Java Sea, Indonesia Aerial View of Islands and Reefs in The Java Sea
Java Sea, Indonesia Aerial View of Islands and Reefs in The Java Sea
Java Sea, Indonesia Aerial View of Islands and Reefs in The Java Sea
The chain of volcanic mountains and associated highlands running the length of Java kept its interior
regions and peoples separate and relatively isolated. Before the advent of Islamic states and European
colonialism, the rivers provided the main means of communication, although Java's many rivers are mostly short.
Only the Brantas and Sala rivers could provide long-distance communication, and thus their valleys supported
the centres of major kingdoms. A system of roads, permanent bridges and toll gates is thought to have been
established in Java by at least the mid-seventeenth century. Local powers could disrupt the routes as could the
wet season and road use was highly dependent on constant maintenance. Subsequently, communication between
Java's population was difficult. Between 4th to 16th century major powerful Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms rose in
Java. Ancient kingdoms of Java such as Tarumanagara, Sunda, Mataram, Kediri, Singhasari and Majapahit
were mainly depends on rice agriculture, yet also pursue trade within Indonesian archipelago also with China
and India. This ancient kingdom built famous grand monuments such as 9th century Borobudur and Prambanan
in Central Java. Mount Merbabu surrounded by rice fields. Java's volcanic topography and rich agricultural
lands are the fundamental factor in its history
By the end of the 16th century, Islam, through conversion, had surpassed Hinduism and Buddhism as
the dominant religion of the peoples of Java. In 1596, a four-ship expedition led by Cornelis de Houtman was the
first Dutch contact with Indonesia. By the early 19th century the Dutch had extended their influence over the
sultanates of the interior. In 1815, there may have been 5 million people in Java. In the second half of the
eighteenth century, population spurts began in districts along the north-central coast of Java, and in the
nineteenth century population grew rapidly across the island. Factors for the great population growth include the
impact of Dutch colonial rule including the imposed end to civil war in Java, the increase in the area under rice
cultivation, and the introduction of food plants such as casava and maize which could sustain populations that
could not afford rice. Others attribute the growth to the taxation burdens and increased expansion of
employment under the Cultivation System to which couples responded by having more children in the hope of
increasing their families' ability to pay tax and buy goods. The advent of trucks and railways where there had
previously only been buffalo and carts, telegraph systems, and more coordinated distribution systems under the
colonial government all contributed to famine elimination in Java, and in turn, population growth. There were no
significant famines in Java from the 1840s through to the Japanese occupation in the 1940s. Ethnological factors
are also thought to have contributed to the increase in population. In Java, there was no absolute preference for
boy babies which was significant in Java where agriculture depends on the labour of both men and women.
Furthermore, the age of first marriage dropped during the nineteenth century thus increasing a women's child
bearing years.
Kedu Plain, Borobudur
View of Indonesia's Kedu Plain from the upper terraces of Borobudur, a colossal pyramid, circa 750-850 AD.
Construction
Abandonment
Borobudur stupas overlooking a shadowy mountain of Java. For centuries, it has been deserted.
For centuries, Borobudur lay hidden under layers of volcanic ash and jungle growth. Why the monument had
been deserted remains a mystery. When the monument ceased to function as the pilgrimage center of Buddhism
also remains unknown.
The temples may have been abandoned when the population converted to Islam in the fifteenth century. Or a
famine caused by a volcanic eruption (est. c. 1006 C.E.) may have forced local inhabitants to leave their lands and
the monument. The volcanic eruption may have triggered the movement of Javanese power from the Kedu Plain
area to the east of Java nearby the Brantas valley as early as 928 C.E.
The great monument never completely left the local people's memory. Instead of glorifying story about the
monument, the memory gradually shifted into a more superstitious beliefs associated with bad luck and misery.
Rediscovery
The first photograph by Isidore van Kinsbergen (1873) after the monument had been cleared up.
Following the Anglo-Dutch Java War, Java came under British administration from 1811 to 1816. Lieutenant
Governor-General Thomas Stamford Raffles, who had a great interest in the history of Java, had been appointed
governor. He collected Javan antiques and made notes through contacts with local inhabitants during his tour
throughout the island. On an inspection tour to Semarang in 1814, he received information about a big
monument called Chandi Borobudur deep in a jungle near the village of Bumisegoro. Unable to make the
discovery himself, he sent H.C. Cornellius, a Dutch engineer, to investigate.
In two months, Cornellius and his 200 men cut down trees, burned down vegetation and dug away the earth to
reveal the monument. Due to the danger of collapse, he refrained from unearthing all galleries. He reported his
findings to Raffles including various drawings. Although mentioning the discovery with only a few sentences,
Raffles has been credited with the monument's recovery and bringing it to the world's attention.
Hartmann, a Dutch administrator of the Kedu region, continued Cornellius' work and in 1835 finally unearthed
the whole monument. He had a more personal than official interest in Borobudur, never writing reports of his
activities; in particular, the alleged story that he discovered the large statue of Buddha in the main stupa. The
main stupa stood empty. In 1842, Hartmann investigated the main dome although what he discovered remains
unknown. The Dutch East Indies government then commissioned a Dutch engineering official, F.C. Wilsen, who
in 1853, reported a large Buddha statue the size of one hundred other Borobudur statues. Appreciation of the site
developed slowly. Thieves and souvenir hunters routinely removed some reliefs and ornaments.
Segara Anak lake, Gunung Baru, Indonesia
Segara Anak lake and Gunung Baru, Gunung Rinjani region
Mount Rinjani or Gunung Rinjani is an active volcano in Indonesia on the island of Lombok,
Administratively the mountain is in the Regency of North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). It rises to
3,726 metres (12,224 ft), making it the second highest volcano in Indonesia, and similar in height to Mount Fuji,
the third highest mountain of the Indonesian archipelago and the thirty ninth most prominent peak in the world.
The first historical eruption occurred in September 1847. The most recent eruption of Mount Rinjani was in May
2010 and the most recent significant eruptions occurred during a spate of activity from 1994 to 1995 which
resulted in the further development of Gunung Barujari (G.Baru). Historical eruptions at Rinjani dating back to
1847 have been restricted to Barujari cone and the Rombongan dome (in 1944) and consist of moderate explosive
activity and occasional lava flows that have entered Segara Anak lake. The eruptive history of Rinjani prior to
1847 is not available as the island of Lombok is in a location that remained very remote to the record keeping of
the era.
The 6 km by 8.5 km oval-shaped caldera is filled partially by the crater lake known as Segara Anak
('Child of the Sea') This lake is approximately 2000 metres above sea level and estimated at being around 200
metres deep; the caldera also contains hot springs.
The Rinjani caldera forming eruption is thought to have occurred in the 13th century. Eruption rate,
eruption sites, eruptiion type and magma composition have changed during the last 10,000 years before the
caldera forming eruption. The eruptions of 1994 and 1995 have presented at Gunung Baru (or 'New Mountain' -
approximately 2300 metres above sea level) in the center of this caldera and lava flows from subsequent eruptions
have entered the lake. This cone has since been renamed Mount Barujari (or 'New Finger Mountain').
The highlands are forest clad and mostly undeveloped. The lowlands are highly cultivated. Rice, soybeans, coffee,
tobacco, cotton, cinnamon, cacao, cloves, cassava, corn, coconuts, copra, bananas and vanilla are the major crops
grown in the fertile soils of the island. The slopes are populated by the indigenous Sasak population. There are
also some basic tourist related activities established on Rinjani primarily in or about the village of Senaru.
The volcano and the caldera are protected by the Gunung Rinjani National Park established in 1997. Tourism is
increasingly popular with trekkers able to visit the rim, make their way into the caldera or even to make the
more arduous climb to the highest point; fatalities, however, are not uncommon. In July 2009 the summit route
was closed due to volcanic activity at that time and subsequently reopened when the activity decreased. During
early 2010 up to and including May 2010 access to Rinjani was at times again restricted due to volcanic activity.
On 3 November 1994, a cold lahar (volcanic mudflow) from the summit area of Rinjani volcano traveled down
the Kokok Jenggak River killing thirty people from the village of Aikmel who were caught by surprise when
collecting water from the river in the path of the flow.
In connection with the eruption of the cone Gunung Barujari the status for Gunung Rinjani has been raised from
Normal (VEI Level 1) to 'be vigilant' (VEI Level 2) since May 2, 2009 . In May 2010 Gunung Rinjani was placed
in the standby status by Center for Volcanology & Geological Hazard Mitigation, Indonesia with a
recommendation that there be no activity within a radius of 4 km from the eruption at Gunung Barujari.
Overlooking the fertile valley of Magelang and facing the volcano Merapi, 40 km north from the
province of Jogjakarta, stands a breathtaking monument that was built during the 8th century by the Bouddhist
dynasty of Sailendra. This is the most prestigious monument in Indonesia, and the world’s largest Buddhist
temple. The different levels of the monument symbolizes the different levels of wisdom we have to go through
during life until reaching the enlightenment of Buddha, symbolized by the spectacular upper terraces. The global
architecture (obvious when seen from the air) is actually a mandala (sacred diagrams initiating people with
spiritual awareness). Borobudur is the place where you may find a new vision of the world…and yourself.
The “discovery” and “restauration”
Some said the monument was discovered by the Dutch Cornelius De Houtman in 1817 with most of its
side covered with soil but the people of Jogjakarta were well aware of its existence… The Dutch military engineer
was deputed by Raffless to investigate this discovery but the first major conservation step was taken in 1874 by
draining the sunken area with sand by Kinsbergen. The major conservation action took place in between 1907-
1911 leaded by the Thedar van Earp. He reconstructed the upper round terrace by using many new stones. But
still, the monument was deteriorating and it was only in 1975-1984 that UNESCO came to rescue and sponsor the
restoration and conservation of the monument. This was a huge work: millions stones were taken piece by piece
and cleaned carefully. New foundation was put on as well. The result is one of the most ambitious and successful
restoration ever. A must to see for any serious traveler!
Nihiwatu, a small and exclusive island hideaway in remote eastern Indonesia is one of the most
extraordinary resorts in an archipelago of the extraordinary. Among travellers "in the know" who seek
excitement with absolute privacy, Nihiwatu's reputation is unrivalled — for starters, world class fishing, surfing
and diving are sensational and right outside your door, and not far away are unforgettable activities that are
absolutely beyond compare. The property encompasses 175 hectares of tropical forest, rice terraces and
grasslands, while its stunning two and half kilometers of beachfront are protected by headlands that ensure total
exclusivity for guests. With an idyllic setting that is pristine, romantic and endlessly peaceful Nihiwatu is the
perfect tropical retreat for honeymooners and couples.
Do everything or do nothing. Nihiwatu allows you kick back all day overlooking paradise, relax by the
pool, take leisurely walks along the beach or island excursions. Excellent dining and suite accommodation are not
overlooked, and the resort's friendly staff and leisure facilities ensure that amid the wonders of nature you have
plenty of creature comforts.
And then there is culture. Surrounding Nihiwatu are Stone Age sites and traditional villages that have remained
unchanged for centuries, this unique tribal culture with its ancient animist rituals is truly incredible.
Since 1989 our philosophy has been to create a model of tourism that gives more than it takes. We are
proud to have become an acknowledged leader of the Responsible Tourism movement and we intend to continue
to pave a path for others to follow. It is through our strong support of The Sumba Foundation, its mission and its
efforts to help the Sumbanese people that a new paradigm of responsible tourism has been created.
The famous Buddhist temples — or candi — of Borobudur, Mendut and Pawon, and the Hindu temple
Prambanan are a few of the numerous cultural influences that spread through the province.
Aside from these famed temples are other, lesser-known temples such as Sewu, Kraton Boko, Sambi Sari, Sari,
Kalasan and Plaosan. Some of these temples are located on a mountain slope or on a plateau: the Dieng temples
on Dieng Plateau, the Sukuh and Cetho temples on Mount Lawu, and the Gedong Sanga temples on Mt.
Ungaran. If you are both a culture and nature lover, then the Gedong Sanga temples might be an ideal choice for
an outing. The Candi Gedong Sanga complex is located at Candi village of Ambarawa district in Semarang
regency, 25 kilometers from Ungaran or 45 km from Semarang, the provincial capital.
The complex is easily accessible from either Yogyakarta (about 2 hours by car, or 3 hours by bus) or
Semarang. The roads are paved and smooth — except for the one linking Ambarawa to the complex, which is
steep and rather narrow. Near the complex is a traditional market, Pasar Bandungan, and on market days the
street might become congested, so drivers must be alert — from Pasar Bandungan, it is still 4 km to the temples.
The Gedong Sanga temple complex, discovered by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1804, was built during the 9th-century
Syailendra Dynasty. The temples are situated at about 1,200 meters above sea level and are scattered within a
pine forest.
The local temperature ranges between 19-27 degrees Centigrade. A number of sulfur springs exist inside
the complex, where simple bathing facilities are available — at a small fee — for those wanting to bathe or wade
in the hot water. It is said the sulfur hot springs can cure minor dermatological ailments.
Facing south from the slope of Mt. Ungaran are Rawa Pening Lake, Mt. Merbabu and Mt. Merapi, while to the
west are Mt. Sumbing and Mt. Sindoro. A complete trip through the complex is roughly a 2-km hike. The
journey, which ascends and descends through groves of pine trees, ravines and sulfur springs, surely requires a
good deal of energy.
Luckily, horses are available for rent at the entrance to the complex. Be sure to get a fair price:
approximately Rp 50,000 per horse. When the deal is made, just climb on to the horse and enjoy the panorama
while its owner guides the way, rein in hand. Visitors may dismount during the trip to observe the temples at
their leisure. A variety of accommodation are available along the ascending road to the temple complex, at some
3 km from the temples. Among them are the Amanda, Gaya and Rawa Pening hotels, whose rates range from Rp
200,000 for a single to Rp 900,000 for a three-bedroom villa. The rates may increase 30 percent over weekends
and public holidays.
The Candi Gedong Sanga complex consists of five clusters of temples, simply called Temples I, II, III, IV
and V.
Temple I, at 1,260 meters above sea level, only has one complete temple left. Temple II, some 300 meters away
from Temple I, has one complete temple, named Temple IIA; the other, Temple IIB, is in ruins.
Temple III, at 1,298 meters above sea level and about 100 meters from Temple II, consists of three complete
temples. Temple IV is slightly higher at 1,300 meters and 200 meters across a ravine from Temple III, consists of
two sub-clusters.
The northern sub-cluster comprises four structures, the southern, nine structures — only one of these are whole.
Temple V, located still higher at 1,310 meters and 507 meters from Temple I, consists of two sub-clusters. The
first sub-cluster holds three temples in a row, with the middle one intact; the other sub-cluster comprises three
ruins.
Legend has it that Queen Simha of the Kalingga Kingdom was in power when the Gedong Sanga
complex was built. She was known for her fair and respectable reign.
The Queen taught her people to worship Sang Hyang Widi, the Powerful God, and in order to accomplish this,
she ordered that a temple devoted to Sang Hyang Widi be built.
According to the belief, human beings must be able to control their desires to live a peaceful life. The desires were
said to come from the nine orifices of the body, called Babahan Hawa Sanga in Javanese. The erection of the
Candi Gedong Sanga could be thus considered a symbol of controlling these origins of desire.
Pura Tanah Lot temple, Bali
Pura Tanah Lot temple.
•History
Pura Ulun Danau Bratan was built in 1633 by the raja of Mengwi on the western shore of lake Bratan.
The Balinese people rely on their rice harvest and the Goddess of water / fertility, Dewi Danu is the deity who is
honored here.
Temple design
The temple itself sits in well manicured gardens and attracts local and foreign visitors. The 2 obvious
part of the temple are the structures set on land and the ones set on a point, extending into the lake. The temples
grounds have an assortment of structures including the multi-tiered meru. These pagoda-shaped shrines which
are found in almost every Balinese temple, are named after Mt. Meru, a sacred Hindu peak, considered the home
of the Gods. The importance of the God being worshiped is indicated by the number of roofs, which is always an
odd number, with a maximum of 13.
The part of the temple that gets all the attention is the 11 roof meru, followed by a 3 roofed meru,
situated on a point of land, jutting out into the lake. The larger meru is dedicated to Wisnu and Dewi Danu. The
smaller meru contains a lingum (phallus), very much a part of temple architecture in India. This temple is
dedicated to Siwa (the Destroyer). Visitors are allowed to photograph the shrines from the shore, but are not
allowed to visit them directly. The temple on the shore, Pura Teratai Bang has its own 7-tier meru dedicated to
Brahma (the Creator). You will often see parties of Balinese worshipers inside this temple, taking blessings.
Similarly, you are asked to stay outside the inner courtyard, but it is possible to look over the wall and get good
photos.
Gunung Merapi, Java
Lava flow from previous eruptions, Gunung Merapi.
Merapi is the youngest in a group of volcanoes in southern Java. It is situated at a subduction zone,
where the Indo-Australian Plate is sliding beneath the Eurasian Plate. It is one of at least 129 active volcanoes in
Indonesia, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire – a section of fault lines stretching from the Western Hemisphere
through Japan and South East Asia. Stratigraphic analysis reveals that eruptions in the Merapi area began about
400,000 years ago, and from then until about 10,073 years ago, eruptions were typically effusive, and the
outflowing lava emitted was basaltic. Since then, eruptions have become more explosive, with viscous andesitic
lavas often generating lava domes. Dome collapse has often generated pyroclastic flows, and larger explosions,
which have resulted in eruption columns, have also generated pyroclastic flows through column collapse.
There has been no late eruption. Typically, small eruptions occur every two to three years, and larger ones every
10–15 years or so. Notable eruptions, often causing many deaths, have occurred in 1006, 1786, 1822, 1872, and
1930—when thirteen villages were destroyed and 1400 people killed by pyroclastic flows.
A very large eruption in 1006 is claimed to have covered all of central Java with ash. The volcanic devastation is
claimed to have led to the collapse of the Hindu Kingdom of Mataram, however there is insufficient evidence
from that era for this to be substantiated.
Merapi continues hold particular significance for the Javanese: it is one of four places where officials
from the royal palaces of Yogyakarta and Solo make annual offerings to placate the ancient Javanese spirits.
Air Terjun Gitgit Waterfalls, Indonesia
The 8th upper of the Air Terjun Gitgit Waterfalls near Lovina on Bali
Air Terjun Gitgit Waterfalls has a selection of waterfalls that are fun to visit. For many people the idea of hiking
through the jungle to a hidden waterfall and taking a cooling swim is the image of paradise. These places
definitely exist and here are some useful tips of how to find them and what to expect. Waterfalls are sharp drops
along the course of a river. You will often have to hike up or down a river for a certain way to get to a waterfall,
but the river provides a route for you to follow.
Rivers flow best during and immediately after the wet season, meaning Nov-Apr. During that time you can expect
waterfalls to be pumping and the pools at the bottom to be at their deepest. You can also expect more debris
including rocks and the occasional log to come over the waterfall. Wet season means cloudy days in the highlands
especially and after getting a soaking from the rain, the cold mountain water can be quite a shock. Bathing in a
waterfall during the wet season may not feel like tropical paradise at first. During the dry season the weather is
better, sunny and dry. However water flow is way less and pools will be shallow. The amount of tourists a
waterfall will get often depends on how close it is to a main road and how far you have to hike to get to it. Visiting
a waterfall can be a pleasant pit-stop on a road-trip across Bali.
Indonesia
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