www.indodirect.com

Sunda Kelapa

Sunda Kelapa is the old port of Jakarta. In the original name, it is known “Sunda Kalapa” (from Sundanese words). The port is situated in Penjaringan sub-district, of North Jakarta, Indonesia. Although Sunda Kelapa today only a small port of Jakarta, this port is important for the development of this city. Jakarta has its origins in Sunda Kalapa and the village around it.

Sunda Kelapa, better known as Pasar Ikan (meaning fish market) is located at the mouth of the Ciliwung River. The fish catch of the day was auctioned in the early morning at the old fish market. The street leading to it was lined with shops selling all sorts of shells, dehydrated turtles, lobsters and mostly everything the seafarer might need. This 500-year-old harbor area was a vital link to markets of the outside world for the 15th century kingdom of Pajajaran. It was formerly the harbor town of Sunda Kelapa where the Portuguese traded with the Hindu Kingdom of Pajajaran in the early 16th century. Since than this port has belonged to the portuguese and Dutch.

Komodo Island

Komodo National Park is located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. Established in 1980, initially the main purpose of the Park was to conserve the unique Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) and its habitat. However, over the years, the goals for the Park have expanded to protecting its entire biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine. In 1986, the Park was declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, both indications of the Park’s biological importance.

Spanning across over 23 acres of landscaped tropical gardens, Hotel Borobudur Jakarta is a five-star with diamond hotel. Ideally located in the heart of Jakarta, we are close the main business districts, shopping areas, Presidential palace and Government office – making it the ideal base for business and leisure travelers. The hotel is also only 30 minutes away from Soekarno Hatta International Airport.

North Sulawesi is affectionately known as the land of smiling people. It is geographically located in the northern part of island of Sulawesi- in the- heart of the Sulu-Sulawesi marine eco-system. Naturally it is most famous for its pristine and unspoilt marine beauty and world renowned diving sites.

Around the world there is 70 (known) species of surgeonfishes, several of them can be found on the reefs of Bunaken. They have got their name because all the species have one or several sharp blades used in selfdefence. They swim alongside the enemy using the blade to slice a long and nasty cut, others stab you. One species you are certain to see, are the unicornfish, with its horn on the forhead, when you see it you will know it. It is generally peacefull but it has three blades close to the tail, and the horn is venomus. While the unicorns blades are fixed in one position, others have movable blades, when the fish is relaxed, the knife lie alongside the fish in a crevice, when it is angry, the knife are upright. This fish are able to change colour, something it does when it feels threatened or want to caouflage itself. At bedtime thesurgeons will dress in a particular colour. Most of them are to be found in the deeper area of the reef flat and just outside the drop off wall.

Standing at 132 meters and topped with 35 kilograms of gold, this imposing obelisk is Jakarta’s most famous landmark. Construction started in 1961 under President Soekarno but was not completed until 1975, under President Soeharto. The monument houses a couple of museums. The Freedom Hall depicts Indonesia’s struggle for independence through a series of dioramas, whereas the Hall of Contemplation displays the original Declaration of Independence document and a recording of the speech. An elevator takes one to the observation platform, which commands a bird’s-eye view of the cityscape.