Lombok and beyond (page 2)
Lombok, the Gili Islands and the rest of Indonesia.
Reflections in an Airport: Bali, Indonesia
I was talking to a friend of mine this morning who had just returned from Indonesia. He was telling me how tight the security is throughout the islands.
You Can't Always Get What You Want
The time had finally arrived. I knew it was coming. It was time to let go and say goodbye to my beloved backpack that had for years been of faithful service to me.
Orangutans of Indonesia on Brink of Extinction
Don't you just love them!. All orange and furry and cute. Well it won't be long and the only way you will see these animals is in books or in a zoo.
Kaliadem Developed as Tourist Site: Central Java, Indonesia
In the face of adversity and disaster it is always pleasing to read about the locals in the area turning the situation around and making use of it.
Cemeti to Exhibit Community History: Central Java, Indonesia
Involving all the members of a community in a historical project is admirable. I have seen this occur in Jakarta and other islands but this is the first time I have seen it occur in Central Java.
Two killed at Tana Toraja Funeral: South Sulawesi
It really isn't funny but the situation of buffaloes killing two people at a funeral in Sulawesi reminded me somewhat of the running of the bulls at Palermo in Spain when I first read about it.
Harvest Failure Feared in Java
Abnormal weather conditions are affecting several parts of the archipelago and in so doing are causing hardship to many families.
A History of Prawirotaman: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Jalan Prawirotoman in Yogyakarta, Central Java, is one of the many streets backpackers head to upon their arrival in the city.
Security Boost for Indonesian Ports
It is about time that Indonesia boosted its security at the various destination points around the country and particulary in Bali.
Endangered Cuckoo Find: Sumatra, Indonesia
It will never cease to amaze me the number of locations in the archipelago of Indonesia that are yet to be walked upon by western shoes.
Quake Rattles Nias Island
When I was in my teens and early twenties I was a crazy surf nut. There was always two things we could count on for big swells and they were massive storms and some underwater activity in the Indian…
Opposition to Rhino Relocation: Ujung Kulon, Indonesia
The World Wildlife Fund has always represented the benefits of animals around the world.
Female Students Ordered to Cover: Makassar, Sulawesi
When I was at school in Australia I had to wear a uniform as well as the female students.
The Funny Side of Travel: Indonesia
As a writer when I travel I come across situations or see things that tend to tickle the lighter side of my nature and give me a laugh.
A Place in Klaten: Central Java, Indonesia
I received a letter the other day from an old friend of mine in Java. It brought back memories of my time spent with him and his wife several years ago.
Gathering Info for Your Travels
Wherever you travel in the world, it is always handy to have some information on your proposed destination before you leave home and venture on your journey.
Kretek: Indonesia
When you get off the plane at Denpasar and get outside the terminal, it is one of the first odours you notice along with that of hibiscus and frangipani.
The Museums of Yogyakarta: Central Java, Indonesia
The majority of visitors to Yogyakarta tend to only see the major tourist attractions of Borobudur, Prambanan Complex, the Kraton and Kota Gede.
The Myths of Gunung Merapi: Central Java, Indonesia
Gunung Merapi is a notoriously active volcano located in the centre of the island of Java. In the past it has killed 3,000 people in 1672 and over 1,000 people in 1930.
BMG Warning of Extreme Weather: Indonesia
I have never particularly worried about the weather wherever I travel and mainly because it more often than not does not affect my endeavours.
Australian Tourists Avoiding Bali
AUSTRALIAN tourists have abandoned Bali in the wake of the second bombing there. So far this year the number of Australians visiting Indonesia has slumped by half.
Balai Pustaka: Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta is situated in the north-western coast on Indonesia's main island of Java and sits by a bay scattered with many small islands called Kepulauan Seribu or Thousand Islands.
The Ancient Herbal Medicine of Jamu: Indonesia
The first time I ever tried Jamu was at Candika's office on Jalan Poncowinatan in Yogyakarta, Java.
The Cultural Heart of Java: Indonesia
Peacefully cradled at the foot of the Menoreh Mountains in Central Java is the city of Yogyakarta.
Dry Season Hits Rice Farmers: Indonesia
The dry season in Indonesia is having a dramatic affect on rice production throughout the archipelago.
River Embankments Rebuilt: Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia
The stone embankments along the rivers in Yogyakarta are being reinforced. These were damaged in the May 27 earthquake and have been fortified in preparation for the next rainy season.
Green Turtles of the Derawan Islands: Indonesia
I have already seen my fair share of the Indonesian archipelago and there are many places I have yet to see and explore.
Coastal Damage Exacerbating Disasters: Indonesia
The degradation of Indonesian coastlines and marine resources are believed to be the sources for disasters that have occurred in recent years causing suffering for its residents.
Jakarta's Ancient Mosque on Brink of Collapse
Over a decade ago I was fortunate enough to visit the Al Anwar Mosque in Jakarta. It is a splendid piece of architecture and one that epitomises the beauty of Islam.
Austcare Helps in Yogyakarta: Central Java, Indonesia
The massive earthquake that hit Yogyakarta has literally crippled the city and the last time I spoke to Candika she was telling me it was a slow process for the people to get back on their feet so to…
Kalimantan Flood Victims Suffer Diseases
Any natural disaster that occurs and especially one where floods are concerned gives rise to the dramatic increase in the spread of diseases.
Govt Speeds Up Nuclear Power Project: Indonesia
Personally I believe that there are other alternatives for power sources rather than erect nuclear power plants.
Militant Warns of More Attacks: Indonesia
The President SBY has an all out assault on terrorism in Indonesia in an effort to stamp it out and rid the country of radicalist Muslims.
Ancient Fish Found: Sulawesi, Indonesia
It's all happening in Indonesia at the moment. Natural disasters, earthquakes everywhere along the archipelago, scientists finding snakes that change colour, and now, another bunch of scientists…
A Snake That can Change Colour: Kalimantan, Indonesia
I have a fascination for snakes and that stems from one of my very first jobs ever when I worked in a zoo looking after reptiles.
Flash Floods Kill 21 in East Kalimantan
The rainy season in Indonesia has caused its fair share of disasters and the latest being that at least 21 people were killed in floods triggered by heavy rain on the small island of Laut off the…
Govt Curbs Foreign Fishing: Indonesia
Illegal fishing in foreign waters does pose a problem for many countries. Australia is a prime example with more Indonesian fishermen being arrested in their waters almost every day recently.
Kiss and Make Up: Batam, Indonesia
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Australian Prime Minister John Howard held a meeting on Batam Island yesterday.
Lombok Beckons Tourists
The island of Lombok is located to the east of Bali. Although its tourism is not as developed as that of neighbouring Bali it is the perfect alternative .
Food Relief Drops in Sulawesi Flood Areas
The Sulawesi Islands were struck with a 6.2 magnitude earthquake south of Manado on the weekend and yesterday Indonesian helicopters dropped relief supplies to thousands of victims of flooding and…
Natural Resource Network Formed
Yesterday I included an article on how the government of Indonesia is undermining community land rights.
The Fame of Gunung Merapi: Central Java, Indonesia
Gunung Merapi, although highly active at the moment, has always stood ominously over the city of Yogyakarta.
Tough Challenges Ahead for Timor Leste
According to the chief of the World Bank, Paul Wolfowitz, East Timor faced a tough task recovering after bloody violence last month had left confidence in the state shattered damaging the economy.
Rain Could Trigger Mudslides on Merapi: Central Java, Indonesia
Now there is an extra fear from the volatile Gunung Merapi in Central Java besides the possibility of a massive eruption.
Disaster Strikes Sulawesi
Another disaster has struck Indonesia and this time in the Sinjai regency of Indonesia's eastern island, Sulawesi. Reports are varied but the death toll is estimated at 167 and climbing.
Sumatran Tigers Under Threat
If there is one thing that I deplore then it is the poaching of wildlife for material gain and especially if the species being murdered are an endangered one.
Indonesian Deforestation Highest in the World
In alarming statistics Indonesia is one of countries with the highest deforestation rate in the world and the country is also facing deteriorated quality of the air and water.
The Condom Dilemma: Bali
I can recall for the first time seeing a condom machine installed in the toilets at Perth International Airport in Australia.
Women in Uniform: Indonesia
When I was a nipper my mum always said that when I was out anywhere and needed help then I was to ask a policeman.
Palm Oil Conference Opens in Bali
Indonesia is the world's second largest crude palm oil producer after Malaysia. Palm oil is one of the main export commodities of Indonesia with output reaching 14.7 million tons last year.
Inferior Aqua: Jakarta, Indonesia
I drink heaps of water every day and I am forever popping into the Circle K or another outlet and buying a few litres.
Villagers Brave Ash and Steam: Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia
On the weekend the activity on Gunung Merapi slowed much to the delight of the residents living on its slopes.
Indonesia to Open its Borders to Timor Leste
In a surprising move Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the Indonesian government will selectively open its border with Timor Leste.
Plywood Houses for the Yogyanese: Central Java, Indonesia
It seems that much has been learnt from the lackadaisical efforts to construct houses for those who suffered losing their mode of shelter in Aceh.
Earthquakes Rock Sulawesi
Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin where the tectonic plates are constantly moving to some degree every day causing…
Pests Devastate Jambi Harvests: Sumatra, Indonesia
Most folk living in the western world never really worry about pests that much except of course for the odd cockroach or ant that sneaks into the house or even worse, the dreaded termite.
Japan Assists Indonesia with Piracy Problems
Yo ho ho and a bottle of Arak. You could say that is the pirate theme for those plying the waters of the Malacca Straits and in the northern Indonesian waters.
Two Trapped in a Bunker: Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia
Not that I am claustrophobic but I would surely hate to be trapped in a concrete bunker on the slopes of a volcano already spewing hot ask and lava.
Off and On Again Merapi: Central Java, Indonesia
I do not very often classify inanimate objects but I am beginning to think that Gunung Merapi is female!.
Gunung Semeru Spews Out Ash: East Java, Indonesia
Gunung Semeru in East Java is the latest volcano to spring to life spewing out hot ash in fierce storms from its caldera.
Indonesian Judge Reopens Suharto Case: Jakarta, Indonesia
What happens when you have just had your 85th birthday party, acted like it was your 21st and generally enjoyed yourself on the day and looking fit and healthy doing it when you are really supposed…
Landslide Buries Houses: Ambon, Maluku Islands
This rainy season across the archipelago has been one of the worst for quite a while. The incessant heavy rain has caused floods and reeked havoc on almost every island.
RI Ambassador Returns to Australia
After being recalled to Jakarta for about three months following an Australian government decision to grant temporary visas to 42 Papuans, Indonesian Ambassador to Australia Hamzah Thayeb was…
Gunung Merapi Lava Dome Collapses: Central Java, Indonesia
In a development that may have marked the peak of the volcano's activity, parts of Mt. Merapi's new lava dome collapsed late on Friday.
Geologists Advise of Fault Lines: Jakarta, Indonesia
According to an article in the Jakarta Post today it seems that Jakarta is next on the hit list for an earthquake.
Tsunami Warning System: Bali
When the Tsunami hit Sumatra over a year ago and devastated the area as well as the tourist strips along the southern Thailand coast and other places in the Indian Ocean including India and east…
Suharto Celebrates 85th Birthday: Jakarta, Indonesia
The old fella and hardliner of Indonesia, Mantan Suharto has made it to 85 years of age and in doing so avoided attempted prosecutions by Indonesian authorities.
Earthquake Hits Sumatra
A 6.2 magnitude undersea earthquake struck off the western Indonesian island of Sumatra yesterday but the state meteorology and geophysics agency said its epicentre was too deep to cause any damage.
Nuclear Power Plant for Indonesia
It is purported that nuclear energy is the source of clean power for the future but not when you build reactors in the wrong places.
Howard and Yudhoyono to Meet: Batam, Indonesia
John Howard and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will meet in Indonesia later this month signalling the end of a two month diplomatic standoff over the Papua visa issue.
Seeking Guidance: Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia
It's only natural that during times of disaster people take solace in their faith and none more so then in Central Java at the moment after the devastating earthquake.
Foreign Minister Downer Visits Timor Leste
Fighting between rival armed neighbourhood gangs and with looting rife on the island, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer arrived made a quick trip for talks with East Timor's leaders after weeks of…
Quake Survivors Ill from Donated Food: Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia
It appears that the suffering of being victims of a 6.2 magnitude earthquake was not enough for the people of Yogyakarta.
Gunung Merapi Activity Intensifies: Central Java, Indonesia
The many times I have been up and around Gunung Merapi over the years it has always been belching out smoke of some kind.
Birdlife in Indonesia
When I was a kid in England growing up I had access to woodlands and moors and went hiking at every opportunity.
Anatomy of a Disaster: Indonesia
I could not even comprehend how bad it would feel it to actually be in the midst of a disaster like that which has recently occurred in Yogyakarta.
Gusmao Takes Sole Responsibility: Timor Leste
Long time coming some factions would say, but, East Timorese President Xanana Gusmao announced yesterday that he was taking over "sole responsibility" for the country's national security in a bid to…
President Visits Quake Victims: Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and First Lady Mme. Ani Yudhoyono visited Saturday`s quake victims at Al Muttaqun Mosque, Prambanan, Klaten District, Central Java.
Yogya tourism hit by earthquake in Indonesia
Yogyakarta is unofficially the center of Javanese culture. Two of the biggest temples close to Yogya are Buddhist, Borobudor, and Hindu Prambanan.
Tetebatu: A mountain hideaway in Lombok
Bali is a wonderful and most of us love it. Sometimes though, even Bali is too crowded and you need a special remote place.
Mt Merapi spewing lava in Central Java
Mt. Merapi in Central Java is spewing molten lava in flows up to 100 meters long. Indonesia has still not raised the danger level to the maximum, and locals are still farming in the vicinity.
Jawa Barat Charters - boating in Indonesia
Island Sportz magazine has articles and ads for many sports related businesses in Bali and elsewhere in Indonesia. One of those is Jawa Barat Charters .
Banda: Caught in a time warp in Indonesia
Banda is a part part of Central Maluku province and has an interesting history. Here's what my guidebook says about Banda.
Gay guide to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia
Conservative Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, are about to get their first travel guide.
Mt. Merapi drawing tourists
Mt. Merapi, one of the most active volcanoes in the world is promising to erupt, with smoke and ash being emitted daily.
Mt. Merapi threatening to erupt in Central Java
Mt. Merapi in Central Java is threatening to erupt, smoke and sulfur being emitted constantly from its peak.
Indonesian ferry sinks in W.Timor
Indonesian ferries don't exact set the standard for safety. Often times they are old wooden junkers, run by a bunch of local guys, who fly by the seat of their pants.
Sumba: A forgotten land within easy reach
Sumba is located 400km to the east of Bali. That doesn't sound far away but culturally its a world away. If you look at a map of Indonesia , it runs along in a chain.
Nusa Penida: Bali's Siberia
One part of Bali I have yet to visit is an island across the Badung Strait called Nusa Penida . Part of the kabupaten (district) of Klungkung.
Indonesia profile
The BBC website often puts a country profile next to news articles. Here is the BBC profile on Indonesia .
Train crash in Java
A train crash in Surabaya Java has killed at least 13 people today. Two trains heading in the same direction collided around 2am.
Mt. Merapi warning in Central Java
Mt. Merapi located in Central Java is giving indications of a possible eruption. Merapi is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and last exploded in 1994, killing 43 people.
Learning about Banda in Eastern Indonesia
This evening I had dinner with Mike Hillis from Unexplored Adventures , a diving / jungle trekking business based in Ambon, in Eastern Indonesia .
Visa On Arrival (VOA) for Dutch people
Indonesian President SBY has announced that Dutch citizens will now qualify for Visa On Arrival (VOA), instead of having to arrange a visa before they arrive in Indonesia.
Diverse Indonesia: The Osing people of East Java
Exploring Indonesia one could spend a lifetime, learning about unique and interesting animal and plant species and the different human groups that live here.
Bird of paradise in Eastern Indonesia
Bird watchers are becoming aware of the unbelievable opportunities that exist in Eastern Indonesia .
Indonesian spices: Revolutionary Trees - part IV
Mike Hillis writes about the revolutionary trees of Indonesia. Banda and Ternate and a few adjoining islands were the only places on earth where nutmeg and cloves grew prior to the arrival of the…
Indonesian spices: Revolutionary Trees - part II
Mike Hillis writes about the revolutionary trees of Indonesia. There is a very prevalent misunderstanding in the West regarding this powerful medieval appetite for spices.
Indonesian spices: Revolutionary Trees - part I
Mike Hillis writes about the revolutionary trees of Indonesia. History has shown that imagination has often fueled a number of outstanding human endeavors.
Saparua: Ambon's Little Cousin: part III
Here is part III of Mike Hillis's account from Saparua. Saparua's most famous citizen was a determined young man by the name of Thomas Matulessy.