The Invaluable Biota of Nusantara

Located off the northwest tip of Bird's Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea , Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings , is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays and
shoals surrounding the four main islands of Misool , Salawati , Batanta and Waigeo . It encompasses more than 9.8 million acres (40,000 km²) of land and sea, which also contains Cenderawasih Bay , the largest marine national park in Indonesia. It is a part of the newly named West Papua (province) of Indonesia which was formerly Irian Jaya .

According to the Conservation International Rapid Assessment Bulletin the marine life diversity is considerably greater than all other areas sampled in the Coral Triangle of Indonesia, Philippines and Papua New Guinea . The Coral Triangle is the heart of the world's coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat are possibly the richest in the world. The area's massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant to threats like coral bleaching and disease - threats that now jeopardise the survival of corals around the world, though the area is remote and relatively untouched by humans. In addition, Raja Ampat's strong ocean currents sweep coral larvae across the Indian and Pacific Oceans to replenish other reef ecosystems. Raja Ampat's coral diversity, resilience, and ability to replenish reefs make it a global priority for marine protection, as human activity here has the potential to be catastrophic.

Over 1,070 fish species, 537 coral species (a remarkable 96% of all scleratinia recorded from Indonesia are likely to occur in these islands), and 699 mollusc species, the variety of marine life is staggering. [ citation needed ] Some areas boast enormous schools of fish and regular sightings of sharks, such as wobbegongs .

Bali is a perfect place to take your kids. They'll love the natural surroundings, and there is no problem whatsoever to find a baby-sitter or somebody to take care of them wherever you go. All Balinese adore kids !

Here you will find information about everything that you need to know about a Bali holiday for your family: where to stay, what to do and where to eat.

WHERE TO STAY IN BALI, INDONESIA, FOR FAMILIES

A Bali holiday for families begins and ends with suitable accommodation. There are variety of Bali hotels, resorts and villas to choose from, when planning your Bali holiday.Things to consider in selecting your Bali accommodation for a family group are:

• Location - try to choose a location that is popular and close to family oriented attractions i.e. near the beach, shops, restaurants and amusements.
• Facilities - make sure your accommodation choice is suitable for kids, it has a children's pool, connecting doors, play ground etc. Some venues are unsuitable for family groups.
• Pricing - does your accommodation choice offer discounts for children under a certain age?
• Transport - when you travel with a family in Bali, it will be much more convenient if you use private transport. Check with your accommodation venue if they provide private transport as part of the holiday package

Bali's natural attractions include miles of sandy beaches (many are well-known amongst surfers), picturesque rice terraces, towering active volcanoes over 3,000 meters (10,000 ft.) high, fast flowing rivers, deep ravines, pristine crater lakes, sacred caves, and lush tropical forests full of exotic wildlife.

The island's rich cultural heritage is visible everywhere - in over 20,000 temples and palaces, in many colorful festivals and ceremonies (including tooth filings and cremations), in drama, music, and dance.

You can experience Bali on many different excursions and guided tours by coach, private car or "Big Bike", by boat or by air plane: seeing Bali's beaches and rice terraces, the famous Besakih Temple on the slopes of holy Mount Agung, Lake Batur and it's active volcano, Ubud, Legian, Kuta, Nusa Dua, and the temples of Tanah Lot and Ulu Watu from a helicopter is a really special experience. For helicopter tours and private charters (3 to 6 passengers) please contact the Balivillas.com Service Center at 703-060 as soon as you arrive.

Most full day tours by car (about 8 to 10 hours) cost about US$30 to US$40 per person, half day tours US$20 to US$25. These prices include a multi-lingual guide and transport in an air-conditioned private car, all entrance fees, but no meals. Which guide and driver you choose can make or break your day: be warned that those who offer very low prices tend to waste your time by showing you hardly any more than those shops which pay them a commission on your purchases.

Baliguide.com / Bali.com Ltd
D&B D-U-N-S No. 66-389-8141
Reservation & Service Center
Tel. +62-361 703-060 (12 lines)
Fax +62-361 701-577
E-mail: info@baliguide.com

Sanur Beach is a place making a trip of famous tourism in Bali island. This Place is right across eastside town Denpasar, capital of Bali. Sanur reside in regency Badung.

Sanur Beach especially is location for surfing. Especially the beaches waves Sanur have celebrated among all foreign countries tourist. Do not be offshore far Sanur there are also location of wisata dive and snorkeling. Along of friendly condition, location dive can be used by all diver from all membership level.

Sanur Beachal is also known as Sunrise beach as against from Beach Kuta.

Sambolo Beach Bungalows are set on Banten's most beautiful beach, a small cove looking out at Krakatau volcano. The gently curving 400 meter beige sand beach, safe swimming, shady trees, grass-roofed bungalows and the gentle sea breezes all contribute to the laid-back Sambolo style.

The comfortably furnished beachfront bungalows are constructed of Borneo hardwood and are fan-cooled with 3 or 4 bedrooms, modern kitchens and outdoor BBQs. At Sambolo we seek a simpler world, so we discourage motorized water craft and loud electronic devices. All you'll hear is the sound of the crashing waves and the laughter of family and friends.

Tenants can enjoy a quiet jog or walk along the beach, hunting for shells, exploring the tide pools, body surfing, riding the gentle waves on a boogie board or just resting under the shade of a palm tree and enjoying a good book. Evenings bring time for barbecues, playing games with the kids and socializing with friends.

Come to Sambolo to relax, to enjoy the beach in privacy, and to spend free time with your family and friends at your own beachfront retreat. Visit soon and find out why for over 20 years Sambolo Beach Bungalows has been the secret out-of-town retreat for expatriate residents of Jakarta.

To maintain a private harmonious community, the 31 bungalows are leased long-term to individuals or multinational organisations. To lease a bungalow or register to obtain a time share, contact our office in Jakarta.

For leasing information contact : Natalia, Chandra

Sambolo Beach Bungalows

EEC Building

Jl. S. Parman No. 68

Slipi, Jakarta 11410

Tel. (62-21) 532-3176 , 536-4946

Fax (62-21) 532-3178

Email: info@sambolo.co.id

The island of Bali is blessed with the line of beaches surrounding it.

Sanur .

On the southeastern side of Bali, Sanur beach is easily reachable from Denpasar, about a 5 to 10 minute drive. Sanur is an excellent site to watch the sun rises, as you jog along the white sandy beach. Being one of the first resort developed in Bali, Sanur maintains its traditions. Only a stone thrown away from the beach, ancient temples stand as solemn as they have been in centuries past.

Kuta and Legian

Practically on the opposite side of Sanur, the beaches of Kuta and Legian stretch on the southwestern side of Bali, again only about 5 to 10 minute drive from Denpasar or the airport. Surfing is a major activity in these beaches. Shops, Kecak dance performances, pubs, and other facilities make Kuta a tourist mecca.

Jimbaran

Jimbaran is directly south of the airport, on the way from Denpasar towards Nusa Dua. The village of Jimbaran is the narrow neck of the island of Bali, and thus it has two remarkably different beaches. On the west, Jimbaran Beach faces the Jimbaran Bay, recently lined by new luxurious resorts. On the east, the beach faces the body of water sheltered by Benoa Harbor.

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is a new luxurious resort area where the world's most sumptuous hotels gracefully integrate into the beautiful white beaches. Crystal clear water provides excellent snorkeling and diving site, and the waves on the northern and the southern part of Nusa Dua allow for great surfing opportunity.

Soka Beach

Further northwest from Denpasar, on the way to Gilimanuk, the ferry port town that connects Bali and Java, there is a small quiet beach called Soka Beach.

Medewi Beach

Continuing along the path towards Gilimanuk, near the village of Pulukan, the beach of Medewi is another beautiful beach.

Lovina Beach

Near the northern tip of the island of Bali lies a stretch of villages by the Bali Sea. Lovina Beach is the name. It is well known as an excellent site for sunset watching, snorkeling, and diving. Night life activities are also abound, as well as chartered boats to go out into the sea. If you like what Kuta offers but do not like the crowd, Lovina Beach is for you.

White sand, coconut palms fringing the shore, multicoloured coral reefs, abundant shoals of unique, colourful fish, a golden sun setting in clear blue skies….does that fit your image of Jakarta? Unlikely, but then you're probably forgetting that the beautiful Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands) are also part of what is known as the city of Jakarta.

Located on a gulf facing the Java Sea, Jakarta has four main ports from which to access the Thousand Islands: Ancol Marina, Sunda Kelepa, Tanjung Priok and Tanjung Kait. Ancol Marina is the most usual departure point, speed boats leaving regularly to whisk you away from the city heat to the cool, palm fringed beaches of paradise. However chartering a boat is also possible for anyone with a more adventurous spirit. The Marina Jaya Ancol itself is buzzing with yachts, motor and sail boats, and is the place to go for marine recreation. Jet skies canoes, sail boats wind surfering and waterskiing are all to be found, along with all kinds of fishing gear you may need for hire. Numerous stalls along the beach serve drinks and snacks while tents are available for sunbathers and sea-lovers.

But it is the Tousand Islands which are the real jewels. The Kepulauan Seribu, as they are known locally, are a group of islands sprinkled across the Java Sea to the north of Jakarta. As the name suggests, the way the islands lie seemingly scattered closely to each other offers you a thousand of beaches, a thousand pleasures and a thousand golden sunsets. The surrounding waters in particular are a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers, Kotok being the most famous.

Despite the romantic name, there are in fact about 340 islets in Kepulauan Seribu. Islets that have been developed for tourism include Bidadari, Ayer, Laki, Puteri and Tanjung, and bungalows, restaurants, diving and sailing facilities are available on all these islets and others. For anyone with dreams of Robinson Crusoe style seclusion, delightful beaches can also be found in Matahari, Kulkul Kotok, Pelangi, Sepa, Onrust, Edam, Bokor, Kelor, Rambut, Ubi Kecil, Untungjawa, Pari, Perak, Melinjo, Pancalirang, Gosong, Ringgit, Sebaru, Hantu, Antuk, Bira, Panjang, Kelapa, Panggang, Lang, Tidung Besar, Payung, Kongsi, Pari, Damar Besar, Kelor, Kapal, Cipir and Nyamuk.

So if you are in Jakarta and become weary of the frenetic turbulence of the modern metropolis, hop on an early morning boat and escape across the Java Sea to a paradise island in the sun…. you can be there in time for breakfast on Saturday morning, and back in town by sunset Sunday evening without even leaving Jakarta!

Maritime Museum is located at Pasar Ikan, 1 North Jakarta. Initially these building served as warehouse for storing spices. The Dutch East Hindia Company started the constructions in 1652 and expanded in the years later. In 1976 the premises were handed over to the municipal government of Jakarta and preparation were started to convert them into a museum. The maritime museum was officially opened on July 7th, 1997. The objective of this museum is to converse, maintain, protect and expose the Indonesia maritime and fishery tradition. A variety of traditional Indonesia boats with their very specific shapes, equipment and decorative trimmings reflect a high-standard maritime heritage. Apart from these props, there also miniatures of modern ships on display. Navigational tools, anchor, the model of light house, antique canons and many more items form part of the museum's collection