Indonesia

[Prawn_86]

The Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia. Comprising 17,508 islands, it is the world's largest archipelagic state. With a population of 222 million people in 2006, it is the world's fourth most populous country and the most populous Muslim-majority nation; however, no reference is made to Islam in the Indonesian constitution. Indonesia is a republic, with an elected legislature and president. The nation's capital city is Jakarta. The country shares land borders with Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Malaysia. Other neighboring countries include Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, and the Indian territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

[Prawn_86]

Spent a lot of time in Indonesia with my parents also. Went right of the beaten track through areas in Sumatra. I can remember i was the first white child a lot of the villagers had seen and they would come up to me and touch me because i had blonde hair!

The most amusing thing we found about it was the fact that all these tiny villages with no working plumbing, dirt floors, thatch roofs etc all had at least one massive satellite dish somewhere in the village. :o

[kennas]

Yeah, I've spent some time here too.

Went to Uni on Lombok for a while. Travelled around a lot on Army time after I did Indon at the ADF School of Languages for 12 months.

Sundanese chicks from around Bandung rock! :)

[Prawn_86]

Was the Uni part of an exchange program?

Can you speak fluent Indon?

[kennas]

Was the Uni part of an exchange program?

Can you speak fluent Indon?It was part of a post grad program.

I could speak fluently. I was an interpretor in East Timor with the UN for 6 months. Can speak basic Tetum as well.

All pretty much lost now because of learning Spanish.... :(

[Prawn_86]

I learnt to count in Indonesian; or was it Malaysian :o

Not quite sure now...

[kennas]

I learnt to count in Indonesian; or was it Malaysian :o

Not quite sure now...
LOL :)

Same.

Indonesian is based on Malaysian...

[Prawn_86]

AUSTRALIAN tourists are returning to Bali in greater numbers than ever, defying government security warnings, terrorism threats, booze shortages and even a rabies outbreak to enjoy a cheap tropical Christmas holiday.


http://www.news.com.au/travel/story/0,28318,24836434-5014090,00.html

We were going to go to Bali soon, but a mate in the Army is not allowed to travel there. Damn the Army! ;)

[INDOVAGANZA]

There's so many beautiful places that you can visit while you're in Indonesia.
Bali is the most popular one, so many tourist especially Australian tourist visit Bali :)
If you like quiter place you can visit Lombok, the beaches are so beautiful, it's like old Bali. You can also go to Gili Islands (islands around Lombok), there's so many things you can do like diving, snorkelling, parasiling, and so much more.
As for diving, I prefer Bunaken, it's the best place for diving. It's near to Manado (North Sulawesi).

Happy New Year! & Happy Holiday for everyone ^_^

[Prawn_86]

A HOTEL in Indonesia's West Papua province collapsed when the second of two powerful earthquakes hit the region today and three people were pulled alive from the rubble, officials said.
The three guests who had been staying at the Mutiara hotel in the city of Manokwari were taken to hospital, but their condition was not immediately clear.



http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24871454-401,00.html

[kennas]

There's so many beautiful places that you can visit while you're in Indonesia.

You can also go to Gili Islands (islands around Lombok), there's so many things you can do like diving, snorkelling, parasiling, and so much more.
As for diving, I prefer Bunaken, it's the best place for diving. It's near to Manado (North Sulawesi).

Happy New Year! & Happy Holiday for everyone ^_^Yes, many beautiful placed to go.

I could have easily settled on Lombok after studying at Mataram Uni for a while. In retrospect, I'm glad I'm where I am now, but I do reminisce.

[Prawn_86]

BALI will carry out mass vaccinations of pet dogs to curb a rabies outbreak that has killed four people and is threatening the Indonesian island's vital tourism industry.
About 300 officials will fan out on Saturday across northern Denpasar, the provincial capital, armed with vaccination kits.


http://www.news.com.au/travel/story/0,28318,24949002-5014090,00.html

[kennas]

Yes, lots of culling required in Bali. The dogs run around in packs at night. Uncool.

[chrissylewis03]

everyone assosiates Bali with beaches and getting drunk but there is another side to it. When you're there it might be an idea to go to Ubud, it's in the lush tropical mountains and there are a lot of relaxing rainforest retreats up there. very eco friendly, healthy and relaxing.

[rick62]

Hi
We've been to Bali / Lombok / Java many times but not for a few years. Air tickets booked for mid / late July [peak season] and we're wanting to book accommodation direct. As 'mature age' travellers we're wanting a quiet spot on Sanur Beach this time - just for a laid back rest. Doesn't have to be huge or lavish -- just pleasant with nice atmosphere. Pool, good facilities and rooms [TV, air con etc] , well-located, nice surrounds. Recommendations or opinions welcome. Have stayed at Griya Santrian before, and like it, but the peak season rate is too much.
Thanks
Rick

[Sails]

Off to Bali in a fortnight - last time we were there was this time of the year, a couple of months before the second bombings. Kind of scary as the restaurant we pick at Jimbaran is Cafe Menega - and that was the place where the backpack was thrown into the restaurant.:o

Sure it will be fine. Looking forward to some warmth too.

[johnting101]

Hope you have fun Sails.
I have lots of friends from Indonesia in the school I'm studying now and I've been hearing a lot of interesting things about it. Please post what you are going to do there :)

[buddinghealth]

I'm really keen to get to Indonesia for a spot of surfing early next year - has anyone ever been surfing there? any tips?

[kennas]

I've been surfing off Bali and it's quite good. I heard that there were some great breaks off Lombok too, might be worth doing a google on it.

Have fun Sails! Love Indonesia!! :)

[INDOVAGANZA]

everyone assosiates Bali with beaches and getting drunk but there is another side to it. When you're there it might be an idea to go to Ubud, it's in the lush tropical mountains and there are a lot of relaxing rainforest retreats up there. very eco friendly, healthy and relaxing.

I like Ubud too, it's quiter than the other area in Bali.
The atmosphere in Ubud is just perfect :)

[fLorentina]

Is it safe to visit Indonesia following the series of bomb attacks recently?

[kennas]

You should check the DFAT website for their travel warnings.

I think they will have a recommendation not to go to Bali, but you should check.

Personally, I would go, but you should make up your own mind after reading the travel advice.

[chrissylewis03]

it's always good to check but Bali is soo far away from the bombings. i actually cant believe how worried people get about it! i actually had someone tell me that they don't want to travel to Europe via Kuala Lumpur because of the bombings in Jakarta??!?! crazy.

it's good to be careful but still live your life, it's like not crossing the road because of the chance of getting hit by a car. Just be careful and cross the road in the right places and you should be fine (but again, nothing is guaranteed!).

[Prawn_86]

Is it safe to visit Indonesia following the series of bomb attacks recently?

You should check the DFAT website for their travel warnings.


DFAT stands for Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Which is the Australian government body which issues travel warnings. If your not from Aus your governm,ent should have something similar based on their forecasts etc. (Or you can use the DFAT site anyway to see what the Aussies think :) )

[Prawn_86]

THE official death toll from the Indonesian earthquake has risen to 464, the social affairs ministry says.

The latest update follows the Indonesian Health Ministry's prediction that thousands of people were likely killed in the 7.6-magnitude earthquake that struck Indonesia's Sumatra last night.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,26149761-5019261,00.html

Thoughts go out to everyone affect by this earthquake. I have travelled through the villages in regional Sumatra and you cant find nicer people in the World.

[kennas]

Shocking news. Three major earthquakes in a few moments, unreal. We had a small one in Peru as well but no effect as it was really deep. The Earth is feeling nasty.

[Prawn_86]

Latest news is stating 1100 dead and countless more missing buried amongst the rubble. 112 Australian that were near the Pedang area, where the earthquake was strongest are yet to be contacted. :(

[INDOVAGANZA]

Latest news is stating 1100 dead and countless more missing buried amongst the rubble. 112 Australian that were near the Pedang area, where the earthquake was strongest are yet to be contacted. :(

You're right, It's so horrible..
Many people died, lot of houses broken.. scary..
You can read the news here Earthquake in West Sumatra (http://www.heartlisten.com/earthquake-west-sumatra-indonesia)

[Prawn_86]

The following is from the Smart Traveller site and gives a number for those Australians concerned about loved ones or relatives who may be in Sumatra.

Australians in affected areas overseas requiring consular assistance should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on +61 2 6261 3305.

[aimhigh]

I have so many Indonesian friend her in the Philippines because they are studying in some Universities here. They have so many great stories about their country and would love to visit their county in the near future.

[EverNothing]

7.7-magnitude earthquake hits Sumatra; tsunami warning for Indonesia, Thailand and Antarctica

Article: http://www.news.com.au/world/magnitude-earthquake-hits-sumatra-tsunami-warning-for-antarctica/story-e6frfkyi-1225850760553

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/2121/776650sumatraearthquake.jpg

I think I can safely speak for everyone by praying for anybody who might be somewhow affected by today's earthquake in Indonesia. From what I know about the country it's such a beautiful place and hopefully there is minimal loss of life and damage around the nation. Thoughts go out, as always...

[jamec9869]

Hi
We've been to Bali / Lombok / Java many times but not for a few years. Air tickets booked for mid / late July [peak season] and we're wanting to book accommodation direct. As 'mature age' travellers we're wanting a quiet spot on Sanur Beach this time - just for a laid back rest. Doesn't have to be huge or lavish -- just pleasant with nice atmosphere. Pool, good facilities and rooms [TV, air con etc] , well-located, nice surrounds. Recommendations or opinions welcome. Have stayed at Griya Santrian before, and like it, but the peak season rate is too much.

[kennas]

I stayed a place called the Puri Santrian a long time ago and it was quite good. Might be the same place you mention. Also stayed at the Hyatt for a couple of nights, and it was very good, but more expensive.

[buddinghealth]

Am off to Bali later on in the year, does anyone have any tips. Will go to ubud, avoid Kuta probably - prefer the laid back, rustic scene rather than wild parties. Getting a bit old now!

[rickyjoelany]

Am off to Bali later on in the year, does anyone have any tips. Will go to ubud, avoid Kuta probably - prefer the laid back, rustic scene rather than wild parties. Getting a bit old now!
I recomended you to discover lombok. Beautiful beach out there

[rogontagayo]

RAJALAUT YACHT CHARTER IN RAJA AMPAT

The Raja Ampat – Slightly less accessible than the Banda but no less famous the Raja Ampat is one of the world’s most exciting new yacht charter and liveaboard diving destinations. The Raja Ampat archipelago covers nearly ten million acres of land and sea off the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s West Papua Province. Raja Ampat consists of the four large islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, plus hundreds of smaller islands.

This large area is situated in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, and offers the highest recorded diversity of anywhere in the entire world for fish, coral and invertebrate life. Clear water mangroves and extraordinary underwater landscapes make much of the Raja Ampat unique, whilst the area still holds every other type of tropical diving - Raja Ampat has it all which is why it is booked full during the high season. Make sure you book well in advance for a yacht charter or liveaboard diving holiday in the Raja Ampat, especially for the high season months of October and November.

[baliboy]

Am off to Bali later on in the year, does anyone have any tips. Will go to ubud, avoid Kuta probably - prefer the laid back, rustic scene rather than wild parties. Getting a bit old now!

Have you book the accommodation yet? so i know which part of Ubud you are gonna stay. Visit monkey forest, ubud market and many galleries in ubud will be very enjoyable. Also sometime in ubud's empire building (called : puri ubud) there is a balinese dance performance, usually local people know when the show will be held.

[SarahSkis1984]

Here's another Groupon deal (http://www.groupon.com.au/deals/travelcity/-kamuela-villas-seminyak-/715863474) for Bali :)

Thought I'd share!