West Java

Of the 17,000 islands that make up the archipelago of the Republic of Indonesia, Java has historicall been considered the heartland, Where Java has led-culturally, economicall and politically down through the centuries, other regions have followed. On java, still the most densely populated isaland of Indonesia, there are five Provinces. West Java is the largest, with the greatest population, and some would claim, with the most pride.

West Java Province is located at part of western Java Island. The enchanting of Sunda land stretches from Sunda Strait in the west to the borders of Central Java in the east. The local's people know West Java Province as the Land of Sunda. The region is primarily mountainous, with rich green valleys hugging lofty volcanic peaks, many of which surround the capital of West Java province. The history of West Java is a story of trade, spices, and the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms. In the late 1500's the region was ruled from migthy Cirebon, which still survives as a sultanate today, although a shadow of its former glory. West Java was of the first contact points in Indonesia for Indian traders and their cultural influences, and it was here that the Dutch and British first set foot in the archipelago.

This province has it own unique culture and language, both called Sundanese that is also used to call its people. The ancient kingdoms of Tarumanegara, Pajajaran, Banten and Cirebon would make interesting studies for the student of archaeology. Cirebon is located on the border between West and Central Java, having a mixed culture originating from the ancient Cirebon and Banten kingdoms, resulting in similar customs and dialects of the two people, although Banten is located at the extreme western part of the province.



West Java province its self, is formed based on the Constitution number 11/1950 on the establishment of West Java. With the issueance of Constitution number 23/2000 on Banten Province, West Java Governor Assisting Territory I Bnaten was inaugurated as Banten Province with its territories comprising Serang Regency, Pandegelang Regency, Lebak Regency, Tangerang Regency and Mayoralty, and Cilegon Mayoralty. After the change, at present West JAva consist of 18 regencies, nine mayoralties, 584 districts, 5,201 villages and 609 sub districts.

The capital city of West Java province is Bandung city. Bandung is situated 180 Km southeast of Jakarta. The city gamed fame in 1955 as the venue for the first Afro-Asian Conference, which brought together the leaders of 29 Asian, and African nations wuth the aim to promote economic and culture relations and take a coomon stand againts coloialism.

The road from Jakarta to BAndung passes through a beautiful panorama of mountains, paddy fields and small holiday resort. An expressway connects the crowded capital city with Bogor and the mountain areas, and onward to Bandung. It has number of sea resort on its western and southern coast, which have modern hotels and are popular during the weekends.

Bali

Bali island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. Bali offers not just various customs but also various "adrenalin pump" parks. Many exciting amusements are available in Bali, with something new opening all the time. The number of offshore and inland attraction are on the rise because many tourist want them. this tropical paradies has unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and rich past and heritage. After ehite water rafting. The more adventure sort of amusement has now become an alternative sport for tourist. Meanwhile white water rafting is still a popular activity with trips on Ayung, Telaga Waja, Unda Rivers, etc. The tourists can refresh their mind by watching beautiful scenery along the route. Those are not enough, some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side a wonderful heaven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas.



Bali is small island, just 140 Km by 180 Km and lies between Java, the most higly populated and influential of all isaland. and Lombok, one of the quieter and moderately slower paced islands. Like many isalnds, Bali has developed a world of its own. It not only captures what is special about Indonesia but also has uniqueness of its own.

The culture of Bali is unique. People say that the Balinese people have reached self-content. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their uniqeu Hindu culture againts the advance of Islam, the domainant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in days to day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. The Balinese are skilled artisans, particularly in woodcarving and in fashioning objects of tortoiseshell and of gold, silver and others metals. The Balinese are noted for their traditionl dance, the distinctive music of the gamelan and for their skills in weaving cloth of gold and silver threads, Songket, as well as for embroidering silk and cotton clothing. Stone and woodcravings, traditional and modern paintings and intricately designed jewelry in gold and silver are readily available in shop and galleries throughout the island.

As for recreation, ther is no shortage of options. Nature walks, horseback riding, diving, surfing-even bungy jumping and white water rafting-await the adventurous here.