Tavel Situ Patengan, Lake in the Central Gardens Tea from Indonesia

Who told you to go away on holiday and spend much money? I strongly believe that the essence of a vacation is out of the daily routine dull and do something else. So you can vacation anywhere: traveling the world or somewhere that is not too far from home.

Situ Patengan (or Patenggang) in Ciwidey, South Bandung, can be used as one of the weekend destination of choice for those who live in Jakarta and surrounding areas. The distance, 185 km from Jakarta via Cipularang.

Located at an altitude of about 1600 m above sea level, the lake is surrounded by tea gardens Rancabali. Not only can you watch the calm lake, but also to enjoy the green tea garden with stunning topography.

This lake's name comes from the word meaning pateang-teangan find each other. Once, long ago two human beings named Ki Santang Rengganis fall in love with a very beautiful goddess. After the split for so long, they met again in what is now called the Rock of Love.

When visiting there recently, I was really amazed with the scenery there. I do not think Situ Patengan turns out as beautiful as it is - because this place is not as well known as other tourist attractions around Bandung.

To enter the location of the lake, you have to pay the entrance fee of Rp 6 thousand per person and Rp 11,500 per car. Not too expensive is not it?

From the ticket gate to the location of the lake, you will go through the road that divides the tea gardens. The scenery was incredible. A lake stretches in the middle stretch of tea gardens and in the middle of the lake, there is a small island.

If you want to visit Stone Love (where Ki Santang met Dewi Rengganis), you and your entourage can use a rowboat at a cost of Rp 130 thousand pp - which can be negotiated up to half the price.

A trip to the site of Stone Love takes about 30 minutes. At this location, you can climb the hill behind it, entered the tea garden and take pictures there. There is also a higher place than around it, so you can freely take pictures around the lake.

The best time to come to Situ Patengan is early morning, when the sky is still blue net. A blend of blue sky and green tea gardens produce an unforgettable view.  

Travel Sipiso-piso, Jewel in Land Karo, Indonesia

When someone visited North Sumatra, the main purpose they must travel Lake Toba. Sipiso-piso was located on the shores of Lake Toba, unfortunately, a very interesting attraction is less visited by tourists because of its location on the edge of which is different from Parapat town, where tourists usually visit.
 
Sipiso-piso is located in the north of Lake Toba, about 24 kilometers from Kabanjahe. This waterfall is the highest in Indonesia with a height of 120 meters. Sipiso-piso made of an underground river in the Karo plateau which runs through a cave in the side of the crater of Lake Toba.

When I had the opportunity to visit this place, a view of the waterfall was incredible. The waterfall is a small but high cliffs falling between greenish. From the observation post built by the government in this Brand visitors can not only enjoy the view of the waterfall, but also Lake Toba.

Sipiso-piso is around 800 meters above sea level. The waterfall was flowing downward slicing green hills covered with pine trees. Sipiso-piso itself literally means "knife".

You not only can see the waterfall from a distance, but down to approach. The stairs are steep and far enough away so make sure you have a strong stamina and carry drinking water supplies. The decline may not be a problem, but to climb back hundreds of stairs after the completion of tinkering water under the course quite tiring.

This observation post itself is quite broad, and when it is much visited by local tourists. Unfortunately, the infrastructure is inadequate observation post. There are only basic facilities such as toilets and stalls, which according to me the amount and cleanliness inadequate. Visitors who want to explore this area further should stay in nearby villages, namely Tongging.

Tongging is on the edge of Lake Toba, in the northern part. The Tongging you can do various activities, such as swimming in the lake, do trekking in the jungle, or visit a small waterfall named Sidompak. You can go up to Mount Sipiso-piso, and do paragliding from the summit.

Besides swimming, you can also take a boat hired from local fishermen to get around the lake. Cycling from one village to another is also a fun activity to see the daily life of residents of Karo. For you fans of ethnic fabrics, you can go to the village Silalahi in cockfighting, Dairi. The village is located about 11 km from Tongging.

Villagers Tongging mostly fishermen and farmers. They farmed rice and onions and fished in the lake Toba. Arsik and fish goldfish red value is a commonly farmed fish species in Lake Toba. You must try the traditional dish of fish with herbs.

Several accommodation options in Tongging include Wisma Sibayak, Wisma parultop, and Roman Sinasi Bungalows, all of which exist in Jalan Silalahi, Tongging. Traveled here very suited for the backpacker on a budget because it was cheap accommodation.

When I visited Sipiso-piso, I was traveling around the North Sumatra early in Berastagi, through Kabanjahe, to Sipiso-piso, Pematangsiantar, Parapat, Tuk-Tuk, and ends in Bukit Lawang.

Due to a limited budget, I chose to use public transport through road traffic Pematangsiantar. From Berastagi I use the public bus leading to the city -Mother Kabanjahe Tanah Karo, with rates of less than 5 thousand dollars.

The Kabanjahe, I climbed the rural transport across brands. From the main road junction, I chose a motor rickshaw to get to the viewing post. From the viewing post you still have to travel by public transport or rickshaw to Tongging, the streets are declining.

For those of you who use private vehicles, trip to Sipiso-piso easier. From Berastagi, you will only takes about 2 hours. Landscapes and countryside in Tanah Karo is very interesting, unfortunately the road is not good. So, be careful.    

Travel Enjoy Lake Toba Samosir Island, Indonesia

The beauty of Lake Toba discussed will never run out of people. Viewed from any angle - both from Parapat, Tongging, and from Samosir Island - the lake is equally beautiful. This time I will give you the Lake Toba from within, from the island.

From Medan to Lake Toba
The most common route taken is through the tourist town of Parapat, which is located on the edge of Lake Toba. From Medan, the city can be reached in five hours by road, passing through the town Pematangsiantar.

When you want to use public transportation, you can take a bus or L-300 in Terminal Amplas Medan. My advice, choose a larger bus because a long journey and quite winding.

Along the way, especially when it is close to Parapat, the beautiful scenery of Lake Toba can begin to enjoy on the right side of the road. Welcome to Parapat, the gateway to the beauty of the island of Samosir!

Island area of approximately 630 square kilometers located in the middle of Lake Toba This can be achieved through two ports: Ajibata and Balige. As the larger ports, Ajibata provide transportation in the form of a ferry that can carry cars, trucks and other motor vehicles.

Just by spend around Rp 3 thousand, you can cross over to Tomok at Samosir in about 40 minutes. If you want to enjoy the scenery, take place in the upper deck of the ferry. When seen children swimming around the boat, throw coins, then they will swim scrambling to retrieve it.

When not driving, you can directly cross from Parapat to the inn that had been booked. Travel by motor boat was faster than the ferry, and directly take you to your destination. It costs Rp 5 thousand per person, but it might be if it is not a lot of passengers in the boat.

Tomok and Tuktuk
Tomok is the port village that became a transit vehicles from the island of Sumatra. The place is crowded with traditional markets and stalls. The attraction is there Tomok Tomb of King Sidabutar. When you walk about 45 minutes from Tomok, you will arrive at Tuktuk, tourist centers on the island. There is public transportation if you do not want to walk in the sun.

As a center of tourism in Samosir, Tuktuk providing various facilities, among others, accommodation, restaurants, shops, bicycle and motorcycle rental, gift shop, travel agency, also some bars.

Some lodgings to choose from, among others, Hotel Carolina, one of the largest and most famous in Samosir. The other is Tabo Cottages, famous for vegetarian dishes as well as homemade bread and cakes.

If you want comfort and quiet atmosphere, perhaps Horas Family House is the right choice. In addition, there is also Hotel Silintong, Thyesza, and Toledo Inn and Samosir Cottages. For one night, you spend the funds will not be much. You will only spend as much as Rp 100-250 thousand, depending on the selected accommodation facilities. 

 If you decide to stay in Tuktuk, you certainly will not spend any time in that place. Rent a bicycle and a motorcycle is the right choice for down the beauty of Lake Toba and Samosir Island, and do not miss Batak Toba culture. The rental fee typically ranges between $ 70-80 thousand.

In a trip around the island of Samosir, you can enjoy a panoramic view of green hills, paddy fields stretching, as well as a view of a quiet lake. All of these may be rare you get in a big city where you live.

In addition, the activity of villagers grain drying and transporting their crops will be very interesting sight.

Ambarita village can be reached by an hour's walk from Tuktuk, or about 20 minutes by boat. The village is interesting because the past Batak Toba still adheres to cannibalism. Now all that remains is a stone seat rows where the elders held a meeting to decide the fate of captured enemy.

The Simanindo, you have a chance to see relics of the king's house that has been converted into a museum with a replica of the surrounding villages. In one corner there are also tombs of kings Batak Toba fairly well maintained. From the shores of Lake Toba in Simanindo, you can also see a small island called Tao. If you are on a motorcycle, you can enjoy the beauty of Lake Toba Tao and from the edge of the dock.

Meanwhile, Pangururan can be reached for about 90 minutes by motorbike from Tuktuk or Tomok. A famous tourist attraction in Pangururan is Aek Rangat or hot water bath sourced from Mount Pusuk Buhit. This place is perfect to unwind after a day of touring the island of Samosir and enjoy the beauty of Lake Toba.

Vacation Travel Cloud, Come to Kawah Putih from Bandung, Indonesia

Wants to vacation in a country in the cloud? You do not need to fly high. Simply go to the White crater in the southern Bandung. Steam emerging from a volcanic lake is like a cloud effect.

This crater is one of two craters Patuha. According to history, the White crater was discovered by a German botanist Franz Wilhelm Junghuhn in 1837. White crater became one of the flagship attraction Regency Bandung in 1987. It used the crater is a sulfur mine, but has now stopped production.

Crater Lake is quite extensive, and it lies at 2,430 meters above sea level makes the temperature cool in this attraction. When the rainy season or late in the afternoon even more biting cold air.

One of the privileges of the crater lake White is the color that changes according to temperature and sulfur content. Sometimes the color is blue, sometimes green, sometimes brown. In general, whatever the color of the lake, the location is predominantly white. Even the stones that surround the crater had been turned into a whitish color. Therefore, it is suitable dubbed the country in the cloud.

The location of this crater in the middle of dense forest. The distance between the main gate to the lake is approximately 5 km by road is bad enough. But after a long journey from Bandung, coupled with a trip from the main gate, you will witness the spectacular sight. From the parking area, has been built cement steps were quite good. You have to go down the steps to reach the edge of the lake.

Once in the lake, tourists can walk to the right or left. When you come after the rain - which is quite often the case in Bandung and its surroundings - beware because the soil and rocks can be very slippery. The trees surrounding the lake leafless dry, add a magical effect Kawah Putih.

Tickets enter this area is not very expensive, ie USD 12,000 (normal day) and USD 15,000 (weekends) per person for the tourists in the country, and Rp 20,000 for foreign tourists. Unfortunately, the cost becomes much higher if you want to take a private car to the top. One car was subject to a fee of Rp 150,000 plus the cost per head. While the two-wheeled vehicles only charged Rp. 5000 plus the cost per head.

Maps

I wonder what the purpose tourism operators charge very high for this private car. Most likely is to "force" the visitors using special transport available to get to the location. I saw many tourists who look annoyed with the high cost of entry four-wheeled vehicle (I was one of them). Finally, many tourists who take a private car pick this transport. Fees charged only $ 5,000 roundtrip, so the cost of the ticket, per person only pay Rp 20,000. Much cheaper is not it?

White crater is not the only travel in southern Bandung area. If you had the opportunity to visit the White crater, you will pass through the village of Ciwidey which can be an option to look for a place to sleep. You can also visit Situ Patengan, a lake in the middle of tea gardens. In addition, not far from the main gate of the White crater, there Ranch Upas, camper location amid eucalyptus trees, which are commonly grown in the region. If you want a warm bath, attractions Cimanggu is not too far away.   

Travel Siung Beach, New Charm DI Yogyakarta from Indonesia

Siung is one of the beaches in Gunung Kidul regency, Yogyakarta. Although including most recently known, this beach has become a mainstay of the region. Not long ago, I visited the beach and realize its tourism potential.

Siung located in District Tepus, about 70 km from Yogyakarta. Unlike the beaches that had previously been known as Parangtritis, including short Siung. This beach is located in the basin length is only about 300-400 m. But herein lies precisely in its merits.

This short beach surrounded by big rocks colored black, mostly overgrown with vegetation and moss green. Alloy clear blue sea and coral greenery add to the beauty of this place panorama.

Cloves beach is not the most ideal for swimming because it overlooks the Indian Ocean. Topography is rocky and stony beaches and big waves also make it difficult to swim. No wonder the local government put up signs prohibiting swimming. However, of course you can still play around the water on the beach.

Another specialty of this beach is still the number of trees on the beach. You just rent a mat from the surrounding area and take shelter under the trees.

Besides suitable as a place to escape from the daily grind, Siung very suitable for those who have a hobby of photography. The beach is a short and limited corals actually a very interesting object.

When not mind sweat, you can follow the path on the left side of the beach to reach the top of the cliff. Approximately 10-15 minutes it takes to get to the top. From there, you will see the whole beach and big rocks on the left and right. Also visible Wediombo beach located on the east Siung.

In addition to being a tourist attraction and an interesting photo, the area around Siung also often used as a practice rock climbing. Students in Yogya nature lovers - and even out of town - often practiced here, utilizing the cliffs with varying sizes and diverse paths.

Because the new known in recent years, Siung not much visited by tourists. Sea water is still crystal clear, coral reefs are still free from the hands of ignorant humans.

Locals have built stalls, toilets and prayer rooms in this beach. In contrast to most of the tourist attractions, the prices on the coast is still quite normal so this beach can be a cheap option streets for you.

When the stomach began to coil, you can go to one of the stalls that lined the shore. Usually they provide instant noodles, rice and side dishes, as well as coconut ice. You also can ask the shop keeper to cook freshly caught fish fishermen.

Unfortunately, in this area many baby sharks arresting fishermen when the animal is one of the protected species.

With private vehicle from Yogya, you just go to Jalan Wonosari. From Yogya up to Wonosari, the capital of Gunung, it takes about 1-1.5 hours drive. Beware of uphill and winding road.

Up in Wonosari, you just follow the road to the Baron until the junction that leads to Siung. The total time required to achieve approximately 2-2.5 hours depending Siung transport modes and speed of your vehicle.

If you choose public transportation, you have to take a bus to the terminal Wonosari. There you have to change the direction Tepus or Jepitu minibus. The last stop you have to hire a motorcycle or taxi.

Because public transportation is still inadequate, this method is not recommended. You are coming from out of town better rent a bike / car in Yogya, and traveled alone to the intended location.

Do not worry, as almost the entire area of Yogyakarta, the access road to the remote places - including cloves and beaches around it - is a smooth asphalt road.

With a personal vehicle, you will also be easier to visit other beaches in the region, among others Sundak, Krakal, Wediombo and Sadeng. Let us to Yogya!

Ticket prices (formal charges)
People Rp 1000
Car Rp 1500
Motorcycle Rp 1000

parking
Car Rp 5000
Motorcycle Rp 2000 

Travel story-Beach Secret Beach in Phuket from Indonesia

If you are in Phuket, Patong beach trip can be frustrating. Millions of tourists every year crowd in the sand along two kilometers of it. Previously it beautiful beaches, but now dirty, noisy endlessly, many jet skis back and forth. "Splashes" of sand buggy cars will add to the discomfort, not to mention if not careful, we could be the "fall" of people who were parasailing. The choice is yours, do not want to experience this fun or sunbathe comfortably on some of the beaches of Phuket that not many people know.

1. Tri Trang Beach
Although the distance is only five minutes drive from Patong, tourists and Thai people have not heard much about this beach. Tri Trang Beach can be reached by renting a motorcycle or ride up into the hills at the southern end of Patong beach. Do not let escape notice signs leading to the Tri Trang. Long winding streets eventually leading to the beach Paradise. When taking a third of the way, stop and see along the right side of the road. There is a beautiful beach sand added the ranks of palm trees. Almost no fanfare people. Stop by for a cup of coffee or glass of pina colada in some bars. Tri Trang suitable for sunbathing but if you want to bathe in the sea, be careful of sharp rocks under the water.

2. Freedom beachMost people arrive at a deserted beach and litter-free is by boat. If you want to Freedom coast using a bicycle, we will pass through the trail and one or two jump gates, so it is easier if you pull out a few hundred baht to rent a boat from Patong. When you're cycling, look very clear sea water below. Waves on the beach Freedom including 'benign', suitable for swimming. Great snorkeling in the south. Lounge chairs and upscale restaurants are available, but we can also directly lying on the beach without having to spend money. The term "Freedom" appears because some tourists sunbathe freely without clothes.

3.Laem Singh BeachSo many people just passing through this beach when they were shot out of Patong. In fact, with down cliffs, you'll enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket. Laem Singh nicknamed "Secret Beach" - although the longer secret disappearing as more and more people know. most tourists just lazing on a sun lounger when this beach has crystal clear water, clean, complete with underwater life. The beach was divided by a large rock, you can walk or swim around it. Motorcycle parking near the trail and pay 20 baht. Alternatively, continue the journey by motorcycle to see matching corner and free parking. 

4. Banana BeachBanana Beach is located a little further up the west coast after the Bang Tao, and is well worth a visit. Use road leading luxury resort Trisara, from there you stay a little drive to the north. Pull off the road when you see a stretch of barbed wire. There is a steep footpath towards the shore. If a sunny day, at a distance will look banana-shaped rock in the distance. Clear sea water and the green of the hillsides can be enjoyed anytime. Snorkeling is very convenient because of the scarcity of boats and jet skis. This place is ideal for a relaxed beach lovers. 

5. Kalim BeachThis beach may not be the most beautiful in Phuket, but Kalim has the advantage that it can be visited on foot from Patong. The beaches are also free of merchants Asong. Right at the north end of Patong are not extensive sand beach and protected by rocky niches. This coral as Kalim fortress that protects you from merchant Asong. There is a range of street vendors offering food at a small bridge behind Kalim. The roar sounded vehicle because this beach is located near the main street of Patong and Kamala beaches. However, the beach is still suitable for those who want to get wet on the beach without the crowds and hubbub of visitors and without pollution scenery of large umbrellas. 

6. Nai Thon BeachNai Thon beach is broad and wide that we feel are in place relief and get privacy. Even children can play freely. When the tide, there is still shallow waters to remain wet at the northern end of the beach. Food prices 30-50% more expensive than other places, so pack a lunch or at least some munchies. 

7. Ya Nui beachLocated in between Promthep Cape and the long road to Kata beach. Ya Nui is actually two small beaches as the sand separated by rock split in two parts. Thais are many who vacation or fishing on this beach and there is also a restaurant for foreign tourists with a fat wallet. Ya Nui look harmless, but we could be sucked flows if not careful. There are many species of fish to enjoy the scenery, but beware of spiky coral and sea creatures terintip (barnacles). Some sharp rocks visible in the main part of the beach, so it is better to do first initial observation before entering the water.

8. Sai Khao beachThe beach is actually just a continuation of Mai Khao beach. The beach is largely undeveloped, luckily there are a few places stopover heading north end, so we could refuel and then continue the journey. Beware of water during the rainy season because the currents can be dangerous and there is no coast guard officer. If there is in Sai Khao, you can see the mangrove area on the side of the bridge towards the mainland.