In the core of North Sumatra, Lake Toba is the biggest lake in Indonesia and Southeast Asia and the largest volcanic lake in the world, spanning over 1,100 square kilometers. But wait, there is more. At a thickness of less or more than 500m, it is also one of the deepest lakes in the world. Ironically, Lake Toba was naturally constructed by the devastating eruption of Mount Toba roughly 70,000 years back. Now, Lake Toba Caldera is one of Indonesia’s nineteen geoparks, featuring a wide array of fauna and flora and a rich legacy embodied by the ethnic groups, particularly the Batak group. Whether natural or cultural, Lake Toba has a lot to offer tourists, making it one of the major tourist destinations in the area. Here are merely some of the many things to do and places to see in and around Lake Toba.

• Samosir Island

Samosir Island is a volcanic island, almost the size of Singapore, Situated in the middle of Lake Toba. Thousands of years back, after the destructive eruption of Mount Toba, the island emerged from the devastation. It is currently the world’s biggest island within an island and one of the world’s biggest lake islands. Six of the eight districts of Samosir Regency are located on Samosir Island. Samosir Island can be reached by ferry from Parapat’s port into the eastern part of the island, particularly Tuktuk, Tomok, and Ambarita Village. The island is connected to the mainland around the western part via Pangururan around the island and Tele on the continent. Offering not just natural allure and magnificent viewpoints, the island is also somewhere to immerse in culture and history since it’s the center of Batak tradition, specifically the Toba Batak. Below are a few of the tourist places around Samosir Island.

• Ambarita Village

In addition, there are souvenir stores here, but the popular attraction is the ancient village, Huta Siallagan. Upon entering the narrow rock entry passage, a row of traditional Toba Batak houses will greet you on your left, including the former home of this Siallagan king. The Siallagans are direct descendants of the King of Batak throughout King Naimbaton. Aside from the standard houses, other interesting sites are the two sets of stone seats and tables – the Stones for Meetings and much more. While here, you may also meet the current chieftain, Gading J. Siallagan, also a descendant of the Siallagan King.

• Huta Ginjang

Sitting at an altitude of over 1500 meters above sea level, Huta Ginjang is one of the best places to see Lake Toba. The viewpoint can be found on the southern shores of Lake Toba. Feast your eyes on the bucolic tableau of rolling hills and calm waters of this vast lake. During the ideal season, this site becomes a jumping-off point for paragliding and other air sports. There are tables and chairs and a line of stores and stalls selling food, beverages, and a few souvenirs. Don’t neglect to bring jackets as it can get freezing up there.

• Tomok Village

That is a location where you can find Batak Museum and the old grave of King Sidabutar, stated to be the first to set foot on the island. Tomok is also where you can shop for souvenirs like Batak food and products.

• Tuktuk Village

This village is easily the most developed place on the island, mainly for tourism functions. This is close to Tomok Village along with Ambarita Village. Here you will find the majority of the accommodations and food areas. Additionally, there are beaches close to the village.

Are you planning to visit Lake Toba soon? Find out more about Lake Toba and Indonesia by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.

Many holiday goers often debate whether they should take an early morning flight or a late night one. Well, there is no right or wrong choice here. It all depends on your preference. But, morning flights have certain benefits, which are discussed in this write-up.

Today, when you travel by air, you have umpteen choices not only in terms of the airlines that you can choose to fly with but other choices as well. What movie to watch on the flight, what meal you want to have, what seat you would like to sit in, do you want to put the backpack in the overhead luggage bin or you want to check-in with our luggage, etc.

While you have the flexibility and the liberty to make so many choices to make your journey comfortable, the one choice that really matters the most is – whether you want to take an early morning flight or a late night one? Many people prefer travelling at night, especially if they are traveling on a week day as they have the flexibility to travel after work and catch up on sleep during the travel hours.

But, there are others who may prefer taking the early morning flight. Well, apart from being a preference, taking early morning flights comes with its own perks. Let us look at some of the benefits of taking early morning flights.

• For starters, early morning air tickets are much cheaper than other flights that depart in the afternoon or late evening.
• Also, research suggests that the morning flights are least likely to be delayed since there is not much air traffic during the wee hours.
• Another significant benefit of taking early morning flight is that reaching the airport is much easier than any other time of the day. With not much traffic during the pre-dawn hours, you may probably reach the airport in half the time than otherwise.
• Not to mention, during the early hours, the queues at the airport security, immigration is potentially non-existent or minimal. This means you need not wait for long hours for security clearance, and complete the formalities with ease.
• Many travellers who prefer taking early morning flights have said that some of their most beautiful flight travel experiences have been while travelling early as they get to see the amazing sunrise and the beautiful glow as the sun illuminates the city below.
• Taking early morning flight does not necessarily mean you must compromise on your sleep. Once you get comfortable on your seat and all the safety announcements are done, you can take a quick nap until you arrive at the destination. In most cases, you can get 1 to 1.5 hours of sleep. It is a good way to get started on your onward journey when you land.
• If you are taking early morning flights on both ends of your trip, it can maximize your time at the destination. Wouldn’t it be much better to start the journey on a Saturday morning rather than Friday night as you may be already tired and probably even cranky after a long day at work. The journey could well start off on a wrong note.
• If you are travelling within India and are taking a late-night flight, you may reach your destination within a couple of hours and with nothing to do at night, you may have while away your time at the airport or spend a few extra bucks for a night’s stay at the hotel.

Final Word

The golden age of air travel is now, and you can make the most of it by making one important choice – taking an early morning flight.  Waking at 4 am to catch a 6 am flight may seem unpleasant the night before, but it will be worth it when you arrive at your destination.

One among the most preferred luxury travel destinations, the Middle Eastern emirate of Dubai is home to vast pristine beaches. Locally known as the Arabic Gulf, the beaches in Dubai are warm and aqua-blue. The magnetizing Persian Gulf blue beaches make this place a perfect beach resort destination attracting millions of visitors every year.

With a majority of luxury private beaches, Dubai also offers a lot of public beaches. Most beaches are artificial and they are expansive and spread across filled with soft white sand. This allows the visitors have spectacular time on the beaches.

Some Top Best Beaches in Dubai to Relax on the Shore

JBR Open Beach: This is the biggest of all beaches in Dubai and it extends throughout the length of JBR area. One among the best beaches,the Jumeirah Beach is known for cleanliness, as well as a lot of food and snacks. The pristine sands are soft and the water is warm and blue. You can rent water toys and games and enjoy sea biking and scooters.

Jumeirah Beach Park: The Jumeirah Beach Park is a manmade beachfront park that is artificially designed. The grass levels are created on the flat dessert and a lot places are available to play, picnic and eat. It is important notto confusethe JBR Open Beach area with Jumeirah the Beach Park. Being artificially designed, the beach is narrow and maintains less distance from waterline. This is best suited for ladies and children and every Monday only ladies and children are allowed here.

Kite Beach: If you are a luxury traveler who wish to enjoy kayaking and paddle board, then this is the best place for you. Located at the northern end, this beach is a part of the Umm Suqeim beachwith a lot of waves not very huge to allow the surfers engage in various sport activities. The beachis crowded with kite surfers and flying kites. The beach is filled with coarser sand and shells. Furthermore, foodies can have a great time since several food points are available here.

Apart from the above- mentioned beaches some of the other beaches where the visitors can have great fun are:

• Umm Suqeim Beach
• Wild Wadi Waterpark, located in Umm Suqeim.
• Al Mamzar Beach Park
• The Palm Jumeirah
• Marina Beach
• Dubai Creek
• Jebel Ali Beach
• La Mer
• Black Palace Beach

Safe and Secured Beaches

Dubai being a country that offers safe and secure travel experience to the visitors, the best beaches in Dubai are personally secured too. You can see people leaving their wallets, mobile phones and other belonging on the beaches when they go swimming. The beaches are well- facilitated with charging rooms, bathrooms, Wi-Fi, solar power devices charging, lifeguards, showers, and many more.

Dubai’s culture requires the visitors a decent dress code while swimming. You are allowed to wear boardshorts-type bathing suits for men and a one-piece for women but not a bikini. Alcohol is not allowed at any beaches in Dubai.

Galapagos Islands are situated about 1,000 km from the South American Continent. This island is described as a living museum because it showcases the archipelago of 19 volcanic islands, smaller islets, and a marine reserve where you can see a unique ecosystem. With its pristine condition, no wonder it’s on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Galapagos Islands are extremely isolated; that is why the marine species and the overall state of the Islands are well developed.

Each island in Galapagos has a unique landscape of white sand that matches the blue-waters. Visiting the Galapagos Islands is a worthwhile lifetime experience that deserves a spot in your bucket-list destination. Here is a travel guide to the Galapagos Islands and know more about why it is a must-visit.

How to Get There

There are two ways by which you can go to the Galapagos Islands: by boat or by plane. Your decision on what mode of transportation to use will depend on some factors such as budget, time, and preference. You may need to fly from Ecuador to the city of Quito or Guayaquil. If you can fly directly to Guayaquil, it’s better because it’s nearer the Island.

Another possible route you can take is to fly to Baltra Island, take a bus, and a ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island, a popular tourist hub. Most of the flights and land-based trips are made in the morning. When you arrive late in the afternoon, you can spend the night in Galapagos hotels where you can recharge your energy for the next day’s adventure. Check the available flights that you can take conveniently through the Airlines Northwest.

Travel Guide to the Galapagos Islands

If you plan to travel to the Galapagos Islands, visits are not allowed without assistance from licensed tour guides. There are day trips that you can book on the spot in the tourist hub, which is in Santa Cruz. However, the best way to enjoy the island, even the remote areas, is to take a cruise on a small yacht, so you need to book your reservations ahead of time.

The management team of Galapagos Islands is strict in implementing rules on the islands. Only 100 heads are allowed per day to take the tour. To ensure your spot, it’s best to book at least a few months in advance, especially during the high season, and so that you can enjoy some deals and discounts offered for early reservations.

The ideal month to visit Galapagos Islands is in December through May, where the ocean is the calmest. The months of June, July, and August are considered the busiest months for tourism because of its cooler and dryer season. If you are into scuba diving, the colder season attracts more marine life, such as the hammerhead sharks.

What to do in Galapagos Islands?

• Dive with whales

If you are more interested in what you can see underwater, diving with whales is a must-try. The Galapagos Islands is known for its abundant and striking natural paradise. Experts describe this island as the untouched part. With its clear waters, you can still see a depth of about 24 meters.

• Spend time with the animals in the area

One of the unique creatures you can see on this island is the huge lumbering tortoise, nirvana iguana, and penguins. For those who love science, the Darwin Research Station is the best spot where you can witness these creatures’ natural habitat. These unique creatures live peacefully on this island. You will be given a chance to get near them for a picture; just inform your guide.

During the summer season, the Galapagos Islandsare also a breeding spot for almost thirteen migratory birds such as albatrosses and frigate birds, blue and red-footed boobies. You will surely enjoy the view of the birds, so make sure to bring your binoculars.

• Hiking

The mountains surrounding this island consist of dried lava beds. Among the islands in Galapagos, the best hiking spot is in the Sierra Negra, the world’s second-largest crater is located on the Isabel Island. Hiking is the best way to have a glimpse of a majestic view of the Galapagos Islands.

• Surfing

The islands in Galapagos are known to have a well-formed wave with a pleasant temperature all year round, making it a friendly surfing spot. The best spot is in the San Cristobal Island where the Tongo Reef lies.

Conclusion

With its crystal clear waters, abundant wildlife, majestic view, and overall pristine condition of the island, no doubt why a lot of tourists want to explore Galapagos Islands. The travel time just to reach the island is no joke that’s why if you are given a chance to visit it, make the most of your time to explore, try new adventures, and to enjoy all the things that the island offers.

When you visit the Galapagos Islands, make sure to be responsible in following the rules and regulations set by the tourist guides to ensure that its untouched condition will be preserved for future generations.

Yogyakarta, or Jogja, because it’s often lovingly called, is much more than just a house to royal temples and palaces. It is the stories and deep civilisation during its foundation that describe why people keep returning and finding reasons to remain. From history to unforgettable tourism adventures, discover the soul and heart of Java.

Special Region of Yogyakarta

Among the country’s 34 provinces, only two have been granted ‘special region’ standing: Aceh and Yogyakarta. For the latter on, it means recognition and certain autonomies continue to be supplied to the monarchy of Yogyakarta, despite being a part of the Republic of Indonesia. That leaves town planning, governance, and cultivation of culture in the hands of centuries-old tradition performed by the monarchy.

Therefore, in case you think Indonesia’s empires are of a remote past represented exclusively by temple ruins and history publications, a simple trip to Yogyakarta will show you wrong. As traditional festivals and occasions have been knitted into the fabric of daily lifestyles, you are going to see how the Yogyakarta sultanate is not merely alive and well — it’s prominent.

The Imperial Complex of Yogyakarta

Still today, the imperial palace of Yogyakarta stays at the core of traditional life. The placemarks the focal point of this Sultan’s entire territory, as it creates an imaginary line with Mount Merapi at its northwest, the Yogyakarta monument, along with the mystical South Sea. This palace remains home to the royal household, but portions of it are open for visitors. Different ceremonial rites are still performed within its walls, a few days, others based on the usual almanack. The architecture of this grand palace reflects deep symbols and philosophy of the Javanese in every little detail. Sometimes you will spot Abdi dalem, the loyal servants and caretaker into the kingdom, using their meticulously regulated manners and attire.

The Wonderful Temples of Yogyakarta

It is impossible to talk about Yogyakarta without mentioning the ancient imperial temples within or near its land. Regardless of the Yogyakarta sultanate being formally Muslim now, the area still testifies to the height of impact in Buddhism and Hinduism throughout its previous civilisations. Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, is unmissable evidence of the episode in history. The temple complex falls beneath the region of Central Java. However, Yogyakarta remains the most popular hub for temple-hopping in the area. Besides, Yogyakarta and Central Java were one under the Mataram empire, so the legacy tends to be somewhat similar.

Another noteworthy temple in Yogyakarta is the Prambanan Temple. Constructed in the 9th century, this temple honours the Hindu gods, but largely Shiva, the god of devastation. The complex features countless individual rock temples and shrines, with intricate stone carvings throughout them. For people who wish to watch history come alive, then remain until dusk to see the glorious Ramayana ballet completed from the temple lawn.

Guardian of Life-style

Preserving and nurturing their precious ancient culture is a pursuit taken quite seriously in Yogyakarta. Both the sultanate and the private industry tend to adhere to the customs and traditions that elevated them. From ethnic restaurants which incorporate heritage recipes, to some village of batik-makers, culture is secured on all fronts. By still carrying out the intricate ceremonies and rituals of traditional Java, and instructing into the centuries, the sultanate continues to function as a cradle of Javanese civilisation that was once dominant across the island.

Modern Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a stronghold for culture and tradition. However, it manages to hit a balance between the traditional and contemporary. Throughout time, the monarchy has continued to demonstrate its readiness to adapt and adopt the best of both worlds. The traditional gudeg dish is now served in large fancy restaurants along with traditional warungs. Street art is available in many corners, perhaps alongside a home with elaborate classic wood carvings during its façade. And if your love of AC doesn’t allow you to shop at traditional markets, then there are always a selection of shopping malls and boutiques that sell the batik of your dreams.

Ready to start your getaway to Yogyakarta? Visit Wonderful Indonesia, and don’t miss out on the magic!