Kamis, 18 September 2008

Grajagan (G-Land) Bali...

bali12Grajagan (G-Land)... not just as a perfect wave, but as a perfect adventure.

....G-Land. G-Spot. Gee-Whiz Land!..a world famous wave that is definitely not overrated.. an awesome, overpowering arena..and, until exploitated, it will remain a prime destination of the surfing world, a place where surfers can come to live out a long awaited fantasy....

- 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.

bali13 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.

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.

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From your local domestic airport, you can fly to Bali. Arrive in Bali use a travel to go to G-Land, but its recommended to use surf guide to go to G-Land because it will more easier and safe.

On G- Land there are several beach front losmen, front beach room and bungalow.
Example of accommodation in G-Land: "G-Land Jungle Surf Camp" With a bungalow style accommodation which is strongly constructed to facilitate the unique lifestyle of most adventurers who love being in the jungle and nature and to provide as much natural element as possible inside the room. Accommodation is in free standing thatched bungalows sleeping for 2 adults and equipped with double or 2 single beds with mosquito nets, bed side light, small table inside the room, cool fan, private balcony, comfortable terrace seat, table, water dispenser and board racks.

There is National Park called "Alas Purwo" and is open March to November and located just off the beach line.

There are several traditional restaurants and cafs who serve western and Indonesian dishes. Sea-related products, and wooden carving

  • Visit the Alas Purwo National Park
  • Marvel at the diversity of the plants and animals (birds, reptiles, insects and mammalians)
  • Swim on the pristine beaches.
  • Snorkel to glimpse the diversity of the marine life.
  • Visit a traditional village in order to observe their way of life.
  • Photography

Condition of surrounding areas since the camp is exclusively situated near the jungle where there are big trees as well as many bushes spread out everywhere plus a humid air resulted by such natural circumstances. Accordingly , these could probably a proper habitat for mosquitoes that may unexpectedly lead to malaria disease. However, during this season actually there are seemingly very few mosquitoes found, as weather is quite dry. Yet, it's still very much advisable for all guests to follow these helpful tips as:

  • Take an anti malarial Prophlactic medication (Chloroquiet Progvanil, Larium or Doxylycline).
  • Take measure against being bitten, e.g. by wearing a long shirt and trousers and mosquito nets anytime when sleeping.

In addition, at Jungle Surf Camp, the medical facilities are also equipped with emergency medical supplies like: detection first-aid kits for malaria along with proper treatment as well in case any guest get contacted with this disease.

More impor-tantly, the sun is very strong and hot, hence, bring enough sun block, protect your skin from sun-ray's direct exposure which might be seve-rally causing any serious sun burn case. Besides, it is pretty useful to use hat, helmet with the visor, sun glasses especially in the late after-noon.

Here are some tips what you should take to G-Land:

  • A good hat and water-proof sun-screen
  • Basic first-aid kit, antiseptic dressing, etc.
  • Sand-shoes and thongs.
  • Board-shorts, t-shirts, 1 pair light-weight, long-pants and long-sleeve wind cheater.
  • Two towels and sun-glasses.
  • Personal toiletries, after-sun cream, insect repellent.
  • Walkman, camera, handy-cam and books.
  • Booties, 2 surf-boards.
  • Light-weight wet-suits, rash-vest, gate helmet and spare leg-ropes.

Sources :

Jumat, 12 September 2008

WEST JAVA

GEDUNG SATEThe enchanting land of Sunda stretches from the Sunda Strait in the West to the borders of Central Java in the east. The region is primarily mountainous, with rich green valleys hugging lofty volcanic peaks, many of which surround the capital of the province, Bandung. The history of West Java is a story of trade, spices, and the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms. In the late 1500’s the region was ruled from mighty Cirebon, which still survives as a sultanate today, although a shadow of its former glory. West Java was one of the first contact points in Indonesia for Indian traders and their cultural influences and it was here that the Dutch and British first set foot in the archipelago.

Domestic airlines serve to Bandung everyday. Buses from Central Java and Jakarta arrived in Leuwi Panjang. Several trains operate from Jakarta and Yogya to Bandung.

  • Wayang Golek (Wooden Puppets Show) is performed every Saturday night from 1.00 pm to 5 am at Auditorium Jalan Diponegoro 61, Bandung.
  • Kemilau Nusantara Festival is an annual event performed culture and crafts exhibition from all provinces in Indonesia.
  • Paper Kites Festival, Pangandaran Beach West Java. Participants of the kite flying contest come from the surrounding regions as well as from foreign countries. Beautiful kites of all sizes and shapes are flown in a contest that coincides with festivities held on October 2008.
  • During the harvest period in West Java. Folk Music and traditional dances are performed during the festival.

PLACE TO VISIT:

KAMPUNG SAMPIREUN SITU PATENGGANG

RANCABALI PUNCAK

PANGANDARAN PANGANDARAN2

TANGKUBAN PARAHU TANGKUBAN PARAHU2

West Java Provincial Tourist Office Jl. R.E. Martadinata No.209, Bandung 40114 Phone. (022) 7271385, 7273209
Fax. (022) 7271385 Website:
http://www.westjava-indonesia.com

2008 Copyright dsdsae@gmail.com

Rabu, 10 September 2008

BALI part 1

PLACE TO VISIT

1. Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay

bali4Overlooking the spectacular Jimbaran Bay, The Spa at Jimbaran Bay offers head-to-toe all natural spa treatments that uses sea salt crystals, seaweed and aromatics. To cleanse the body, revitalize the skin or balance the senses, island spices, exotic flowers, tropical fruits and essential oils are part of the Jimbaran health and beauty rituals that are derived from ancient Balinese and Javanese traditions. Luxurious Body Elixirs, Lulur jimbaran, relaxing Ocean Ritual, restorative Aroma Steam and the soothing Rain Shower are some of the spa's signature health and treatments.

2. Kuta Beach - Bali

bali2bali1

Once a lonely village on the road from Denpasar toward the Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now a thriving tourist resort, popular mainly among the young. It owes its claim to fame owes to two factors: its beach (originally Bali's best) and the sunset. The beach front is now host to many hotels, except for Legian and Seminyak, where much of the social scene is now centered. The main shops are located along Legian street.

Kuta has become one of the most dynamic places in Indonesia. It is a place to encounter new ideas and lifestyles and a place to experience all manner of pleasures. It is a popular beach for surfing although, currents make it less suitable for swimming. Life guards are on constant duty during the day. Kuta faces the West, offering beautiful sunsets

The popular Kuta Beach, overlooking the Straits of Bali, attracts foreign and local water sport enthusiasts and sun worshippers. Throngs flock to this 1.5-kilometer stretch on weekends. The period April to September/October promises favorable reef and beach breaks, enabling surfers to take to the waves. Amateurs should stick to the milder beach breaks for safety reasons. You can also swim here--make sure you do so only within the designated area--or just join the carefree sunbathers. Wandering hawkers and guides offer their wares and services, while others provide a relaxing massage for a reasonable fee.

Getting There

Its very easy to reach Kuta beach and only 15 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport, Denpasar-Bali.

Where to Stay
There are many accommodations ranges from star hotels to Home stays along Kuta-Legian road. You may choose one of them to stay.
Moving Around
Moving around Kuta its very fun and simple. You can go around on foot or you can rent a bike or motorcycle.

Other Things to See or Do
Beside watching sunsets and surf, the other things that you may see or do here are shopping, watching performances of Balinese music and dance in Kuta, staged specially for tourists and anywhere else in Bali and some of them are staged nightly. If you're looking by night, various foreign and locally restaurant, clubs, pubs and bars start to fire up.

Dining Guide
There are various foreign and local restaurants that offering international and local foods. These restaurants are available along Kuta.
Souvenir Tips
There are many souvenir shops along Kuta that offering you many kind of Balinese souvenir, starting from clothes, paintings, handicrafts, wooden crafts, etc.
Travel Tips

  • Dont forget to equipped yourself with sun protection,
  • Bring a bathing suit and extra clothings,
  • If you're including backpackers tourist, and looking for cheap accommodation in Kuta, just go to Poppies Lane Alley 1 & 2 where you can find cheap accommodation and restaurants.
  • Warungs offering cheap food are within a 2 minute walk on Poppies Lane 1, so no need to get sucked into a beachside restaurant and high prices.

Almost every evening there is a performance of Balinese -dance somewhere in Kuta. To know what is on just ask around...

Feasting on Bali, the Isle of The Gods

Like the food of other regions in Indonesia, Balinese food is rice as the central dish served with small portions of spicy, pungent vegetables, fish or meat and served almost always with sambal or chili paste. Bali is a few of the regions in Indonesia whose majority of its people are non Muslims, thus babi guling or roasted suckling pig is a specialty, as is bebek betutu, smoked stuffed duck wrapped in bamboo leaves.

In Jimbaran area, for instance, you can sample seafood dishes while sitting on the beach. Visit this place in the evening, the cool atmosphere and caressing breeze will make your dining experience remarkable.

YOU MIGHT WANT TRY THESE:

KEBAB PALACE
Jl.Kartika Plaza Kuta Center, Kuta - Bali

AYAM BAKAR WONG SOLO
Jl.Raya Kuta no.87, Kuta - Bali
Jl. Merdeka no.18, Denpasar - Bali

RAJA'S BALINESE RESTAURANT
Nusa Dua Beach Hotel&Spa, Nusa Dua - Bali

ANIKA BALINESE COOKING
Jl.Elang No.3, Tuban, Kuta - Bali

DEPOT LA TANSA
Jl.Diponegoro No. 240 A, Sanglah, Denpasar - Bali

BATUR INDAH
Panelokan Kintamani, Bangli

BENGAWAN SOLO & BAR
Jalan Imam Bonjol 386, Denpasar

CAFE DAHANDE
Jalan Raya Seminyak, Kuta

PUALAN INT'L RESTAURANT
Jalan Sanur Beach 37, Sanur

ULAM
Jalan Pantai Mengiat, Nusa Dua

PLAZA BALI SEAFOOD
Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai, Kuta

BUNGA KELAPA RESTAURANT
Alam Kul Kul
Jl.Pantai Kuta, Legian - Bali

SELERA KURING
Jl.Sunset Road (Dewi Sri) No.88, Seminyak, Kuta - Bali

For Moslem tourists, don't worry or afraid that you cannot get 'halal' food in Bali, because there are also many food stalls and food center that are safe to be consumed by Moslem believers. Start from green beans, ketupat tahu (rice boiled in a rhombus shaped packet plaited young coconut leaves mixed with tofu), bakso (meatball), satay, rujak (spicy mixed fruit), satay lilit (usually fish twisted on a stick), pepes (burned/steamed wrapped fish), ikan bakar (roasted fish), and many others. These kind of food are very suitable to be served with pelecing kangkung (a hot spicy leafy vegetable), and hot sambal. Various kinds of traditional snacks are also tempting to be tested such as bubuh injin, laklak, jaja uli and many others.

The safest tips to choose restaurant, certainly is asking the restaurant officers. Must be noticed for Moslem believers that most restaurant in the hotels serve international menu which are often unavoidable using pork...