Sikuai island beach paradise

The Sikuai island is a popular tourist destination in West Sumatera, Indonesia.
It is a wonderfull island with white sandy beach, and warm tropical weather all year round, Sikuai island is about ± 23 KM up to the south of Padang city, which is at Bungus bay.

To go to Sikuai island, you can start at teluk kabung pier, then take a motor boat cross the sea into the Sikuai island, or from wisata-bahari-pier/ dermaga-wisata-bahari at muara-port/ pelabuhan-muara, Padang, about 20 minutes by speedboat and 60 minutes by boat into Sikuai island.

If depart to Sikuai Island from Dermaga Wisata Bahari Padang. We can take the boat that departs from the port at 10 AM or 2 PM daily.

view from sikuai hilltop


There is a resort in Sikuai island, total area about ± 44.4 Ha, with amount of cottages, a restaurant, conference hall, swimming pool and also a jogging track circling the island, and of course the access to diving or snorkeling, and other activities on the sea surrounding the Sikuai island.
The cottages are made of wood. Each cottage has two separated bedrooms, without connecting door. Each bedroom has private balcony where we can sit and enjoy the view. Inside the cottage, there is bathroom with shower, TV, refrigerator, and AC.


The bedroom is simple but clean. The light is dim so makes the room look smaller. There is no telephone in the bedroom.

sikuai beach cottage

With the tropical atmosphere and relaxing and enjoy your private moments, beach walking, swimming, snorkeling etc away from your daily routine activities. There is jogging track around the island where we can walk or cycle.

In the afternoon you will see an exotic sunset from the Sikuai beach or from the top of Sikuai hill just a stroll away. We can watch the sunset from the top of the hill. From there, we also can see other small islands around Sikuai.
The island has white beach and clear water. We can play at the beach, snorkle, or sunbathe. If we want to snorkle, the reef is only short distance away from the beach resort.

On the weekend the island is more lively with day-tripper visitors from Padang city, on the other workdays visitors can have the beach for him or herself,,, its totally a tropical island bliss.

you can have the beach for yourself

sikuai island, a perfect holiday

tranquil Sikuai island beach resort
Sikuai island lies just a short distance away from Padang [a coastal city in west sumatera coast] a perfect place for a getaway, holiday in the unspoilt tropical island, white sandy beaches flanked with coconut trees. Only 20 minutes away from  Padang city by a speedboat there is a tropical paradise waiting. 
crystal clear water glittering under the sunlight, clean unspoilt white sandy beaches.




there are hundreds or maybe thousand island paradise in Indonesia need to be found and explore, beautiful tropical island life.
tranquil beach paradise a perfect holiday for sun seeker, swimming in the blue lagoon-like sea, or walking by the beach or take a boat just cruising around the calm water of the island.

please note these pics are in low resolution as this was taken by a camera phone. Thanks to Nuy, who has shared her holiday photos in Sikuai.

bunaken marine park, north sulawesi

Bunaken, manado can be reach by direct flight from Jakarta, Bali, Singapore.

The Bunaken National Marine Park lies just of the coast off Manado, north Sulawesi, was formally established in 1991 and is among the first of Indonesia's growing system of marine parks. The park covers a total surface area of 89,065 hectares, 97% of which is overlain by sparkling clear, warm tropical water. The remaining 3% of the park is terrestrial, including the five islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain and Siladen. Although each of these islands has a special character, it is the aquatic ecosystem that attracts most naturalists.


Bunaken Island, right in the heart of the award-winning Bunaken Marine Park, the diving offers beautiful corals, lots of fish, amazing small critters, and some larger exciting creatures including reef sharks, turtles and barracudas.

The Bunaken - Manado Tua National Marine Park geographically located in Indo Pacific region and holds the richest marine diversity on the planet, where the Bunaken island is considered to be one of the top diving destinations.


Bunaken island received some publicity when the marine biologist Dr. Mark Erdmann found a living Coelacanth here, a specie of fish some 60 million years old and have never been seen before.
Bunaken Island is the main island of the theMarine National Park and became famous through it's world class diving and snorkling spots.

The 5 island were established as marine park in 1991.
Indeed, Bunaken was identified as home for more fish species than even the Great Barrier Reef by the International Oceanographic Institute. There are quite many phantastic places around Bunaken Island but also on the neighbouring Islands and the mainland are wonderful places, wich you should not miss.
bunaken liang beach
bunaken sunset

bunaken underwater life
A high diversity on corals, fish and special underwater creatures.
Bunaken National Marine Park is chosen as a one of "10 Top Snorkeling Spots" in the world by Forbes Traveler.com.

The waters around Bunaken island are home to dolphins, whales, turtles, sharks, rays, sea snakes, sea cows, barracudas, tunas and the list goes on.
Bunaken was identified as home for more fish species than even the Great Barrier Reef by the International Oceanographic Institute.

Water temperatures in Bunaken island vary between 27-30 degrees Celsius all year around with a visibility generally between 20 40 meters

There are many options for guest to take advantage of the outstanding snorkeling opportunities just 100 meters in front of the resort, at dawn or night above the magnificent drop-offs.
Remote, unspoiled, Bunaken with its stunningly romantic settings, private beach and extraordinary house reef makes an excellent choice for couples, groups of friends, families, divers and non-divers alike.

gili island natural beauty

lombok island holiday in natural tropical beauty

The Gili Islands are an archipelago of three small islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air — just off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia.
The islands are a popular destination for Western tourists looking for a remote island experience. Each island has several small resorts, usually consisting of a small collection of huts for tourists, and a restaurant. Most local inhabitants live in the hilly interior of the island. Automobiles and motorized traffic are prohibited on the islands by local ordinance, so the preferred method of transportation is bicycle or the horse-drawn carriage called a cidomo.


Diving in and around the Gilis is also popular, although the prices are fairly high due to local cartel activities. The name "Gili Islands" is a bit of a misnomer, because Gili simply means "small island" in Sasak.

All three islands feature superb, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, spectacular coral reefs, and the best snorkeling and diving to be found anywhere on Bali and Lombok. Visitors from all over the world are attracted to the simple pleasures of sun, snorkeling, diving, beautiful beaches, and socializing. The absence of cars, motorcycles, and hawkers adds greatly to the leisure of staying on the Gilis – although there is now a wide range of accommodation available, the islands have maintained the lazy rustic charms of a tropical paradise.

gili trawangan under water coral beauty
gili trawangan

Gili Trawangan is the most popular among the three Gili’s. Just kick back and enjoy the sun, nightly beach parties and sea. The main stripe is full of accommodations, restaurants, and dive shops.
If you are seeking a quieter place to stay there are bungalows in the north. This Island is also known as "Party Island", where mostly young European find themselves "Lost In Paradise".
If you come during the Peak Season (July-August, December-January), most places are full and prices are doubled. An advanced reservation is a must.
With spectacular sunrises over Lombok's Mount Rinjani volcano and breathtaking sunsets that illuminate Bali's towering Mount Agung volcano, together with warm hospitality of the Gili Trawangan residents, it's not surprising that most visitors end up staying longer than originally plan.


gili air

Gili Air is the nearest Gili to Lombok. It is also the most populated and you will find more trees there than the other Gili's. The local inhabitants are: Sasak, Mandar, Bugis and Makassar. You can find their unique culture that is different from Lombok and wonderful beaches. Many of the older generation still make their living as boatmen, fisherman and farming coconuts.
There are only a few number of luxury upmarket hotels (rooms with air conditioning, swimming pool, TV etc) on Gili Air. Most of places to stay are located in south, west and east side of the island. The island remains quiet and relaxing making it popular with honeymoon couples and travelers seeking a quiet retreat.

sea turtle at gili air

gili air beach

gili meno island
Gili Meno

Gili Meno is the middle island, the smallest of the three Gili's and it is the quietest with fewer tourists. A great escape for honeymooners or someone who wants to get away from it all.
Special features of the island is the salt lake and spectacular dive sites such as, Meno Wall, Sea Turtle Point, and Blue Coral Point. The beach on eastern part of the island is very nice and there's snorkeling just offshore and further north.
Gili Meno has a population of about 300 locals. The interior of the island is mostly a palm trees surrounded by grass which is kept neat by cows munching lazily in the shade. There are no cars or motorbikes on the island, all transport is by horse-drawn carts or on foot. The diving was pretty good, with quite a strong current but that incredible swimming-pool visibility that you get on good days off the islands in SE Asia. The relaxed pace of life and the community feeling on the island is really special. In Gili Meno, where fresh water is shipped from Lombok, eco-friendly practices are not an option. It is a necessity.
source http://www.phonevaganza.web.id/
gili meno beach gili island off the coast of lombok island.

travel info to lombok island coast of gili, diving, snorkeling, beach, natural, coral

Flores island, cape of flower

Flores Island lies east of Bali and Lombok, approximately 1800 km east of
Jakarta, between Sumbawa and Timor islands
It is about 2 hours flight from Denpasar - Bali by Fokker 27 of Merpati Airlines.

Centuries earlier, Portuguese explores discovered it as the jewels in the neckless of Indonesia Islands and gave the island its lyrical name "Cabo da Flores" means "Cape of Flowers" after the beautiful coral formations of its underwater gardens that shimmer in her crystal sea.

Flores island is one of the island on East Nusa Tenggara province. The east Nusa Tenggara cover the area 49,880 sq km and it has a population of 3,500,000.
Flores becomes one of the biggest island on the territory of East Nusa Tenggara or NTT which comprises 566 islands, including many smaller islands which are not in-habitated and unnamed.
The three main islands are Flores, Sumba and Timor from which comes the term 'Flobamor', which has been familiar as one of the names of NTT.
The other permanently inhabitated islands are Lembata, Adonara, Solor, Palue, Nules, Komodo, Rinca, Sumba, Sabu, Raijua, Rote, Semau, Alor and Pantar.

Nusa Tenggara [means islands in the south east], the island chain stretching east of Bali towards Australia, Flores is a skewed cocktail of lush paddy fields, arid plains, rugged hills and dense jungle. Vast volcanoes, fourteen of which are active, make Flores one of the most geological unstable places on earth. Shifts in scenery are sudden and dramatic, as if the landscape is being distorted by a fairground hall of mirrors.

Flores is a volcanic island and has unique and spectacular attractions. Flores is a home of unique culture, nature beauties and more.




Flores promises an unforgettable vacation for those who want to relax on a palm fringed beach, explore the enchanting coral playgrounds. Venture inland to discover the island's rich cultural heritage, the magnificent of "Kelimutu" - the Three Color Lakes, see the Giant Lizards - Komodo Dragons on their natural habitat, and much more .....



Flores Island is a dazzling kaleidoscope of prehistoric dragons and wild horses colored lakes and actives volcanoes, traditional villages and megalithic cultures, coral reefs and untouched beaches

The Flores archipelago itself is endless in diversity. Starting in the west lies the KOMODO ISLAND, where the biggest lizard in the world (the Komodo Dragons), can be seen. The sea around these island also offers excellent coral reefs to explore.

East of Komodo island is the main island of Flores. Unique to this island is the world famous Mt. Kelimutu with its three colored lakes.

Flores also offer traditional villages with megalithic cultures set in an untamed volcanic landscape, sunny beaches, coral reefs and beautifully hand made textiles.

Wildlife includes species of lizards, monkeys and parrots. There is also abundant marine life with reef sharks, sperm whale dolphins and tropical fish.

East of the island lies the Outer Island. Rich in colonial history, but still strong in traditional ways of living and beliefs. In the sea around these island one can also see whales and enjoy game fishing.

people and megalith custom

Predominantly Catholic, they have retained several aspects of the Portuguese culture such as the Easter parade held annually at Larantuka on the eastern part of the island and the Royal Regalia of the former King of Sikka.
Portuguese traders and missionaries came to Flores in the 16th century, mainly to Larantuka and Sikka. Their influence is still discernible in Sikka's language and culture.
 Flores came under Dutch influence c.1618. The Dutch gradually gained control of the island, although Portugal held the eastern end until 1851 and the natives were not completely subjugated until 1907.
Although 85% of Flores population are Roman Catholic. Christianity is fused with traditional beliefs.  
Divided by mountain chains and volcanoes, the island populated by ethnic groups with their own traditions and languages.
Many people still follow their old ways, by living in traditional villages and placing food offerings on megalithic stones, to appease their ancestor.

In the mountains, around Bajawa, the Ngada people still follow the law laid down by their ancestors. The Ngadanese are divided into set, clans, that have head chiefs and elders who decide over matters such as land-rights, funerals, marriages and other ceremonies.

The area Lio, Mt. Kelimutu, has a legend about four brothers who migrated from Java and formed the first Lio clans. All clan that live and form the same area, elect lords and chiefs to decide over community matters. Each clan owns a clan house where the bones of important ancestors are kept, and rituals are held. The Lio village is a cluster of houses with large high steep roofs erected around sacred stones, and megalithic.
Weaving

Women throughout Flores still hand-weave their textiles using natural dyes and handspun cotton, known as Ikat weaving. Flores textiles are rustic in color with abstract motifs of chickens, mountains and traditional houses. Some weaving areas are, Pagal around Ruteng, Wolotopo, Nggela in Ende region and Sikka nearby Maumere.

mount Kelimutu, three colored crater lakes
Mount Kelimutu has become a favourite destination, with its three crater lakes of different colours.
Set high among the mountains in the middle of Flores island is Mt. Kelimutu with its three volcanic craters, each with it's own colored lake. Most visitor make an early start to reach the summit and see the sunrise, which through its rays reveals the true colors of the lakes.

Local believe the colors are influenced by the kind of spirits that dwell in them.


Mt. Kelimutu, 1.690m fifty years ago, had three lakes, one lake was blue green, one fiery green and one red. Thirty years later, the colors had changed to blue, red brown and cafe au lait.
Now, Ata Bupu (Lake) is a dramatic dark-brown. Ata Polo are dark red-brown, and only Nuwa Muri remains aquamarine or turquoise as it apparently always was.
No one can explain the cause of such color changes except to suppose that different minerals are dissolved in the waters of each lake.

The countryside surrounding the lake, though no longer so "natural" as in the days of early Dutch visitors - some hundred years ago - is still mountainous and dramatic enough with panoramic views all side.

explore the unique Flores underwater world

Flores coral reefs, the treasure of coral reefs, rich with colorful sea gardens, giant clams, caves, and clear water that teems with more species of fish than can be found in all the rivers and lakes of Europe.
Occupying a unique position at the junction of the Australian and Asian submarine ridges, between the two distinct fauna regions marked by the Wallace Line, here is one of the world's most dynamic marine environments with nearly every species of coral and tropical fish represented.
There are three location, Labuan Bajo, Riung, and Maumere that offer facilities for snorkeling and certified divers. Labuan Bajo, the perfect location to explore untouched coral in Komodo National Park.

Maumere also offers the opportunity to explore great marine life, around 40 different dive sites in the Marine Garden of the Bay of Maumere. Dive into the crystal clear water with normal visibility of 60 - 150 yard and the right temperature of 26 - 28°Celcius, where you will see more species of fish than anywhere else and exciting marine life.

How to get to Flores

There are several daily / scheduled flights from Bali to some city in Flores such as Labuan Bajo and Maumere or Regular local ferry is also available departing from Benoa Harbour-Bali to Labuan Bajo. Alternatively, you can come through land transportation from island to other island. From Bali, you have to cross 3 straits on 2 island Lombok and Sumbawa island.

Major town or cities of Flores are Labuhan bajo in the west coast [also gateway to komodo island], bajawa and Ende in south central of the island, Maumere and Larantuka in the east.


The largest town is Maumere harbor.
The island is split into five regencies (local government districts); from west to east these are: Manggarai, Ngada, Ende, Sikka and Flores Timur.


sailing boat at labuhan bajo bay


From Flores visitors can also explore other islands of Nusa Tenggara such komodo island, Sumba Island, West Timor, Rote Island, Alor & Lembata Island, Savu Island, Rai Jua Island, Dana Island.



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Lombok island - the perfect holiday in the sun

The island of Lombok is located east of Bali island and can be easily accessed by air or by sea. Tourism is not quite as developed yet as Bali and it is that reason which makes Lombok the perfect getaway.
Escape to picturesque mountainside landscapes to white sand beaches of the Gili Islands. A place to relax and unwind from the daily life back home.

Lombok also has the third largest volcano in all of Indonesia, Mount Rinjani, which extends 3726 meters high with a crater lake called Segara Anak.

Mt. Rinjani is one of the largest mountains in Indonesia. On a clear day you can see break taking views from the summit. There is a crater lake, Segara Anak and a natural hot springs there. The trek usually takes about three days and it is advised to go with an experienced guide.


The main season here are wet season which starts from November to May and dry season start from May-October. The best time to come is in the month of May when the weather is just perfect with bright daylight and green scen

The local inhabitants of Lombok are called Sasaks. They speak Indonesian as well as their local Sasak language. The other main ethnicity’s include Balinese, Chinese, Arabian, and Javanese.

Lombok has three main districts with three capital cities: Mataram in the west, Praya in central and Selong in east Lombok. The majority of commerce is in the capital city of Mataram in west Lombok. The majority of the population on Lombok are Muslims. Every Friday around 12.30 noon, Muslims go to the mosques j
Visitor can explore the tiny island by using various kind of transportation such as: Chartered/Car Hire, Taxi, Bus, Bemo/Angkot (local’s public transportation) and Motorcycle.

There are plenty of activities you can do to complete your holiday. Sightseeing or touring organized by reputable local tour operators is the best option to discover what Lombok has to offer. Renting a car or motor cycle is also good alternative to get around, either self-driving, or with a driver so you can relax and enjoy the view. Car rental in Lombok is more expensive than Bali. Tip driver pocket money for meals if you stop for lunch or diner. If you are pleased with service, tip the driver or local guide at the end. If you collide with anything, or it collides with you, you are responsible for all costs.

Senggigi
Senggigi is the most developed area for tourists on Lombok. You can find a variety of restaurants, bars, discotheques, travel agents, photo processors, money changers, souvenir shop and a range of accommodations starting from budget guest house to 5 star hotels. Restaurants and small cafes line the colorful main beach road. Swimming off the beach is safe.

Most visitors to Lombok usually start their stay at Senggigi, Lombok's most famous resort area. Private villas, boutique hotels giving more options to the visitors of Lombok

The town of Senggigi spreads out along nearly 10 kilometers of coastal road. This road continues north to Bangsal, port for the Gili Islands. Along the way be in store for winding turns, steep hills, and a fantastic scenery of the coast.

Senggigi bay area, is much cooler than Bali. Senggigi is a four-kilometer strip of beach front, restaurants, and luxury resorts. Located about half an hour ride by car from the airport, it was first established and developed as a tourists area in 1986 by the Indonesian government.

The majority of the four- and five-star hotels in the island are located here. Its fame comes mostly from the breathtaking view of its bay facing the Lombok strait, which is also paralleled by the lush hills that blow a cool breeze to the whole Senggigi area.

The simple pleasure of sunshine, white sandy beaches in quieter settings, unique culture, and eco tours makes Lombok a perfect getaway for honeymooners, families or those who look for a total relaxing holiday



Surfing In Lombok
KUTA BEACH & SOUTH LOMBOK


The best-known place on the south coast is Lombok's Kuta Beach (Sometime spelt Kute Beach) a magnificent stretch of white sand and blue sea with rugged hills rising around it, famous for its surfing spots.

Kuta Beach Lombok attract visitors for its beautiful virgin beaches and surfing spots. Surfers from all over the world find Kuta Lombok as a surfer paradise. South coast of Lombok is famous for the high waves and Kuta Lombok is a good base for the surfers.

Many visitors come back year after year to surf the famous Kuta waves. Whether you are an experienced surfer or a beginner you will find the surf spot for you. Surf boards & boogie boards are available to rent or bring your own. You will need transport to the waves from Kuta, most guests choose to rent motorcycles which come with a special surf rack attached.

People usually head out to south Lombok for the best waves. Kuta Beach Lombok has white sandy beaches with good reef breaks.

You will need to take a boat to reach most spots. Another famous surfing spot is Bangko bangko, or known by most surfers as "Desert Point".
Like Bali, it has a beautiful surfing beach named Kuta. But unlike Kuta in Bali, which is densely populated with hotels ranging from the local inns to the five-star hotels, the Kuta beach in Lombok is remote and ideal for honeymooners. There is only one five-star hotel there where most up-market tourists stay.

Near the beach are several Sasak villages where the native Sasak people live. Their ancestors migrated to the island from the ancient Hindu Majapahit Kingdom in East Java at the end of the 14th century. Though the majority of the Sasak today are Moslems, anthropologists have noted that their language, songs, and dances show a strong link with the Hindu and Buddhist cultures that once dominated the Indonesian archipelago



Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

The Gili Islands is where everyone goes to dive and snorkel. Clear blue-green waters with abundant undersea life. There are many professional dive shops on the Gili’s with certified dive masters. The most popular ones are Blue Marlin, Dream Divers, Trawangan Dive, Dive Indonesia, Blue Coral, and Manta Dive. Trips are from beginners to advanced. A note of caution if snorkeling alone due to strong currents.

the sasak traditional costume
Lombok has great woven textiles like songkets and ikats that can be used as a sarong, wall hanging, table cloth and more. The design woven is special to each weaver and it is passed down through the generations before. There is a traditional hand weaving village in Puyung, central Lombok. You can even try on a traditional Sasak costume.
peaceful lombok countryside

Banyumulek (West Lombok), Penujak (Central Lombok) and Masbagik (East Lombok) are famous villages in Lombok for making pottery. Lombok pottery has gained popularity and is shipped throughout the world. There is a wide range of selections and it can custom made to your liking. We hope to develop the economy of the area by directly meet them with serious buyer from all over the world.

There are many traditional handicrafts you could take back as a souvenir i.e. wooden masks, baskets made out of ketak grass, wooden boxes designed with bits of shells, or other things made from bamboo or rattan.


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