Manado as World Tourism City 2010

Manado is the capital of the North Sulawesi province of Indonesia. Manado is located at the Bay of Manado, and is surrounded by a mountainous area. The city has about 417,548 inhabitants. The municipality of Manado is divided into nine districts: Malalayang, Sario, Wanea, Wenang, Tikala, Mapanget, Singkil, Tuminting and Mapanget.

History

The Dutch East India Company built a fortress in Manado in 1658. As with regions in eastern Indonesia, Manado has undergone Christianization by Dutch missionaries, including Riedel and Schwarz. The Javanese prince Diponegoro (national hero) was exiled to Manado by the Dutch government in 1830. The English biologist Alfred Wallace visited Manado in 1859, and praised the town for its beauty.

In 1919, the Apostolic Prefecture of Celebes was established in the city. In 1961, it was promoted as the Diocese of Manado.

The city was heavily damaged by Allied bombing during World War II. In 1958, the headquarters of the rebel movement Permesta were moved to Manado. When Permesta confronted the central government with demands for political, economic and regional reform, Jakarta responded in Manado by bombing the city in February 1958, and then invading in June 1958.

A rare Coelacanth fish (Ikan Raja Laut) was caught by a fisherman in Manado in July 2007 and there are plans to display its preserved body in a museum in Manado. Unfortunately, there is no museum or any representative place to exhibit preserved marine organism specially the rare species found in Manado. This is the remaining problem for the local government to face on.

World Ocean Conference (WOC) and Coral Triangle Initiatives (CTI) were successfully hosted in Manado on 11th to 15th May 2009. The WOC summit was participated by 56 countries and the CTI was consisted of Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands.

Sail Bunaken 2009 held on 12-20 August 2009 was participated by ships and yachts from 33 countries of which 15 countries sent their warships including from the USA, USS George Washington. In Manado Bay also a world record on scuba-diving was created with 2,486 divers entitled as The Most Scuba Diving Simultaneously.

Tourism and Places of interest

As the largest city in the region, Manado is a key tourist transit point for visitors. Sam Ratulangi International Airport of Manado is one of the main entry ports to Indonesia. In 2005, no less than 15,000 international passengers entered Indonesia via Sam Ratulangi International Airport.

Ecotourism is the biggest attraction in Manado. Scuba diving and snorkelling on the nearby Bunaken National Park including the island of Bunaken are popular attractions. Ban Hin Kiong Temple is another tourism spot in the city, especially during the Chinese new year celebration. Souvenirs shops are located on B.W. Lapian street. Other places of interest are nearby Lake Tondano, also some volcanoes sites are at Mount Lokon, Mount Klabat and Mount Mahawu .

Church-tourism. Manado is a Christian majority region. Contrary with other regions in Indonesia, in Manado you can find easily many church buildings of different denominations.

Blessing Jesus Statue in Asia. The white-robed Jesus with upraised hands stands on a 32-metre high hill in a residential estate in Manado. This 30-meter statue is the tallest Jesus Christ statue is Asia (if not the second tallest in the world after Rio)

Shopping Malls and Hotels. It is easy to find places to shop around Manado, since many of the shopping malls are located on Piere Tendean Boulevard. There are four recent shopping malls there, namely Mega Mall, Manado Town Square, Boulevard Mall and IT Center. Traffic jam usually occurs at Piere Tendean Boulevard because of the existence of the shopping malls. Hotels are located in the centre of the city ranging from budget, standard to deluxe (five-star).

Website of Manado Tourism and Culture Office: www.manadokota.go.id

Also, you can read more of Manado at www.visit-manado.com

If you’re interested to see some amateur photos of Manado and its surroundings, please visit our family’ pictures in Facebook at butje-liuba lasut. Or, send us an email at butje_liubovi@hotmail.com.

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Indonesia – The Exotic Archipelago

Having more than 17,000 islands up its sleeve, Indonesia is the place where you can never run out of things to do while visiting this nature's gift. From shopping to snorkeling, there is so much to do in Indonesia where a week-long vacation too might not do justice to this place. So while browsing through the hotels in Indonesia, keep in mind that there is a fat chance of extending your stay in the country. Picking one of the Indonesia cheap hotels will allow you to spend less on accommodation and more on adventurous activities that one ought to do while holidaying in Indonesia.

If you are into extreme sports, Indonesia is legendary when it comes to activities such as diving and snorkeling. Wreck diving at USS Liberty Wreck off Tulamben which is an artificial reef can pump up your adrenaline to levels you can't even imagine. The Coral Sea Gardens of Bunaken Islands is a must visit for any nature lover who is definitely going to be awe struck by the marine life and the drop-off reef formation. All hotels in Indonesia will have information about tours to both these locations and will be happy to arrange the same.

Enjoy a Tantalizing Trip

If your thirst for action remains unquenched, the front desk of most hotels in Indonesia can assist you with trekking packages over some of the famous active volcanoes in Indonesia. Mount Bromo, located in East Java, is the most popular active volcano around which several trekking tours are organized. Another great option would be the Kawah Ijen which provides one of the best picturesque views of grassy fields and the surrounding peaks which is nothing short of a fairy tale experience.

Indonesia is one of the wealthiest countries in South East Asia owing to the large number of resources available in this archipelago. This translates into a shopper's paradise with umpteen numbers of malls and street shops of a wide price range. All hotels in Indonesia will be situated close to some shopping mall or market so you can fulfill your shopping desires from everywhere.

There are two things one must remember while holidaying in Indonesia to cut down on the budget. Firstly, living in one of the Indonesia cheap hotels can prove to be highly economical and smart. Indonesia cheap hotels provide the same luxury and comfort as offered by the others but at a much affordable price. The second important thing to remember is, if anything doesn't have a price tag on it, the price is negotiable.

Excitehotels.com Takes You to the Most Desirable Hotels in Indonesia

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Scuba Diving in North Sulawesi - the Natural Wonders of Bunaken and Lembeh Strait

Full of natural wonders, and offering an almost unparalleled levels of marine biodiversity, North Sulawesi has become one of the worlds premier destinations for ecotourism and adventure travel in recent years. Today, large numbers of scuba divers travel to this distant part of Indonesia, to sample some of the finest dive sites to be found anywhere throughout South East Asia.

The diving in North Sulwesi is focused in two main areas, the Bunaken National Marine Park and the famous muck diving capital of Lembeh Strait. There are other destinations where good diving is on offer in North Sulwesi, including the dive sites in Sangihe Island and Pulau Bangka, however it is the dive sites in Bunaken and Lembeh which draw large numbers of scuba divers here year after year.

The Bunaken National Marine Park was established in 1991, and the deep waters of the park offer one of the greatest levels of marine biodiversity to be found anywhere in the world. A home to over 70% of all fish species found throughout the Indo-western pacific region, the waters of Bunaken are home to an incredible array of coral and marine life.

The scuba diving in Bunaken is predominantly characterised by the awesome vertical walls which almost surround the island. Along these walls, an array of cracks, caves and crevices are home to a wide range of fish life during the day as well as the night. Dive sites including Fukui Point and Black Rock provide divers with access to stunning corals as well as stunning array of smaller marine life.

Lembeh Strait is widely acknowledged as being the ‘muck diving’ capital of the world, and offers what can only be described as a truly unique experience in diving. The diving itself is shaped by the black sandy bottom of the ocean in the region, which is home to a wide selection of critters and smaller marine life. It is for this reason that underwater photographers often choose to make the longer journey out to Lembeh Strait, to sample some of the finest opportunities for underwater macro photography to be found anywhere in South East Asia. Octopus, flying gunnards, frogfish and dwarf lionfish can all be found throughout the numerous dive sites in the Lembeh Strait.

Diving is possible in North Sulwesi throughout the year, although the best conditions are to be found from late March through to November. From January through to March, heavy rains and strong winds can be found throughout the region, leaving the conditions unfavourable for scuba diving.

Without doubt, the diving in North Sulawesi is of the highest standard, and the region fully justifies its claim to be one of South East Asia’s leading scuba diving destinations. The superb dive sites of Bunaken and Lembeh undoubtedly ensure the longer journey time to reach here is worthwhile, and leave you only thinking of when you can return!

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Balinese Arts and Crafts

Perhaps, there is no place in the earth with such high density of artisans and craftsmen as in Bali. You name it and you can find it here – woodcarving, stone carving, silver and gold smiths, basket weavers, terracotta and ceramics, full range of handicrafts – the list goes on forever. Here is a short list of some of the best things or products available and you can go to find them.

Woodcarving and wood handicrafts
Traditional Balinese woodcarving has always been of religious subjects. In the 1930’s though a new type of carving developed in Mas near Ubud catering to the tourist market. Today, the best Balinese carving galleries are still there. Another important area for wood carving is on the road up to Sebatu. This is the region where most of the new antiques are made.

The principal part is that you find something you like for a price you can afford. There are also numerous other Balinese standards like wooden banana trees, wooden flowers, Bali wooden masks and the type of things that might often be found at cheaper prices. Wood handicrafts for souvenir like wooden boxes, wooden nameplate, key chains, dreamcatcher, wind chimes, and many alternative types assorted of color and form can be found easily in most art shops in Bali.

Stone Carving
There are numerous types of stone carving such as traditional Balinese sculpture, hyper-realist animals, modern style, etc. The preferred material for stone carving is known as volcanic tuff that resembles the colour of cement when it is newly carved. Many visitors to Bali assume that they are cast, not handmade. To see the truth with your own eyes, have a look at the bend in the road in Batubulan which has long been touted as being the village of stone carvers.

Silver and Gold smiths
The village of Celuk is now lined with galleries all selling silver ware. They are typical Balinese work using granulation and a process of attaching gold to the surface of silver. Today the industry is very sophisticated and includes everything from traditional pieces to contemporary designs.

Other arts and crafts
These include paintings, basket weavers, wood puppets, shadow puppets, Bali dried flower, terracotta figurines, ceramics, wooden chess boards, Balinese musical instruments, textiles, costumes, furniture, large pots from Lombok, leather works from Java, primitive statues from the eastern islands, brass bowls, bronze statues and other decorative items.

Shopping for art and craft is supposed to be fun and Bali is one the best places in the world to find something cute and beautiful for yourself or somebody that you love.

A Bali Bra Just For You

The Bali bra line is a collection of high-quality pretty undergarments offering women from all over who come in every shape and size complete support and protection.

A brassiere or bra like the Bali bra is a garment for females to give coverage and support for the women's breasts. A typical bra is made up of straps at both sides of the shoulder, two cups to accommodate the breasts, a center panel, a band to hold the two cups and goes under the breasts, and a hook clasp or a bra fastener to close the brassier. The brassieres are typically made up of materials such as cotton or lace or even spandex, depending on the style and function that the manufacturer intended. The under wires of the bra are added to provide maximum support and to give shape to the bra cups.

The brassieres like the Bali bra line come in different types, depending on the material used, the function intended, and the style. The Bali line comes in different styles – a bra that closes in the front, another that closes in the back, one that has no straps perfect for tube dresses, a convertible line, push-up line for that wonderful added lift and support, sexy demi-cup or half-cup Bali bra for the ultimate tool in seduction, and the full-cup Bali bra for maximum coverage. The Bali bra also comes with three-quarters cup, soft cup, half-cup, shelf-bra, long line, and Bali bra that comes with under wires. For the active, energetic women, a t-shirt Bali bra is available.

The size of Bali bra depends on the size of a woman's breasts. There are different kinds of brassieres for different sizes and shapes of a woman's breasts. The band size is the circumference around the body which does not include the breast. The “cup size” indicates the breast's volume, and it is indicated by letters.

The Bali bra makes sure that a woman's bra fits her right to make sure that the woman gets a flattering shape every time she wears the brassiere all the while giving her maximum support and makes her feel comfortable. Women with big breasts usually experience uncomfortable and annoying back pain because of inadequate support given by the wrong brassiere. In the United Kingdom, surveys show that about 70% of the female population do not wear the right bra and instead strap on ill-fitting, uncomfortable ones. This was probably because of insufficient knowledge regarding bra and correct fitting. There is also the problem of finding larger bras although the manufacturers nowadays have come up with brassieres that are intended for women with larger breasts than the average female.

The Bali bra line offers brassieres of all kinds and sizes. Brassieres come in cup sizes A to DD. Finding the right cup size can be confusing. Brassiere manufacturers in Europe create brassiers that usually come in increasing sizes, like AAA-AA-A-B-C-D-DD-E-F-FF-G-GG-H-J. The only fool-proof and sure way to get the correct bra is by trying the brassiere on. Band size is determined by getting the circumference of the body directly under the breasts. A certain number is added to give allowance because the ribcage is wider at the height where the breasts are. In the US, about 4 to 6 inches is usually added to the measured circumference to arrive at the correct and size. Bra size may also change depending on weight gain and weight loss. The menstrual cycle also causes changes in the bra size of a woman.

According to statistics, the average woman in the US nowadays has at least six bras. Out of the six brassieres, usually one is colored and one is a bra that has no straps. Brassieres are created for different functions, so you can find Bali bra lines that are classified as minimizers, maximizers, or push ups depending on the support the woman needs. There are also bras that show the woman's cleavage in really thin, lacey material which is a bra that is intended for showing off.

No matter what your size or shape is, there is a Bali bra for you.

Quick Guide To Bali

Bali’s idyllic location, constant warm temperature and welcoming people have made it a key destination for travellers from all over the world.

Where is it?

Bali is one of the Indonesian islands, set in the Indian Ocean, just 8 degrees south of the equator. It is popular for romantic breaks, honeymoons and weddings as well as being a key surfing destination.

Where can I stay?

Bali is a haven of warm climates, blue seas and wide sandy beaches. There are big hotels in Bali just as there are in any beach-led country, but the very best hotels are those that reduce the number of rooms and focus instead on giving guests the very best holiday experience. From a completely spoiled and luxurious boutique hotel to simple but perfectly designed accommodation, you can find a hotel that puts you at your ease and makes relaxation your only consideration. Take the Puri Ganesha Villas in the north of the island, bordered by green mountains on one side and the sea on the other, Puri Ganesha is a collection of just four two-storey villas, each with its access onto the private beach and its own seawater swimming pool. Or try the Nusa Dua, one of the newest boutique hotels on Bali, where 20 exclusive pavilions provide accommodation for their lucky occupants, with butler service and private pools.

What can I see?

One of the obvious attractions of Bali is the warm coastline and fabulous beaches. If you’re not a total beach bum though, there are many other areas that are worth a visit, including Ganung Batur, a volcanic cone with a lake in the surrounding caldera. The landscape is worth the climb, but the climate at this height is very different from that of the beaches, so be prepared for much cooler, damp conditions. Romantics could try the Bali Orchid Garden – the climate in Bali particularly suits these gorgeous flowers – or visit one of the ancient shrines and temples that dot the landscape.

How do I get around?

If you ever decide to leave your villa to go anywhere other than the beach – and you should, because otherwise you’ll miss nearly all that Bali has to offer – then use the cheap bus system, or for slightly more money, but also more comfort, use the regular tourist buses. You can also rent a motorcycle or bike for a slightly more adventurous trip around the island.

How To Select Your Preferred Bali Hotels

Bali is a wonderful island situated in Indonesia, the ultimate tourist destination in Asia, is worth a visit. Most people come to Bali for its beach, waves, sun, some come for business, some come for its undying art and culture, some come for its breathtaking landscapes and some for pure relaxation.

Choosing Bali for your holiday destination, of course you should select and decide your preferred Bali Hotel which would match your interests. There are myriad of accommodations to choose from in Bali, from five-star luxury hotels to budget accommodations.

Bali Hotels by locations: Accommodations by the sea (has beach front), in town and hotels are situated in countryside. Or Bali Hotels by interest (boutique hotels, villas, small hotels in traditional Balinese style bungalow and big or leading Bali Hotels).

Every place has its own attractions and features:
Sanur: Famed for its white sandy beach, sun rise, sea activities, close to other places of interest. Is for gracious living, peaceful and quiet. More “international” but somehow far less cosmopolitan than frenetic Kuta. There are so many excellent hotels here that you can scarcely go wrong.

Kuta: Frenetic, sometime chaotic, noisy, lots of hype, but a great playground. Originally what drew visitors to Kuta was the wide beach and the surf. It still has best sea front on the island. Kuta also famed for its shopping, dine and night lives. Though there are now many first-class hotels and home stays, caters best to the economy traveler who likes to be in the thick of things.

Legian & Seminyak: Lie at the north end of Kuta Beach strip. This is the place to stay if you want the best of both worlds. Conveniently located within 15 minutes from the center of Kuta, yet safely removed from the nerve-wrecking intensity and hype. The villages are perfect for extended vacations. There are several first-class hotels, a great number of intermediate-range bungalow, and inexpensive accommodations.

Nusa Dua & Tanjung Benoa: The area is rather isolated from the rest of Bali. Nusa Dua is providing a “total” hotel environment, everything you could possibly ask for is available on the premises. White sandy beach and a wide range of sea activities.

Jimbaran bay: Has nice and wide beach, good sunset (weather permitted), and close to Airport. There are two leading hotels, good villas and nice hotels in Balinese style bungalow.

Ubud & environs: The heart of arts and cultures of Bali. There are many small resorts deluxe and intermediate accommodations, most blend of typical Balinese and modern amenities. Situated either in town or in the countryside, most have wonderful gardens and views. Ubud is a paradise for shopping too.

The east: Offer more restful vacation.
Nusa Lembongan: Is a surfing, snorkeling and diving paradise. There are some excellent hotel resorts and some inexpensive hotels.
Balina beach: Buitan Village, this is spacious, gorgeous white sand beach, is one of the major scuba diving centers of Bali. There are a deluxe hotel and some intermediates and budget hotels.
Candi Dasa: The beach (at low tide, at high tide there IS no beach) because it has been eroded by the waves, but Candi Dasa offer restful vacation. There are first-class, intermediate and inexpensive hotels. You will be treated here with the utmost of graceful service.

The North:
Lovina beach: A northern beachfront alternative to Kuta and Sanur, this is a serene and infrequently visited vacation spot. Black sand beaches and quite waters nestles inside of extensive coral reefs distinguish this idyllic beach. Snorkeling is superb here and the reef is close enough that even children and beginner swimmers can feel comfortable here. There are first-class, intermediate and inexpensive hotels.

Western Beaches:
Up along this coast north of Kuta and Legian lies a stretch of black sand beach with a dangerous reef and heavy undertow, these beaches are not ideal for swimming and beginner surfers. At Canggu there are some luxury hotels. Yeh Gangga boast a small luxury resort Waka Gangga is facing the Indian Ocean. Tanah Lot boast a leading hotel Le Meridian and a world championship golf course with breathtaking view of famous Tanah Lot temple and sunset.

Western Interior:
Bedugul: This mountain resort is famous for its air, restful and serene. There are a number of places to stay here, from luxury hotels to budget accommodations (losmen).

The quickest and easiest way to select your preferred Bali Hotels is to go online and visit hotel reservation website. Do a search for the city or place (Indonesia, Bali, Hotels) you are traveling to and you will be presented with a list of available hotels in that area. There are also more information about hotel’s and room’s facilities. Most luxury hotel has excellent spa facilities.

The wide choice can be confusing – especially for first-time visitors – and it’s sometimes difficult to select the right accommodation. So still go online and click travel. Choose your reputable travel agent (contact him by e-mail). Just let him know your personal needs and preferences that he can recommend those hotels he feel suit you best.

My immense thanks to you readers.

Have You Been To Bali Yet? Want to See How It Looks Like?

Much has been written about the favorite dream island of Bali. But how does it actually look like, and what's more important - is it the right destination for a visit or for a honeymoon? There are lots of promotional materials circulating out there done by travel companies and book publishers, but how about getting real close up views by visitors that share their own intimate perspectives for a change.

Nothing is more honest and revealing than private Bali videos all created by individual people from all over the globe that visited this island already, and made videos about that in their own language. Then uploaded it to a video web site, and now share them with the world and everyone. Free Bali videos. How convenient.

This new video site is strictly about Bali videos only. Watch what other people experienced here already, the places they visited, and what kind of people they met. What type of hotels or exclusive villas they stayed at. Now it's all online available at one single spot dedicated to the private Bali on film.

Good idea to include a search engine into that, so one can search whatever they want to see in particular. My favorites today was the search term 'Jimbaran Bali' what did show a few very relaxing videos made at that location, also 'Nusa Dua beach' did show some good results, with some of the great resorts there. Occasionally one finds some cool music in the search results that have related song titles that have "bali" in the name, as for example the title 'Bali run' of classic song by the band 'Fourplay' live in concert.

It's stunning with what some people come up with in these few minute long flicks. The 'classic Bali style' ones come with some accompanying Balinese Gamelan and flute music are very emotional touched, as they captured the Bali of the early years. What is for some travelers the 1980's and 1990's. When walking from Kuta beach to Legian beach on the main road without any car disturbing you was a reality. Unthinkable these days when everyone has a motorbike or a car.

The video website was created as a true tribute to Bali as seen by travelers, with so many interesting videos that myself spend considerable time there watching a few of these and still find new videos from some unknown 'Bali fanatics" that have great landscapes, huge waves and at times also extremely good looking people enjoying themselves having a great time.

From casual 3-days travelers that just bought a new camera, to some experienced video artists that show their skills with artistic montages zooming in on rice fields, beaches and mountain sites. Yesterday for a change I had a look at the contestants of a Miss Universe Japan video, what was basically something you would see on TV, except the girls are very beautiful here in that one. Naturally charming, like so many people visiting Bali.

Some videos are commercials done by tour and villa marketing people showing off their special villas. What's cool too, as there are so may exclusive villas now in Bali and so little time to actually go and visit each of them. So it can be really time saving and revealing to have it all presented to you while sitting comfortably and nodding with amazement or approval occasionally. Having peek previews of for example the Four Seasons in Sayan, Ubud is a pure pleasure. They really did built some marvelous villas there, all set inside the greenest jungle there possibly can exist.

And if you're into surfing, Bali waves videos are of course a must watch. From locations like Amed to the southern cliffs, it's all there. Some heavy duty pure adrenalin action videos and also some 'still impressions' that go in the opposite direction by showing only the waves coming in and going out for about 5 minutes straight. Very relaxing actually, with the original sound of the waves, makes a great screensaver for the next creative coffee break in front of the PC. And that's another interesting point to it, we cannot all live there, but we can all watch it anytime we like. Bali, truly a dream island as seen on video. Now showing on the all new Bali videos website.

Bali – Paradise of Indonesia

Bali – Paradise of Indonesia

“Glorious Bali Island” – that’s the official motto of this paradise island, well known to the entire world since World War II. Bali is the most famous tourist destination of Indonesia and preferred location for sun lovers from the west, so undoubtedly the next choice of www.travelonguide.com had to be Bali.

Beach lovers can have a wonderful time in Bali, since day time they could enjoy the sun and at night enjoy the dances and cultural shows on the beach. On a full moon day the Balinese people organize special beach games…. and guess what even a funeral is a procession and an event where people enjoy themselves. Opt for a candle light beach dinner and we guarantee you that the experience will be something that you will cherish throughout your life, the Balinese dancers and singers will add icing to this special moment.

If you are planning your trip to Bali, then its best to have some information about its climatic conditions. Since Bali has a tropical climate, the temperature throughout the year is not more than 26 degrees Celsius. The dry season starts from April till September and the wet season from October till March, and the best time to be there is from May to August, when the sun shines bright and the uninvited drizzle keeps the climate cool.

Water sport lovers, just should miss this place. Bali offers world class scuba diving experience, there are special schools where one could learn scuba diving. The coral reefs are purely untouched and display a wide range of sea life, never seen before even on Discovery Channel. If you like to see the corals, then make sure that you take a trip to Nusa Penida. This beach also offers various other water sports options. For people who are more adventurous, can go rafting in the Ayung river or try some mountain cycling. Walking in rice paddies is also a wonderful experience.

Bali is one of very few places of Indonesia dominated by the Hindus, who celebrate all Hindu festivals and have retained all Hindu traditions. Coming to the food options, Bali offers all cuisine right from Indian, Chinese, Malaysian, Moroccan and even Mexican. One should not forget to try the sumptuous Grilled Lobsters specially served with a typical Balinese sauce.

For those who are not so adventurous type and like being spoilt and pampered, then Bali is where you should head to. Apart from the beautiful resorts like any other beach destination, you will also find beach villas. These villas are well equipped, some with private pool, trained cooks, maids and house boys, who just don’t leave any effort to pamper you. Hiring a private villa could be a much cheaper and cozier experience for those who are on a honeymoon and need some intimacy. Just like Mauritius and Maldives, getting married in Bali is also possible.

We hope that we have truly tried to inspire our readers to pack their bags and head to Bali, and if you indeed enjoyed reading about Bali, then make sure to log on to www.travelonguide.com for more exotic locations.

Where To Go Scuba Diving In Bali

The tropical Indonesian island of Bali is still attracts millions of tourists every year. Tourists on vacations to Bali are attracted by the mystique, charms and allure of the predominantly traditional Hindu culture, spectacular tropical jungles, mountains and beautiful beaches. Many tourists especially from nearby Australia and Singapore travel to Bali for scuba Diving. The islands in Bali are well known for its excellent scuba diving locations.

Scuba divers in Bali can expect to encounter awesome underwater landscape as well as sighting a very wide array of marine sea creatures. Let's visit some scuba diving Bali dive spots.

In Nusa Penida and Lembongan Islands, there are spectacular drop off reefs making reef and wall diving the predominant staple on these two scuba diving locations. It takes about a 45 minute speedboat ride to reach these dive destinations.

Water visibility is excellent all year round but the current here is stronger. Experienced divers will love it here as they can enjoy some drift dives. However, the current may get very strong occasionally and dives may have to be abandoned when this happens.

The dive sites at Nusa Dua and Sanur are just 5 minutes away from the coast and therefore easily assessable. The novice divers will love these dive spots because of the gentle current. Water visibility ranges from low to moderate since they are located in the coastal area and are more affected by pollution. Although hard coral life is limited, the dive spots have a surprisingly diversity of marine fishes, soft corals and sponges which are thriving on the reefs.

There is a very wide variety of corals, colorful sea fans and huge pelagic fishes here. Big schools of sweet lips fish, turtles, sharks and manta rays are often sighted by excited scuba divers.

Jemeluk and Amed Beaches are one and half hour away from Denpasar. Denpasar is a popular tourist coastal town with many wonderful hotels, resorts and night entertainment. Scuba divers need to be very experienced as the current here can get very strong. However the dives here can be very exciting because of long coastal reefs, reef slopes/drop offs and majestic wall diving. Water visibility can be considered as moderate to good. To add a final touch, these dive spots have one of the best hard coral communities in Bali.

The Tulamben Wreck Dive is a must dive spot for scuba divers to enjoy wreck diving. The water visibility here is fair to good and the current is gentle. Night dive on this wreck are often described as breathtaking.

The wreck, USS Liberty which met its fate in 1942 when a Japanese torpedo fired from a submarine in the second world war found its target.

The above are just some of the many splendid scuba diving destinations in Bali. For more superb dive sites,just contact the many scuba diving operators in Bali Island.

Some Very Good Reasons For Staying At The Tugu Bali Hotel

The Top Bali Luxury hotel is situated right on a broad beach on the south west side of Bali, and it is called The Tugu Bali Hotel.

This is very definitely the most romantic hotel in Bali with only 22 rooms, and each decorated with priceless antiques and pictures. In fact wherever you turn in the Tugu Bali Hotel you will see artifacts lovingly collected over many years by the owner. Don’t for one second think that the hotel is in any way out of date, in fact you will find the Tugu has a huge reputation for service, luxury and romance and exceptional hospitality too.

A love of fine art, and a planned wedding, means you need the perfect luxury hotel for the most romantic honeymoon you could possibly have here in Bali, and the Tugu Bali Hotel can and will certainly supply that, and more.

You will find that the Tugu is a wonderful romantic refuge from the outside world, and because it is a little out of the way, the staff who will treat you like royalty go more than out of their way to ensure you don’t have any need to leave. This starts at the international airport at Denpasar where you are picked up and given refreshments during the thirty minute ride, which will then be repeated as you complete the formalities in the beautiful open air reception area.

Looking around you will immediately realize that the Tugu Bali Hotel is not only a luxury hotel in Bali, it is also going to be one of the best experiences of your life, and so romantic if it is your Bali honeymoon, then you couldn’t have chosen better. All the cobble stone paths, the gardens, the Balinese and Javaneses antiques, and the altars make you feel as if you are in a friend’s home and not one of the top luxury hotels in Bali.

It is the personal attention to detail that makes a good hotel into a great one, and the staff here are unobtrusive, know your name, nothing is too much trouble, and wishes are turned quickly into reality, without having to continually sign chits because the staff know who you are.

If you are able to, then stay in one of the suites with the private plunge pool, the courtyard with the huge outdoor bath tub is fantastic, and you could spend some hours in that alone!! It is like being able to step for a few days into a magical world, you’ll almost have to pinch yourself.

The food at the Tugu Bali Hotel is uniformly excellent, and if you get the opportunity take part in the cooking class and the market visit. The cooking class takes place in what is like a film set with a reconstruction of a street kitchen. This one on one lesson is something you’ll never forget especially as you then get to eat it!!

Another experience not to be missed is dusk on the beach at Tugu, where you can watch the sunset over the sea whilst eating a romantic grilled seafood dinner, cooked right in front of you. In fact you can eat wherever you want and this includes the 18th century temple in the grounds, and food is genuine Balinese

Altogether the Tugu Hotel Bali is an oasis, unique in that it is so tranquil in an increasingly hectic world.

Go there especially for your Bali Honeymoon or just to recharge your batteries.

Secluded Bali Hideaways

Driving down any country road in Bali will be an interesting experience. For visitors that like to get out of the touristic developed areas this will be the right choice. Self-drive is the way to go for Bali visitors that want to really explore the island and spend the night or muliple nights at new and different destinations. This way travel will become a journey that holds surprises, a bit like the Paris-Dakar route that is divided into some etapes. This way travelers can actually hear the voice of nature, like real wind, the waves and the entertaining Balinese frogs that usually having 'a concert' after each rain. Flexibility usually opens doors and rewards with totally unexpected new discoveries.

And if serenity becomes principal consideration during a stay in Bali, just get on the unbeaten tracks or into the hidden corners of Bali. This will be an intriguing adventure that will entertain the sense of adventure more than anything else and enrich your life style. Solitary accommodation is available nearly on every spot of the etape as for example the following.

Bali has many secluded hideaways for adventurers. Because it's territory isn't huge really you cannot get lost like in the Australian outback. So, it is not worthy worrying about that. When your itinerary has been arranged, you can start the island journey from one of the hotels at the main resorts at Nusa Dua, Kuta Beach or Sanur Beach, and then continue to the central part of the tropical island, to Ubud. Ubud that is popularly known as international hideout of international artists and the heart of art that has many luxury riverside accommodations. Views of River Ayung or Petanu will be inviting every visitor to enter the ‘world of dreams encased with verdant lush tropical plants.

Cool temperature and composure will probably delay the check out day, as it is absorbing. The more so if travelers enjoy a spa treatment indulgence that releases tension and relieves the mind burdened with stress and daily life.

Next destination could be Candi Dasa and its surroundings in the Karangasem Regency that all have accommodations to stay. Many activities can be done here, like fishing, trekking, and taking adventures to fruit plantations or visit the native of Bali, Tenganan Village.

Next stop are the northern beaches already waiting for the adventurer on the next sojourn at Lovina beach that can be passed through the eastern route of the island. This location offers some luxury accommodation that is specially designed by adopting some elements of the Balinese traditional architecture. Blended with landscaped garden and surrounding atmosphere, it results in a convenient hideaway spot. Along the north shore there are many small hideaway hotels where you can experience Bali basically without running into other people at all.

Afterwards the journey continues westwards by passing through the Bali Barat National Park area. Around here there are limited eco-friendly accommodations that highlight the potential of natural living. A wooden tower is operated to observe birds or animal nearby. The resort is also strategically located that is close to the diving site of Menjangan Island.

As a finish perhaps you would like to spend more nights at the Medewi or Suraberata villages that each also retains distinctive interest and provides accommodation. Both located beach side and lay in the midst of swaying palm leaves. Surfing activity is an added value offered by these locations.

Ultimately, visitors have arrived at the starting line for a new adventure after passing through the southern rice fields along the coastal rea of Tabanan. What a great trip it has been. Makes hungry for more.

Traveling Bali is exciting and refreshing, and one such trip just makes you want to start again and see it all over again.

Matahari Beach Resort & Spa Bali

On the North-west coast of Bali, the Matahari Beach Resort is situated right beside a fine sand lava beach at Pemuteran.

There are 32 suites available in 16 bungalows which, faithful to ancient tradition, are decorated with lavish wood carving and stonework.

Each bungalow is only a few yards from the beach and has its own verandah.

A very strong selling point for this resort is the superb level of service, and although it is quite isolated this was one of the reasons behind choosing the Matahari Beach Resort. You can arrive by helicopter, it is I believe a spectacular short flight from the airport, we didn’t arrive that way because my wife won’t get into one, and I wasn’t really prepared to pay the extra. The limo supplied was very comfortable but it was a three hour drive through some beautiful scenery, but it is a bit of a flog after a long flight.

I have to say it was pretty well worth it, for not only the setting, a black lava sand beach is a bit off putting until you get used to it.

The food was spectacular at the main restaurant The’ Dewi Ramona’ or the ‘Paon’ a traditional Balinese kitchen on the beach, where cooking is over a traditional wood fire.

The swimming pool is excellent, but it is a bit tedious to spend 50 minutes in a boat to get to the snorkelling, diving and water sports activities.

The rooms were quite lovely, with the usual facilities, and thank goodness air conditioning, very comfortable large beds, and a huge marble tub.

I’m not sure I’d go again, the drive is a bit off putting, but a very nice hotel if you crave peace and quiet, and wonderful scenery, and if that is important to you, then the Matahari would be ideal

Gateways Of Bali

Bali is a tiny island among some 13,000 islands of a large archipelago stretching from Sabang (the West border) to Merauke in West Papua (the East border). Due to its location in the middle of southern series of islands of this country it has several ports of entry.

Before visiting Bali, some visitors may prefer to start their journey in the country's capital, Jakarta and take an overland tour by bus along the Java Island. If you have time and want to enjoy the amazing culture and panorama of the island. There are many places to discover, for example ancient Borobudur and Prambanan Temples, magic crater of Bromo and so many others. Then cross the Bali strait by ferry at Ketapang (East Java) to Gilimanuk (West Bali).

Other alternatives are to take a cruise. Bali is frequently chosen as a stopover for cruise lines. Prior to continuing to the next destination, passengers take the opportunity to have a sight seeing on this island. Padangbay and Benoa harbor are two main harbors for that. Padangbai is located in the Karangasem regency, Eastern Bali. It connects the island to Lembar in Lombok Island. While Benoa harbor is located on the southern Bali tip (inter island and international gateway). Other than used as tourism port, Benoa harbor is also used for anchorage of fishing vessels.

Ngurah Rai International airport is the airport located in southern Bali, in Tuban exactly. Named after I Gusti Ngurah Rai, a hero of Bali that led the troops against the Dutch in 1946. It becomes the main international entrance for tourists that visit Bali. During the past few years the number of visitors arrival through the airport tended to increase, after the bomb blast at Kuta it dropped in a big way, now recovering once again.

The airport becomes an important hub for the next destinations beyond Bali. It connects flights to Jogjakarta for the destination of one of the seven worlds' wonder of Borobudur and its neighboring Prambanan temples. Visitors can buy one day tours where they already return to Bali in the afternoon. Or they may take one night stay in Jogja and return to Bali on the next day. The airport also connects some cities in East Indonesia like Mataram in Lombok Island, Kupang in East Nusa Tenggara and Makassar in South Celebes.

Visitors who would like to enjoy and explore the jewels of eastern destinations may choose the next island of Lombok by air or sea, using a speed jetfoil boat on the route Benoa to Lembar. Lombok Island is famous for its stunning coastal mountain scenes, lots of undeveloped nature, Taliwang food (crispy chicken) and pottery. One of the many trips you can plan while having Bali as your main destination that has air connections to all main Asian and international airports.

Exclusive Boutique Style Bali Hotels

The basic idea is to combine the conveniences of a five-star resort with the cultural richness of a Balinese private home. A Bali hotel experience of a different kind.

Over the years this type of accommodation has increased vastly in popularity with travelers looking for something special and exclusive.

The difference between large hotel chains and boutique hotels is that they don't provide 100's of rooms but instead secluded luxury in small and intimate resorts.

A "home away from home" is a bit a stressed expression, but it describes quite accurately what you may find. A really private space in a total different location, thousands of miles away from home. You already could find that easily in many Bali hotels that are always different than big city hotels and even more so in boutique hotels.

All amenities are usually provided in these resorts to make you feel comfortable. Individual service with a personal touch makes all the difference, and a villa with an selection of things you don't want to miss like a sound system and satellite TV, several cozy in- and outdoor areas for relaxation, and refreshingly different styled bathrooms surely add to the ingredients to make you enjoy your stay.

Some icing on the cake may be a private Jacuzzi, plunge or swimming pool. What would be life in the tropics without it.

A resort in Ubud was ahead of its time and has been copied by newly built ones a several times since then. It's the Pita Maha, build by a member of the Royal family of Ubud in Bali. The concept of a river view resort with spa is taken from the Tjampuhan hotel and greatly refined through adding privacy by establishing a exclusive luxury villa concept. More about this resort later.

On the ocean side it was Four Seasons in Jimbaran who first successfully introduced the private villas concept within a hotel. Of course they also went to Ubud to build The Four Seasons Sayan. Overlooking the Ayung river it became too small for the demand already and new villas have been added.

The leading resorts in this field try to accomplish a secluded setting of each villa, permitting undisturbed outdoor life with outdoor dining areas. So life within nature can be experienced in Bali style. Some of the villas have outdoor bathrooms and private plunge pools as well.

Many known Bali hotels and resorts are renovating and redesigning themselves to follow this trend. Alam Kul Kul in Legian added boutique elements, The Villas in Seminyak are a good example to fully mature this concept, all villas have a private swimming pool and offer the privacy requested by clients.

In Jimbaran the Jimbaran Puri bali is a good beach side concept and must be booked early. The negative side of Boutique resorts is really the limited availability of rooms. It seems that because of the initially understated expectancy a few years back when the success of small high end resorts wasn't guaranteed, some of them are maybe build a bit too small.

Now the situation is very much different, travelers looking for that special place to spend a vacation, and are willing to pay for the extra luxury. The Ubud area is leading the way with resorts such as Kamandalu Resort, The Alila or the Natura Resort, one of the better and most convincing additions.

In the meanwhile we saw the opening of many new intimate small Bali hotels over the last few years, it seems a trend unbroken despite the slow down and recent recovery in the Bali tourism industry. Bali is once again the tropical dream location on a small island that currently attracts more individual travelers than mass group tours. Personally I am happy with this development and hope it will stay like this, as it supports space and tranquility for a personal experience in a location that 'is made' to be experienced this way.

Bali Liveaboard Scuba Diving

What can be a more adventurous and fulfilling scuba diving vacation experience than liveaboard luxury yacht cruising and scuba diving in the tropical islands of Bali?

Contrary to what many scuba divers think, liveaboard scuba diving may not be as expensive as you think. In fact if planned properly, live on board diving vacations may even save you money and inconveniences. Firstly, you will on transportation time and costs traveling to your dive operator's boat and then after your dive, returning to your hotel or resort lugging your cumbersome scuba diving gear with you and repeating the same process for the next couple of days during your vacation in Bali.

Next, you save money on hotel or resort accommodation because since that you are living on the dive boats, there will be no need for hotel or resort bookings. Furthermore, you do not need to hunt for expensive meals in your hotel or resort since all liveaboard scuba diving packages will include delicious meals which will also mean that you will be probably having very fresh and delectable sea food caught by the crew while you are enjoying your cruise or are scuba diving.

The highlight of your liveaboard Bali vacation is that you can dive in many exotic dive locations instead of only the dive spots near where you stay. This is because since that you need not return to your resort or hotel to retire for the day, the liveaboard dive yachts will cruise away to far flung scuba diving locations while you are sleeping. This again saves you time and best of all, you get to save more money by diving in more places for the same price.

Here is a typical example of a liveaboard Bali scuba diving itinerary. It is a 7 days Bali scuba diving excursion.

Day One - Visit one of Bali's most interesting street on the way to Pemuteran & Menjangan North West Bali which will also include a stopover in View Point Restaurant Sanda. You will scuba dive in Pemuteran House Reef & Reef Project or Secret Bay in Gilimanuk

Day Two - Your liveaboard boat will cruise to Menjangan Island. You will be diving at the National Park, Walls, Anker Wreck, Coral Garden, buffet lunch on the white powdery sandy beach of the island. The boat will then land and send you to the north coast and visit a well kept secret Waterfall and a hot spring.

Day Three - Scuba diving activities will be at Amed Tulamben or Secret Spot, Drop Off, Liberty Wreck Dive (American battle ship sunk during WW2) & some wall diving.

Day Four - Some land excursion to enjoy the view of Bali's world famous terraced rice fields in the morning. Then your liveaboard yatcht will take you diving at the Blue Lagoon & White Beach. There will also be a night dive at the Blue Lagoon.

Day Five - Continue your Bali vacation by cruising to Gili Mimpang & Gili Tepekong or Gili Biaha for fantastic dive sites.

Day Six - More scuba diving activities at Gili Biaha or Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan. The sea at these diving locations could be rough at times, so the dives would very much be dependant on the weather. However, if the weather allow, you will be scuba diving in one of the most breath taking underwater scenery in the world.

Day Seven - More scuba diving at the Blue Lagoon, White Beach and the Channel and then off to Bali airport to your next scuba diving adventure.

So if you want to save time and money during your Bali scuba diving vacation, why not try liveaboard luxury boats instead?

Bali Island Tourist Attraction

Bali, a beautiful island paradise in the Indonesian archipelago made international news when the island was rocked by suicide bombings in 2002 and 2005. However, the island is better known as an excellent vacation holiday destination and a major tourist attraction.

Tourists who have visited this South East Asian island will tell you that Bali exudes a certain magical charm and that is why, some people call Bali, the Island of Gods. After all, gods live in paradise don't they?

You will be pleasantly impressed by the many stunningly beautiful tourist attractions and the charming local people. If you are a scuba diver, you will be pleased to know that Bali is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world.

Bali presents itself as a modern paradox because its ancient and traditional culture is still very much alive amidst modern living. While the basic conservatism of the Balinese people has enabled them to preserve many of their ancient customs, culture and religion, it has never hindered the acceptance of the new and innovative modern technological advancement.

The island is indeed a feast for the eye for tourists on holiday vacation in Indonesia. As the island is situated near the equator, it has almost equal amount of time for rain and sunshine making its environment very suitable for human inhabitation and as a result, Bali has been inhabited and civilized since ancient times.

Bali is also the only island in "middle Indonesia" that has more or less uninterrupted cultural continuity for hundreds of years. It is of this reason, Bali is the only part of Indonesia that remains "Hindu" and is still retaining elements of fusion of ethnic and Hindu cultures of more than a thousand years of cultural tradition.

When the island was colonized by the Dutch at the beginning of last century, the Dutch colonial masters were so impressed by the traditions of the Balinese that a concerted effort was made to preserve the island's mystical culture.

The Balinese society is a strong and cohesive one because the local people promote communal and family values. Feelings of alienation from parents and friends which are common in the western world are almost unheard of in Bali.

Children are carried everywhere or strapped to their mother's back until they are at least three months old. Religious rituals are performed regularly to keep the children safe, healthy and to protect them from harmful spirits. Every aspect of village life is organized in such detail that the individual's responsibilities and rights are meticulously defined by the Balinese tradition.

The Balinese are emotionally strong people and take the unfortunate incidents in their stride. The people are eternal optimists and believe that their Island of Gods enjoys a special place in the grander scheme of things. This is another reason why the local population can bounce back from the tragic terrorist attacks so quickly. Want to visit paradise? Then include Bali as your next holiday vacation destination for its many tourists attractions.

Bali: What To Do And Where To Go

There is a large group of travellers that is self-sufficient while having a pleasant time on the island. They know already where to find beach activities, the secrets of going shopping Bali style, and generally know where to find a good time while avoiding too much sweat.

There is a equally large group that cannot get enough of new activities, latest tour programs and all sorts of organized adventure.

Today I would like to give an overview of popular island tours and tropic activities such as rafting, trekking, cycling, elephant safaris, horse riding, skydiving, paragliding, sailing and other beach and marine sports.

If you are staying at a 4 or 5 stars Bali hotel, you will already have the advantage to be introduced to daily domestic activities available to hotel guests. Such can be gymnastic and jogging exercises, local bicycle tours, cooking classes and all sorts of beach games.

The next step on the activity level are Volley ball - Outrigger sailing - Table tennis - Tennis at Tennis courts - Badminton - Snorkeling - Windsurfing - Fishing - Parasailing that are in most cases all directly available or bookable from the tour desk at your hotel in Bali.

If this is not available at your hotel, or you would rather "go and explore" the island, it is time to consider the tour options offered by virtually 100's of tour providers. Here you can join large groups using large busses, or small individual groups, down to the size of hiring a personal tour guide for only the 2 of you.

Rafting and Kayaking trips enjoy a strong following and are increasingly popular. The beauty of the Ayung river valley and Melangit river are popular destinations. It looks to be more a sport for adventures types on photos, but it is completely safe and also recommended for younger children.

Sightseeing tours is another Bali favorite, see and explore all temples and monuments of Balinese history on trips to Besakih, Tanah Lot, Tampak Siring, Uluwatu, Kintamani and others.

Increasingly in demand is another "sweat exercise", cycling tours to villages and mountain trails. This is not recommended for younger children because they will have a hard time to catch up with the group. For families it is better to just rent the bicycles and maybe a private tour guide, if needed.

Elephant safaris is one of the family trips in Bali, provided by many tour operators venturing yet in another field of activity. To completely feel like Indiana Jones the next step would be to go on a off-road Land Rover land cruise, to discover some hidden tracks of the green jungle.

Since Bali is an island what comes naturally to mind is a day cruise or sunset cruise to Lembongan island. Two of the providers are Bali Hai and Island Explorer Cruises both offering a wide range of cruises and water activities.

Surfers are attracted by south Bali's waves, and not only Balinese enjoy that activity also lots of Australians are coming to Bali only for one purpose: The Waves, also hot among surfers from Hawaii, statements like "Definitely one of The spots to go surfing" from global surfers. If these waves scare you and you just want to practice a bit you can rent a board in Kuta directly on the beach for a few hours.

Divers are attracted by several locations in Bali, all easily reachable with dive instructors that will pick you up at your hotel and take you for a dive at a destination of your choice. If you need more above sea level action there is also Bungy jumping, ski diving and paragliding.

Bali is a mountainious volcanic island that will catch the attention of mountaineers interested in mountain climbing. Mt. Agung the highest peak at 3142 metres and Mount Batur can be climbed in a few hours. Use a local guide for safety reasons and to find the best routes.

Another interesting encounter with nature is possible at the Bali Barat National Park in the north of the island. It is a protected reserve on an area of over 750 square km. The park is home to wild buffalo, monkeys, wild deer and civet.

Most suitable for families with kids are theme or adventure parks and attractions. Popular with kids are the Waterbom park in Tuban with their huge water slides, Bali Bird Park in Batubulan has a 100's of exotic birds, and the Bali Reptile Park next door invites with Lizard Komodo Dragons.

Again most tours and adventures are easily bookable from your hotel, or you can call Bali1.com anytime while in Bali to arrange a tour for you. From airport pick ups to bringing you safely back to personal meetings at your hotel to book anything from a short Ubud roundtrip to a multiple days Flores tour or visiting Komodo island and their live dragons.

How to Buy Gorgeous Handmade Handbags from Indonesia

Cookie-cutter fashion handbags are a dime a dozen, and thousands of them are produced in factories and sold in every town. But handmade handbags are delightful, rare treasures that any woman can be proud of. When a handbag is handmade, it is unique in many ways and reflects the skill and creativity of its maker. Many women in Indonesia choose to hand-stitch handbags to earn a living for their families. Their handbags are beautifully embroidered with amazing designs, but yet they usually possess the same or better quality as any factory-made handbag.

If you're just yearning to own an elaborate - but unusual - handbag, here are some great tips. Let's explore what types of Indonesian handbags are available and how to choose the right one for you.

Look for Practicality

Before falling in love with a certain design, be sure the handbag will meet your everyday needs. Do you need the handbag for work or play? Do you plan on using it every day or only for special evenings out on the town? Also, consider how many items you will need to carry in the handbag. Handmade handbags come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They range from petite to very large travel handbags. Some come with shoulder straps while others have hand straps. There are even very small make-up carriers for trips. It depends on how and where you plan to use it.

Choosing a Design and Color for Your Handmade Handbag

Handmade handbags come with a variety of styles and designs. Embroidery is used to create unique patterns such as diamonds, curved lines, circles, stars, and floral patterns. Indonesian handbags are often creatively labeled to express the type of design and color on the handbag. The words gift, live, great, eternal, recover, morning, believe, and so forth reflect the personality behind the purse as well as the style and color. Choose a style that matches several of your outfits, or that blends well with your body shape and hairstyle or color.

For spring and summer, there are colors such as red, cream, light blue, or olive. For fall and winter, colors such as black, dark brown, dark blue, and silver are excellent choices.

Help those in Need with Charity Bags

Another option to consider when buying an Indonesian handmade handbag is to shop for charity bags (or charity purses). Charity bags are made by those in Indonesia who need the money for daily food and supplies. Some companies in the United States offer to buy the handbags and resell them to Americans or through the Internet. A few companies will even train the workers and provide sewing and embroidery supplies to work with. One such company is Laga Handbags (online), which helps women who were survivors of the tragic tsunami of 2006 in Sumatra, Indonesia. The women workers of Indonesia are able to learn skills for a lifetime while providing a valuable service to handbag lovers.

When choosing a company for handmade handbags, research online to find companies that offer authentic Indonesian handbags, not replicas. The real handmade handbags are usually priced from $35 up to $150, depending on the style and size of the bag. Companies should provide detailed information about how and where the handbags are obtained, and where the company is located. Look for companies that are up-front about their procedures and customer policies.

A handmade handbag from Indonesia can also be a memorable surprise as a gift for Mother's Day, Christmas, birthdays, or other occasions. The handbags are reliable and affordable, and the remarkable craftsmanship of Indonesian women makes them highly desirable in the fashion world. Go online today to find that perfect handmade handbag for you!

Indonesia A La Carte Special

Comprised of seventeen thousand islands, Indonesia is a sure smorgasbord surprise. Wide-eyed guests could simply marvel at the wondrous beauty before their eyes but have to settle for a few courses in order to enjoy each trip to the largest archipelago of the world.

Here is a sampling of the extensively diverse Indonesian travel menu.

Sumatra

Sitting on the equator, Indonesia’s largest province is covered with tropical rainforests which is home to a rich collection of flora and fauna ecosystem. The island boasts of several reservation areas including Mount Leuser National Park, home of the endangered Sumatra Orang-utan and Berbak Wildlife Reserve which accommodates the largest tiger population in Indonesia.

Bali

Its serene panorama, both on land and underwater, simply fills the senses with the beauty of nature and the wonders it offers to man. Aside from the breathtaking beaches, Bali also takes pride of Bali Barat National park, home of a number of bird species declared as among the rarest and most beautiful in the world.

Borobudur Temple

Located on a hilltop in Central Java, Borobudur Temple is one of the world’s most celebrated Buddhist temples. Dated back to the 9th century A.D., the temple was discovered in 1984 under thick forest foliage. After a successful restoration, the temple showed panels carved in stone that tells of the life of Buddha and the tenets of Buddhism.

Komodo National Park

By the name alone, it obviously is world-famous Komodo dragon’s only home on earth. It is one of the oldest and rarest reptile specie that has survived several earth eras. The largest reptile, growing up to three meters or more, is actually a monitor lizard that hunts and scavenges around the barren lands of Komodo Island.

Bromo-Tengger National Park

Bromo-Tenger was already a buzzling community long before the concept of Indonesia was conceived. It is located in Mount Semeru where thousands of Hindus flock for annual pilgrimage in honor of the god that looks after the mystical place which is composed of volcanoes covered by thick forests. Most of these volcanoes are still active lead by the notorious Semeru volcano that records an eruption every eight minutes.

Bunaken Marine Park

With marine biodiversity comparable to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, Bunaken Marine Park is a heavenly refuge for avid divers and snorkelers. Both amateur and pro underwater explorers will surely be mesmerized by the rich collection of colorful corals and reefs that are homes to an equally rich assembly of fish and marine animal species.