Banjarmasin

Located around the southern part of Kalimantan is Banjarmasin town. This is where you will be able to immerse into the rich culture and traditions of the people here while enjoying the cool weather in the town known to be one of the oldest ones in Indonesia. Records showed that Banjarmasin was officially launched in 1526 but it is known to have events dating long before that that includes the ancient kingdom of the Nan Serunai.

The name Banjarmasin which is the Dayak Bukti word for ‘Bandar Masih’ where it is populated mainly by the Banjarese people. One of the major attractions here is the architecture elements in which the people are known for their unique methods of building their homes. In fact, it is known that there are at least 12 different types of Banjarese homes which have since been lost over time although you can still see some today.

In Banajarmasin, you will be able to visit the Museum Waja Sampai Ka Puting which was designed using one of the 12 types of traditional architecturarl styles while the oldest mosque in South Kalimantan is the Masjid Sultan Suriansyah here. The natural richness here includes the rivers of Banjarmasin which have been a vital part of the Banjarese lifestyle. Today, the rivers still play an important role where you can still see the floating markets along the rivers which allow farmers and traders to sell their produce each morning. Apart from that, you can also come around during the festive season where there are boat races and carnivals being held throughout the year. If you like, you can also take the Pulau Kembang and Pulau Kaget canal trips where you can spot some very interesting animals and greens. Banjarmasin is connected by the Shamsuddin Noor airport which is located not far from the city centre. Alternatively, you also come here through the waters where you can get a boat ride through the Trisakti harbour.

The Galungan Feast

One of the major events that take place in the tourist destination of Bali is the Galungan. This is basically a feast event which is celebrated in commemorating the victory of good over evil and is the most important event in the Balinese Hindu calendar. At this event, the Ida Sang Hyang Widi, the creator of the universe is honoured and symbolizes the victory of Dharma over Adharma.

It is also an event whereby the local Balinese people are encouraged and educated to show their gratitude to Ida Sang Hyang Widi and their ancestors. It takes place on the 210th day of the Balinese calendar where it is believed that this is the time when the spirits of the ancestors would return to visit them. The rituals are performed as a form of welcoming them back as well as entertainment for them during their ‘visit’.

Fatahillah Square

Fatahlillah Square is one of the most historical sites in Indonesia where it was formerly the main area of Batavia. This would be what is known today as Jakarta and was then the place of status for the people here. Today, one could still see some of the old remnants of the city although it no longer exudes the prosperity that it used to.

Here is where one can now visit the food stalls and try out the local delicacy here like the infamous Bakso, a type of noodles and the omelet styled Kerak Telor. As night falls, there would be more stalls coming around here as well as street performers and live music acts. This would breathe life into Fatahillah Square where the younger crowd throngs the streets and the surrounding areas. For those who would like to know more about the historical beginnings of the square can head out to the numerous museums and buildings here.

Jalan Surabaya, the best place to hunt for antiques

Located in Menteng in Jakarta, the antique market in Jalan Surabaya is known to be the place that one must go when coming here. Known also as the Surabaya Street Market, it is one of the few ‘themed markets’ around the country and still maintains the traditional way of selling in the midst of many moving towards the malls and shopping centers. Here is where one is able to find a wide range of antiques catered to the tourists while the regulars are still here looking for gems and rarities.

This ‘flea market’ style is where many would come and trade practically any item which they regard as ‘antique’. Hence, not everything here is valuable although most things are used and old. Tourists like to come here as they are able to find items which remind them of the old times. This market has been operating for the last 40 years when it began selling Chinese porcelain and dining items.

Travelling on a budget in Indonesia

Indonesia offers an interesting place to visit and it is more so if you are on a budget. This is because it is quite easy to get around and find budget stays around the major destinations here. Comparatively, traveling in Indonesia is cheaper than going to Malaysia, Thailand and surely Singapore. If you take a bus from Jakarta to Bali, it will cost around US$30 or less although it could be a daunting 30 odd hours. In terms of food, you can easily get a good meal from US1. For the more adventurous, eating at the hawker stalls are definitely cheaper than that and tastes better.

Coming to Indonesia means you will be able to enjoy a host of local delicacies here and one thing that you must try here is the tropical fruits like bananas, watermelons and many more. They are known to be one of the best in the world and you could easily get a pack for less than US0.50.

Things to take note of if you are a woman travelling to Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the most populated counties in the world. Hence, if you are a woman and travelling to the country, you must be aware of a few things. Depending on which area you go to, Indonesia is not a dangerous country although personal safety must be observed regardless of which country you visit.

But one thing about Indonesia is that if you are the type who does not like too much attention, then you might need to reconsider visiting the country at all. More so if you are a foreign woman because you will bound to attract attention and lookers everywhere you go. If you feel uncomfortable with people ogling over you, then you will not have a comfortable trip.

Flores Island

Flores Island is widely considered as one of the most beautiful islands in Indonesia. It is currently being considered as the alternative to Bali island located not too far away which offers a lot of unspoilt choices of lush greeneries, waters and beaches.

In fact, Flores is known to offer almost a complete range of natural attractions that any tourist would be looking for because apart from its pristine lakes, there are waterfalls, mangrove shores, caves as well as a rich, traditional lifestyle of the locals here.

Semarang

The town of Semarang is one of the major tourist attractions in Central Java island. The capital of Central Java got its name from 2 Javanese words which means ‘scarce tamarind’.

It is located towards the northern part of the island and houses more than 1.5 million people. The place is known to have a great landscape of Dutch architecture while one will also like the Chinatown and the surrounding villages here.

Tourism industry set to benefit from shooting of Hollywood film

The filming of ‘The Philosophers’, a Hollywood production movie in Indonesia is set to boost the tourism industry and if that doesn’t the Ministry of Tourism and Culture is set to bank of such efforts to do so.

The shooting began recently and will be done fully in the country’s capital, Jakarta and according to Syamsul Lussa, the Director of Film Affairs of the ministry, this would have a direct impact on the tourism of the country as well as creating new jobs.

Manado at North Sulawesi

Manado is the capital city of Bunaken in North Sulawesi which is known very much for its rich biodiversity attractions. Inside the city is the Provincial Museum which houses 3 floors of exhibits where you will be able to learn about the local traditions and transport around here.

The Bendi is one of the highlights here which is a horse trap. It is still being used in present time. There are also a wide variety of artifacts made of ceramic that came from China, Japan and as far as Europe while the furniture used by some heroes of the country too are displayed here.