Maluku Islands – Indonesia

Maluku Islands, also known as Mollucas or Molluken, an archipelago that lies between Sulawesi Island and Papua Island. Consists of approximately 2896 large and small islands and 2030 of them have not been named and there are hundreds of uninhabited islands. Administratively, the island is divided into two provinces, North Maluku and Maluku.

Maluku Islands is endowed with the richness of spices. In the past, Europeans recognized Maluku Islands as “Spices Islands”. And this was the main cause for Europeans to come and to dominate this area. Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and English competed to monopolize the spices trade from these islands. Later, Japanese occupied this islands during World War II.

The relics of the colonial primarily is fortress. There are so many fortress which had been established in the islands. Even some islands have more than one fortress, like the island of Neira.  There are 2 famous fortress, Fort Belgica and Fort Nassau. Fort Nassau was built in 1609 and Fort Belgica in 1611. Both were built by the VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie / East Indies Trading Company) to control the trade of spices, especially nutmeg, in Neira Island. In addition, as a defense against local communities who oppose the monopoly of the spice trade.

There is also a Fort Victoria in the city of Ambon and Fort Amsterdam is located 42 km from the city of Ambon.

Almost all of the VOC fortress came from the fortress of the Portuguese or the Spanish who then expanded and reinforced by the VOC. And its function is to control the spice trade and defense against local communities who oppose the monopoly of the spice trade .

In addition, there are also many heritage buildings from the empire that once ruled in the Maluku islands, such as Ternate Sultanate, Tidore Sultanate and Bacan Sultanate.

Each still has the sultan and the palace that stands today. However, the function of the current sultan is the successor of the sultanate culture and they do not have any more political power because they are now incorporated in Indonesia Repubilk.

Therefore, sometimes they do not live in his kingdom, for example, the 21th Sultan of Bacan is a computer specialist who lives in Ohio, USA. Actually, there are still Sultanate Jailolo, however its history is still in traced.

Nowadays, the rest of their heritages, especially fortresses dan palaces,  become a wealth of history in the Maluku Islands.

Maluku is also endowed with beautiful nature. There are many islands that have beautiful beaches. In addition, there are many fascinating underwater world and become a popular dive site.

Ora Beach on the Island of Seram, Central Maluku, is one of the beaches that worth to visit. There is a resort that provides 6 wooden cottage with a thatched roof. The  background is the hills of the National Park Manusela. Imagine, a combination of wooden cottages on the clear turquoise waters and green hills of Manusela that makes Ora Beach scenery is so fantastic. Also the underwater world so fascinating and a good dive sites.

Ora beach is just one of the beautiful beaches in the Maluku Islands. There are many more beautiful beaches are stunning.

If you love the history of World War II, then visit the Island of Morotai. Morotai is an island that became the basis for the Japanese Army's defense against the Allied attack. Then, after the Japanese left the island, the Supreme Commander for the West Pacific, General Douglas MacArthur, find that the island is very strategic to be a military base to reclaim the Philippines from the Japanese.

So then, there were  built several airfields and a large hospital with a capacity of 1900 beds. There is also a naval base. At some point, Morotai became the basis for the 60,000 allied troops.

Today, the remains of military bases that can still be found even though most of them have been damaged and destroyed.

In 1974, an ex Japanese Army of World War II, called Teruo Nakamura,  was found still hiding in the forest Morotai. He does not know that the war ended a long time ago.

Maluku Island has been granted with natural beauty, both above as below the sea and of course, this islands attracts divers, sailors and cruise ships from around the world. People say that its beauty can only be matched by Raja Ampat, Papua, which also has an ultimate underwater adventures.

One of the most popular destinations for divers is Banda Islands. Divers, both experts and beginner, will find an amazing diving experinces here. This diving spots have vary the shallow lagoon between Bandaneira and Gunung Api, to the vertical walls of Hatta Island. And some of the globe's most pristine, biologically diverse coral reefs also can be found here.
Besides banda islands, and the islands of Ambon Islands Saparua also has several dive sites with a high rating. You will find everything from sharks, large turtles, schools of Napoleon Wrasse, giant groupers, dogtooth tuna, rays mobula, redtooth triggerfish, various species of whales, spinner dolphins, large lobsters and also endemic Ambon scorpionfish.

Come to Maluku Islands, the best kept secret in Eastern Indonesia.

Bangka - Belitung and Riau Islands – Indonesia

On the east coast of Sumatra, there are thousands of large and small islands. Two of the largest is the island of Bangka and Belitung. In the past, both of them are part of South Sumatra Province. However, in 2000, they became the new provinces namely, Bangka-Belitung province.

Other islands which are smaller, formerly part of the province of Riau. And in 2002 became the Province of Riau Islands.

Since the Dutch colonial era, Bangka and Belitung was famous for their mining products, such as granite, quartz, kaolin, bauxite and especially tin, both black and white. And nowadays,  Bangka-Belitung become more popular for their natural beauty, especially  the beaches.

One of the very popular tourist destination is Island of Lengkuas. It is one of hundreds of small islands in the waters of the Island of Belitung. Its main attraction is an old lighthouse which was built by the Dutch Colonial Government in 1882 and is still in use today.

Its beauty beaches are decorated by many unique granite, white sand and clear sea water.

The island is quite clean as uninhabited, except for the lighthouse attendant. And can be visited within 45 minutes boating from Tanjung Binga in Belitung Island. Few tips, prepare enough food and drinks for the trip.

There's more beauty beaches, Beach of Parai Tenggiri and Matras Beach. Both of them are on the Island of Bangka and are favorite tourist destination. Matras Beach is a beautiful beach with fine white sand. While on the Parai Tenggiri Beach, its white sand beach adorned by many large natural granite stone with varying shapes .

Riau Archipelago is blessed with a lot of potential attractions, beautiful beaches and cultural attractions. Consisting of 2048 islands, of which 40% of them have not been named and uninhabited. 95% of its territory (about 251.810,71 km²) is the sea and only 5% of which is land.

The capital is Tanjung Pinang which is located on Bintan Island, the largest island in this archipelago. In the past, this city was the capital of the Sultanate of Malacca and later the Sultanate of Johor. It is currently one of Indonesia's economic development area

With thousands of islands, Riau Islands has a lot of natural beautiful beaches and diving spots, such as  Trikora Beach, on the east side of Bintan Island, about 50 miles south of Tanjung Pinang. Also there is Pasir Panjang, on the north side of Island of Rupat. Natural and beautiful beaches can also be found on Terkulai Island, north-west of Tanjung Pinang and Soreh Island, south-west of Tanjung Pinang, each about 1 hour boating.

One of the beach which is also popular is Nongsa in Batam Island. Here,  a number of resorts and golf courses of international standards are ready for domestic and international travelers. From here, we can also see the night sky with light in Singapore. It’s so romantic..

Batam city is also one of the icons of tourism in the Riau Islands. Lots of tourists, especially from Singapore, come here for a vacation with family. The distance is only 20 km or 20 minutes away by ferry from Singapore, making it a favorite place for a vacation destination. In addition, duty-free shops and a variety of seafood, the main attraction that makes travelers want to go back to Batam.

And if you are history lovers, then you can come to Penyengat Island. The island is small with a size of 2500m x 750m. And tourists can get around the island in just a short walk away. However, although only a small island, the island of Penyengat is a place that has a lot of history.Formerly, this island named Island of Penyengat Inderapura and was the capital of Sultanate of Johor-Riau in 18th century. That is why, you will find many old buildings, which is a relic of the Johor-Riau Sultanate, such as the Great Mosque Sultan Riau, the Sultan and his family cemetery, Sultanate Palace, Fortress and many more. Today, the island of Penyengat is proposed to UNESCO as World Heritage Site.

Papua Island, Indonesia

Irian island, shaped like a bird. That's what mom taught me when I was a kid. Island of Papua, formerly known as Irian Island, is the second largest island in the world. The island is controlled by the two countries, on the west by the Republic of Indonesia and on the east by Papua New Guinea.
In the territory of the Republic of Indonesia, Papua Island was divided into two provinces, Province of Papua with Jayapura as capital and Province of West Papua with Manokwari as capital.

In the south of the island (territory of Indonesia),  there is Merauke, the most eastern city in Indonesia and directly adjacent to Papua New Guinea. This is the opposite of Sabang on Weh Island, Aceh, which is the most western city in Indonesia. At District Sota, east of the town of Merauke, there is a monument that is the twin of the monument located in Sabang, Sabang-Merauke Monument. This monument was built as a symbol of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia from Sabang (Aceh) to Merauke (Papua).

Exotic but mysterious, that's a glimpse of the island of Papua. The island has lots of beauty. Dense forests, swamps, large rivers and high mountains, dominated much of the surface of the island of Papua. Beautiful beaches, clear sea water and amazing underwater world also encountered a lot in there.
All combined with the exoticism of a variety of animals and plants, as well as indigenous and and their culture.
If you are traveling to Papua Island, then certainly lots of new, unique, exotic and unforgettable experiences, will be a wonderful memory for you.

A unique phenomenon in this island. Papua island, which is located on the equator, has mountains with snowy peaks. This is because the height of these mountains ranges over 4000m above sea level. Puncak Jaya is the highest mountain. In 1936, an estimated altitude 5030m but currently only 4884m. Unfortunately, the snowy peaks that are the legacy of the world, slowly begin to disappear because of global warming.
Climb the mountains will provide a very challenging experience, it is necessary special preparation and approval of the authorities.
Additionally, this mountain is very interesting for researchers of geology, because at an altitude of 4800 m above sea level, can be found fossils of marine animals, such as shellfish. Research shows that millions of years ago, the mountains located on the seabed.

If you are lovers of diving, the dive sites on the island of Papua will certainly make you stunned and amazed. This may occur because the waters of New Guinea still be said to be pure and clean, so that the sea creatures and coral reefs can live and thrive.
The most famous is the Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua.The waters of Raja Ampat is an underwater paradise that has 75% of coral species in the world, 1427 species of reef fish, 700 species of molluscs, 540 species of hard corals and there are also 15 species of endemic fish. An amazing diversity, isn’t it? Besides Raja Ampat Islands, Bay of Cendrewasih, Biak Island and Bay of Triton are also famous for their beautiful underwater world.

On the island of Papua, there are also the largest National Park in South East Asia, the Lorentz National Park, which covers more than 9.652 square miles. Lorentz National Park is also famous because it is representative of the complete ecosystem for biodiversity in the Asia Pacific region and also one of the three regions of the world that have glaciers in the tropics.

Its territory stretched from the top of a snowy mountain (5,030m asl) to the coastal waters with mangrove forests and borders the Arafura Sea waters and has an amazing ecological spectrum, from the area of alpine vegetation, sub-alpine, montane, sub-montane, lowland , and wetlands.
The National Park is also home to 630 species of birds (± 70% of the bird in Papua) and 123 species of mammals.
Lorentz National Park also has an amazing cultural diversity. The Tribe of Nduga, Dani Barat, Amungme, Sempan and Asmat are the native of this area. Their cultures were estimated to be 30,000 years old.
There's even a possibility that there's more people living in the remote wilderness that has not made contact with modern humans.

Papua, an island that offers richness and stunning natural beauty. It is suitable for those who love nature and adventure. Despite the simplicity, but the comfort of your vacation remains a major thing for the perpetrators of tourism on Papua Island. Enjoy Papua ..

Sulawesi Island, Indonesia

When I was a child, my mother taught me that the island that looks almost like the letter “K” is the island of Sulawesi. Until now I always remember that. Well, that's Sulawesi island with an unusual shape.

It has 4 penisulas, Minahasa Peninsula, East Peninsula, South-East Peninsula and South Peninsula. According to plate reconstructions, the island is believed to have been formed by the collision of terranes from the Asian Plate (forming the west and southwest), from the Australian Plate (forming the southeast and Banggai), and from island arcs previously in the Pacific (forming the north and east peninsulas). Obviously there has been a variety of serious tectonic activities millions of years ago, thus forming a shape like that.

Sulawesi is the eleventh largest island in the world. The apparition of the island is dominated by mountains. The highest peak is Mount Rantemario. Forests in Sulawesi are still quite dense and still poorly explored, except by local residents. And these forests are home to animals and plants. Especially mammals, there are 79 species that are endemic to Sulawesi, as anoa (dwarf buffalo), babirusa (long fanged pig), some primates and primate tarsier. There are also birds maleo, which is endemic, too.

Although there are many endemic species, actually Sulawesi is part of Wallacea, meaning it has a mix of species from Asia and Australia.

In addition to the unique shape and Sulawesi are also blessed by God with nature, population and unique traditions. Inhabited by various tribes, such as the Bugis, Toraja, Minahasa, Manado, Gorontalo, Sangir, Mongondow, Padoe, Buol, Tolaki, Buton and much more. Each with unique traditions. As well as with nature, where there are 8 national parks, 4 of which is Marine Park.

If you really like diving, Sulawesi has some beautiful famous marine park. Bunaken Marine Park in the Gulf of Manado, North Sulawesi, is a marine park that are well known to foreign countries and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will find a variety of coral reefs and marine life colorful and amazing.

Tomini Bay and Olele Beach, not far from the city of Gorontalo, also a dive spot known by many world class divers. Likewise with Togean Islands, which is also a national park. Marine park on the island is also very beautiful and diverse.

There is also the Wakatobi Marine Park which is widely recognized as having the highest number of species of coral and fish in the world. The islands are also famous as the largest barrier reef in Indonesia, second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

One of the unique cultures in Sulawesi, Toraja nobleman Funeral. This tradition of funeral is very spectacular and expensive. A large number, sometimes up to hundreds, buffalos are slaughtered and processed into fine dining for this ceremony which will take up to several days.

The funeral ceremony can be held for weeks, months or even years later, after someone dies. During that time, the family will gather enough money to pay for this ceremony. The most unique is the burial place. The body will be buried in natural or artificial cave in the rock cliffs. Then the cave will be closed with carved wooden statue as a symbol of people who have died.

Another unique funeral was in Sawangan, Tomohon, North Sulawesi. It is an ancient cemetery, known as the Garden Waruga, Sawangan.

Waruga are stone sarcophagi used by the Minahasa tribes to place their dead in a squatting position.

Based on local belief, these graves are made of carved stone that are shaped like a house, a tradition kept since 1600AD. The graves vary, depending on the profession or social status of the person buried.

There are 144 "dotu" or clans Gathered together at the park in Sawangan waruga.

There are many more uniqueness and beauty of the Sulawesi Island, such as the Kingdom of butterflies in Banti Murung, Lore Lindu National Park with its endemic  flora and fauna, an ancient megalithic relics in Bada Valley, the rare Black Orchid at Bancea Orchid Garden near Lake Poso,volcanic island Una-Una , Lake Tondano and others. All will provide a memorable vacation when you visit Sulawesi. 

Kalimantan Island, Indonesia

Kalimantan, also known as Borneo, is the third largest island in the world. Indonesia has a 2/3 part of the island, while the rest in the north, is part of Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.

If you are very fond of adventure and exploration, then Kalimantan is the answer. The island is the least visited by tourists, compared to other islands in Indonesia.

Deep, dark and exotic, as it was the picture of Kalimantan. It has one of the world's largest tropical rainforests and also has many large rivers. This is the world's lungs.

Kalimantan is also one of the most bio-diverse places on the earth. It is home to a variety of animals and plants. Many of the are endemic to this island and some are rare, now. 

If you visit the Tanjung Puting, then you can visit the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. There, they will nurture and train the orangutans before they are released back into nature. This orangutans obtained from the confiscation of those who have illegally orangutans.

If you like hiking trails then Meratus Mountains will welcome you. A combining of forest, villages, rivers, suspension bridges and longhouse visits will give you a new experience.

The route of Loksado to Bali Haritai is the best one-day trek. This may take between four to six hours, depending on the route and the situation. For first timers, this is an excellent introduction to jungle trekking, with a moderate change in altitude, areas of dense foliage, and a few leeches for company. For a long trip, Mt. Besar (1901m), the highest peak in Meratus Mountains may be your choice destination. This trip takes about 5-7 days. Quite time consuming because you have to penetrate the dense forest.

For advanced jungle trekking, you’d be better to find a guide.

When you visit the island of Kalimantan, do no forget to take a little time to visit Banjarmasin. It is the capital of South Kalimantan Province. The town is famous for its floating market. In the morning, you will see the traders boat, going down the river, passing under Jembatan Dewi (Dewi Bridge) to the floating market. About an hour or more for them to get to the location. You can start your small journey from here, with them, to the floating market.

The views of the village houses on the banks of the river, the children waving to you, even some of them will try to swim towards your boat will become your new experience . You will enjoy the merriment and their hospitality. When arriving at the floating markets, enjoy your shopping time. Various exotic fruits that you can meet there. Few tips, be smart to bid to get the best price.

A worthwhile stop on the return trip is Pulau Kembang , where macaques walk the boardwalk. Another is gaily painted Masjid Sultan Suriansyah , one of the first mosques in Kalimantan, now beautifully restored.

Derawan Islands, located not far from the mainland of East Kalimantan, Berau. If you are a lover of diving, it is recommended to come here. With maintenance of marine territory covers a total area of ​​not less than 1.27 million acres, Derawan Islands consists of 31 islands, the most famous of which is the island of Derawan, Maratua, Sangalaki and Kakaban. This is the Indonesia's largest nesting site of the rare and endangered turtle species, the giant green turtles and hawksbill turtles. Here the turtles will lay eggs and store it in a warm beach sand. You can watch the turtles lay their eggs in the sand or swim with sea turtles.

Also visit Singkawang and Pontianak in West Kalimantan. In Pontianak, you will be able to find the Equator Monument. Well, there are 12 countries in the world which is crossed by imaginary line, the equator, but only one city that is located right in the path of the line, that's Pontianak. The indisputable fact is the basis of the construction of this monument. What a coincidence, as the founder of the city of Pontianak, Syarif Abdurrahman Alkadrie himself is not aware of this fact.

And in Singkawang, you will meet with other shades. Unlike other towns in Indonesia, Singkawang has a distinct oriental atmosphere with Hundreds of Chinese temples found around almost every corner of town. This is Because over 70% of Singkawang's population is of Chinese descent, predominantly of the Hakka tribe with some Teochew. Others are Malays, Dayaks and other Indonesian ethnic groups.

Kalimantan Island, with all its uniqueness and beauty will present an exotic experience and will not be forgotten

Java Island, Indonesia

Java is the smallest island of the five main islands in Indonesia. Approximately 60% of Indonesia's population (± 136 million people) live here, on the 13^th largest island in the world with an area of ​​139,000 km². This is the world's most populous island, and one of the most densely populated places in the world. Much of Indonesian history took place on this island. Java was the center of powerful Hindu-Buddhist empires, the Islamic sultanates, and the core of the colonial Dutch East Indies. Java was also a destination for traders from all over the world. And during the 1900s and 40s, Java was the center of the Indonesian struggle for independence. So it is not wonder if Java dominates Indonesia politically, economically and culturally.

Indonesian capital, Jakarta, is located on the island of Java. It is the center of economic, cultural and political of Indonesia. With a population of 9,761,407 (December 2012), Jakarta becomes the most populous city in Indonesia and in Southeast Asia.

With the density and congestion, Jakarta is not a major tourist destination. However, it does not mean that Jakarta does not have a tourist attraction. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah and Taman Impian Jaya Ancol is a very popular tourist destination. And now is also on the rise is an old city tour where we were invited to tour in the Dutch colonial administration in the past. Old buildings are large and magnificent with interesting architecture will welcome the tourists. 

One of the main icons in the old city is Fatahillah Museum, which used to be a City Hall. This building was built in 1707-1710 by order of the Governor General Johan van Hoorn.

Besides Jakarta, you should also visit cities such as Bogor, Bandung, Cirebon, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Malang and Surabaya. They offer a variety of uniqueness and beauty that is loaded with culture and history.

History and culture are the major tourist attractions on the island. There are so many relics of the royal past that can be found on the island, such as temples.

The temples are divided into two types, Buddhist temple and Hindu temple. 

The Buddhist temple, Borobudur, is the most visited by tourists. As for the Hindu temple, Prambanan is  the most attractive tourist attention. The temples are already more than 1000 years old and was built during the reign of different kingdoms. In addition to these two temples, there are many more scattered temples like, Mendut, Ratu Boko Temple, Pawon, and many others.

  

Not far from Borobudur and Prambanan, there is the most active volcano in Indonesia, Mount Merapi. Another most active volcano is Mount Kelud. Both of them are in the chain of volcano of Indonesia, elongated from the northwest Sumatera to Nusa Tenggara Timur.

The highest mountain in Java is Mount Semeru (3.676m asl) and it is a volcano, too. And the most beautiful mountain is Mount Bromo (well, a volcano, too).

Most of the mountains it was quite safe to climb, as long as we are ready physically and mentally and following rules and instructions.

Java Island also has beautiful beaches and fun. And Carita Beach Anyer Beach Banten, both beaches attract many tourists. Calm waves and the sloping beach is a fun place to play. There is also Pangandaran Beach and Pelabuhan Ratu Beach is a bustling tourist destination, especially during the holidays.

The beaches in the south of Yogyakarta also offers beautiful scenery. For example Parang Tritis, Parang Kusumo, Indriyanti Beach, Sundak Beach, Baron Beach and many more.

Likewise Bale Kambang Beach and Bajul Mati Beach in the southern city of Malang which offer a beautiful view.

If you surf lovers, then Panaitan Island, Beach of Cimaja, Srau Beach, Watu Karung Beach, G-Land and many more, will challenge you to play around with the big waves.