Mentawai Islands , Indonesia

Mentawai Islands in Sumatra are amongst the exotic islands in the Indian Ocean. One of the popular locales for sightseeing in Sumatra, the islands are situated at a distance of 150 kilometers from Sumatra. The main islands that make up Mentawai Islands are Siberut, Sipura, and North and South Pagai. Staying in the Mentawai Islands gives visitors a hands-on experience of the traditional lifestyle of Indonesia.

Mentawai Islands offer a fantastic site for various things to do in Sumatra, like trekking and windsurfing. The dense rainforest on the island is home to a number of unique species of animals and birds that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The rainforest of the islands is the haven to some of the rarest wildlife resources like the Kloss Gibbon, Mentawai Macaque, Mentawai leaf monkey, and the snub-nosed monkey. You can also dive in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, not only for a swim, but also to explore the beautiful coral reefs.

The human inhabitance on the Mentawai Islands is one of the oldest human settlements in Indonesia. People in the Mentawai islands prefer living as a community, just like the people of the longhouses in Indonesia. People of Mentawai Islands prefer living in a somewhat isolated manner from the rest of the world.

Always be alert, as Mentawai Islands are located on one of the extremely active and powerful earthquake zones. Reportedly, an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 occurred here in October 2010 resulting in a tsunami that took its death toll on over 500 people. It also left over 8,000 people homeless.



source from: mapsofworld

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Lake Toba

The largest volcanic lake in the world – Lake Toba is one of the best places for sightseeing in Sumatra, Indonesia. Created by the deposition of rainwater in a volcanic crater, Lake Toba is 100 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide. The deepest point of the lake delves till 505 meters.

The lake is surrounded by a number of natural marvels like Toba ash, characterized by chemical “fingerprint”. The climate around the lake is cool and dry. The steep and scenic landscape of the mountains offers spectacular vistas. Lake Toba is one of the best places in Indonesia that presents you with an ideal place for an escapade from the urban jungles. More and more tourists throng towards the lake as it is a better place to rest than the mosquito-infested tropical jungles.

Lake Toba is one of the major facilitators of eco-tourism in Indonesia. The population that resides near the lake mostly belongs to the ethnic Bataks. The houses of these traditional Bataks feature roofs that curve upwards at each end, are similar to a boat’s hull. The colorful décor of these houses near Lake Toba makes them all the more prominent.

Lake Toba is located in Samosir Island. The island has some interesting tourist places such as cemeteries for Batak people, Batak Museum, Tomok – a place to buy souvenirs, and Ambarita – stone chairs used for judgement and executions. You may also visit hot springs in the vicinity of Pangururan.



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Canggu

Canggu is located in the island of Bali, Indonesia. The Canggu village showcases the best of coastal Bali. It is a delightful place for both the adventurous visitors as well as those who love to spend a peaceful time. Besides spending your time sunbathing, you can also indulge in adventure sports such as surfing. The rice fields behind the Canggu village offer a double bonanza for the tourists as they are inhabited by thousands of birds and butterflies. The village is popular for its proximity to some of the finest beaches in Bali viz. Echo Beach, Seseh and Pererenan.

Apart from lazing on the beach one can enjoy a number of activities at Canggu. Surfing is probably the most popular. The beach is quite challenging and has something to offer to both beginners and the experienced surfers. There are a variety of beach and reef breaks in the Canggu region. For the beginners, the few soft rolling waves are ideal while the fast peaks provide quite a challenge for the experienced ones. Even if you are an expert in tackling the waves, during the high tide it is surely a challenge.

For the not-so-adventurous types, there is nothing to feel disappointed. Another attraction that you may enjoy is riding a horse on the beach. The Umalas Stables that are located near the Canggu village offers many packages.

If you want to enjoy a quick round of golf, you can visit the Nirwana Bali Golf Course Tanah Lot, which is quite close by. The golf course was designed by the legendary Greg Norman and is constantly voted as one of the best in Asia.

You can also go out on late afternoon walks and enjoy the stunning beauty of the countryside. The paddy fields and coconut groves can be quite picturesque.

There are two main temples along the beach, Pura Batu Bolong and Pura Batu Mejan. Both these temples are more than a hundred years old and worth a visit.

Luxurious private villas provide a majority of accommodation at Canggu village. These villas provide the ultimate comfort during your vacation. The bedrooms are large and spacious and have all the amenities. The budget hotels are clean and warm as well.

There are hardly any taxis in the area. Be sure to hire a car or motorcycle while traveling to Canggu.



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Borobudur in Indonesia

 Borobudur is most beautiful place in Indonesia

A shrine to Buddha and a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrimages, Borobudur is a monument built in the form of a stepped-pyramid topped with stupas and about 500 statues of Buddha. Built during the reign of the Seilendra Dynasty of the eight and ninth centuries, the temple reflects Indian and Indonesian influences in its stairways and corridors, lined with narrative panels of art carved into the stone walls. Though the site was a destination for Buddhist pilgrims for many years, it was abandoned in the 1500s, probably with the rise in Islam in the region, though it has recently been revived.

The monument enlightens the visitors through the three symbolic levels of cosmology: Kamadhatu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness). It is advisable to hire an experienced guide for a better understanding of the stone displays and the temple architecture.

The top of the temple has some vacant space that gives a sense of completeness to Borobudur. From here one can enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding lush mountain landscape. Towards the north of Borobudur is the Menorah hill, naturally contoured to give an impression of a sleeping person.

According to the local superstition it is believed that if anyone climbs this temple while meditating upon one of his wishes, and reaches his hand inside the bell-like stupa at the top of the temple, and successfully touches the Buddha’s figure inside; his wish is granted.

To know more about this magnificent temple you must visit Karmawibhangga Museum located inside the Temple premises.

The museum of Samudera Raksa is another attraction of the Borobudur temple that provides information on the merchants who traveled to Indonesia and Africa in ancient times. It is a contemporary attempt to recreate those voyages.

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Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

The Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is a beautiful 17th century temple right at the lakeside. The 11-tiered roofs of the pelinggih meru are dedicated to Lord Shiva and his wife, Parvathi. A statue of Lord Buddha is also placed in the temple. The offering ceremony to the Dewi Danu, the Balinese water, lake and river goddess is held in the temple. The local population worships her for fertility of the area. The temple is surrounded by a big garden with flowers. Built directly on the waterfront, it seems to float in the water. It is a very remarkable sight.

Danau Bratan is a beautiful lake centrally located in Bali. The lake fills an extinguished crater of an ancient volcano. The surrounding of the lake is much cooler than the beach resorts or other places on the island. The sky is mostly clouded and the rays are gentle. People sit in the lush green gardens of the temple for relaxation. The serene aura of the temple leaves a soothing effect on visitors.

There are a few Japanese caves on the opposite side of the lake. These caves were excavated during the Second World War. The area also has some shrines around the lakeshore and the hills in the vicinity. Morning or afternoon time is the best time to visit the temple as during this time the cool winds blow and it is not foggy.

Besides hiking around the temple, you may also enjoy the following lake activities:

    Boating: You may pick a pedal boat, speed boat or a traditional boat called Jukung to go for boating.
    Fishing: You may also enjoy fishing at the lake.






source from: mapsofworld

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