Why is Bali Island favored by International Tourists?

The island of Bali is very famous among foreign tourists, even Bali is better known than Indonesia itself. Always full of international tourists, what makes the island of Bali attractive in their eyes?

The Attraction of the Island of Bali for International Tourists

The general landscape of the island of Bali which is illuminated by the sun throughout the year is the main attraction of Bali as a tropical island. But besides the sun, several things make foreign tourists always want to return to this island.

The best place to find peace

Remember the movie called Eat Pray Love, starring Julia Roberts? This film tells the story of Elizabeth Gilbert's journey to Bali to find her purpose in life after a divorce. Bali is indeed famous for seeking tranquility. Many areas of the island of Bali are far from the hustle and bustle of the city and close to nature so the atmosphere is full of peace.

No wonder so many meditation practitioners live here to help people find meaning in their life journey.

Adequate transportation access

Bali has adequate transportation access so that it is easy for foreign tourists to visit here. Through Ngurah Rai Airport they can directly arrive on the island of Bali without the need to transit in other cities. In addition, there is also the Bali Mandara toll access which facilitates mobility and has an amazing view.

Strong culture

Balinese people are famous for upholding their culture. From various cultural ornaments, buildings, clothes, to traditional ceremonies, they are very easy to find. The beauty of Balinese culture makes foreign tourists very impressed because it is difficult for them to find in other places.

Many kinds of nature tourism

The beaches on the island of Bali are indeed famous for their beauty and waves, but besides the actual beaches, Bali has other natural charms that are no less enchanting. You can find rice fields, forests, rivers, to cliffs here.

Spice-rich culinary tourism destination

Culinary origin from the Island of the Gods, Bali is known to have a strong spice taste. The richness of this spice-rich taste is often hunted by foreign tourists. For those who rarely eat this kind of food, the sensation of eating in Bali becomes an irreplaceable special memory.

Affordable

Compared to vacationing in Europe, Japan, or Korea, the island of Bali is still relatively more affordable. Although affordable, the landscape of the island of Bali is very enchanting so that Bali is an affordable vacation option but it does not disappoint.

Balinese hospitality

This is another thing that makes tourists comfortable living in Bali, namely the friendliness of the people. Balinese people are known to be very friendly and open to foreign tourists. Besides that, many Balinese people are fluent in English so that communication with tourists is also easier.

Tourist Attractions in Madiun that are worthy of your visit

Madiun is not very well known as a tourist destination, but actually, Madiun has many interesting places to visit. There are many Madiun tourist attractions that you can explore when you stop here. Curious what the place is? Check here!

Sekar Arum Playground

The Sekar Arum Playground is an educational tourist attraction in Madiun so it is suitable for families to visit. This place provides a lot of educational children's play. There are also fun games such as rafting, hanging slide, etc. The Sekar Arum Playground is located in Kare Village, Kare, Madiun City.

Umbul Tourism Recreation Park

Umbul Tourism Recreation Park is a bit different from other playgrounds because this park has been around since the Dutch colonial period! The park has a mini zoo and several animal collections. The famous Madiun tourist destination here is a hot spring that contains sulfur. In addition, the location is also very beautiful because it is between two ravines that coincide with each other.

Nongko Ijo Pine Forest

The Nongko Ijo Pine Forest is located in Kare District, Madiun City. The location itself is located at the foot of Mount Wilis. In this area there used to be a lot of green jackfruit trees, that's why this place is called Nongko Ijo Pine Forest which means green jackfruit pine tree. In addition to the soothing view of the pine trees, here you can also enjoy the beauty of two springs that lead to a place called Tempuran.

Nglambangan Site

Well, if the tourist attractions in Madiun, East Java, this one is a trace of historical heritage that is very old. The Nglambangan site is a heritage site of the Majapahit Kingdom. Here there are many collections of ancient objects such as artifacts, barns, watudakon, to the lembangsari temple. Besides being a tourist destination, this place is also often used as a place for traditional ceremonies every 1 Suro night!

Krecekan Denu Waterfall

Krecekan Denu Waterfall is arguably a fairly new tourist attraction in Madiun. The location itself is in Kepell Village, Madiun. To get here you have to spend extra energy because the terrain is quite difficult to pass. Although initially tiring, the beauty of Krecekan Denu Waterfall will relieve all your fatigue, especially after playing with its refreshing water.

There are many cool tourist attractions in Indonesia, including Madiun City. Before planning a Madiun tour, don't forget to prepare all your needs from train or plane tickets and where to stay.

Facts and History of the Discovery of Borobudur Temple that You May Not Know

Borobudur Temple is one of the oldest temples in Indonesia. Its beauty and splendor had even been crowned as a wonder of the world. Until now, Borobudur Temple has always been a historical tourist destination that is hunted by local and foreign tourists. But did you know that before it was as solid as it is now, Borobudur Temple was only the ruins of old stone ruins.

Enjoying the beauty of Borobudur Temple tourism is not enough just to look at it. Borobudur holds a million mysteries and very rich memories of the past. So that your vacation to Borobudur Temple is more meaningful, please first read the information below.

When and who was the founder of Borobudur Temple built?

It took a very long time to build such a magnificent temple. The construction of the Borobudur Temple itself is estimated to take hundreds of years and was only completed during the reign of King Samaratungga around the year 825.

Borobudur Temple was built by whom? This is a bit difficult to answer because until now there has been no historical record that clearly explains who built this magnificent temple. However, if examined, at that time around the Borobudur Temple lived the Syailendra Dynasty who adhered to Buddhism, therefore Borobudur Temple was often associated with this dynasty.

However, at the same time there were also adherents of Hinduism living around the Borobudur Temple, so who built the Borobudur Temple still needs to be investigated further.

How was Borobudur Temple discovered?

The history of Borobudur Temple began to echo in 1811 when Thomas Stamford Raffles, a Dutch Governor-General heard the news of an old building buried in the ground so that it resembled a hill. The building is located near Bumisegoro Village. Then Raffles ordered a Dutch engineer named Christian Cornelius to examine it, finally the Borobudur Temple was found.

Why can Borobudur Temple be buried in the ground?

Until now it is not known for certain why the Borobudur Temple could be left by residents to be buried in the ground for centuries. So long abandoned, this temple is covered with soil and volcanic ash until it is overgrown with trees, just like a hill. Researchers estimate the cause of Borobudur Temple being abandoned by the community due to the eruption of the volcano and the shift of the population's belief from Buddhism to Islam.

The current function of Borobudur Temple

Indeed, we are more familiar with Borobudur Temple as a tourist spot, but actually, Borobudur Temple has other functions that are more sacred. Currently, Borobudur Temple serves as a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists around the world. Borobudur Temple teaches Buddhists to leave worldly desires and achieve enlightenment by becoming wise human beings.

During a pilgrimage at Borobudur Temple, Buddhists must go through the halls and stairs in the temple area. During the trip, they will also see 1,460 reliefs beautifully carved on the walls of the temple.

Well, that's the facts about the history and discovery of Borobudur Temple. So that you don't want to be curious, you'd better just see its splendor.

Plan a Tour to Manado City and Its Surroundings, A City Full of Diversity

Based on the 2020 Tolerant City Index Report, Manado was named one of the 10 most tolerant cities in Indonesia. Manado City has always been known as a city full of diversity. Manado is indeed inhabited by the majority of Protestant Christians, but here adherents of other religions also live in harmony.

As a peaceful city even though the people are diverse, Manado City is the best reference for traveling as well as learning about tolerance.

Travel and Learn Tolerance in Manado and Surrounding Areas

In the city of Manado and its surroundings, there are several places for religious tourism as well as learning about harmony and tolerance. These places are a symbol of how peaceful the life of the people of North Sulawesi is.

Bukit Kasih Kanonang (Kanonang Love Hill)

Bukit Kasih Kanonang (Kanonang Love Hill) is a sulfur hill that is a symbol of religious harmony in North Sulawesi. The location is not in Manado City, but in Kanonang Village, West Kawangkoan, Minahasa. In 2002 Bukit Kasih Kanonang (Kanonang Love Hill) was made a spiritual place to meditate and gather while praying according to their respective beliefs. Since then this place has become a symbol of harmony.

The Kanonang Hill area is still very beautiful and the air is quite cold. On this hill, there are several places of worship such as Catholic churches, Protestant churches, temples, and mosques.

In addition to the symbol of harmony, Bukit Kasih Kanonang (Kanonang Love Hill) is also believed to be the place of origin of the ancestors of the Minahasa, Mumimut, and Toar people. This is evidenced by the large face carvings on the walls of the hill.

Jesus Blessing Monument

The Jesus Blessing Monument is a tourist attraction that has become an icon of the city of Manado. This statue is predicted to be similar to the Cristo Redentor statue, the Statue of Jesus found in Brazil. Located on the Trans Sulawesi Ring Road, Manado, the Jesus Blessing Monument has a slope of 35 degrees so it looks like it's floating.

Even though it is in the form of Jesus, this statue is not only dedicated to certain people but is a symbol of harmony for all people in Manado.

Tujuh Kaki Dian (Seven Lampstands)

Seven Foot Dian is a religious tourism object around the city of Manado, precisely at the foot of Mount Klabat. The Kaki Dian tower is about 19 meters high, has 7 branches, and has a lamp at each end. The location itself is at 620 masl. To get here you need about 20 minutes drive from downtown Manado.

Bukit Doa Mahawu (Mahawu Prayer Hill)

Bukit Doa Mahawu (Mahawu Prayer Hill) is located in Tomohon, North Sulawesi. This hill has an area of 132 hectares. The location is right at the foot of Mount Mahawu so the air is very cool and nature is still beautiful.

Before and after Easter, Bukit Doa Mahawu (Mahawu Prayer Hill) is usually crowded with tourists. Although this place is dominated by very prominent Christian ornaments, followers of other religions are also allowed to visit this place.

Buddhayana Monastery and Ekayana Pagoda

Buddhayana Vihara and Ekayana Pagoda are located in Tomohon, North Sulawesi. Although its main function is as a place of worship for Buddhists, this place is also open to the general public.

Not without reason, this place is so beautiful that many people are curious and want to visit here. When we set foot at the main gate, we are immediately greeted by a line of statues of Lohan and Arthas that tell the 18 ways of Buddha. The scenery around the monastery is also very beautiful plus there is the Ekayana Pagoda, a pagoda building that is rarely found in Indonesia.

Those are some religious tourist attractions in Manado City and its surroundings that can be a list of tourist destinations after the pandemic is over.

Palembang Tourist Attractions That Are No Less Interesting Than Tourist Places In Other Cities

Although less well known, Palembang turns out to have many tourist destinations that cannot be underestimated. There are many interesting Palembang tours to visit. Check out the list of places below. When visiting Palembang, you really must visit this tourist spot!

Punti Kayu Forest

Punti Kayu is a forest in the middle of Palembang City. This forest is dominated by pine trees with an area of 12 hectares. Punti Kayu forest is usually used as a tourist spot for local people because of its very easy to reach location. This place is often used as a picnic area for family, friends, and various communities.

Punti Kayu Forest is located on Street Kol. Burlian km 6.5, Karya Baru, Alang-Alang Lebar, Palembang City. The operating hours are from 09.00 am to 04.00 pm. The entrance ticket is also quite affordable, IDR 20,000 for children and IDR 25,000 for adults.

Siguntang Hill

In the XIV-XVII centuries, Siguntang Hill was a place that was considered sacred. Here are the tombs of the descendants of the Sriwijaya royal family. This place is also considered a very historical place for the Sriwijaya Kingdom which was once the center of the spread of Buddhism in the archipelago.

Siguntang Hill has an area of 12.8 hectares. The location is on Street Srijaya Negara, Bukit Lama, Ilir Barat I, Palembang. For history lovers and want to see the legacy of the glory of the Sriwijaya Kingdom, you have to come here.

Kemaro Island

Kemaro Island is a small delta located in the middle of the Musi River. On this island, there is a very legendary building, namely the Hok Tjing Rio Temple. This island is called Kemaro because the island never sinks even though the Musi River is at high tide. Apart from its unique name, there is a very popular legend about this island.

Srivijaya Kingdom Archaeological Park

The Sriwijaya Kingdom Archaeological Park is a site in the form of a park and a former settlement during the Srivijaya Kingdom. In this area is found a network of canals, ditches, and ponds that are neatly arranged like a man-made garden. Therefore this place is associated with the garden during the kingdom.

In addition to the park, there are also found many ancient relics which show that this place was once a residential area full of activities.

Al-Quran Museum

The Al-Quran Museum is located on Street Moh. Amen, Gandus, Palembang. This tourist spot in Palembang turns out to be the largest Al-Quran museum in the world. The Al-Quran Museum or the full name Bayt Al-Qur'an Al-Akbar Museum has a height of 15 m with wooden walls decorated with carvings of the Holy Qur'an which were carved directly by the Palembang people. Because it is considered a sacred place for visitors who want to come here are encouraged to wear modest and closed clothes. Especially women are required to wear the hijab.

Those are some tourist attractions in Palembang City that are no less interesting than tourist attractions in other cities. 

Typical Sudanese Food That Inspires Your Taste, You Must Try

Sundanese food is no doubt delicious. Many people are crazy about Sundanese specialties even though they are not from West Java. The taste of Sundanese food is usually dominated by savory and spicy flavors so it is very appetizing. So that your knowledge is wider about the various Sundanese specialties of West Java, see the list of foods below here.

Doclang

Doclang is a dish of tofu diamonds topped with peanut sauce. A serving of doclang is usually served with lontong wrapped in patat leaves, Kupat Tahu Bogor, fried potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and smothered in thick peanut sauce with the addition of sweet soy sauce. The portion of this Sundanese food menu is not too big so it is suitable as a dish for breakfast.

Tutug Oncom Rise

Tutug Oncom Rise is one of the typical Sundanese food, West Java which is quite popular. This food is a dish of white rice mixed with fried or grilled oncom. Usually, a serving of Tutug Oncom Rise is served with side dishes such as tofu, tempeh, fried chicken, fresh vegetables, and chili paste.

Liwet Rice

No less popular with tutug oncom rice, Liwet Rice is also a very popular Sundanese food menu. Liwet Rice is a dish of rice served with a variety of side dishes such as salted fish, empal, fried chicken, fish paste, tawes, japuh, fresh vegetables, to chili sauce. This dish is loved by many people because it is very appetizing.

Pais

Pais is a dish that uses banana leaves as a wrapper. Pais is also known as Pepes. Pais or Pepes from West Java usually contains ice fish, mushrooms, salted eggs, beef, and anchovies.

Timbel Rice

Timbel Rice is a typical Sundanese food of West Java that is not difficult to find. Usually, Timbel Rice is sold in both simple and luxurious food stalls. Timbel Rice is served using banana leaves with side dishes such as salted fish, fish paste, japuh, tawes, chili sauce, and fresh vegetables.

Karedok

Karedok is a unique Sundanese food because it is made from raw vegetables. There are various kinds of vegetables, including long beans, bean sprouts, cucumber, cabbage, sweet potatoes, basil, and leunca. All these ingredients are then doused with peanut sauce so that it tastes very fresh.

Lotek

Lotek at first glance is similar to karedok but the processing method is different. The basic ingredients of lotek are the same as using various vegetables, but the vegetables are boiled first. So the vegetables in the lotek are not eaten directly when raw. After boiling these vegetables then doused with peanut sauce as well.

Bakakak Chicken

This unique Sundanese food may still sound foreign, yes. Bakakak Chicken is a processed chicken that is given a special Sundanese seasoning and then grilled. Usually, broiler chicken is roasted whole, not cut into pieces first. This dish is served in large portions so it is suitable to eat together.

Now you know the kinds of Sundanese specialties that taste topnotch. Culinary tourism to West Java may be included in the list of trips that you will do when the pandemic ends.