Saturday, January 11, 2014

Motivasi tuk Pantang Menyerah

Pantang Menyerah

Kumpulan Kata Motivasi untuk kita semua agar bisa lebih bersemangat lagi,
mari kita bersama-sama menjalani hidup dengan semangat baru,
semoga  kumpulan Kata Motivasi di bawah ini bermanfaat bagi kita..

“Jika kamu bersikap dengan sepenuh hati, dan beraktifitas dengan prinsip yang positif. maka kamu bisa melakukan hal-hal yang luar biasa”

“Bermimpilah tentang sesuatu dan jadikan mimpi tersebut menjadi kenyataan, karena dunia ini tidak akan ada jika tidak ada yang bermimpi”

“Keinginan yang kuat untuk meraih kesuksesan, ditentukan oleh besarnya mimpi dan kekuatan untuk mengatasi kekecewaan yang pernah dialami”

“Jika kamu ingin menikmati hidup ini dengan kesuksesan maka kamu harus bebas dari kekhawatiran, kebimbangan dan perasaan takut jika mengalami kegagalan”

“Jangan pernah membicarakan tentang kekalahan. Lebih baik gunakan kata-kata seperti harapan, keyakinan, kepercayaan dan kemenangan”

“Jangan berusaha atau mengerjakan sesuatu dengan setengah hati, karena hasil yang akan kamu dapatkan pun akan menjadi setengahnya”

“Kebahagiaan adalah kunci dari kesuksesan, karena jika kamu bahagia dengan apa yang kamu kerjakan, maka kamu akan sukses”

“Dalam kehidupan, akan ada hal yang datang dengan sendirinya. Namun akan ada hal juga yang perlu perjuangan untuk mendapatkannya”

“Guncangan hidup tidak akan bisa menggoyahkan orang dengan semangat yang membara oleh api antusiasme”

“Orang yang meraih kesuksesan tidak selalu orang yang pintar, tapi orang yang meraih kesuksesan adalah orang yang gigih dan pantang menyerah”

“Gagal dalam kemuliaan itu akan lebih baik, daripada menang di dalam rasa kehinaan dan juga kecurangan”

“Sakit dalam perjuangan itu hanya sementara, bisa jadi akan kamu rasakan dalam semenit atau bahkan setahun. Namun, jika kamu menyerah maka rasa sakit itu bisa kamu rasakan selamanya”

“manusia bertekad sukses tidak akan pernah mengeluh, tapi akan sibuk memperbaiki diri dari kesalahan yang pernah dibuatnya”

“Kesalahan yang pernah kamu alami akan membuat kamu lebih dewasa, berbuatlah lebih baik dari kesalahan yang telah kamu buat.

“Salah satu kepuasan yang paling besar dalam kehidupan adalah mengatasi masalah dengan cara efisien dan lebih baik”

“Tuhan telah merancang kesuksesan setiap manusia, jangan ragu untuk mendekati-Nya agar mendapatkan limpahan keskusesan yang besar darinya”

“kesempatan kamu untuk sukses di setiap kondisi akan dapat diukur oleh seberapa besar kepercayaan kamu pada diri sendiri”

“Jalan kesuksesan tiap orang berbeda-beda dan tidak perlu silau jika meihat kesuksesan orang lain”

“Kegagalan memang batu sandungan yang cukup menyakitkan, tapi bukan juga hal yang dapat menghapus keberhasilan”

“Sikap adalah perbuatan yang simpel namun akan bisa membuat perbedaan yang besar”

“Larut dalam kesedihan tidak akan bisa membuatmu bangkit, hapus air matamu dan segera bergerak maju”

“Seberat apapun harimu, jangan pernah biarkan seseorang membuatmu merasa bahwa kamu tidak apntas mendapat apa yang kamu inginkan”

“Kemarahan adalah sebuah kondisi dimana lidah bekerja lebih cepat dibandingkan dengan pikiran, dan kata-kata yang sudah terucap hanya akan menjadi sebuah penyesalan”

“Mampu tertawa disaat diri sedang terluka merupakan salah satu bukti seberapa kuat kamu bisa menjalani hidup ini”

“Janganlah kamu mencari kekurangan orang lain, disaat mereka bersedia untuk menerima kekuranganmu”

“Melihat ke atas sebagai motivasi bukan untuk jadi rendah diri, dan melihat ke bawah agar lebih bersyukur bukan untuk menjadi sombong”

“Orang-orang yang berhasil tidak hanya keras hati, mereka juga seorang pekerja keras yang percaya pada kemampuan dirinya”

“Terlalu memfokuskan diri pada apa yang kamu inginkan, akan membuat kamu sulit untuk bisa bersyukur”

“Terkadang rasa kecewa yang mendalam itu disebabkan oleh harapan kita yang terlalu tinggi terhadap sesuatu”

“Setiap ada awal pasti ada akhir dan setiap masalah pasti ada solusi. Jangan pernah menyerah, percaya diri dan bahagia menanti”

Quotes of Prophet Muhammad SAW

 These are the quotes of The Of Prophet Muhammad SAW







Albert Eintein's Quotes in Picture










Cara Mengatasi Rasa Takut Anak

Banyak anak yang merasa takut pada sesuatu seperti gelap, petir, benda atau binatang tertentu, atau saat harus mencebur ke kolam renang. Karena memang banyak anak mengalaminya, maka orangtua pun tak menganggap hal itu sebagai sesuatu yang serius. Jadi dibiarkan saja. Toh perasaan itu akan hilang dengan sendirinya setelah mereka tumbuh dewasa, begitu pikir para orang tua.

Pemikiran seperti itu, sebenarnya tidak salah. Karena memang banyak anak yang lantas tidak takut lagi pada gelap, petir, anjing dan kolam renang setelah usianya bertambah. Dan munculnya rasa takut yang sepeti itu di masa pertumbuhan adalah hal yang wajar. Normal.

Tetapi jika ketakutan mereka sampai membuatnya menangis kencang apalagi histeris, panik dan bahkan kejang, maka wajib bagi orangtua untuk mengatasinya. Sebab akibatnya tidak ringan dan bersifat permanen, alias seumur hidup, jika dibiarkan. Rasa takut itu tentu tak bisa hilang seketika melainkan sedikit demi sedikit. Dan inilah beberapa cara yang bisa ditempuh orang tua untuk membantu si kecil mengatasi rasa takutnya itu.

    1.  Menyadari Kalau Itu Normal

    Semua orang yang normal apalagi anak-anak pasti punya rasa takut. Karena itu Anda tak perlu khawatir selama rasa takutnya tak berlebihan.

    2.  Cari Penyebabnya

    Mencari tahu apa yang membuat anak ketakutan sangat lah penting. Karena itulah cara termudah untuk menemuka solusinya. Jadi, misalnya anak takut pada kegelapan, Anda bisa menanyakan apa yang membuatnya takut. Setankah atau apa? Kalau dia menjawab setan, tanyakan lagi apa yang dia ketahui tentang mahluk tersebut? Pernahkah dia melihatnya? Kalau belum, mengapa dia berpikir bahwa setan menakutkan?

    3. Pahami Ketakutannya

    Sekali lagi, rasa takut itu normal. Karena itu, Anda harus bisa menerima ketakutan anak. Jangan katakan bahwa ketakutannya tak masuk akal, atau itu perasaan orang bodoh. Hal itu tak membuat rasa takutnya berkurang. Karena takut adalah perasaan yang tak bisa dijelaskan dengan akal. Yang namanya takut, ya takut. Dan yang diutuhkan seseorang saat ketakutan hanya satu: perlindungan atau sesuatu yang bisa membuatnya merasa aman.

    4.  Jujurlah Padanya

    Anak-anak sering mengira orang dewasa tak pernah merasa takut. Karena itu, ada baiknya Anda menunjukkan padanya bahwa Anda juga punya rasa takut. Misalnya, pada anjing. Perasaan tersebut perlu Anda ungkapkan pada si kecil, tetapi dengan sikap, ekspresi dan kalimat yang menenangkan. Misalnya, "Ibu juga tak suka pada anjing besar itu. Tapi kalau kita tak menyakitinya, dia juga tak kan menggigit kita." Ini akan lebih baik daripada Anda bilang, "Jangan takut, anjing itu tak kan menggigit kita," tapi saat anjing tadi bergerak, Anda lari terbirit-birit.

    5.  Jangan Dipaksa

    Jangan menggunakan paksaan sebagai cara untuk menghilangkan ketakutan anak. Misalnya dengan memaksanya mencebur ke dalam kolam. Ajaklah dia bermain di pinggir kolam atau di bagian yang dangkal lebih dulu. Setelah dia tampak menikmati, ajaklah untuk mulai berenang. Jika dia amsih takut, biarkan dulu. Nanti, setelah dia benar-benar siap, ulangi ajakan itu.

    6.  Bantu Membuat Strategi

    Jika anak takut pada kegelapan, pasanglah lampu tidur di samping ranjangnya. Atau berikan dia boneka beruang atau binatang lain yang dia sukai, yang besar, yang bisa dia peluk saat tidur. Ini akan sangat membantu.

    7.  Jangan Takut-Takuti Anak

    Kebiasaan orangtua menakut-nakuti anak, seperti mengatakan, "Hiii.." bila tiba-tiba lampu mati. Atau mengatakan, "Awas lho, setan suka sekali makan anak yang nakal." Bahkan kalimat yang sederhana, "Biar, biar digigit anjing," juga sangat tidak baik karena bisa menumbuhkan rasa takut yang tidak beralasan pada anak. Sebab dengan kalimat tersebut, Anda telah menumbuhkan kesan bahwa ruang yang gelap itu menakutkan, setan suka makan anak-anak, dan anjing suka menggigit anak-anak.

    8.  Minta Bantuan Psikiater

    Bila rasa takut anak berlebihan dan berbagai upaya di atas ternyata tak membuahkan hasil, tak ada salahnya kalo minta bantuan psikiater untuk mengurangi ketakutan si kecil.

Most 9 Mistakes in Doing an Online Business

Newbies love to know which mistakes are common so they can avoid them. Veterans love to talk about things they wish they had known or had done differently. Here are the Top 10 biggest mistakes made when starting an online business:

1. Waiting too long to launch a product/service

When you start blogging or podcasting to build an audience, it’s easy to get stuck on the content “hamster wheel” for months or years without ever offering something for sale.
There are a few reasons this happens.
Some people are waiting for some magic audience size “1,000 subscribers” or maybe “10,000 visitors” or whatever your number might be.
Some people just can’t find the time to blog or podcast or make videos AND to build a product at the same time. It’s tough.
Some people simply talk themselves out of creating a product because they’re afraid no one will buy it. They don’t want to fail after putting in so much time creating content.
Whatever the reason, this is a fatal trap. If you’re building a business, you need to address the biggest risk head-on. The biggest risk you’ll face as a business is in creating something no one will pay for.
Plus, you need practice at building and launching products. Your first one might not be all that good. The sooner you put something out there, the closer you get to sustainable revenue.


2. Solving an unimportant problem

If the problem your business solves is important enough, you won’t even have to look for customers. Imagine if you had a cure for cancer, for example.
Businesses fail all the time because they try to solve a problem nobody really cares about. If you put your product or idea out there and nobody buys it, there’s a good chance you should look for a more important problem, not a bigger audience.

3. Not really listening to customers

How do you know if the problem you solve is important enough?
Listen to your customers. Really listen to them.
Don’t just listen to the customers who provide validation. Listen to the ones who ask for refunds or buy your product but don’t use it. Listen to the people who tell you they won’t buy, and find out why.
Don’t just pay lip service to your customers. You don’t have all the answers, they do. There’s a reason why “the customer is always right,” because without customers you don’t have a business.

4. Not being different

In most markets, customers have different options to choose from. If your business has competition, you have to give your potential customers a reason to choose your offering over another.
I see this all the time with new bloggers. They jump into a popular topic and essentially mimic or copy what other popular bloggers are already doing. I suppose they think “if it works for them, maybe it will work for me.”

But think about it from the reader or customer perspective. If they find your blog, they’ll be asking themselves “why is this blog worth spending any time on?” You have to answer that question quickly and clearly, before they click the back button.
You can’t expect to grow an audience by being an inferior version of some other better known site. Even if your site or product is arguably better than the competition, “better” is subjective.
Instead of simply trying to be better, you need to be different. Then, when someone asks why your site or product is worth her attention, your answer will be objective and easy to understand.

5. Choosing a topic you don’t care about

Whatever you choose to focus your business on, you’re going to need deep subject knowledge, fresh creativity, and unwavering stamina.
There will be competition who cares more about the topic than you do. How can you compete if the gap between your love of a topic and your competitors’ is wide?
This doesn’t mean your business has to be your #1 “passion” or life’s work (most of us don’t have one single passion in life), but don’t make things impossible by choosing something you don’t care about.

If you love your topic, stamina won’t be an issue. If you love your topic, creativity will flow, and influence will be easier to build.
    Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. -Howard Thurman

6. Starting with vastly wrong expectations

This won’t be easy, and it won’t be quick.
Building a successful business is a massive undertaking. You probably can’t do it while traveling the world. If you have a full-time job, it will be much, much harder.
If your plan involves four-hour workweeks, or if your timeline is measured in weeks or months, you will probably fail.
These are the hard truths that people rarely talk about. Overnight successes don’t exist. Your original plan will probably have to be completely re-written, maybe multiple times.

Ask yourself: will building this business still be worth it if it takes years to get there? What if building the business is harder and more stressful than your current job?
Talk to some entrepreneurs who have achieved something close to what you want to achieve. Ask them what it really took. Ask them about stress and timelines and giving up. Ask them not to sugarcoat it. Really listen. Then ask yourself if you’re prepared for your own version of that.

7. Spending too much time thinking and not enough doing

Not much to say here that isn’t perfectly summed up in this quote:
    Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.
    -Thomas Edison
If your ratio of thinking-to-doing is anything less than 80% doing, think again do more.
As Chase likes to say, entrepreneurs have two modes, CEO mode and worker-bee mode. In a one-person business, you have to be both.

8. Going it alone

The only reason my business exists today is because other entrepreneur friends wouldn’t let me quit. Seriously, I tried to throw in the towel and start over with something else, but they wouldn’t let me. They talked me out of it.
No one can succeed in business alone. You need people to make it work. Your customers are people, your suppliers are people, your service providers are people.
Most importantly, you need support from other entrepreneurs who are at similar stages as you are, and from others with more experience.

The more connected you become with other entrepreneurs, the more normal your quest becomes. You’ll no longer feel crazy or alone, and you’ll realize that we all face obstacles just like you’re facing.
The entrepreneurs who talked me out of quitting were part of a little group that met weekly to hold each other accountable. It didn’t cost any of us a thing, other than an hour of our time each week, but it turned out to be the most valuable resource I ever used in my business.
Reach out to another entrepreneur or two, and ask them to meet weekly. Share your struggles and goals, and review your progress each week. This simple process is so powerful.

9. Confusing “blog” with “business”

A blog is an incredible platform for sharing your ideas, connecting with people and growing an audience.
The same is true of podcasting, YouTubing, or any other place you might publish content for free.
Giving away free content isn’t a business. It’s a tool for building influence.
Don’t count on turning that influence into sponsorships or advertising dollars.
You’ll need a more direct plan for earning an income if you want your blog or podcast to pay off.

Mahatma Gandhi's Quotes


 










Papua In A Glance

Papua Island Indonesia

Papua is a land of contrasts, with some of the most impenetrable jungles in the world and snowcapped mountain peaks towering over glacial lakes. Papua is Indonesia’s largest and eastern most province and covers the western half of the world’s second largest island.
It is a land of exceptional natural grandeur; with beautiful scenic beaches, immense stretches of marshlands, cool grassy meadows and powerful rivers carving gorges through dense forests. The most heavily populated and cultivated parts of the island are the Paniai Lakes district and the Baliem Valley to the east.

The provincial capital of Jayapura is situated on hills which overlook the sea, and is accessible by boat and plane. It was here that General MacArthur assembled his fleet for the invasion of the Philippines during the Second World War.

History

European traders looking for spices began arriving in the early 16th century, and have left historical footprints in the area with names such as Bougainville, Cape d’Urville and the Torres Straits.
It was the Dutch who made the most lasting impact on the island, when in 1828 they formally made Papua a Dutch Territory until 1962.

Entry

Land Transportation : Private cars and motorcycles which are available to hire on charter to the particular destination. From Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Denpasar and Manado.
Small airstrips are used to travel the inland area (Twin Otter and Cessna).

Sea transportation: every regency capital situated at the coastal area owns a port, which can be visited by cruises: Ms. Dorolonda, sails from Surabaya, Makassar, Kupang, Ambon Fak Fak, Sorong, Monokwari, Nabire, Serui, Biak and Jayapura. Ms. Labobar sails from Batam, Jakarta Semarang, Surabaya, Makassar, Sorong, Manokwari, Biak, Serui and Jayapura. 

People & Culture

The people of the island can be divided into more than 250 sub-groups, including the Marindanim, Yah’ray, Asmat, Mandobo, Dani and Afyat. Those in the central highlands still maintain their customs and traditions, virtually untouched by outside influences.

The different tribes have lived, for the most part, in isolation from even one another, resulting in an incredibly diverse mixture of cultures. The coastal regions of Papua, however, were visited as early as the 7th century by traders from Sriwijaya kingdom.

Cuisine

Sea food being one of the specialties here makes it a heaven for visitors who love fish and sea food dishes. Freshly baked or grilled fish taste wonderful especially when consumed while watching the sunset. People allergic to sea food need not worry because you can also consume traditional food like papeda or ayam lalapan (fried chicken with chili).

Friday, January 10, 2014

Sulawesi in A Glance


Sulawesi Island in Indonesia - Formerly known as Celebes, Sulawesi is shaped like a tropical orchid. It is Indonesia's third-largest island with an area of 172,000 square km. The island of Sulawesi is divided into the provinces of North Sulawesi, South Sulawesi and Southeast Sulawesi. Sulawesi has great topographical variety-spectacular mountains, scenic coastline, lakes, rice and dense jungles-and offer wonderful opportunities for travelers.

History of Sulawesi Island
Much of Sulawesi's early history was written in old texts that can be traced back to the 13th and 14th centuries. When the Portuguese, the first western visitors, reached Sulawesi in 1511, they found Makassar a thriving cosmopolitan entre-port where Chinese, Arabs, Indians, Siamese, Javanese, and Malays came to trade their manufactured metal goods and fine textiles for precious pearls, gold, copper, camphor and, of course, the invaluable spices - nutmeg, cloves and mace which were brought from the interior and from the neighbouring Spice Islands, the present day Moluccas.

By the 16th century, Makassar had become Sulawesi's major port and centre of the powerful Gowa and Tallo sultanates. The arrival of the Dutch in the early 17th century caused an upheavel in Sulawesi. To create their hegemony over the spice trade they captured the fort of Makassar in 1667, which they rebuilt and renamed Fort Rotterdam. From this base they managed to destroy the strongholds of the Sultan of Gowa who was then forced to live on the outskirts of Makassar.

The town again became a collecting point for the produce of eastern Indonesia- the copra, rattan, pearls and sandalwood. Although the Dutch controlled the coast, it was not until the early 20th century that they gained power over the interior through a series of treaties with local rulers. Meanwhile Dutch missionaries converted many of the Toraja people to Christianity. Later on when Indonesia became independent, Sulawesi became a part of it.

Sulawesi Weather
Sulawesi has warm tropical climate with wet and dry seasons lasting approximately six months each. The dry season is from April to October and the wet season is from November to May.

Best Time To Visit Sulawesi
The best time to visit Sulawesi is during dry season from April to October. June to October offers the best chance of witnessing a major Torajanese funeral.

Places to Visit in Sulawesi

Manado: It is the capital of North Sulawesi Province. Manado offers a variety of terrain with hills, volcanic mountains and scenic plateaus.

Bunaken Sea Garden: The world famous Bunaken Marine National Park, with an area 75.26 hectares, is located very close to Manado and comprises of 5 islands: Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen, Mantehage and Nain. The superb diving and snokelling sites puts the Marine Park in one of the top 10 dive area of the world and is a mecca for seasoned and beginner divers alike.


Manado Tua Island: This island is the main island of the group. There is a hiking path to the top which takes several hours to climb, and offers a spectacular view of all the islands of Manado Bay. The place offers excellent opportunuties for diving and snorkeling.

Kendari: Capital of Southeast Sulawesi. It is the seat of government and tourist center of the province. It lies along the sloping hill and seaside of Kendari Bay.

Moramo Waterfall: The fall is unique in itself. It traverses a 2 km plateau, with 127 separate terraced plumes, with the top of the waterfall some 100 meters above its basin pool. the falls have seven main terraces, each with its own natural bathing pool.

Moramo Bay: This clean, pollution-free bay is only one and one half hours by car or speedboat from Kendari. The white sand beaches of Moramo Bay are host to all sorts of water activities and sports

Shopping in Sulawesi Indonesia
Some of the favorite shopping items in Sulawesi are filigree silverware and ornaments, hand-woven silks and cottons, hand carved wooden panels and pictures, bamboo household ornaments and brassware.

How to Reach Sulawesi
Makassar is the main airport. There are several flights each day from all major cities of Indonesia.

The Legend of Banyuwangi

Folklore from East Java


ONCE upon a time in Sindureja Kingdom, King Sidareja was talking to his vice regent, his name was Patih Sidapaksa. The King asked Patih Sidapaksa to give him the flesh of a young deer.
Patih Sidapaksa took the mission. When he arrived at the jungle, he saw a young deer. He pointed his arrow to the deer. Unfortunately, he missed the target. He ran after the deer. He was running and running until he arrived at a hut. Patih Sidapaksa knocked the door.

A young and beautiful girl opened the door. She was very beautiful. Patih Sidapaksa fell in love at the first sight.“How can I help you Sir?” asked the girl. "I...I...am looking for a young deer", Patih Sidapaksa was speechless. "You can find a lot of deer in the jungle. But it s already late and it will be dark soon. You can continue hunting tomorrow morning. You can come and spend the night here. Both my father and I are happy to welcome you", said the girl.

Ijen Crater in Banyuwangu
Patih Sidapaksa accepted the offer. He introduced himself. The girl's name was Sri Tanjung and her father's name was Ki Buyut. In the morning, Patih Sidapaksa continued his hunting and after he got a young deer he returned to the hut.

He came back because he wanted to marry Sri Tanjung. Luckily, Sri Tanjung also loved him.
Later Patih Sidapaksa asked them to join him to the palace. The King was very happy Patih Sidapaksa brought him a young deer. However he was also amazed by the beauty of Sri Tanjung.

The King also fell in love with her. The King had a bad plan. He wanted to marry Sri Tanjung. So he gave Patih Sidapaksa a very difficult mission. The King asked Patih Sidapaksa to give him three golden rings from Indran Kingdom. Patih Sidapaksa knew the mission was more difficult than hunting a young deer. Indran Kingdom was not an ordinary kingdom. It was a kingdom of criminals! No one ever came back after going there. However he still accepted the mission. And before he left, he asked Sri Tanjung to wait for him.

After Patih Sidapaksa left, the King approached Sri Tanjung. He proposed Sri Tanjung to marry him. He promised Sri Tanjung to be a queen. She did not accept the proposal. She loved Patih Sidapaksa and she already promised to wait for him. The King was angry and put her in the jail.

Luckily, Patih Sidapaksa could do the mission and came back to the palace. Sadly he could not meet Sri Tanjung. The King lied. He said Sri Tanjung was in jail because she asked the King to marry her. The King said Sri Tanjung wanted to be a queen. At first Patih Sidapaksa believed the King. But Sri Tanjung then said. "Throw me to the river. If the river smells good, it means I'm innocent. However if the river smells bad, then the King is lying", said Sri Tanjung.

Patih Sidapaksa then threw her into the river. Amazingly, the river smelled good. Patih Sidapaksa was very sorry. Sri Tanjung died. He regretted not to believe her. When the river smelled good, people instantly said Banyuwangi. Banyu means water and Wangi means good smell. Since then the place is named Banyuwangi.

Kalimantan In A Glimpse

 Kalimantan, Indonesia
            
                                                                             Geography
Kalimantan, being one of the main islands of the Indonesian archipelago, comprises roughly the southern three-quarters of the equatorial island of Borneo – the third-largest island in the world after Greenland and New Guinea. The northern part belongs to Malaysia and the small Sultanate of Brunei.

Kalimantan covers around 539.460 sq km and makes up more than a quarter of Indonesia’s territory, yet holds only 5% of the country’s population. It is administratively divided into four provinces, each with its own enchanting characteristic – East Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan and West Kalimantan.
With an interior which is clad in rugged rain forests and laced with mighty rivers – among them Indonesia’s longest: the Kapuas (1143 km), the Mahakam (650 km), and the Barito (890 km) – it excites the imagination and makes a unique travel experience for the visitor.
For along time Kalimantan was favored only by the fearsome Dayak headhunters, its rivers their roads, its mountains the abode of their dead souls awaiting rebirth.

People
About ten million people dwell in Kalimantan, the majority – predominately Chinese and Malay – living near the coastal areas. Because of the island’s vast coastal swamplands, cultivation is difficult and the urban dwellers of Kalimantan usually live by trading or working in service or manufacturing industries.
Dayak is a collective name for the 200 or so different tribes that comprise the island’s native peoples. Living inland along the banks of major rivers and tributaries, they make up almost half of the territory’s population. Each tribe has its own tribal name and speaks its own language

Flora and fauna
Singkawang, West Kalimantan
Kalimantan’s most precious resource is its forests. Soaring trees, tangled lianas, thorny rattans, strangling figs and cascades of delicate orchids are among the myriad colorful threads that combine to form the exotic tapestry of Kalimantan’s rainforests. Home to more than 11.000 species of flowering plants, a third of them endemic, and around 4,000 species of tree, Kalimantan gives the term ‘biodiversity’ a meaning. The territory is also the origin for several tropical fruit tress such as the mango, the breadfruit or the durian – the King of fruits.
Kalimantan’s wildlife is no less varied with almost 500 species of birds and more than 200 land mammals: ranging from the splendid peacock-tailed Argus pheasant to tiny birds such as the pitta, from pesut or fresh water dolphin in Mahakam River to the most unusual primates – bekantan or proboscis monkey, and orangutan. The latter is specially protected and provided with an orangutan rehabilitation center in Central Kalimantan.

Transportation
Since the greater part of the land consists of forest and rivers, the main transportation in Kalimantan is by means of small boats/water-taxis. On-land transportation in Kalimantan is by means of public buses, taxis, or becak. Klotok ambulance is a small boat equipped with medical facilities for the health service in the hinterland in South Kalimantan Motor-vehicles are used for in-town transportation or connecting the cities with their vicinities/suburbs located nearby.

Accomodation
In the major cities, inns and luxurious hotels are available. In small towns, usually local losmen (like an inn) can be found. However, entertainment and restaurants of international standards can be found only in the big cities’ luxurious hotels.

A Glimpse Of Sumatera

Sumatra Island, Indonesia

Sumatra Island in Indonesia - Sumatra is a complete tourist destination-sunny beaches, rich flora and fauna, large rivers and great history. Sumatra has the richest wildlife in Indonesia and hence it is known as "Africa of Asia". It is full of tropical rainforests and if you are a wildlife lover then Sumatra is the ideal place for you. Trekking is another option that you can opt for in Sumatra. Sumatra attracts fewer tourists than its neighbors like Java and Bali. So if you are looking for a quiet holiday away from maddening crowds then Sumatra fits the bill perfectly.

History of Sumatra Island
The first large empire to make Sumatra its home was Sri Vijaya Empire- the first Hindu kingdom of Indonesia-in the 7th century. In 10th century the Arabs established their Sultanate of Achin (now Aceh) in a part of Indonesia. By the 14th century, most of the power of Sri Vijaya Kingdom waned and Sumatra came under the direct control of Javanese rulers. Later on, in the 17th century, the Dutch established their control over Sumatra. In 1942, during Second World War, Sumatra came under the control of Japan and remained so for a year.
When Indonesia attained independence and became a republic in 1949, Sumatra became a part of Indonesia. But, the Achinese protest against the Indonesian government continued and in 1958 a full-scale rebellion was launched by the army officers. Internal struggles and problems have still not waned and it is advisable to check the current situation before going to Sumatra.

Weather of Sumatra
Sumatra is located on both sides of the equator in equal halves; hence it is divided in two climatic zones. In north of equator October to April is the rainy season, while May to September is the dry season. In south of equator, rainy season is from December to February.

Best Time To Visit Sumatra Island
The best time to visit Sumatra is in September and October. It is the beginning of the rainy season and generally there are no torrential rains during this period. One can travel to inner countryside without much of a problem during this time.

Sumatra Tourist Attractions

Medan: Medan is the capital of Sumatra and an ideal gateway for those wanting to explore this island. The architecture of the city shows strong Dutch influence. Some of the better-known attractions in the city are Istana Maimoon, Masjid Raya, building of Bank Indonesia, and High Court, Bukit Barisan Military Museum, and the Museum of North Sumatra.

Berastagi: The beautiful town of Berastagi is located in karo highlands about 70km from Medan. The town is dominated by two volcanoes-Gunung Sinabung and Gunung Sibayak. There are plenty of trekking and wildlife options in Berastagi. The town is famous for its fruits, vegetables and flowers.

Lake Toba: Situated at a height of around 1000 metres above the sea level, this picturesque lake is located at a distance of 175 km from Medan. The lake surrounds the densely populated island of Samsoir and its cool upside countryside is covered with tobacco, rubber, and palm oil plantations.

Danau Ranau: The beautiful mountain lake of Danau Ranau is in the Bukit Barisan Mountains of southern Sumatra. It is one of the least spoiled of Sumatra's mountain lakes, and offers cool and quiet atmosphere.

bukit lawang
Aceh: Aceh lies is north Sumatra. It is strikingly beautiful but not very popular among visitors as it is infested with insurgency. Islam is the predominant religion in the country and people represent different ethnicity like Chinese, Indonesian, Tamil, and Arab. Some of the popular destinations here include extension of Gunung Leuser National Park, beaches, Orang-utan rehabilitation centre (one of the largest wildlife rehabilitation centres in the world).

Shopping
One of the most popular places for shopping in Medan is Jln Jend A. Yani. The place is full of souvenir and art shops. Some of the souvenirs that you can look for here include paintings, antiques, batik, statues and carvings. Ulos (hand-woven cloths) and accessories made of seashells, boar-tusks and buffalo horns are some other good bargains here.

How To Reach Sumatra
Medan has an airport connected to Jakarta, Penang, and Singapore. Daily flights from Medan to other cities in Sumatra are available as well. Direct flights to other cities of Sumatra from Java and places outside Indonesia are also operational.

Javanese Temples

THE HEART OF JAVANESE CULTURE

The Javanese People, generally very courteous and hospitable should gladly welcome all tourists domestic as well as foreign. The Javanese maintains a strong link with their own old centuries tradition - in culture, in art, and more importantly in their character and manner.
Politeness and good behavior are highly regarded. They are hard working, low-profile people who are very proud of their culture and tradition whilst eager to embrace the benefits of modernity, hold firmly to Javanese value. The people are very helpful, this is in accordance with their Principle of Society of Life is : Mutual COOPERATION.
The captivating physical beauty of the nature, westward of the volatile mount Merapi, 40 km north west of the city of Jogyakarta

THE ANCIENT TEMPLES

Borobudur
 
The world's biggest Buddhist temple and the greatest ancient monument in the southern hemisphere stands peacefully in tranquility.
Borobudur is one of the seven wonders of the world. The shrine has nine square terraces and a circular top one, is ½ meters high covering a hillock overlooking the Southern Central Javanese plains, known as the Garden of Java.


By turning left following the pilgrims' path to the summit which is 3 miles walk, is a symbolic journey through the three spheres of Mahayana Buddhism:
Kamadhatu - lower sphere of daily world
Rupadhatu - the world of form
Arupadathu - the higher sphere i.e. the world of formless : abstract state of heavenly perfection
The 1460 relief carving in stone slabs that cover the balustrade illustrating life of Buddha's teaching. The total statues of Buddha are 504.
On the upper, open terraces are more than 70 stupas, containing the sitting statues of Buddha. The form of Borobudur resembles a gigantic stupa, believed to be a structure to assist meditation. On the top, underneath the great stupa, alone under the sky, surrounded by the green plains far below, the sensation is one total release and serenity ..


Nearby Borobudur they are two other smaller Buddhist temples in perfect condition.
Visitors could gain access easily to the land of fascinating sights both natural and man made including the 8th century temples of Borobudur, Prambanan and countless other masterpieces of architecture such as The Karatons (Royal Palaces) in Jogyakarta and Surakarta. The inscriptions on stone, respectively of Canggal from 732 AD and of Balitung from 907 AD, indicated that between 750 and 900 AD, this region: The Kingdom of Mataram (nowadays the provinces of Yogyakarta and Central Java) were ruled by Hindu Sanjaya and Buddhist Cailendra dynasties. Borobudur was built by rulers of Cailendra dynasty whereas Prambanan by rulers of Sanjaya dynasty.


Pawon Temple
Tiny temple 2 km east of Borobudur, contains a Buddha statue. The temple's style and the reliefs carved on the wall resemble most Javanese Hindu Temple.

Mendut Temple
Located 1 km to the east of Pawon temple. Inside the temples there are magnificent statues of Buddha. For Waicak ceremony, the offering and the praying start in this temple.


WAIÇAK
The ceremony commemorates the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha, always held during a full moon (this, 1999 year shall be on May 30, 1999-Sunday, starting in the evening at May 29, 1999 Saturday).
The procession begin at Mendut led by Budhist SAFFRON - ROBED monks to Pawon then Borobudur (+/- 3 km walk), where candles are lit and flowers strewn about, followed by praying and chanting climaxes in the early morning when ten of thousands of worshippers (local and foreign) converge at the summit of Borobudur.
This is a real sacred and at the same time fantastic religious performance.

Note:
The holy water used in this ceremony is taken from sendang (pool) JUMPRIT nearby the town of Temanggung. A pool believed as having mystical power.
The fire is taken from everlasting natural source in the village of MERAPEN.


Prambanan
This is the most famous and also the most magnificent of Central Java's temples or more precisely complex of temples. Located in the sub-district of Prambanan on the border between Yogyakarta and Surakarta (17 km east of Yogyakarta or 40 km west of Surakarta). From this place looking to faraway through endless green rice terraces in the gigantic skyscraper Mount Merapi. The main spike soars 47 meters high and the temple is lavishly carved. The temple LORO JONGRANG (Prambanan) " The slender virgin" who according to legend was turned into stone by a giant she refused to marry.
The Candi (Temple) Loro Jongrang - Prambanan

It is believed to be built by RAKAI PIKATAN to commemorate the glorious power of Sanjaya Hindu dynasty in the empire of MATARAM in the 8th and 9th century.
The largest is Shiva Temple - the showpiece - architecturally the most perfect. On the right and left sides of the main gate stands the guards statues Nandiswara and Mahakala. Starting from the eastern entrance gate The Ramayana Legend carved inner site of the wall encircle the temple, telling the struggle of Lord Rama to free his wife Sinta, from an evil giant king - Rahvana.
In the main chamber, there is a huge statue of the four armed Shiva in his manifestation as Mahadewa. In the South chamber is Agastya as Shiva mahaguru divine-teacher, in the western chamber is the elephant - headed Ganesha - son of Shiva, in the north chamber is the statue of DURGA MAHESASURAMARDANI. Some believe that divine statues in fact are the image of the rulers of Sanjaya dynasty/HINDU MATARAM. Shiva was the Maharaja Balitung , the King Durga was Loro Jongrang/Princess PADMOWATI, Ganesha was their son, prince Daksotomo ; Agastya was the Patih (Chief Minister), Danghyang Samorosonto. Vishnu Temple
This is smaller than Shiva temple, to the north of Shiva Temple, there is a statue of Vishnu and on the wall are reliefs of the story of Lord Khrisna.

Brahma Temple
It is located to the South of Shiva Temple, with a statue of four-headed Brahma, and relief carving of the final scene of the Ramayana.

Nandi Temple
It faces the Shiva temple. A statue of Nandi the bull of Shiva is inside flanked at the back with statues of God Surya and Goddess Candra on their chariots drawn by horses. A & B Temples
Each measures 13 x 13 meters with 22 meters height : no statues inside.

Apit Temples
Two temples, each measures 6 x 6 meters with 16 meters height. On the side of entrance gate they are statues of lions.

Kelir Temples
There are four temples in the front of every entrance gate. The measure each is 1,55 x 1,55 meters with 4,10 meters height. They protect the sacred place from evil spirits.

Sudut or Corner Temple
Four small temples, each measures is 1,55 x 1,55 meters with 4,10 meters of height in every corner of the site.

Ramayana Ballet
It is performed under the full moon from May to October (dry season) on open stage with the back-drop of illuminated Loro Jongrang Temple. This dance drama performs by more than 200 dancers with gamelan music. It is dynamic and magnificent spectacle.

It should be a pity if visitors miss this performance, in that case an indoor dance is available during the daytime but of course less spectacular.


Sewu or Thousand Temples

Located 2 km north of Prambanan Temple. This is the second largest Buddhist Temple complex in Java, Restoration is professionally underway to reach its original form.
It is a MANDALA, manifesting the universe in the center temple of Mahadeva, surrounded by four rings of 250 smaller temples of Gods.

Plaosan Temples

The site is around 1 km east of Sewu Temples. These temples are unique combining Hindu and Buddhist symbols and carving.
Originally, they were three temples, the shrines and statues are very impressive. According to inscriptions on the stone of Plaosan, these temples were constructed jointly by the rulers of Sanjaya (Rakai Pikatan) and Cailendra (King Samaratungga) dynasties.


Sojiwan Temple

This Buddhist temple is located about 1 km from Prambanan on the road to Solo.

Karaton Ratu Boko
" The palace of the eternal Lord " is believed to be a Hindu palace complex built in 778 AD. It is located on the top of a hill 1 km South of Prambanan . Restoration is underway. The view from the top of the hill is splendid. The Prambanan Plains, the mount Merapi to the north, Yogya city, 18 km to the west are beautiful scenes in the bright sunny days.
Kalasan Temple
It is built in the Kalasan village about 2 km west of Prambanan, 15 km from Yogyakarta.
It is dedicated to a Buddhist Goddess, TARA. It is 6 meters tall and has 52 stupas.

Sari Temple

It is nearby Kalasan Temple, 500 meters north of Kalasan. It is a small but elegant Buddhist temple.

Gedong Songo Temple

There are nine Hindu Candis of 8th century A.D. on the slope of Mount Ungaran, South Semarang. The weather is always cool, the setting is superb, the view is magnificent, might be one of the most spectaculer views in Java. The candi's simple architecture are dedicated to SIVA and VISHNU, facing south is the shimmering Rawa Pening Lake, Mounts Merbabu and Merapi, to the west are Mounts Sumbing and Sindoro. The morning panorama is Breath-taking.

Sambisari Temple

It is a Shiva temple, discovered in 1966, located about 10 km from Yogyakarta. It was covered by volcanic ash and dust, 6 meters below the surface of surrounding land, but it is in perfectly condition. 




The Temples of Dieng
 
Located at Dieng Plateau about 2600 meters above sea level. They are smaller Shiva temples, built by Sanjaya dynasty and named of wayang heroes such as Dwarawati, Bima, Arjuna, Puntadewa, Srikandi, Sembadra, and Semar.
Dieng plateau is about 150 km northwest of Yogyakarta. The name Dieng means Di-hyang " The abode of God ", centuries ago it was once the site of a temple - city of Hindu's priests. The plateau was formed many millennia ago by eruption of huge volcano, remains active up to now, the proof is the existence of working craters such as Sikidang, Sileri, Sikumbang, ect.



Source :
http://www.joglosemar.co.id