Posts Tagged ‘Indonesia’

By Dian Hasan | September 29, 2009

As the world’s largest archipelago, Indonesia is home to over 17,508 islands (the actual count varies between low and high tides!), that stretches an eighth of world’s mid-section, the diversity of her landscape is simply staggering.

Lush tropical rainforest teeming with wildlife, many of which are among the world’s most critically endangered species, volcanic peaks that are never quite dormant, and a choice of tropical isles surrounded by sandy beaches and waters of all imaginable hues. Sailing is therefore a natural attraction, and most activities take those with a zest for adventure eastward towards Lesser Sunda Islands, to the Land of the Komodo Dragons! Komodo Island forms part of Indonesia’s protected Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and only known habitat of the Komodo giant monitor lizards.

Here’s a brief look at look at the beauty of this far corner of the world from aboard the indomitable traditional double-masted Phinisi Schooner, which to this day is still handcrafted by the Bugis people of South Sulawesi (Celebes) . Another day in Paradise, no doubt!

Source: Enchanting Eden

As a travel destination, Indonesia has earned the bragging rights as the world’s most diverse. A staggering variety with no parallel in the world. The one country that would come close is probably Brazil, with its Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest. Indonesia is home to the second largest, replete with all its contents. Flora, Fauna… and indigenous tribes that dwell in the hinterlands. Some of whom are still carrying on a sustainable life based on their approach to the immediate environment. In the past, we’d simply lump everything into one category “primitive”, but with the world’s rising fascination with eco-consciousness and sustainability, we are quickly realizing that we have plenty to learn from these groups of people that have survived with their way of life for… eternity! Or so it seems. Here’s a look at the Kombai people ofIndonesia’s West Papua with their unique tree houses dwellings.

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Located in Southern Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, Dreamland is an excellent beach for surfing, sunsets and solitude.

Dreamland started life when surfers discovered it enroute to the other nearby surfing spot of Uluwatu and Padang Padang. Now that the “secret is out”, Bali-based expatriates and visitors alike have converged upon it.

The white sandy beach and the world-famous surf-break for long rides, coupled with its remote setting, makes for the perfect escape from all the worldly cares.

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