Borobudur Temple

 

Borobudur Temple  formed punden berundak, consist of six rectan formed levels, three circle round formed levels and a stupa principal as the top. besides widespread at all stage several stupa.
borobudur high rise ten describe clearly sect philosophy mahayana. like a book, borobudur describe ten stages bodhisattva that must be passed to achieve fullness be buddhism.
foot part borobudur symbolize kamadhatu, that is world that still to dominated by kama or " low desire" . this part is a large part closed by stone stack that is guessed made to brace temple construction. in this addition structure closed part is found 120 story panels kammawibhangga. a part little that addition structure be separated out so that person admit of to see relief in this part.
four floors with wall berelief at on it by experts is called rupadhatu. square formed the floor. rupadhatu world that can free self from desire, but still bound by aspect and form. this stage symbolizes nature between that is, between nature under and nature on. in part rupadhatu this is buddhism statues found in wall clefts above ballustrade or gailery.
begin floor fifth up to seventh mendingnya not berelief. this stage is called arupadhatu (that mean not shaped or not extant). circle formed floor sketch. this stage symbolizes nature on, where human freed from all willing and form tie and aspect, but not yet achieve nirvana. buddhism statues is laided in stupa that closed wormeaten like in cage. from outside that statues stills appear dimly.
highest stage that describes form lack is symbolized shaped stupa biggest and highest. stupa described artless without holes. in stupa biggest this is ever found buddhism statue imperfect or called also unfinished buddhism, impute as statue adibuddha, while pass furthermore watchfulness never there statue in stupa principal, statue not finished that be the carver error in away back. follow wrong statue belief in course of the maker really may not be botched. archaeology digging that done at this temple yard finds many statues likes this.
in the past, several buddhism statues together with 30 stones with relief, two lion statues, several time formed stones, ladder and gate is sent to king thailand, chulalongkorn that visit dutch indies (now indonesia) in the year 1896 as present from dutch indies government at the time.
borobudur doesn't has adoration spaces like temples other. existing long roads that are small street. roads are limitted wall surround level temple by level. at roads here's buddhism people is estimated to do ceremony walks to surround temple up at right. building form without room and this storeyed structure is guessed to be development from form punden berundak, be original architecture form from indonesia prehistory time.
structure borobudur when seen from on form field structure.

A Guide to Shopping in Bali

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By Orson Johnson

Bali is an Indonesian island and a large tourist destination famous for its arts, dance, painting and music. The Balinese culture is majorly influenced by Indian and Sanskrit which is shown in their clothings, silverware and wooden carvings sold around the island.

Shopping in Bali is a blast! You can find fine art and unique handicrafts, antique and modern furniture, various paintings, crafted gold and silver jewellery, batik clothings, stone carvings, etc in the villages. Shops around the same area usually sell similar items, so if you aren't able to find a particular size, move on to the next shop to find it!

Places to shop:

Kuta, Legian and Seminyak: You can find batik sarongs, handicrafts, jewellery, and furniture along the main road of Kuta. The street peddlers will invite you to see the watches, trinkets and leather goods that they are selling, however do remember to be firm with them if you are not interested in their merchandise. Visit Kuta Square to see the local shops and Matahari Department Stores which virtually sells everything!

Other well known shopping centres in Seminyak are Geneva and Jalan Raya Kerobokan which sells cheap handicrafts. Discover boutiques of local designer clothes, lifestyle goods and antiques while walking along Legian Street from Seminyak. In the area, there are also many small family owned outdoor restaurants known as warungs along the street where tourists can stop and grab a bite at.

Sanur: The main street of Sanur where one can shop is at Jalan Danau Tamblingan. Painting studio shops offering broad selections of paintings can be found in this area. A chic women's fashion shop specializing in apparels which features embroidery is along the street. Many warungs with interesting concepts are also located nearby where one can taste authentic Indonesia food.

Nusa Dua: Shop at The complex called the Bali Collection! Sogo Departmental store is located inside the complex and offers a wide selection of international brands and designer labels. There are several number of small restaurants located around the resort with outdoor dining too.

Duty free shopping: There are numerous duty free shopping locations in Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua and at the Bali airport, but do expect the prices of the local produces to be priced expensively at these outlets compared to the previously mentioned shopping areas.

Things to note:

Remember to bargain when in the shops, as it is a normal practice there. Bring enough cash along with you too, because not all shops will accept credit cards. The shops are usually open from 10am to around 11pm.

Bali Culture

By Eddie Tobey

Bali is an Indonesian island that is rich in indigenous culture. A lot pf people say that Bali culture is unique and that the people of Bali have always been contented with the now. If you ask a Balinese person what heaven is like, the probable answer will be just like Bali. This only goes to show that most Balinese people are happy to be where they are and never worry.

One factor that contributes to this laidback lifestyle is the culture of close family ties in Bali. In the Balinese culture, support is always available. Balinese extended families are so tightly knit that all members usually reside in the same complex.

Hinduism is one of the main religions in Bali. The Bali culture is based on a form of this religion, which is called Hindu Darma. This religion reached the island during the eleventh century. Most of the family customs and traditions as well as community lifestyles of the Balinese people are influenced by this. The religious influence even expands widely into the arts, which makes Bali distinct from the rest of Indonesia.

In spite of the influx of tourists to the island, Balinese people have managed to preserve their culture. Almost every native of Bali is an artist in some form or another. Parents and villagers have passed on their skills to their children, who all seem to have inclinations either to music, dance, painting, and decor.

Another remarkable mark of the Bali culture is the series of ceremonies and rituals known as the Manusa Yadnya. This marks the different stages of Balinese life. Cremation is very popular on this island  and unlike in the West, death is a joyous and colorful event for the Balinese.

Indeed, Bali has a rich culture, making it distinctive from the rest of the islands in Indonesia.

Bali provides detailed information on Bali, Bali Vacations, Bali Culture, Bali Real Estate and more. Bali is affiliated with Bangkok Airfare.

More About Jakarta

Geographically
The Province is geographically located on 6012' South Latitude and 106048'- East Longitude. The government administration is set into 5 regions South Jakarta, Central Jakarta, East Jakarta, West Jakarta, North Jakarta and 1 regency/ administrative city, namely Thousand Island regency. The largest city is East Jakarta (187.73 sq km) and the smallest is Thousand Island regency (11.81 sq km). The average rainfall is 1,916.8- 924.50 mm/year. The temperature is between of 22 C - 33 C.

People
Indonesians are known as friendliest people in the world towards foreigners and most tolerant towards their manners. But there are few things, which are not done among Indonesia. They consider the head as something sacred that must be respected. Patting on the head is not done among adults. Calling someone by crooking the index finger is considered impolite and giving or receiving things with the left hand is no - where acceptable. The handshake accompanied with a smile is common among men and women greeting or welcoming somebody.

Not less 9 million people live in Jakarta representing nearly all the ethnic groups in the archipelago. The major groups are Sundanese, Javanese, Chinese, and the native community is Orang Betawi (people of Betawi). The other large groups are the Minangkabau people, the Bataks, the Manadonase, and the other people from Sulawesi and the Ambonase. Orang Betawi emerged in the 19th century from a melting pot of races, ethnic groups and cultures. They have their own culture distinct from other ethnics' cultures. In 1923 they founded an organization called Kaum Betawi, which was in fact a statement about the existence of the Betawi ethnic group. The majority professes is Islam. But it does not mean that Indonesia is an Islamic state. It is a Pancasila state. And one of the principles of Pancasila, the state ideology, is "belief in the one Supreme God". This means that the various belief systems must be respected and respect each other. This explains the ubiquitous Moslem prayer houses in the city beside many churches and a few temples.

In Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park), the prince Diponegoro Mosque is juxtaposition with the saint Catherine Church, the Hallelujah Church, the Pura Penataran Agung Kertabumi Temple, the Aria Dwipa Arama Monastery and the Indonesian Mystic Convention Hall, symbolizing the motto: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity In Diversity) in matters of religions and belief - systems.

Betawi
Indonesia's cultural diversity is celebrated in the national motto, Bhineka Tunggal Ika, meaning "Unity in Diversity." One manifestation of this tenet of Indonesian national identity is the government's efforts to give equal precedence to the development of traditional art forms from each ethnic group. In Jakarta, Orang Betawi, the natives of the city, are considered to be the hosts of these cultures, having emerged from the melting pot of races, ethnic groups and cultures of Indonesia in the 19th century. Today they constitute one of the city's main ethnic groups along side the Javanese (from Central and Eastern Java), Sundanese (from West Java) and Chinese.

Culture
To see for themselves what and now those Betawi art forms are, we can go to any travel agent and ask for tour to a " Betawi Cultural Institution "to catch a glimpse of the real thing". Or we can visit the Jakarta pavilion at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park) which has long been showing Betawi ceremonies such as the Betawi wedding ceremony, the circumcision procession, the baby head - shaving ceremony etc. As mentioned before, the Betawi group emerged in the 19th century from the melting pot of races, ethnic groups and cultures. Today the Betawi culture has a distinct personality of its own, but one can discern the various influences of other cultures by looking or listening to its art form.

The Tanjidor orchestra is certainly inherited from Dutch land - owners and the Gambang Kromong and Cokek dance originated in the residence of wealthy Chinese traders and merchants. The Betawi Cokek dance shows Balinese influence in the movement of the dancers and the style of playing the gamelan. This style of playing the gamelan can also be observed in the gamelan orchestra accompanying the Wayang Kulit Betawi show. The Portuguese speaking community has also left its inheritance, the Kroncong Tugu with its popular songs Nina Bobo, Kaparinyo and Kroncong moritsko is said to be the origin of the popular Kroncong orchestra of to day.

The Javanese presence since the 17th century has left its mark too on the Betawi music, dance and theatre; Wayang Kulit Betawi and Lenong are examples of this influence. A major influence on the Betawi culture is Islam, the religion of the majority of the people. The Rebana orchestra, the Gambus orchestra, the Zapin or Japin dance are Islam inspired art forms. The Betawi traditional art is developed and accepted well. Not only Betawi people, but also other ethnic groups are fond of this art. For example, the traditional drama-Lenong and Topeng Blantik (Blantik mask), the traditional dance - Tari Topeng (Mask Dance), Ondel-ondel, Ronggeng Topeng, etc, the traditional art of music - Sambrah, Rebana, Gambang Kromong, Tanjidor, Puppet - Betawi puppet using the Malay-Betawi dialect

Basically the marriage system used by Betawi people is the Islamic law. To whom they are allowed or have not allowed to get married with. The young people are also free to choose their partners. In spite of this, the parents` role either from the man's or woman's side are very important to approve the marriage, for the parents are involved in holding the marriage party. Before getting marriage the man and the woman are introduced to each other and when they both have agreement, the man's parents will propose the girl. After the two parties reach an agreement, they decide the time to hold the dowry delivery ceremony which is usually represented by another party, such as the relatives of the man's and the woman's sides. The marriage ceremony is held on the agreed day. After the marriage contract ceremony both the man and the woman go back to each their parents (their home). A few days later a ceremony of parents-in-law relationship is held and the bridegroom goes in procession to the bride's house. Before entering the bride's house, the bridegroom's side holds the question-answer ceremony by using the traditional poetry rhythm and it is accompanied by tambourine/rabana music with the welcome / marhaban songs. Then, the bridegroom is allowed to enter the house to meet the bride. They sit side by side for a moment. After that the bridegroom joins his parents and companions who escort him to the bride` house. When the ceremony is finished the bride may come with his husband to his house.

Language
The official language is Bahasa Indonesia and English is the most spoken and understood foreign language. In convention hotels they have translators for English, France, Dutch, German, Japanese, Mandarin, and even Spanish. The native Betawi people speak Betawi Malay, which is different from standard Malay. There are variations in the language according to region, the Betawi Malay of the centre and that of the periphery. There are also socio - cultural variations. The older people born and bred in Jakarta speak the traditional Betawi Malay, while the younger people and migrants speak the modern version of the language. In the language, various influences from other cultures are apparent, Balinese, Sundanese, and Javanese influences are there and words derived from Arabic, Dutch, Chinese and Portuguese are easily recognizable. Betawi Malay is spoken not only in Jakarta, but also in parts of Bekasi, Tangerang and Bogor, which belong to the province of West Java.

Tips for finding cheap airfares

1. Airlines usually reload their computers at midnight, so as soon after that as possible is a good time to shop online for low cost seats that folks might have reserved but not paid for.

2. For international flights between major cities, it's hard to beat the price of flying courier - often half or less than regular fare. Of course, some restrictions apply. Click here to learn more details about flying as an air courier.
Imagine flying to exotic destinations all over the world, but paying 50% or less regular airfare costs. Once in a while you might even get an overseas flight completely free. It sounds too good to be true, but air couriers get these kinds of deals all the time, and the best news is, you too can easily join their happy numbers.

3. When one airline announces a sale to a particular destination, chances are the others will soon follow suit, so be on the lookout and call or click around.

4. Seniors should ask about domestic airfare coupon books. Several airlines offer this option of discounted fares that are bought as a block of 4 coupons. Some airlines also offer this option to students.

5. Use the Internet to search out last minute bargain weekend fares. Most airlines' weskits have a place where drastically reduced weekend fares are available. Start checking on Wednesday for the weekend ahead.

6. When flying in the US, some of the least expensive flights are available on the smaller airlines which are subsidiaries the major airlines, for instance Delta Express and Metro-Jet.

7. If you can't find an inexpensive flight to the city you want to go, it's often cheaper to fly to a nearby city and then catch a low cost connecting flight to where you really want to be. Depending on the distance, you might also be able to hop on a quick train or bus.

8. Smart travelers know how to take advantage of overbooking. By volunteering your seat when a flight is overbooked you can earn free flights and often even cash from the airline. If you don't absolutely have to be there on time, volunteer to give up your seat, if it becomes needed, when you check in for your flight. Monday morning and Friday afternoon flights are the most likely to be overbooked.

9. When traveling to Washington DC, always compare prices for flying into nearby Baltimore instead, it's almost always much less expensive.

10. When flying into New York City, be sure to compare prices for flying into nearby Newark, New Jersey instead.

11. When flying to Los Angeles, be sure to compare prices for flying into nearby Orange County, Burbank or Ontario (California) airports.

12. When flying to London, be sure to compare prices for flying into nearby Birmingham instead.

First Time Backpacking Tips

Article Courtesy of CampTrails.com

Backpacking is an enjoyable way to experience nature and access remote terrain. The folks at Camp Trails offer the following tips to help you get started:

Study a map or guide to know the terrain you'll be hiking and estimate the time it will take to arrive at your destination. Pad your estimates with extra time to account for delays.

Obtain necessary permits and reserve campsites in advance, and check local regulations to avoid fines. Know the area's weather patterns and accommodate for time of year. Always be prepared for the worst weather.

Remember, it's very easy to perspire, even in the winter, so dress appropriately in layers and be prepared for changing conditions, temperature changes at higher altitudes, and evenings. Avoid wearing jeans or cotton clothing. Wear polypropylene, wool or other breathable materials that wick moisture away and dry quickly.

Always pack rain gear.

Get to know your gear before heading out. Seam-seal the tent and familiarize yourself with its design and set-up. Learn how to operate your stove so you're not caught in the dark or the rain trying to figure it out. Know what you can carry and how long you can carry it without straining yourself. The pack shouldn't weigh more than 25 percent of your weight, so take only what you need.