Exotic Culinary from Solo,

Picle Tofu ala Solo

Visit Raja Ampat : Ultimate Underwater Expedition

Hi..

I just go straight forward to eastern part of Indonesia, the bird head of the island of Papua to see most beautiful area for diving, Raja Ampat Islands “The Four King”, the Conservation Area.

I found this article to share with you at, http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/248/raja-ampat

This place is one of beautiful Indonesia marine conservatory. It is a wonderful natural marine beauty everyone should see..

The roaring engines fixed to a large wooden boat are finally quiet. Nothing can be heard but the rifting little waves, lapping against the vibrant paint on the sides of the vessel that gracefully slows down. Native birds hop on the tip of a small tree in one of the deserted islands in the distance.

Raja Ampat or ‘Four Kings’, is the name given to these islands and comes from a local myth. The four major islands found here are Waigeo, Misool (which is home to ancient rock paintings), Salawati, and Batanta.

Underwater enthusiasts flock to this region because it offers the world’s best marine sights. Two days earlier, some of these travelers had been at a deafening corner of a tourist trap in Bali. Once they took their flight to the bird head of the island of Papua everything changed as they embarked on a diving tour of a lifetime. In the Raja Ampat islands, divers can explore vertical underwater walls. The thrill of drift diving is another great challenge. These are the awesome experiences you will find in Raja Ampat.

Meanwhile, on this tour several divers were well equipped and looked advanced. The territory within the islands of the Four Kings is enormous, covering 9.8 million acres of land and sea, home to 540 types of corals, more than 1,000 types of coral fish and 700 types of mollusks. This makes it the most diverse living library for world’s coral reef and underwater biota. According to a report developed by The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, around 75% of the world’s species live here. When divers first arrive here their excitement is palpable. It’s common to hear people praise God as they take in the remarkable scenery. Others prefer to remain in silence taking in the overwhelming sight of so many islands with crystal clear water that softly brushes over the white sandy beaches.

“Disini bagus!”, says the friendly local guide who had been appointed by the tour operator who runs an eco-lodge in Raja Ampat, indicating that they have arrived at one of the most fantastic diving sites. On other days, this guide is just a simple fisherman. The local fishermen here are accustomed to foreigners and are friendly, especially when offered pinang  (betel nuts) or some sweet candies. These are very popular and offering these sweets is considered polite and a good way to win an instant smile. The fishermen usually eat this snack during Para-para Pinang, or social chatting and exchanging funny stories while chewing Pinang. In many respects, like nature, culture, and history, these fishermen are closer to the Moluccas.

“No doubt about it, Raja Ampat is definitely the richest place for fish that I have ever been.” –
-Dr G.R. Allen

“I was like a five-year-old, seeing a reef for the very first time. I was awestruck, held by the incredible power of this richest reef. We must, with all available resources, preserve the beauty of Raja Ampat. This may be the last frontier.” –Michael Aw

“I love the people, I love the diving, it’s super! I’ve never been for a second time to the same dive destination but now I’m thinking about going back for the third time! Should I say more?” –Peter van Dalen

(These testimonials are taken from www.iriandiving.com)

While the landscape may look like a dream, this is not an illusion. As you embark on your dive, the phrase  ‘Attention to detail’ takes on new meaning as pigmy seahorses swim around your fingers. Manta Rays and wobbegongs will glide right by you. Tuna fish, giant trevallies, snappers, and even barracudas are there to complete your underwater ‘meeting list’. Not to mention the friendly assistant of the dugong, and a busy colleague, the turtle.  Natural and untouched beauty is the main attraction here. With no unnecessary adages, the sky, the lush islands, the sea, and everything above and under it is genuinely saying ‘Welcome to Raja Ampat Islands; your personal Disneyland of diving sites’.

More facts about the Raja Ampat Conservation Area:*

This area is home to 1,511 species of reef fish in the Bird’s Head Seascape;
1,320 species of reef fish in Raja Ampat;
75% of all known coral species in the world;
10 times the number of hard coral species found in the entire Caribbean;
In the Birds Head Seascape there 600 species of hard coral recorded;
5 species of endangered sea turtles;
57 species of Mantis Shrimp;
13 species of Marine Mammals;
And 27 species of endemic reef fish found only in that area

To see more pictures on the enchanted Raja Ampat, click

http://www.indonesia.travel/en/photoessay/details/post/1

Culinary experience in Solo – Central Java

Hi..

One of my most favourite activities during my leisure is hunting some yummy foods. My old town during my high school time was Solo, a city in central Java region that has an ancient cultural back ground of Mataram dynasty and has plenty of unique and tasty foods..

Some of those menus are heritage from old kingdom time and are delicious to try for.. So, whenever I got time to visit my old town I wont miss that chance.. hmm.. just bring back the old-time .

As I browsing in internet, I got some articles, websites and blogs that match with them.. Hope it will give me more new lists to explore next time.. a new experience too.

WISATA KULINER SOLO – SOLO CULINARY DESTINATION

 http://soloculinary.blogspot.com/

The Dewaruci Tall Ship crosses the Pacific bracing storms and towering waves

Posted on 23 Feb 2012 at 09:49  892

Having set sail from the Naval Base of Surabaya,  capital of East Java, on 15 January 2012, the majestic Navy Training tall ship “the Dewaruci” is currently on her voyage across the Pacific to join Operation Sail 2012 in the United States and promoting “Wonderful Indonesia” through cultural performances, parades, and meeting the locals.

On 25 January 2012, the class A barquentine built by H.C. Stolcken Soch, Germany in 1953, reached the Porasko Harbor in Jayapura, the province of Papua. Here, cadets and crew of the Dewaruci were welcomed in an official ceremony led by  vice Commander of the Naval Base IX, Navy Colonel Imron along with the staff and related officials.

At this final port within the territory of Indonesia, the Dewaruci held an open ship and gave the rare opportunity to students in Jayapura to board Indonesia’s oldest training ship. Highlighting its mission to promote the country, several art performances such as Reog Ponorogo, Rampak Gendang, and Remo dance were also held in Jayapura. At this port, the ship re-supplied their logistical needs to anticipate the long voyage to their next call at Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands, USA. On 30 January 2012, Dewaruci hoisted her sails yet again and left Jayapura in an official send-off led by Governor of Papua, DR. Syamsul Aziz, M.Si.

On the 6^th day of her voyage,  on 2 February 2012, the ship was about halfway from Jayapura to Kwajelein, sailing at the speed of 7 knots with engine thrust at 550 RPM with the west wind blowing at 14 knots.

Naval Captain Sapto Budiarso reported that the ship had begun to face serious challenges. Unfriendly weather, storms, and towering waves rolled and buffeted the ship heavily as the sea washed onto the deck. The average speed of the ship was declining from 6 to 5 knots ever since it left Jayapura. Commander of the Dewaruci, Naval Lieutenant Colonel Bima Bayuseta then ordered to optimize the main sails so that the speed could increase to 7 knots. However when the wind direction changed, the speed dropped again to 4 knots. Battered by extreme conditions, the cadets and crew began to experience nausea and sickness. Nevertheless, strong will and determination eventually won when they all  sprightly managed the sails even under blistering rains,  boosting the ship’s speed to 6.5 knots.

On Sunday morning , 5 February 2012, the Dewaruci Tall Ship was reported cruising the Pacific Ocean at coordinate of 6’09.137-159’25.300. With engine thrust at 600 RPM, which normally would give 7 to 8 knots, the ship moved at only 2 knots as it sailed against the wind in high waves. Due to these extreme conditions and her speed declining, the schedule to reach Kwajelein, USA on 8 February 2012 would have to be delayed.

At long last, at 10.30 local time on 10 February 2012, after sailing for about 1.794 miles, the Indonesian legendary Tall Ship Dewaruci finally made port at the Kwajelein Naval base in the Marshall Islands, USA, 2 days behind the initial schedule. The ship and all its crew were warmly welcomed by  U.S Army Military troops in Kwajelein, commanded by Colonel Joseph N. Gaines.

Upon arrival, the cadets and crew of Dewaruci were escorted by the Indonesian Defense Attaché for the USA, Navy Colonel KH.Anwar Saadi, and members of the U.S Army. Lieutenant Colonel Haris Bima Bayuseto explained that aside from circumnavigating the world, the ship also holds a mission to promote Indonesian Tourism through the “Wonderful Indonesia” brand. The cadets and crew later paraded through the city and played a friendly game of football with the team of Kwajalein U.S Army.

“I commend the Dewaruci and all its crew and cadets. Many thanks and good wishes to the Indonesian people, and we wish you a safe journey all the way, until your voyage back to Indonesia” said U.S Army Commander Colonel Joseph N. Gaines as he closed the gala dinner with all the crew and cadets of Dewaruci.

On the morning of 11 February 2012, Dewaruci again opened its deck for the  public in an open ship session held until 12.00 local time. At 14.00 , the gallant Dewaruci  hoisted her sails yet again as she prepared to sail to the next destination : Honolulu. The trip is estimated to take approximately 13 days in fair weather conditions.

On this long journey around the world, the Dewaruci is scheduled to visit 21 countries in Asia, Africa, America, and Europe. This voyage marks a record as the furthest and longest sailing time ever undertaken by Dewaruci, and also marks its last voyage before being finally retired.

As the 59^th voyage  and having served for 60 years, this voyage of Dewaruci is undeniably outstanding since it is  estimated to take on a total of approximately 277 days from 15 January to 16 October 2012.

Dewaruci’s voyage log this time covers  her voyage from Surabaya to  Jayapura, Jayapura – Kwajelein (USA), Kwajelein– Honolulu (USA), Honolulu – San Diego (USA), San Diego – Manzanillo (Mexico),Manzanilli – Panama, Panama – New Orleans (USA), New Orleans – Miami (USA),Miami – Charleston (USA), Charleston – New York (USA), New York – Norfolk(USA), Norfolk – Baltimore (USA), Baltimore – Boston (USA), Boston – St. John(Canada), St. John – Porto (Portugal), Porto – Cadiz (Spain), Cadiz – Malta, Malta –Port Said (Egypt), Port Said – Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Jeddah – Salalah (Oman), Salalah– Colombo (Srilanka), Colombo – Belawan (Indonesia), Belawan – Jakarta, Jakarta –Surabaya.

My country, Indonesia

Im Indonesian and I think we have plenty interesting things here to share.

Since Indonesia is the largest archipellago in the world, im proud that we have a lots of ethnic groups, cultures, including many local languages and beautiful places from beach, sea with its underwater lifes, beautiful islands, rain forest, rivers, lakes to mountains and whatever lives in those places.
The great welcomed people and its wonderful traditions and don’t forget its yummy cuisines..
All are wonderful, worth to be explored and experienced.

To my fellow Indonesian, let’s enlarge our experiences.. To anybody who likes to taste the exotic tropical paradise, come visit Indonesia..

Check it out.. Enjoy the experience.!!