Top Five Favorite Places in Bandung

Ciwidey White Crater

Bandung, capital of Indonesia’s West Java Province, is a large city set amid volcanoes and tea plantations. It's known for colonial and art deco architecture, a lively, university-town feel and–thanks to its 768m elevation–relatively cool tropical weather. Bandung is also a shopping destination, with fashion outlets clustered along Jalan Setiabudi and Jalan Riau in the Dago district.

Bandung is a favorite weekend destination for residents of Jakarta and surrounding areas. To be able to reach the city of Bandung, Jakarta residents simply use toll roads only, so it is very easy to access the city that is in this mountainous area. For citizens of Jakarta who do not have a vehicle, no need to worry because a lot of travel services that provide transportation from Jakarta to Bandung.

In addition to easy access, Bandung also has many interesting sights so busy visited by tourists who live around Bandung. What are the tourist attractions in Bandung that must be visited? Here are the attractions in Bandung that must be visited:

1. Ciwidey White Crater
Located in Ciwidey, about 50 KM south of Bandung, Kawah Putih Ciwidey is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bandung, especially among nature lovers. Ciwidey White Crater, as the name implies is a volcanic crater with white-colored soil. This white color because there is a sulfur content in the soil. The main uniqueness of the white crater is the water that always changes color.

2. Mount Tangkuban Perahu
Located about 20 km north of Bandung, Mount Tangkuban Perahu is a volcano located on the border of Subang and Lembang. The uniqueness of Mount Tangkuban Perahu is a shape that resembles an inverted boat, in accordance with the legend that says that Mount Tangkuban Perahu comes from a boat that was kicked upside down by Sangkuriang. Mount Tangkuban Perahu is a natural tourist attraction that has become one of the most famous tourist attractions in Bandung and its surroundings.

3. Ciater Hot Spring
Ciater Hot Spring located on the border of Subang is one of the tourist attractions in Bandung and its surroundings are the most visited by tourists because in addition to functioning as a means of recreation, Ciater Hot Water also has health effects for you. Located about 30 KM north of Bandung, Ciater Hot Spring comes from an active crater on Mount Tangkuban Perahu. Soaking in water sulfur Ciater is perfect for you who want to take a break.

4. House Mode
Rumah Mode is the name of a most famous factory outlet in Bandung. Located in Jalan Setiabudi, Rumah Mode is the largest, complete, and busiest factory outlet in Bandung. The shopping atmosphere at Rumah Mode is very comfortable and clean, so it is perfect for those who like shopping tours. The items offered in Rumah Mode are clothing, shoes, bags, and other things that smell of fashion. Most of the items in Rumah Mode are export leftovers so you can get them for a relatively cheap price.

5. Strawberry Garden Ciwidey
The Ciwidey Strawberry Garden is a place where you can see and take a walk in the strawberry garden. In addition you can also pick your own strawberry fruit. The strawberries you have picked will then be weighed and you have to pay according to the weight of the strawberries you have picked. My advice comes in the dry season because the strawberry quality is better than during the rainy season

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Mejuah-juah, Enjoy 10 Favorite Places in Tanah Karo

Hot Spring Debuk-debuk

Karo Regency is a regency of North Sumatra, Indonesia, situated in the Barisan Mountains. The regency covers an area of 2,127.25 square kilometres and according to the 2010 census it had a population of 350,479. 60.99% of the regency is forested.

Mejuah-juah is a special expression of the Karo community, a kind of Halo greeting when it first met. However, Mejuah-juah, also spoken on various occasions, in the mood or sorrow.

Tanah Karo is in the highlands, so the air is cool enough. If you want to travel to Tanah Karo, there are many worthy destinations to try. Here are 10 tourist attractions in Tanah Karo:

1. Lau Debuk-debuk Hot Spring
This tourism object is a hot spring bath that springs from the belly of the earth, containing sulfur elements, can treat itchy itch and it is usually made as a substitute for a sauna bath.

2. Hot Mountain Spirit Mountain
This tourism object is a professionally managed hot water bath in the form of a pool of different temperatures in accordance with the wishes of tourists. This springs are sourced from the stomach of the earth and contain sulfur elements that can treat itchy itchy diseases.

3. Sikulikap Waterfall
This Waterfall has a fall height of 30 m and distance from the Berastagi monument to this tourist attraction is about 11 km. Surrounded by a tropical jungle where Gibon hangs occasionally shouting around and around this location there are squirrels, crows, phytones and colorful butterflies. Along the streets of this tourist attraction can be enjoyed grilled and boiled corn. To reach this place can use large or small buses to Medan or Berastagi and down the stairs from the road on the Karo-Deli Serdang border.

4. Sipiso-piso Waterfall
The waterfall has an altitude of 120 m and is located on the beautiful panorama of Lake Toba, the hills, the blue Samosir island, the paddy field and the fields. Distance from the city of Berastagi to this tourist attraction is 35 Km and can use the bus size small and large. These attractions are located in the District of Merek, located close to other attractions (such as Tongging and Lake Toba), thus potentially being developed as a tourist area (especially nature tourism).

6. Bukit Gundaling
These attractions are located in Berastagi and Merdeka Subdistrict, this area can be developed into the first stop for tourists visiting the Karo District, as it can be seen from the hill we can see the panoramic view of Berastagi City as a whole, Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung.

7. Lake Lau Kawar
This lake has an area of about 200 Ha enclosed by the mountainous nature of tropical rainforest and the lakeside of 3 Ha as a camping site. For tourists who are adventurous, this object can perform rock climbing and climb to the summit of Mount Sinabung through the wilderness. Distance from Berastagi City to this tourist attraction is 27 Km and can use four-wheeled vehicles through several villages and agricultural land (Agro Wisata).

8. Mount Sibayak
Sibayak volcano is active in its location above the altitude of 2.172 m above sea level. The climbs pass through tropical jungles and challenging cliffs and on the summit of the mountain there is an expanse of camping grounds. From the top of the mountain it is seen that the craters are still actively releasing magma and beautiful and charming scenery. Distance from Berastagi City to the starting point of the climb from Jaranguda Village 1.5 Km from King Berneh Village 15 Km. The length of the climb is estimated to be about 2 to 3 hours.

9. Mount Sipiso-piso
Sipiso-piso mountain tourism area can be used for water sports, the location for parachuting, where the start location starts from the peak of Sipiso-piso mountain and the location to land on the edge of Lake Toba Tongging. This location has long been known as a paragliding water sports location. The location is 34 km from Berastagi. The view on this site is very interesting.

10. Doulu tackle
This Doulu observation is located not far from Berastagi city. From this place we can see the beautiful scenery of Bandar Baru and Medan at night while enjoying the corn and boiled corn. We can also see monkeys around this place. To get to this place can use two and four wheeled vehicles.

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The Other Side of The Solo City

Solo Batik Carnival 2017 (Private)

This is actually not planned journey. We was apparently greeted by Solo Batik Carnival (SBC) 2017, which lasted for three days (July 14-16) 2017. From the name, we are still first set foot to Solo of course think SBC will present the most complete batik exhibition at an affordable price as well. In fact, the court of Vastenburg Castle (just called Benteng), Solo as the location of the event center, only two merchants peddling batik clothes. The rest, dominated by culinary traders who line neatly on both sides of the stage. Uniquely, although the theme of batik, court Benteng also enlivened by booths that offer residential homes. That's the atmosphere of the first day SBC.

Well, the long-awaited arrived, according to the announcement that we heard on the first day. On the second day, precisely on Saturday, a number of streets in Solo were diverted, to provide road access to the entourage from various regions in Java featuring the best batik. Interestingly, batik is displayed not just batik but modified by displaying a number of puppet figures. Actually I do not know exactly whether the model of men and women dressed in batik wear like a puppet character or not. What is clear, they look dashing and beautiful wearing batik, complete with additional accessories. More than half an hour for the Solo march to arrive and end the convoy in the Benteng grounds.

As for the third day, we no longer attend the event. However, from the announcement we received, the last day's event will be filled with a number of band performances or dance studio which is dominated by students in Solo City, West Java. In addition, SBC 2017 is the tenth event, routinely held annually. But that was, SBC is not a batik exhibition, but more to the cultural carnival featuring batik as one of the characteristics of Solo. Meanwhile, if you want to batik shopping, available in many Klewer Market and other batik centers not far from the Citadel/The empire of Surakarta.

Chicken Soup Mixed Rice

Do not think chicken soup (soto ayam) in Solo just like in Jakarta and surrounding areas. Not a matter of taste but how to serve it. In Solo, chicken soup that is served already at once mixed with rice. In other words, tasting chicken soup in Solo is only served in a bowl, without a plate as a place of rice. This is different from chicken soup in Jakarta and surrounding areas which usually separates chicken and rice soup. Unfortunately, I do not have a collection of photos from this chicken soup.

Solo Without Urban Transportation

Traveling around Solo still feels good because it is still far from the traffic jam. Even if stuck, still in the stage can be understood, especially in the morning and evening. However, it could also congestion in Solo is almost nonexistent because urban transportation (angkot) is not there. Instead, we can enjoy a taxi with xenia or avanza type vehicles, which can now be ordered online. Taxis in Solo have teamed up with the two most current online taxi providers.

In addition, it is from Adi Soemarmo Airport, Damri buses are also available for a long route. The difference, the Damri stop in Solo is similar to TransJakarta bus stop. However, the halt is small. In fact, at some bus stops, there are only small stairs to make it easier for passengers to board a bus.

King Jokowi's Hat

From the taxi driver we were traveling to, I asked, the building on the street resembles the dome what's its name? "It's a royal hat as a substitute for the Welcome Monument, built by Mr. Jokowi when he was still Mayor, so now he became King (President of Indonesia)," he said. Jokowi King's hat is unique, because the umbrella of the street below.

That was a glimpse of our three days of observation and experience in Solo. Of course there are still many locations that have not been explored yet. A side other than Solo City, the village of H.E Mister Jokowi.

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You Tough Enough? Prove It at Semarang Rainbow Village

Kampung Pelangi Semarang (Private)

WELCOME to Rainbow Village (Kampung Pelangi). You will read that on one of the entrances Kampung Pelangi. Yes, Kampung Pelangi, as the name implies, is a village in Semarang City, Central Java, which is all over the outside of the house painted in colorful.

Monday (17/7/2017),I within my family came to Kampung Pelangi. We were curious about the story of a friend, who called Kampung Pelangi located not far from downtown Semarang, very interesting to visit. Sure enough, Kampung Pelangi, is very beautiful because the location and colors that envelop the village was very indulgent eyes.

Why should it be discussed? No other, so you if you want to travel there, prepare your stamina first. Because, Kampung Pelangi not much different from the condition of the hills in Puncak, Bogor, West Java. I counted, only five houses from the entrance were lined up to the street. The rest, you will be served with an extreme up to the top. If not strong, you should undo it to continue up the staircase ladder which also painted in like the rainbow.

Uniquely, Kampung Pelangi, which according to one of the merchants there, consists of about 600 houses, which has a "road rat/shortcut" that are connected. That means, we can surround all parts of Kampung Pelangi from alley to alley to reach to the peak. Well, from the peak, we can enjoy the scenery of the highway, part of Semarang city, and green hills located in the distance.

The colors in Kampung Pelangi, still according to traders' narrative, are the biggest today. That is, the number of compact houses painted simultaneously. Even so, paint and painting costs entirely borne by the City Government of Semarang. "Mostly we prepare a coffee drink for the work," said the merchant mother who is located at the entrance of Kampung Pelangi.

Yes, with the changing of the village like a rainbow, indeed at the same time change or at least bring a new fortune for the residents. Almost the entire population there finally opened a merchandise store, such as providing drinks, food, or to rent a colorful umbrella. Do not worry, the price that traders offer remains the same as the price outside. There is no price difference.

For young people, maybe the "love padlock" ritual can also be tried. A row of padlocks is now hanging there, precisely on the bridge Kali Semarang, connecting Kampung Pelangi with the main street.

For information, to enjoy Kampung Pelangi, there is no entry fee. The presence of Kampung Pelangi more beautiful by the flower shop that line along the Dr. Sutomo street, in front of Kampung Pelangi.

Also, to get there from the city center is also relatively easy by the presence of Trans Semarang which similar as TransJakarta in Jakarta.

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Spasiba Russia, See You Next Year

Indonesia Festival 2017, Moscow (Detikcom)

The second Indonesian festival held in Moscow officially closed after a successful 3-day run from 4 to 6 August 2017. At least 90 thousand visitors came to this festival.

Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Mohamad Wahid Supriyadi, thanked the supporters and the event in a closing speech, Sunday (6/8) night local time.

"Thanks to the citizens of Moscow, you are all great," said Ambassador Wahid, as reported by Detik.com. "At least 90 thousand people attended the festival Thank you and see you next year Spasiba (thank you)."

The total number of visitors for this year far exceeds the number of visitors to the first Indonesian Festival last year, which was attended by 68 thousand people. However, the number is still below the target of the embassy, which is 100 thousand people.

A total of 600 people came from Indonesia as a participant at the festival this year. The number of participating booths reached 70 units, including Indonesian food stands, handicrafts, and art articles.

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