Concert For Komodo

The Travel Junkie

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – On Saturday night starting from 18.00 onwards, on July 30th 2011, Bali’s famous Kuta Beach will throb with the beats of a special Concert dedicated to Komodo National Park, the living legend of Flores . Designed to appeal foreign tourists and expatriates in Bali, the concert will feature renowned Indonesian jazz artists which will include Dwiki & World Peace Ensamble, Dira Sugandi, Sandhy Sondoro, Ivan Nestorman, and several others with ethnic ambiance and nuance. We will also feature never seen footages and film, produced by Kompas TV Network, about the Komodo National Park as the Real Wonder of the World.

The reason for choosing Bali as venue for the concert is because Bali acts as main hub that connects travelers to Komodo National Park. “There are many flights to Komodo from Bali” said Hermawan Kartajaya (Special Ambassador for Indonesia’s Tourism). To reach Komodo one must fly from Bali to the town of Labuan Bajo on Flores, then take a boat to the Komodo National Park.

All are invited to join the Concert, which is free from admission, and everyone including tourists and locals are urged to join the concert and support its cause.

In addition to the Kuta Bali Concert for Komodo, the campaign will also present  Komodo Nights scheduled to take place in Sydney on September 9th, 2011, and in Chicago on September 22nd, 2011. Tourists from the U.S.A and Australia as well as Europe still dominate international visitors to the Komodo National Park, thus the events are also aimed to galvanize participation from the media, travel agents, travel writer, bloggers, naturalist, zoologist, nonprofit originations, and Friends of Komodo in the world, particularly in the USA and Australia.

Another element in the campaign program is the Komodo Apps Challenge. In this contest that offers considerable cash prizes, everyone can be involved in a competition to develop mobile applications for BlackBerry, Androids, and iPad/iPhone, with the purpose to promote the Komodo National Park.”The winning applications will be supported by us to be promoted worldwide.

Friends of Komodo in Concert for Komodo, Bali (Media Category)

Celebrating the Last Great Authentic Creature in the Universe!

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taken from realwonderoftheworld.com

A Nomination For The Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2011

The Travel Junkie

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – “A nomination for Travel Junkie Indonesia from the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2011 in the ‘Best in responsible tourism writing’ category.  This award is for an article or piece of writing making a unique and inspiring contribution to understanding issues in responsible tourism”. ~Virgin Holiday

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images courtesy of Virgin Holiday

5 Things You Can Do To Save Sea Turtles in Indonesia

The Travel Junkie

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – Making a positive difference for sea turtles in Indonesia is as simple as following the five easy steps we have outlined below.

Here are 5 Things You Can Do To Save Sea Turtles in Indonesia:

1. Turn Out Lights Visible From the Beach.
Sea turtle hatchlings use light and reflections from the moon to find their way to the water at night. Artificial lighting confuses the hatchlings and causes them to head inland instead of out to sea – putting them in dangerous situations which can lead to death. Artificial lights also discourage adult females from nesting on the beach. Short of turning off your lights, you can also take measures to shield, redirect and lower the intensity of the lights on your property.

2. Reduce the Amount of Garbage You Produce and Clean Up Trash You See On the Beach.
Sea turtles can become tangled in plastic and trash both on the shore and in the water. Discarded items such as fishing lines, balloons and plastic bags may also be confused for food and eaten by sea turtles, often resulting in injury or death.

3. Be Aware of Sea Turtle Nesting Areas and Avoid Nesting and Hatching Turtles.
Sea turtles are cute, and therefore tempting to touch and observe – but flashlights and people disturb turtles when they are nesting, or trying to nest, on the beach. Make sure to give nesting areas plenty of space, and do not disturb females as they emerge from the ocean looking for a place to nest. Also be conscious of where nesting areas are so that you
can avoid trampling the hatchlings as they head to the water.

4. Reduce the Amount of Chemicals You Use.
The chemicals you use on your lawn and in your home can actually wash into the coastal waters – killing plants and animals. It is very important to properly dispose of toxic chemicals and, even better, find alternative products such as biodegradable solutions.

5. Volunteer!
There are countless ways in which you can make a positive difference in the lives of sea turtles. Organize a clean-up day with your friends and clear the beach of litter, give a presentation to your neighborhood or local school on things they can do to save sea turtles, and most importantly, talk to others about what they can do to make sure they are not putting these important creatures in danger.

Happy Green Travels!

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Travel Junkie Indonesia Magazine Post | Vol 2, Naturist Issue.

Source from defenders.com

Travel Junkie Indonesia: Friend of Komodo

The Travel Junkie

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – The Real Wonder of the World Campaign that was launched on July 1st at the Philip Kotler Hall at MIM Campus, Jakarta. The campaign is aimed to raise global public awareness and participation in the conservation and preservation of the Komodo dragon and its natural habitat, found solely in Indonesia by the island of Flores.

The Friends of Komodo are an assembly of individuals who are passionate about the Conservation of Komodo, ranging from leaders in state-own enterprises, the private sector, press and media leaders, travel agents, celebrities, youth, women, netizen, and the general public.

For more info, visit realwonderoftheworld.com

Happy Green Travels!

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Komodo National Park: The Real Wonder of The World Issue

Carina, Ecstacy of existence

The Travel Junkie

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – This is a documentary about Carina who has chose to live a life as a naturist in a colony in southern Brazil. She and others talk about naturism and society’s attitudes. The core values and ideals of naturism seem to be universal. check this out » Carina, ecstasy of existence

Happy Green Travels!

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image courtesy of projecte nucat

Travel Junkie Indonesia Magazine Post | Vol 2, Naturist Issue.

Baliem Valley, Fashion, & Love

The Travel Junkie

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – The Baliem Valley, Papua – Indonesia. It’s a place where koteka (penis gourds) are not yet out of fashion, pigs can buy love, sex or both, and the hills bloom with flowers and deep purple sweet-potato fields.

Unless you land here during the August high season, when Wamena and nearby villages host a spectacular festival with pig feasts, mock wars and traditional dancing to attract the tourism buck.

And, mostly you will marvel at the mountain views, roaring rivers, tribal villages and at the tough but sweet spirit of the warm Dani people.

Then, open your map, visit, and enjoy Baliem Valley! it’s time to connect with earth, connect with the warm people, connect with the sun, connect with local music, connect with new culture, connect with local foods, and Baliem fashion.

I love the people, I love Koteka. It’s super! I feel sexy when I connect with Baliem Valley. Let’s get travel like a local!

Happy Green Travels!

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Images courtesy of Diego Vergé

Baliem Valley vol I by Diego Vergés

Top 5 Best Beaches in Bali

The Travel Junkie

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – Tahun 1932, Film berjudul ”Bali, Surga Terakhir” diputar di bioskop-bioskop kecil sepanjang jalan Hollywood Boulevard, Amerika. Semenjak itu pula banyak turis asing berdatangan ke Bali. Film itu penuh dengan kedamaian, kelegaan hati, keindahan, dan rasa kasih yang terpancar dari budaya masyarakat Bali.

Bali, di sini Elizabeth Gilbert menemukan tujuan hidupnya: keseimbangan – yaitu, bagaimana membangun hidup yang seimbang antara kegembiraan duniawi dan kebahagian surgawi.

Bali memiliki begitu banyak pantai indah. Dan, kami akan selalu berkata, why would you go to other countries when the real paradise is right here? Anda harus pergi mengexplore Indonesia sebelum Anda meninggal.

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Top 6 Places to Visit in Indonesia

The Travel Junkie

Raja Ampat, Indonesia (Image courtesy of Conservation International)

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – Coba riset kecil-kecilan, tanya teman-teman kantor di kanan-kiri Anda, atau bahkan orang random yang papasan di jalan. Pertanyaannya, “Anda tahu Raja Ampat, pulau Togian, pulau kakaban. dimana sih?” kami hampir 100% yakin, jawabannya tidak akan jauh-jauh dari “ga”, “dimana tuh”, “deket Bali”, sampai “melompong”.

Kami penasaran dan coba tanya lagi. Kali ini, kami cari bule-bule. Pertanyaan masih sama, “Anda tahu Raja Ampat, pulau Togian, pulau Kakaban. Dimana sih?” wow, sungguh mengagumkan jawaban dari mereka. Misalnya, Mike, bule asal German, “Raja Ampat itu surga dunia, saya ingin berkunjung lagi 2011 ini. Semuanya eksotis disana.” Atau, si Charlotte, bule asal Denmark, yang sudah empat bulan tinggal di Bali. “Pulau Togian itu di Sulawesi bukan, itu ada didalam list trip saya. Indonesia itu besar, butuh setahun saya untuk mengelilinginya haha…”

“Indonesia is paradise — its pleasant climate and low cost of living — everything green, blue, tropical, exotic. it’s like a dream.” – Travel Junkie Indonesia

Kami bukan ahli pariwisata. Kami juga bukan orang dinas pariwisata. Tapi, logikanya, kalau masyarakat Indonesianya saja tidak tahu apa yang dimilikinya, bagaimana bisa mencintainya. Dan, kami akan selalu berkata “Why would you go to other countries when the real paradise is right here?” Anda harus pergi mengexplore Indonesia sebelum Anda meninggal.

Letakkan peta Indonesia dan amati baik-baik, sudah waktunya untuk tersesat di negara sendiri. Pergi dan nikmati Top 6 places to visit in Indonesia now dengan sempurna untuk mengungkap rahasianya:

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Best Places to Get Naturist in Indonesia

The Travel Junkie

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – It’s not news to point out that the human body has been fetishized by advertising, consumerism, cinema, etc. There is, however, no better way to realize the folly of this fetishism than to get naked with others (in some non-sexual way) and see how quickly the symbolic becomes hyperbolic.

So here I present Best Places to Get Naturist in Indonesia, try it out:

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat or ‘Four Kings’, is the name given to these islands and comes from a local myth. The four major islands found here are Waigeo, Misool (which is home to ancient rock paintings), Salawati, and Batanta. I love the people, I love the diving, I love Naked, it’s super! I feel sexy when I dive naked here . And, you?

Kei Island

Kei islands, Maluku is one of the best beaches in the world by lonely planet. There’s a growing chorus that says these remote white-sand beaches are the finest the world has to offer. Development has been slow around the Kai archipelago, so the beaches remain unspoilt and as nature intended.

Komodo National Park: The Real Wonder of The World

The Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is an endangered species which can only be found in the Komodo National Park (KNP) in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Because of the unique and rare nature of this animal, KNP was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. The park includes three major islands, Komodo, Rinca and Padar, and numerous smaller islands together totaling 603 km2 of land. I love Komodo, I love the diving, I love liveaboard & trekking in naked here, it’s super! And, you?

Bali

Many say Bali has everything a tourist could ever want — beautiful scenery, exotic culture and plenty of sunshine — but those coming to Indonesia’s most famous island for a peaceful getaway may find themselves disappointed. Finding a quiet place on the Island of the Gods is not an easy task.

Baliem valley

High up in the mountains of central Papua at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level, hemmed in by steep green mountain walls, lies the stunningly beautiful Baliem valley, home of the Dani tribe. I love the people, I love Koteka. it’s super! I feel sexy when I run with Koteka . Let’s get travel like local!

Happy Green Travels!

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Travel Junkie Indonesia Magazine Post | Vol 2, Naturist Issue. (private edition)

Maluku Tropical Paradise For Diving

The Travel Junkie

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – Maluku Islands were the original Spice Islands. Every clove in the world came from Maluku islands. This region features unique reef formations, with visibility 20 – 30 m, and water temperature of 27 – 28 degC. Plenty of macro and micro subjects for UW photographers.

Now, these tropical paradise islands are coveted for their spectacular diving and snorkelling on some of the world’s richest reefs, unspoiled corals, and large pelagic fish. Steep drop offs, impressive hard coral and some fast currents make this area absolutely breathtaking. Schools of jacks are a familiar sight, as are large tuna, many turtles, Napoleon wrasse, groupers, rays, sharks and large lobsters.

The Banda Sea is surrounded by islands from the large islands of Buru, Halmahera, Ambon and Seram in the north towards Gorom, Kei and Aru in the east, the islands of Tanimbar, Wetar and Reong, and a series of smaller islands such as Babar and Moa, touching East Timor in the south. Ambon Bay is host to some of Indonesia’s best critter diving. The nearby island of Halmahera is still largely unexplored and has recently produced some stunning sites.

Gunung Api is an isolated volcanic peak rising from the heart of the Banda Sea. Surrounded by crystal clear waters this uninhabited island is home to thousands of nesting seabirds. Exuding sulphur both above and below the landmark, the water is also home to extraordinary numbers of banded kraits (sea snakes), which have become a special attraction for divers. It’s not unusual to have swarms of these non-aggressive sea snakes around you while diving on Gunung Api.

The 5 tiny atolls of Lucipara in the middle of the Banda Sea are the tops of undersea mountains rising up over a mile from the ocean floor. The uninhabited beaches are ideal green turtle nesting sites, while the reef’s breathtaking drop off to ocean waters is ideal for diving and snorkeling. A highlight here is night diving with the rare Photoblepheron bandanensis or more commonly known as the “flash light fish”.

Best time to dive is October – December & March – April

Activities
•    Wall diving with great visibility
•    Excellent and colourful hard coral
•    Very healthy fish life
•    Spectacular island backdrops with many volcanoes
•    Beautiful uninhabited beaches for sunset strolls
•    Enjoy the combination of superb diving and intriguing history

How to get there
Flights: From Bali or Jakarta to Ambon (stopover in Makassar), or from Manado to Ambon

Happy Green Travels!

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Travel Junkie Indonesia Magazine Post | Vol 1, Maluku Issue.

Image courtesy of Adam Broadbent

Top 10 Travel Songs in Maluku Trip

The Travel Junkie

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – Music helps us connect to others-to fellow travelers who might share our taste in songs and to locals who might not speak our language but can carry the rhythm. For those of us with gypsy blood, music can speak to who we are and why it is that we can never seem to settle down. Music engenders a desire to see a new place, or to travel simply for the joy of the journey.

So, what most often inspires us to go is the ecstasy of travel, pure and simple. The frustrations of airports, delay, long journey with ferry-boat, the struggles with packing, and the tedium of days spent working all fade away when you set off on your journey.

So here I present Top 10 Travel Songs in Maluku Trip:

10). House by Amanda Mair
09). Samba Da Bencao by Bebel Gilberto
08). What A Wonderful World by Keane
07). Crimson And Clover by Tommy James & The Shondells
06). Closer Now by Club8
05). Vakansi by White Shoes And The Couples Company
04). Natural Mystic by Bob Marley
03). Pata-Pata by Miriam Makeba
02). Koesplus – Nusantara Mixed by Travel Junkie Indonesia
01). Forever by Takashi Sorimachi feat. Richie Sambora

So, What songs would you add to the list? Share your picks in the comments!

Happy Green Travels!

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Travel Junkie Indonesia Magazine Post | Vol 1, Maluku Issue.

Image courtesy of Krzysztof Kryza