterious landscapes, and a chance to experience the local people's way of life are part of the Ratu Boko Adventure and Cultural Trekking Tour. The highlight of this unforgettable tour is the tremendous silky sunrise overlooking colorful rice fields viewed from Tugel hill.

The trekking starts from the headquarters of Keraton Ratu Boko at 3:00 pm and returns at 9:00 am. Having traced the hills of Ratu Boko up to Tugel hill (or Gunung Pegat), if the weather is fine, participants enjoy sunset while having a rest. The trekking then continues to Candi Ijo, the nearest temple, and overnights in tents, cottages, or in the homes of villagers. Here, visitors can continue to watch superb sunsets and lava flows from Mount Merapi. On the way back to Ratu Boko, breakfast will be served in a small bamboo hut on top of the hill, viewing the towering Mounts Sumbing, Sindoro, Merapi and Lawu and enjoying the ambience of the countryside.

To book sunrise or sunset trekking tours contact PT. Taman Wisata Ratu-Boko, Jl. Raya Prambanan - Piyungan. Phone: +62 (0274) 496-510.

Siung Beach, Gunung Kidul Regency
In Purwodadi village about 35 km southeast of Wonosari town is an asphalt road leading to Siung Beach. The beach lies between two cliffs that are heavenly for climbers because there are at least 250 ways to climb amidst beautiful sea panoramas, rumbling waves and fresh ocean air. The Asian Climbing Gathering that took place here drew 80 participants from 15 Asian countries. There is terraced rice farmland nearby surrounded by a habitat of local monkeys. CAVING Very few of the caves burrowed into the hills and mountains surrounding Jogja have actually been explored. However, some have been made easily accessible for visitors, while others remain adventures for “extreme” adventurers. KULON PROGO Kiskendo Cave Kiskendo Cave is located 30 km west of Jogjakarta in the foothills of the Menoreh hills in Girimulya village, Kulon Progo Regency overlooking the Progo River. Surrounded by hills and valleys that create spectacular panoramic views, the park offers camping and hiking. Inside the cave, visitors can see spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Kiskendo's treasure is a relief at the front of the cave depicting a legend from the Ramayana epic – popularly portrayed in many kecak dances in Bali – of the brothers Sugriwa and Subali waging battle against their enemies. Some of the cave's chambers are said to have been where the fighting took place. This cave is often used by dalangs (“puppet masters”) and their gamelan musicians to achieve spiritual tranquility. Sumitro Cave Also located in the Menoreh hills is Sumitro Cave, said to be where the son of Arjuna, a Mahabharata hero, meditated. DIENG PLATEAU Semar, Sumur, Jaran & Kawah Sikidang Caves At 2,000 m above sea level, these caves are primarily used for meditation. Also in the area are colored lakes, geothermal activity and temples. IMOGIRI Cerme Cave Cerme Cave is located in Srunggo village, Selopamioro, Imogiri about 22 km southeast of Jogja. The cave stretches 1.2 km and its floor is covered by an underground current, averaging a depth of about 1-1.2 m. At the end of the cave is a pool in Panggang village, and in addition to the main cave, there are other caves used for meditation: Dalang, Ledhek, Bandhut, and Kaum. To reach the front gate of the cave, visitors must climb up 759 steps. At night time the view of Jogja to the north appears to be not much more than a thousand sparkling lamps, serene and sleepy. The word cerme is taken from ceramah, or 'lecturing'. In the 15 th century, nine Javanese Islamic apostles known as the Wali Songo, met here to discuss the establishment of the Great Mosque at Demak. Visitors are advised to bring a flashlight, rubber soled shoes to prevent slipping and falling, and dry clothes and shoes for the trip home. Pegunungan Seribu (Thousand Mountains), Bantul & Gunung Kidul The karst Pegunungan Seribu (Thousand Mountains) range, which spans Central and East Java, contains hundreds of caves. Some are easily accessible; others are for those who love a challenge. Selarong Cave Selarong Cave is located about 14 km south of Jogjakarta in Guwosari village, Pajangan subdistrict. The hill is planted with many klengkeng that characterize the location. Between 1825-1830 this cave was used as the headquarters of Prince Diponegoro's army in the struggle against the Dutch colonial government. There are also several other interesting sites in the area: Kakung Cave , Putri Cave, a waterfall, Manikmoyo water spring, and villages which make wooden crafts such as statues and masks. Other caves in the Pegunungan Seribu mountain range are: Gajah & Jaran: Five-star. Beautiful ornaments. Grubug: 125 m deep. At the bottom is a river which flows into the Indian Ocean. Jomblang: Caves with depths of 25-90 m. In some places, connecting tunnels. Lawa: Bat cave. Popular with guano collectors, who sell it to fertilizer manufacturers. Sengok: Hippopotamus and human fossils have been discovered here. Believed to be a center of prehistoric life. Tabuhan (Pacitan, East Java): Has stalactites whose musical tones, when struck, resemble gamelan orchestra musTOURIST ATTRACTIONS Jogja City | Outside Jogja | Temples & Monuments The Tourism & Culture Authority of Magelang Regency offers a variety of tours and courses ranging from outdoor activities to culture - including cooking, dance and gamelan classes - and village tours by andong (horse-drawn cart) and becak (pedicab). For more information, visit their website at www.borobudurcorner.com. JOGJA CITY The Keraton (Sultan's Palace) Jl. Rotowijayan 1, Jogja. Phone: +62 (0274) 373-177. Keraton Tours: Monday-Sunday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am - 11:00 am. HB IX Museum & Keraton Batik Museum (inside the palace): Open daily: 10:30 am – noon. Museum Kereta (Royal Carriages Museum), Jl. Rotowijayan, west of the Keraton: Open daily: 10:30 am – noon. Entrance fees charged. Daily Activities at the Keraton All performances are held at Sri Manganti Pendopo, inside the Keraton. Monday: Javanese Gamelan Music – 10:00 am – noon Tuesday: Javanese Gamelan Music – 10:00 am – noon Wednesday: Golek Menak (Wooden) Puppetry (abbreviated performance) - 10:00 am – noon Thursday: Javanese Court Dance – 10:00 am – noon Friday : Javanese Poetry Recital – 9:00 – 11 am Saturday: Wayang Kulit (Leather) Puppetry (abbreviated performance) 9:30 am – 1:00 pm Sunday: Wayang Orang (Human performers) – 9:30 am – noon Built in 1756 by Sultan Hamengku Buwono I, today the Keraton is the residence of Sultan Hamengku Buwono X and his family as well as a center of Javanese traditional arts and culture. All the buildings, courts, carvings and trees and even their locations within the 14,000 sq. m. Keraton have deep philosophical meanings and are symbolic of human life. The palace, the Tugu Monument and Mount Merapi are positioned in one line, forming a sacred axis. In the old times, the Sultan concentrated his mind along this axis before leading meetings, making decisions or giving orders to his people. Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the Keraton as it was centuries ago. Daily activities open to the public include gamelan music, Javanese poetry readings, court dances, and puppet shows designed to preserve the ancient arts. Many sets of gamelan instruments, antiques, batiks and heirlooms make the Sultan's Palace one of the most interesting tourist sites in Jogjakarta. During the May 2006 earthquake, several Keraton buildings were damaged: Trajumas building, Tarub Agung building and Mentog Baturana. All other areas have been repaired and are open to visitors. Puro Pakualam (Pakualam Palace) Jl. Sultan Agung, Jogja. Phone: +62 (0274) 554-030; 372-161. Museum open Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Entrance fee charged. Daily Activities All performances are held at Sewotomo Pendopo. Monday: Gamelan & dance training – 5-7 pm Thursday: Gamelan & dance training – 5-7 pm Eve of Saturdays Paing (Friday night Legi): Gamelan orchestra – 9:30 pm-midnight Jogja's “second palace”, Puro Pakualam is located between the Progo and Bogowonto Rivers, about 2 km east of the Keraton. In 1812, in an attempt to stabilize uprisings in central Java and counterbalance the strength of Sultan Hamengku Buwono I, British Lieutenant Governor General Sir Thomas Raffles created a principality within the Keraton Yogyakarta Sultanate and awarded it to one of the Sultan's sons, Prince Notokusumo. The brilliant Prince Notokusumo became Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya (K.G.P.A.A.) Paku Alam I and his palace, Puro Pakualam, was completed on March 17, 1813. Today it is the official residence of Prince Paku Alam IX and family. Puro Pakualam is a magnificent and well-preserved palace, designed by K.G.P.A.A. Paku Alam I, who was also an expert in culture and literature. The 5,400 sq. m. compound is a center of Javanese culture where gamelan and dance instructions are held weekly. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful architecture, museum, royal heirlooms and heritage, holy ancestor's culture, tradition, and way of life during the times of the Mataram kingdom. Taman Sari (Water Castle) Jl. Taman, Jogja. Open daily 9 am – 3 pm. Entrance fee charged. Taman Sari, means “fragrant garden”, named for the delicious fragrance emitted by 18 lavish gardens planted with flowers, vegetables and fruit trees that once were part of the compound. It was nicknamed “Water Castle” by the Dutch because of its imposing two-story mansion of Portuguese-Javanese design, now in ruins, which once stood at the center of a huge, man-made lake. Access to the castle was by means of ingenious underwater passageways with small towers placed at regular intervals providing light and ventilation. Built by Sultan Hamengku Buwono I beginning in 1758 and completed in 1765, it was abandoned after his death. In its heyday Taman Sari also included sunken bathing pools, secluded meditation chambers, royal sleeping quarters, rooms for wives and concubines, and a mosque. It is said that the stone block supporting the mosque was taken from the ruins of Kerta, the early 17 th century palace of Mataram's Sultan Agung. Behind the ruins of the mansion, a tunnel leads to a complex of three partially restored bathing pools, Umbul Binangun. The two larger pools were used by queens, concubines and princesses, while the small southernmost pool was reserved for the Sultan and his chosen partner. Gapura Agung, the western gate, is decorated with reliefs of birds collecting pollen. Sumur Gumuling (“Coiled Well”) is one of the marvels of the complex. Once only reachable by an underwater passageway, it is a circular atrium that is partially open to the sky with galleries on two levels all around. At the bottom of the atrium is a small pool that was once a well. Four staircases extend forming a platform suspended over the well through which the Sultan and his guests could see just above the surface of the surrounding lake. It is believed that this building was once used as a mosque, but it's more likely that it was a meditation retreat reminiscent of the undersea castle of Kangjeng Ratu Kidul, the Queen of the South Sea. Jl. Malioboro (Malioboro Street), downtown Jogja. Stores and stalls open 9 am – 8 pm. Food stalls open 5 pm - midnight. Jl. Malioboro, in the heart of Jogja, is the city's main street and stretches from north to south. It is known as one of the most vibrant tourist attractions in Jogja because the street is flanked on either side by hundreds of street vendors selling a stunning array of souvenirs, handicrafts and accessories. Jl. Malioboro is also well known for lesehan eateries which pop up along the street at night. Especially popular with the local people, diners sit on mats to have meals or drinks while discussing the events of the day. Favored dishes are nasi gudeg (young jackfruit simmered in coconut milk and spices), sate (skewered, grilled meat served with a sweet peanut sauce) and other specialty foods of the region. Jl. Malioboro is a beehive of activity day and night and is not to be missed when visiting Jogja. At the southern end of the street is a busy traditional market, Pasar Beringharjo, or Pasar Gede (big market), where local people go to buy handicrafts, traditional foods, batik, clothes and daily needs. To the west of Jl. Malioboro along Jl. Mataram is an area called Pathuk where visitors can find a traditional snack known as Bakpia Pathuk (pastry filled with mung beans, chocolate or black beans) and facilities such as a shopping center, restaurants, hotels and supermarkets. The Grand Mosque Jl. Pekapalan, Jogja. Donation appreciated. This is the royal mosque to the west of the Keraton built by Sultan Hamengku Buwono I in 1773 It was designed using Javanese traditional architecture with 36 pillars and unique inlays and is a reflection of the Islamic influences during the glory of the Jogjakarta Sultanate in the past. Today, the Grand Mosque remains a place for praying and holding religious ceremonies such as Idul Fitri (the end of the Muslim fasting month) and Idul Adha (Day of Sacrifice). Idul Fitri is celebrated on the 1st of the Javanese month Syawal and Idul Adha is held on the 10 th day of the Javanese month Besar. Traditional ceremonies are also held here. Every year at Gerebeg Keraton guards carry gunungan, yellow rice in the shape of a mountain, in a procession from the Sultan's Palace to the courtyard of the Grand Mosque. Gerebeg is taken from the Javanese word meaning “noisy”, indicating the activity of visitors and the footsteps of the Keraton guards. The Gerebeg ceremony is held on the 12th day of the Javanese month Maulud commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Vredeburg Fort & Benteng Budaya Museum Jl. Jend. Ahmad Yani No. 6, Jogja. Tel: (0274) 586-934, 510-996. Open Tuesday – Thursday 8.30 am - 2.00 pm, Friday 8.30 - 11.00 am, Saturday – Sunday 8.30 am – noon. Entrance fee charged. Located north of the Central Post Office (built in 1910), Vredeburg Fort was built by Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I for the Dutch in 1760. It was reconstructed by Dutch colonial Governor WH Van Osseberch in 1787 and renamed ‘Rusternberg'. In 1867, an earthquake caused extensive damage. Following further restoration the name was changed back to ‘Vredenburg', meaning the fortress of peace. It was used as a military headquarters during the Dutch, English, and Japanese occupations and included barracks, officers' quarters, a hospital warehouse and a jail. From 1945 until 1947 it functioned as the Indonesian military headquarters. Within the complex there's an entrenchment connected by a little bridge, and the main gate leads to the inner complex where 13 buildings including a bam, houses, and halls. The old fort now houses a museum showing the history of Indonesian independence with dioramas, replicas, photos, and paintings. The old barracks have been converted into exhibition halls which frequently display visual arts. ic.

Minggu, 04 Maret 2012

BOROBUDUR, PRAMBANAN, AND BOKO

The extraordinary cultural heritage of Central Java A lush tropical landscape dotted with hundreds of archeological temples, including two UNESCO world heritage sites, Borobudur and Prambanan, this is a destination that leaves you spellbound. The grandeur and complexity of the temples has to be seen to be believed, and photography struggles to convey the depth. batik Traditional craft continues to be a feature of Central Javan life, here a batik cloth is carefully treated by a villager with wax before dying At a time when Europe was still in the dark ages, the “Central Javanese Period“ was building religious structures and art, now recognised as being the oldest and highest level of art within South East Asia Central Javanese spirituality and artistic endeavour continues to exist side by side with mundanities of every day life. A brief history At the time in which these monuments were built, Indian pilgrims had spread Buddhist and Hindu teachings spread across Java, Indonesia. The proud ruling dynasties of Central Java built a seemingly endless number of structures, of all scales. Buddhist and Hindu religions lived harmoniously side by side across Java, and as families of different religions married, even mixed religion temples were built. The adaption of Indian religion and customs with the local artistry and traditions bred its own unique style; “Hindu-Java Art” . Around 920 the power shifted from Central Java to West Java and the monuments including Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko became neglected, exposed to ash from volcanic eruptions, and the ravages of the local vegetation. Now restoration sees these world relevant sites back on the map with millions of people visiting each year. Orient Me! Java is the most populous island in Indonesia, South East Asia. This is land is densely populated, and the majority of people now practice Islam. Prambanan, Borobudur and Ratu Boko are close to the major centre of Yogyakarta, also referred to by locals as Jogja. Yogyakarta has a population of approximately 4 million people. Not too far away are two other interesting cities, both with international airports. Solo, and Semarang, where some people also choose to stay. map Access to the area is easy by plane, train, or buses. Once in the region, given the driving conditions, it is recommended you hire one of the many local drivers rather than rent your own vehicle. For to-the-minute information on travel and hiring a driver, our friendly Visitor Assistance Centre can help. By car from Yogyakarta: Prambanan is around 30 minutes drive Borobudur is approximately 40 minutes away Ratu Boko is close to 35 minutes drive Looking for something? Getting around the area
getting area of borobudur, prambanan and ratu boko Event timeline borobudur event timeline RATU BOKO TEMPLE ratu_boko_7 On a hillside plateau, overlooking Prambanan temple complex and with a view to Mount Merapi behind Prambanan Temple complex, lie the remains of a once grand palace. The palace (kraton) is named Ratu Boko after a King Boko of local folklore, but the real owner of the palace is more likely to have been a king of a local dynasty. The position gives a view worthy of royalty, but in addition, it is possible that the location was chosen for strategic reasons, as the structures also show signs of being fortified, and a dry moat was used for additional security. Grand stone gates, built on two levels, are the largest and most often photographed structures of the site, it is clear that these lead to what was once a settlement, which sets Ratu Boko apart from the other archeological sites in Central Java which are entirely religious in nature. The hilltop plateau is divided into terraces that are separated by stone walls and stone faced fortifications. The main residence is thought to have been built on a set of stone foundations with a timber structure for pillars and roof. The timber elements are no longer in place, but the stone base shows the scale of the residence. ratu_boko_11Throughout the area you can find small Hindu and Buddhist temples and structures, a fountain adorned bathing area, bath house, a crematorium, multiple caves, an area used as a public hall. In 1790 the Dutchman Van Boeckholtz found ruins, and over time research was done, and by 1838 the Dutch commenced restoration work. In 1952 the Indonesian government took the reigns, and has continued work since then. Ratu Boko is atop a hill, and a system of drainage trenches and water storage ponds was developed to maintain water supply. The folklore of Loro Djonggrang ratu_boko_5This story connects the Ratu Boko Palace with the Prambanan and Sewu temple complex. The name of King Boko comes from Javanese Folklore, in which King Boko was the father of Loro Djonggrang. A prince named Bandung desperately wanted Loro Djonggang to marry him and she refused, as she he had killed her father. He insisted, and she finally agreed on one condition. He must build 1000 temples in one night. Prince
Bandung summoned up spirits to help him, and close to dawn, much to the dismay of Loro Djonggrang they had completed the 999th temple. Loro Djonggrang ordered all of the servants to light a large fire, and begin pounding rice. The roosters were fooled into thinking it was dawn and began to crow, the spirits fled, and the final temple was left unbuilt. Prince Bandung was furious and turned Loro Djonggrang into stone, representing the final temple. According to the traditions, she is the image of Durga in the north cell of the Shiva temple at Prambanan, which is also known as Loro Jonggrang or the Slender Virgin. Getting there and getting in Ratu Boko is located 3km south of the Prambanan complex and east of Yogyakarta, off the road to Solo. We recommend you organise a car and driver through either our Visitor Assistance Centre or your hotel. This way you can also have transport ready to take you back when you are ready to head back. The other alternatives are a tour group mini-bus, or even a taxi. Tickets are available at the official ticket booth at the entrance The fees are as follows: Indonesian local or KITAS card holder, weekday 10 000 Rupiah Indonesian local or KITAS card holder, weekend 12 500 Rupiah Foreigner $10 US Foreigner - registered student $6 US Group entry is also available, please contact our marketing department directly on marketing@borobudurpark.co.id for more information on group rates. Historical notes The history of Ratu Boko is unclear, and much of what is understood about the site comes from inscriptions and even folklore. ratu_boko_4The oldest inscription found on the site is believed to date back to 792AD, naming the site Abhayagiri Wihara. Archaeologists to believe that the ruler of the Saliendra Dynasty between 760-780, Rakai Panangkaran, built Ratu Boko after he resigned from his leadership. It is said that he resigned because he wanted to find spiritual peace and concentrate on religious matters. Abhayagiri Wihara means ‘peaceful Buddhist monastery’ . The site chosen has fairly spectacular views. Of Buddhist faith, Rakai Panangkaran was responsible for the building of Borobudur temple as well as Sewu and Kalasan temples during his reign. The name of the site changed to Walaing Kraton, Kraton being palace in the local language, in an inscription known as the Mandyasih inscription. This change of name was made by Rakai Walaing pu Kumbhayoni who is recognised as a king, and ruled from 856-863AD. During the 17th Century, a Dutch man H.J.DeGraff noted that Europeans coming to Indonesia had reported a heritage site, and referred to it being the palace of Prabu Boko, a king who came originally from Bali. This is the Prabu Boko of the Loro Djonggrang folklore. A mix of Buddhist and Hindu structures are found on the complex, including the Buddhist Dyani Budha, Stupika, Terakota Tablet, and a gold and silver plaque with a Buddhist inscription. Three small Hindu temples, as well as Yoni, a Durga statue, a Ganesha statue and a plaque with an inscription to Rudra, the other name for the god Siwa (Shiva). Four zones The site splits neatly into four areas. 1 Western Approximately 2 hectares, this area is known by locals as Mount Tlatar - hill of arranged stones. The hill sides are quite steep and only parts of it are used for farming. The archaeological finds here have been interesting, a sedimentary rock pathway, ponds small and large as well as local and foreign earthenware. ratu_boko_92 Central The large stone gates are impressive, the first has three entrances, and the second has five, the shape of these entrances is known as Paduraksa and is traditional Javanese in construction. Not far from the gates is a limestone Batu Putih temple, the name means ‘white stone’. There is also a structure of two levels which measures 26 metres square. The centre is a deep square hole. It is speculated that this would have been a crematorium. This zone also has a large pond, and a series of base stones which would have held building pillars. Using the traditional building techniques of the time, the pillars walls and roof would have been made from organic materials, so they are no longer remaining. 3 Southeast Evidence exists of an audience hall or pavilion, surrounded by a stone wall with another Paduraksa entrance way, again the position of where the pillars would have been located is evident. A rectangular pool is nearby, as well as three small temples. Another series of round and rectangular pools is in this area.ratu_boko_3 ratu_boko_104 East The Eastern area has more ponds, and also a series of caves. The caves are carved into the rock. The Lanang Cave houses three white stone statues. Stairs down to some of the caves have been carved in to the hillside rock. A statue of Buddha is also found in this area. Copyright © 2012 Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko. All Rights Reserved.

Jumat, 02 Maret 2012

ANDONG (HORSE CART) TOUR

The Andong Tours

Andong Tour
Exploring Yogyakarta City, scenery, & Surrounding

Indonesia has some traditional transportation that looks really unique. Indonesians like to use it because it is cheap and they can find it everywhere. The andong is a cart that needs a horse to pull it. It is similar to the Cinderella carriage but is a skinny cart. The andong can fit two or four people who face each other. The driver is sitting in front of the carriage to control the horse. In the past, the Andong was oftenly used by the family member of Keraton for travelling from one place to another. Andong in Yogyakarta are mostly two wheeled and single horse.

Enjoy the unique experience of fascinating and fantastic traditional views to the villages by these mean of transportations. Feel like home and fresh breathing air. We enjoy The Palace, views and meet easygoing local people in their daily life.

This Route (6 hours)
This tour begins from pick up point (at the hotel), , we explore through very tranquil City roads. Along the way, we see scenery, highlight, people on daily routine work and study. Toward to Kraton Palace, wheres the King of Yogyakarta (Sultan) live. Afterwards, we continue our tour to Leather Puppet Processing, its one of a place behind the palace. Puppets are more than a symbol, its a part of Javanesse inner culture. You also get served of some traditional sweet and snack, rest and see the processing. The toure will continue with walking toward Water Castle, one of the important place in Yogyakarta Heritage. Arround one and half hour, enjoy the place, see how people arround living and making Batik and the processing. Then back to Horse cart, passing the back side of Dalem Beteng (Inside Fortress Wall), and toward to Kota Gede. Lies about five kilometers southeast Yogyakarta This is an old area, wheres the Founder of Mataram Kindom rest in peace. This area, also famous as silver smith production. Traditional and modern design, they made. We drop by and see hows the processing also. You can get a lunch here,if you want, inside one restaurant, with javanesee custom and architecture place. The Prices are IDR 200.000 (Euro 17)/person, its include Andong transportation, snack and mineral water, entrance fee & guide service.

Minggu, 12 Februari 2012

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