Sewu Temple

Impian monalisa-Sewu temple is located just several hundred meters north east of Prambanan Temple.
It is a large and vast Buddhist temple including several other small temples like Lumbung, Asu, Bubrah and Lor Kulon Temple.

Sewu Temple complex located in the area of Prambanan Temple Park, about 800 meters to the north of Rara Jongrang Temples. Sewu Temple is the second largest Buddhist temple in central Java after Borobudur. The fact that this temple was built near Prambanan Temple, which is a Hindu temple, indicated that the Hindus and Buddhists lived in harmony.

It is believed to be a royal temple and was one of the religious activity centers in the past. Based on the inscription dated back to 792 AD which was found in 1960, the name of the temple complex was probably "Manjus’rigrha" (The House of Manjusri). Manjusri is one of Boddhisatva in Buddhist teaching. Sewu Temple was probably built in the 8th century at the end of Rakai Panangkaran administration. Rakai Panangkaran (746 AD – 784 AD) was a popular king from the old Mataram kingdom.The temple was studied firstly by HC Cornellius in 1807. The first archeological study was done by NJ Krom in 1923.

The massive restoration was carried out from April 1, 1983 to 1993 costed 3 billion rupiah.Sewu Temple complex has 249 temples, consists of one main temple, 8 "Apit" temples and 240 "Perwara" temples. The main temple forms a polygon of 20 corners with 29 meters diameter and 30 meters high. Most of the structures were made up of andesit stone.

The main temple has 1 main room and 4 small rooms of which are doorways to the temple. The east door serves as main door to the main room. That way, the main temple faces to the east. The structure has 9 ‘roofs’, each of them forms a stupa on the top.

Borobudur Temple

Impian monalisa-Borobudur temple is the biggest stupa ever created on earth. It was built in the most glorious time of the Syailendra dynasty.

Borobudur Temple is one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world. This colossal relic of Borobudur Temple was built by Sailendra dynasty between 750 and 842 AD; 300 years before Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, 400 years before work had begun on the great European cathedrals. Little is known about its early history except that a huge tropical heat to shift and carve the 60,000 Cu m of stone.Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles revealed Borobudur Temple in 1814.

He found the temple in ruin condition and ordered that the site be cleared of undergrowth and thoroughly surveyed. The massive restoration project began from 1905 to 1910 led by Dr. Tb. van Erp. With the help of UNESCO, the second restoration to rescue Borobudur was carried out from August 1913 to 1983.The overall height of Borobudur was 42 meters, but it is only 34.5 meters now (after restoration), and has the dimension of 123 x 123 meters. The building has 10 floors or levels: Hhumtcambharabudara, the mountain of the accumulation of virtue in the ten stages of Bodhisatva. Borobudur is located 41 km northwest of Yogyakarta, 7 km south of Magelang, Central Java.

Parang Tritis Beach

Impian monalisa-Parang tritis beach located about 27 kilometers from Yogyakarta. Parangtritis is an enchanting sloping beach combined with rocky hills, dunes and white sandy beach.

Beside being famous as recreational spot. there also a sacred place. Many people come to the beach to do meditation.
In the western part of Parangtritis, Labuan ceremony is held every year in Parangkusomo beach.

Local people believe that the beach is the meeting place between the kings of Mataram and Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, the Goddess of the south sea.

Above Parangtritis in the direction of Panggang, you can find Gambirowati Plateau
This spot provides very beautiful view of endless horizon. Another attraction place near Parangtritis beach is Langse Cave.
Langse Cave located in the eastern side of Parangtritis and used to be a meditation place too.
The mouth of the cave is under a steep clifd, facing the open sea.

In south of Yogyakarta you can found many beautiful beaches. There are Baron Beach (about 60 kilometers from Yogyakarta), Krakal beach (9 kilometers from Baron beach), Wediombo Beach (eastern side of Krakal Beach), Glagah beach (40 kilometers south west of Yogyakarta) and Congot Beach (45 kilometers of Yogyakarta) at the western side of Glagah beach.

Bali and its culture

Impian monalisa-The culture of Bali is unique. People say that the Balinese people have reached self-content. It is not an exaggeration that when a Balinese is asked what heaven is like, he would say, just like Bali, without the worries of mundane life. They want to live in Bali, to be cremated in Bali when they die, and to reincarnate in Bali.

It does not mean that the Balinese resist changes. Instead, they adapt them to their own system. This goes back far in history. Prior to the arrival of Hinduism in Bali and in other parts of Indonesia, people practised animism. When Hinduism arrives, the practice of Hinduism is adapted to local practices. The brand of Hinduism practised in Bali is much different from that in India. Other aspects of life flow this way.

Traditional paintings, faithfully depicting religious and mythological symbolisms, met with Western and modern paintings, giving birth to contemporary paintings, free in its creative topics yet strongly and distinctively Balinese. Its dance, its music, and its wayang theaters , while have been continually enriched by contemporary and external artistry, are still laden with religious connotations, performed mostly to appease and to please the gods and the goddesses. Wood and stone carvings, gold and silver crafts parallel the development of paintings, gracefully evolving with external forces to enhance their characters. The batik of Bali owes its origin to Java, and inspired the development of ikat and double ikat.

Parangtritis

Impian monalisa-The images we have of gorgeous beaches everywhere in the world are similar: rocky cliffs and sand hit regularly by rolling waves under a clear blue sky. On a clear morning or evening, the beaches are a great place to stroll while watching sunrise or set. Not all beaches, however, have a unique tale behind them. One of the few that does is Parangtritis Beach in Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia.

Located about 35 km to the south of Yogyakarta, Parangtritis Beach has long been famous, not only as a beach resort where sand-dunes, sandy beaches and rocky cliffs meet, but also as a historical place closely linked to the mysterious legend of the Queen of the South Sea, "Kanjeng Ratu Kidul". Together with her confidant, the feared Nyai or Nyi Roro Kidul, the ever youthful and beautiful queen, Kanjeng Ratu Kidul reigns over sea-nymphs and spirits.

The legends say that Kanjeng Ratu Kidul was married to one of the Mataram Monarchs, Panembahan Senopati, whom she visited and communed with on certain occasions.

On certain days known as Suro in the Javanese calender, locals have a ceremonial procession, with many seen presenting offerings on the beach in honour of the Nyai Roro Kidul and Queen of the South Sea. During the day, many visit the beach and hold what is known locally as tirakatan (one-day fasting) as they pray for their wishes to be fulfilled. People in black are frequently seen sitting on the beach in a meditating pose the whole night. Locals who have meditated on the beach have said that through meditating they could see a green dragon and Nyi Roro Kidul, who remains young and beautiful. "The dragon danced before my eyes," one local said in a convincing voice. Another admitted that he meditated there so that he could meet the ever-youthful and beautiful Nyi Roro Kidul. "I can even communicate with spirits here," he added.

The legend of Nyi Roro Kidul herself is very popular. Before turning into a nymph, Nyai Roro Kidul was a young princess named Dewi Kandita, the daughter of King Mundangwangi and his first wife. The popularity of Dewi Kandita and her mother Dewi Rembulan was beyond doubt. They were known for their beauty, kindness and friendliness, and people loved them. However, the misery of their lives began when Dewi Mutiara, another wife of King Mundangwangi, known locally as selir, became green with envy and grew ambitions to become the first wife, thereby deserving full affection and attention from the king.

Dewi Mutiara's dream came true when one day she bore the son that the king had long been yearning for. Through the assistance of a witch, Dewi Mutiara made the king's wives Dewi Rembulan and Dewi Kandita suffer from 'strange' disease, with their bodies covered with scabies that created the odour of fish. The disease led them to be sent into exile in the forest where later Dewi Rembulan died. After a long, hard and helpless journey, the scabies-covered Dewi Kandita eventually arrived at a beach where she met a young, handsome man who promised to cure her illness. At the request of the young man, Dewi Kandita chased after him as he ran along the beach. When she reached the water, the man disappeared and, to her surprise, all the scabies had disappeared but, strangely, she could not move her legs. Half her body, from the waist down, had turned into the body of a fish.

Since then she became a sea-nymph, and the locals believe that Nyi Roro Kidul is the manifestation of Dewi Kandita. Want to see Nyi Roro Ridul? Then try meditating the whole night there as locals have suggested.

Freediving Clearwater Beach Florida is my new life

Impian Monalisa-Yeah I know that the surf has been going off in SoCal and the DP crew has been representing, I also know that Stefan rolled into SD just in time to connect with a small leftover swell and a new Arakawa. I still am adjusting to Florida, but I do have something new to be excited about.

FREEDIVING

It is the shit. It is my new deal. Scuba is cool, and spearfishing while scuba diving is cool, but free diving is unreal. It's gangster, it's raw, and it is physically demanding.

Me (Indian Rocks Beach) and the crew: Travis Ward (Belleair), Hassan (Clearwater) and Mike Cantonis (Tampa) rolled out to a reef off of sand key fl for what was originally planned as a kingfishing trip. When we got the boat all geared up we also threw some spearfishing gear on board just in case, god I am lucky we did. We set out on our journey with a visit to the mile marker off of clearwater beach to get bait with the castnet. After two big hauls of whitefish bait and one shredded net after a greedy toss, we headed out to one of the many offshore reefs of pinellas county. This particular reef is about 9 miles off the beach and it sits in about 42 feet of water. When we arrived, there were about 6 boats on the reef so I did not really expect to do much freediving. To me 42 feet seemed like an impossible depth to dive on my first freediving trip, and we were loaded down with bait and fishing gear.

We looked around for a few minutes and dropped a few lines in the water with little success, and decided to wander further over on the reef to get away from the crowd. Hassan (aka) Hoss jumped in with speargun in tow and was scouting from the surface and quickly landed a massive amberjack while just snorkeling. When we pulled it into the boat the rest of us were so amped to get into the water, but the thing about AJ's is, they just don't want to die, that fish roared back to life and gave cantonis and ward-o a good smackin before going in the ice box.

We anchored up: hoss, wardo and I got into the water and cantonis line fished off the boat.

I was nervous and excited as I swam around looking into the blue sapphire sparkling abyss.

Hoss and ward were disappearing into the depths for what seemed like an eternity and returning with all sorts of gilled prey at the end of their spears (more aj's, grouper, hogfish, some type of snapper). I could not get my ears to clear at first, and honestly my heart was beating so fast I could not hold my breath that long. I was hitting around the 18ft mark looking around and heading back to the top. I knew it was going to take allot more for me to make it down. I started to think about the hypnosis tracks that I listen to before bed, and tried to visualize what I would do at the bottom and how comfortable I would feel down there. I settled down emotionally. Now it was time to do some work.

Attempt after attempt I came closer and closer to the bottom meanwhile the boys were pillaging. After some effort I finally found my way to the bottom. I can't accurately describe how far the surface seems from that depth, but for me it looked like 400ft not 40. After a few more successful touch and go's I started to cruise down there and actually hunt for fish. The trick is to not look up while you are hunting on the bottom, because for me, as soon as I looked up I saw how far it was to the top, and then I dart for the surface. So I think you have to chill out, hunt, and then head for the surface when you body tells you to get air, not your brain.

http://www.donkeypatrol.com/2008/1

Jimbaran,Bali

Restaurants on the beach near Jimbaran
Jimbaran Location in Indonesia
Coordinates: 8°46′10″S 115°10′26″E / -8.76944, 115.17389
Country	Indonesia
Province	Bali

Jimbaran is a fishing village and tourist resort in Bali, Indonesia. Located just at the south of Ngurah Rai International Airport, the beach is cluttered with seafood restaurants and some of the finest luxury hotels in the world. Tourism in Jimbaran has increased rapidly that has boosted local economy, but it suffered by the 2005 Bali bombings where the bomb exploded in one of the restaurants in Jimbaran.

Jimbaran lies on the 'neck' of the southern peninsula in Bali and is widely known for the fresh seafood kiosks that are scattered along the beach. Diners select the live seafood that they wish to eat, and it is immediately prepared, generally grilled over a fire of coconut husks rather than charcoal.

Kuta is a town in southern Bali, Indonesia.

Kuta mainstreet
Location in Bali
Kuta Location in Indonesia
Coordinates: 8°44′S 115°10′E / -8.733, 115.167
Country	Indonesia
Province	Bali

Kuta is a town in southern Bali, Indonesia. A former fishing village, it was one of the first towns on Bali to see substantial tourist development, and as a beach resort remains one of Indonesia's major tourist destinations. It is known internationally for its long sandy beach, varied accommodation, many restaurants and bars, and substantial Australian population. It is located near Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport.

Kuta was the site of the October 12, 2002 Bali bombing (202 killed) and the October 1, 2005 Bali bombing (26 killed).

Kuta is now the center of an extensive tourist-oriented urban area that merges into the neighboring towns. Legian, to the north, is the commercial hub of Kuta and the site of many restaurants and entertainment spots. Most of the area's big beachfront hotels are in the southern section of Tuban.

Legian and Seminyak are northern extensions of Kuta along Jl. Legian and Jl. Basangkasa. They are somewhat quieter suburbs with cottage-style accommodations, where many of the expat crowd live. Also to the north are Petitenget, Berawa, Canggu, and Seseh - new and quieter continuations of Kuta's beach. They are easy to reach through Abian Timbul or Denpasar and Kerobokan. Several large hotels are located in this area: the Oberoi Bali, Hard Rock Hotel Bali, the Intan Bali Village, the Legian in Petitenget, the Dewata Beach and the Bali Sani Suites in Berawa.

To the south, Kuta Beach extends beyond the airport into Jimbaran. Other nearby towns and villages include Seseh (6.4 nm), Denpasar (4.5 nm), Ujung (1.8 nm), Pesanggaran (2.0 nm), Kedunganan (2.9 nm) and Tuban (1.0 nm).

The Balinese Provincial Government have taken the view that the preservation of the Balinese culture, natural resources and wildlife are of primary importance in the development of the island. To this end they have limited tourist development to the peninsula on the extreme southern aspect of the island; Kuta beach is on the western side of this peninsula and Sanur is on the east. To the north of the peninsula no new tourist development is supposedly permitted.

Coastal Sunset of Kuta

Journey today still in order to Kuta Karnival which to 5 that goes on till 9 September come. performed by event is this evening that is show of music of dangdut as well as dancer sexy. Fair to middling to yeah amuse also, more than anything else see its audience at exclaiming all
At the same time enjoy show of music, we can enjoy view of famous sunset in coast of Kuta. Moment that's many tourist immortalizing that moment. A lot are scrambling for photo with background of sunset sun alias sink
Finally sun return to confronting along event of Kuta Karnival today end and continued tomorrow day.

two people is enjoying sun set in Field coast

two people is enjoying sun set in Field coast. both engrossing to see and enjoy sun seconds sink. if you interest to enjoying him please come to Field. west sumatera.

sun sink in coast of Padang,

sun atmosphere sink in field coast. this view of everybody might not will enjoy him. but is definitive of whoever will get sun sink to differ. possible some people will get sun sink more beautiful.
if you interest to enjoy sun sink in coast of Padang, hence best road;street is coming to field and enjoy.

Skiing at Mount Bachelor, a West Coast favorite

Impian Monalisa-A skier dropping off of a cornice from the summit at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort near Bend, Ore. (AP/Mt. Bachelor, Inc.)

Deep powder is standard issue at Mount Bachelor, a West coast favorite that averages 400 inches of snow per season, just 20 miles from the outdoors haven of Bend, Oregon.

Framed by towering ponderosas and crackling pines, Bend is home to world-class cyclists, triathletes, kayakers and rock climbers.

The local population has quadrupled in the past 20 years, but the town's core of 70,000 are friendly and eager to get outside and play.

Named one of the five best little ski towns in America by Travel + Leisure magazine's December issue, and one of Outside magazine's best towns last year, Bend is surrounded by 2 million acres of national forest, roaring rivers and of course, the Cascade Mountains.

A logging town that hasn't forgotten its roots, the earthy, laid-back community has Craftsman-style architecture, a buzzing downtown and an exceptional culinary scene.

More than half of the people here have a dog, and you're likely to see Subarus with roof racks crowding nearly every parking lot in town.

On the slopes, there are 10 lifts, several terrain parks, more than 31 miles of Nordic trails, and a tubing hill.

At a little over 9,000 feet, this is a mountain known for exceptionally long seasons that stretch into May. It's also a dormant volcano that regularly breathes steam through tiny cracks. The vents are so small, you ski right over them, but the heat melts snow around the crevices, which can be seen if you happen to look.

Lift tickets are $58 ($69 on Saturdays and on holidays) for adults and $14 to $17 for Nordic skiing.

On the mountain's cloudy days, skiers should try the Outback chair, on the northwest shoulder of the mountain, where conditions are often pristine and runs feature the best moguls.

Boarders will likely feel at home in the Superpipe, which has been home to the Chevy Truck US Snowboard Grand Prix and 2006 Olympic Qualifier.

Both boarders and skiers alike should hit up the Summit chair on clear days . Bombing down the longest run on the mountain is a 3,365-foot straight shot with breathtaking views that make the chilly ride to the top well worth it.

The Pine Marten Lodge at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort near Bend, Ore. (AP/Mt. Bachelor, Inc.)

If you get hungry, try the mid-mountain Pine Marten Lodge's Scapolo's for lunch, and at the end of the day, the Clearing Rock Bar in the West Village Lodge.

Back in town, there are a lot of choices.

With more than six homegrown breweries, nightlife in this town is defined by grabbing a pint and warming up by the fire. Check out Deschutes Brewery, 1044 Bond St., which features more than 18 taps. Be sure to try Jubelale, a seasonal winter ale brewed for just a few months each year during the holiday season.

But if you tire of long lines at Deschutes, head down the street to the Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave, which offers the cheapest craft brews in town at $3.

For dinner, wander downtown to grab a bite at Merenda, 900 NW Wall St., for tapas-style offerings of small plates and an extensive wine bar.

Other surefire bets are Zydeco, 185 SE Third St., where fresh local ingredients, northwest flare and Cajun spice collide, and The Decoy Bar and Grill, 1051 Bond St., a newcomer that's turning heads.

For meals that are easier on the wallet, check out Parilla Grill, 635 NW 14th St., and order the fish tacos, made with fresh snapper, with the "rerecommendations." The homemade corn salsa, cheese, and special sauce make this a meal to remember.

After the sun goes down, there's still plenty to keep you busy.

Head to McMenamin's Old St. Francis, 700 NW Bond St., a Catholic school turned hotel (doubles from $104). In addition to a billiards room, Turkish soaking bath and cigar bar, the downtown hotspot is home to concerts and shows $3 movies in a theater filled with couches. The staff will deliver pizza and beer right to your seat during the show.

Outdoors lovers may want to hook up with Wanderlust Tours — http://www.wanderlusttours.com — to spend a night trekking on a moonlight snowshoe tour or relaxing by a bonfire on the snow.

Or, for a winter classic, head up to the Seventh Mountain Resort — http://www.seventhmountain.com — and strap on some ice skates to twirl under the lights on an old-school outdoor rink.

After a solid night's sleep - try McMenamin's or Sunriver Resort, http://www.sunriver-resort.com - it's likely snow hounds will be ready to get back on the slopes.

Save on gas and grab the mountain's Super Shuttle ($7 one way), which leaves almost every hour from the Bend Park-N-Ride on the corner of Simpson and Colorado.

Before you go, don't forget to grab the most important meal of the day. Locals suggest the Victorian Cafe, 1404 NW Galveston Ave., for eggs Benedict and Bloody Marys that draw crowds each weekend.

For a breakfast on the go, try Nancy P's Baking Company, 1054 NW Milwaukie Ave., home of killer marionberry scones and a yogurt parfait that will keep you full until nightfall.

If some of your crew is staying in town, stop by the Old Mill District, the former site of the Brooks-Scanlon Mill, now a vibrant 49-store shopping complex in the heart of Bend's west side.

Farther south you'll find Factory Outlets, 61334 S. Highway 97, where bargain-hunters can grab deals from Oregon-based Columbia Sportswear and Nike.

For kids, the Working Wonders Children's Museum, http://www.workingwonders.org, or High Desert Museum, http://www.highdesertmuseum.org, are great ways to spend the afternoon.

Or, if you're looking for a family adventure, visit the Oregon Trail of Dreams, 800-829-2442, where musher Jerry Scdoris leads daily dogsled trips.

Although real estate and second-home development has softened here as elsewhere with the economic downturn, Bend is still a slam dunk for skiers and boarders looking for a weekend getaway. And despite all of its tourist draws and attractions, the town hasn't lost its hometown feel.

___

If You Go...

MOUNT BACHELOR: About 20 miles from Bend, Ore., and 185 miles from Portland. Ski resort: http://www.mtbachelor.com/ or 800-829-2442. Check Web site for "ski free" with lodging packages. Lift ticket, $58 daily ($69 Saturdays and holidays). Discounts for teenagers, children, seniors and adaptive skiers.

Mount Rinjani

Impian monalisa-Mount Rinjani or Gunung Rinjani is an active volcano in Indonesia on the island of Lombok. It rises to 3,726 m (12,224 ft), making it the second highest volcano in Indonesia. The first historical eruption occurred in September of 1847. The most recent eruption of Mount Rinjani was on 1 October 2004.

1995 eruption

The 6 km by 8.5 km oval-shaped caldera is filled partially by a crater lake known as Segara Anak ('Child of the Sea') and is approximately 2000m above sea level and estimated at being around 200m deep);^[1] the caldera also contains hot springs. The eruptions of 1994, 1995, and 1996 have formed a small cone, Gunung Baru (or 'New Mountain' - approximately 2300m above sea level) in the center of the caldera and lava flows from these eruptions have entered the lake.

The highlands are forest clad and mostly underdeveloped. The lowlands are highly cultivated. Rice, soybeans, coffee, tobacco, cotton, cinnamon, and vanilla are the major crops grown in the fertile soils of the island.

The volcano and the caldera are protected by a national park established in 1997. Tourism is increasingly popular ^[2] with trekkers able to visit the rim, make their way into the caldera or even to make the more arduous climb to the highest point; ^[3] fatalities, however, are not uncommon. ^[4]

Mount Rinjani Trekking

Impian monalisa-Mount Rinjani (3726 m) is part of Rinjani National Park (RNP), and the third highest mountain peak in Indonesia. It's actually still an active volcano. Its last eruption was in 1910. It's not only a recommended choice for mountain hikers, but also a sacred place to both, Balinese and native Sasak people. A sacred mountain, which believed as a place with indefinable mysteries. Like other National Parks, it's an interesting place for those whoe are interested in natural heritage environment and ecology. With its huge rainforest, considered as a unique laboratories of evolution and havens of biodiversity. As an active volcano Mt. Rinjani, is a potential place for geological research and has given contribution to science development. A mountaineering sportclub with years of experience offers your package programmes to explore a great creation of nature. This trekking tour programs have been created by our experienced mountaineers and give your some choice to be part of nature or just enjoying its magical. If your are hikers, Mt. Rinjani is a must ! Yet we fail it everyday in countless ways. Mankind ownes the nature the best it has to give. WARNING All activity which may cause serious damage to nature and considered as potential threat to the ecosystem and environment is forbidden. We do appreciate your cooperation to protect our Mount Rinjani National Park from pollution physical habitat degradation and other forms of environment degradations.

Lake Matano

Impian Monalisa-Lake Matano (Indonesian: Danau Matano), also known as Matana, is a natural lake in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is the deepest lake in Indonesia (ranked by maximum depth), and the 8th deepest lake in the world. It is located at 2°29′7″S 121°20′0″E / -2.48528, 121.33333Coordinates: 2°29′7″S 121°20′0″E / -2.48528, 121.33333.
Lake Matano is home to many species of endemic fish and other animals as well as many plants. The endemic fishes of Matano have been compared to that of the species swarms of the Rift Valley Lakes of Africa. While not as diverse, they are thought to have all arisen from a single ancestor species and diversified into numerous different species, which now fill many of the previously vacant ecological niches.
Despite Lake Matano's remote location, it is the site of Pt. INCO, one of the largest nickel mines in the world, which carries out strip mining in the surrounding rainforest. The company cuts down trees and strips the topsoil to be baked in kilns to extract the nickel. Not only has this led to massive damage to the unique rainforest of the area but it has also had serious detrimental effects on the lake, with far higher sediment loads in the rivers feeding into Lake Matano, often with toxic levels of mining waste. The waters of Lake Matano are exceptionally clear, visibility is good, and many of the fish species are highly dependent on visual cues and colour perception for their mating behaviour. If the sediment washing into the lake continues to increase, the likelihood is that many of these endemic species will be lost.

Lake Maninjau

The Maninjau caldera was formed by a volcanic eruption estimated to have occurred around 52,000 years ago.^[1] Deposits from the eruption have been found in a radial distribution around Maninjau extending up to 50 km to the east, 75 km to the southeast, and west to the present coastline. The deposits are estimated to be distributed over 8500 km² and have a

Lake Maninjau has an area of 99.5 km², being approximately 16 km long and 7 km wide. The average depth is 105 m, with a maximum depth of 165 m. The natural outlet for excess water is the Antokan river, located on the west side of the lake. It is the only lake in Sumatra which has a natural outlet to the west coast. Since 1983 this water has been used to generate hydroelectric power for West Sumatra.

Most of the people who live around Lake Maninjau are ethnically Minangkabau. Villages on the shores of the lake include Maninjau and Bayur.

Maninjau is a notable tourist destination in the region due to its scenic beauty and mild climate. It is also used as a site for paragliding.

The lake is used for aquaculture, using karamba floating net cages. The technique was introduced in 1992, and by 1997 there were over 2,000 cage units with over 600 households engaged. Each cage may have 3-4 production cycles each year. There is evidence of pollution around some karamba area.

On the edge of the lake, the landuse includes rice fields in the swamps and the lower slopes. The villages are bordered uphill by a large belt of forestlike tree gardens, which dissolves into the upper montane forest on the steepest parts of the slopes up to the ridge of the caldera.^[3]

The tree gardens include three typical components:^[3]

• Fruit trees including durian, jack fruit, cempedak, rambutan, langsat, golden berries and water apples.
• Timber species including Toona sinensis and Pterospermum javanicum.
• Spice trees including cinnamon, coffee, nutmeg and cardamum.

Kelimutu

Impian Monalisa-Kelimutu is a volcano, close to the town of Moni in central Flores Island of Indonesia containing three summit crater lakes of varying colors. Tiwu Ata Mbupu (Lake of Old People) is usually blue and is the westernmost of the three lakes. The other two lakes, Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (Lake of Young Men and Maidens) and Tiwu Ata Polo (Bewitched or Enchanted Lake) are separated by a shared crater wall and are typically green or red in color, respectively. The lake colors do vary on a periodic basis. Subaqueous fumaroles are the probable cause of active upwelling that occurs at the two eastern lakes.^[1]

The lake have been a source of minor phreatic eruptions in historical time. The summit of the compound 1639-m-high Kelimutu volcano is elongated two km in a WNW-ESE direction; the older cones of Kelido and Kelibara are located respectively three km to the north and two km to the south. The scenic lakes are a popular tourist destination.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelimutu

Senggigi Beach - Lombok

Impian Monalisa-The town of Senggigi spreads out along nearly 10 kilometers of coastal road. This road continues north to Bangsal, port for the Gili Islands. Along the way be in store for winding turns, steep hills, and a fantastic scenery of the coast.

GETTING AROUND

Coming from airport, taxi service available at the counter desk of the arrival gate. Fares are fixed.

Coming from Lembar harbour, you can pre-order a metered taxi service (Lombok Taxi tel: 627000 or Lendang Express Taxi tel: 644444).

There are plenty of activities you can do to complete your holiday. Sightseeing or touring organized by reputable local tour operators is the best option to discover what Lombok has to offer. Renting a car or motor cycle is also good alternative to get around, either self-driving, or with a driver so you can relax and enjoy the view. Car rental in Lombok is more expensive than Bali. Tip driver pocket money for meals if you stop for lunch or diner. If you are pleased with service, tip the driver or local guide at the end. If you collide with anything, or it collides with you, you are responsible for all costs.

Self drive cars are available in Senggigi and Mataram. You must have a valid Tourist, Indonesian or International Driving License. Test drive the car before paying in advanced. Take the Insurance coverage for vehicle damages. Book a car through reputable Car rental which includes insurance coverage in the price. TRAC (Toyota Rent a Car) located near Mataram Airport if you wish to get a good condition (well maintained) of car + full insurance.

INFORMATION

Senggigi Post Office located on the main street of Senggigi, opposite from Pamour Art & Antique shop. Health Centre or Puskesmas located near Hotel Puri Saron. Drugstore or Apotik available next to the gate of Intan Lombok Hotel. Dentist available at Meninting Puskesmas 10 minutes drive from Senggigi towards direction to the airport.

Bank BNI available during office hours 5 days a week located near the Post Office. ATM's (Automatic Teller Machine) are easy to find. ATM BCA, ATM BNI, ATM Mandiri are available, you can swift your credit card and withdraw local currency IDR (Rupiah).

Police office located in Senggigi Art Market, near The Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort. Telephone Service (Wartel) available near Melati Dua Hotel. Internet Cafes are: Millenium Internet (opposite Papaya Restaurant) and Star Internet Service located in Senggigi Plaza with dedicated broadband speed at reasonable rates. Cellular phone in Indonesia is GSM and CDMA. If you have brought your cellular handphone, you can purchase prepaid calling cards to make outgoing calls at lower cost than calling on your home SIM. Shops which sell these cards are prolific. Major service providers are: Telkomsel, Satelindo and XL Ritel. Look for signs and banners with those markings.

Money changers are available almost in every corner of Senggigi. Double count your money before leaving the money changers to get the accurate amount. Hotel reception also change foreign money with lower rates.

Mini markets are located next to Bank BNI and near the Papaya Cafe.

Local Indonesian Foods sells nasi campur and warung Padang can be found right opposite from Taman Restaurant and another one is Rumah Makan Senang next to Bank BNI. During the night time, you can find the famous Nasi Goreng at Warung Cak Poer.

Tipping

Most larger hotels and restaurants automatically add Government Tax and Service charge up to 21% to the bill. Tipping is expected in main tourist area, but you're not compelled to tip at restaurants. If you like your driver or local tour guide, a tip of 10-15% is appreciated. Carry small changes with you as taxi drivers often have none. Airport or hotel porters expect Rp. 2000 - 10,000 per bag depending on the size and weights.

Disabled

Wheelchair ramps and van lifts are non existent. Many major hotels have limited handicapped facilities and accommodation. Advise your tour operators or hotel for special assistance.

Source: http://www.lombok-network.com/senggigi/

KUTA BEACH and SOUTH LOMBOK

The best-known place on the south coast is Lombok's Kuta Beach (Sometime spelt Kute Beach) a magnificent stretch of white sand and blue sea with rugged hills rising around it, famous for its surfing spots.

Kuta Beach Lombok attract visitors for its beautiful virgin beaches and surfing spots. Surfers from all over the world find Kuta Lombok as a surfer paradise. South coast of Lombok is famous for the high waves and Kuta Lombok is a good base for the surfers.

Many visitors come back year after year to surf the famous Kuta waves. Whether you are an experienced surfer or a beginner you will find the surf spot for you. Surf boards & boogie boards are available to rent or bring your own. You will need transport to the waves from Kuta, most guests choose to rent motorcycles which come with a special surf rack attached.

The new International Airport is now being developed and big plans to develop a whole stretch of the superb south coast with luxury hotels. After many years of speculation there are signs something is happening, with the road from Praya completely remade and big new road running to as yet undeveloped beaches. Meanwhile, Kuta and South Lombok is now getting famous and raise visitor's curiosity.

HOW TO GET THERE

1. Public Transportation from Mataram to Kuta

Take a minibus from the bus terminal (Mandalika) to Praya, then swift to bemo to Sengkol, then swift another bemo to Kuta. Prices are change every year especially the "Fuel Raise" in Indonesia also affect the land transportation fares. Tips: use your negotiation skills before entering the car, as if they see tourist, they charge double or even unrealistic fare.

2. Shuttle Bus

To eliminate hassle and bustle, shuttle bus could be one of a good option, eventhough travel time can be long because the bus will have many stop over dropping and picking up other passangers from their hub/offices in main tourist attraction like Senggigi or Bangsal Harbour.

3. Taxi Service

This could be another good option. Metered taxi available upon request or just waive your hand and tell them where to go. It could be pricy for a long distance journey.

4. Private Pick Up & Transfer Service

This could be one of the best option if you wish to enjoy your holiday without hassle and bustle. You can pre-book a private transfer service to reputable local tour operator at a reasonable rates or contact Lombok Network Holidays for an assistance by phone: +62 370 6628139, or SMS: +62 81 8369619. Traveling in the group and share the fares will make it even much cheaper. Source:http://www.lombok-network.com/kuta/

SIANOK CANYON

Impian Monalisa-The sianok Canyon or Sianok grand Canyon at the western part of the town makes a profound impression of visitors. The is small river winding down in the middle of the valley.

There are two volcanic mountains nearby which formed the legend of the villagers, there was a conflict between two leaders of the tribe named Datuk Bandaro and Datuk Sati hundred years ago. Datuk Bandaro structed his stick on the land angrily, and the water came and brought the land down the stream. The result was a deep valley formed and the land of Datuk Sati lacked water

Standing in panorama, one can watch a small street crossing the river to a village-Koto Gadang is famous for its silver works and hand embroidery.There national leaders of Indonesia from this village as St.Syahrir, H Agus salim etc. source: http://yul-jambak.blogspot.com/

BUKITTINGGI A TOURIST TOWN

Impian Monalisa-Having cool and pleasant climate with interesting view of the Sianok canyon. Bukittinggi is visited by many visitors all year round. Leaders and scientists both from home and broad held comfrences Tri Arga, Convention Hall of Hatta, and Convention hall of Hatta’s Library.

Bukittinggi is the center of Tourism in West Sumatera completed by hotel, restaurant and Souvenir Shops. The last information of tourist information office Bukittinggi is visited by 200.000 tourist each year.

The shopping center Pasar Atas was on fire in 1968 drugstores and book stores burned off. The famous “ loos Galung “ with its steel construction buildt in 1850 by Dutch government was also burned “ Right after the accident the the government rebuilt the shops and other facilities, therefore, in 1970 president Soeharto inaugrated the new reestablished market.

The bus station in Aur Kuning was built in 1980 and at the same time some facilities for shopping were also built. In short the new market palce was built.

Hundred meters from Pasar Atas, on Jln. Cindua mato, Mr. Skalleg, a Dutch, established a zoo on Bukit Malambuang completed with a Minangkabau traditional house with two rice store houses in front of it The Traditional house also functions as a museum containing Minangkabau antiques and historical articles.Bukittinggi is small town located in a plateau at the feet of Mt.Merapi and Mt.singgalang . there are about twenty hills in the town ; Bukit Malambung, Cubadak Bungkuk, Labuh Babalik, Sangkuik, Ciik Anjing, Kandang Kabau, Sarang Gagak, Located Around “Pasar Atas”.The hills next to Anak Air and Mandiangin are Bukit Campago, Mandiangin, paruik natung, guguk bulek, and the last group are bukit pauh, lampasa, ponggok, palolok mantari tujuh etc. Hence, this lovely little town called “Bukittinggi” meaning high hills or hilly town.

The first inhabitants of the town according to the legend were the Kurai tribe who came to Bukittinggi from Batu Sangkar by Koto Baru and Banuhampu, it is believed by the people of Kurai and Banuhampu that they practice the same customes. The second group came from Batu Sangkar via Baso near Tanjung Alam, they took arrest in padang Kurai in Baso. Later they walked forward to Tigo Baleh Bukittinggi.

The people of Kurai embrace Islam and at the same time they pratice Minangkabau culture as well as the people through out Minangkabau. The coming of European at the beginning of nineteenth century distrurbed the stillness of the society. On July 16, 1818 Thomas St. raffles inspected Minangkabau which had been visited by Dutch before. It was the beginning of the conflicts.

The coming of several Imams from Mecca namely Tuanku Nan Renceh, Tuanku Piobang, Haji Miskin and Haji Pamansiangan made renewal in religious faith; they refused to accept some types of customs related to the Hinduism like cock fighting, gambling and so on. The conflicts between Panghulu and the Imams invited Ducth soldiers. In 1825 Dutch soldiers esta-blished fortress on Bukit Labuh Babalik on which the office town secretary and government offices were built later. In 1854, the Chinese and Indians arrived in Bukittinggi. It was beginning of town establishment.

In 1890 the secretary of the town the secretary of the town spent as much as f.4,000 to import steel contruction for “ Loos Galung “ building facing Janjang Ampek Puluh in Pasar Atas.

In 1990 the town government borrowed money from Bank of the Nederlands Indies as much as f.12,000, for building the facilities on Pasar Lereng, therefore, each owner of the shop should pay f.1, every year.

In 1915 the town hall was built near the Zoo; the secretary of the town was administered here. There was building beside this building used for storing salt. The places for selling coconuts, fishes and other food materials were built in the same year.

There was an agreement between controller Van Hangel with Laras Agam Tuo to establish a building for heads og Nagari Agam Tuo. Bukittinggi and Agam leaders worked hand in hand in building Bukittinggi market.

The town secretary H.E.Prins imported the contruction from Europe costing f.15,000 The steel contruction was for building some market places in Pasar Bawah for selling rice, coconuts and vegetables. Later there was an agreement between the town secretary with Laras IV Koto, laras Banuhampu sungai Puar dan Laras IV Angkek to work together in developing the newly established market; and the town secretary agreed to build an office on Pasar Atas. They agreed to distribute the taxes collected to those villages which were also called Agam Tuo. This happened in 1907.

Later the leaders of Kurai refused the distribution of the tax, then, they wrote a letter to West Sumatera Resident A.K Derx in 1918, to Resident J.D.I.Libre in 1919, and to Resident J.H.Liefrink also in 1919.
After the Indonesia independence, Bukittinggi was the palce for struggle movement activities. In 1945 Bukittinggi was capital of Sumatera, and in 1949 Bukittinggi was oppointed the Capital of Indonesia because Jogyakarta was accupied by Dutch soldiers and the late President Soekarno and the late Vice President Moh. Hatta were in jail.

Countrified Atmosphere of Minangkabau.

Impian Monalisa- this picture is countrified of Minangkabau which still original and not yet in modification become white colars and also modern region. the photo represent countrifiedly of Rotten Stone of Minangkabau.

Unique Minangkabau it is true, the unique can be careful with many tribe him in Minangkabau piliang koto,koto sukus example, chanigo, foreland, Malay, kampai, and others. and jobs of immeasurable them also, this farmer example which is majority, also majority, public servant and also private sector.
resident of immeasurable Minangkabau in general islam. even so there is which believe in outside Islam, they are imigran Original people of Minangkabau which seldom believe in outside islam.jika there is little.

Shah Mosque

Masjed-e Shah at night.

View of the square and background edifices.

Imam Mosque is a mosque in Isfahan, Iran standing in south side of Naghsh-i Jahan square. Built during the Safavid period, an excellent example of Islamic Architecture in Persia(Iran). This mosque was constructed during the Safavid period, in 1611 with seven-color mosaic tiles and valuable inscriptions. The portal of the mosque measuring 27 meters high, crowned with two minarets being 42 meters in height, frames the front of the mosque which opens into Naqsh-e Jahan square. On top of the entrance, among the stalactites and above the turquoise lattice window, there is a frame of seven-color mosaic tile shaped like a vase with two peacocks on both sides which is an example of mosaic tile. The inscription above the entrance being made of white mosaic tile on ultramarine background, is written in Sols script by Alireza Abbasi. The wooden door of the mosque, covered with layers of gold and silver, is ornamented with some poems written in Nasta'liq script. The overall entrance hall proves the mastery of the designer of the building. The master architect has designed two passageways being different in length on both sides of the hall to assimilate the axis of the mosque to the direction of kiblah which has an angle of 45 degrees, to cover the change of direction without losing the proportions.

The Mosque is surrounded with four iwans and arcades. All the walls are ornarnented with seven-color mosaic tile. The iwan of the mosque is the one which is toward kiblah measuring 33 meters high and has two minarets being 48 meters high. Behind this iwan is a space which is roofed with the most enormous dome of the city being 52 meters high. The dome consists of two covers. The outer cover is 12 meters away from the inner one. There are two schools for religious education at the southwest and southeast of the mosque. The southwest school has an inscription from the Safavid period. There is also an indicator stone, inserted in the inscription, the shape of which is right-angled triangle. This stone shows the mid-day of all the days of the year scientifically in a simple way. The mosque has two halls in the east and west part of its interior. The eastern hall is bigger but its walls are covered with plaster without any ornamentation while the walls and ceiling of the western hall are covered with seven-color mosaic tiles. The mihrab of this hall has an inscription written by the master artist, Mohammad Reza Emami. Of the other valuable things in the mosque we can mention the water stones. There are also two water stones under the domes of the eastern and western ivans but the most precious is the western Chehel Sotoun shows the date of its creation, 1684.

Ali Qapu Palace

Ali Qapu palace, was the celebrated seat of The Safavid capital in Isfahan, Iran

Naghsh-i Jahan square

Impian Monalisa-Ali Qapu (pronounced: ah-lee gah-pooh) firstly was only a pavilion marking the entrance to the vast royal residential quarter of the Safavid Isfahan which stretched from the Maidan Naqsh-i-Jahan to the Chahar Bagh Boulevard but was later on enlarged and upgraded to a place where the monarch used to entertain noble visitors and foreign ambassadors. The name is composed of two elements: "'Ali", Arabic for exalted, and "Qapu" Turkic for portal or royal threshold. The compound stands for "Exalted Porte". This name was chosen by the Safavids to rival the Ottomans' celebrated name for their court : Bab-i Ali, or the "Sublime Porte"). The building, another wonderful Safavid edifice, was built by decree of Shah Abbas the Great in the early seventeenth century. Shah Abbas, here for the first time celebrated the Nowruz (New Year's Day) of 1006 AH / 1597 A.D. A large and massive rectangular structure, the Ali Qapu is 48 meters high and has six floors, fronted with a wide terrace whose ceiling is inlaid and supported by wooden columns.

Ali Qapu is rich in naturalistic wall paintings by Reza Abbasi, the court painter of Shah Abbas I, and his pupils. There are floral, animal, and bird motifs. The highly ornamented doors and windows of the palace have almost all been pillaged at times of social anarchy. Only one window on the third floor has escaped the ravages of time. Ali Qapu was repaired and restored substantially during the reign of Shah Sultan Hussein, the last Safavid ruler, but fell into a dreadful state of dilapidation again during the short reign of invading Afghans. under the Qajar Nasir al-Din shah's reign (1848-96), the Safavid cornices and floral tiles above the portal were replaced by tiles bearing inscriptions.

Shah Abbas II was enthusiastic about the embellishment and perfection of Ali Qapu. His chief contribution was given to the magnificent hall, constructed on the third floor. The 18 columns of the hall are covered with mirrors and its ceiling is decorated with great paintings.

The chancellery was stationed on the first floor.

On the sixth floor, the royal reception and banquets were held. The largest rooms are found on this floor. The stucco decoration of the banquet hall abounds in motif of various vessels and cups. The sixth floor was popularly called (the music room) as it was here that various ensembles performed music and sang songs. From the upper galleries, the Safavid ruler watched polo games, maneuvers and horse-racing below in the Naqsh-i-Jahan square.^[1]

The Ali Qapu has multiple connotations, but generally connotes entrance or supreme gate to the complex of palaces and public buildings of the Safavid Government.

The Ali Qapu building was founded in several stages, beginning from a building with a single gate, with entrance to the government building complex, and gradually developed, ending in the existing shape. The period of the development, with intervals lasted approximately seventy years.

First Stage : The initial building acting as entrance to the complex was in cubical shape and in two stories, with dimensions measuring 20 x 19 meter and 13 meter high.

Second Stage : Foundation of the upper hall, built on the entrance vestibule, with cubical shape, over the initial cubic shape structure with the same height in two visible stories.

Third Stage : Foundation of the fifth story, the music amphitheater or music hall, built on the lower hall, using the central room for sky light, and thus the vertical extension being emphasized.

Fourth Stage : Foundation of the eastern verandah or pavilion advancing towards the square, supported by the tower shaped building. By foundation of this verandah, the entrance vestibule was extended along the main gate and passage to the market, perpendicular to the eastern flank of the building.

Fifth Stage : Foundation of the wooden ceiling of the verandah, supported by 18 wooden columns, and contemporaneous with erection of the ceiling, an additional stairway of the southern flank was founded and was called the Kingly Stairway.

Sixth Stage : During this stage a water tower was built in the northern flank for provision of water for the copper pool of the columned verandah. Plaster decorations in reception story and music hall.

The room on the sixth floor is also decorated with plasterwork, representing pots and vessels and one is famous as the music and sound room. It is certainly well worth visiting for the cut out decorations round the room, which represent a considerable artistic feat. These cut out shapes were not placed there to act as cupboards: the stuccowork is most delicate and falls to pieces at the highest touch. So we conclude that it was placed in position in these rooms for ornament and decoration. The rooms were used for private parties and for the King's musicians, and these hollow places in the walls retained the echoes and produced the sounds of the singing and musical instruments clearly in all parts.

The decoration of the large room on the third floor which opens out on the large pillared hall, and which was used by Shah Abbas for entertaining his official guests is the most interesting. Fortunately the ceilings, on which birds are depicted in their natural colors, have remained without interference in their original state from Safavid times, and these are the best roofs in the building. Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naqsh-e_Jahan_Square