So You Want to Live in ... Pine Island

A slice of Old Florida "country" still thrives on this lush, green isle.

When she saw two shirtless, shoeless boys gliding over a dirt trail on bikes with their arms outstretched like wings, Lisa Benton knew she had found a home on Pine Island, Florida: "I said, 'This is Mayberry.'"

In truth, it's four Mayberries. Located northwest of Fort Myers and connected to the mainland by a causeway, the island includes the communities of Matlacha, St. James City, Bokeelia, and Pineland. It's a place with no traffic lights, where you can visit your neighbors by boat. Although the island has few beaches, several exist on nearby uninhabited islands. Residents love the neighborliness, nature trails, and renowned fishing. Relaxing, they say, can keep you busy here.

Candy-color fisherman's shacks in Matlacha (that's mat-luh-SHAY) hold galleries, restaurants, and bars where it feels like everyone knows you even if you've never met before. Locals wear "Pine Island Reeboks"—white, rubber shrimpers' boots—and call the span over Matlacha Pass "The World's Fishingest Bridge."

Overlooking the flat-water sound and mangrove islands, Pineland harbors the vintage Tarpon Lodge, where most come for fishing, food, and sunsets. But not office manager Nancy Glickman. "I'm an amateur astronomer. I was looking for stars," she says. "When the conditions are right, the skies are some of the finest anywhere."

St. James City has streets named for exotic fruit such as Cherimoya and Carambola, and mailboxes covered with shells and painted pelicans. Folks can get groceries at the St. James General Store, eat breakfast at Jackie's Family Restaurant, and share what attracted bookstore owner Liz Lutzi: "The feeling of not really being in a city." Cynthia Welch lives in St. James City and works in Bokeelia because of the "peace, serenity, and sunsets," she says. With a 15-year-old daughter, she adds, "It's a great place for teenagers. You can get on your bike and ride to your neighbor's house and mothers don't panic. That's small-town America, and you don't find that everywhere."

This "close-knit community" feeling is a powerful lure for transplants, and a hook holding locals. "They say it takes a village to raise a child," says Mel Meo, who's lived here almost 40 years. "But really it takes an island to raise a child."

That means everybody. Customers at Olde Fish House Marina Restaurant hold baby Stephen while his grandmother brings their orders. Stephen's mom, Jessi Skorupski, says her menu reflects the islanders' bond. "When I opened up, a lot of the old island women came and gave me recipes." Macy Romero left the hurry and hubbub of Miami Beach to raise her 2-year-old daughter here, among the marsh rabbits and manatees. "The nature drew us here, to spend our lives outdoors," she says. That's Pine Island's magnetism, Mel says: "We live in paradise, so there's no reason to go anywhere else."

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Back to basics in Baja

As the thatched roof on the airport suggests, a visit to Loreto entails a change in attitude as well as latitude. The sunny little fishing port on the Gulf of California retains the slow pace and small-town warmth that have all but vanished from a certain booming resort zone at the tip of the Baja California peninsula. Think of this as the anti-Cabo.
The spectacular surroundings are the main attraction in Loreto.

Don't expect luxury hotels or riotous nightlife. People (including a surprising number of Europeans) come here to unwind and to drink in Baja's stark beauty -- a salt-rimmed cocktail of desert, mountains and sea. Set against the high, jagged Sierra de la Giganta, Loreto looks out on blue water dotted with arid islands straight from a Magritte painting.

Most of the panorama falls within Loreto Bay National Park, which protects a wealth of whales, dolphins, manta rays, and other marine life. Exploring this aquatic playground should be part of any trip, but you'll also find memorable sights ashore.

Founded by Jesuit explorers in 1697, Loreto served as the original capital of Spanish California, which stretched to the Oregon border. The territory's first successful mission endures as Our Lady of Loreto church. It echoes the colonial past with a handsome bell tower, cloistered courtyard, and engaging museum. A short stroll leads to the zócalo, a plaza with shady benches and a gazebo bandstand.

"Loreto was the first civilized place in Spanish California," says local tour operator Cecilia Haugen. The isolated outpost always had a strong link to the sea (some residents trace their Anglo surnames to English pirates).

Today, joggers and couples holding hands enjoy the waterfront promenade that parallels Calle de la Playa (Beach Street). The road runs from one playa to another, past a marina that harbors a flock of bright, blue-and-white motorboats called pangas.

On and off shore, rock cliffs plunge into the sea -- and so should you. Try the highly rated scuba diving and sportfishing; venture out to the islands to hike, picnic and snorkel in turquoise coves; or laze on an empty crescent of white sand.

Whether you go through a tour operator, hire a panga and skipper, or rent a kayak and paddle out, the islands offer splendid solitude. Watch for pelicans hurtling from the sky to scoop up fish, or a pod of dolphins playing leapfrog. And, of course, the whales. Loreto makes a fine base for day trips to Magdalena Bay, one of three lagoons on Baja's Pacific coast where gray whales come to give birth. For a close encounter, time your trip when they're in residence, from late December to early March.

A rental car or guided tour will take you from Loreto to tiny San Javier, known for its stone mission church. The rutted, 18-mile route, part of the historic Camino Real (Royal Road) linking California's missions, passes pre-Hispanic rock paintings and the odd oasis. After returning from this dusty trip, you'll be ready to dispense with modern transport.

"It's easy to walk anywhere you want to go here," says the receptionist at Posada de las Flores. Sure enough, within a block or two of this inn, you'll find craft shops and art galleries, plus restaurants such as 1697 and Pachamamma, with savory food and patio dining.

Two wonderful away-from-town accommodations are surrounded by nature, the número uno attraction. The beachfront Inn at Loreto Bay, a few miles south, features a modern-hacienda design and a pool with obligatory swim-up bar. (Beside it spreads a golf course and a fast-growing development of stylish villas.)

For an off-the-grid getaway, go farther south to Danzante eco-resort. The guest quarters come with hammock-strung decks, stunning ocean views and tasty meals in a separate dining hall. Activities range from swimming and kayaking to horseback riding and hiking spring-fed canyons. "People come here thinking they'll get bored," says co-owner Lauren Farley. "Then they're always sorry to leave."

In town, at the Giggling Dolphin's bar, a few snowbirds sample Baja Fogs --longneck beers topped off with tequila -- and discuss the run-up of local real estate. "Loreto's changing," declares a repeat visitor from Canada. "But it's still a sweet place."

Don't wait too long to experience it for yourself.

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Colorado ski season off to slow start

DENVER, Colorado (AP) -- Balmy and dry fall weather could put the Colorado ski industry's two-year string of record snowrider numbers in danger, and most of the West isn't in any better shape.
Last year, despite getting less snow than the season before, Colorado numbers were still up 6.7 percent in the first half of the season.

But this year it is even warmer and some major resorts weren't open for Thanksgiving, usually the first big revenue producer of the season. Telluride and Steamboat still aren't open. Hundreds of millions of dollars spent on snowmaking has made it possible for some resorts to open, but if they use the water now they might not have it if they need it later in the year.

Veteran skiers will bring out their rock skis.

During Thanksgiving week, after four straight weeks of temperatures in the 50s and 60s, Telluride got 11 inches, the Telluride Daily Planet reported. "This is a great kickoff to the season. With Mother Nature helping out and the extensive mountain improvements, we're looking forward to a great year," said Telluride CEO Dave Riley. However, the resort will not open until November 30.

Also unlike last year, some of the state's biggest competitors have plenty of snow. Whistler-Blackcomb, which contends with Vail frequently for the No. 1 rank of ski magazines, has 37 inches. Vail has 18. Stowe, in Vermont, has 49 inches on its upper mountain.

"... for the best and earliest snowfall of the season, head north to Whistler-Blackcomb in British Columbia," says Outside Online.

"We've had lots of early snowfall, 110 centimeters (44 inches). It has been great up here. Sunny but cold so the snow stayed and it is light and fluffy," said Ryan Proctor, public relations coordinator Whistler-Blackcomb. Thirteen lifts are open.

Two exceptions in the Rockies were Big Sky in Montana and Grand Targhee near Jackson, Wyoming.

"We got pasted with a perfect storm early in Thanksgiving week, followed by days of ideal snowmaking temperatures for the lower mountain," said sales and marketing director, Meg O'Leary. "Black diamond powder skiing in November, what else can go right."

Big Sky opened November 23 with the second-most skiable acreage in the Rockies with 854 acres of advanced, expert, intermediate and beginner terrain. Only Grand Targhee down the road to the south has more terrain open in the Rocky Mountain range from New Mexico to Montana, said O'Leary.

Eldora, one of Colorado's smaller resorts, has the deepest base in the state, 24 inches.

Wolf Creek, which often has the most snow in the state, has 10 inches, and most of that came Thanksgiving week.

Fortunately, Utah and California resorts also have little snow.

Joan Christensen, industry expert, said some people have already made reservations and will come anyway. "Next year they will punish the industry," she said.
Resorts initially had some trouble making snow until temperatures cooled down to the mid-20s for extended periods. Ski resorts in Colorado have banded together to try to fight climate change.

Meanwhile, resorts in several other areas of North America, hurt by a lack of early snow last year, are doing much better this year.

The long-range forecast for much of the Rockies is for dry weather, possibly leading to drought in some areas next year. The Pacific Northwest, home to Whistler, is expected to be wetter than normal.

The dry weather puts extra pressure on Colorado's resorts because they have sold hundreds of thousands of ski passes. That can bring high numbers of visitors that quickly overwhelm the terrain and lifts that are open.

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Menikmati Musim Gugur di Jepang

JEPANG, meski sudah kaya raya (income per kapita lebih dari 33.000 dolar AS), masih saja berharap meraup devisa dari sektor pariwisata. Setiap tahun jutaan wisatawan asing diharapkan mengunjungi Negeri Matahari Terbit ini. Bahkan pada tahun 2010 mendatang, seperti ditulis dalam buku Japan Now Edisi 2007, pemerintah Jepang menargetkan kunjungan 10 juta wisatawan mancanegara. Untuk itu, lembaga pemerintah yang mengelola sektor kepariwisataan di Negeri Sakura ini mencanangkan promosi melalui slogan visit Japan campaign.

"Kunjungan wisatawan asing ini bukan saja kami harapkan berdampak positif bagi perekonomian Jepang, tetapi juga kami maksudkan untuk meningkatkan pemahaman masyarakat internasional terhadap negara, rakyat, dan kebudayaan Jepang," ujar Minoru Nakamura, Presiden Organisasi Pariwisata Nasional Jepang (Japan National Tourist Organisation-JNTO).

Para wisatawan bisa memilih daerah tujuan wisata baik alam, sejarah, tempat ibadah (kuil), pusat-pusat perbelanjaan, maupun wisata ilmu pengetahuan melalui museum. Termasuk museum milik perusahaan-perusahaan besar yang memajang berbagai produk awal hingga mutakhir. Ini semua dimaksudkan untuk menggambarkan perkembangan teknologi yang digunakannya sejak perusahaan berdiri hingga kini, dan bahkan berbagai produk konsep yang mungkin suatu saat kelak akan menjadi kenyataan.

Pemerintah Jepang tampak serius mengelola berbagai objek wisata berikut berbagai sarana menuju daerah atau lokasi tujuan wisata itu. Para wisatawan asing maupun domestik bisa dengan mudah memilih sarana transportasi seperti bus, kereta api, kereta api bawah tanah (subway), dan taksi. Mereka juga dapat memilih bermalam di hotel mewah, losmen, atau asrama mahasiswa yang bertarif murah. Para pengelola objek wisata di negara superkaya itu, umumnya mampu mewujudkan serta menjaga kebersihan yang membuat para tamu nyaman berkunjung. Boleh dibilang hampir tidak ada toilet di lokasi wisata yang dibiarkan kotor dan bau tak sedap. Umumnya tampak bersih. Para pengunjung tidak boleh sembarangan membuang sampah. Ini semua merupakan bukti bahwa Jepang merupakan negara yang mencintai kebersihan.

Menurut kalangan pemandu wisata, hanya diperlukan delapan hari untuk menjelajahi berbagai objek wisata di seluruh Jepang. Harap maklum, negara yang memiliki 6.800 pulau dengan lima pulau besar (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, dan Okinawa) itu, dari ujung paling utara (Soya Misaki di pulau Hokkaido) hingga ujung paling selatan (Haterumajima di pulau Okinawa) hanya berjarak 3.000 km. Sekalipun sering disebut sebagai negara kecil, Jepang dengan luas wilayah 377.800 km2 ternyata dua kali lebih besar dari Inggris.

Dengan berhemat, seorang wisatawan asing cukup mengeluarkan antara 5.000 - 10.000 yen (Rp 400.000,00 - Rp 800.000,00) per hari atau sekitar Rp 6,4 juta per delapan hari untuk biaya penginapan, makan, dan transportasi. Kalau saja target 10 juta wisatawan asing pada tahun 2010 tadi tercapai dan katakan saja setiap wisatawan membelanjakan Rp 6,4 juta (selama delapan hari di sana), kelak pemerintah Jepang akan meraup pendapatan sekitar Rp 64 triliun dari sektor pariwisata ini. Jumlah ini tentu saja belum termasuk pendapatan dari wisatawan dalam negeri, yang setiap akhir pekan, lebih-lebih pada musim gugur dan musim semi, dapat dipastikan selalu membanjiri berbagai objek wisata.

**

NEGARA berpenduduk sekitar 127 jiwa itu memiliki empat musim, yakni semi (Maret-Mei), panas (Juni-Agustus), gugur (September-November), dan dingin (Desember-Februari). Bagi wisatawan asing, musim gugur dan musim semi direkomendasikan sebagai saat-saat yang paling baik untuk melancong karena udaranya sejuk dan pemandangannya sangat indah dengan ditandai warna-warni daun pepohonan dan mekarnya berbagai jenis bunga.

Beruntung saya bersama 28 wartawan lainnya dari Indonesia dapat menyaksikan musim gugur selama lima hari di akhir Oktober lalu. Lawatan ini dalam rangkaian meliput pameran mobil internasional (Tokyo Motor Show 2007) atas undangan Daihatsu Motor Company. Suasana alam Jepang dapat saya saksikan dalam perjalanan menggunakan bus sejauh 60 km dari Bandara Narita ke Tokyo. Dari Tokyo ke Osaka naik kereta api supercepat Shinkansen, Osaka - Kyoto, dan beberapa lokasi wisata di pinggiran Kyoto.

Memang, suasana musim gugur 2007 di negara yang sebagian besar wilayahnya berupa pegunungan itu, mungkin akan terus saya kenang. Meski hanya lima hari, momentumnya sungguh tepat karena hari-hari itu adalah pertengahan musim gugur. Pemandangan alamnya indah. Udaranya sejuk (rata-rata 15 derajat Celsius) atau cenderung dingin bagi mereka yang biasa tinggal di daerah berhawa panas. Apalagi pada hari-hari itu kadang-kadang turun hujan. Rombongan kami seringkali harus menyiapkan payung sebelum bepergian.

Kenangan rasanya semakin sulit dilupakan karena pada hari terakhir sebelum kembali ke tanah air, kami juga piknik ke daerah Pegunungan Arashiyama di sebelah barat Kota Kyoto, atau sekitar dua jam perjalanan menggunakan bus dari hotel tempat kami menginap di Kota Osaka. Selama dalam perjalanan, dari balik kaca bus itulah suasana musim gugur di wilayah perkotaan maupun perdesaan dapat kami nimakti. Apalagi setelah rombongan berpindah naik kereta api "romantis" atau trem Sagano dari sebuah stasiun untuk menuju Arashiyama, sekitar 20 menit perjalanan ke arah lereng-lereng pegunungan di wilayah Arashiyama ini.

Pada pagi itu, trem Sagano yang terdiri atas lima gerbong, penuh oleh rombongan pelancong baik asing maupun domestik. Banyak di antaranya adalah para pelajar yang selalu ceria dan riuh selama dalam perjalanan.

Keindahan alam Arashiyama yang mirip pemandangan alam Jawa Barat inilah yang memotivasi pemerintah Jepang membangun jaringan rel kereta api wisata ke wilayah itu pada tahun 1991 silam. Kereta api tersebut diberi nama Sagano Sight-Seeing Tram atau Sagano Scenic Railway. Nama Sagano diambil dari salah satu nama daerah di wilayah itu yakni Saga dan sejak itu pula dikenal Stasiun Saga (stasiun terakhir khusus di jalur wisata gunung ini).

Stasiun sebelumnya adalah Arashiyama, Hazukyo, dan Kameoka.

Lokasi jalur trem wisata tersebut sengaja didekatkan agar --paling tidak untuk beberapa lokasi-- berdampingan dengan Sungai Hozu yang mengalir di lembah-lembah pegunungan dan dijadikan lokasi wisata dengan perahu. Lokasi jalur rel yang menanjak itu melewati enam terowongan dan sekali melewati jembatan (Togetsukyo) di atas Sungai Hozu. Dengan menggunakan kereta api yang jendelanya sengaja dibuat terbuka dan lebar di setiap gerbongnya itu, para pelancong dapat menikmati pemandangan alam, apalagi ketika tiba di jembatan Togetsukyo. Jembatan ini merupakan simbol keindahan alam daerah Arashiyama dan banyak penyair telah mengabadikannya lewat puisi.

Berhenti di Stasiun Arashiyama, para pengunjung kemudian mendaki bukit dan dapat menyaksikan "hutan bambu" yang arealnya membentang hingga wilayah Saga. Pohon-pohon bambu berwarna hijau itu sengaja dibuat tumbuh teratur, bukan merupakan rumpun-rumpun yang berjubel antara pohon induk dan anaknya seperti pohon bambu di Indonesia yang pemandangannya sulit dinikmati.

Perjalanan ke Pegunungan Arashiyama yang pada zaman dulu merupakan daerah peristirahatan raja ini, dapat pula ditempuh dengan menggunakan sepeda sewaan. Atau dapat pula menggunakan perahu untuk menyusuri Sungai Hozu yang airnya jernih. Para pengendara sepeda atau para penumpang trem Sagano dapat berhenti di lokasi tertentu untuk kemudian mendaki perbukitan atau menuruni lembah menuju Sungai Hozu. Pada kesempatan itu saya berpikir, sebetulnya Pemda Jawa Barat bersama beberapa Pemda Tingkat II di Provinsi Jawa Barat dapat membangun kawasan wisata seperti ini. Saya pun ingat, beberapa tahun lalu ketika sejumlah wartawan asing sedang berkunjung ke Bandung via daerah Puncak, mereka tak sungkan untuk memuji keindahan alam Jawa Barat.

*From Pikiran Rakyat*

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Mengunjungi Pertapaan Gajah Mada di Madakaripura

Kita mengenal Sumpah Palapa yang diucapkan Gajah Mada dulu. Namun kita mungkin tak mengetahui tempat pertapaan Gajah Mada sebelum mengucapkan sumpah yang mempersatukan nusantara itu.

Mengunjungi lokasi pertapaan Gajah Mada, kita diharuskan melewati jalanan terjal dan berbatu. Jalanan yang berliku dan berbukit-bukit menjadi santapan selama perjalanan. Belum lagi kita mesti masuk ke pelosok-pelosok dusun di Desa Negororejo, Kecamatan Lumbang, Kabupaten Probolinggo. Suasana pedesaan yang tenang dan asri sangat memanjakan mata. Begitu hening, jauh dari hiruk pikuk keramaian. Tidak seperti Jakarta yang macet dan sumpek.

Dari Bromo kami turun ke arah Surabaya. Memasuki daerah Kecamatan Lumbang, kendaraan kami kemudian mengarah ke desa yang menurut legenda tempat masa kecil hingga remaja Maha Patih Gajah Mada.

Melewati jalanan beraspal sirtu (pasir dan batu), kanan kiri jalan adalah tebing-tebing curam yang berjurang dalam. Bukit-bukit hijau ditumbuhi tanaman-tanaman liar. Terkesan daerah ini masih tertinggal jauh dari peradaban.

Kami tiba dilokasi dengan ‘disambut’ patung Maha Patih Gajah Mada sedang duduk bersila. Kedua tangannya disilangkan di dada. Begitu angkuh. Tatapan matanya tajam ‘mengamati’ setiap gerak-gerik pengunjung yang datang ke objek wisata air terjun ini. Sungguh suatu ‘sambutan’ yang lumayan ‘ramah’ bagi kami.

Tak lama kemudian datang tiga orang pemandu mendekati kami. Setelah berembug sebentar, kami pun bergegas untuk memulai ‘perjalanan’ yang sebenarnya. Jalanan berbatu yang licin di bantaran sungai mesti kita lewati. Hati-hati terpeleset.

Udara siang itu memang cukup terik. Namun siapa sangka diparuh perjalanan mendung datang tiba-tiba. Menurut Suyono, salah seorang pemandu, cuaca daerah disekitar sini memang tidak bisa diduga. Makanya waktu yang paling pas untuk mengunjungi daerah wisata ini adalah dari pagi dan harus segera pulang menjelang Ashar.

“Kalau sudah hujan, daerah sepanjang aliran sungai ini menjadi medan yang sangat berbahaya, Mas” ujar Suyono, warga asli Desa Negororejo yang menemani kami sepanjang perjalanan menuju air terjun Madakaripura.

Belum lama ini – lanjut Suyono – daerah sepanjang aliran sungai ini di landa banjir bandang yang menghanyutkan semua insfrastruktur jalan yang dibuat Pemda Probolinggo agar mempermudah pengunjung mencapai lokasi air terjun Madakaripura. Sejak itu lokasi wisata ini sempat ditutup hingga beberapa lama. Itulah mungkin yang menyebabkan lokasi ini agak kurang terkenal dan jarang di singgahi para pelancong.


Benar saja, tak lama kemudian kami menemukan ‘bangkai’ jembatan beton yang semula berdiri kokoh. Tak terbayang bagaimana saat itu air menghantam apa saja yang melewati aliran sungai ini. Ngeri juga membayangkan kejadian itu.

Namun tak berapa lama sampai juga kami di lokasi air terjun Madakaripura. Waw…Luar biasa. Tak cukup berjuta kalimat terucap untuk mengungkapkan perasaan ini. Sangat mempesona…pemandangan indah persis didepan mata. Air terjun yang muncul dari dinding-dinding tebing konon melukiskan tingkatan/level keparipurnaan dari sang Maha Patih Gajah Mada saat bertapa dulu.

Air terjun ini berbeda dengan air terjun pada umumnya yang sumber airnya dari atas gunung/tebing. Air yang muncul di air terjun Madakaripura muncul dari dinding-dinding tebing. Bila kita tengadahkan kepala keatas, nampak jelas bahwa kita berada seperti di dasar sebuah lubang besar berbentuk seperti sumur raksasa.

Menurut kepercayaan masyarakat setempat, banyak yang memanfaatkan air dari salah satu air terjun ini untuk mandi dan minum agar bisa awet muda dan memiliki keperkasaan.

“Silahkan mandi Mas, biar awet muda dan punya kuasa,” ujar Suyono menawarkan kepada saya, seraya bercerita mengenai kemujarab-an air dari salah satu air terjun terjun Madakaripura tersebut yang dipercaya mampu mengobati berbagai penyakit.

Mandi dan meminum air-nya pun kemudian menjadi ritual yang kami lakukan. Seru juga, kami berbasah-basahan, sambil bercengkerama dan menikmati dinginnya air terjun ini.

Tak terkira bagaimana perasaan ini menikmati keagungan Ilahi. Sungguh suatu anugerah bisa mengunjungi lokasi yang menjadi bagian dari legenda dan sejarah masa lalu.

Lokasi ini layak direkomendasikan sebagai destinasi favorit Kabupaten Probolinggo.
Air terjun Madakaripura menjadi kenangan tak terlupakan yang selalu tersimpan dalam hati.

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San Juan, Puerto Rico - Caribbean Port of Call

El Yunque National Park Shore Excursion
On our Radisson Seven Seas Mariner (now Regent Seven Seas Mariner) cruise to the southern Caribbean in December 2001, we enjoyed a shore excursion to the Luquillo Mountains and El Yunque National Forest of Puerto Rico, about 45 minutes from San Juan. This trip was a half-day trip for about 25 of us and included hiking for about an hour along a trail to a waterfall and pool. All in all, it was a most enjoyable day.

The Caribbean National Forest-- or El Yunque, as it is commonly known, is one of Puerto Rico's tropical wonders. At 28,000 acres, it is not a large national forest compared to some in the mainland United States, but it is our only national tropical rain forest in the U.S. Forest Service. The highest peak in El Yunque is El Toro, which tops out at 3,532 feet. The park is named for the anvil-shaped El Yunque peak.

The forest is thick but covered with dozens of trails, making hiking fun and educational. El Yunque hid the Carib Indians for two hundred years, but today you will only find 240 species of trees, along with numerous vines and orchids. It rains a lot in El Yunque--over 100 billion gallons each year! All of this rain makes the vegetation lush but the trails slippery. El Yunque is a bird sanctuary and home to the rare (we didn't see any) Puerto Rican parrot. One animal you are sure to see and hear is the small tree frog called the coqui. El Yunque is home to millions of these inch-long frogs, and their "singing" is present everywhere.

Our excursion included a 45-minute drive through the outskirts of San Juan and away from the sea into the mountains. We rode up into the scenic park in a van and parked near the entrance to the La Mina trail. We met our guides at the trailhead. The shore excursion hike was run by Ecoxcursion of Luquillo, Puerto Rico. Our guides furnished each of us with a small backpack that held a water bottle, towel, and snack. The trail wound through the forest, ending at the beautiful La Mina Falls. The coqui sang to us as we tramped along, trying to avoid the puddles and slippery rocks. The trail crossed many small springs, and the guide was quite knowledgeable, pointing out many different trees and plants. The day was very hot and muggy, as is normal in the steamy rain forest. Some of our cruise mates (including my husband Ronnie) went swimming at the waterfall's pool to cool off. I skipped the swim because the rocks around the pool were VERY slippery. Being very clumsy, I didn't want to break something that far away from home.

After a short break at the falls, we drank our water, put our shoes back on, and headed back to the van. The only part of the hike we didn't like was the return trip. We had to hike out the same way we came in! I think most of us would have preferred a trail that was more circular rather than having to hike back on the same trail. Unfortunately for us, the guides said that continuing on the same trail would not cross a road where the van could meet us for quite a long distance. So, we all turned around and went back the same way we had come.

If you have been to San Juan before and used your time ashore to explore old San Juan, you might want to consider venturing out into the heart of the Puerto Rican countryside the next time you are in port. We thought the trip was fun, and it helped us walk off a few ounces of the pounds we had gained on the Seven Seas Mariner!

If you want to spend time in San Juan, check out the next 2 pages of this article for nine suggestions of things to do in San Juan.

Diverse Touring Options in San Juan

San Juan is a busy port of call for Caribbean cruises. It is also the Caribbean's number one embarkation point for cruise ships, with over 1.2 million cruise passengers embarking on 700 cruises each year. The cruise terminal in San Juan may see as many as 10 cruise ships at any one time, but fortunately for cruisers, the port is designed for high volume. It is conveniently located on the historic San Juan peninsula, a short walk from the Plaza del la Marina and most of the Old Town San Juan's historic treasures. Sometimes when the port is very busy, some ships will dock at less convenient piers. If this happens, the ship will supply a taxi or van to the Old Town. Puerto Rico is the largest island in the eastern Caribbean, and has many activities for cruisers who have ported in San Juan.

Our cruise ship, the Seven Seas Mariner, was in San Juan for a day.

For those who chose to take a shore excursion, Radisson had 4 diverse options for passengers on our ship. We did the "Rainforest Hiking" excursion. See page 1 of this article for a review and pictures of the "Rainforest Hiking" excursion. If you are on another cruise ship, there's a good chance that some of these same excursions will be available. Some times when you visit a city, you want to just go off and explore on your own. Although there are many interesting shore excursions in Puerto Rico, here are some ideas of things to do that will give you some of the flavor of this old Spanish U.S. city.

Explore the Old City

Old San Juan is a wonder to see. Cruise ships dock right at the edge of the old city, and much of it is within walking distance. The two major fortresses, San Felipe del Morro and San Cristobal, were built over 400 years ago. These massive structures are fun to explore, and the old city between them is full of of houses, cobblestone streets, and other interesting sights. The narrow streets of old town also hold surprises such as small bars, gardens, and amazing plazas such as Plaza San Jose and Plaza Colon.

Explore a Museum

The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico features Puerto Rican artwork from the 17th century to the present. There is a new east wing with a beautiful stained glass window and a theater dedicated to the late actor Raul Julia.

Go to a Baseball Game

Puerto Ricans love baseball, and the island has produced some wonderful baseball players. You can see a game, Puerto Rican-style, at San Juan's Hiram Bithorn Stadium for about $5. The food of choice is not hot dogs, but fried chicken or crab cakes. I'm sure you can buy a beer, but you can also have that Caribbean favorite--a piña colada.

Go Shopping

Like most major cities and ports of call, you won't have any problem finding a place to spend your money. The Plaza las Américas looks much like any other modern American shopping mall on the outside, and on the inside you will find many of the standard stores (like Macy's and Banana Republic) seen back home. However, the corridors of the mall are filled with local artisans, and the small independent stores are much different than what you usually see.

Go to a Beach

Puerto Rico is a tropical island, and many go to the Caribbean and only want to visit the beaches. Although a major metropolitan area, San Juan has some wonderful beaches. Isla Verde is a favorite of locals, and you can rent chairs and umbrellas, perfect for watching the San Juan beach scene. Other popular beaches are El Escambron and Carolina.

Experience San Juan at Night

If you're not worn out after a day of sightseeing and beachcombing, then you should experience San Juan at night. The dance clubs are popular, or you can learn to salsa at one of the many hotels with live music. If dancing isn't your cup of tea, check out one of the casinos. I found that playing roulette in Spanish helped me polish my language skills. The casinos are found in many of the big hotels downtown.

Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico

These are the four shore excursion options we had in San Juan from the Seven Seas Mariner in December 2001.

San Juan City & Bacardi Tour)
This 3 1/2-hour bus tour included a drive through old town and the many Spanish colonial sites as well as a ride through the more modern metropolitan area of San Juan. It also featured a visit to the famous Bacardi Rum factory where passengers learned some of the history of this sugar cane drink. This tour gave visitors the chance to "follow the rum" from cane to vat to barrel to bottle. If you haven't traveled to San Juan before, thise shore excursion gives a good overview of the city.


Nature & Cultural Impressions

This 5-hour tour started with a visit to the Botanical Garden at the University of Puerto Rico that was founded in 1971.

The garden is the center of study and conservation of Puerto Rican flora and fauna. The second stop on the bus tour was at the Art Museum of Puerto Rico, where passengers did a self-guided tour inside the museum. Finally, the bus went to Old San Juan, the second oldest city in the Western hemisphere. In the old town, the group visited some of the fortresses surrounded by thick stone walls that were so important in colonial times.

Horseback Riding in the Countryside

The horseback ride duration was about 2 hours and the total tour was about 4 hours. A bus transferred the riders-to-be to a ranch specializing in horseback riding adventures. The horses are "gentle, but spirited", according to the RSSC brochure. The group rode along a shore trail that meanders along the edge of the El Yunque rainforest and the banks of the Mamey River. This tour sounded wonderful to me, but Ronnie was thrown from a horse about 4 years ago and we both still have nightmares about the experience. Since we wanted to get away from San Juan, we decided to hike the rainforest in the next tour.

Rainforest Hiking

This tour started with a ride to the top of the El Yunque National Forest in the mountains of Puerto Rico. The tour group spent the time hiking this natural wonder, and the turn around point was at La Mina falls. We "walked off" our some of first 3 days of eating on the ship! See page 1 of this article for a description of this shore excursion.
*from kompas*

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Ciamis bukan Hanya Pangandaran

PAMOR objek wisata Pantai Pangandaran, sampai saat ini masih kuat magnetnya serta diakui kalangan penikmat wisata pantai dan laut.

Padahal, di kawasan yang terletak sekitar 86 kilometer arah selatan Kota Ciamis tersebut, tersebar sejumlah objek wisata. Sepanjang gugusan pantai selatan Ciamis, Pantai Pangandaran sesungguhnya bukan satu-satunya objek wisata yang pantas dikunjungi. Objek wisata lain adalah Pantai Karang Nini, Karang Tirta, Batu Hiu, Green Canyon, Batu Karas, Keusik Luhur, dan Citumang, di samping Cagar Alam Pangandaran yang juga layak untuk dinikmati.

Semisal, Green Canyon yang oleh masyarakat setempat dikenal dengan nama asli Cukang Taneuh (jembatan tanah) yang berada di Desa Kertayasa, Kec. Cijulang, dijadikan sebagai objek wisata alternatif yang ditawarkan pada wisatawan. Kita dapat menikmati tebing terjal dan terowongan ratusan meter yang dipenuhi stalagmit di saat menyusuri aliran Sungai Cijulang.

Green Canyon lebih mengesankan, jika dikunjungi pada saat-saat hari kerja di mana jumlah wisatawan yang berkunjung lebih sedikit. Dalam suasana tenang dan jauh dari hiruk-pikuk kesibukan kota, objek wisata yang terletak sekitar 28 kilometer dari Pangandaran itu memang memberikan tawaran lain.

Kini, pascatragedi tsunami dan rangkaian peristiwa gempa bumi, Pangandaran kembali bersolek. Pembenahan tidak hanya dilakukan oleh pihak Pemkab Ciamis, tetapi juga oleh pihak Provinsi melalui Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Jawa Barat, bahkan Direktorat Jenderal Pariwisata.

Salah satu upaya yang kini tengah dilakukan pihak Disbudpar Jabar melalui Subdin Kepariwisataan adalah menawarkan wisata pantai alternatif, Pantai Lembah Putri di Desa Putrapinggan. Pantai eksotik yang terletak sekitar 82 kilometer dari Kota Ciamis atau sekitar 4 kilometer sebelum Pantai Pangandaran.

Dipantai yang masih perawan ini, pengunjung dijamin tak akan bertemu dengan pedagang kaki lima berjualan cenderamata, makanan, dan minuman yang memenuhi pantai seperti sekat raksasa sehingga pantai tidak bisa lagi dinikmati dengan nyaman. Seperti halnya untuk menuju sejumlah lokasi wisata di pantai selatan Ciamis, menuju Pantai Lembah Putri tidaklah terlalu sulit. Memasuki Jalan Raya Pangandaran selepas jalanan berkelok menurun, kawasan Kalipucang di sebelah kiri, di batu besar terpangpang tulisan Lembah Putri.

Suasana sunyi saat memasuki jalanan rimbun pepohonan, menyapa sepanjang jalan bebatuan diselimuti aspal alakadarnya. Setidaknya, terdapat dua tanjakan yang cukup tajam dengan kontur jalan melingkar 180 derajat.

Untuk menuju kawasan wisata Pantai Lembah Putri, wisatawan dianjurkan untuk membawa perbekalan secukupnya.

Menuju pantai merupakan suatu hal yang penuh tantangan dan kita diajak untuk merasakan suasana di Tembok Cina. Karena tembok yang dibangun tidak ubahnya menyerupai miniatur Tembok Cina dengan lebar 1 meter lebih dan kedua sisinya berpagar tembok setinggi 1 meter.

Bagi para orang tua yang kondisi fisiknya sudah kurang memungkinkan untuk menikmati angin pantai, di hamparan pasir bersih dan air laut kebiru-biruan masih dapat menikmati objek wisata Pantai Lembah Putri di atas perbukitan seluas 5 hektare lebih.

Sejauh mata memandang, terlihat pantai yang sangat indah dan air laut biru. Selain itu di antara bebukitan, kita dapat melihat sisa-sisa jembatan rel kereta api Banjar-Cijulang (Banci), yang juga dikenal dengan jalur Hendrik-Wilhelmina karena antara Banjar-Cijulang terdapat tiga terowongan yang diberi nama terowongan Hendrik sepanjang 100 meter, Juliana (250 m), dan terowongan Wilhelmina (1.200 m).

Untuk bermalam, pihak pengelola Pantai Lembah Putri menyediakan empat buah cottage bagi pengunjung yang ingin berlibur dalam waktu yang lama. Dari tempat istirahat, pandangan bisa langsung ke pantai, menyaksikan garis pantai di saat mentari tengelam yang terlihat jelas, termasuk hutan tropis yang mengelilingi pantai.

Bagi Anda yang menyenangi fotografi, pemandangan tersebut merupakan objek yang menantang dan tidak akan dilepaskan begitu saja. Dijamin, tidak akan melepas kamera dan terus membidik objek-objek cantik dari berbagai sudut.

Kehadiran bangunan miniatur Tembok Cina, merupakan suatu ciri khas Pantai Lembah Putri yang unik. Hal ini pula yang membedakan objek wisata Pantai Lembah Putri dengan puluhan objek wisata lain di Pangandaran.

"Meskipun capai, kaki pegal dan keringat mengucur deras, enggak rugi jalan di Tembok Cina Lembah Putri. Pantainya sangat eksotik tidak jauh beda dengan pantai di kawasan Anyer atau Pulau Seribu," ujar Nurcholis (44), yang berkesempatan mengunjungi Pantai Lembah Putri bersama keluarganya.

Dibandingkan dengan Pantai Pangandaran, Karang Nini, dan Kalipucang, menurut wisatawan asal Bogor ini, objek wisata Pantai Lembah Putri sangat berbeda baik pemandangan alamnya maupun suasananya. Terlebih, pemandangan pantai yang terlihat dari Bukit Lembah Putri betul-betul masih perawan.

Secara resmi, Pantai Lembah Putri dibuka tiga tahun lalu sebagai kawasan wisata alternatif dan diharapkan mampu menjadi tempat rekreasi alam yang lengkap selain wisata pantai dan laut juga gunung dan hutan.

Menurut kasubdin Pariwisata Disbudpar Jabar, Drs. Edi Kusnadi, belum ramainya Pantai Lembah Putri dikunjungi karena masih ada anggapan Pantai Lembah Putri milik pribadi. Namun, untuk pengembangannya antara pemerintah daerah dengan pemilik akan dibuat kesepakatan agar Pantai Lembah Putri dapat ditetapkan sebagai tempat wisata untuk umum.

Kenyataan itu semakin membuktikan kalau kawasan pantai selatan Ciamis, selain Pangandaran masih memiliki pamor dan diminati. Tetapi, yang menjadi pertanyaan, sampai kapan hal ini bisa dipertahankan, mengingat pemerintah daerah sebagai pengelola objek wisata tersebut tampaknya belum banyak memperhatikan faktor-faktor kenyamanan pengunjung, semisal infrastruktur dan keberadaan pedagang.
*from pikiran rakyat*

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Saat Kemarau di Talaganilem , Kuningan

MENYUSURI kawasan lereng utara kaki Gunung Ciremai, tepatnya di Kampung Pakucen Desa Kaduela Kecamatan Pasawahan Kuningan, siapa pun yang datang berkunjung, akan dihadapkan pada panorama alam dengan pepohonan hijau lebat menjulang tinggi.
Talaganilem berada di lereng utara kaki Gunung Ciremai, Kampung Pakucen, Desa Kaduela, Kecamatan Pasawahan Kuningan.

Kawasan Wanawisata Perum Perhutani KPH Kuningan Bagian Kesatuan Pemangkuan Hutan (BKPH) Linggarjati ini dapat dinikmati fenomena alamnya sejak pagi hingga sore hari. Foto diambil pekan lalu.

Selama ini, kawasan yang berada di lahan Perum Perhutani KPH Kuningan, wilayah kerja Resor Polisi Hutan (RPH) Pasawahan, Bagian Kesatuan Pemangkuan Hutan (BKPH) Linggarjati, hanya dikenal dengan Talaga Remisnya, padahal masih banyak talaga (telaga) lainnya yang dapat dinikmati keasriannya.

Di kawasan wanawisata yang terletak di ketinggian 220 m dpl, dengan curah hujan 3.000 mm/tahun, dan suhu udara 25-30 C. Letaknya berbatasan antara Kab. Kuningan dan Kab. Majalengka, hingga saat ini setidaknya terdapat delapan telaga alam, yaitu Talaganilem, Situ Ayu Salintang, Talagaleat, Talagadeleg, Talagaleutik, Talagaburuy, Talagatespong, dan Sumur Jalatunda. Masing-masing nama telaga tersebut mempunyai sejarah mengapa dinamai demikian.

Salah satu telaga yang kini menjadi bahan pembicaraan para pelancong dan tengah dilakukan penataan adalah Talaganilem. Fenomena alam di saat musim kemarau seperti sekarang ini, pengunjung akan dibuat takjub sejak matahari terbit hingga tenggelam.


Di saat musim kemarau seperti saat ini, airnya yang bening seperti kaca, sesekali menciptakan kilatan akibat pantulan cahaya matahari yang menerobos di antara pepohonan sonokeling, malaka, dan kosambi, yang banyak tersebar di sekitar telaga. Bayangan pepohonan yang menjulang tinggi di air telaga, juga menciptakan keindahan tersendiri.

Suguhan fenomena alam dapat wisatawan rasakan sejak pagi hari. Air telaga yang kebiru-biruan terlihat mengembun saat cahaya matahari pagi mengenai permukaan air, di saat itu pula terdengar suara-suara gemercik air keluar dari sejumlah lubang sumber air.

Momentum siang hari yang banyak diabadikan oleh sejumlah wisatawan domestik. "Karena pada umumnya mereka hanya ingin menikmati suasana telaga," ujar Wawan, salah seorang Jagawana RPH Pasawahan.

Padahal, fenomena alam menjelang petang justru semakin mengasyikkan, suasana sekitar telaga berubah yang meredup karena rerimbunan pepohonan tidak mampu ditembus sinar mentari memberikan kenikmatan tersendiri. "Di saat inilah banyak keajaiban yang dapat pengunjung nikmati. Bukan hanya kesejukan udara atau suara burung-burung yang kembali pulang ke sarangnya tetapi perubahan warna air yang sangat menakjubkan," terang Wawan.

Air telaga yang semula bening seperti kaca, berangsur-angsur bersamaan turunnya mentari keperaduan berubah menjadi kebiru-biruan. Semakin senja warna air semakin membiru dan di bagian telaga yang tertutup dedaunan pohon perdu warna air terlihat agak kehijau-hijauan.

Mendekati malam, kita akan dihadapkan pada fenomena alam yang sungguh menakjubkan. "Di sini kita akan merasakan kebesaran sang penciptaan, secara perlahan air telaga menyusut dan memperlihatkan dasarnya. Namun, warna air tetap membiru bahkan semakin menua karena pantulan cahaya dan bebatuan," terang Wawan.

Bersamaan dengan menyusutnya air telaga, sekelompok ikan kecil terlihat di antara bebatuan. Sisik ikan nilem yang mengilat membuat pantulan cahaya sungguh menakjubkan, tidak ubahnya cahaya kunang-kunang di malam hari.

Oleh karena itu pula, telaga yang lokasinya berada di bawah Situ Ayu Salintang yang merupakan telaga utama, dinamai Talaganilem. Warga sekitar menamai telaga dengan sebutan Talaganilem, karena telaga tesebut selain memberikan berkah air yang berlimpah juga karena sejak dahulu kala hingga saat ini memberikan ikan nilem yang cukup berlimpah untuk lauk pauk.

Menurut legenda yang berkembang di masyarakat sekitar Kuningan dan Majalengka, terutama Cirebon dan Jawa Barat pada umumnya, berdasarkan cerita dari orang tua yang dikisahkan secara turun-temurun, Telagaremis yang merupakan telaga utama berasal dari cucuran air mata Pangeran Salingsingan yang menangis tak henti-hentinya, ketika menerima nasihat dari Pangeran Sutajaya, yang satu-satunya kepercayaan Sultan Cirebon.

Kedua pangeran ini menangis karena mereka merasa berdosa yang telah mengkhianati negaranya, karena keduanya saling bermusuhan, terjadilah perang dan berperang terus habis-habisan. Baru berhenti setelah dilerai dan dinasihati oleh Pangeran Sutajaya. Kini makam Pangeran Selingsingan ada di tepian Danau Telagaremis yang boleh dilihat langsung oleh para pengunjung.

Talaganilem sendiri lokasinya berdekatan dengan Talagaleat di bawahan Situ Ayu Salintang. Meski di musim kemarau, kedua telaga mampu mengeluarkan air secara kontinu lebih kurang 180 liter per detik. Debit air jernih yang melimpah dari dua telaga menyatu sebesar itu, selama ini belum dimanfaatkan secara optimal.

"Air yang melimpah dari Situ Ayu Salintang, Talagaleat, dan Talaganilem, terbuang begitu saja sih tidak. Sebagian di antaranya bermanfaat juga untuk mengairi areal pertanian penduduk yang berada di bawah kawasan Talagaremis sampai Cirebon. Kalau dibanding-bandingkan antara debit air yang dibutuhkan petani dan debit yang kurang termanfaatkan, sepertinya lebih besar yang tidak termanfaatkan optimal," ujar Wawan menjelaskan.

Hasil pengamatan pihak Perhutani KPH Kuningan sendiri menunjukkan debit air yang keluar dari Situ Ayu Salintang, dengan luas genangan sekitar 3,5 hektare, pada musim kemarau diperkirakan masih di atas 250 liter per detik. "Saat diukur pada musim basah debit air yang keluar dari Situ Ayu Salintang, mencapai 350 liter per detik. Pada musim kering seperti sekarang, penurunan mungkin terjadi tetapi saya yakin pasti masih melebihi angka 250 liter per detik," ujar Wawan menjelaskan.

Air yang melimpah dari Situ Ayu Salintang (telaga terluas di Talagaremis) sebesar itu, 20 liter per detik di antaranya sejak 2001 telah dimanfaatkan untuk memasok pabrik semen PT Indocement Palimanan Cirebon. Sementara itu, sisanya yang mencapai ratusan liter per detik, selama ini belum terjual.

Bagi mereka yang tidak memiliki kendaraan pribadi, setidaknya dapat menggunakan angkutan pedesaan yang mengantarkan kita hingga di ujung jalan Desa Kaduela. Selebihnya naik ojek atau berjalan kaki menyusuri perkampungan Pakuncen yang jaraknya hanya sekitar 200 meter.

Rute perjalanan menuju Talagaremis, dari Terminal Bus atau Stasiun Kereta Api Cirebon, dapat mengambil arah ke Sumber-Pasar Keramat-Talagaremis. Rute dari Kuningan, yaitu melalui Kecamatan Cilmus-Mandirancan-Pasawahan-Talagaremis.

Sementara itu, pemilik kendaraan dari arah Bandung bisa mengambil akses jalan dari Majalengka, Rajagaluh atau Sumber yang hanya berjarak sekitar 10 kilometer. Wisatawan dari Jakarta, Indramayu, dan Cirebon dapat mengambil akses jalan Sumber yang kondisinya sangat mulus dengan jarak tempuh sekitar 20 km dari Kota Cirebon, 7 km dari ibu kota Kabupaten Cirebon, 5 km dari jalan tol Palimanan-Kanci.

Memasuki musim kemarau seperti sekarang ini merupakan waktu yang sangat tepat bagi wisatawan untuk menikmati fenomena alam Talaganilem.
*from pikiran rakyat*

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Danau Danau Di Kabupaten Solok

Danau Diatas

Terletak di kecamatan Lembah Gumanti pada dataran tinggi Alahan Panjang. Lokasinya ± 25 km sebelah timur ibukota Kabupaten Solok Kayu Aro kearah Muara Labuh ( Sungai Pagu ). Danau seluas ± 17,19 Ha. ini dikelilingi oleh lahan pertanian hortikultura seperti sayur sayuran, buah-buahan seperti markisa dan kesemek. Lokasi ini mudah dijangkau karena berada ditepi jalan raya.

Perjalanan menuju daerah wisata ini bisa ditempuh dalam waktu ± 1 Jam dari Kayu Aro dan ± 1,5 jam dari Padang, ibukota Propinsi Sumatera Barat. Bila menggunakan angkutan umum, danau ini bisa dicapai dalam ± 2 jam perjalanan dari terminal Bareh Solok - Kota Solok. Jalan raya menuju danau ini mulus dan sepanjang perjalanan anda bisa menikmati pemandangan pedesaan dan perkebunan teh yang indah.

Untuk penginapan anda bisa menggunakan Guest House, villa, wisma atau penginapan yang lain dengan harga yang terjangkau dan lokasi yang tenang jauh dari kebisingan. Salain itu sekarang ini tengah dibangun cottage cottage modern dengan fasilitas yang lengkap dipinggiran danau ini. Cottage cottage ini bisa disewa secara berkelompok ataupun perorangan. Cottage cottage ini dibuat sedemikian rupa sehingga akan lebih menghangatkan suasana rekreasi anda.

Danau Dibawah


Danau seluas ± 16,83 Ha ini terletak ± 1 km di sebelah selatan Danau Diatas. Lokasinya yang boleh dikata berdampingan dengan Danau Diatas menyebabkan kedua danau ini dikenal dengan sebutan Danau Kembar. Kedua danau ini bisa dilihat secara bersamaan dari puncak suatu bukit yang berada diantara kedua danau. Dipuncak bukit ini terdapat sarana wisata yang telah dibangun oleh Pemerintah Kabupaten Solok untuk memberikan kenyamanan anda dalam menikmati keindahan Danau Kembar ini.

Danau ini dikelilingi oleh perbukitan dataran tinggi yang berhawa dingin. Hamparan danau ini berada kecamatan Danau Kembar. Penduduk sekitar danau sebagian besar adalah petani. Umumnya mereka menanam tanaman hortikultura sebagai mata pencaharian utama.

Danau Kembar merupakan tempat rekreasi yang sangat mengesankan dengan panorama yang indah serta suasana pedesaan yang sangat asri. Dataran tinggi dan bukit bukit disekitarnya sangat cocok untuk penggemar olahraga travelling, hiking, camping dan juga sebagai tempat rekreasi keluarga. Kota terbesar di daerah Danau Kembar ini adalah Alahan Panjang yang berjarak ± 65 km dari Kota Padang. Disini tersedia sarana umum yang cukup lengkap dengan harga terjangkau.


Danau Talang


Obyek wisata danau Talang yang terletak di kecamatan Lembang Jaya berada ± 2 Km dari danau Kembar ( Danau Diatas dan Danau Dibawah ). Danau yang terletak pada ketinggian sekitar 1.400 m dari permukaan laut ini diapit oleh perbukitan dengan suasana yang tenang dan sejuk dengan areal pertanian hortikultura (sayur sayuran dan buah buahan, terutama markisa) dan perkebunan (kopi dan teh) disekelilingnya.

Bagi para pencinta alam penggemar olahraga hiking, danau kecil seluas ± 1,9 Ha. yang sebenarnya meruoakan salah satu dari 2 kawah Gunung Talang purba ini bisa dicapai dengan berjalan kaki dari Alahan Panjang atau dari Danau Kembar dalam waktu ± 1 jam perjalanan atau bisa juga melewati perkebunan teh PT. Perkebunan Nusantara VI dengan waktu tempuh yang sama.

Danau Singkarak


Danau Singkarak berjarak ± 10 Km dari Kota Solok dan ± 35 Km dari Kayu Aro. Danau ini terletak di kecamatan X Koto Singkarak ditepi jalan raya Lintas Sumatera pada jalur Solok - Bukitinggi yang menyusuri hampir separuh pinggiran danau. Hamparan danau ini berada di dua kabupaten yaitu Kabupaten Solok dan Kabupaten Tanah Datar. Dengan luas ± 129,70 km2 (± 1.129,29 Ha.), Danau Singkarak merupakan danau terluas di Sumatera Barat dan danau terluas ke 2 di Sumatera setelah Danau Toba. Danau ini apabila mengunakan kendaraan umum dapat dicapai dalam waktu ± 1 jam dari Terminal Bareh Solok Kota Solok, ± 2.5 jam dari Bandara Tabing Padang dan ± 1 jam dari Kota Bukittinggi.

Danau yang terletak pada ketinggian 362,5 m dari permukaan laut ini memiliki spesies ikan khas yang hanya hidup di danau ini dan satu-satunya di dunia. Masyarakat setempat menyebutnya Ikan Bilih (Mystacoleuseus Padangensis). Uniknya ikan ini tidak bisa dibudidayakan diluar habitatnya, baik di aquarium, kolam atau jala terapung sekalipun. Ikan ini banyak dijadikan sumber mata pencaharian masyarakat nelayan di sekitar danau. Anda bisa menikmati ikan yang rasanya spesifik dan enak ini pada restoran / rumah makan pada banyak titik titik lokasi wisata disekeliling danau.

Disekeliling danau Singkarak banyak terdapat sarana sarana umum seperti penginapan, hotel, wisma, rumah makan / restoran dan juga sarana olahraga air. Kesemuanya bisa digunakan dengan harga sewa yang wajar.

Selain untuk sarana pariwisata dan sebagai sumber mata pencaharian masyarakat, saat ini air Danau Singkarak juga tengah digunakan sebagai sumber air Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Air Sicincin.

catatan :

Disamping keempat danau yang disebutkan diatas, kabupaten Solok memiliki satu danau lagi yaitu Danau Tuo yang terletak di Kecamatan X Koto Singkarak dengan luas ± 1,5 Ha. Danau kecil ini terletak tidak begitu jauh dari Danau Singkarak.
*from kompas*

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Mt. Tsukuba in japan

Thousands of years ago, a deity descended from the heavens and asked two mountains for a place to spend the night. With its great summit and almost perfect cone, Mt. Fuji refused, believing with pride and arrogance, that it does not need the deity's blessings. Mt. Tsukuba, on the other hand, humbly welcomed the honored guest, even offering food and water. Today, Mt. Fuji is a cold, lonely, and barren mountain, while Mt. Tsukuba bursts with vegetation, filling with colors as the seasons change. So goes the legend of the two-peaked Mt. Tsukuba, the so-called "purple mountain" on the Kanto plain.

Ancient chronicles say that the sacred progenitors of the Japanese race are enshrined here, the male divinity, Izanagi-no-Mikoto, at 870 meters on one peak, called Mt. Nantai, and the female divinity, Izanami-no-Mikoto, at 876 meters on the other, called Mt. Nyotai. Legends say that the two deities wed, gave birth to other deities and to Japan herself.

But Mt. Tsukuba is famous not only for the legends that have appeared in poetry anthologies since 710 A.D. Today, the mountain and its centuries-old Shinto shrine are both a source of blessing for the Japanese people and a must-see attraction to both local and foreign tourists.

You can reach the mountain's two peaks in two ways, one, by cable car, and the other, by a two to three-hour trek on foot. For the faint of heart and spirit, the cable car is the easy way, taking just a few minutes to reach the view deck where restaurants and souvenir shops are aplenty. Nestled closely between the two peaks, the view deck provides easy access to Mts. Nantai and Nyotai, as well as a majestic view of the Kanto plain. However facile this way may be, it is like reaching a faint climax without adequate foreplay.

Mt. Tsukuba's romance only comes with trekking through its rough footpaths and steep cliffs. Along the way, especially in summer and spring, a variety of broad-leaved trees provide a cooling embrace to the adventurous spirit. You can find evergreen oaks in and around Tsukuba Shrine, and this vegetation changes to beech and maple trees at higher altitudes, while conifers begin to appear at 700 meters. It is the smell of the forest, like a woman's scent, that brings the mountain to life.

She sweetly whispers, too, through her array of wildlife, including kites, hawks, pheasants, owls, nightingales, even wild boars, badgers and racoons. With cicadas and more than 70 butterfly species, Mt. Tsukuba is likewise a nature preserve.

Unless you bring a stroller with a baby inside, the trek isn't demanding at all. There are refreshment stations serving snacks and drinks after every hundred meters. And the birds-eye views from these posts are a photographer's heaven, especially in autumn when the leaves change from yellow to gold to red to brown, filling the scene with a cornucopia of colors. It's like a walk through the park; actually, only better.

And then comes the peak, when you suddenly feel like Sir Edmund Hillary as he conquers Mt. Everest. Your mountain may just be a molehill, but it is still yours. It is not just conquering Mt. Tsukuba, but conquering your fears and feelings of physical inadequacy that count most. It is not just the mountain's height, but also the sweetness of the struggle. At the peak, you and the mountain are one.

Albeit there are small shrines at each of the summits, Mt. Tsukuba's center of activity revolves around Mt. Tsukuba Shrine, a Shinto temple found on the south face, beginning at 270 meters above sea level. Built many centuries ago from solid oak trees, the shrine is a Mecca for many Japanese seeking guidance from the spirits and their ancestors. Many also believe in the power of the two divinities enshrined here in warding off evil and fulfilling heartfelt needs.

The Ozakawari ("Exchange of the Gods' Seats") Festival during spring and autumn, as well as the New Year's Day, brings hundreds of tourists to the shrine. The Ozakawari is when the Parent Gods at the mountain's base exchange places with their children to ensure a bountiful harvest. The Mt. Tsukuba Plum Blossom Festival from February 20 to March 31, on the other hand, highlights the mountain's 3,000 red, white and green plum blossoms, a succinct symbol of the mountain's celebration of life and rebirth.

For life indeed is the symbol of Mt. Tsukuba, a complete contradiction to Mt. Fuji's cold, barren and Martian landscape. The mountain's warmth, the same one it expressed thousands of years ago to a deity, are surely alive and well today. The immortal deities may still be there, too, to guide you safely to the summit.

And if you reach it, who knows, they might walk with you all the way.

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Kinabalu Park Headquarters Trails

The forest around the Kinabalu Park Headquarters is always beautiful, whether it is lit by the first rays of the sun over the eastern ridge, shadowed by passing clouds at midday or veiled in drifting mists at evening. Squirrels and tree shrews scramble in the thickets and birds call in the canopy overhead. Cicadas zither and hum off and on throughout the day, while the primeval looking trilobite beetles sway through miniature forests of moss growing on rotting logs. The wind murmuring in the tree tops brings the cool air of the higher mountain to refresh the weary visitor from the enervating heat of the lowlands.

Yes, there is always something of interest along these paths and a number of walking trails have been developed around the Park HQ ranging in length from 20 minutes to two or three hours. These trails are marked on the trail maps available at Park HQ. Remember that times given are approximate and vary greatly depending on how fit you are and how often you stop.

The trails around headquarters can be divided into two basic groups - ridgetop trails and streamside trails.

Ridgetop Trails


Kiau View Trail (c.90 minutes one way)

This starts by the entrance arch into the Kinabalu Park and comes out just after the 1.5 kilometre (1 mile) mark on the Power Station road opposite the entrance to the Silau-Silau Trail. A wide undulating ridge trail with several shelters and good views looking down to the west coast, it is excellent for familiarising yourself with the most typical trees of Kinabalu's mountain forest.

Pandanus Trail (c. 20 minutes to Kiau View trail)
This trail was completed only recently as part of the route for the World Mountain Running Trophy Race that took place at the Kinabalu Park in September 1999. As a result the trail is broad and well graded. It starts just opposite the entrance to the car park at the Administration Building, zigzagging up the side of the ridge to reach the Kiau View Trail at the ridge crest.

Bukit Ular Hillside Trail (c. 30 minutes)

A fairly steep trail that contours around the side of Bukit Ular near the top end of the Power Station road. It starts about two-thirds of the way up the Power Station road coming out just behind the Power Station itself. A steep 30 minute detour just below the Power Station leads to the top of Bukit Ular with excellent waterfall and mountain views.

Bundu Tuhan View Trail (7 minutes to the ridgetop shelter; 25 minutes to Liwagu Trail)

Starts from the loop road below the staff quarters near the Conservation Centre. The trail leads up to a shelter on top of the ridge above the main highway to Ranau which gives good views of Bundu Tuhan village and a panorama of the southern mountains, including Trus Madi (2642m), the second highest peak in Sabah. Then continue down the side of the ridge to the Liwagu Trail.

Bukit Tupai Trail (25 minutes)

A short trail that starts near the Multipurpose Hall, crosses the Silau-Silau stream and trail and goes straight up to the ridge crest and the BukitTupai shelter. Excellent views of the HQ complex, the tree canopy and in clear weather outstanding views of Mt. Kinabalu. At the ridge crest it joins the Mempening and Bukit Burong trails.

Bukit Burong Trail (10 minutes to Silau-Silau, 25 mins to Bukit Burong)

Starts from the road, first crossing the Silau-silau stream and trail, then going gradually up the ridge side to the Bukit Burong shelter at the top. The trail connects to the Mempening Trail via the Bukit Tupai shelter. They are favourites with visitors because of the variety and convenience, combining hill forest, cool stream valley and dry ridge tops. Bukit Burong shelter gives fine panoramas of Kinabalu, the lower Liwagu valley and the HQ area.

MempeningTrail (30 minutes from road to Silau-Silau)

Another ridgetop trail starting about halfway up the Power Station road and leading down the ridge through dense oak-chestnut forest to Bukit Tupai and the Silau-Silau stream. Good views of the Park HQ complex and the Liwagu valley.

Streamside Trails

Silau-Silau Trail (c.50 minutes from Power Station road to Liwagu River)

This follows the cool and mossy Silau-Silau stream for nearly all its course from its source below the Kiau Gap right down to the junction with the Liwagu river near the overhanging rock of the Liwagu Cave. Many visitors enjoy walking this trail in conjunction with another one such as Bukit Burong or Kiau View. A detour joining the Bukit Tupai Trail is made in one area to avoid the Mountain Garden. Short cuts back to the road can be taken near the twin-bed cabins and where the path joins the Bukit Tupai and Bukit Burong trails.

Liwagu River Trail (3 hours from Power Station down to Silau-Silau junction)

The Liwagu Trail starts near the Kinabalu Balsam restaurant at Park HQ and leads down to the Silau-Silau stream but does not cross it until the junction with the Liwagu river. From here the trail follows the Liwagu river upwards, sometimes almost along the river bank, at other times on a high bluff, until it joins the Power Station road near the Timpohon Gate. This is a varied trail with ridge forest, cool stream valley, feathery rattan palms and the deep green gorge of the Liwagu itself. The trail is steep and narrow in places but there are several plants not found on other trails.

The best way to walk it is to get a lift to the Power Station and then follow the Liwagu Trail down. Because of its length the trail it is not much used and visitors should check to see if there have been any tree falls or landslides recently.

Nature spotting

The ridgetop shelters of Bukit Burong and Bukit Tupai are a good place to look for birds in the early morning or evening. The little Jentinck's Squirrel (Sundasciurus jentincki), one of the commonest species around Park HQ, with its conspicuous white eye ring and white ear edging, is often seen at these times.

Despite the cold, a few snakes do occur at Park HQ and above - the Speckle-bellied Keelback (Rhabdorphis chrysarga) may be curled up for warmth in a sunny patch at the trail edge, or a green Pit viper (Trimeresurus sp) might be coiled round a slender twig, but such occasions are rare.

Some of the finest views of the higher mountain forest are from these ridgetops, looking down into the valley and up to the spurs and ridges of the middle mountain all clothed in a mantle of tree tops in a harmony of greens, greys and browns, Bright pink leaf flushes of tree bilberries (Vaccinium spp) here and there glow in the early sun, and glimpses of silver or scurfy gold from other trees with young leaf flushes add splashes of colour.

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Cruising the Caves of the Moluccas

Maluku, or The Moluccas, in Indonesia are perhaps better known as The Spice Islands. This name originated from the spice trade during which Indian, Chinese, Arab and later European traders frequented the place from as early as the 1st century. In 1999, the Maluku Islands split into 2 provinces: North Maluku and Maluku. I knew about the caves near Halmahera in the North Maluku province, which had been documented in caving journals, but until my trip to Maluku province in 2007, I had no idea about the caves there.

Although not many cavers have been to Maluku, research has been carried out in several archaeological caves there over the years. Archaeological case studies include the Labarisi site (north Buru), the Hatusua site (southwest Seram), and several cave sites on the northern Leihitu Peninsula (Ambon).

The Siwa Lima Museum in Ambon built a replica cave to represent a prehistoric cave in which people used to live. Inside, visitors can look at cave paintings, a fire place, protective wooden gates, enemy skulls etc.

Caves on Seram



Pulau Seram, or Seram Island, is non-volcanic and is the largest island of Maluku. The capital of the district is Masohi. The island covers an area of 18,625 km2 and its highest peak, at 3027 m, is the Gunung Binaya.

The Manusela National Park covers 19% of the island's width, and has some high and densely forested limestone mountains. The formation of the Manusela limestone has not been precisely dated. I came across two reports; one stated that it is Triassic limestone formed during the Paleozoic and early Mesozoic Eras, while the other report (Cooper) writes that its formation dates back to the Early and Middle Jurassic Period. This is equivalent to 190 to 150 million years ago.

Most of the limestone mountains have been unexplored by cavers and there is one unexplored cave right by the roadside. The caves around the coastal villages of Sawai and Saleman, in the northern parts, are better known. Due to the geological formation of the caves, many of them have deep shafts and canyons formed by underground streams. The water supply for these two villages is obtained from several small resurgences. There is a series of stream sinks on the eastern side of Hatu Lusiala, 3 km to the west of Saleman. Resurgences can be found at sea level and up to a height of 50 m above sea level. The boat ride between Sawai and Saleman offers a good view of the 300 m high limestone hills.

Kampung Saleman is a small Moslem fishing village and tourists are taken to see the evening bat flight from Goa Lusiala. The large entrance is clearly visible high in the cliff of Gunung Polesi behind the village. Every evening flocks of bats leave the cave in an impressive "bat flight". They exit and fly in the shape of a long ribbon over the sea. Unfortunately, the locals seem to think of them as birds, and tourists are taken to see the "Lusiala birds". This 'bird' is sacred to the local community, indicated by its name, 'lusi', which means ancestors, and 'ala', which means descendants. The locals describe these animals as a 'bat-type bird with a tail' and they supposedly leave the cave bearing the souls of the ancestors. The cave is said to be 450 m deep, according to local men who have descended. The SUCC/WCC expedition (see below), however, record it as 80m deep.

Behind the Moslem village of Sawai, there is one cave which is suitable for tourists; Goa Hatu Putih (aka Goa Lasai). It is located within the National Park and is a 40-minute walk away from Sawai. The entrance is in a rock on the hillside, and is a resurgence with 2 small streams coming out. The chamber at the entrance is occupied by fruit bats and non-edible birds' nests. Upon entering the cave, there is a passage with many stal to the left. This leads to a couple of small chambers, which are inhabited by bats and invertebrates such as spiders, whip spiders and ants.

In 1996 there was an international caving expedition to Seram, by SUCC and Wessex Cave Club (WCC, England). They explored many caves in the Saleman/Sawai area and recorded more than 30 caves and resurgences. Many of the caves had deep shafts. According to tourist literature, there are caves near Hatuhuran on West Seram, near Seram Beach Resort.

Goa Akohi, a famous cave in south Seram in Tamilouw, east of Masohi, is full of spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Large concrete square stepping stones form a path through the cave. The cave is really beautiful. Unfortunately, a new concrete entrance blockhouse has been built over the natural entrance in the last year. Also, electric lighting has been installed recently, powered by a generator located next to the entrance. However, the lights dazzle visitors and the cables were laid without care. Also, much of the workmen's debris has been left in the cave, as well an old concrete staircase. The cave guide found nothing wrong with touching the stal and using them as handholds.

The cave is located right by the roadside and I was told that there are 16 others in the area. The cave is managed by Dinas Pariwisata (Tourism Office). The caretaker can arrange tours for people who turn up at the cave, but it is advisable to pre-book with the Dinas Pariwisata in Masohi before visiting.

Caves on Saparua

Saparua is one of the 3 Lease Islands, which lie northeast of Ambon in Maluku Province, Maluku. Ferries and speedboats leave from Ambon's Tulehu harbour to various ports on Saparua.

The first cave I visited is in Ouw, in the south easternmost corner of the island. I hadn't seen any limestone in the area. Ouw is famous for its pottery. Our drive ended at the far side of the village, from which we walked about 200 m to the concrete steps leading down to a cave. Inside the dark chamber, locals were washing their clothes in the sizeable river. They were using smoky kerosene lamps to light up the place. Unfortunately, they leave their plastic bags, empty detergent containers and toothpaste tubes behind in the cave. The cave apparently leads to the coast which is not far away.

Driving across the top of the island to Kulur on the northwest corner, we passed a cave immediately by the roadside. This may have been Goa Air Serambi. Further on, a local led us to Goa Puteri Tujuh, or Seven Princess Cave. A track led through farmed land with coral karst rocks scattered in the fields. We walked down the steps leading to the cave, and entered a large chamber with several pools filled with incredibly clear water. There were supposed to be seven pools, one for each princess. The water was so clear that, at first, I didn't realise it was water, and wondered why the rocks below were green. I took several pictures but they don't do any justice to the place. Apparently, the pools, which are separated by rock walls, are dry at times of low water. Again, the locals use this cave for washing and obtaining water.

We drove through the village of Kulur and to two caves, Goa Mandi and Goa Minum (washing and drinking caves). The first cave is used for washing and a concrete platform acts as a bathing place. Surprisingly, there were fish in the water. It was murky, presumably from all the soap and shampoo used. The second cave is used chiefly to obtain water and concrete steps lead down to a pump. There is a water tank outside the cave, set up by Mercy Corps in 2002.

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Bantimurung - Butterflies and Blue Pools in Sulawesi

In Indonesian language, Bantimurung means "getting rid of sadness." Befitting its name, this slice of paradise in Sulawesi boasts intriguing caves, cascading falls and exotic butterflies.

The pool was such a milky turquoise colour that it didn't seem real. It reminded me of the blue school uniforms worn in Malaysia, although was slightly paler in colour, as if mixed with milk. The water flowed out of the pool like a blue ribbon, through a wooded gorge and then plunged 15m down the Bantimurung falls. Once it reached the bottom of the waterfall it had lost its blue colour. Unfortunately it was dry season so there wasn't much water, and the rocks supporting the waterfall were hardly covered. The bottom of the fall was a sea of people; it was a Sunday and this area is very popular with Indonesian day- trippers.



About 45 km north of Ujung Pandang the Bantimurung waterfalls are set amid lushly vegetated limestone cliffs. Bantimurung is crowded with Indonesians on weekends and holidays, and at other times it's a wonderful retreat from the congestion of Ujung Pandang. Ujung Pandang (Makassar) is the capital of Sulawesi, the octopus-shaped island of Indonesia. To get to Bantimurung from the city, we took a bus for Maros. We were a group of cavers from England, and the youngest of our party, a fair- skinned lad, attracted the attention of several local girls on the bus. They all giggled and urged each other to talk to our friend, much to his embarrassment. We found all the Sulawesi people to be very friendly. They are a mix of Makassarese and Bugis Muslims, and Christian Minahasans.

Before the bus reached Maros, it stopped, and we were told to get off. We were a bit puzzled and were wondering what was happening, then someone shouted at a microlet driver. We were bundled onto this, and without saying anything, we were taken to Bantimurung Waterfall Park. I suppose it was obvious to the locals where we wanted to go. The road passed under a giant concrete monkey, which was waving with one hand and scratching its head with the other. Maybe it couldn't decide whether to welcome us or not. Apparently this 6m tall statue is of a lutung, which is a black, long-tailed leaf monkey indigenous to Sulawesi and Kalimantan.

The road actually ended at the park, so we paid the driver, and then entered the park, paying a small admission fee. That was when we realised we had made a mistake by coming at a weekend, as there were people everywhere. We headed straight for Gua Mimpi, or Dreaming Cave. Bantimurung lies at the southern end of a limestone outcrop which houses a series of caves and rock shelters. There are many caves, but Gua Mimpi is one of the best, and is equipped as a tourist cave.

We followed the signboards, crossed the river and walked around a section of the hillside and then up a series of concrete steps which led to the main entrance of the cave. The cave consists of one long passage, maybe 500m long, and is full of stalactites and stalagmites. Some are white in colour, others varying shades of cream, yellow and brown. In addition some look like large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. There is a wooden plank walk all the way through the cave, so presumably a river covers the floor in the wet season.

We came out at the smaller backdoor and being curious, decided to look round. We ended up scrambling over a lot of bamboo, and then found a small track which led to another cave. This cave wasn't very extensive, so we turned round and battled with the bamboo, before re-entering Gua Mimpi. We walked back through the cave to the main entrance. As we emerged, several Indonesians asked to have their photo taken with us. I suppose they don't get too many European visitors to this area. To the left of this entrance is another cave, Gua Istana Toakala. There was no plank walk in this cave, but we went in, and again it had some great stalagmite formations. The cave ended in a stal blockage. Presumably these two caves were once part of the same system.

We went back down to the river and followed the right bank up to the waterfall. Several times we were stopped and had to have our photo taken with the locals. Steep steps lead up the side of the tufa waterfall and onto the gorge with the blue river. It reminded me of the Bei Shui river which flows through the Jiuzhaigou Nature Park in Sichuan province in southern China. It must be the tufa which gives the milky blue colour.

The pool looked inviting but no one was in the water. All the water was resurging from a cave. We were curious so went in to have a look and found a dry passage above the water. However the cave was very short and we soon popped out on the other side. There was another beautiful blue pool, with the water seeming to come out of yet another cave.

We made our way back downstream, and followed some steps which led up to another cave. Here some enterprising men had lanterns for hire so we went in to the cave, but it was quite short and nowhere near as nice as the two caves we had explored earlier.

The Bantimurung Nature Reserve covers 1000 ha. There are many other caves in these cliffs but apart from the scenery the area is also famous for its beautiful butterflies. The naturalist Alfred Wallace collected specimens here in the mid 1800's. Among the butterflies that he caught was the Papilo Androcles, one of the rarest and biggest, with a tail like a swallow. Today entomologists still come here to look at the butterflies and other insects. It is certainly a beautiful area, with white falls and bright butterflies. Nowadays Bantimurung is a protected area, but there are still kids besieging visitors with beautifully coloured butterflies as souvenirs. The best time to see living butterflies is when the sun appears after a rain shower. They form a riot of colour as they fly from one shrub to another.

According to a tourist leaflet, Bantimurung means a place for getting rid of sadness (membanting kemurungan). It would be difficult to be sad in such a beautiful place.

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Borobudur Sunrise,Pemandangan Matahari Terbit di Nirwana

Mengagumi kemegahan Borobudur di siang hari dan melihat detail setiap arca dan batu-batu berelief penyusunnya adalah sesuatu yang paling didambakan oleh jutaan orang dari berbagai negara. Namun, tak banyak orang yang menyadari bahwa Borobudur juga memiliki pemandangan unik lain, yaitu pemandangan matahari terbit yang indah dan menerpa tubuh stupa Sang Budha yang bersila di puncak candi yang berdiri sejak abad ke 9 ini.

Bila anda termasuk orang yang belum pernah menikmatinya, maka mencobanya untuk mewarnai datangnya kehidupan baru pada awal tahun tentu akan menjadi pengalaman tak terlupakan. Matahari yang terbit dengan sinar terang setidaknya bisa turut menyemangati anda menjalani kehidupan setahun ke depan, dan yang jelas bisa menjadi sebuah pengingat bahwa kebijaksanaan atau nirwana yang dilambangkan oleh puncak candi ini adalah tujuan utama hidup anda.

Untuk menikmati pemandangan matahari terbit itu, sejak sore hari anda bisa menginap di Hotel Manohara, satu-satunya hotel yang berada di kompleks Candi Borobudur. Atau, anda bisa juga mengikuti paket tur Borobudur Sunrise yang ditawarkan oleh beberapa agen tur. Tanpa itu, anda bahkan tak akan bisa masuk ke kompleks candi dan sunrise pun terlewatkan, sebab pintu gerbang masuk kawasan objek wisata ini baru dibuka sekitar pukul 7.30 WIB.

Bila menginap di Manohara, sebenarnya anda bisa berangkat naik ke Borobudur pada jam berapa pun untuk menikmati sunrise. Namun, pengelola hotel dan beberapa agen tur biasanya akan memberangkatkan anda pukul 3.30 pagi sehingga dapat berjalan santai dan tidak menunggu sunrise terlalu lama. Pemandangan sunrise sendiri biasanya akan bisa dinikmati sekitar pukul 5.00 pagi. Sebaiknya anda membawa jaket untuk mengalahkan hawa dingin dan bila perlu membawa senter untuk penerangan.

Begitu langit di timur tampak mulai terang, anda bisa bersiap untuk melihat gerak gerik matahari memunculkan diri. Sedikit saja sinar kuning kemerahan muncul, itu berarti saat fajar telah tiba di puncak Borobudur yang melambangkan nirwana ini. Sebuah keunikan ketika anda melihat sunrise di Borobudur adalah bahwa matahari seolah datang dari celah antara dua gunung, yaitu Merapi yang menjadi salah satu gunung teraktif di dunia dan Merbabu yang sering disebut kembarannya.

Saat Merapi tengah aktif mengeluarkan lava pijarnya dan kabut tak menutupi, anda bisa melihat guguran lava pijar yang menuju hulu Kali Krasak. Warna lava pijar yang merah membara akan tampak sangat terang, menjadi kontras dengan warna langit yang masih gelap. Januari 2006 lalu, puluhan wisatawan menikmati pemandangan ini dan di tengah aktivitas Merapi yang mulai meningkat akhir-akhir ini, anda tentu berpeluang untuk menikmatinya juga.

Pemandangan lain yang tak kalah menarik adalah desa-desa sekitar Borobudur yang akan tampak bila anda menatap ke bawah. Di desa-desa sekitar itulah, hingga kini pertanian dan kesenian tetap berkembang, setidaknya bisa membantu anda membayangkan kondisi desa sekitar saat candi ini didirikan. Bila kabut tebal sedang menyelimuti, anda masih bisa melihat pepohonan tinggi berwarna hijau yang muncul dari permukaan kabut.

Setiap gerak gerik matahari dapat direkam dari seberapa terang berkas sinar yang menerpa stupa Sang Budha. Kian tinggi matahari, stupa Sang Budha pun semakin terlihat terang, mengubah warna yang semula terlihat hitam menjadi abu-abu cerah. Bila memiliki kamera yang cukup bagus merekam gambar, anda bisa mengabadikan momen saat seberkas sinar matahari menerpa stupa Sang Budha dan membuat satu bagian stupa tersebut lebih terang dari bagian lain.

Saat panas matahari mulai menyengat, itulah saatnya anda mesti turun candi. Namun, jangan khawatir, anda masih bisa mengelilingi desa-desa sekitar Borobudur yang semula hanya bisa dilihat dari atas. Beberapa desa kini ditetapkan sebagai desa wisata. Anda bisa menyaksikan kesibukan penduduk bertani, membuat tembikar, memahat patung dan berbagai aktivitas lainnya. Kehadiran anda di desa itu setidaknya bisa memberi harapan bagi para penduduk yang kini kian sulit menjalani hidup.

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