the Amazing of Biawak Island

Biawak Island is located in the Java Sea and is part of Indramayu Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia, with a distance of about 28 nautical miles or about 40 kilometers from the north coast of Tirtamaya Indramayu. 

Clean air with the sea breeze is felt as soon as you step on the Biawak island. Not only that, the clear sea water and clusters of coral reefs that are still intact add to the beautiful waters of the Biawak island. Coupled with the abundance of colorful ornamental fish inviting you to dive in and explore every inch of the coral reefs there. 

The beauty of Biawak Island is even more obvious if you have the opportunity to tour the island with an area of ​​​​120 hectares. The island is rich in mangroves that are green and densely seen from a height, as well as various other plants. Meanwhile, the name of the monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) is taken from the monitor lizards that roam and live in these islands.                                                                   

 Actually the name of this island is Rakit Island, but by the Indramayu Regency Government it is called Biawak Island because there are many monitor lizards that are characteristic of this island. This animal is unique because it lives in saltwater habitats. Every time before sunset, dozens of monitor lizards with a length of between 20 cm - 1.5 meters can be seen swimming on the beach. The animals are indeed hunting fish for their food needs. 

  

The existence of this island is very dangerous for the shipping lanes of ships passing through the islands. So it's not surprising that the Dutch, during their colonization of the Indonesian archipelago, built a lighthouse tower. The lighthouse with a height of about 65 meters was built by ZM Willem in 1885. This can be seen from the sign that reads “Onder De Efcering van Z.M. William III. Koning des Nederlanden, ENZ.., ENZ.,. Opgerigt Ovh Draailicht 1872". Until now, the building still functions to guide ships large and small that pass. Seeing the age of the building, the lighthouse is estimated to be the same age as the lighthouse on Anyer Beach.

Not only natural and historical tourism, on this island you can also carry out pilgrimage tours. The reason is that on the island there are a number of tombs, two of which are the tomb of Sheikh Imam who is said to be one of the figures who spread Islam in Indramayu. In addition there is the tomb of Z.M. Willem III, a Dutchman who first came to the island of Biawak and built a lighthouse. 

The Indramayu Regency Government also only has two aid crossing ships from the West Java Provincial Government with a capacity of 30 people and 10 people. These two ships are only operated every Saturday and Sunday with a rental rate of IDR 290 thousand / person. However, you can rent a fishing motor boat for IDR 2 million/10 people. 

 With a ship belonging to the Indramayu Regency Government, you can cross to Biawak Island with a travel time of about 1-1.5 hours, while by motorboat it takes about 4 hours. The difference is that a motorboat can be rented anytime or every day

 

Semolon Waterfall, Hot Waterfall In North Kalimantan

Semolon (hot) waterfall is located in Harapan Maju Village, Mentarang District, Malinau, North Kalimantan,Indonesia . Semolon waterfall is indeed not high and wide. This waterfall is about 44 km from Malinau City. To reach this waterfall it takes about 1.5-2 hours drive from the capital city of Malinau Semolon waterfall consists of 9 levels. and each ladder forms a pool. 

The shape is very unique, tiered and forms a natural pool at each level. Uniquely, this waterfall is also a hot spring. So we will see and feel 2 natural phenomena at once here. Waterfalls and hot (warm) water. 

The river where this geothermal water flows is in the form of terraces or stairs. At first glance, the original stairs made by nature are the result of human carvings. The reason is, the shape is neatly arranged like the temple stairs made by our ancestors. The source of this waterfall has two springs, the left is cold water while the right is hot water. 

The local community  also believe that hot water in Semolon is efficacious in curing various diseases and increasing stamina. No wonder people who visit Semolon not only for tourism, but also for alternative medicine. Surrounded by trees with green leaves that are still lush and dense. So that we will still feel cool even though the sun is scorching hot. 

In addition to the Semolon hot springs nearby, there are other supporting facilities to make it easier for visitors who come to Semolon waterfalls/hot springs, namely: Gazebos, Meeting/Event Places, Suspension Bridges, Footpaths, Grass Volleyball Fields and camping ground. The location of the waterfall has been marked on Google Maps to make it easier to search, the problem is that the road to this location is still mixed with dirt roads, if you use a four-wheeled vehicle you should use a double axle vehicle.  

Sancang Forest, "the lungs of the earth"

 

The Sancang Forest Area is a conservation area with the status of a nature reserve located in Cibalong District, Garut Regency, Indonesia. The area is located in the south of Garut which has so much potential for biodiversity. Not surprisingly, because of the uniqueness of the plants and wildlife that are in it.

Sancang Forest is designated as a nature reserve in West Java with an area of ​​about 2,157 ha. The coastal waters around the 1,150 ha Sancang Forest CA were designated as a marine nature reserve in 1990 because they have coral reefs in relatively good condition. 

 Not only the scenery is exotic, this area also saves the potential of diverse flora. With vegetation types classified into lowland forest, mangrove forest, and coastal forest, in this area there are several types of flora such as palahlar (Dipterocarpus sp) which is the only species of the Dipterocarpaceae family that is still original and grows naturally on the island of Java. ; kaboa (Lumnitzera racemosa), which is a typical plant in Sancang; and warejit (Excoecoria ocha) which are toxic and harmful to humans. Of course, the most sought-after flora is Rafflesia patma, an obligate parasitic flora that is famous for having very large flowers.  

Javan rare animals, namely the Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch) can still be found in this area. Likewise with other protected animals such as the Javan leopard (Panthera pardus), peacock (Pavo muticus), deer (Cervus timorensis), and other types of animals. In addition, in the waters you can find several coral reef fauna such as Spongia sp., Leptosens sp., Favia sp., as well as several types of ornamental fish such as Chaetodon sp. and Labroides sp.  

Sancang Forest is a forest that is legendary as the tilem (place of disappearance) of King Siliwangi. In this forest there is also a Kaboa tree (similar to a mangrove tree) which according to local belief is the incarnation of Pajajaran soldiers who are loyal to Prabu Siliwangi. Therefore this forest is believed to be a sacred forest that has magical powers for the local population.  

As in conservation areas in general, there are no tourism facilities in this forest, only in the form of accommodation or restaurant facilities, but if visitors want to spend the night they can use the nearest accommodation facilities located in Pameungpeuk District. For restaurant infrastructure facilities are also available in Pameungpeuk District. The distance to be covered is about 13 kilometers from the district government center. While from Garut City is about 112 km.

 

Panaitan Island, "feels like being in heaven"

Panaitan Island is part of the Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK). The position of this island is in the Sunda Strait and is quite close to the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. This island covering an area of ​​​​about 17 thousand hectares holds a lot of charming tourism potential. The hills of this island are formed by pristine forests with a combination of mangrove forest vegetation, coastal forests, and lowland rain forests. 

The current condition of the pristine forest of Panaitan Island is inhabited by various types of wildlife, such as various types of birds, deer, deer, wild boars, long-tailed macaques, crocodiles, lizards. In addition, in this area there is also a Ganesha statue along with objects from the ancient Hindu era that have other historical values ​​of very high historical value. 

The coastline of Panaitan Island which is dotted with wide sand beaches naturally creates several scuba diving tourist sites to enjoy coral reefs. Panaitan Island is known for its big waves. That's what makes this island visited by many surfers. 

This island is also one of the best surfing areas in the world. The waves are one of the longest in the world, up to 800 meters. The waves at Panaitan Beach are known to peel perfectly from the outside in, sliding all the way up and down the shallows. In addition, the waves of Panaitan Beach provide a big surprise because the waves can come unseen. Lots of waves closing in, and surfers have to catch up with the waves. 

The hills of Panaitan Island are formed by pristine forest with a combination of mangrove forest vegetation, coastal forest and lowland rain forest. The state of the pristine forest is inhabited by various types of wildlife such as deer, mouse deer, wild boars, long-tailed macaques, crocodiles, lizards, pythons, and various types of birds. 

On Panaitan Island there is also a Ganesha statue along with other historical relics that have very high historical value and are relics of the ancient Hindu era, to be precise at the peak of Mount Raksa. The rocky and white sandy beach area with beautiful coral reefs is very good for marine tourism activities such as diving and snorkeling. The waves in the sea are high enough to make it suitable for surfing. 

In some parts of the mainland area of ​​​​the island, there are already paths available to accommodate the activities mentioned above, but have not been equipped with other tourist support facilities / facilities, especially adequate accommodation services for tourists. 

Panaitan which consists of forests that are still beautiful, there are various animals such as deer, monkeys, monkeys, wild cows, leopards, pythons, pigs, and various types of birds. Several types of freshwater crocodiles and giant lizards can also be found here. Panaitan is part of the Ujung Kulon National Park. Because it is within the Ujung Kulon National Park area, Panaitan Island is also accepted as a UNESCO world heritage site, along with Peucang Island and Handeuleum Island.

 

Kiti-Kiti Water Fall, the Hiden Paradise in Papua, Indonesia

 

 Kiti-Kiti Waterfall is located in Karas District, Fakfak Regency, West Papua, Indonesia

Kiti Kiti Waterfall is one of the waterfalls in Fakfak Regency, West Papua, Indonesia, which is located in Karas District, Fakfak Regency. Kiti Kiti Waterfall is a waterfall that falls directly into the open sea and is surrounded by turquoise waters that are very clear and covered in dense tropical rain forests to mountainous contours that are still natural and untouched by humans.

The Kiti Kiti Waterfall tourist attraction offers views of the waterfall, beach, and sea and when the sea water recedes, you will see the beach under the waterfall, but when the tide is high, the flow of water will immediately plunge into the open sea.

There are various types of fish from small to large, including Stingray, Snapper, Tuna, Mackerel, and various other types of fish that make this place a fishing location for local fishermen. Tourists who like to dive can also enjoy the beauty of coral reefs that are still in good condition and can play with colorful ornamental fish.

To visit Air Kiti-Kiti, there are several ways we can use the Pinisi Kurabesi Explorer Ship. From Fakfak or Kaimana Regency, the distance is about 5-6 hours. Meanwhile, if you want to go faster, you can use a twin-engine fiber motorboat from Fakfak. The travel time is about 4 hours at a speed of 25 knots. However, the price is more expensive if you use a regular boat. You pay 12 people it can be 4 million to 6 million rupiah one way