10 Top Tourist Attractions in Indonesia

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Indonesia

Indonesia is a huge country, in both population and land area, with significant cultural and geological diversity. With 18,110 islands, 6,000 of them inhabited, it is the largest archipelago in the world. The population of around 240 million people is derived from 300 ethnic groups who speak over 250 different languages. While Bali is usually the destination most familiar to foreign visitors, there is a wealth of other top tourist attractions in Indonesia to discover in this vast and varied country.

10)Lake Toba

flickr/Max Grabert

Lake Toba on the island of Sumatra is an immense volcanic lake about 100 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide. Formed by a gigantic volcanic eruption some 70,000 years ago, it is the largest resurgent caldera on Earth. Genetic estimates suggests that there were only a few thousand humans that survived the catastrophe. The island in the middle – Pulau Samosir – is the largest island within an island and contains two lakes. Besides visiting “a lake on an island within a lake on an island” tourist also come here to kick back and relax and swim in the volcanically warmed waters.

9Tanjung Puting

flickr/Hulivili

The Tanjung Puting National Park is located on the island of Borneo in the Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan. The park is a popular ecotourism destination, with many local tour companies offering multi-day boat tours to view wildlife and visit the research centers. Wildlife include gibbons, macaques, clouded leopards, sun bears, pythons, crocodiles and – most famously – orangutans. Unfortunately the park is heavily threatened by illegal logging and forest clearing for agricultural uses.

8Baliem Valley

flickr/710928003

The Baliem Valley in the highlands of Western New Guinea offers a glimpse into what was recently a stone-age world. The valley was not known to the outside world until 1938 when an aerial reconnaissance flight southwards from Hollandia (now Jayapura) discovered a large agricultural population. Wamena is the starting point for most visitors who come nowadays to marvel at the mountain views, roaring rivers, tribal villages and at the tough but sweet spirit of the warm Dani people.

7Mount Bromo

flickr/Zimmelino

Gunung Bromo is an active volcano and part of the Tengger massif, in East Java. At 2,329 meters (7,641 feet) it is not the highest peak of the massif, but it is the most well known. The area is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Indonesia and Java. The top of the volcano has been blown off and the crater inside constantly belches white smoke. It is surrounded by the Sea of Sand of fine volcanic sand. The overall effect is unsettlingly unearthly.

6Bunaken

flickr/Tom Weilenmann

Located at the north of the island of Sulawesi, Bunaken is one of Indonesia’s most famous dive and snorkeling areas. The island is part of the Bunaken Marine Park where you can see more than 70% of all fish species that live in the western Pacific ocean. The best time for diving in Bunaken is between the months of April and November.

5Torajaland

flickr/gromanuk

Torajaland (Tana Toraja) is a highland region of South Sulawesi, home of the Toraja people. Torajans are famous for their massive peaked-roof houses known as tongkonan and spectacular but gruesome funeral rites. After a person’s death, the body is kept – often for several years – until the actual funeral ceremony which can last for several days. The deceased is then finally buried in a small cave or in a hollow tree.

4Gili Islands

flickr/yeowatzup

Lombok’s most popular tourist destination, the Gili Islands are an archipelago of three small islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. The islands are very relaxed and laid-back, with countless little beachside cafes still playing reggae and no cars or motorbikes to disturb the peace. Note that the name “Gili Islands” is rather redundant as gili simply means “small island” in Sasak and there are many other islands around the coast of Lombok with Gili in their names.

3Komodo National Park

flickr/Jungle_Boy

The Komodo National Park is a national park located within the Lesser Sunda Islands that includes the three larger islands Komodo, Padar and Rincah, and 26 smaller ones. The park is named after the Komodo Dragon, the world’s largest living reptile that can reach 3 meters or more in length and weigh over 70kg. Although Komodo dragons eat mostly carcass of dead animals, they are formidable predators and will also hunt prey including birds, and mammals. Attacks against humans are very rare.

2Borobudur

photo/Kenyon College

Located 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Yogyakarta on Java, the Borobudur is the one of the most famous Buddhist temple in the world. The Borobudur was built over a period of some 75 years in the 8th and 9th centuries by the kingdom of Sailendra, out of an estimated 2 million blocks of stone. It was abandoned in the 14th century for reasons that still remain a mystery and for centuries lay hidden in the jungle under layers of volcanic ash. Today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Indonesia.

1Bali

flickr/Riza Nugraha

Bali is one of the world’s most popular island destinations and one which consistently wins travel awards. The varied landscape, rugged coastlines, tropical beaches, lush rice terraces and volcanic hillsides all provide a picturesque backdrop to its colorful, deeply spiritual and unique Hindu culture. The combination of friendly people, a magnificently visual culture infused with spirituality and spectacular beaches with great surfing and diving have made Bali the unrivaled number one tourist attraction in Indonesia.

Map of Tourism Attractions In Indonesia

Written by Yee Han Wei   A13A1371

23 BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT IN KOREA BY NURUL HIDAYAH MANAF

Thursday, 20 November 2014

23 BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT IN KOREA

Some 25 million South Koreans -- about half the population -- travel abroad at least once a year, but it’s safe to assume that most haven't seen all the beautiful sights within the country. 

Seoul only takes up a mere 0.6 percent of South Korea's territory: here are 50 stunning photographs from the other 99.4 percent of the country that are all worth a visit. 

Here are the flowery spring landscapes, sandy beaches, rocky mountains and quietly stunning historic sites on your new Korean travel bucket list.

1. Seongsan Sunrise Peak 

Hydrovolcanic eruptions formed this majestic volcanic crater 5,000 years ago on Jeju Island.

A UNESCO world heritage site, the peak is famous for many things, including numerous rare plant species, but is best known for the magnificent sight of the sun rising over it (hence the name).

The climb up the peak’s northwest side ridge (its other sides are steep cliffs) to the 180-meter highest point takes 30 minutes. 

2. Ggotji Beach 

Located four kilometers southwest from Anmyeon-eup, this cream-colored beach is the ideal place to go for a drive and watch the sun sink into the ocean between two large rock formations known as the Granny Rock and the Grandpa Rock.

Legend has it that the wife of a base commanding officer in the Shilla Dynasty became the Granny Rock when she died after waiting faithfully for her husband.

3. Gwang-An Bridge 

Also known as the Diamond Bridge, this two-story bridge connects Suyeong-gu and Haeundae-gu and offers an astonishing view of mountains, sandy beaches, hills and city lights. 

Kwang-An Bridge is not for pedestrians, but anyone can enjoy the spectacular night view of the bridge from afar; its state-of-the-art lighting system allows an exterior lighting of over 100,000 colors.

4. Kyeong-Wha Station, Jinhae 

This small whistle-stop bustles with tourists and amateur photographers every spring. 

Cherry blossoms rain down on the train track and countless shutters click madly away as the train approaches the station under the cherry blossom tunnel. 

The cherry blossom road at Yeojwa stream, (number 17 on this list) is also nearby for those who want more photo-ops. 

5. Upo Marsh 

At 2,314 kilometers squared, Upo Marsh is the largest inland wetland in Korea and thrice the size of Yeouido. Formed over 140 million years ago, the marsh is home to 1,500 plants and animals, some of which are endangered species.

Visitors can bike or walk around this beautiful natural swamp, where migratory birds are known for flying low. 

6. Gongryong Ridge, Seorak Mountain 

Physical fitness and mountain climbing experience are prerequisites to viewing these curious peaks in the Seorak mountain range. 

Thought to be shaped like the spine of a dinosaur (hence the name, "Dinosaur Ridge"), this rocky ridge offers spectacular views of both inner and outer Seorak. 

The climb is no picnic: the peak elevation of Gongryong Ridge, the most popular ridge route in the range, is approximately 1,200 meters. 

7. Uleung Island Seaside Road 

Uleung Island, nicknamed "Mysterious Island", is a popular weekend getaway spot for Seoulites.

Curious rock formations, shore cliffs and numerous waterfalls adorn the island’s Seaside Road.

Anyone planning to walk or bike their way around Uleung Island should make sure they set aside enough time, as they will inevitably stop countless times to admire the glorious view.

 8. Seopjikoji, Jeju Island 

First-time visitors to Jeju island need to plan their trip wisely, as the Jeju bucket list is long and varied. One of the musts on the list is Seopjikoji, a promontory on the coast famous for its serenity and romance.

Yellow rape blossoms fill the field in the spring, creating a colorful contrast with the red soil and cerulean sky.

The best photographs of Sungsan Sunrise Peak (the first item on this list) can be taken here at Seopjikoji. 

The scenery of Seopjikoji has also been captured by several Korean films and dramas, including "All In," one of the first Hallyu dramas starring Lee Byung-hun and Song Hye-kyo.

9. Bomun Pavilion, Gyeongju 

Gyeongju, an ancient capital of the Shilla Dynasty, boasts the nickname "a museum with no walls." 

Bomun Pavilion, a small wooden gazebo standing over a quiet duck pond, is a great spot to experience Korea’s spring; the cherry blossoms fluttering over the pond provide an exquisite sight.

In fact, it's the perfect place to view all of Korea's markedly different seasons: summer's lush green leaves, fall's scarlet and mustard foliage, and winter's blankets of snow.

10. Yeojwa Stream 

The fifth item on this list already touched on the festival of cherry blossoms in Jinhae, but the cherry blossom road at Yeojwa Stream is so strikingly beautiful that it deserves another mention (and another photo).

Lovers visit this site to cross the "Romance Bridge", which has been used as a shooting location for "Romance," a drama starring Kim Ha-nul and Kim Jae-won.

Bloggers say that these romantic blossoms can be most appreciated at night, when there are fewer tourists and the pale pink flowers glow against the dark sky.

11. Boseong Green Tea Field

Approximately 40 percent of Korea's tea is produced in the rolling fields of Boseong, which has also provided the backdrop of many Korean dramas and films.

Yes, green tea-related specialties (fresh green tea ice cream and green tea pork belly) are tasty treats, but the spectacular view of the seemingly endless tea fields is the real reason so many visitors stop by Boseong.

A green tea festival is held every May while in the winter, the fields are decorated with tiny light bulbs. 

12. Bulguksa Temple 

This UNESCO-listed site is perhaps the most famous historic site in Korea. 

Two granite pagodas on either sides of the temple, Dabotap and Seokgatap, as well as Seokguram, a man-made grotto just above the temple, add to the splendid grandeur of this 1,500-year-old home of many important relics. 

13. Daegwallyeong Ranch 

This only sheep ranch in Korea doubles as a natural sledge park in winter. 

The dreaminess of the view is as heady as the mountain air. 

Meat-lovers should stop by the restaurants in the ranch village for a taste of the highest grade lamb.

14. Anapji (Anap Pond) 

This man-made pond was created during the Shilla Dynasty approximately 1,500 years ago.

Three buildings stand on three artificial islands while patches of lotus flowers frame the pond.

Gorgeous exterior lighting that go on after sunset create a magical night view. 

15. Seryang-Je

Seryang-Je, a reservoir built in 1969 in Hwasun, is another famous spot for both professional and amateur photographers for its ethereal mist and reflections of colorful blossoms and leaves. 

16. Kwanghan Pavilion 

Kwanghan Pavilion is the setting of Chunhyangjeon, one of Korea's most famous folk tales.

Chunhyang, the young, beautiful daughter of a gisaeng (Korean geisha), and Mongryong, the handsome son of the local governor, first met and fell in love in this beautifully designed pavilion, which was designated a treasure in 1963.

17. Seomjin River Train Village 

Kudos to the Gokseong district office, which has managed to create a lovely tourist attraction out of abandoned railroads. 

A brief steam train ride (they don’t make ’em like this anymore, literally) is available for tourists, who can also enjoy a bike hike on a trail bike or a romantic walk beside the train track. 

18. Cheongsando 

For a small country road, Cheongsando marks a lot of "firsts" -- it is the world’s first "Slow Road" in Asia’s first "Slow City". 

It doesn’t take long to realize why it is called "Slow Road" -- one’s pace naturally slackens to fall in with the pace of the rest of the island.

Rape blossoms (in spring) and Mexican Asters (in fall) in full bloom are bordered by simple stone walls.

19. Halla Mountain 

This fairy-tale sight of snowflakes and icicles covering tree branches on Halla Mountain were the inspiration for the Halla Snow Festival that was held late January/early February every year.

Unfortunately, the festival was halted a few years ago because whenever they set a date it would rain and people would get mad.

But the snow-covered trees are still there, and you are welcome to go sledding, snow rafting and ice sliding on your own.

20. Terraced Fields, Hamyang 

This small village at the foot of Jiri Mountain displays a curious sight of terraced rice paddies.

In spring the water in the paddies reflects the sky, while in autumn the paddies glow with golden grains.

21. Royal Azalea Festival, Hwangmae Mountain

At 1,108 meters, Hwangmae Mountain is the highest peak in the Sobaek mountain range, and is covered by royal azalea blossoms every spring. 

The festival runs from the beginning of May for two weeks, and organizers recommend coming at dawn to capture the most intense images on camera. 

 22. The Garden of Morning Calm

The Garden of Morning Calm is a beautifully designed and balanced arboretum in Gapyeong, run by a professor of horticulture. 

The garden features more than 20 themes and 5,000 different kinds of plants, and will be hosting a luminarie--a decorative structure studded with 6 million LED lightbulbs--until March 1. 

When there is a luminarie, the garden is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. The luminarie lights turn on at sundown. 

When there is no luminarie, the garden is open from 8:30 a.m. until sundown. 

Tickets cost ₩8,000 for weekends and holidays, ₩7,000 for weekdays from April to November and ₩6,000 from December to March. 

23. Chok-suk Pavilion 

This beautiful, historical pavilion overlooking Nam River is most famous as the place where Nongae, the concubine of a government official in the Chosun Dynasty, jumped into the river with a Japanese general after the castle of Jinju fell into Japan’s hands.

written by :
NURUL HIDAYAH BINTI MANAFA13A0968

TOP 10 scenic tourism at Los angeles

SAN GABRIEL CANYON ROAD

For a quick getaway, take San Gabriel Canyon Road, part of State Route 39, north of the San Gabriel Valley's I-210 and shadow its switchbacks. Race past two reservoirs and turn right onto East Fork Road. Adventurous hikers can park at its terminus and make a nine-mile round-trip trek to the 'Bridge to Nowhere'-an abandoned 1930s arch bridge turned bungee-jump site. The main route snakes on up to Crystal Lake, ending at a gate just beyond its turnoff. Landslides closed the last 4.4 miles connecting it to State Route 2, but for most, this is far enough.

WILSHIRE BOULEVARD

Slicing through the city's center is Wilshire Boulevard. At its eastern end, the mid-Wilshire district is essentially the neighborhood of Koreatown, and includes the art deco Wiltern Theatre at Western Ave. Next up is LA's own Miracle Mile, the one-mile length between La Brea and Fairfax avenues. El Rey Theatre, another art deco design, and Museum Row are its highlights. The row consists of car-centric Petersen Automotive Museum, modern LA County Museum of Art (LACMA), and anthropologic Page Museum with its bubbling La Brea Tar Pits. Beverly Hilton, home of the Golden Globe Awards, is at the corner of Santa Monica and Wilshire, and a good place to stop after craning your neck to see the many high-rises.

GRIFFITH PARK

Surely one of the shorter scenic sections of LA, Griffith Park offers perhaps the biggest payoff of all at its halfway point: a wide-angle view of downtown, day or night. Starting at the east end of the park, you'll cut between Roosevelt Golf Club, 'Hidden Jewel of Los Angeles', and the Greek Theatre, 'North America's best small outdoor venue,' before ascending. Turn left before the tunnel, and proceed uphill on East Observatory Avenue to reach the Griffith Observatory lot, where you can park and enjoy the overlook. Continue, descending to Western Canyon Rd at the tunnel's west end, then exit the park to end the loop.

FIGUEROA STREET

From Figueroa Street to PCH spans 22 miles of Hollywood history. Immortalized in a film and TV show of the same name, and referenced in the song Dead Man's Curve, this boulevard includes the iconic Sunset Strip-1.5 miles of hip clubs like House of Blues, Whisky a Go-Go, The Roxy and Viper Room-between Harper Avenue and Sierra Drive. Though a minimum of four lanes wide, once you pass classic Beverly Hills Hotel and UCLA, Sunset lives up to its swerving pseudonym in hilly Bel Air. Will Rogers State Historic Park fans out to the north before you wind your way west, down to the coast.

MELROSE AVENUE

A road relentlessly lined with retail and restaurants, Melrose Avenue will tempt shopaholics and foodies to join its many sidewalk-strolling pedestrians. The handsome, historic Hollywood Melrose Hotel ushers you westward, followed by America's oldest studio, Paramount Pictures. From Highland to La Cienega flows the aforementioned endless stream of high-end shops and diners. Melrose Place of television fame branches off the avenue after Orlando, but unlike the TV show, contains no residences--just more trendy boutiques.

HOLLYWOOD

Hollywood and Vine is a great intersection to give impetus to your tour of this bustling boulevard. Radio and film businesses once controlled its corners; now only the towering Capitol Records building to the north remains. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is centered at these crossroads, so stopping to stoop over stars' squares is highly suggested. Heading west to Highland, the Wax Museum and Guinness World Record buildings beckon. Next are two theaters, old and new: Graumann's Chinese Theatre, known for actors' hand/foot imprints gracing its entrance, and Kodak Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. At La Brea stands a silver sculpture of four caryatids under an Eiffel Tower-like canopy, marking the end of the Walk (and your drive).

ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST

Almost completely contained within the Angeles National Forest, this 66 mile mountaintop traverse of the San Gabriel range offers outstanding views of the Mojave Desert and Pomona Valley, often at altitudes over 7000 feet. Also known as State Route 2, the Angeles Crest Highway is bookmarked by two popular ski resorts: Mt. Waterman in the west and Mountain High in the east. Donnie Darko was partially filmed there, in addition to racing scenes in The Love Bug. The view from nearby Mount Wilson Observatory is often featured on local news stations, so it's deserving of a quick side trip.

PALOS VERDES PENINSULA

Palos Verdes Peninsula is the most prominent landmass of Los Angeles County, encompassing four cities and lying just outside LA city limits. Motoring from Malaga Cove (where Palos Verdes Drive N & W converge), the road meanders until it again forks at Point Vicente Park, with its sentinel lighthouse. There the name changes one last time to Palos Verdes Drive S, and passes by newly-opened Terranea Resort, peaceful Abalone Cove beach, and lovely Wayfarers' Chapel, nicknamed 'the glass church'. Last sight (or stop, if you choose) is the Trump Golf Course, host of an LPGA tournament. This is not a route for fast drivers, as the speed limit is a tortoise-paced 30 mph in some places.

SANTA MONICA

Pacific Coast Highway, fondly abbreviated PCH, stretches along the golden sands of The Golden State. From Santa Monica's entertainment-packed pier northwestward, the gorgeous Getty Villa rises to the right, followed by private Pepperdine University. The highway continues to hug the coast from Malibu's beautiful beaches-with some celebrity sunbathers--until Point Mugu. So keep the gas pedal and/or convertible top down and enjoy the Pacific Ocean breeze.

MULHOLLAND

This is the big one; 55 miles long, with eight overlook points, it's the most well-known of Los Angeles' scenic drives. Named for LA engineer William Mulholland, Mulholland Drive was built in the 1920s to bring housing developments to the Hollywood Hills, and indeed some of the most exclusive homes have appeared along it since then. It has been immortalized in many art forms: two movies, two pop songs and a painting are but a few. Talk show host and comedian Jay Leno recently filmed himself driving its length as he sung its praises. Retracing his and others' tire tracks is a quintessential southern California experience.

written by:

NORKUSHAINY BINTI ROSLAN 

A13A1514

THE DARK HEDGES, NORTHERN IRELAND

Over 200 years of Natural Magnificence.

This beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century. 

It was intended as a compelling landscape feature to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to their Georgian mansion, Gracehill House. 

Two centuries later, the trees remain a magnificent sight and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland.

The Dark Hedges are located along Bregagh Road, near Gracehill Golf Club, off the A147, approximately 2.5 miles from the village of Stranocum heading north.

                                                       

 

The road where Northern Ireland's famous Dark Hedges grow is to close for 10 days so that a number of dead or diseased trees can be felled.

   

A tree surgeon has been appointed to carry out much needed work to preserve the archway of intertwining ancient beech trees and ensure the safety of the public, according to the Dark Hedges Preservation Trust.

Meanwhile, brown tourist signs are to be erected to direct people to the increasingly popular north Antrim attraction in Stranocum, which has been drawing the crowds ever since doubling as the King's Road in HBO's Game Of Thrones series.

Until now, the tens of thousands of visitors that come to the Dark Hedges each year have struggled to locate the road and local residents have been inundated with callers seeking directions.

Following two extensive tree surveys and a thorough procurement process, we have appointed a suitably qualified tree surgeon to carry out the recommended maintenance works on the trees to ensure the preservation of the ancient beech trees and the safety of the public. These works, which are part of a wider project to improve the visitor experience, have been funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Beech trees reach maturity at 150 to 200 years and those making up the Dark Hedges are past maturity at 200 to 250-years-old.

Under the Tree Preservation Order, the Trust must survey the trees regularly and carry out recommended works.

The only other works will be the removal of dead branches that overhang the public road. This will be to safeguard the public.

Now called The Dark Hedges by locals and tourists alike (Northern Ireland started using images from the road in their tourism campaigns in the late 1990s), the site has been used for scenes from "Game of Thrones".

The Legend of the Grey Lady

The road is reputedly haunted by a spectral ‘Grey Lady’ who appears at dusk among the trees. She silently glides along the roadside and disappears as she passes the last beech tree.

Rumor has it that "the Grey Lady" (no, not the New York Times) now haunts the road, especially the last beech tree at dusk.

                                              

A Photographer’s Favourite

The Dark Hedges is one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland and a popular attraction for tourists from across the world.  It has been painted by hundreds of visiting artists and is a favourite location for wedding photographs.

Of the Dark Hedges, world-renowned photographer Jim Zuckerman writes, 

"One of the most beautiful roads I’ve ever seen is this country lane in Northern Ireland.  It's called Dark Hedges, and I include it in my photo tour to Ireland. All of the people in my groups get amazing pictures here. The serpentine trees form a tunnel that is spectacular at any time of the day, but I find it particularly intriguing and mysterious just before dark".

 

In my opinion, it is the best place to visit for whom love to be in romantic, atmospheric, tunnel-like avenue of intertwined beech trees, planted in the 18th-century.

                                            - views of the Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland -

Written by:

Bibi Nur Adzlyn Adzam

A13A0117