Archive for September 29th, 2006
Bromo-Tengger national park is located on East Java, about three hours by car from Surabaya. Tengger is a huge, old caldera with the Bromo volcano inside. The smoking cone of Bromo raises from the plain of this 10 km wide caldera, but is not the highest mountain inside. Side by side with Bromo are also other mountains like Gunung Batok (2.440m) and Gunung Kursi (2.581m). Bromo (2.392m) and the nearby Semeru volcano, the highest mountain on Java (3.676m), have during the two previous centuries had at least 100 eruptions. The eruptions have sometimes caused large damages, but is also the reason why this region is so fertile. Like the rest of Java the soil consists largely of volcanic dust and ash, which on this particular island is not acid.
Smoke is always rising from the crater, the smell of sulphur can be very irritating.A legend tells the story about how the Tengger caldera was dug out with just half a coconut shell by an ogre in love with a princess. If he succeeded with his task in just one night the hand of the princess should be granted to him. When the king saw that the ogre might succeed, he ordered his servants to pound rice. Due to this the cocks started to crow, thinking that dawn had broken. On hearing this the ogre threw away the coconut shell before dying of exhaustion. The coconut shell became Gunung Batok and the trench became the sand sea.
After the collapse of the Majapahit kingdom this highland became a refuge for Hindus who did not escape to Bali, and today the Hindu society here is, next to Bali, among the largest in Indonesia. There are growing cultural ties with Bali. For the Hindus Bromo is regarded as sacred, a large temple is built on the plain just below the smoking volcano, and due to the geophysical instability of the area it is quite new. Hindu ceremonies are frequently performed here, the most important is the colorful Kasada festival, where the Tengger people throw offerings into the crater at sunrise to please the volcano god.
The first sunlight appears and the nearby mountains turns from invisible to the most fascinating landscape.Depending on your starting point the trip to Bromo can be made in one day. If you like to spend the night there are some hotels at the edge of the Tengger caldera. Many come here from Surabaya, but also Probolinggo at the coast is a popular base for exploration of this district. For many travelers to East Java the sunset from the top of Bromo is a must. If you start from Surabaya or another place not too far away you can rent a car with driver and guide and depart in the middle of the night. Arrival will then be in sufficient time before sunset and you will travel to the volcano top either by horse or by walking. These small horses have an incredible stamina, but the trip is only two kilometers in flat terrain and can easily be made by foot.
Leading up to the narrow edge of the crater is a long stair, and up there you can only wait for the sun to light up the incredible landscape and feel the temperature raise. Temperatures can easily fall to 15 degrees C and lower at night. The sunset is worth the trip, especially if you arrived in the darkness and never seen this landscape which is unfolding in front of you before. It is not the Bromo volcano itself that is so spectacular, it is the landscape that surrounds it.
In the valley leading up to Bromo you can buy flowers of local kids.There is also a lot to see on the way back. After breakfast at one of the hotels on the edge of the Tengger caldera, the car will bring you down the green and fertile valley passing a few villages. If there is time a visit to one of the waterfalls along the road can be recommended. If you don’t want to go there at night the trip can as well be done during daytime, however the temperature then will be much higher. It takes some more effort to walk to the top of the mountains surrounding Bromo, but the view is supposed to make this worthwhile. It is also possible to climb Semeru, but the track is sometimes closed because of volcanic activity.
source : www.maharani-tours.com
September 29th, 2006
Malang, 90 km south of Surabaya, perhaps the most popular area among East Java’s scenic beauty. Far above the steamy lowlands, the mountain resort of Malang with its elevation of about 450 meter above sea level provides cool relief from tropical heat making Malang a popular tourist destination. Walk around to examine local flora and to the road-side markets which sell particularly good tropical apples is an unforgettable experience.
Apple plantation tour to Kusuma Agro in Batu under the fresh air and sunny sky can spend your time walking around among the enticing apple trees. Wonosari tea plantation in Lawang is situated in a picturesque hill. It offers more attractions, jogging track around tea plantation, tennis even swimming activity. Cottages are provided to comfort visitors. Located on the elevation of 900-1200 meter above sea level, this place is a right choice for the weekend family picnickers.
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Four Days Bromo / Malang Tour
Day 01 Surabaya - Bromo (D)
ﾃつUpon your arrival in Juanda airport Surabaya, you will be met for meeting service and we will then directly transfer you to Tosari Village (1700 meters). After that we will arrive at Bromo Cottages, a place where you will be overnight. Then, after checking - in youwill enjoy your dinner and the rest of the evening is free program for you to fill in.
Day 02 Bromo - NongkoJajar - Malang/Batu (B,L)
ﾃつYou will have morning call at 04.00 am and shortly after you will enjoy your coffee break before we start the journey. After that we will drive you drive to Mt. Pananjakan; a viewing point for sunrise (subject to the weather condition). Afterwards we will drive down to Mt. Bromo crossing the sea of sand. From here we will change ride with a local pony up to the foot of Mt. Bromo. Then we will walk the 246 steps straight up to the rim of the mountain and experience the great view on top. After the great journey we will return to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast is free at leisure until the scheduled time to deliver you to Malang through Nongkodjajar, enroute visit Singosari Temple and Dwalaras. Next we will continue the trip to Batu which is a city famous for its little bit of Switzerland and also visit agro apple plantation and flower farms at Kusuma Agro Wisata. You will have your lunch in local restaurant. Then shortly we will deliver you to Malang/Batu for an overnight. The rest of the evening is free program.
Day 03 Malang/Batu - Wonosari - Surabaya (B, L)
ﾃつAfter you have breakfast we will drive you down to Wonosari Tea Plantation. There, you will enjoy the scenic panorama and see the tea processing activity. You will have the chance to join the local tea pickers picking tea’s leaves. Your lunch will be served in local restaurant. Afterwards we will continue the trip by driving to Surabaya and on the way there we will stop by at Sidoarjo. Then, in the afternoon you will enjoy the sightseeing of Surabaya from other dimension. The tour first sets off to Kayoon florist where you can see colorful flowers and various food stalls, then a trip to Kya Kya with its china town atmosphere including its foods. Afterwards we will have a trip to House of Sampoerna; one of the biggest kretek cigarettes in Indonesia with its history in the museum then shortly after that drives you back to your hotel.
Day 04 Surabaya - Departure (B)
ﾃつAfter breakfast and free at leisure until time to transfer you to airport for your next destination. End of service.
Inclusions: Accommodation base on twin share including breakfast, Air-conditioned coach, Tours as per program, Meals as mentioned, English speaking guide, Refreshment, Parking, admission fees.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 29th, 2006
We have designed a course that fits naturally into the environment, provides a good test of golf.
for all players and features spectacular views and scenery. Three Days Surabaya Golf Tour
Day 01 Surabaya - Transfer in. Upon your arrival in Juanda Surabaya airport, you will be asked
for meeting service then you will directly be transferred to Prigen or Pandaan, known for its
popular highland resort in East Java and place for weekend hideout.
Finish with the beautiful scenery and trip of Pandaan you will be delivered for an overnight stay at
Finna. Then, the rest of the day is free on your own leisure.
Day 02 Surabaya - Playing Golf
ﾃつAfter enjoying your breakfast, you will be accommodated with Tee-off at Finna Golf or Taman
Dayu Country club to have one round of golf (18 holes). In the afternoon after you finish with your
golf activities we will drive you down to Surabaya for an overnight and get yourself ready for your
tomorrow activities in Surabaya.
ﾃつDay 03 Surabaya - Playing Golf - Departure
ﾃつAfter enjoying your breakfast at hotel you will be transferred for Tee-off at your own choice of Golf
course for another round of golf (18 holes). After you have finish with your play we will deliver you
to the airport for your onward departure flight. End of Service
ﾃつInclusion: Ac transportation, Return transfer airport/hotel/airport and hotel/golf course/hotel,
baggage handling, English speaking guide, 2X Green & Caddy fees (Weekdays) at designated
golf course.
Remarks: Playing out on weekends (Saturday/Sunday/Indonesian Public Holidays) subject to
surcharge in accordance The club’s policy and Buggy/Golf cart is excluded and payable directly on the spot.
source : www.maharani-tours.com
September 29th, 2006