Indonesia
Southeast Asia and the world’s largest archipelago: Over 240 million Indonesians inhabit over 18.000 islands, spanning three time zones. 300 languages are spoken, although the lingua franca Bahasa Indonesia, is spoken by almost everybody. Indonesia bore the grunt of over 350 years of colonization by the Dutch. The island of Java is the most densely populated, its large, hectic cities attracting labor migrants from far and wide. Bali, the small Hinduistic island to the west of Java, is the main port of call for most tourists. Capital: Jakarta Population: 240 million State religion: Islam Languages: Bahasa Indonesia Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (RP)
Ternate: Snacks, Drinks and Karaoke
Ternate, the small but busy island-capital of the North Moluccas, is not a place many travelers linger around for too long. I soon discovered that there are a lot of nice things to see and do in Ternate. And, by no means a rock ‘n roll party-town, nightlife can be fun too. There are more than a dozen places to have good food ánd a good time – at least, if you like Karaoke.
How to Party Like Pirates in Tobelo
A group of women stand in a moving boat, dancing to traditional beats from a distant loudspeaker. They are all over 40 years old — one is in her late 60s. Every once in a while, they cry the distinct changa shriek: “Aheeheeheeheey!” The people of Tobelo are proud to call themselves descendants of changa, or pirates. Although the kings and queens of the waters, coasts, and nearby isles did not use loudspeakers back in their time, their offsprings get the principle of partying right: as loud as possible.
Stranded on Liang Beach, Ambon & Never Want to go Home…
Once you set foot on Liang beach, chances are you never want to leave again. The beach was ranked as the most beautiful beach in Indonesia in 1990, by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It is located near the village of Liang, 32 kilometers from Ambon and about 20 kilometers from Natsepa beach.
Introduction to the Moluccas
By: Tegar Putuhena
Ever since Indonesian independence in 1945, the Moluccas Islands (or Maluku in Indonesian) -one of the oldest provinces in Indonesia-, formed a single unified province. However, in 1999 it was split into two provinces: North Maluku and Maluku. North Maluku is predominantly Muslim and its capital is Ternate while Maluku has a larger Christian population and its capital is Ambon.
Ternate: Snacks, Drinks and Karaoke
By: Ed Caffin
Ternate, the small but busy island-capital of the North Moluccas, is not a place many travelers linger around for too long. Its remote location and conservative character have built its reputation as a dull city. I explored the island for a few days, and although it might indeed not fit all travelers, I soon discovered that there are a lot of nice things to see and do in Ternate. And, by no means a rock ‘n roll party-town, nightlife can be fun too. There are more than a dozen places to have good food ánd a good time - at least, if you like Karaoke.
Around noon, men with praying-carpets over their shoulders walk toward the new big mosque in the centre of town that watches over the Sultan’s city. Muezzins on the dozen or so minarets nearby take turns in singing,― some beautifully and some less so – their fellow believers to prayer. For those that might have missed it all, signs on major roads make sure all muslims do their duty: ‘Go and pray! Don’t be too late…’
How to Party Like Pirates in Tobelo
By: Labodalih Sembiring
A group of women stand in a moving boat, dancing to traditional beats from a distant loudspeaker. They are all over 40 years old — one is in her late 60s. Every once in a while, they cry the distinct changa shriek: “Aheeheeheeheey!”
I met them many times in Tobelo, the capital of North Halmahera District in North Maluku Province. Every time I saw them, they were dancing and shouting energetically, only to stop when the music died. The ladies are part of a traditional art performance group named Gumi Guraci, whose headquarters are called Dabiloha and located near Tanjung Pilawang Beach. During my stay in town, nights of partying took place at this beachside venue.
Stranded on Liang Beach, Ambon & Never Want to go Home...
By: Tegar Putuhena
- When visiting Maluku, do not forget to squeeze in a visit to Hunimua beach. Hunimua is better known as Liang Beach, as it is located near the village of Liang, 32 kilometers from Ambon and about 20 kilometers from Natsepa beach. It takes about a 1 hour drive from the city of Ambon to get to the beach. The secluded bay offers white sand, crystal clear turqoise water, and some shade from the banyan trees.
Once you set foot on Liang beach, chances are you never want to leave again. The curving beach is about 1 km and 300 meters wide and often very quiet. A small "banyan forest" that acts as a sand fence forms the border of this fantastic playground.
