 |
| Newsletter : Issue 4, 2008 |
 |
|
|
|
| |
| History has left its footprints everywhere in Java, Indonesia. While a predominantly Muslim country today, pre-Islamic monuments like the Buddhist Borobudur and Hindu Prambanan complexes near Yogyakarta bear witness to Java’s illustrious history as a bastion of the Buddhist and Hindu faiths in ancient times. Visitors to Java will be mesmerized by traditional Javanese dances or shadow puppet play accompanied by gamelan music, the cultural performances unique to this region. Book your hotel now to experience the unique cultures and attractions in Java. |
 |
Yogyakarta – Yogyakarta is the gateway to two UNESCO heritage sites: The impressive Borobudur & Prambanan Temple complexes. Revel in the spectacular sunrise at the intricate Borobudur complex, the largest Buddhist monument in the world famed for its magnificent stupas and the beautifully-carved bas relief panels in the lower terraces that reflect Buddha's teachings. The tallest temple in the Prambanan compound is dedicated to Shiva, flanked by two smaller temples for Vishnu and Brahma. The exquisite relief panels at the base of Candi Shiva depict the Hindu epic Ramayana. |
|
|
|
 |
 |
Solo City – Solo is a quaint city often acknowledged as the cradle of Javanese culture and tradition. It is an ideal place to see an evening wayang orang dance performance, a wayang kulit (shadow puppets play) or to listen to live gamelan music (traditional Javanese percussion). The two famous royal residences - Kasunanan Palace and Mangkunegaran Palace – were both built in the classic Javanese architectural style. Other interesting pursuits in Solo include exploring the traditional batik production district of Laweyan or the erotic stone carvings at the Mayan-styled Sukuh Temple on the slope of Mt. Lawu. |
|
|
|
 |
 |
Jakarta – The National Monument above the Merdeka Square, a marble obelisk topped with a gold-coated flame, is Jakarta's most famous landmark. The Central Museum is a ‘must visit’, which showcases a wide-ranging collection of artifacts and relics pertaining to the various ethnic groups living in Indonesia. Jaya Ancol Dreamland is Jakarta’s largest recreation park with an extensive range of attractions including a theme park (Fantasy Land) among other recreation facilities. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is an open-air museum that hosts several pavilions, built to portray the variety of cultures and architecture styles found in Indonesia. |
| Recommended Hotels |
|
| Recommended See & Do |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
Bandung – Shopping is one of the primary attractions of Bandung. Be spoilt for choice at Cibaduyut Street for good-quality shoes and likewise at Cihampelas Street for denim jeans. Delectable Sundanese cuisine is the other main draw of Bandung. Pamper your taste buds with classic dishes like Pepes Ikan (steamed fish in banana leaf) or Cendol, a jelly dessert sweetened with palm sugar and coconut milk. Popular daytrips from Bandung include visiting Mount Tangkuban Perahu (the only crater in Java accessible by car all the way to its rim) or taking a leisure drive to the hot water springs at Maribaya, with opportunities to enjoy the picturesque landscape along the way. |
|
|
|
 |
 |
Surabaya – Located opposite the entrance to the famous Surabaya Zoo, the Suro and Boyo Monument depicts a legendary fight between a shark (suro) and a crocodile (boyo) in the area to gain the title of ‘the strongest animal’, which gives Surabaya its name. Those wanting a more in-depth history of Surabaya should include the Red Bridge, the historic Kali Mas Harbour, the Submarine Monument, the Heroes Monument and the Museum Sepuluh November in their travel itineraries. The nearby Mount Bromo is undoubtedly one of East Java most popular attraction with many tourists trekking across the renowned ‘sand sea’ to watch the remarkable sunrise from its white smoking crater. |
|
|
|
 |
| Top Asian Destinations |
 |
Destinations |
Hotels |
Destinations |
Hotels |
| Bangkok |
fr S$28 |
Phuket |
fr S$31 |
| Hong Kong |
fr S$73 |
Kuala Lumpur |
fr S$76 |
| Singapore |
fr S$42 |
Manila |
fr S$47 |
| Macau |
fr S$103 |
Bali |
fr S$39 |
| Taipei |
fr S$69 |
Chiangmai |
fr S$31 |
| Top European / US Destinations |
 |
Destinations |
Hotels |
Destinations |
Hotels |
| Paris |
fr S$106 |
New York |
fr S$238 |
| London |
fr S$67 |
Los Angeles |
fr S$110 |
| Milan |
fr S$101 |
Prague |
fr S$62 |
| Rome |
fr S$114 |
Florence |
fr S$113 |
| Frankfurt |
fr S$90 |
Venice |
fr S$80 |
We have more then 21,000 hotels in more than 122 countries world wide, 3,300 sightseeing tours, apartments transfers and more. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|