Mentawai Islands

Though not a great distance from the mainland, the Mentawai Islands and its people were kept isolated until the 19th century by strong winds, unpredictable currents and razor-sharp corals.

It’s thought that the archipelago separated from Sumatra some 500,000 years ago, resulting in unique flora and fauna that sees Mentawai ranked alongside Madagascar in terms of endemic primate population. Of particular interest is siamang kerdil, a rare species of black-and-yellow monkey, named simpai Mentawai by the locals.

The largest island, Siberut, is home to the majority of the Mentawai population and is the most studied and protected island in the archipelago. About 60% of Siberut is still covered with tropical rainforest, which shelters a rich biological community that has earned it a designation as a Unesco biosphere reserve. The western half of the island is protected as the Siberut National Park.

Pulau Sipora is home to Tua Pejat, the seat of regional government and a surfer drop-off point. The archipelago’s airport is located at Rokot. With only 10% original rainforest remaining, it’s also the most developed of the Mentawai Islands.

Further south are the Pulau Pagai islands – Utara (North) and Selatan (South) – which rarely see independent travellers.

Change has come quickly to the Mentawai Islands. Tourism, logging, transmigrasi (a government-sponsored scheme enabling settlers to move from overcrowded regions to sparsely populated ones) and other government-backed attempts to mainstream the culture have separated the people from the jungle and whittled the jungle into profit. It isn’t what it used to be, but it is a long way from being like everywhere else.

Surfers comprise the other island-bound pilgrims, many of whom rank the Mentawais as the ride of their life.

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit the islands in October 2010, with a resulting tsunami killing more than 500 people and making more than 8000 homeless in the archipelago's southern islands.

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Bintan Island

The Bintan Island is an island located in the Riau Islands and is the largest island in the Riau archipelago. Bintan island area reaching 1140 km2 with 105 km coastline. The Bintan island population of 200,000 people composed of various tribes of ethnic Malay, Chinese and people bugism sea. The Bintan Island has beautiful beaches and stunning, there is a gulf that can you visit and can see the beauty beneath the sea with diving. The Bintan Island has a tropical climate because of the island of Bintan is located on the equator with temperatures ranging from 21 ° to 32 ° Celsius.

The Bintan Island has many interesting natural sights, not just the beach that has beautiful white sand with stunning underwater beauty but also has a Mount Bintan island of Bintan that has a high reach 340 F, so you can see the beauty of Bintan island from above, if bintan island you visit you can also visit the night market akau, Sri Bintang Kampung Eco Tour and buy handicrafts typical of the island of Bintan. The Bintan Island all the facilities and prasara quite complete because Bintan Island has a variety of hotels and resorts that you can use when visiting the Bintan Island.

Separated from the resorts by checkpoints and armed guards, the rest of the island is "real" border town Indonesia, home to electronics factories, fishing villages and local style resorts (beach and adventure type) along the East Coast Bintan.

The colorful town of Bintan, Tanjung Pinang, 1.5 hours away from Singapore by ferry, used to be a local destination for prostitution and gambling (just like neighboring Batam), but after a clamp-down by the local authorities it is regaining its rightful reputation as one of Indonesia's most historical cities, with its ancient vibrant market partly located on stilts in the sea.

Get in
For detailed information on visas, please see Indonesia page. All Bintan ports, namely Sri Bintan Pura (Tanjung Pinang), Lobam and Bandar Bentan Telani/Lagoi are visa-free and visa-on-arrival points of entry.

As of July 2010 a 7-day visa-on-arrival at 10 US$ per person is available again for groups of 4 people or more. This visa is valid for visits to the special economic zone of Bintan / Batam / Karimum only and must be applied via the local hotel or tour agent in advance.

By plane
Bintan's Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport (IATA: TNJ, ICAO: WIDN) only caters to a limited number of flights, none of which are international. The main operator is Riau Airlines which provides connections to Jakarta, Pekanbaru, Palembang, Jambi and the remote Natuna Islands. Sriwijaya Airoffers daily flights from Jakarta. Alternatives include flying into Singapore and taking the ferry across, or using the larger airport in neighboring Batam.

By boat
You are most likely to arrive by boat. Most international travelers arrive from Singapore and Johor Bahru. Bintan is also the major domestic seaport for the Riau Islands and is a port of call for Indonesia's major passenger shipping company Pelni. The ride across itself (return ticket around S$50) is worth the trip. Make sure you get on the open deck (most locals stay in the air-conditioned cabin). Close to Singapore, hundreds and hundreds of oil tankers, freighters and huge container ships from all over the world literally fill up the horizon in any direction. Later on on the ride, there will be small islands dotted across South China Sea, most seem uninhabited, with mysterious jungle coastlines, and dark volcanoes in the background. Just use your imagination and think about the pirates that have been hiding on those islands for centuries (and are still now), or how participants of the "Survivor" TV series would cope on such an island, with huge pythons all over the jungle.

There are several passenger ports in Bintan. The most common one is at Tanjung Pinang where most short-distance inter-island ferries and those from Singapore and Johor Bahru dock. The other ferry terminals are at Tanjung Uban, Kijang (where Pelni boats dock), and Teluk Sebung which serves the Bintan Resorts area on the northern part of the island. Please see Bintan Resorts for details to get to that part of Bintan.

From/to Singapore - three companies - Penguin, Indo Falcon and Berlian/Wavemaster - operate ferries between Singapore's Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and Tanjung Pinang. Together, they operate six ferries on weekdays, increasing to nine during weekends and public holidays. Tickets cost around S$50-59 return / S$40 one way (excluding Indonesia port tax).

The various ferries from Singapore take around 2 hours to get to Tanjung Pinang. When you arrive you should confirm your return at the ferry company offices ASAP as the ferries can get full. It is impossible to get out of the terminal without a guide latching on to you, so take advantage and get them to show you where the office is, they may offer to do this anyway. It is roughly - left out of the terminal, then take the first left and the office is at the end of the street and should only take a couple of minutes to reach.

From/to Malaysia - around five ferries daily to/from the Johor Bahru International Ferry Terminal at Stulang Laut, Johor Bahru, to Tanjung Pinang. Tickets cost RM75/125 one-way/return excluding taxes. Journey takes 90 mins.

From/to Batam
o Baruna (Tel: +62-771-28578 in Tanjung Pinang, +62-778-479162 in Telaga Punggur) and Sentosa speedboats run virtually every 15 minutes between Telaga Punggur on the southeastern end of Batam and Tanjung Pinang, the main town on Bintan. The fare is Rp. 40.000 before port taxes of Rp. 3.500 (1 hour). Slightly less frequent speedboats run between Telaga Punggur and Tanjung Uban on the western end of Bintan.
o Several ferries which originate from cities in the Sumatra mainland also call at Sekupang, the main domestic ferry port on Batam, before continuing to Tanjung Pinang.

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Nias Islands

Nias Islands is the biggest in a group of islands on this side of Sumatera that is part of the province of Sumatera Utara. This area consists of 131 islands and Nias Island is the biggest. The population in this area is about 639,675 people (including Malay, Batak, and Chinese). Nias has a very unique culture and nature which is far different from other areas in North Sumatra. This is because of its separate and remote location from the rest of Sumatra.

To reach this place, there is weekly ship from Jakarta (the capital city of Indonesia) to Gunung Sitoli; There are Ferries from Sibolga to Gunung Sitoli, Teluk Dalam, or Lahewa every day; Before the crisis hit Indonesia, there is daily flight from Medan to Gunung Sitoli, however it is less frequent nowadays.

Gunung Sitoli is the capital city of Nias and it is the center of administration and business affairs of regency. There are several travel agencies hotels, public busses and rental cars to support tourism here. There are also some government and private banks available.

Cultural side of the island is a very attractive one. The most famous and unique cultural activity is stone-jump, where men make thrilling leaps over a high pile of stone with height over 2 meters. The jump made to prove one's manhood. Visitors can find this activity performed in village of Bawomatoluo, Hilisimaetano or in other surrounding villages.

Stone-jump occasion is used to prove one's manhood. The stone piles may reach over 2 meters high, actually this is dangerous but yet thrilling sport.

Nias traditional war dances also very attractive, just don't be upset if now this dance performed with no intention to declare real war. The performers wear traditional costumes, warriors jacket made from black palm fiber (called ijuk) and bark-cloth fiber, and their heads garnished with bird feather, while in their hand they carry spears and shield.

Traditional house of this island is very interesting. Village of Bawomatoluo or ‘sunhill’ has the oldest and largest Omo Sebua or Ig house of this indigenous, warlike Nias tribe. This house with height up to 22 meters and some of its pillars are thicker than a meter still owned and inhabited by the royal family. In addition to its magnificent architecture, it has appealing wall carving that honor great ritual feast, and garnished with furnitured, like tables and chairs weighing up to 18 tons each.

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Bali Islands

Bali Islands is one of the thousands islands constructing the Indonesian Archipelago that has long been famous as a leading tourist destination in South Pacific or even in the world for its exotic and vibrant art and culture, natural beauties and the hospitality of the people. Bali islands covers an extent of 5,632.86 square kilometers consisted of mountain range stretches from the West tip to the East.

Hinduism is adhered by almost 95% of its population of more than 3 millions people, specifically blended with Buddhism and the Ancestor's worship. It is made inseparable from everyday life and no opportunity is missed to worship Gods in an unending series of ceremony stretches from birth up to after death.

The Conducive environment in Bali islands is supported by the Balinese philosophy of life, called "Tri Hita Karana". Tri Hita Karana dictates that happines can only be achieved if there are hamonious relationship between human and Gods; between human and their community; and between human and nature (its surronding). This philosophy has become a way of life among the Balinese, and is practiced in their daily life.

Bali Islands has such a mild and agreeable climate the wholeYear round, with average temperature of the day in coastal areas varies from about 28C (82F) during May-July to abut 30C (86F) in March-October, while the most pleasant weather is between May-September.

Bali Islands consultant services - we are pleased to assist you with your information needs and our full service allows you to make research, investment, property and land, destinations and bookings, select specials, adventures tour, domestic flight, hotels, villas and home reservation, tours and transfer, spa, golf, activity, car rental and more. Offering a high standard of service with competitive rates, our experiences will show you every aspect of this country of endless attractions.

With a network of tour operators throughout the country, Bali Islands has already had a reputation of its interesting and selected routes with a wide range of choices of destination.

Nusa Dua  is an exclusive resort area featuring pristine beaches and majestic palms overlooking a turquoise sea. This purpose-built development is a peaceful enclave where families can relax and enjoy a tropical paradise and the Balinese hospitality, all without having to venture far from their luxurious rooms. The Bali Golf and Country Club is only a few steps away and the International Airport is a mere 20-minute drive from Nusa Dua.

Ubud is a remarkable town inthe middle of the island of Bali. For more than a century, it has been the island's preeminent centre for fine arts, dance and music.While it once was a haven for scruffy backpackers, cosmic seekers, artists and bohemians, Ubud is now a hot spot for literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs. Famous names walk its busy sidewalks everyday.

Sanur is traditionally a fishing village and has managed to keep that lazy-town feeling. This really makes Sanur a unique area and unlike most other beach areas in Bali, Sanur has stayed largely in local hands.

Tanah Lot bali, Located in Tabanan, just across the boundary of Badung regency, Tanah Lot is the most well-known and photographed temple. The temple is built on a small promontory, which is only accessible by foot at low tide. Take a scarf and dress with respec.


Menjangan Island popular diving site in Bali due to it's fine and preserved corals and rich equatic animal, turquoise clear water, and very calm sea. Every divers coming to Bali with the emphasize on diving program in Bali will put Menjangan and Tulamben sites as the priority sites. Menjangan island is unpopulated, but there is an old temple, supposed to originated from 14th century named " Pura Giri Kencana." During the expedition of Majapahit kingdom of Java in 1343 AD, it is believed that a boat was wrecked with their relics are still on sea bed. It is believed to have the magic influence.

Nusa Lembongan is situated 12 miles south east of bali. It is one hour travelling time by boat from Benoa Harbour. This pear shaped island is around 4km long and 2km wide. It is surrounded by a beautiful fringing reef and the waters are renowned for their abundance of life and great surf breaks.

Candidasa is most often compared to Kuta as Kuta was some 15 years ago. The comparison has some merit - Candidasa is a small village with few inhabitants on the beach with a several - mostly inexpensive hotels that cater to more adventurous tourists looking for a more laid back atmosphere.

by baliisland.org

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Lombok Islands

The island of Lombok is located east of Bali. 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.

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 scenery.

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 just like Christians go to church on Sunday. Therefore, on that day most businesses and government offices are closed half day and then re-open again after praying.

If you are planning on traveling around the island and visiting small villages it is more respectable to wear slacks or knee length shorts, a shirt with sleeves or a sarong. If you happened to be here during Ramadan, which is the Muslim month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, please do not to eat, drink or smoke out in the open public during this month long fast. Even though the people don’t seem bothered in the common tourist areas like, Senggigi and the Gili islands, it is better to respect the people and not eat or smoke openly.

The people who practice this still consider themselves Muslims but they have their own rituals in addition to the normal Muslim ones. One such ceremony is Nyiu, that takes place 1000 days after someone dies.

The relatives of the deceased offer material things like clothing, toothbrushes, food, dishes, mattresses, etc. so the deceased will be pleased in heaven.

When changing money there are many money changers in Lombok. The best rates are usually in Senggigi. Money changers prefer new, clean large bills and will accept smaller denominations at a lower rate. If you have traveler’s checks the rate will be less than bank notes.

Be sure to count your money before you leave money changers. You can also check local banks but the rate is slightly lower than outside. Re-count the money in front of the money changer reception is a must, as usually there's a quick tricky way how they can steal your money.

A suggestion when changing money. If you plan on making small purchases be sure to carry small denominations with you because many sellers do not have change. The Rupiah come in denominations of 100,000, 50,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, and 500, 100 in coin.

Dont miss Lombok's beautiful scenery. If you choose to rent a car or motorcycles and drive yourself, you must have an International Driving License.good alternative to get around Lombok, either self driving or with driver so you can relax and enjoy the view. (Tip driver pocket money for meals if you stop for lunch or dinner). If you are pleased with service, tip ( Rp. 20,000 minimum). If you collide with anything, or it collides with you, you are responsible for all cost.

Motorcycles are a convenient and inexpensive way to get around the Island, but Tourists are frequently injured in motorbike accident. If you rent a bike, drive slowly and very defensively. Helmets are required by law but those provided by rental agencies offer little protection.

Wanting to take back something from Lombok? 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.

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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