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Monday, August 3, 2015

This amazing natural attractions is located in the district of Ende, East Nusa Tenggara. Being on top of a mointain of the same name, Kelimutu attract so many visitor.

These attractions are in the peak of Mount Flores with a height of 1,690 meters above sea level. Lake Flores consists of three 'puddle' or crater with a different color.
 
Besides being known as the Kelimutu Lake, this tourist spot is also known as the Three-colored lake. An amazing natural phenomenon because of three craters, closely spaced, but has different water colors. The color of lake water is generally red, white and blue, but it can turn green, black and brown, or other color variations. The interesting things is, when the researchers tried to take it as a sample of lake water, the water is clear, without color.

kelimutu lake flores indonesia

These three lakes are separated by erosive steep rock cliffs , so tourists must keep a safe distance while in the area. A good time to visit this tourist attactions are between June to August because the rain is rarely happen so that the fields are safe to be passed.

If you want to get the best views of Lake Flores, climb between 2 - 3 AM from Moni which is the nearest village to the location. Arriving at the summit , you can see the view of Sunrise over Kelimutu Lake. So don't forget to take your camera.

kelimutu lake flores indonesia

How could we set off so early ? There are many lodging in Moni. By staying at a nearby location to tourist, the preparation for climbing is easier.

History of Kelimutu Lake

Kelimutu Lake was discovered in 1915 by a Dutch named Van Such Telen. At that time he told local residents that at the peak of Mount Flores there are three lakes with red, white and blue color. Residents are not easy to believe because the three colors mentioned by Telen was the same color as the Netherlands Flag. But finally the residents believe, after seeing it by themself.

The beauty of this tourist spot increase after it was summarized in a painting by Y. Bouman in 1929. Since then, the beauty and uniqueness of the Kelimutu are widely known and widely visited by tourists.
  
kelimutu lake flores indonesia
 

The Myth of Kelimutu Lake

These three different-colored lakes at the peak of Mount Flores has the name of each. Locals believe that this lake is the dwelling place of the souls of those who died.

The names of this lake are
  1. Tiwu Ata Mbupu, the place to the parents who died
  2. Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai, the place to the souls of young people who died
  3. Tiwu Ata Polo, the place to the evil people who died
Tiwu itself in the local language means lake.

Of the three lakes, one which change color most often Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai. According to local residents, this is because the soul that occupies the lake is still young and unstable that affect the change of lake water color.

kelimutu lake flores indonesia

The Change can be a sign

Locals believe that the change of color that occurs in Lake Flores could be a bad omen of impending disaster in Indonesia. According to them, this has happened several times, including in 1992 and 2004.

In 1992, one of the lake turns into a reddish brown like chicken liver. Shortly thereafter, an earthquake occured in Flores, who takes a lot of casualties. The same thing happened in 2004 in which the Aceh tsunami and caused a lot of casualties.

According to local residents, Lake Flores has a big magical powers. This makes this lake as a a very sacred lake. Residents also often held a special ceremony or ritual by bringing offerings, asking for safety and blessing.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Beach is often a favorite tourist spot for most people to take a vacation. Java Island has many wonderful beaches to be missed. However, if you want to try other natural attractions , national parks can be alternative. One of intersting national parks in Java is Baluran National Park. This park is often referred as Indonesia's Africa. 

baluran national park

Location

Baluran National Park is located in the region of Banyuputih, Wongsorejo, Situbondo, Banyuwangi (north), East Java, Indonesia. The north side of the park is bordered by the Madura Strait, while the east by the Strait of Bali. In the midst of this national park there are Mount Baluran which is currently inactive volcano. Beside that, this national park is flanked by Mount Semeru and Mount Ijen. 

Access

For those of you who are outside the province of East Java, you must first come to the city of Surabaya. From Surabaya (East Java) you can take the coastal strip north eastwards past the town of Pasuruan, Probolinggo, Situbondo and Banyuputih. On arrival at Banyuputih take the road leading to the Bilik Village. Continue your journey to Wongosorejo village, on the way to this village, turn left towards the visitor center.

Baluran National Park Indonesia location access

If the you are in the eastern region of East Java , you can take the path of Banyuwangi - Batang - Bekol with a distance of about 47 km. Or you can also take the route of Situbondo - Batangandengan with a distance of 60 km.

The road leading to the Baluran National Park is very convenient because it was paved. This road is a traffic lane that connects the province of Bali , Banyuwangi with the city of Surabaya so that those who are in nearby towns can access easily.

Arriving at Bekol, to get to the entrance of the National Park, you'll pass through the thin asphalt road as far as approximately 15 km. So it is recommended for those who bring a personal vehicle or renting a car not using sedans, SUV is better.

Condition of Baluran National Park

Baluran National Park is the largest savanna in Java with diverse animal and plant species. A visit to this location makes you looks like in Africa. That is why this National Park is often referred to Indonesia's Africa

baluran animal

Here you will be treated by a view of the deers running toward the puddles to drink, the peacock spread its tail, hordes of buffaloes and elephants, dozens of eagles that fly to find food to monkeys hanging from the trees and gathering on the road. The scenery is exactly like that can be found in Africa.

Baluran National Park Indonesia

In addition to the hordes of animals that are free to move in the wild you will also be treated to views of 444 native plant species typical as Widoro bukol (Ziziphus rotundifolia), and Mimba (Azadirachta indica). These plant species is able to adapt very dry conditions. When other plants have started to dry, these species is still green.

Baluran National Park Indonesia

Beside 444 species of plants, there are 26 species of mammals and 155 species of birds. Mammals that live in Baluran National Park, such as bison, deer, leopards, deer, and mangrove cat. There are also some rare birds such as kites fire, tuwuk / tuwur Asia , red jungle fowl, hornbills, and the stork casks.

Baluran National Park is representative of the dry forest ecosystem in Java with savanna vegetation types, mangrove forest, monsoon forest, coastal forest, lower montane forest, swamp forest, and green forest. 40 percent of savannah vegetation dominates the park.

Baluran National Park Indonesia

Climate in Baluran National Park is a dry climate. During dry season, the water on the ground surface will be very limited.

What to do In Baluran National Park

If you are lovers of photography, it is advisable to begin the trip to Baluran National Park in the morning, start at 4:00 or 5:00 am so you can watch a beautiful sunrise on the sidelines of the fog and trees. The images you took will be much more dramatic, like African landscape photography style.

Another good location to see the sunrise is Bama beach. Around this beach, there are mangrove forest conservation areas which shouldn't be missed. Please be careful while in this area, because there are a lot of monkeys hanging around that ready to take your camera, and the rest of your luggage.

Baluran National Park Indonesia

Beside enjoying the sunrise, in Bama Beach you can also go around Baluran National Park using rented boat on the beach. You can also do snorkeling while enjoying the diversity of marine life.

Tips

The best time to visit Baluran National Park is from March to August. Between July and August, you can watch the fight between deer, the monkey hunting crab, and peacocks dancing.

Baluran National Park Indonesia deer fight

For those of you who want to camp, there are also camping ground provided by the manager. Bathrooms and water installations are available here.

You are prohibited to interrupt, destroy, take, or hunting flora and fauna that exist here.

It is advisable for you to bring supplies of food and beverages, because there are no special facilities for culinary .

Don't forget to bring your own plastic bags to dispose your trash during the trip to this National Park.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Ijen Crater is one of the most popular tourism resort in East Java, Indonesia. These attractions are part of the Ijen Resort Nature Reserve Travel. Administratively, the crater is located in two districts name Banyuwangi and Bondowoso. Ijen crater is above an altitude of 2,368 meters above sea level and is part of the Mount Ijen, one of the active volcanoes in Java .

ijen crater indonesia

The Crater with an area of ​​20 sq km is surrounded by caldera walls as high as 300-500 meters. In addition, the acid content that existed at the crater is close to zero with temperatures reaching 200 degrees Celsius, which means the crater water is enough to melt clothes or even human body in a short time.

However, just calm down. As long as you remain within safe distance , Kawah Ijen is harmless. However, due to a very high sulfur content, you are required to wear a mask for comfort when breathing. Temperatures around the tourist attractions can reach 2 degrees Celsius, so don't forget to bring warm and thick clothes.

ijen crater indonesia

In the western part of the crater there is a dam made by the Dutch to avoid overflowing of crater water. This defunct dam is made of concrete and could be alternative places to visit in the crater, but the path to getting there is difficult to pass.

To be able to enjoy the beauty of the crater , you can depart from Banyuwangi and Bondowoso heading to Paltuding, the final post in this tourist spot. From Paltuding, you have to hike for about 2 hours to get to the top of the caldera which is the closest location to watch the crater. From here, you can see the turquoise sea of ​​the crater with a puff of smoke. It's an amazing sight.

If you want to get the best views of the crater, you should start climbing departing from Paltuding about 4 AM hours with the above estimate at 6-7 o'clock in the morning. At this hour, the crater is at his best and produce the most beautiful scenery.

ijen crater indonesia blue flames

How could we set off up so early? Don't worry, around the Paltuding post, there are simple lodgings run by the local Forest Service. Before dawn, you will be woken up in preparation for a hike. If you do not want to spend the night at the inn, you can set up a tent for camping with friends in this post. But don't forget to take care of a camping permit.

The best time to visit tourist attractions in East Java is in the dry season, which is between the months of July to September. In the recent months, rain is rare so the terrain or climbing way is relatively safe and you can enjoy the crater without exposed to rain or fog.

What's Interesting from Ijen Crater ?


Blue Flames !

blue flames ijen crater

If you want to see the unusual beauty , try hiking in the early morning. Ijen Crater has another miracle, in the bottom of the crater there are blue flame which became uniqueness of this tourism spot. The blue flame are coming from the liquid sulfur that dried and become mineral locals. Blue flame can only be seen when the surrounding atmosphere is still dark.

One of Two Traditional Sulfur Mine Site in Indonesia

In Indonesia, there are only two traditional sulfur mine site,  in Welirang and in the crater. Mining process here is very simple and doesn't use sophisticated tools. Miners will go down closer to the crater to take sulfur bullion that has dried up with simple tools without adequate safety equipment.

Chunks of sulfur that had been frozen will be cut with a crowbar and then transported using a basket carried on the shoulders. Miners bear the heavy burden that can reach 80-100 kg and they had to take it to walk as far as 3 km to the sulfur collection points . For safety reason, each miner is allowed only to carry twice a day.

miners ijen crater

Sulfur will be collected in an old building from the Dutch called the Round Pos. Each basket of each miner will be weighed and exchanged for money according to the weight of sulfur.
 
You will encounter these miners while being around this tourist attractions. Feel free to say hello to them or simply inquire about the sulfur mining process. Although they looks tired and busy with their activities, miners are friendly people.

Special Souvenirs at Ijen Crater

When visiting a tourist spot, it feels incomplete if we didn't buy typical souvenirs. What can be gained from the crater? Ijen Crater is not only known as a tourism spot, this crater is also popular as a sulfur mine site.
 
At the crater, precisely in the post Paltuding, there are some simple stalls that selling food to the miners, but many tourists often stop by and enjoy warm drinks and food there .

One of the shop owner is Mr. Im who also works as a tour guide at the crater. Beside that, Mr. Im's stalls also sell crater souvenirs. This souvenir is made of bamboo and shaped to resemble a  miniature baskets owned by sulfur miners. Beside that, miners also sell miniature made by sulfur.

ijen crater souvenirs

Coffe Agrotourism

If you're departing from Bondowoso, you will pass arabica coffee plantation area. Nothing wrong to stop by and try agrotourism experience here. You can walk around the estate and see the process of picking up to the processing in order to produce a coffee with the best taste.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Indonesia has many tourist attractions ranging from beautiful, stunning, attractive and frightening. There are several frightening tourist attractions in Indonesia. It was so horrible, many people who visited these place don't want to come for the second time. 

#1 Lawang Sewu


Lawang Sewu is an old building that said to be very haunted and terrible. Lawang itself means the door, and sewu means 9 that if  combined become nine doors. Actually, this building doesn't have nine doors,  but have many large windows so it is considered as the door by people. The building is located in the city of Semarang, precisely in the Tugu Muda roundabout formerly called Wilhelminaplein.
 
It was said that this Lawang Sewu is inhabited by Kuntilanak and Gunderuwo ghost that often roaming in the building. Nearby residents often see a shadow in the this old building.


#2 Lubang Buaya


Lubang Buaya is the victims of September 30th's  tragedy in 1965. Lubang Buaya is located in Pondok Gede, East Jakarta. Local residents often hear the shouts from the crocodile pit (Lubang Buaya), so they think this place is a horrible place.

#3 Kumala Island


Kumala Island was once a forest. People then turned it  into a tourist attraction by building a variety of entertainment venues. When the  workers were working in  this forest, they often saw kuntilanak wandering in the forest. Until now, this island is still feared by many people.

#4 Japan Cave


This cave is a terrible place that is often used as tourist attractions for tourists. Japan Cave was once a haven for Japanese army, which is made by the indigenous people when Romusha forced labor. If you enter this cave you will hear the screams like being in torments, and also the mysterious shadow that is often seen.

#5 Kontilola Cave


Kontilola cave is the most creepy cave in Indonesia. The cave is located in Papua. This cave has  its own peculiarities in it.  There are pictorial painting of a very strange man, having 3 meters tall, with a bald head and round and also has four fingers.

Local residents regard the painting as a very horrible alien. If you come there, you have to set up some full equipment so you could be safe.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Kuta and Bali are never separated. The Tourist areas which located in Badung, South Bali, is the ideal place for foreign tourists. No wonder there are many people choose to stay in the region to enjoy the beauty of the island.

Kuta Beach is the best spot to enjoy Bali. Playing water, enjoy the sunrise and sunset, shopping and hunting for cheap food, everything becomes easy if you stay in the Kuta Beach area. You can read more about the beauty of Kuta Beach here >> Awesome Surfing and Sunset at Kuta Beach Bali

For those of you who want to go on vacation in Bali, do not be puzzled at the number of lodging options. Because in this article i want to tell you about 5 Best Hotels in Bali. These acommodation is selected and recomended by Traveloka.

1. Hard Rock Hotel Bali

hotel in kuta bali

Hard Rock Hotel is the first in Asia to offer a concept of music and entertainment. The Hotel interior looks like a rock and roll museum with a variety of memorabilia music and fashion from 50-90's. Hard Rock Hotel Bali features 418 stylish rooms like a rockstar dressing rooms. 

accomodation in kuta bali

This hotel facilities are complete, including the largest lagoon pool in Bali, long cliff facility, spa services and a sauna, fitness center, music studio, children's club, family entertainment room (Tabu) , 6 restaurants, shops accessories, and a business center. For those who interested to stay in this four star hotel, will be subject to tariffs ranging from Rp2.582.443 ($258) per night.

2. Mercure Kuta

accomodation in kuta bali

This hotel stands facing Kuta Beach, so you can just crossing to visit the beach. The pool and restaurant that located on the 4th floor serves gorgeous views of  Kuta Beach, perfect place for relax. Mercure Kuta has 130 guest rooms packed with modern minimalist wooden Balinese architectural elements. 

hotel in kuta bali

Additional hotel amenities include a spa, surfing courses, tour and travel service, and a business center. To stay at this four-star hotel, you can prepare a budget ranging from Rp888.140 ($88) for one night.

3. Harris Resort Kuta Beach

accomodation in kuta bali

This hotel located on the opposite side of Kuta Beach. This resort-concepted hotel has a special access straight to the Beachwalk Mall, which offers modern facilities for you. 

hotel in kuta bali

Facilities in this hotel is complete. A total of 191 modern rooms are air conditioned, also supported by the presence of a restaurant and lounge, spa services, kids club, swimming pool, billiards, flying fox, and a business center. To enjoy the service of this four star hotel, you can prepare a budget ranging from Rp845.001 ($84) for one night,

4. Pop! Hotel Kuta Beach

accomodation in kuta bali

This green-concepted hotel's location is hidden, making it suitable for tourists who need serenity. The distance is only about 200 meters to the Kuta Beach. This Hotel feel very fresh and colorful with a unique interior. 

hotel in kuta bali

Pop! Hotel Kuta Beach has 223 guest rooms fully-equipped with unique bathrooms tube. Other facilities at the hotel are swimming pool, restaurant, and meeting rooms. If you want to stay in this three star hotel, you can prepare a budget ranging from Rp347.999 ($34) per night. 

5. Tune Hotel Kuta Beach

accomodation in kuta bali

This budget hotel is located a bit hidden in the alley, but still close to Kuta Beach (a 2 minute walk). The budget concept is loved by travelers because the facilities provided is match with the guests needs. Tune Hotel Kuta Beach is packed very clean, neatly arranged with good interior so it looks classy. Hotel with 139 guest rooms is suitable for a backpacker. 

hotel in kuta bali

You don't need to worry for meals because there are many  food stalls around the hotel, that can be reached by foot. Stay at this two-star hotel, you only need to prepare budget ranging from Rp231.000 ($23) for one night.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

If we want to see the ancient animals, we usually see it in the form of fossils because ancient animals had became extinct millions years ago. But it turns out that several ancient animal were still alive on earth, especially  in the territory of Indonesia.

Those animals are called living fossils. Living fossil is a term for animal or plant species that has been considered extinct and become a fossil, but in fact it still alive. This term may also be worn for animals / plants that have been existed millions years ago with a form that doesn't undergo many changes from fossil relics.

Here are some living fossils of ancient animals that can be found in Indonesia.


#1 Komodo Dragons

komodo dragons ancient animal indonesia

Komodo is an endemic species of ancient reptiles that lived since ancient times. The evolution of the Komodo dragon started with the Varanus genus began to flourish in Asia between 40-25 million years ago. Komodo is a close relative of the dinosaur . It is seen from the fossils discovery of dinosaurs that shows similarity body structure with dragons. 

Dinosaurs have been extinct long long ago, but Komodo are still exist until now. Komodo  is called the last dinosaur in the world. This animals live in the same era with the dinosaur, and known as carnivorous lizards, but they are also cannibals because sometimes they eat their children. 

Komodo dragon ( Varanus Komodoensis) is the largest lizards. The largest Komodo recorded  has a length of 3.13 meters and 166 kilograms weight. Komodo dragons can be found in Komodo Island and the small islands around it in the province of East Nusa Tenggara . The original habitat of Komodo can only be found in Indonesia.

#2 Leatherback

ancient animal indonesia

Leatherbacks or Dermochelys coriacea said to have inhabited earth since 100 million years ago, when the dinosaurs ruled the planet. Leatherbacks are the largest sea turtle species. Leatherback can reach 900 kg weight, with a body length of about one half to two meters. 

Unlike other turtles, leatherbacks don't have a hard shell . It's Carapace is like a mosaic of firm small bones, and the skin is rubbery with seven longitudinal ridges. Leatherbacks can be found from the tropics to the sub-polar ocean region and usually nesting on beaches in tropical regions. 

Leatherbacks only eat jellyfish, and there are few places in the world that are chosen to spawn. One of the spawning grounds is in the Jamursba Medi Beach and Mamon. It is located in the North of West Papua Province. Leatherbacks have a habit of traveling around the world exploring different regions of the earth.

#3 Coelacant Fish 

ancient animal indonesia

Coelacanth fish thought to have existed since the Devonian era about 380 million years ago, until now the shape is not changed. Coelacanth is an ancient fish that comes from a branch of the eldest surviving evolution of jawed fish . Previously, the fish was believed to have gone extinct since the end of the Cretaceous period 65 million years ago. But then it turns out the fish was found alive. 

This fish lives only in western  South African waters  and eastern Indonesian waters respectively called Latimeria chalumnae and Latimeria menadoensis. Indonesian coelacanth ancient fish can be found in the waters of Talise, North Minahasa and Malalayang waters, the Gulf of Manado, North Sulawesi. This fish's habitat is at more than 180 meters depth with a maximum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius. In Indonesia, especially in the waters around Manado and North Minahasa, this species is called SeaKing fish by the local people.

#4 Arowana Fish

ancient animal indonesia

Arowana fish is one of the ancient fish that have not gone extinct. Studies of genetic and fossil findings show that this fish at least have lived on earth since 220 ​​million years ago. Arowana fish is one of carnivore that inhabit the river and lake with calm water. This fish can be found in the Amazon , and in some parts of Africa, Asia and Australia. 

Arowana fish (Scleropagus sp.) can be found in the fresh waters of Indonesia. One type of arowana fish is Arowana super red, which is the original fish in Kapuas River and Lake Sentarum in West Kalimantan. The waters is the forest area of peat which creates a primitive environment for the ancient fish.

#5 Estuarine Crocodiles

ancient animal indonesia

Crocodiles is one of the ancient animals left on this earth. Estuarine crocodiles or Bekatak crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is one of the largest crocodile species in the world, much bigger than the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) and the American Alligator (Alligator mississipiensis). The length of the body including the tail can reach 12 meters as it had been found in Sangatta, East Kalimantan. 

Crocodiles still have close relatives with the ancient reptiles, CrocodileSaurus is the ancestors of crocodiles that have a length of nearly 30 meters. However, because of nature influence, the body of CrocodileSaurus shrunk and become estuarine crocodiles . Estuarine crocodiles can be found from the Bay of Bengal (India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh) to the Fiji Islands . Indonesia became a habitat to the estuarine crocodile besides Australia.

#6 Belangkas

ancient animal indonesia

Belangkas are animal species of artopoda that live in shallow waters and mangrove areas. Sometimes referred as horseshoe crabs, mimi , or mintuna. Mimi is the name of the Java language to the androgynous male and mintuna is for the androgynous females. 

This animal is one of the ancient animals that did not undergo significant deformation since Devon period (400-250 million years ago) compared to its present form, although it is not the same kind. These animals form shaped like a horseshoe pony-tailed . Although the shape looks creepy, crab meat and eggs can be used as food. However, we should be careful because there are parts of his body that contain toxins . 

Horseshoe crab can be found in the marine waters of Southeast Asia and North America . In Indonesia, the type of crab found is Tachypleus gigas , Tachypleus tridentatus and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda. Type T. gigas are found in estuarine waters almost in every Indonesian waters.

#7 Pangolin

ancient animal indonesia

Pangolin is one of the ancient animals, some fossil of pangolins have been found during the Oligocene and Miocene era. These animals eat insects, especially ants and termites. His hair was modified into a kind of big scales which arranged to form a layered shield as a means of self-protection. If disturbed, it will furl his body like a ball . 

Pangolin lives in lowland tropical rain forests. Pangolin can be found in Southeast Asia. Pangolins in Indonesia known as the Java pangolin (Manis javanica) found in the mountainous areas of Sumatra, Borneo and Java and Bali. Although it looked like reptiles, these animals belong to mammals . In Indonesia this animal is protected. In Jambi Province, pangolin populations still quite prevalent.

Indonesia is quite amazing because in this area we can still find a variety of unique ancient animal. They have very little population and must be protected.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Bunaken Marine Park is one of the tourism spot in Indonesia which lies in Manado, North Sulawesi. In 2005, Bunaken Marine Park have been designated as the world's heritage site. This is because of the richness and diversity of sea life ranging from the extraordinary coral reefs, sea grass to fish species there. This tourist spot has more than 30 diving spots, make it become favorite place for domestic and foreign divers.

Bunaken National Marine Park has an area of 75,265 ha. There are five islands included in this national park. They are Naen Island, Bunaken, Manado Tua Island, Siladen Island, Mantehage Island and more islands surrounding them. Total population in these island is around 21,000 people.

Bunaken Island is geographically included in the waters teritorial "Golden Triangle". More than 3000 species of fish are in Bunaken Marine Park. The "Golden Triangle" is the a waterway sea linking Philippine Sea, Sea of ​​Papua, and Indonesia sea. Because having rich natural resources, national and international organizations work together in carrying out the conservation of coral reefs and mangroves.

underwater bunaken marine park

Manado City Government has made the idea of ​​Bunaken as a marine tourism and educational tourism, because local governments saw marine nature conservation activities in this region. And then in 1991, the Minister of Marine officially announced Bunaken National Marine Park.

Tourism Site

Bunaken has an area of ​​approximately 8 square kilometers located in the Bay of Manado. Bunaken is one of sea park which has the highest sea biodiversity in the world. There are many tourists who come to perform diving activities in the area of ​​Bunaken. Although the area reached 75,265 ha, the diving locations is very limited, just being around the beach which surrounds the five islands in the area of ​​Bunaken National Marine Park.

underwater bunaken marine park

There are 40 diving sites which have diverse coral reefs and beautiful tropical ocean fish in Bunaken. Travelers who dives in Bunaken can see 150 species of fish from about 58 genus of fish and coral reefs.

Bunaken National Marine Park has 20 diving spot with varying depths. Of the 20 diving spots, 12 diving spots are located on the island of Bunaken. It is frequently visited by divers. Both local and foreign divers.

Bunaken dive spot lined up from the southeast to northwest. In this area there is a vertical and curved giant rock wall. This wall is the food source for fish and the other sea dwellers. 

underwater bunaken marine park

Location

Bunaken is located in the sea waters of Sulawesi Island . Most of Sea Park is located in the northern Bay of Manado. To get to the Bunaken National Marine Park, you can use motor boat from Manado Bay.

Admission Prices

The admission price to the Bunaken National Marine Park is Rp. 50.000 ($5) / person for one entry.  You can buy Rp. 150.000 ($15) / person which valid for 1 year. If you buy a ticket that is valid for 1 year, you will be given a badge made of plastic instead of the ticket.

Facilities and Accommodations

Some hotel accommodation in Bunaken district already available with various options. Some of them are  Bunaken Island Dive Resort and Bunaken Divers Sea Breeze Resort . Both hotels are located on the island of Bunaken. You can rental diving equipment along with the instructor. The diving instructor has mastered French, Dutch, English, and German.
Indonesia is the largest archipelago country in the world that consists of 13.466 islands. This country has a lot of natural resources to enjoy. One of them is lake. Behind its beauty, several lake in Indonesia has mystical story. The story is usually come from the ancestor and passed down to the generation.

Tolire Lake

mystical lake indonesia

Tolire lake is located in Ternate, North Maluku, or about 10 km from the center of Ternate city. Beside having a unique shape, this lake also has an interesting narrative (legend).
Based on the narrative, and has been proven by some people, objects that was thrown into the lake will never touch the surface of the lake water. People believe this is because the power of stealth crocodile that nested inside the lake.

Pening Swamp (Rawa Pening)

mystical lake indonesia
Rawa Pening derived frow word "bening" which means "clear" . Rawa Pening is located in Semarang, Central Java.

According to legend, Rawa Pening is formed by the water that flows from the the stick done by Baru Klinthing. Baru Klinthing story tells about a little boy who has many scar on his body, and smells stink. People hate him, but an old widow accept and help him. This swamp is also preferred as fishing tourism object and water sports facilities. But in recent decades, fishing boats are hard to move.

Toba Lake

mystical lake indonesia

This lake is located in the city of Medan, North Sumatra. Toba is the largetst freshwater lake in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. This lake is unique because it has an island named Samosir in the middle.

Lake Toba has a legend about Dragon Guardian. According to the statement of the residents around the lake, they often sea a figure of a dragon in the Lake. The Dragon is believed to be the son of Mr Toba, who turned into a dragon to protect the lake.

Until now, the dragon still like to reveal itself. Most fisherman in the lake sometimes feel like a big snake is swimming in the lakes surface.

Gunung Tujuh Lake

mystical lake indonesia

Gunung Tujuh Lake is located in Kerinci, Jambi. Precisely in the Pelompek Village, Ayu Aro District. This lake is just behind Kerinci Mountain.
Native people known this lake as Sacred Lake. It is because the lake water is always clean, where the leaves that are falling from the trees around the lake, aren't visible on the surface of the water. People also narrated that sudden weather change often occur in this lake.

Kaco Lake

mystical lake indonesia

Kaco Lake is also located in Kerinci, Jambi. Precisely in the Lempur Village, Gunung Raya. Local people called it Kaco Lake, which means "glass" in English.

Lies in the height of 1289m above sea level, this lake is so small. Only about 30x30m. But it can present the beauty of the lake itself among the surrounding trees.

This lake has very clear water. The depth of this lake is still a mystery. Another miracle of this lake is that it can emit a clear light in the darkness, especially when full moon occur.

Many visitors who stay to see this miracle doesn't need light because the clear light of the lake is enough. Some researchers are trying to find answers to this phenomenon, but it still become mystery. The diver are always running out of oxygen before touching the lakebed.

The myth of the birth of Lake Kaco are told in the local folklore. It tells about beautiful princess who proposed by many man. Without any doubt they entrust precious stones to the King Crow, father of the princess. However, greedness make King Crow tarnish his own daughter. Later, her daughter was buried in the lake along with the treasures.