Indonesia is the wonderful archipelago country wonderful with fertile soil and lots of beautiful places like Bali Island. Everyone dreams to visit in Indonesia. What about studying in Indonesia? This is very interesting obviously because students can increase experience of living and traveling in Indonesia.

Dharmasiswa is a scholarship program offered to foreign students who have diplomatic relationships with Indonesia to study Indonesian language, music arts and crafts as well as other studies in universities in Indonesia.

Dharmasiswa program is started in 1974. Until 1975, only students from ASEAN are to join the program. But since 1976, students from Hungary, Norway, Mexico, Sweden, Canada, France, Australia, Japan, Netherlands, Germany, Gambia, Senegal and the United States could retrace this program. The main purpose Dharmasiswa program is to foster and enhance interest in Indonesian language and culture among the people of friendly countries. The program is also designed as a reciprocal program to other countries that offer scholarships programs for Indonesia and to strengthen cultural relations among nations. Each year, the program Participants targeted Dharmasiswa continues to increase.

There are 5 schemes Indonesia Dharmasiswa scholarship Program:

Dharmasiswa – Regular
This Dharmasiswa Program is a one-year scholarship program for foreign students to study Indonesia language, traditional music, traditional dance and Indonesian crafts.

Dharmasiswa – Short term
Dharmasiswa Short Term Program consists of two schemes: 6 (six) months of regular courses for foreign students to study Indonesian and Dharmasiswa Short Term for Preparation Program to enhance the ability of Indonesian language in order to enter education in Indonesia.

Dharmasiswa – Plus
Darmasiswa plus Program Offered to Indonesian language, traditional music, traditional dance and crafts in Indonesian Higher Education. Participants are required to teach a foreign language 10 hours / week in Junior High School, Secondary Schools, Vocational School (SMK) or Institute of Higher Education of Indonesia Nowhere the relevant learning.

Dharmasiswa – Plus studies
Dharmasiswa plus Program Offered to foreign students to take 4 (four) credits in other study instead of language, arts with to get double degree.

Dharmasiswa – Double degree
Dharmasiswa Program Offered to foreign students from to study language as part of degree programs 1 (one) – 1.5 years until the master program for 2 (two) years.

Road to the 2012 London Olympics!

Summer Olympics

Did you know- By 1980, Indonesia -as Thailand, Singapore and other anti-Marxists states – boycotted the Summer Olympics in the Soviet Union. The 1980 Moscow Olympic was boycotted by the Indonesian rule, under the dictatorship of Suharto (1967-1998) in protest the Russian invasion of Afghanistan. Besides that, Jakarta had not diplomatic ties with the USSR. After this event, it competed in the next Olympics.

Badminton

Did you know- At the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing (People's Republic of China), the Olympic team of Indonesia finished 7th in the medal count, with 30 medals (3 gold, 6 silver, 21 bronze), behind China, South Korea, Japan, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan. After all those important results, Indonesia – a nation with about 15 percent of the world's Muslims– competed in the 25th Olympiad in Barcelona (Spain), where Alan Budi Kusama and Susi Susanti, both national heroes in Jakarta (the capital city of Indonesia ), won gold medals in badminton, one of the most popular sports in Southeast Asia, together with football and sepak takraw. In Europe, the Asian nation placed 24th in the medal count. Four years later, at the 1996 Atlanta Games, Indonesia took 41st place in the unofficial team championships. Once again, the country earned medals in badminton: Rey Mainaky and Ricky Subagja won the Olympic title in the men's doubles.

Asian Games

Did you know- By the mid-1960s, Indonesia won the right to host the V Asian Games. For political reasons, the country's dictator Achmed Sukarno refused to allow Israel and Taiwan to compete in the Asian Games.

Volleyball

Did you know- In the FIVB World Tournament in the early 1980s, the women's volleyball team had a tough championship: On September 13, 1982 Peru -the host nation's team– beat Indonesia 3-0 (15-2, 15-0, 15-3). In the next day, Indonesia lost 3-0 (15-2, 15-7, 15-6) to Canada. Subsequently, Indonesia defeated Nigeria (African champion) 3-0 (15-8, 15-6, 15-7). Finally, Indonesia beat Chile 3-2 and came in 21st place out of 23 teams. It was the first time the national team had participated at the FIVB World Championships.

Football

Did you know- By the late 1950s, the host country's team finished third place, after Taiwan and South Korea, in the Asian Games of Jakarta. It was the first time the national team had won a medal.

2008 Beijing Olympics

Did you know- At the 2008 Summer Olympics in the People's Republic of China, the Indonesian team finished 42nd in the medal count, with five medals (1 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze). The Asian nation had sent 24 champs to Beijing.

Deciding which part of Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, to visit can be a little bit puzzling. If you only have a 2-week vacation and you would like to get the best out of your Indonesian trip, where should you go?

Home to more than 17,000 islands, 300 distinct native ethnicities and 700 different languages, truly exploring Indonesia will take a lifetime! However, don’t let these numbers scare you away. You can still experience the best of Indonesia if your trip is well planned.

According to the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and Tourism, more than 6 million foreigners visited Indonesia in 2008. This remarkable number increased enormously from 2007. Despite the recent negative media coverage of Indonesia’s situation, tourism in Indonesia has never lost its value.

Here are some of the top tourist destinations in Indonesia:

1. Bali – The Island of Gods

   Bali has now become one of the top WORLD destinations for its white sand beaches, blue sky, magnificent waves, tropical weather and friendly locals. For several years, the International Travel Magazine awarded Bali as the world’s best island. There were more than 1.4 million tourists to Bali in 2008. You have to wonder, what makes Bali as the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia?

   First of all, the island is located 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator with the Java Sea to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south, which gives Bali a wonderful tropical weather all year long!

   If it is rich cultural experience that you are looking for, Bali has it all for you. Balinese people have very strong Hindu beliefs. This is depicted through the statues and temples that you can visit all around Bali. One of the most popular art form is “Tari Kecak” or the Ramayana Monkey Chant. A fact that most people doesn’t know about “Tari Kecak” is that this art form was originally a traditional trance ritual.

2. Bunaken – A Marine Paradise on Earth

   It is said that Bunaken Marine Park has one of the highest levels of marine biodiversity. The park covers 89,065 hectares of warm tropical waters. It is a paradise of magnificent coral reefs. Many tourists come to this site to dive or snorkel to see the corals firsthand. Bunaken has received much international recognition for its marine park preservation. For instance, The International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN) has chosen Bunaken as its single Asian demonstration site for sustainable reef tourism. You are guaranteed to have a spectacular diving experience here!

   Staying on the marine park is also a relaxing one. Its laid-back lifestyle provides tourists with an enjoyment that they don’t usually get in big city life. Here, everything flows gently and you need not to worry. Start your day by going for a morning dive, then come back for a quick lunch and nap before going for an evening dive.

3. Jakarta – A Metropolitan City in Indonesia

   Jakarta, the capital and the largest city in Indonesia, is home to 8 million people. It is the twelfth largest city in the world. You might wonder what you can see in Jakarta. There are actually many places that you might not expect to see in Jakarta.

   If it is museum experience that you are looking for, Jakarta is home to more than 22 museums with their own distinctive specialties. For instance, National Museum displays historical aspects of Indonesian culture through its extensive collections of artifacts and relics that date as far back as the Stone Age.

   The museum has one of the most complete collections of Chinese ceramics dating back to the Han, Tang and Ming Dynasties, as well as bronze and gold collections from the Indonesian classical period. On the other part of the city, Museum Wayang collects thousands of shadow puppets from all parts of Indonesia.

   There are many other things that you can do when you visit Jakarta. One thing for certain, culinary adventure is a must! Jakarta has a wide selection of traditional cuisines because of the unique blending of Indonesian ethnicities in Jakarta. At the end, you may fully taste Indonesia’s culinary adventure just by staying in Jakarta!

As you can read above, adventure is never ending in Indonesia. However, visit http://www.turisku.com and you will at least experience the best of Indonesia.

Indonesia is a mystical land, that is dotted with ancient temples, old colonial buildings, and a local belief in ghosts. Any visitor to this mysterious land can discover some of the most haunted places in Asia.

1. Old Kota, Jakarta

Imagine a huge expanding modern city, with a crumbling colonial section, and you discover "old Kota." The last stop on the Blok M to Kota busway, this area will remind you of a dilapidated Amsterdam, with some of the cities oldest buildings.

At night few locales like to venture in this primarily abandoned area of ​​the city, as the ghosts of Indonesia's dark past are said to stalk the dark, ill lit streets, and abandoned buildings. Although the offices of the former Dutch governor, overlooking a large square, still attract visitors seeking quietness, in a loud and often sleepless city.

2. Lawang Sewu, Semarang

Semarang is a city of contrasts, once a favored city for Dutch colonists, it has a dilapidated old quarter with one of Indonesia'a oldest churches. This eerie sector is not the most haunted, but a building called the "thousand doors" is.

Located in the center of the city, Lawang Sewu , was once the headquarters of the Dutch railway company, and is a tropical-European style building with open verandas, and hundreds of individual offices. The day the Japanese army entered Semarang, was the day this unique building became infamous in Indonesia.

In the most Dutch of Javanese cities, the dreaded Kempeitai s eccret police took over the offices, and it became the building of death for hundreds of Dutch prisoners, and some unfortunate Indonesians.

Since Independence, Lawang Sewu, has been feared by the locals, and since being a local landmark, the building has never been reused as offices. During the daytime visitors can explore the building, but most people avoid it, and rarely venture near it after dark.

3. The Jungles of Kalimantan (Borneo)

Borneo is home to some of the last virgin Jungles in South East Asia, where fierce Dayaks still roam, as the island develops. Ancient tribes used to "head hunt," where they would roam the deep forests, and cut of the heads of their enemies.

Many an expatriate has told the tale of seeing bright lights in the most remote jungle settlements, and local legend has it that these lights are what remains of the headless victims of the head hunters.

Since our world is becoming similar with most cities having the same looking buildings, cars, and shopping malls. There are still some mysterious and haunted places, which can be found in Indonesia.

Property investment potentials in Indonesia have attracted not only local investors, but also foreign investors, whether individuals or companies. Lombok, especially, is one of the hottest islands to place property investment plan, especially holiday and hospitality properties. While the nearby Bali is always interesting for holiday property investors, Lombok has entered the spot where it should be considered more.

Why Should I or My Company Investing in Lombok?

There are many reasons why you or your companies should consider investing for property in Lombok, especially those who run hospitality, holiday accommodation, restaurant, and entertainment businesses. Here are some things to consider:

• Lombok has slowly become more recognized in the past decade, and has been promoted as ‘the new Bali,’ which offers many places that are still unexplored and pristine.

• Lombok has grown in popularity among beachgoers and surfers, especially since Lombok also has many unexplored or pristine beaches with really great waves.

• Lombok government is in efforts to increase local revenues by attracting tourist and investors, which means that the investment climate is quite positive for many years to come.

• Lombok has been more accessible with the newly built international airport; plus, the availability of cheap airlines has enabled more people to go to Lombok, opening even more investment opportunities.

With these amazing possibilities and potentials, Lombok has become favorite place to invest among individual and group investors. Also, many companies have started to build resorts, hotels, restaurants, bars, salons and other services in some areas, to attract more visitors and finally more revenues. This is a great opportunity if you have company and want to invest in Lombok.

But, there is some hassles that you must pass if you want to get property in Indonesia as individuals. If you have an experience before, you will see that there are several requirements of foreign investors to own full property title in Lombok and Bali, such have to be partner with nominee and lawyer. However, Indonesian government has Penanaman Modal Asing (Foreign Investment) or PMA, which is included a scheme governed by law that regulated foreign investment and investor acts to open business in Indonesia.

Lombok government expects more investors to come and provide more facilities as well as employment opportunities, and therefore, foreign companies can invest for Lombok property even without any partners, representatives, or nominees. The company just needs to hand business plan, proposal, and other required documents, and fulfill all formal requirements before being allowed by the state to get property.

This is definitely a great opportunity for foreign investors to get more profits from Lombok property and provide more contributions and job opportunities for the local. By opening business in Indonesia and buy property in the name of the company, investor can get their dream property in Lombok or Bali, and they can get it without have to deal with extra hassles of nominees and lawyers.

Basically, PMA is the official name of foreign investors that open business in Indonesia. If you are a big-scale investor with big capital and business plan, using PMA scheme is the best and most profitable way to get property in Indonesia, including in Lombok.

What to Prepare for PMA Scheme

If you are a foreign investor interested in buying Lombok property and you want to buy it under the PMA scheme regulated by Indonesian government, you must make sure that you provide:

• Good and concise business plan with profit projections, business goals, business schemes and other required information.

• Proof and documents about how you(your) business plan will help contributing to surrounding communities, such as in relation with employment, life quality, local investment scheme, and national revenues depend on how big your company is.

• Proof that you have deposited certain amount of money in the reputable bank.

• Other formal requirements as requested by local and national governments, depend on what kind of business you have.

You also have to provide other requirements such as formal documents that are essential in forming new foreign investment or business. Usually, a foreign business can be officially called PMA after 3 or 4 months of period after taking care of all requirements.

Why Following PMA Scheme for Lombok Property Investment?

If you follow PMA scheme, you will be able to own a property in Lombok or basically any other location in Indonesia, in which your company or business becomes the official holder or the property title. This is a great option if you plan to spread the business operation to Indonesia, or if you plan to work and stay in Indonesia, or if you do not want to have partnership and other hassles when owning property in Indonesia.

What if I want to Invest as Individual?

Owning a property in Indonesia, especially in potential holiday development area like Lombok, is a great investment if you plan to start a business here.

PMA is one of our suggestion if you want to invest as company. But, if you are one of the individual investors, leasehold transaction may be one of the best methods to gain full title of the property.

Leasehold transaction gives individual investors the right to own full property title, without having to follow Foreign Investment scheme stated by Indonesian realty law. In this case, the investor does not have to own a business in Indonesia or open a company in this country with proposed business plan. Also, this plan does not require individual investor to have nominee or representative that will give the property title through legal steps after the investor buying the property.

Leasehold transaction works like this: once the investor buys the property in Lombok or Bali (or basically any other areas in Indonesia), they can put their property in lease for up to 25 years. Of course, during that time, the owner cannot actually use the property personally, but the owner can have full title of the property without having to go through legal steps with lawyer and nominee (representative).

Benefits of Leasehold Transaction

In Indonesia, foreign investors who want to get any property (including in Lombok) must do it through nominee to get full property title, in which the nominee get the title first during the transaction, and later hands it to the owner rightfully and legally through lawyer as witness. This means extra time, cost and hassle for the owner to get full ownership of the property. Leasehold transaction helps to get the title without having to go through nominee and lawyer.

Also, since the property owner must put the property on leasehold, it is great for property buyers who aim for passive income. Investors can get steady income from people who rent or lease the property, and after certain amount of time, investors can finally gain their property titles back as individual owners.

If you are a foreign investor and wish to have property in Lombok or Bali, but want to keep the property title fully without using any representative, then you should consider this leasehold transaction.

So, are you interested in investing in Lombok and Bali areas right now? If you are, you need to consult with reputable realty service from Indonesia.

Why You Need Realty Company Service for Property Investment

If this is your first time buying property in Indonesia, you will need help from reputable institutions that can guide you through all legal and formal aspects of purchasing until you can get the property title in your hold. Or, if you are a business owner, you may want to avoid problems since the beginning by property conduct all formal steps and requirements necessary to obtain Lombok or Bali property. However, there are other aspects in which realty service in Indonesia will be necessary.

In Lombok and Bali, many land owners use traditional rules to manage their lands. In Lombok, for example, there is the term of ‘Pipil’ or unregistered land that has been passed from generations. Pipil land owner must converse the land first before being able to sell it; a process that takes about 1 year before the investor can get the full title of the land. These aspects have been understood by realty service, and they will help every investor getting the property in pleasing ways.

Asking for help from Indonesian realty service also means that you can get extra recommendations about Lombok or Bali property from it, especially if you never buy one before. Remember, Bali and Lombok are popular so you need to pick the right time and price to get a piece of land or property. Realty service with good knowledge about property trend in Indonesia will help investors earning future profits by choosing the right property or land. This is why that the cost for realty service is just like small investment for the big one.

What is Pipil Land

In Lombok, Pipil term refers to a piece of land that has been passed down from generations, which has happened in a long period that the current owner usually does not have the official registration certificate. Therefore, it can be a real slow process for the investors if they want to buy the land, even if the land owner agrees with the price. There are certain amounts of period both parties need to set everything up before the land can be sold.

First of all, the original land owner must apply for formal registration certificate at Indonesian Land Office, as this is a formal requirement needed to prove the identity and documentation of the land as well as converse the land status. This process can take up about 3 to 4 months long. However, as for the actual purchase, it can happen at least 12 months after the official conversion (which is, after the official certification is released). This means that any investors that want to buy a Pipil land must prepare extra time.

Pipil Conversion and Benefits of Getting Lombok Property

Many potential property investments in Lombok are in the shape of lands, not buildings. These lands are waiting to be converted into hotel, resort, surfer’s cabin, and many more. Buying only the land gives investors more freedom to build the dream property. However, since Lombok is still thick with tradition, investors must follow the tradition, including waiting in certain periods of time when buying any Pipil land.Despite having to wait for land conversion if you get Pipil land, the benefits of this investment are numerous.

Whether you want to hold property title as individual, leasing the property through leasehold transaction, or following PMA (Foreign Investment) scheme, realty service helps you going through all legal matters and documents.

Lombok is one of the hottest spots in Indonesia to own property, especially holiday season. However, foreign investors also need to remember that many people in Lombok have their lands according to traditional rules, which can be perplexing and confusing for people who is not local.

Fortunately, Indonesian realty law also covers everything all foreign investors must know about dealing with traditions related to land selling and purchasing, including Pipil land. If you need anymore information about Lombok, how to Invest, what it needs, don’t hesitate to ask us or visit our websites. We would be pleased to answer all your question.

Have a Good Day!

Indonesia, without a doubt, is one of the most fascinating countries in SE Asia. From the jungles and lakes of Sumatra, to the cultural heart of the nation, Java, onward to Bali, Flores, Sulawesi, West Papua, Ambon, the Banda Islands, and West Papua – every step is one of discovery.

Let me provide you with a few tips which should make navigating this incredibly diverse country, Indonesia.

Cultural Sensitivity

Indonesia is the largest Moslem country in the world. Although Islam is the state religion, there are parts of the country where other religions are prevalent. Northern Sulawesi is 90% Christian, the Balinese are predominantly Hindu, and in the Malukus and Flores Moslems and Christians live side by side – usually peacefully. When visiting places of worship, whether it’s a mosque, a temple or a church, please ensure that you are conservatively dressed. Remember to take of your shoes before entering a mosque or a temple. Ladies should wear tops with longish sleeves, skirts which go below the knee, or loose fitting, long pants. As far as clothing in general is concerned, please don’t take Kuta as being typical for the rest of the country. If you go out to a restaurant (other than in Kuta) or if you are invited to visit an Indonesian home, smart – casual clothing is fine. Local people really appreciate it if you can use a few words of Bahasa Indonesia, the language which binds Indonesia, and crosses geographical and cultural diversity in this huge archipelago.

Visa Regulation

To enter Indonesia your passport needs to be valid for at least another 6 months from your date of entry. Immigration officials are on the look out for passports which have less validity and are within their rights to deny you entry into Indonesia.

7 day Visa on Arrival was abolished in January 2010

30 day Visa on Arrival

At the time of writing the cost for a 30 day Visa on Arrival for Indonesia is US$25, which you should pay in US$ cash, with unmarked, clean bank notes which were issued after 2001. Since January 2010 this visa can be extended once, by 30 days, whilst here in Indonesia. To be totally frank, the procedure is a hassle, and if you think you might be spending more than 30 days in Indonesia, get a 60 day Tourist visa before entering Indonesia.

60 day Tourist Visa

You need to obtain the 60 day Tourist visa before entering Indonesia. The good news is that since January 2010 this visa can be extended in Indonesia. If you intend to travel to West Papua Province, or you are planning on extending your 60 day visa, please have 4-6 spare passport photos with you.

For further information about visa regulations check out the website of your nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate.

Money

The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). It’s always a good idea to carry some small banknotes (Rp 1000, 2000, 5000) with you when shopping in local shops (toko) or planning to eat at a warung (small local restaurant or food stall). The easiest way of handling money is by using a credit or debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs, which are just about every where, other than in some really out of the way places. If you intend to travel to, or stay for any length of time off the beaten track, you are going to need to carry sufficient Indonesian cash with you to pay for accommodation, food and transport. Please don’t rely on being able to exchange foreign currency. With the advent of ATMs, Travelers cheques have pretty much gone out of fashion.

Health

By far the biggest danger to tourist’s health are dehydration and sunburn. Please try to drink at least 2 litres of water per day. Coffee, tea, beer, juice and other fluids really don’t count. Indonesia is in the tropics, and you’ll probably be spending quite a lot of time out of doors, so protect yourself and use a good quality sun block, as well as wearing a hat.

In Bali there is currently a problem with rabies spread by sick dogs. If you are scratched or bitten by a dog, you need to get medical care as quickly as possible.

Water – even local people drink bottled water! It’s cheap, so don’t take any risks.

Alcohol – there is some questionable Arak being sold in Bali, and there have been further deaths this year because of it.

Sex is fun, but please make sure that condoms are used should you have a close encounter of a (very) personal kind during your stay in Indonesia. All kinds of STDs, including HIV/AIDS are widespread, so please take precautions.

Drugs

Drugs should be an absolute no-no. Don’t even think about bringing any drugs into Indonesia, because chances are that you’ll end up in jail. Don’t be tempted to get any drugs whilst you are in Indonesia. If you spend any length of time around Kuta, Legian, or Seminyak, you will probably be offered some – please say no. You could very well be dealing with a police informant – which means that you wont be using your return ticket home!

Personal Safety

Please don’t let sensationalist media reporting put you off from visiting Indonesia. For tourists Indonesia is as safe as other countries. As things are today, unfortunately, any public place in the world could be – the wrong place at the wrong time. To avoid being the victim of petty crime, just don’t show off expensive consumer electronics, cameras or jewelry in public. I have been visiting Indonesia, and other parts of South East Asia since the mid 1970s, and I have never had a problem with theft or bag snatching. Yes it can happen, so be aware, but don’t get paranoid about it.

Don’t become a virtual traveler in your own lounge room, getting second hand experiences by watching travel shows on television – get out there and experience the magic first hand.

Packing List

Get a packet of zip-lock bags at the nearest supermarket. They are essential if you like snacking, and you want to keep ants and cockroaches out of your room/bed/backpack. I always carry heaps of them with me

Take toilet paper, and soap, as these are NOT provided in budget accommodation. Instead of carrying soap and hair shampoo, I tend to use shower gel which is also OK to wash your hair with.

With digital cameras often having very specific batteries, don’t forget the charger which came with your camera

Take a torch (flash light), as power interruptions are not unusual. Also footpath, if they exist, are notorious for being uneven, and often having huge holes in them. So if you walk around after dark, and you don’t want to end up breaking some bones, take one with you.

Take a couple of sarongs, as quite often beds only have a bottom sheet, and you might like to cover up during the night. Mosquito coils, or spray, and/or personal insect repellent is something you should definitely not forget. Remember to have bottled water in your room, you can NOT drink the tap water. I use tap water to brush my teeth, but if you have a sensitive stomach, I would suggest that you use bottled water for that as well. before

Hopefully the above tips help you in having a great time in Indonesia. Just one other thing – if at all possible bring rechargeable batteries and an appropriate charger, or a spare battery and charger for your specific camera. There is no safe means of disposing of used batteries in this country, which creates environmental and health hazards.

Come on over and have a look around, but be warned visiting Indonesia is a health hazard – it’s addictive!

Stone Garden – The Hidden Paradise

Bandung city has been known as the Paris Van Java city, which is one of favorite tourist destinations in Indonesia. Many travelers come to visit this city to enjoy its fresh air, tasty local cuisines, and to hunt for branded fashion goods at an affordable price.

Yet, not many travelers have known about a place called Stone Garden, which is located in Masigit village, about 30-45 minutes drive from the Bandung city. It can be understood since this place is only started to be open to visitors in 2015.

Prior to 2015, the place is only known as a stone mining area. Due to the archaeological finding of the historical values ​​of the stones in this area, the government prohibitions stone mining in this area. Those who were previously worked as a stone (rock) miners gathered together to find alternative jobs or business for the continuity of their family income.

Given the fact of the stones historical value and the beautiful surroundings of the area, these former stone miners formed a local community organization to manage this area to become the new tourist destination in West Java. They also came up with the idea to name this destination as the Stone Garden Geo-Park. As per its name, the park is a relic of Earth history that aged around 27 years old. It is about 700 meters above the sea level.

Stone Garden, which is about 5 kilometers from the Padallarang exit toll, presents the artistic karst stones in various types which are surrounded by the wonderful mountain scenery.

Archeologists, who found the fossils of ancient animals and humans in this area, stated that this area was an ancient ocean which evolved to become the rock mountain. Moreover, a lot of the stones are in a kind of hollow rocks just like a sponge with large cavities which strengthens the argument.

Coming to Stone Garden will make you feel as if you were in ancient time, the Stone Era. Some travelers even defined this exotic place like Christmas Island in Australia. Due to the spectacular scenery of this place, many travelers visit this place for their pre-wedding photo sessions. Some others will choose to do one-night camping in this area to enjoy thousands of stars in the sky during the night with limited lights. Moreover, some companies have come to use this place as the setting for their commercial advertisings.

How to Get There

International travelers may choose to book a flight to Bandung or Jakarta. Either from Bandung or Jakarta, travelers will go to Stone Garden toward Padalarang exit toll. From this exit toll, they will need to continue driving to reach Cipatat and Gunung Masigit village. It is not yet advisable to take a public bus (transportation). The best alternative is to rent a car with a driver.

What to Bring

Due to the road infrastructure from the main road to this area, travelers may consider bringing a kind of semi off-road car. In addition, bringing a bottle of water, hat, sunscreen, snacks are also advisable for this trip.

Moreover, travelers may also need to bring wet tissue and dry tissue for their business at the toilet as no tissue facilities provided. It is also advisable for them to wear sneaker for the trip convenience unless you want to do a pre-wedding photo session, which is worth to explore, in this area.

This year the Department of Culture and Tourism held Visit Indonesia year with tagline Wonderful Indonesia. This country will give you amazing experience whether you a beach lover, shopaholic, ecotourism enthusiast, culinary travel, or avid history of wonderful Indonesia.

For beach lover, Indonesia have so many beaches with beautiful waves. Go visit to Batu Bedaun Beach in Riau Archipelago. It's white sandy beach with clean blue sea and small wave. Or you can hit Pangandaran in West Java or Parang Tritis at Jogjakarta. Kuta beach in Bali is a must visit especially for surfer enthusiast. Batu Bolong Beach at Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara has a huge rock with a hole in it.

On the south coast of central Lombok, just hit Putri Nyale Beach. It stretches an unbroken expanse of clean white sand lapped by waves of the Indian Ocean. From Sulawesi, Indonesia has two marine spot you must visit, Bunaken in North Sulawesi and Wakatobi in South East Sulawesi. In Papua, do not ever miss The Raja Ampat Island. It probably holds the richest variety of species in the world.

Indonesia for Shopaholic and Gourmet Traveler
For shopaholic, you could shop till you drop in Jakarta. Check out the Jakarta's modern shopping havens; Java is handicrafts galore, batik and most of the crafts made in Solo, Central Java and the villages around Yogyakarta, Bandung in West Java is a paradise for those who love garments, Shopping in Bali can offer excellent bargains. Shops that cater mostly to tourists sell modern artwork, leather goods, casual summer clothing and of course beach wear.

For culinary travel, Indonesia offers heaven gourmet. Travelers love eating and food is a big attraction. The most popular Indonesian cuisine is Sate (Satay), grilled meat skewered on wooden sticks, served with a sweet peanut or turmeric sauce.

Indonesia offers a great taste. Try hot and spicy rendang in Padang restaurant, the sweet Gudeg in Yogya. Soto mie, noodle soup with beef and cage from Bogor West Java, brown color broth beef soup "Rawon" from East Java, tangy fish dishes and red bean soup in Manado restaurant, spicy ribs soup from Makassar, Sulawesi.

Ecotourism Enthusiast and Avid History
For ecotourism enthusiast, there are many national parks worth visit. Go to Bukit Lawang in Medan. It is the first orang-utan rehabilitation center. Indonesia will continue stunning you at Kerinci Seblat National Park in Padang, a tropical rainforest heritage of West Sumatra, Siberut National Park-a man and biosphere reserve. Continue your eco journey to Way Kambas National Park-home to rhino and elephants in Lampung.

In Java, there are Gunung Halimun National Park-the land under the rainbow and Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park as the most visited national park in West Java. If you want to see a land above the clouds, go to Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park in East Java.

For avid historical place, there are many relic sites you should visit Indonesia. Go to Batu Sangkar in Bukit Tinggi, West Sumatra, center of Minangkabau culture. Megalithic remains found in the area supporting the theory of a large community living in the area some 2000 years ago. Carry on to Riau, there is a buddhist temple, Muara Takus Temple.

Borobudur and Prambanan are must visit temple. Carry on to Sulawesi by visiting Waruga Cemetery. It is ancient cemetery of Minahasan ancestors. Another cemetery is The Sacred cemetery of Ju Panggola. It is built in 14th century is located in Gorontalo city. See also Fort Rotterdam also known as Benteng Makassar. It is a historical site of the past greatest Gowa Kingdom. Get ready for your magnificent holiday in wonderful Indonesia.

Bandung is the capital city of the province of West Java, Indonesia. Bandung is located about 768 m above the sea level, and thus has mild temperatures the entire year. The average rainfall that this city receives ranges from 1,000 meters to 3,500 meters. The city of Bandung is completely surrounded by active volcanoes and the average temperature is 22 degrees centigrade.

Bandung has been a hub for research and development and has attracted several foreign collaborators in its latest developments and in its treatment of various diseases. Most doctors in Bandung understand English easily making communication a non issue. The following are some of the good hospitals one can find in Bandung.

Bandung Adventist Hospital: This hospital has facilities for the treatment of all sorts of diseases, and thus is one of the most popular hospitals in the entire country. The hospital is well endowed with modern facilities and services for the treatment of cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, and general surgery. 12 of the hospital’s primary services are endorsed wholeheartedly by the Indonesian Government.

Santosa Bandung Hospital: This hospital is of international repute, and has branches in most modern cities of the world. Santosa Bandung hospital is equipped with about 400 beds, and occupies a vast area of 36,000 square meters. The hospital started its operations in the year 2006 when it was inaugurated by the Indonesian Health Minister – Dr. Siti Fadilh Supari. The hospital is well equipped with modern facilities and more than 200 specialists. The hospital is also collaborating with other overseas hospitals like Singhealth and Epworth Hospital.

Bethesda Hospital: This hospital was founded early on in 1899 and is one of the oldest in Bandung. This private hospital is one of the biggest hospitals in the city. It is marked by the quality of its facilities and services which are of international repute. Bethesda has also been certified as an ISO 9002 Hospital.

Hasan Sadikin Hospital: Established in 1810, it owes its origin to the Dutch colonial rulers. This hospital was initially a center of treatment for the Japanese troops and military personnel. Since then, under the rule of the current Indonesian government the hospital has been remodeled and recast in terms of its customer base and its focus.

Indonesia is a country that has captivated my heart and stirred me to new depths of inspiration.

Every trip I’ve taken through Indonesia, there has been something miraculous and supernatural that has occurred. Though such is typical for my life everywhere I go, Indonesia had something additional and extra special. Indonesia has an intangible quality that intoxicates your heart, propels your passion, and empowers you to move in the miraculous.

My ministry has taken me from the islands of Sumatra all the way to Irian Jaya, bordering Papau New Guinea. I can honestly say the islands and islanders are fantastic. The few isolated incidents of terrorism do happen, but I can live with it for the rewards. Not only do people honor me and treat me like a movie star, but most importantly the supernatural power of God to touch and transform lives is flows incredibly.

I’ve seen healings and deliverances from demons. Others broken hearted have been comforted and healed of emotional wounds. Families have been restored and people reconciled. I guess I’ve discovered my country and calling.

Though I’ve been to over 50 countries worldwide, whenever I am asked “What’s your favorite country and place to travel?” I always reply “Indonesia.” Just the mention of the name of the country brings tears to my eyes.

The depth of my spiritual experiences in Indonesia, the sincerity of the people, the thrill of the surf, and the warm sunshine all swallow me up stealing my heart.

I now must figure out a way how to translate and publish all of my books into Bahasa, after which I want to embark on a motivational speaking and life purpose coaching practice there. I’ve got to find some way to survive there financially. Thankfully the people are generous and do pay for services rendered. Every church I’ve ever ministered in insisted on giving me a love offering.

I guess if I follow my heart and vision, the provision will supernaturally show up somehow. This has been my life story thus far. The only time the money is not there is when I shrink back in fear and don’t go ahead full force.

Yeah! Indonesia is the place for me! I would love to become a citizen and buy a house there near the beach.