Religious Tourism Potential Larantuka

A small district in East Flores, NTT named Larantuka turned out to save the potential of religious tourism. In this place every year held tradition of Semana Santa in order to celebrate Easter.

Semana Santa is a ritual of Portuguese heritage that blends Catholicism and indigenous Larantuka. Larantuka population from generation to generation has done for 500 years Semana Santa.

During the celebration of Semana Santa, Larantuka quiet suddenly crowded. Even the hotels full. Plane tickets, rental cars, and the ferry was full. Like all the people returning home for Lebaran. Not to mention, the pilgrims from all over Indonesia and foreign tourists also come to follow the Semana Santa processions.

These religious pilgrims traveling for a week. One of these tourists is Ben from Bogor and Jakarta, but working in Manggarai, NTT.

"We come here by land. Semana Santa is already well known among Catholics in Indonesia. We think mumpung're in NTT, we squeeze in here," said Beni, Friday (04/22/2011). He came with some friends.

Some tourist buses seemed at points in Larantuka inn. Even a few tourists from Java using the uniform, follow all the Semana Santa processions. But unfortunately, after Semana Santa, Larantuka quiet again.

Therefore, tourism in Larantuka only live during Semana Santa processions only. Based on the observation Kompas.com, Larantuka has many religious sites that could be developed breathing Catholics for religious tourism. Not to mention the beautiful scenery, a blend of sea and mountains. The main obstacle to tourism is inadequate lodging. Lack of lodging increasingly felt at the time Semana Santa celebrations.

"He said if you want to be the nicest hotel, must book a year before," said Beni. Presidenti Confreria Renha Rosary Larantuka or commonly known as King Larantuka, Don Andre Martin DVG, says every year it urged people to provide room for pilgrims.

"The lack of lodging in Larantuka, so some people are asked their willingness to receive guests. It can also improve their economy," he told Kompas.com, Saturday (23/04/2011). He said the Semana Santa is one of the cultural assets of the East Flores and local residents can help the economy with the arrival of tourists during Semana Santa takes place.

"We're working with governments to develop as a tourism Semana Santa. Not merely as a venue for business but as a distinctive cultural assets. We instead want to promote Larantuka be a tourism destination to help small communities. We are being discussed so as not to get out of the tradition as well," he explained.

Earlier, the Project Manager for Swiss Contact Ruedi Nuetzi said every area in Flores has its own specificity in terms of tourism. Swiss Contact an NGO designated the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of RI in the Directorate General of Tourism Destination Development as a facilitator to support the Destination Management Organization, or governance of tourism destination in Flores, NTT.

"In Flores different culture, tourism potential is also different. It could be an area thick with the aspect of adventure or nature," he told Kompas.com. As for Larantuka, he added, has the potential for tourism with the agrarian life of the community and the customary thick.

"But so far the main attraction is the new Passover. This event is but a seasonal nature, there is only once a year. So the tourists who come seasonally. Therefore, we are looking for about what could be an attraction," he explained.

06.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Semana Santa festival

Semana Santa or Holy Week draws tourists, especially the pilgrims from the island of Java. Semana Santa is a typical Easter celebration Larantuka, East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara.

These religious pilgrims traveling for a week. Not only are sprayed Larantuka tourists, several tourist destinations in NTT also affected. Examples are the Beni and Hendri. They are the origin of Bogor and Jakarta, but working in Manggarai, NTT. "We come here by land. Semana Santa is already well known among Catholics in Indonesia. We think mumpung're in NTT, we squeeze in here," said Beni, Friday (04/22/2011). Hendri said that they did not just stop in Larantuka, but also travel to several places, such as Flores in Ende.

Some tourist buses seemed at points in Larantuka inn. Even a few tourists from Java using the uniform, follow all the Semana Santa processions. According to the Chairman of Indonesia-Portugal Friendship and Cooperation Association, Harry Pryohoetomo Haryono, this event is potentially the object of tourism.

"Unfortunately every area in NTT are still their own ways. Yet there NTT Komodo, Flores and there, and this event in Larantuka. Together, this could be a tourism package," he said. Indeed, the travel agency that regulates religious tourism in Larantuka still held by the tour operators from outside the province.

Earlier, the Project Manager for Swiss Contact Ruedi Nuetzi said it with the central government is developing tourism Flores with efforts to unite all tourism destinations in the island of Flores. The trick of course, by bringing together the vision and mission of all parties involved in tourism management. Starting from the local community, tourism industry, stakeholders in tourism to the local government.

Swiss Contact itself is an NGO that designated the Directorate General of Tourism Destination Development of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as a facilitator to support the Destination Management Organization, or governance of tourism destination in the island of Flores.

"We want to take advantage of road trans-Flores so that it can be made overland travel packages. To accomplish this, each region should have a hotel and dining. Also needs to be developed attraction or attractions of each region is passed," he told Kompas.com

He gave the example of the Labuan Bajo. Most tourists only use Labuan as a transit point.

"Tourists usually directly into the dragon alone. Fact many tourists to Labuan Bajo Labuan Bajo and a tourist attraction," he explained. He said he wants more tourists to spend time in Flores.

"If this happens, the money spent is also a growing number of tourists and local residents can help the economy," he said. Therefore, it developed a branding theme for tourism Flores "Flores, Explore the Extraordinary".

Komodo National Park is not located on the island of Flores. But access to the KNP is via Labuan Bajo in Flores Island. With this branding, the Swiss Contact Kembudpar and tourists can expect to know not only the Komodo Flores, but also other tourist resorts along the island of Flores.

06.22 | 0 komentar | Read More

enjoy the panoramic beauty of the mountains

After being closed for four months (24 November 2010-30 March 2011) because of the eruption, Mount Bromo is now slowly but surely began to rise in spite of its status is still idle (level 3). At least that was evident from the number of visitors who enjoy the beautiful panorama of the caldera sea of ​​sand began to increase during the last three weeks.

Data from the Department of Culture and Tourism (Disbudpar) Probolinggo mentioned, the number of visitors to Mount Bromo, 30 March to 23 April 2011 reached 2288 people, consisting of 1 651 637 domestic visitors and foreign tourists. In fact, the caldera sea of ​​sand area of ​​5 thousand hectares were recently opened to tourists and local residents on 30 March, though still assigned to the safe limit of 2 km radius of the crater of Mount Bromo.

"It proves the charm Bromo never cracked by the eruption," said Head Disbudpar Probolinggo, Tutug Edi Utomo, Monday (25/04/2011).

Apart from the number of visitors, another indicator of Mount Bromo is menggeliatnya back with another tersenyumnya the hotelier. Understandably, occupancy hotel in Bromo area also increased.

According to Chairman of PHRI Probolinggo, Digdoyo Jamaluddin, the number of residential hotels in the area of ​​Bromo on average two times more than before.

Digdoyo added, the average tourists want to know the rest of Bromo eruption that lasted long enough. Therefore, the pile of volcanic ash that was left was a "material" to explain to guests that bromo really active.

"In fact, many of them go up the stairs Bromo surreptitiously because he felt it was safe. In fact, PVMBG recommend a safe fixed radius 2 km from the crater," he said.

06.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sensation and Romanticism Ceram

Natural harmony in Saleman, Solomon Bay, Seram Island, Maluku, has been presenting a beautiful symphony of Hans Dederichs (61) and Moeckel Grit (43), the lovers of German origin. In the eastern archipelago far away from the hustle and bustle, reaffirm the couple's love is woven 20 years ago.

Under the dim light crescent, Hans and Grit sitting in the gazebo that extends over the sea, at the end of Pier tepatya Ora Beach Resort, Saleman Affairs, Northern District of West Seram, Central Maluku district, Maluku. The waves strengthen their romance.

In nature's peace, both to strengthen the ties of love that has existed for over 20 years ago. "New to this place we feel real love," said Hans smiled.

It never occurred to the mind before, precisely adhesiveness love they found in a separate Saleman-country thousands of miles from Germany. Moreover, land and sea travel is tiring of Ambon, the capital of Maluku, has almost shed a shadow they'll charm the resorts that they download from the internet.

Land and sea journey from Ambon takes 5 hours. From Ambon, the first they had to go to the Port Tulehu, Central Maluku. Then use a boat to Masohi, capital of Central Maluku, on the island of Seram. Furthermore, the road trip as far as 83 kilometers.

Along 7 kilometers of road leading from Road Trans Ceram Saleman still a road of sand and rocks, lots of twists and climbs. Poor road terrain is also time to shed the spirit of Hans and Grit tour Saleman.

However, on arrival in the country's population of 1687 people, all feeling upset, tired, and bored straight away. Pay all of its natural landscape.

Small houses belonging to both the sea and flanked by cliffs as high as 400 meters flat. Flat cliffs wrapped in greenery vegetation is visible along State Saleman. Not far away look of white sand shaded by palm trees are waving.

On the beach, clear sea water allows different types of coral reefs and seagrasses (marine) clearly visible. It is clear also various types of fish, colorful, playing on the sidelines of the coral reefs.

This beautiful natural landscape plus the silence that served Ora Beach Resort. Silent, because the resort is located in Ora Beach that can only be achieved by speed boat from the State Saleman for 15 minutes. Here, tourists can stay in bungalows built over the sea.

"This location is like a buried treasure," said Grit who first came to Saleman though it was at least six times to come on holiday in Indonesia.

During the three-day resort in Saleman, Hans and Grit can spend time alone on the white sandy beach Ora. Activity snorkle in front of the bungalow does not make them disturbed. No different than they repeat their honeymoon.

They also enjoy the cool "dutch water"-the term for the local residents for a small river that flows from the mountains and empties into the Gulf of Solomon. This place used to be the Dutch army base defense in 1883.

In this place the visitors to see thousands of birds that the locals named "lusiala" fly flew out of the cave in the cliff flat. The scene tersuguh every evening at 18.30 CET. Flight "hordes" of this bird to take 3 minutes to exit the sea. The exit has become a benchmark lusiala sunset call to prayer for local Muslims.

"The bird is like a supernatural being. Residents have repeatedly tried to catch him, but always just off the bird, "said Surya Makatita, acting Head of State Saleman. The term "country", according to local regulations, equivalent to a village elsewhere.

Riyadi Sapto Saso (40), a tour guide in Ora Beach Resort, said, snorkle, dutch water, and birds are part of the uniqueness lusiala Saleman.

Manager Ora Beach Resort, Alvin Latuconsina, say, a tourist attraction in Saleman and surrounding areas that could attract about 10 foreign tourists every month. In the holiday season, December to January and June to August, the number of visitors can be increased two-fold.

Besides Ora Beach Resort, tourists can also find another atmosphere by staying at Pondok Wisata Bahari Lisar in Sawai Affairs, District of North Seram, Central Maluku. The country is adjacent to Saleman. Can be reached by sea from Saleman or from Road Trans Ceram.

Houses on the sea

Lodging is located between the settlements of nearly 40 percent of them build a house on the sea. This inn was built on the sea with coral reefs and colorful fish decorate the bottom of the sea.

Muhammad Ali, the innkeeper, saying, in addition to snorkle, visitors also can cross the River Salawai to see the process of making sago, palm fruit collection, or to see various species of birds in estuaries in the Gulf of Solomon.

Tourists can also trekking through the forest still preserved behind Sawai Affairs, headed the Centre for Education and Rehabilitation of Wildlife in Hamlet Masihulan, Sawai, a place to see breeding parrots and parrot spooky spooky. Do not forget to see the caves, waterfalls, or spend the night in the hut, in the middle of the forest, which is purposely built by Ali.

These activities tourists can suck up to 500 people each year. The majority of foreign tourists from the Netherlands, the United States, and Japan. In fact, this year, already 20 groups of tourists from countries that temmpat message. Each group numbered at least 10 people.

Tourism activity in the Gulf Sulaeman, precisely in this Saleman and Sawai, have actually been initiated since mid-1990. However, when it reaches the peak of glory, the industry is fading, even the death total as a result of Maluku riots in 1999.

Stretching pascarusuh

The new tourism industry bergeliat back around 2005. Two owner / entrepreneur lodging, Ruswan Latuconsina (Ora Beach Resort) and Ali became the driving motor. They utilize the Internet to the media visited travel agencies in Ambon or Jakarta to introduce tourism in the Gulf of Solomon.

Services that pamper visitors so they always kedepankan of tourists who never came, also spread to several other tourist information.

Own community welcomed the presence of foreign tourists. At least look at Hans and Grit visited neighborhoods in Saleman to see lusiala, early March.

Smiles and greetings from the people blindly go for foreign tourists add to the uniqueness of State Saleman. Every meeting of foreign tourists, residents said, "Hello, Mister ...."

In the spice islands is Hans and Grit reaffirm the commitment of their love. How about you?

06.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Borobudur Not Just Tourist Attraction

When the holidays arrive, most tourists who headed Central Java, will never miss to visit Borobudur Temple. The temple is located in Magelang regency, Central Java, is in addition to leaving a trail of history also led the grandeur and beauty of Borobudur is recorded as one of the world cultural heritage by UNESCO in 1991.

However, the condition of the Borobudur was worried after closed volcanic ash from Mount Merapi as thick as 1 to 3 centimeters. So that the temple was built in the 800s AD by the manager is closed for cleaning.

Concern was also felt by Parsiono. As Buddhists, Parsiono assess Borobudur is not just tourist attractions or world heritage. But through this that he Borobudur and other Buddhist respect for the Buddha.

"In addition to the legacy of our ancestors. I see it as a monument of Borobudur. As my place and other Buddhists to salute the Buddha," he said when met after receiving the award Kompas.com award from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, on Wednesday (20 / 4 / 2011).

Parsiono spontaneous More than 2,000 volunteers joined together to work together to cleanse the body from the ashes of Merapi, Borobudur temple. The study said if the ash is left, can impact on the damage to the stones of the temple.

Under the auspices of the Youth Theravada Indonesia (PATRIA) Parsiono move together 400 members PATRIA to clean Borobudur. Borobudur has a sense of having overcome their fatigue. "The desire to clean up the Borobudur appeared spontaneously wrote, because as Buddhists we auto care, how to Borobudur was clean and neat back quickly," said Parsiono.

On Wednesday (20/04/2011), Parsiono represent colleagues at PATRIA receive a plaque award from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism through the Director General of History and Archaeology F Aurora Tambunan. Sumringahnya face while receiving an award plaque can not beat the feeling of relief and gratitude at Borobudur was reopened after being closed for 45 days.

Director General of History and Archaeology Kemenbudpar, F Aurora Tambunan said that the attitude of the management staff swiftly and certainly volunteer to clean up the Borobudur temple is evidence that Indonesia is ready to maintain its world cultural heritage.

From the description of the Head of Borobudur Heritage Conservation Sutopo MARSIS, from cleaning results collected 57 square meters of volcanic ash. "That's the equivalent of 10 trucks loaded with sand. Today we still cover the floor 8, 9, and 10 Borobudur because it is still in the stage of cleaning" says MARSIS.

But apparently, ash and sand as much as it does not become an obstacle for Parsiono and other volunteers. For him the return of the grandeur and beauty of Borobudur as a world cultural heritage in a more meaningful, than the energy is wasted and the plaque that now clutched.

06.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

travel underwater paradise

Who is not familiar with Gili Trawangan? All three islands (Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan) in West Lombok, NTB, very popular for both local and foreign tourists. Non-motorized system imposed on Gili Trawangan island makes it more interesting to visit. And for fans of scuba diving and snorkeling, underwater paradise surrounding this island is the main attraction.

This time I will share stories about nautical tourism on the island of Lombok, but not in West Lombok, but on the other end of the island of East Lombok. Our backpacking this time is in two small islands (gili) consulate and Lawang, located in District Sambelia, East Lombok. Unlike with third dyke in West Lombok, two dyke is as yet untouched by commercialization and the excitement of the visitors. It is precisely this hidden beauty that is still the main attraction for us.

Moved from the city of Mataram at 7 am with snorkeling gear, enthusiasm can not be hidden. Even the breakfast was done in a car with yellow rice, anchovies and boiled eggs. Understandably the way to the pier where boats will bring to the consulate and Gili Gili Lawang is approximately 2.5 hours. I looked at the three faces of my friends who are still sleepy because yesterday after returning from snorkeling at Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, they eat the durian in the market Mataram. Apparently they have not stomach my stomach setahan of Indonesia, so one must repeatedly go to the toilet last night while the two others could not sleep because it overheated.

As soon as the car began to leave the city of Mataram, the scenery a paddy field was able to make their eye sight. Dinh unrelenting DSLR snapping her busy while the Yen asked Ms. Goddess and mas Emon who accompanied us that day. Mbak Dewi is a lecturer in Mataram, but a human being 'water', a nickname that we gave for love of all things related to water. While mas Emon is a fellow human being 'water' which is still active as a coach of swimming, diving and snorkeling.

The morning was a bit foggy after a night rain. Paddy field with a background of mountains with peaks covered in mist Rinjani, Lombok featuring the natural beauty along the road impassable. When the sun shines shyly from behind the clouds, bubbling dihatipun hope for a sunny day. Sunday morning was more alive when the car through the traditional markets. Frenzied buying and selling activity provides its own beauty to be enjoyed where they have faltered car market bottlenecks.

Do not feel two and a half hours went by and we also arrive at the boat will take us to the second dyke. Seen three young men were waiting. They are young men who two of whom are athletes diving and marine tourism development in these two Gili. With the help of PNPM funds they can complete the diving and snorkeling equipment that could be leased and the funds used to support the activities there.

Simple boat without a roof has been waiting for. We also directly mount. Snorkeling equipment (fins, mask and snorkel) and life jackets are available. Life jackets are very important to me and two friends who can not swim. Meanwhile, a box of mineral water, lunch and a few coconuts can also be seen already in the boat. We are planning to eat lunch at Gili consulate dishes while enjoying the mangrove forest (mangrove).

The first stop is between the consulate and Gili Gili Lawang. Here the water is calm and the current is not strong. There are lots of small colorful fish and coral reefs. We also can not wait plunge into the water, underwater beauty is truly captivating. Too bad we can not capture the beauty beneath the sea in the absence of an underwater camera. After about half an hour in the spot, the boat was moving towards Gili consulate in hopes of seeing more fish. But it seems we are less fortunate, so there was only coral reef. Nevertheless, the spirit remains undiminished bersnorkling, knowing new-snorkeling can be fun .... He-he-he.

Do not feel it was shown at 12 o'clock and the stomach was already growling. One by one, no matter who later headed up the boat to the dock at Gili consulate. This dock was made by the local fisheries department that could be used to place stop and rest. The road from the dock into the island is of wood with a left-right is the mangrove. It's exotic scenery and soothing.

Carrying supplies, incessant camera dijepretkan and occasional beauty of style with the background of Gili consulate. The length of this road about 200 meters into the island. The stop is at the center of the island and the stock was lowered. While enjoying the beauty of mangrove forests, bekalpun began to eat. Clear water around the mangrove forest is our reflection and forest cover. A little bit of sunlight trying to stroke the skin.

Gifts start from the 'pillow', so to speak mbak Dewi to Lombok food made of glutinous rice with the content of bananas. These cakes wrapped in coconut leaves shaped like a diamond. In the meantime, Andri and Deni, setting up a young coconut drink. Apparently a combination of 'pillow' with young coconut water can block the stomach, so we postponed lunch. Besides being fed, is also afraid that eating will cause cramps most of the time snorkeling later.

While trying to scavenge a young coconut meat using a 'scoop' from the outer shell of coconut, the event jeprat snap continues. Even Dinh and Yen climbs mangrove trees to get a cool pose. Full stomach with a natural ambience make sleepy eyes, let alone animal behavior sound like a musical lull.

My heart and mind as working together to resist getting out of the beauty and serenity of this mangrove forest. Disease 'yawn' spread rapidly, as if to give legitimacy to not hurry to leave this natural charm. However, the shadow will be too tempting beauty of the sea.

Aaahh ... what a dilemma, between leaving the beauty of mangrove forests and underwater imagine charm. A difficult choice ...

Finally, after a rest for a moment, we also re-pack for snorkeling. This time the spot is taken in front of the Gili consulate but slightly to the middle. And one by one we went back to plunge into the water. This time we're lucky, a variety of fish from large and small look bersileweran everywhere. Coral reefs, colorful underwater natural beauty adds to it. The sun is getting hot do not stop to enjoy the thrill of enchantment under the sea, so also when the current is starting to feel we remain unmoved.

At the current grew stronger, with a heavy heart underwater tour event this must end. Time seemed to run, but we still want to be under water. Not feel nearly 3 pm, and boatpun pestapun after moving to challenge the current back to the island of Lombok. Real blazing sun our skin imprint, but in a matter of weeks will be lost again. But memories of the natural beauty of the sea Gili Gili Lawang consulate and mangrove forests along keeksotikan hearts imprint will remain. God willing, someday we'll be back

03.54 | 0 komentar | Read More