Rabu, 01 Oktober 2008
Tent Camping for beginner
1. MAKE A CHECKLIST OF WHAT YOU'LL NEED. The only downside to camping is that if you forget something, the nearest store may not be so near. This depends on what kind of campsite you choose. Make sure you make a list from the obvious(ie. tent) to the not so obvious(ie. toilet paper). By making a thorough list, you can eliminate a panic attack when you try to light a campfire and realize you left the matches at home.
2. PICK A CAMPSITE AHEAD OF TIME. Camp grounds are very diverse because of property management and terrain. There are some campgrounds that offer so many modern conveniences, the only actual camping aspect is the tent. Although, this may suit some people, I prefer just a little less convenient of a trip. For beginners, I would recommend looking at state parks. State parks offer some of the essential modern conveniences but still allow enough isolation to have an enjoyable experience.
3. CHECK THE WEATHER. Sunny and hot on the first day could be followed by rainy and cold the next day. Checking out the local weather forecast is advisable. Also remember that temperature can be affected by things such as altitude if up in the mountains.
4. BRING A FIRST AID KIT. Just like stores, the nearest doctor's office may not be so near. A minor first aid kit will most likely not be used, but it's good to have just in case.
5。 LET SOMEONE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING. This is just a precaution. However, if Mr. Metropolis decides to take a ten mile hike and somehow gets lost, its good to have someone that knows generally where you are supposed to be and how long you planned on being there.
6. TAKE SOME FRIENDS WITH YOU. There are times when solo trips are warranted but some of the best life memories can be made while sitting around a campfire with some of your friends.
7. PLAN ON SOME LOCAL ACTIVITIES. Jump on the Internet and find the local tourist shops that rent canoes, bikes, horses, and fishing gear. Its a great way to enhance your camping trip and you'll always be able to laugh about the time the canoe tipped over, even though you're stuck back in your office on Monday morning.
8. BUY AN EASY TENT TO ASSEMBLE. Almost all tents now a days are easy to put up. Just make sure you have a good understanding of how it works before you drive 5 hours to your campground and have one hour of daylight left. It's also a good idea to take a few tools such as a hammer and pliers for driving stakes in the ground. You may also want a small shovel to help level the ground where you place the tent. You can also take a bag or two of sand to spread just to make the ground more level. (Make sure to check the regulations if you are in a controlled camp area)
Most of all, have fun. Camping can be a lot of fun and is something you won't easily forget. It is a great way to escape the daily grind and is doesn't cost that much when compared to resorts or other vacations. So pick a place, pack up, and smell the pines.
Senin, 29 September 2008
Minggu, 28 September 2008
Tangkuban Perahu Volcano Crater
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Tangkuban perahu is an active volcano, it is located 25 - 30 kilometers north of Bandung direction of Lembang. Mt. Tangkuban Perahu is an appealing destination that is fond to visit. The name translates roughly to "overturning of (a) boat" or "overturned boat" in Sundanese, referring to the local legend of its creation. The huge crater is an astonishing view and we could explore the crater around two hours. The sulphur fumes still emit from the crater though it is not particularly active.
Where to stay
There are numerous hotels covering every budget case around Bandung city. But if you have the intensity to stay longer near Tangkuban Perahu, there are numerous hotels in Lembang (North Of Bandung) and experience the ambience of country side whilst breathing a clear air which is hard to persue in the city.
Dining Guide
Restaurants and warungs are scattered around Tangkuban Perahu. But if you want to experience a different vibe there are various eating places around Lembang.
• Sight seeing
• Trekking
• Photographing
• Hiking to the edge of the crater to view the hot water springs up-close,
• Boiled some eggs cooked on its hot surface of the hot springs
Tips
• Not everyone could stand with the fumes of the sulphurs, handkerchief are suggested to cover your nose and mouth
• Do not hesitate to resist the sellers offered if you are not interested.
• It is suggested that you bring a jacket/sweater to avoid cold temperature
• Try to go early as possible because around noon the mist start to roll in through the trees
Kamis, 25 September 2008
Derawan Island
Derawan island is clearly listed on the world diving map. This stunning under water world is located on t
he North Eastern tip of Berau District, East Borneo. Derawan also sits nicely on the list of world class diving destinations at number three after Yap and Pulau Island at ![]()
Astonishment marks the faces of visitors entering Derawan Island by boat. The calm sea is a clear shade of turquoise and the sky is a pastel blue. From the distance, five groups of white sand islands with dark green trees can be seen. About 600 m from the beach, the sea gets shallow (only one to f
ive meters deep) and the water is clear as glass. When you get there ask the skipper to turn off the engine and let the boat sway to soft wind. ![]()
Welcome to the tropical archipelago " the stuff of dreams, a little island with soft sand, coconut trees at the edge of the shore where sail
ors tie their ships, a small forest in the middle of the island with various plants and animals. Not only the unbelievable the biodiversity makes this place an enchanting destination, the under water topography also make this island a dream for divers. ![]()
Derawans six islands are Kakaban, Semama, Sangalaki, Derawan, Maratua, and Panjang Island all unusually different which first attracted researcher
s from LIPI on 1995 who discovered the unique biodiversity of Derawan Island. They found it to consist of fish (138 species), crustaceans (15 species), mollusca (137 species) and encinodermata (2 species). The coral reef, extensive virgin mangrove forest, turtles and mantas and the unique Kakaban Lake, make Derawan an important sea ecosystem to study for marine biologists. ![]()
Getting There
Its
fairly easy to reach Derawan Island from Jakarta, Surabaya, Jogjakarta or Denpasar. You can fly to Balikpapan, East Borneo by Garuda, Lion the flight takes three hours. From Balikpapan you have to fly an hour to Tanjung Redeb, the capital of Berau Regency by KAL Star, Deraya or DAS. If you want to go by sea, you can take boat from Samarinda or Tarakan to Tanjung Redeb and continue by rented motorboat. ![]()
Since 1993 Derawan Island has been managed by PT. Bhuni Manimbora Interbuana with cottage facilities, diving tools, speedboats and restaurant. Hotels manage by local people such an Danakan, Derawan Lestari III, Derawan Lestari I, IIHAMS Inn and Yogie Mas Provide a cheaper alternative priced between Rp 45,00-Rp100,000/night.
[=Moving Around">[=Moving Around=]
There are 28 diving site identified, to explore all the areas you'll need at least 10 days with only one dive at each area. Explore the land on foot. Use a boat to move from one place to another.
Various restaurants and cafes throughout Derawan islands.
[=Souvenir Tips">[=Souvenir Tips=]
Sea-related products, such as items made of seashells, corals, etc.
- Diving
You can see sharks, dugongs, natural pearls, canary crabs, trevally, wrasses, barracudas, eagle rays, green turtles and fish between the coral reefs.
Swimming, snorkeling, fishing.
- Walking around on the beach.
- Watching the turtles
- You can rent diving tools in Derawan Island.
- Join a tour if you'll be diving for the first time.
Rabu, 24 September 2008
Grajagan (G-Land) Bali
ng awaited fantasy.... 
Photo " G-Land Surf Camp"
- Recent comments by various surf media about G-Land, or Grajagan, a now legendary surf spot on the southeastern coast of Java. (Indonesia Surfing-Periplus Action Guide)
Exotic surf travel almost never has the kind of grace and logic that it does in magazines and movies. Beautiful, uncharted waves are out there, but its a long, tedious, sometimes dangerous job finding them. Only a few surfers ever sail out into the great unknown. This is why many people today think of Grajagan (G-Land), in southeast Java, not just as a perfect wave, but as a perfect adventure.
More than a name or a place, G-land is a haven. So close but yet so far from Bali, G-land is a magnet for swell and is definitely not overrated. The set up in G-land is simple, the relaxed atmosphere and pumping waves make for an experience like no other surf trip. Starting with the fact that its located at
the edge of a jungle filled with birds, reptiles, insects and other creatures not found on the beaches of Sydney or Los Angeles. 
Photo " G-Land Surf Camp"
G-Land is a long fast wave typical of most Indonesian waves, suggested surf board length at 68 " 72 Gun " unless you surf like a top 44 contender, so bring a couple of Guns and your hot-dogger for the small days or down at 20/20s. You should bring at least 2 boards, Indonesian waves are powerful and its possible to break boards, so be prepared and bring at least two boards.
Senin, 22 September 2008
Ijen plateau

Ijen is actually a complex of stratovolcanoes near Banyuwangi in East of Java. Kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater) is the center of attraction, which contains a nearly 1 km wide, turquoise-colored, acid crater lake.
Kawah Ijen is also the site of a labor-intensive sulfur mining operation in which sulfur-laden baskets are hand-carried from the crater floor. The weight of the sulfur stones carried by the labor shoulder can reached up to 80 kg. Coffee, cocoa, clove and rubber plantation surrounding the area of the Ijen Crater, which was established by Dutch colonial government is still run very well and can be visited. A trip to Ijen Crater starts from Bondowoso or Banyuwangi where many tourist information and facilities are available.
How to Get There:
Ijen Plateau is usually accessed from the town of Bondowoso and Banyuwangi. Pos Paltuding, the starting point for the hike to Kawah Ijen, is 64 km from Bondowoso. The starting point can also be reached from Banyuwangi with 4WD vehicles.
The Best Season to Visit: 
Photo by Patmawinata
April to October every year.
Minggu, 21 September 2008
what should traveller do in Reccession condition
As we know, now economic condition isn't really good. all of thing's prices going up, unfortunately our salary not going up. In the summer holiday like now, the problem bigger than usual, our child would request some vacation or holiday which we already promised her/him. so Should we cancel our vacation in the midst of a recession? TOTALLY NOT.
You're own financial situation should weigh more on your decision than talk about the economy. You've saved the money so you won' be going into debt. You've saved the money so the money isn't coming out of your house payment or bill money. You sound responsible with money so I suspect you are not draining your savings account to go. If all that is true then go. Why not? Enjoy yourself. Put a little money into the economy. If you have a real concern about losing your jobs in the not so distant future then you may want to reconsider. Otherwise don't let the sky is falling crowd stop you.
So although Economic going down, it was global economic, not yours...

