Hawaii Kapalua Beach Park Maui

Kapalua Beach is a beautiful golden stretch along the west coast of the Keanae Peninsula, with a spectacular view of Molokai, and one of the prettiest and safest beaches on Maui - once voted the best beach in the world by Condé Nast Magazine. It has an exclusive beach resort called Kapalua Bay. Inside the bay is well-protected from big waves by offshore reefs and by lava peninsulas on the both sides, making this a superb swimming beach for families with small children. It is also a good place to watch whales, during the whale season. If you drive, beware that public parking and beach access is not easy to find, and it's a bit of a walk to the beach. This beach also match for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving lovers. After visit Kapalua Beach Park, Maui, I can guarantee you absolutely will love Hawaii...

10:31 PM | 0 komentar | Read More

Visit London

Many people think that London is expensive but there are so many free things to do in this city and special deals to be found that I thought I’d show you how it is possible to do London on any budget.  I used to do a feature called “Free, half price and discounted in London” and I’m going to share my best tips with you today.
My number one tip: never pay full price for anything.
Getting to London
The first site I ever visit when booking long haul flights is Expedia.co.uk.  Their layout is super easy to use and they will bring up an easy grid for you comparing the price of direct and non-direct flights over several airlines.  We used them to book both trips back to South Africa last year.
Tip: once you find a flight on Expedia, we sure to check on the airline’s website as booking direct from an airline can often be cheaper.
By the way, there are four major airports in London and they roughly correspond to the four compass points: Stansted (North), London City(East), Heathrow (West) and Gatwick (South).  You would not believe how centrally located London City is and how easy an airport it is to travel through.  The best thing is to book an airport closest to your hotel if you can.
For all of our package holidays from the UK, we use TeletextHolidays.co.uk and have not been able to beat their deals.
Finding a Place to Stay in London
VoucherCodes.co.uk has fantastic deals on saving money in the UK and they currently have an exclusive 10% off bookings at Hotel.com.  The current offer ends Sunday 21 February but keep checking back as they have excellent offers added every week.
I’ll tell you a bit more about VoucherCodes.co.uk a little later on as they are quite famous in our office and we simply don’t go out shopping or to a restaurant without first checking on their site.
Couch Surfing, Crash Padder and Hostel Bookers are great sites to visit for those of you on an absolute budget.  Prices range from free to the ridiculously inexpensive but obviously staying in a hotel will always be better.

Getting Around London
If you are in London for more than one day, I would absolutely recommend getting an Oyster card to travel around.  Bus rides reduce from £2 to £1.20 and tube fairs reduce from £4 to £1.80 for a zone 1 fare using an Oyster card. 
Tip: the best thing to do with Oyster is to travel with pay-as-you-go.  If you hit the daily Travelcard limit, it will stop charging you but it is better than splashing out on a Travelcard that you land up not using.
If you are visiting friends or family in London and they have an annual Gold Travelcard make sure you make use of the offer of a 34% discount on train travel and Travelcards in the Network area.  Gold Travelcard holders can travel with up to three other adults who will get the discount too.  Patrick and I used this special when we went to Dover and paid £19 instead of £28 for tickets. 
Eating Out in London
Like I said earlier, we have a firm tradition in our office that we never go out the latest restaurant vouchers at VoucherCodes.co.uk.  The specials include 2 for 1 mains at Prezzo and 2 courses only £10 at Zizzi.
Slug and Lettuce offers a superb menu and 50% off food on Mondays which Jen from Journies/Reisen/Viajes and I took advantage of a couple of weeks ago.
Wetherspoons can be found all over the city and they offer a fabulous and ridiculously inexpensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.  We eat breakfast there at least once a weekend!
Discounted Theatre in London
I have four tips for obtaining discounted theatre tickets in London.  You can visit London Theatre Tickets to get the best possible deals on theatre tickets or check out the offers at The Evening Standard’s Theatre Club.  You can also do my favourite trick and Google “2 for 1 tickets to…” or you can catch the tube to Leicester Square and visit the last minute ticket booths there.
Touring Around London
If travelling around all day on a London Bus all day without a tour guide is not your idea of fun, you can book a tour on the Original London Bus Tour which is the famous open topped bus.
You can also take a Thames Clipper which is a small boat that goes up and down the Thames.  I blogged about our glorious ride on a Thames Clipper last year.
You could also contact me to be your personal (and free) tour guide and if I am not busy, I’ll be happy to help you out!
Visiting Attractions in London
You actually wouldn’t believe how many free places there are to visit in London.  The British Museum, Science Museum, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Museum of London, Imperial War Museum London, Design Museum, Natural History Museum, The National Gallery and The National Portrait Gallery are all free to get into!!  Is it any wonder I am determined to maintain my status as an eternal tourist in this magical city?
When I went to New York, I bought the CityPass there and I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful it was in terms of saving money and skipping queues. Well, here we have The London Pass which gives you entry to London’s top attractions at a great discount plus allows you to skip queues plus you get a free guidebook too!  Attractions include Tower of London, London Zoo, London Bridge Experience and Tombs, The Britain at War Experience and Windsor Castle. 
Tip: Make sure you’re not using your London Pass to visit free attractions!!  They list a lot of the free museums above on their site but they really do offer you fabulous value for money on the paid attractions.
Their website also offers dining and shopping offers, free cinema entry and an itinerary planning service.
My absolute favourite site for 2 for 1 specials is the National Rail Days Out Guide.  Here you can get 2-for-1 entry to Madame Tussauds, The Harry Potter London Locations Tour (oh, wow) and The Tower of London as well as a host of other specials on hotels, theatre, events and attractions.  The catch?  You have to both travel by rail and you can’t use an Oyster card.  (Oyster used to have separate specials but I can’t find them for love or money now). 
Top tip: plan your deal well to take the most advantage of discounted rail fares, special offers, free attractions and bulk buying such as the London Pass.  I can help you if you email me where you’ll be staying, how many days you’ll be here and what you have to see and do while you’re here.  Having said that, it is much more fun planning your own travel itinerary!
12:49 PM | 0 komentar | Read More

Nanggroe Aceh D


Some of the resorts frequented by tourists both foreign and domestic tourists as follows:

1. Raya Baiturrahman Mosque
Banda Aceh city center with magnificent stands of a great mosque called "Baiturrahman mosque, single-domed mosque was built on December 27, 1883. This mosque later expanded into a 3 dome in 1935. was later expanded again to 5 dome (1959-1968), this mosque is one of the most beautiful mosque in Indonesia, which has a nice shape, carving an attractive, spacious yard and felt very cold in the room when the mosque.

2. Putroe Park Phang
Phang Putroe Park was built by Sultan Iskandar Muda (1608-1636) was a garden surrounding the Palace is located adjacent to the structure's history. Sultan Iskandar Muda Phang Putroe Park Building and Empress Princess Gunongan To Phang, according to history, Phang princess will always miss his hometown, Pahang - Malaysia, Sultan later learned that the Empress's ire because of Pahang palace is surrounded by hills where the empress could play.

3. Pinto - Khop
Khop Pinto is the connecting door between the Palace and Park. Khop Pinto close to "Gunongan and Phang Putro Park", where bathing and playground Princess Phang.

4. Kerkhoff (Dutch cemetery)
Kerkhoff is an area, where the burial Dutch soldiers who died during the war with the kingdom of Aceh Darussalam. Here was buried about 2200 soldiers, including General Kohler, the bullet penetrated the mujahideen killed in front of Aceh Raya Baiturrahman Mosque. The names of where they died was printed dipintu gate Kerkhoff.

5. Fortress Indrapatra
The fort is located near the beach Indrapatra Ujong Batee, The History of Pre built during the Islamic period in Aceh Lamuri Kingdom. Concrete is made of chalk, strong enough to defend itself from Portuguese attack in the past.

6. Iboih Sabang
Iboih and Gapang are two common places of tourist destination. Facilities to enjoy the beauty of this island is full of tourists who do not bring their own equipment. In fact, there was a high-speed internet cafe to access the Internet, unfortunately, this facility was hit by the tsunami damaged. According to the Internet used to be Junet as free to determine which types of species found in the sea while snorkeling or diving, trip to the Iboh + 1 hour by taxi or public transport minibus. In addition, there are also forest tours and alongside Iboih Rubiah Island Marine Park which has particularly rich in coral reefs.

6. Lake Laut Tawar
The lake is very beautiful and is located near the town of Takengon, capital of Central Aceh Regency. Although much smaller extent than Lake Toba in North Sumatra, but its beauty has the same appeal. Even here also store various legends preserved by word of mouth among the local community. Depik fish is one fish that does not exist in many other places in various corners. In fact probably the only fish species in the world and live in Lake Laut Tawar Habitat and appear only in certain seasons.

7. Lake Aneuk Laot
Lake Aneuk different Laot Luat Tawar lake, the lake is located in the middle of the town of Sabang, Lake Aneuk Sea is a beautiful panorama to be enjoyed at night but we are also a cool place to enjoy the city lights from the hill town of Sabang. The lake is visited by many tourists in the country and abroad.

8. Natural Marine Park Pulau Weh Sabang
At Marine Park Pulau Weh, Sabang there are coral reefs, both hard corals and soft corals of all types, shapes and colors, all of which form an interesting group of rocks to be enjoyed, among other coral reef areas with a lupas, rock deer, rock crackers. Marine Nature Park Pulau Weh has the potential of nature tourism is quite diverse marine such as various types of reef fish colorful coral reefs and the formation of a very beautiful and interesting and there are also natural phenomena such as caves under the sea.
Nature tourism activities that can be performed in Marine Park Pulau Weh is tirta tourism activities such as surfing, boat, swimming, fishing, and diving to enjoy nature with the diversity of underwater coral reefs and fish the beautiful reefs.

Season best visit: March to August.
How to reach: Medan - Banda Aceh traveled by bus from 8 to 10 hours, proceed to the Port Malahayati 20-30 minutes, then use the ferry to Port of Sabang two hours. Sabang port - the location of 1-1.5 hours by public transport. Medan - Banda Aceh (plane) ± 45 minutes. Medan Belawan - Malayahati Port - Port of Sabang (ship).

9. Islands Marine Park BanyakTaman
Taman Wisata Alam (sea) Islands consist of 99 Lots of fruit large and small islands, including Pulau Balai, lord Island, Gulf Islands and the island Bengkaru Nibung. Is a representative type of barrier reef ecosystem, seagrass, mangrove, lowland rain forest.

Regions that have the potential diversity of coral reef ecosystems situated high on the Gulf waters and the island Nibung Bengkaru, and the waters east of the southern island of Pulau lord and my lord. The types of coral reefs constituent include mushroom, needle coral, brain coral, leaf coral, fire coral, blue coral, sea fan corals and soft corals such as root bahar, and sponges found in many parts of the valley of coral reefs.
Seaweed species generally consist of sp Thallasia, Halodule wringhtii, Hallophylla sp, Sargassum sp. The types of molluscs, among others lola (Trochus niloticus), snails goat heads (Cassis cornuta), conch horn (Charonia tritonis), white lola (Tectus pyramis), several types of clam (Tridacna sp), a rock fight (Turbo marmoratus), Conus sp., Nautilus, black tripang, tripang sand, tripang night and tripang milk. While marine mammals that can be found at certain seasons such as mermaids (Dugong dugong), a dolphin (Delphinus capensis) and the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus)

10. Jantho Nature Reserve

Flora:
Pine, Mampre, Cashew water, Gleum, Bremen, Sampang, Ara, Damar, Medang, black wood, Ficus benjamina, Meranti, Kandis, forest Rambutan, Tampu, Ketapang, Medang fig, Lukup, looks, Lawang, Semiran, Anang, Jenarai, Kerakau, Rengen, Merbau.

Fauna:
Gibbons, gibbons, Clouded Leopard, Forest Cat, Deer, Deer, Kancil, Napu, Elephant, Goat Forest, Bear, Sunda, slow loris, Kuao.

Trip:
From Banda Aceh (the capital of Province - Janthoi (District) is 50 Km from the area Janthoi Nature Reserve 9 km with ground vehicles. When the best visit in January to June (Season Drought) to enjoy the view / scenery is beautiful.

11. Serbajadi Nature Reserve

Flora
Semantok, Medang Yellow, Meranti Bunga), Merbau, Meranti Sabut, Keruing Oil, Damar Laut, Compass, Tualang, Durian Forest, Bintangur, Pterospermum, Dyera costulata, Kedondong Forest, Lime, manau Rattan, Rattan Sega, Sac Monkey, CENGAL, Meranti Putuh, Red Meranti, Puspa, Kenari, nettle, Keladi Forest, Flower carcass.

Fauna
Deer, gibbon, Mawas, gibbons, Kedi, Deer, Kancil, Kaou Birds, Goats forests, Porcupine, Honey Bear, Forest cat, slow loris, Tringgiling, Hornbill.

Accessibility
From Banda Aceh-Langsa 436 Km, Langsa-Kuala Simpang Km 34, Kuala Simpang Tiga-Island 140 km, the island of Three-Peunaron ± 3 hours (down river). The best time of visit in May to September (dry season) to enjoy the scenery / beautiful natural panorama.

12. Singkil Swamp Wildlife Reserve
This region included in the management of the Leuser Ecosystem, and being sought are connected by a corridor in the village of NACA and Jereuneh Ie.
Singkil Swamp Wildlife Reserve is a swamp forest ecosystem and lowland tropical forests. Vegetation is dominated by the family Dipterocarpaceae include meranti Lime and other swamp vegetation.

Fauna species including Sumatran Elephant, Sumatran Tiger, Mawas, Snake Python, Monitor lizard, Hornbill, Bornean Peacock, Black Crow, Heron, Chicken Forest.
Other potentials of this area is peat enough content in there that reach 6 feet.

How to reach to the location can be done in two ways, namely:
Through Medan North Sumatra - Sidikalang Singkil and locations can be reached by road within approximately 6 hours through Banda Aceh - Tread Master - City of Dawn and the location taken by using the land route approximately 10 hours.

13. Taman Buru Linge Isac
This area is located in the district and subdistrict Takengon Linge, Central Aceh district of Aceh. Is geographically located between 51 ° 4 '- 06 ° 4' N and 25 ° 69 '51 ° -97' E

Field conditions
- Altitude: 450 to 2830 m.dpl
- Topography: Wavy, hilly and mountainous.
- Climate: Type B
- Soil: yellow red Podsolik, reuzina, red podsolik, laterik

F l o r a
Red Meranti, Merawan, Bacan, Melur, Pterospermum, Forest Durian, Guava, Pine.

F a u n a
Sambar, Warthog, Kijang, Kancil, Sumatran tiger, elephant, rhino, Goats Forest, gibbons, Orang Utan, long-tailed monkey, Javan, gibbon, Napu and Clouded Leopard.
Type Ecosystems - Forest Primary
- Wet Tropical Rain Forest
- Natural Forest Pinus sp.

14. Taman Hutan Raya Pocut Red Diamond
This area is located in Seulimum district, Aceh Besar District II and Tiji Padang district, Pidie District with an area of 6220 ha area. Is geographically located between 05 º 25'15 "N and 95 º 45'25" BT.

Flora
Vegetation composition including Pine, Black Wood, Meranti, Temulia, Kemeyan, Tampu, Merawan, Wood Flower, Ulin, Ylang-ylang and Ara.

Fauna
Species consists of Sambar, Elephant, Sumatran Tiger, Deer, long-tailed monkey, gibbon and Sunda.

Source by Bank Indonesia

10:51 PM | 0 komentar | Read More

South Sulawesi

A. Nature Tourism
1. Malino


Malino is a resting place and agrotourism in South Sulawesi that has the look of green tea plantations and pine forests. In this cold city grows a wide range of tropical flowers and fruits. In addition to the east of the city there Takapala waterfalls that can be achieved by riding horses.


2. Tomb of Sultan Hasanuddin

Tomb of Sultan Hasanuddin was in the tomb complex of the kings of Gowa, including a stone from "tomanurung" which is used as a place of inauguration of the king of Gowa, and an ancient mosque. Inside the tomb complex of 6 people found the tomb of the king of Gowa and Tallo a king's tomb. Sultan Hasanuddin was the king of Gowa who styled Malobasi sixteen Mattawang Guest Bontomangape Karaeng Tumenanga Ribulla Mohammad Bakir Pangkawi, born in 1629 and was appointed king of Gowa in 1652 at the age of 23 years. Position the lap Sultan Hasanuddin for 17 years until the year 1669. One year later at the age of 41 years, dated May 12, 1670, he died.

3. Bantimurung Waterfall
Bantimurung nature tourism is tourism which is popular with local tourists, especially on holidays. Its main attraction is the waterfall and the baths below. In addition visitors can also enjoy the cool atmosphere with various species of butterflies beautiful.

4. Goa Dreams
Goa is a dream under dilapisan approximately 15 minutes walk and it is located about 15 m from the height Bantimurung waterfall. Through a small road from the waterfall kehulu to another waterfall and a smaller cave that we came to Goa Dreams. By using a flashlight or lantern we enjoy the beautiful limestone forms in nature seemed like a dream.

5. Ke'te Kesu
Ke'te Kesu is a traditional Toraja village with typical houses, characterized by a series of curved roof and the walls are carved. Kesu Ke'te consists of two words that mean the grasping Ke'te and Kesu which means the throne. So Ke'te Kesu means to reach the throne or position. Kesu Ke'te tongkonan also a museum and houses traditional presents the background of rice fields stretch of high cliffs where the Tau-Tau (body) old age. The beauty and uniqueness of this traditional village make the UN cultural agency (UNESCO) proposed that Ke'te as one of the world's cultural heritage to the 38 after Borobudur temple.

6. Lemo and Londa
Lemo and Londa are two famous villages with rock tombs. Londa is one of the few burial places of the oldest suspension, where the place was buried the bodies several members of the local nobility. A large balcony is filled with images of death. Replication of the body is called Tau-Tau and displayed in front of the cave on a steep cliff. While Lemo is the final resting place of the noble lie Toraja in the form of Tau-Tau and is best visited in the morning.

7. Palawa
Navigate Sa'dang River to the north will bring us to the show Palawa Tau-Tau (body) and Tongkonan (traditional house) as a greeter of visitors. Situated on a hill, in the middle of a leafy bamboo trees, it ranks Tongkonan adorn many of Tana Toraja tourism advertising.

8. Soppeng
Watansoppeng through the town will look a unique landscape that is not found elsewhere. As long as the eye can see on the branches of trees hanging bats numbering tens of every tree left and right side of roads and city parks. The myth that developed and shared by people around the existence of this bat is that if an immigrant is visited and bat droppings and dispose of these people, it is believed the settlers would be Soppeng County citizens. If women will get a man's soul mate Soppeng District residents and when the man then he will get a female mate Soppeng District residents.

9. Palopo
Palopo is that many of the old city leaving a trail of historical development of Islam in Sulawesi. One legacy is a mosque that was built without cement in the year 1603 AD by King luwi XVI. The mosque is still standing strong with the main pillar of black wood.

10. Pantai Tanjung Bira
Pantai Tanjung Bira an exotic white sandy beach and is equipped with various means of support. This beach is also promising a beautiful sunset scenery and crystal clear sea water.

11. Craftsmen Phinisi
Bulukumba also famous for its craftsmen Phinisi boat, both in small sizes as souvenirs as well as in actual size for shipping.

B. Wisata Bahari

1. Island Kayangan
Distance location: ± 0.8 Km. of Makassar (± 15 minutes from the Harbor Island Kayangan)
The attraction: Swimming, panoramic sunset (sunset), water sports, music & performances.
Kayangan Island is a small island of white sand area of 1 ha. Location not far from Soekarno-Hatta Port of Makassar, can be taken during the 15 minute trip by using a special boat provided for visitors from the pier in Fort Rotterdam depab. The island was formerly Marrouw or Meraux. Kayangan Island has several facilities such as accommodation (resort), stage entertainment, restaurants, multi-purpose building, a playground for children, sports facilities, and bridge fishing.

2. Seaport Paotere
Paotere is a traditional port into a variety of boat berths ranging from small single-screen until the boat Pinisi and Lambo with more screen and large as well as mechanical.

3. Samalona Island
Distance location: ± 6.8 km (± 20 minutes) from Kota Makassar
Location: District Ujung Pandang
The attraction: Diving, snorkeling, coral reefs, marine biota, water sports

4. Barrang Island Caddi
Distance location: ± 12 Km from Kota Makassar (± 1 hour 15 minutes)
Location: District Ujung Tanah
The attraction: Oseanorium, Japanese heritage

C. Beach tourism

1. Coast Losari
This beach is the city of Makassar aikon after Karebosi Field. This beach became the most popular recreation of the citizens because it lies in the middle of the city of Makassar. On Sunday morning this beach town filled with citizens who exercise while enjoying snacks along the way there. In the afternoon we can enjoy the view of sunset (sunset) by setting the small islands in deep water.

2. Coast Akkarena
This tourist resort is located in the integrated area of Tanjung Bunga, a modern tourist center with a variety of supporting facilities such as restaurants, cafes, play facilities and children's entertainment stage.

D. History and Culture Tourism
1. Fortress Rotterdam
In its present form, the castle is now located in Makassar city center was built by the Dutch Trading Company (VOC). Fort Named to commemorate the name of the Rotterdam with the winner's hometown Makassar War, Admiral Speelman; after overhauled the total in the year 1673, the castle was rebuilt by following the model of the European fortress-17th century. For nearly 300 years this castle was the center of Dutch rule in South Sulawesi. New in 1937 Fort Rotterdam submitted for civilian use as a center of culture and arts, among others, to house the Foundation Matthes, a famous library of the history, language and culture of Sulawesi. The fort is now administered by Rotteram Heritage Archeological Conservation Center Makassar, Ministry of Culture and Tourism. While Lagaligo Museum located in this fort is under the management of the Government of South Sulawesi province. This area became one of the cultural attractions of Makassar and attract many tourists visit the domestic and foreign.

2. Benteng Somba Opu
Location: 15 minutes from City Center
The fort is a heritage the kingdom of Gowa who later used by the Dutch in the colonial period. We have made the castle Somba Opu miniature culture of South Sulawesi is equipped with custom homes in each district representing the tribe Makassar, Bugis, Mandar, Toraja, and Kajang.

3. Mandala Monument
Location: Jl. Jend. Sudirman (Central City)
Mandala Monument is one of the typical buildings (landmarks) of Makassar. This monument was built to commemorate the Liberation of West Irian (now Papua) from Dutch occupation. On the ground floor of this monument there are reliefs depicting the life of the people of South Sulawesi.

4. Victims Monument Soul 40,000
Headquarters location: Jl. 40 Thousand Victim Soul, Kec. Tallo (10 minutes from downtown)
40,000 Victims Monument Soul is one of heritage attractions built to commemorate the massacre of the fighters and community leaders in South Sulawesi by the army command of Captain Westerling NICA.

5. Tomb of Prince Diponegoro
Headquarters location: Jl. Prince Diponegoro (10 minutes from downtown)
Diponegoro renowned as a national hero and a leader of popular resistance to colonialism on the island of Java, between the years 1825 to 1830. Diponegoro persistent resistance is a serious threat to the Dutch colonial government at the time, so that the prince was exiled to Manado and then moved to death in Makassar in 1855. Tomb of Prince Diponegoro was in Makassar and the road that is in front of the tomb until now called Jl. Prince Diponegoro.

6. Masjid Al-Markaz al-Islami
Headquarters location: Jl. Lompobattang (Center City)
Al-Markaz al-Islami is the auditorium and the largest mosque in eastern Indonesia that serves not only as a center of worship but also to facilitate educational, social and cultural activities.

7. Masjid Raya Makassar
Headquarters location: Jl. Lompobattang (Center City)
Masjid Raya Makassar is the second largest mosque after Al-Markaz Al-Islami. New complete renovation and opened back in 2004.

8. Ancient Mosque Arabic
Headquarters location: Jl. Lombok, Kec. Wajo
Ancient Arab mosque was built in 1907, and until now the old buildings still function as a place of worship of Muslims in the vicinity.

9. Tomb Complex Tallo Kings
Headquarters location: Jl. Sultan Abdullah, (15 minutes from downtown)
The tomb complex was built around the 18th century. The shape of this ancient tomb buildings like the temple construction. On the walls there are some expressions of unity in the art of Islamic calligraphy. Interred in this cemetery to the Seventh King of Tallo, I Malingkaang Daeng which is the King Manyonri Tallo I who embraced Islam with the nickname "Tiger Keboka ri Tallo '(White Tiger of Tallo), and is known as a propagator of Islam to the eastern region as Buton, Ternate and Palu. He also declared a Tuammalianga Karaeng Timoro ri (king who perished in the East).

10. Joseph's Tomb Syech
Headquarters location: Jl. Sheikh Yusuf, Kec. Tamalate.
Syech Joseph was born in Gowa, South Sulawesi, with the name Muhammad Yusuf. Full name as an adult is Tuanta 'Salama' ri Gowa Abul Sheikh Yusuf Al-Yaj Mahasin Al-Khalwati Al-Makassari Al-Banteni.

Source by Bank Indonesia

6:09 PM | 0 komentar | Read More

West Sumatra


Province has daearah and various tourist attractions, both natural attractions and historical attractions, including the most frequently visited are as follows:

1. Lake Festival
Is the largest lake in West Sumatra with a 21 km long, located on the edge of the highway Padang Panjang - Solok. Around the lake there are several places to relax and unwind and is also a variety of facilities canoe, boat and hotel. There are also facilities for around the lake with beautiful scenery.


2. Lake Maninjau
The lake is quite beautiful and attractive, located approximately 36 km from Bukittinggi, can be reached by passing through the winding, known as the winding 44 (flexure Ampek-Ampek). In this lake is no facility for swimming, fishing, water bicycle exciting enough and there are also hotels and homestay is quite representative.

3. On the lake and Under
Both lakes are known as Twin Lakes. Both lakes are located in the village of Simpang Market, Sub Lembayang Jaya, Kab. Solok, located approximately 47 km from Kota Solok and 56 km from the city of Padang. The uniqueness of the twin lakes is to get to Lake In the above, we have to go through a declining path while to get to Lake Below, we have to go through the ascending road. Planted around the lake with a sense of passion fruit is sweet, vegetables, and potatoes.

4. Clock Tower
Clock Tower is a building high-rise tower with a magnificent, distinctive Minangkabau roof, situated in the middle of town Bukittinggi. Clock Tower became landmark and symbol of Bukittinggi city, built on a hill called Mount Enclosure Buffalo at the time the Dutch Government in 1827 by Contraleur (City Secretary) Rook Maker.
From the top of the tower we can enjoy and see how beautiful nature around the town of Bukittinggi is decorated Mount Merapi, Mount Singgalang, Mount Sago and Sianok Gorge. In addition, the Clock Tower is also useful as a guide for communities to know the time. It is unique in the Clock Tower is the number 4 is written IIII.

5. Fortress De Kock
The fort was built in the city pincak in Bukittinggi in 1825 at the time of the popular resistance led by the Tuanku Imam Bonjol and Nan Salapan Tigers against the Dutch. The fort was still around we can see the old cannons XIX century AD period. This large place with a garden has been decorated as a place to watch the height, Sianok canyon and surrounding hills are ancient cannons and building the fort. This is the best place in Bukittinggi watching Sunset.

6. Tri Arga House / Palace of Bung Hatta
The building is located in the city of Bukittinggi is the first emergency rule is central to the Republic of Indonesia in 1947. This is caused by the Dutch aggression who want to divide our nation. To commemorate the service of Bung Hatta, the building was renamed Tri Arga with Bung Hatta Palace.

7. Tunnel (Cave) Japan
The tunnel is 1400 meters in length over the winding is made by Japanese soldiers during the period of 1942, is located in the middle of the park in the canyon panorama below Sianok Bukittinggi city, with over 2 meters wide. In the cave there are various needs space for offices, hospitals, food and weapons. Entrance of the cave there are several places, like the canyon Sianok, in Panorama, in addition to Bung Hatta Palace and Bukittinggi Zoo. The local people called this is Lobang Japan.

8. Gorges Sianok
Sianok canyon located in the central city of Bukittinggi, South lengthwise of Nagari Koto Gadang continues to the North, Nagari Sianok Six Interest and ended at palupuh length 15 km, the depth of 100 meters and 200 meters wide. Gorges Sianok or Quiet Valley is a beautiful valley, green and lush, didasarnya flows a tributary of the winding through the crevices of cliffs, colorful backgrounds and Singgalang Mount Merapi is the verdant nature fascinating. The uniqueness is easily accessible canyon, a canyon in the center of town that does not exist in other cities in the world. Natural beauty is breathtaking canyon Sianok always perpetuated by tourists to take photos as well as for the painter's imagination. Journey to explore the paths through the valley of the canyon is an interesting recreation, if the journey continues keseberang canyon within 45 minutes you will arrive at Nagari Nagari Koto Gadang as long as some Indonesian leaders, among others: H. Agus Salim, and Emil Salim.

9. Lembah Anai
Anai Valley environment is admirable. Dense tropical forest is an impressive and protected forests. Didasarnya Batang Anai river flowing with clear water and looking a waterfall as high as 40 meters close to the highway.

10. Anai Resort Golf Course
Anai Resort is located 550 m above sea level. Golf Course is the best in the West Sumatra International status with 18 holes, designed by International Golf Course Designer Thomas and Perrett. There are various facilities in locations such as swimming pool bungalow and restaurant experience.

11. Morning Dew
Before reaching Lake Maninjau we will stop briefly in the morning dew in the village of Padang Arena, 24 km from Bukittinggi to enjoy the cool air and comfortable looking at the beauty of Lake Maninjau with blue water and surrounded by hills, verdant.

12. Beautiful grotto
Two km before entering the town from the direction Bukitinggi Payakumbuh we'll get to a natural cave and stalagmites stalagnit on the cave ceiling is quite interesting. In the cave, we'll hear the sound of bats flying around us and feel without being able to see it. Outside the cave we will enjoy a park with trees that shade adds coolness and beauty of nature.

13. Pagaruyung Palace
This palace was built by the royal family in Batusangkar Pagarruyung which has characteristic of Minangkabau. Inside the palace there are relics of the kingdom which is still well maintained. Around this castle we can enjoy the beauty of nature with the cool air. Located in the district of Tanjung Emas Tanah Datar.
Pagaruyung is the location of residence of the King of Minangkabau as a center of government. Gadang home now is there is a replica of the original Palace of the paintings on the outside walls and roof of the towering shape of buffalo horns.

14. Valley Harau
It is a nature reserve with a steep limestone hill with an altitude of 100 to 150 m, located 14 km from Payakumbuh. Here is also found five waterfalls that pour out the water is always clear. In this place are also available for camping facilities for youth tours and activities around the nature reserve through the path. Planned nature reserve will be the first wildlife park outside of Java.

15. Clever Sikek
Sikek smart center area known as carving and weaving crafts Songket Cain. Sikek clever lies at the foot of Mount Singgalang approximately 10 km before entering the town of Bukittinggi in the beautiful scenery. Here we can also see the life of the farming community traditionally. The village has fruit of the loom 1000. Painting the wood and furniture also made here.

16. Sikuai Island
Sikuai Island, an island located on the western side of Sumatra island lies only about half a nautical mile from the town of Padang and can be achieved using a special transport ship with a travel time of 35 minutes leaving from the dock airud Bungus. Visitors can stay at the island resort hotel that features two star hotel facilities. This resort offers 21 cottages with a capacity of fruit about 45 rooms. Besides enjoying the beauty of beaches and maritime tourism, trekking around the island or explore the natural forests to rock climbing can also be done by visitors who love nature adventure.

17. Kawasan Bukit Langkisau
Langkisau hill has an altitude of 1,000 feet, located between the Village and Town Painan Salido-South Coast. In addition to enjoying the spectacular views out to sea, langkisau hill area is also used as a means of sport kite flying with landing site at the beach or beach Carocok Salido.

18. Island Cubadak
Cubadak Island is one of the islands in the region Mandeh - South Coast who has managed to be the object of international tourism by investors from Italy. The resort has 13 bungalows and one suite with natural architecture that is supported by several supporting facilities for the activities diving, fishing, and snorkeling. The resort is also equipped with a motor boat, dock and some other marine facilities.

19. South Coastal Root Bridge
Located about 30 minutes from Painan, Root Bridge is one of the most unique tourist attraction in West Sumatra. The bridge across the river of life is made of Bayang roots two banyan bohon interlocked. Unlike the bridge in general is becoming increasingly weak, the root bridge with the growing age banyan tree grew stronger. It is said that this bridge was designed by a scholar named Pakih Sokan in the early 1900's.

20. Surfing and beach tourism in the Mentawai
Mentawai Islands District with the capital city of the Old Pejat - Sipora are approximately 135 km from the city of Padang can be reached by sea to take between 6-10 hours. In addition to have the beautiful beaches with white sand, activity or maritime tourism attractions is the famous surfing activities (surfing) that can be done around the island of Siberut and Sipora. Accommodation for visitors are in several districts and city districts.

21. Pariangan village in Tanah Datar
Is the oldest villages in Minangkabau, where the ancestors berasalnya Minangkabau people, located on the edge of Mount Merapi dilereng road Padang Panjang - Batusangkar. In this village can be seen the origin of forms that reflect the traditional village of Minangkabau social life such as Hall, mosques, traditional house, rice barn is an essential element of a social group of the Minangkabau. There is a hot water bath, and some stone seoperti heritage basurek, long grave is the grave of his story by Dt. Gurhano architect Tantejo Minangkabau Traditional House.

22. Central cottage Campago
Campago Center is located on a beautiful hill with the cool air and a safe life and peaceful, exactly in the village of Bulek Campago Cuguak, Koto Salayan Mandiangin Bukittinggi, 4 km from the center of Bukittinggi. To get to the location can be reached by land transportation within 10 minutes from downtown Bukittinggi and 1 hour 45 minutes from Padang. Campago Hall stands on 8038 m2 land with an area of 3054 m2 consists of 2 pieces VIP building, 1 piece of the main building consists of 3 rooms and 17 Superior standard rooms, all equipped with furniture. Existing facilities in Central Campago is a versatile space with a capacity of 40 people, tennis courts, a lobby, a lounge deck, jogging track, an outdoor coffee shop, view decks, towers, small mosque and adequate parking. Facility in the near future will be added to the swimming pool and playground. From Central Campago can be seen throughout the vibrant city Bukittingi, such as 2 pieces that lined mountains encircling the city of Bukittinggi and traditional houses that lie beneath the Campago Hill.


WELCOME TO RANAH MINANG, School Bundo KANDUANG.


Source by Bank Indonesia
5:58 PM | 0 komentar | Read More

India Tourism

 
Tourism in India
Tourism in India brings you face to face with startling diversity - from different terrains and languages to a wealth of regional cultures. Indian topography varies from mountains and valleys in the north to the plateau in central India to the coastal regions on the peninsular fringe. The desert of Rajasthan with its stark landscape is juxtaposed with a riot of color in the clothes and handicrafts of the region.

If you are a lover of art and architecture, India offers a treat for you. The ancient monuments of Khajuraho and Hampi are but an example of the architecural splendor of this ancient civilization.

The temples of South India are not only artistically carved they are often representative of the scientific principles understood at that time. There are several monuments in Delhi and Agra that take you back to the days of the Mughal empire, rich with elaborate carvings and geometrical style.

The handicrafts of India are equally diverse and enticing. Many forms of ornamental embroidery flourish in different regions, be it chikan work and zardosi to elaborate patchwork in Orissa and mirror-work done in Kutch in Gujarat. Tribal handicrafts have their own charm.

An adventure afficiando would be enthralled by the river runnning and whitewater surfing opportunties in Northern India, close to the foothills of the Himalayas. Trekking and moutaineering opportunities are also available aplenty. You can try wind surfing and snorkeling at the many beaches.

India Tourism The rich and intoxicating history of India can be bewildering and overwhelming to a new tourist. Spiritual destinations such as Hardwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Tirupati, amongst many others are high on the list of pilgrim spots in India.

If you are seeking the mountains, travel to some of India's better-known hill stations. Kulu, Manali, Darjeeling, Munnar, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Dalhousie and Mussoorie are some of the popular holiday destinations.

Get set to explore India in all her different facets, from her bustling cities to the swampy mangroves of Sunderbans, from the pristine National Parks in the Himalayan foothills to the architectural glory all over. Indian cuisine is as diverse and enticing as the land. Partake of spicy curries, regional delicacies and host of aromatic spices as part of your India tour.
India - Facts and Figures

This page shows some interesting facts and figures about India. Some of the collated data might be of out of date. But the trend is evident from the facts and figures - that the population growth is galloping.
Geography
Geographic Coordinates 20 00 N, 77 00 E
Area
Land 2,973,190 sq km
Water 314,400 sq km
People
Population 1,095,351,995 (July 2006)
Population growth rate 1.38%
Religions Hindu 80.5%, Muslim 13.4%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.1% (2001)
Languages English enjoys associate status and Hindi is the national language; there are 14 other official languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu.
Literacy 59.5%
Economy
GDP (real growth rate) Rs 178.636 trillion (2006)
GDP - Per capita (PPP) Rs 35,183.639 billion (2006)
Unemployment Rate 7.8% (2006)
Investment (gross fixed) 29.2% of GDP (2006)
Budget Revenues: Rs 4,834.933 billion
Expenditure: Rs 6,354.954 billion
Industrial production growth rate 7.5% (2006)
Transport
Airports 341 (2006)
Heliports 28 (2006)
Railways 63,230 km
Roadways 3,383,344 km

  
Medical tourism in India

More than 50 countries including India, Costa Rica, Cuba, Hungary, Israel, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Belgium are actively promoting medical tourism. However, India stands as the preferred choice in terms of accreditations, government policies, cost, climate, culture and tourist destinations.

Like many countries, India also promotes medical tourism through government's official policy. According to the formulation drawn from the 'Policy Framework for Reforms in Health Care', drafted by the Prime Minister's advisory council on Trade and Industry, the National Health Policy 2002 of India states that the treatment of foreign patients/expatriates is legally an 'export' and the same is 'eligible for all fiscal incentives extended to export earnings.'

Medical tourism in India is a billion dollar industry. A CII (Confederation of Indian Industries) study indicates that 150,000 medical tourist visited India in 2005. According to FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) the health-care market covering health insurance, is expected to expand up to $ 69 billion by 2012. The research also states that the Indian health-care industry boosted by medical tourism is growing at 30 per cent annually.

Factors promoting Medical Tourism in India


Although cost plays a major role, the reasons for medical tourism vary from patient to patient. For instance, people from US seek medical treatment that would cost one tenth of this treatment cost at home. People from other parts of the world like Canada and Great Britain are often frustrated by long waiting times at public health services.

Few like to combine their surgeries with a beautiful vacation in India that offers them scenic beaches, high mountains, religious temples, historical monuments and vast deserts. On the other hand, medical tourism in India is also a boon for poor nations like Bangladesh, where treatment options are limited.

Cost Comparisons

Cost plays a major role in promoting medical tourism in India. Using competent technologies, hospitals in India are able to perform high-end treatments like liver transplantation and heart surgery at a substantially lower rate. The following figure indicates the cost of certain treatments in US and India.

Treatment

Procedure Cost (US$)

United States

India

Bone Marrow Transplant

2,50,000

69,000

Liver Transplant

3,00,000

69,000

Heart Surgery

30,000

8,000

Orthopedic Surgery

20,000

6,000

Cataract Surgery

2,000

1,250


Accreditations/Legal Issues

Indian government has adopted an accreditation system (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals, NABH) that ensures a guarantee of service for medical tourists. The accreditation process also recommends prices for services.

In order to attain NABH's certification for medical tourism, the member hospitals must agree to dual pricing system enabling limited charges for foreigners and lower prices for domestic patients. So far, the body has approved 30 of its 120 hospital members.

International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQUA) approves India's accreditation process. ISQUA is an international body that grants approval to accreditation bodies in the area of healthcare.

There are also international accreditations like JCI and TRENT that assure quality healthcare for medical tourists. Joint Commission International (JCI), is an US based accreditation group that evaluates hospitals outside United States since 1992. Trent International Accreditation Scheme is a trusted source for British and European medical tourists.

The India's State and National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission generally handle any legal disputes arising from treatments for medical tourists or Indian nationals. Currently CII is making efforts to draw standards that would address any litigation arising from such treatment to be dealt within Indian Courts.

Medical Tourism Process

Contact the medical tourism provider in India if you are seeking medical treatment here. As an initial step, the medical tourism provider will ask for your medical report covering the nature of your ailment, local doctor's opinion, medical history and diagnosis. Upon receipt of your medical report, the provider helps you get in touch with a certified medical doctor or consultant in India. He/She will advise you on the treatment/surgery required.

Later you can discuss with the medical tourism provider on expenditure, choice of hospitals and tourist destinations, accommodation and duration of the stay. Ensure to sign consent bonds upon agreement. Remember to collect the recommendation letters from the consultant or medical doctors that are required for the application of medical visa.

Once you arrive as a medical tourist to India, the concerned provider will assign an executive, who takes care of your treatment and accommodation.

Medical Tourism Packages





Today, most Indian private sector hospitals are very well equipped to handle a big mass of medical tourists. Backed by the strong pharmaceutical industry these private hospitals are estimated to handle a volume of 75-80% medical tourism services year on year. India is a leading drug manufacturer that exports drugs to more than 180 countries.

There are a number of medical tourism providers that offer medical packages coupled with a vacation to experience the rich and glorious culture of India. Listed below are few medical packages offered by the medical tourism providers in India.

  • Bone Marrow Transplant
  • Brain Surgery
  • Cancer Procedures (Oncology)
  • Cardiac Care
  • Cosmetic Surgery
  • Dialysis and Kidney Transplant
  • Drug Rehabilitation
  • Gynaecology & Obstetrics
  • Health Checkups
  • Internal/Digestive Procedures
  • Joint Replacement Surgery
  • Nuclear Medicine
  • Neurosurgery & Trauma Surgery
  • Preventive Health Care
  • Refractive Surgery
  • Osteoporosis
  • Spine Related
  • Urology
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Dental Care
Medical Institutions

India has many hospitals offering excellent and effective treatments nearly in all major medical sectors like cardiology, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, urology, neurology, oncology, endocrinology, paediatric surgery, nephrology, dermatology, dentistry, plastic surgery, gynaecology, pulmonology, psychiatry, general medicine & general surgery.

Dental Tourism India


Irrespective of recession and slump downs in the market, many people still travel to India for various dental treatments. Among many reasons, the major one could be the cost and dental insurance. In U.S, only 50% of the total population has dental insurance. Even those with comprehensive medical packages do not a have dental coverage.

Apart from the low dental insurance coverage, cost of the dental treatments is also extremely high in these western countries. For instance, a patient requiring root canal treatment might cost up to $600 and a tooth crowning may cost around $40000. However, same procedures cost around $35-125 in India.
 


Listed below is the cost comparison of dental treatment between USA and India. The figures are indicative and might vary as you approach your dental tourism provider.

Dental procedure Cost in USA ($) Cost in India ($)
General Dentist Top End Dentist Top End Dentist
Smile designing - 8,000 1,000*
Metal Free Bridge - 5,500 500*
Dental Implants - 3,500 800*
Porcelain Metal Bridge 1,800 3,000 300*
Porcelain Metal Crown 600 1,000 80*
Tooth impactions 500 2,000 100*
Root canal Treatment 600 1,000 100*
Tooth whitening 350 800 110*
Tooth colored composite fillings 200 500 25*
Tooth cleaning 100 300 75*

Source: health-tourism-india.com


The Indian dental tourist provider offer a combination pack that enables the visiting patients to correct their teeth as well enjoy the attractions of the country, rich in culture and heritage.

Dental surgery offered in India


India is well equipped with quality hospitals and experienced dentists that assure reliable treatment. Many dental tourism providers in India offer you worthwhile dental packages. Most of them include the following dental surgery/treatment options:

  • Intra mouth dental scanning
  • Extraction of normal/fractured teeth under local anesthesia
  • Extraction of impacted wisdom teeth
  • Ceramic caps without gold under microscopic control
  • Maxillary Surgery
  • Dental Bridges, Porcelain/Ceramic crowns
  • Bleaching
  • Prosthesis on the implant/ Dental Implants
  • Vertical and horizontal bone grafting
  • Gum Grafting/ Gums treatment
  • Palatal orthodontics
  • Fluoride treatments for children
  • Cosmetic dentistry
  • Smile designing.
  • Root Canal
  • Teeth whitening
  • Tooth contouring and reshaping
  • Dental Fillings


Dental Implants


India is popular for successful dental surgery treatments like dental implants and implantology. Dental implants are titanium fixtures or artificial teeth that are surgically placed in the jawbone. Over a period the titanium fixtures merges with the teeth bone through a process called osseo-integration. Once this foundation becomes strong, a crown or bridge is placed on the respective teeth.

There are different types of surgical dental implants procedure. If you are coming for dental implants to India, check with your dentist for the dental implant procedure you might require. The types of dental implant procedures include:

Root form Implant: This implant looks like the root of a tooth. If your jawbone is wide and deep enough then the implant is placed on your bone surgically with local anesthesia. However, in conditions where there is not enough width or depth in the jawbone, grafting is done to place the same. Once the implant is placed, the gums are stitched and take three to six months to heal.

Plate form Implant: If your jawbone is too narrow for bone grafting, then a plate form implant is suggested. After local anesthesia, a cosmetic dentist will place the implant on your bone and stitch the gums. While few implants are healed quickly, some might take three to six months for restoration.

Subperiosteal Implants: This is suggested in cases where the jawbone does not have enough height/width to accommodate either the root form or the plate form implant. This is a custom-made solution for your teeth and is usually placed via any of the two special methods. The first method involves making an impression of your jawbone by a cosmetic dentist. After which, he/she comes up with a custom-fit implant to suit your bone. The second methodology involves CAT scan of your jawbone. The CAT scans your jawbone and provides the dentist with a model of the same. With this model, the dental labs create an implant suitable for your jawbone.

Dental implants are usually costlier abroad. A dental implant by a senior dentist in US might cost around $3500. While dental implants in India by an experienced dentist may just cost around $800. Listed below are the indicative figures of dental implants in India

Dental implant procedures Cost in INR
Alpha Bio Dental Implant with straight abutment 25,000
Nobel Biocare-Groovy Dental Implants 40,000
Computer Guided Implant Surgery 50,000
Procelain based Metal Crown 4, 500
Procera-Crown & Veneer 15,000


Cosmetic Dentistry in India


Many dental tourism providers in India also offer cosmetic dentistry package to enhance your smile and appearance. The cosmetic dentistry packages to India may include one or all of the following depending on your dental tourism provider.

Tooth whitening - If you have stained or dull teeth then this is the best option for you.

Dental Bonding - If you have a minor repair on your gaps or repair of the placed chips, then dental bonding might suit you. Dental bonding in India is relatively cheaper and solves all aesthetic problems arising from color and shape.

Dental Veneers - These custom-made moldings made of porcelain/ceramic are perfect for spaces, chips, fractures, rotated or maligned teeth, distorted, or discolored teeth.

Tooth Reshaping/Cosmetic Contouring - This is done to straighten the contour teeth.

Gum Reshaping/Gum Contouring - The procedure is done to correct excessive or uneven gums through cosmetic dental procedures/gigivoplasty that makes your smile more appealing.

Gum Depigmentation - This is done to re-color the pigments of the gum that are black or brown at times.

Inlays/Onlays - This procedure involves placing porcelain, resin, or gold filling bonds to restore a decayed or broken tooth.

Relocating to India

Many NRIs are simply opting to relocate to India with the Indian economy up by 9% growth last fiscal year thereby nurturing better career prospects for globe trotters and NRIs alike. Even with the onset of world wide recession, India seems to cope better as the Indian economy is primarily based on agriculture. With its large population and a vast number of upward mobile middle class, India is one of the few countries which still has its economy in a vibrant state. There seems to be a reverse brain-drain happening in India with the cycle having come a full circle.

India has become the most favored location for outsourcing and back office operations of several MNCs across the globe. Lower wage levels and ability to speak in English are construed as core reasons for the outsourcing. With opening up of the global job market in the country and accessibility to international lifestyles, many are motivated to return and relocate in India.
 
But before relocating to India, there are a lot of immigration ties in the other land of opportunity that have to be severed with caution and ease. Relocation should be well-planned and though out.


Things to be done prior to relocating to India

  • First and foremost one has to make up his/her mind very strongly along with the other family members before relocating to India. Only then the D-day of departure has to be finalized.
  • As such, it should be well understood that India is a vast and diverse country and much depends on which part of India one wants to relocate and live in. While in some villages people survive with as low as Rs.20/- per day there are cities like Mumbai, Delhi or Bangalore with real estate as high as Rs.30, 000/- per sq.ft.

  • It is necessary to thoroughly understand and appreciate the culture and tradition, religion and language, social etiquette, health care facilities, educational opportunities, Government rules and regulations, monetary system and banking options, local languages and other such intrinsic details about the country.
  • It is important to take all precautions and safeguard with reference to the immigration or non-immigration status in the country before relocation. With several countries like the US changing their immigration policies quickly, it becomes imperative that the families planning to relocate do not violate the existing laws. This is especially true with 'Permanent Resident Aliens', popularly known as 'Green card holders'. These people opting to spend lengthy periods of time outside US should take abundant precautions to preserve their US permanent resident status as prolonged absences from US may present problems on their re-entry.
  • Certain big decisions need to be made with respect to moveable and immovable properties before relocation.
  • In case of residential house property, the options are to sell it, keep it vacant or let it for rent. In case the property has been financed, and the EMI is outstanding, then one has to find a buyer and get the loan transferred.
  • In case there is emotional attachment to the household property, it could be rented out so that a steady income is found and maintenance headaches are also taken care of, provided the tenant is reliable.
  • In case of cars and other vehicles, one can either sell it or take them along to the new place of relocation although it involves a lot of rigorous formalities.

  • In case of living in rented premises, before departure, it is essential to terminate the existing lease with notification to the landlord, inventory check-out, disconnection of telephone and other utilities, cancellation of furniture/household appliances contracts if any, initiating refund claims for security deposits, and completing local repatriation formalities.
  • Children's school or college authorities should be informed.
  • Arrangements for forwarding the mails to the new address should also be made.
  • Similarly information of address change should be given to banks and credit card companies.
  • Money management has to be finalized and what accounts to keep and what amounts to keep have to be decided.
  • All unwanted credit cards should be cancelled. However, it would be recommended to keep one credit card that is fully operational over the Internet; if necessary, a bank account accessible over the web can be opened and kept operational.
  • An inventory of items that should be taken to India should be made. Items that need to be shipped and other items that can be discarded have to be listed out.
  • Arrange to ship things that should be taken to India and all necessary papers including bill of lading has to be kept carefully before departing to India.
  • Final shopping of things that would be taken to India has to be made.
  • Air tickets for travel to India have to be booked.
  • Traveler's cheques, international dollars and drafts have to be collected.
  • The resignation letter to the office can be handed over after booking the air tickets.
  • Pension funds and other financial accounts have to be followed and finalized.
  • In case of decision to sell the car has been made, alternate transport system for use has to be arranged.
  • Unwanted clothes, toys, books and other accessories can be discarded.
  • Friends email addresses, mail addresses and contact numbers have to be updated.
  • Magazine subscriptions should be cancelled. Alternatively inform them of change of address to India.
  • All important papers, documents, manuals and receipts have to be filed and kept safe.
  • The first and last utility bills and credit card statements can be filed for reference and others could be destroyed.
  • Bid adieu to all relatives and friends in the foreign land.
Priority arrangements to be made in the country of relocation

  • Finding a suitable home that meets the requirements in India should be top of the agenda on relocation. Budget and personal preferences come into play here and co-ordinated effort has to be made to search, negotiate the rent, terms and conditions, verification of lease documents and other such issues.
  • The next step is to set up the infrastructural utilities including gas connections, internet and cable connections, furniture and appliances that may be necessary to set up the new home.
  • School or college admissions, car rentals/purchase, recruitment of domestic help, car drivers should be the next in the order of priority.
  • In case, starting a new business venture is planned on relocation, then inspection of properties for setting up the office, short listing properties based on budget specifications, liaison with real estate agencies, purchase and setting up of office equipments and recruitment of manpower for the new office should be taken up.
Relocation support services

These days there are several good and established relocation support services ranging from city to country orientation. They aid in home search, language support, and in documentation, paperwork and other administrative formalities in the country of relocation.

Relocation consultants help both expatriate families who are unaware of the culture and etiquette and standard of living in India as well as NRIs who want to make their home in this country as cozy and luxurious as it was in the 'other' country / continent.

Indian Government and facilities for NRIs

The Indian Government is offering a number of facilities for NRIs/ PIO under RBI guidelines. They may hold, own, transfer and invest foreign currency and foreign security and immovable properties situated outside India if they hold any. They are also eligible to open, hold and maintain with an authorized dealer in India a Resident Foreign Currency account to transfer in NRE/FCNR accounts. There are also exemptions for NRIs returning to India from wealth tax for seven years after return to India.

With the Government providing conductive atmosphere and with global job opportunities abound, a wise investment in India by those wanting to relocate could earn them a handsome profit margin.
Travel Tips

Food

If you can put up with spicy food,you can try almost most of the south Indian foods.But approach with caution:some Andhra variety of mutton masala "fries" can "burn" your tongue off.For the uninitiated, it would be better to stick to Idlies,Parothas,plain rice with rasam in the case of vegetarians.

For non-vegetarians,approach only City-level hotels for Biryani.Most of the Tourist spots offer crude, ill-cooked food at unearthly prices. In some of the distant regions food usually remains a problem.Stay with bread,eggs and plantains, which will be available anywhere.For a western palate,the abovementioned suggestion would hold good too. Most cities have Chinese restaurants which offer comparatively "milder" food.
 
I once stayed in Periyar Sanctuary (in a nearby hotel) for about 10 days and lost about 5 kilos body weight. I had little appetite for the Kerala type coarse rice. You have regional variations in food here:Tamils and Andhra cusines depend on chillies and spices for their flavour ,whilst Karnataka and Kerala offer a "blander" food. If you have a stomach lined with steel, experiment at will.Restrict your adventure to items consisting of "land lubbers" and not sea food in particular.

You will do well to buy mineral water in 1 or 1.5 litre bottles in sufficient quantities from cities.Never consider buying water in cans,because of increased risk of contamination.

Transport

Although most of the cities are well connected by rail,road and air,I would invite you to travel by road.I have been travelling by road for the past 15 years and have covered all the southern states,I am still amazed by every different route which takes me through "unexplored territory".

Arrange for a "Tourist car" ,mostly an Ambassador car with little pretension to modern creature comfort.Hire an airconditioned car always,unless you travel in a season of deluge in a remote kerala jungle.This way you can plot your own itinerary without being a puppet for some arm-chair travel bureau executive,whose idea of "Holiday in a Tropical Paradise" might be worse than a "guided-tour" of a nuclear facility in Russia during the soviet rule.

Plan your route,using a road map (obtainable from any of the offices of the Tourist Development Corporation of the individual states) and chart your way around important towns,where you can stay.

For example, if you travel to Munnar,a hill resort in the Kerala western ghats,include Thekkady and Periyar Sanctuary (notable for its elephant herds and rare migratory birds ).Shop around in Kambam ,kumuly region for Spices.Even if you can't name them individually,the shops offer almost all the spices grown in that region in neat little packs with suitable english names.Add spice to your life.

Road Conditions

There are 3 types of Roads:Bad roads,worst roads and Indian roads.However,you have to learn to live with things you can not change.So stay mostly with National Highways and State Highways (in that order) to avoid a visit to orthopedic surgeon.

Just last January, I went on a "routine" pilgrimage to Velankanni Shrine of Our Lady of Health,12 km from Nagapattinum.On my way,from Mayilam to Pondicherry,the idyllic port town still clinging to the French way of life -I had strayed into possibly the worst "road" on earth ,where the pot holes were so deep my car's wheel "fell " into a pit and the front end hit the road,resulting in a broken Fan (?) blades which severely dented my confidence.

If you plan to foray south,use the "East coast" road which will take you up to Cuddalore.The road was recently opened to the public and well laid,barring a few "hill" sized speed breakers.If you visit India for the first time,amongst other things,one thing is sure to irritate you :The presence of speed breakers in all the roads.

Unfortunately,most of the highway engineers seem to labour under the ridiculous notion that Indian roads are "autobahns" where maniac drivers drive cars of Germanic/Prussian origin to the limits of sound travel.They fail to see the truth- that almost all the so-called roads are dirt tracks and with the prevailing traffic conditions and the roaming cattle/families on the roads,you can't even notch up 30 km per hour.

Even if you subscribe to the Gandhian philosophy of "Ahimsa" (Non-Violence),at the end of your travel ,you begin to harbour thoughts of grinding the highway people to the pulp to be spread over the dirt they have laid.

Careful planning is always essential before you turn the ignition switch.On the positive side,you can travel to any nook and corner of the subcontinent on wheels and most of the time the experience would be a pleasant one.Surprisingly, the cost of such touring can be amazingly low. Believe me !

travelling in india
 

As you trave in India, you will get glimpses of Western Ghats, a mountainous region,which extends from Vindhyas to Cape comorin,running almost across the western side,has some of the most beautiful hills in the world.Also home to numerous exotic species of wildlife and rare flora,this range nurtures the plains with rivers.

Ride on the century old mountain trains meandering through valleys awash with the sound of gurgling stream or cascading falls set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains of Himalaya. There is no dearth of travelling destinations in India.

Whether you soar high into Himalayas or peer under the ruins of the Ancient monuments dotting the landscape of Indraprastha - Delhi, you will cherish the experience of travelling in India long after your visit!

Traditional Indian Weddings

A typical traditional Indian wedding offers an insight to the region, class, caste, religion and the ethnic diversity of the predominantly Hindu India. Even Indian Christian Weddings incorporate most of the traditions of their Hindu communities.

From the property brought by the bride - Streedhan, to the elaborate ritualistic wedding ceremony - Indian wedding is rich with symbolism. Dowry or the Streedhan still remains a pernicious tradition in many communities ending in untold misery to the families of the brides.
 
A traditional Indian wedding went into many days in the past. Recently most weddings take place in about 2 days. Each part is usually performed in the presence of a Hindu Priest who chants Sanskrit slokas. Main point of a typical Indian wedding is the tying of Mangalsutra - a small gold ornament (the design can vary based on a number of factors - caste, region, community and family tradition) tied in a yellow thread or strung in a Gold, silver or beaded chain on the neck of the Bride. She will retain this until the end of her life or her spouse's.

Every community has its own unique sangityam - or traditional ritual in wedding. A typical South Indian Brahmin has Janavasam - the bridegroom is brought in a ceremonial parade usually seated in a cabriole - open car surrounded by women carrying plates of fruits and sweets, in the previous evening. And the actual wedding ceremony takes place in the most auspicious time - Muhurtha Neram at which Kanya Dhan the bride is given in a ceremony before a Holy Fire - Vivaha Homam and the bridegroom ties the Maangalyam or Thali on to the bride.

Panigrahanam the bride's hand is held in a ceremony, Pratigna Karanam exchanging of solemn vows, Parikrama - circumambulation of the Holy Fire or Agni and Saptapadhi or visualizing Arundadi are all part of the elaborate ritualistic traditional south Indian Weddings. At the end, there is a grand lunch offered to the guests. People spend vast sums of money in marriages in an ostentatious display of their social standing in India.

We display some major sects of weddings in these pages focussing on one of the most important aspects of an Indian life - Wedding - here.








9:29 PM | 2 komentar | Read More

How to book discount hotels in New york city

One of the best discount hotels in NYC is the Chelsea Savoy Hotel, which is a real bargain when you stay in the quadruple room. This room can accommodate four people and costs as little as $ 145 to $ 225 per night. It is conveniently located near several meters, nightlife and dining, the rooms are very comfortable, and the rate includes a continental breakfast. This is just one of the hotels in New York, and this shows what kind of clean and safe accommodation can be found for under $ 150, if the traveler is not expected to pay exorbitant prices. Staying in hotels in New York is a sure way to save money.

Make use of Discount New York Hotels

Making use of cheap hotels in New York ensures that the traveler does not have to burn a hole in your wallet. The above example illustrates that, and there are a variety of hotels in NYC available. It seems pointless to visit a city like New York and have to spend their travel budget of the whole property in a unique hotel, specially when there is so much to see and do.




Budget for the Discount New York Hotels


When budgeting for a stay in cheap hotels in New York, the traveler must seek a budget of about $ 100 - $ 150 per night, preferably double occupancy. However, if this is still out of budget hotels in New York, then you might consider staying in a hostel in New York. These are used by backpackers and young people around the world and these accommodations are more than enough cheap.

Discount hotels in New York in Greenwich Village

There is a very good cheap hotel in New York in the heart of Greenwich Village, the Larchmont hotel, although the bathrooms are shared in this New York hotel discount, which offer quality services at affordable prices. Each room has its own bathroom and well furnished. Each room is unique, has a television, air conditioning and all normal services. There is also the added convenience of being fitted with a cotton tunic and a pair of slippers. This hotel costs $ 70 - $ 125 per night and this price includes breakfast. Public transport is allowed to work in the city and nearby are able to explore Little Italy, China Town and other attractions in the East Village. The Sohotel in lower Manhattan also allows travelers to stand in Greenwich Village and Little Italy.

New York is an expensive city, but cheap hotels in New York come fairly easily with the right research. Stay away from the periphery of the center and be sure to find hotels in New York that will meet your budget. While Midtown has some of the best attractions including Broadway, Times Square and Fifth Avenue, the extensive public transport system that is available in New York will give these attractions. Most of the staff of cheap hotels in New York will come out of their way to ensure you have a pleasant stay and offer tips for saving money on restaurants, shopping and entertainment.

How to Car Hire Cheap in Germany
5:19 AM | 0 komentar | Read More