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	<description>Indonesian Homes Info, Travelling in Indonesia, Living in Indonesia, House rental and apartments for rent</description>
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		<title>Joint with Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Program</title>
		<link>http://www.albestna.com/joint-with-wonderful-indonesia-tourism-program/</link>
		<comments>http://www.albestna.com/joint-with-wonderful-indonesia-tourism-program/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:25:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>albestna</dc:creator>
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		<category><![CDATA[Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Program]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[This year the Department of Culture and Tourism held Visit Indonesia year with tagline Wonderful Indonesia. This country will give you amazing experience whether you a beach lover, shopaholic, ecotourism enthusiast, culinary travel, or avid history of wonderful Indonesia. For beach lover, Indonesia have so many beaches with beautiful waves. Go visit to Batu Bedaun [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This year the Department of Culture and Tourism held Visit Indonesia year with tagline Wonderful Indonesia. This country will give you amazing experience whether you a beach lover, shopaholic, ecotourism enthusiast, culinary travel, or avid history of wonderful Indonesia.</p>
<p>For beach lover, Indonesia have so many beaches with beautiful waves. Go visit to Batu Bedaun Beach in Riau Archipelago. It&#8217;s white sandy beach with clean blue sea and small wave. Or you can hit Pangandaran in West Java or Parang Tritis at Jogjakarta. Kuta beach in Bali is a must visit especially for surfer enthusiast. Batu Bolong Beach at Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara has a huge rock with a hole in it.</p>
<p>On the south coast of central Lombok, just hit Putri Nyale Beach. It stretches an unbroken expanse of clean white sand lapped by waves of the Indian Ocean. From Sulawesi, Indonesia has two marine spot you must visit, Bunaken in North Sulawesi and Wakatobi in South East Sulawesi. In Papua, don&#8217;t ever miss The Raja Ampat Island. It possibly holds the richest variety of species in the world.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Indonesia for Shopaholic and Gourmet Traveller</strong></span><br />
For shopaholic, you could shop till you drop in Jakarta. Check out the Jakarta&#8217;s modern shopping havens; Java is handicrafts galore, batik and most of the crafts made in Solo, Central Java and the villages around Yogyakarta, Bandung in West Java is a paradise for those who love garments, Shopping in Bali can offer excellent bargains. Shops that cater mostly to tourists sell modern artwork, leather goods, casual summer clothing and of course beach wear.</p>
<p>For culinary travel, Indonesia offers heaven gourmet. Travelers love eating and food is a big attraction. The most popular Indonesian cuisine is Sate (Satay), grilled meat skewered on wooden sticks, served with a sweet peanut or turmeric sauce.</p>
<p>Indonesia offers a great taste. Try hot and spicy rendang in Padang restaurant, the sweet Gudeg in Yogya. Soto mie, noodle soup with beef and cabbage from Bogor West Java, brown color broth beef soup &#8220;Rawon&#8221; from East Java, tangy fish dishes and red bean soup in Manado restaurant, spicy ribs soup from Makassar, Sulawesi.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Ecotourism Enthusiast and Avid History</strong></span><br />
For ecotourism enthusiast, there are many national parks worth visit. Go to Bukit Lawang in Medan. It is the first orang-utan rehabilitation center. Indonesia will continue stunning you at Kerinci Seblat National Park in Padang, a tropical rainforest heritage of West Sumatra, Siberut National Park-a man and biosphere reserve. Continue your eco journey to Way Kambas National Park-home to rhino and elephants in Lampung.</p>
<p>In Java, there are Gunung Halimun National Park-the land under the rainbow and Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park as the most visited national park in West Java. If you want to see a land above the clouds, go to Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park in East Java.</p>
<p>For avid historical place, there are many relic sites you should visit Indonesia. Go to Batu Sangkar in Bukit Tinggi, West Sumatra, center of Minangkabau culture. Megalithic remains found in the area support the theory of a large community living in the area some 2000 years ago. Carry on to Riau, there is a buddhist temple, Muara Takus Temple.</p>
<p>Borobudur and Prambanan are must visit temple. Carry on to Sulawesi by visiting Waruga Cemetery. It is ancient cemetery of Minahasan ancestors. Another cemetery is The Sacred cemetery of Ju Panggola. It is built in 14th century is located in Gorontalo city. See also Fort Rotterdam also known as Benteng Makassar. It is a historical site of the past greatest Gowa Kingdom. Get ready for your marvelous holiday in wonderful Indonesia.</p>
<p>Article Source: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>http://indoflick.com/</em></span></p>
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		<item>
		<title>Because Indonesia is The Exotic Archipelago</title>
		<link>http://www.albestna.com/because-indonesia-is-the-exotic-archipelago/</link>
		<comments>http://www.albestna.com/because-indonesia-is-the-exotic-archipelago/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Nov 2011 06:23:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>albestna</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indonesia is The Exotic Archipelago]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Exotic Archipelago]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Having more than 17,000 islands up its sleeve, Indonesia is the place where you can never run out of things to do while visiting this nature&#8217;s gift. From shopping to snorkeling, there is so much to do in Indonesia where a week-long vacation too might not do justice to this place. So while browsing through [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Having more than 17,000 islands up its sleeve, Indonesia is the place where you can never run out of things to do while visiting this nature&#8217;s gift. From shopping to snorkeling, there is so much to do in Indonesia where a week-long vacation too might not do justice to this place.</p>
<p>So while browsing through the hotels in Indonesia, keep in mind that there is a fat chance of extending your stay in the country. Picking one of the Indonesia cheap hotels will allow you to spend less on accommodation and more on adventurous activities that one ought to do while holidaying in Indonesia.</p>
<p>If you are into extreme sports, Indonesia is legendary when it comes to activities such as diving and snorkeling. Wreck diving at USS Liberty Wreck off Tulamben which is an artificial reef can pump up your adrenaline to levels you can&#8217;t even imagine.</p>
<p>The Coral Sea Gardens of Bunaken Islands is a must visit for any nature lover who is definitely going to be awe struck by the marine life and the drop-off reef formation. All hotels in Indonesia will have information about tours to both these locations and will be happy to arrange the same.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Enjoy a Tantalizing Trip</strong></span></p>
<p>If your thirst for action remains unquenched, the front desk of most hotels in Indonesia can assist you with trekking packages over some of the famous active volcanoes in Indonesia. Mount Bromo, located in East Java, is the most popular active volcano around which several trekking tours are organized. Another great option would be the Kawah Ijen which provides one of the best picturesque views of grassy fields and the surrounding peaks which is nothing short of a fairy tale experience.</p>
<p>Indonesia is one of the wealthiest countries in South East Asia owing to the large number of resources available in this archipelago. This translates into a shopper&#8217;s paradise with umpteen numbers of malls and street shops of a wide price range. All hotels in Indonesia will be situated close to some shopping mall or market so you can fulfill your shopping desires from everywhere.</p>
<p>There are two things one must remember while holidaying in Indonesia to cut down on the budget. Firstly, living in one of the Indonesia cheap hotels can prove to be highly economical and smart. Indonesia cheap hotels provide the same luxury and comfort as offered by the others but at a much affordable price. The second important thing to remember is, if anything doesn&#8217;t have a price tag on it, the price is negotiable.</p>
<p>Article Source:<em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> Excitehotels.com</span></em> Takes You to the Most Desirable Hotels in Indonesia</p>
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		<item>
		<title>All Information on Indonesia</title>
		<link>http://www.albestna.com/all-information-on-indonesia/</link>
		<comments>http://www.albestna.com/all-information-on-indonesia/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:18:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>albestna</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[about Indonesia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Information on Indonesia]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[INDONESIA Population: 225.3 million (UN, 2005) Capital: Jakarta Area: 1.9 million sq km (742,308 sq miles) Major languages: Indonesian, 300 regional languages Major religion: Islam Life expectancy: 65 years (men), 69 years (women) (UN) Monetary unit: 1 rupiah (Rp) The Republic of Indonesia is then again one of the MUST-SEE places in Southeast Asia a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>INDONESIA</strong></p>
<p>Population: 225.3 million (UN, 2005)<br />
Capital: Jakarta Area: 1.9 million sq km (742,308 sq miles)<br />
Major languages: Indonesian, 300 regional languages<br />
Major religion: Islam<br />
Life expectancy: 65 years (men), 69 years (women) (UN)<br />
Monetary unit: 1 rupiah (Rp)</p>
<p>The Republic of Indonesia is then again one of the MUST-SEE places in Southeast Asia a small hop from the Indochina Peninsula. Indonesia just knows how to tingle the pleasure centres of each of its travellers be it by flavour, spectacle, aroma, or sensation, in addition to the size of this place, possibly the largest paradise that causes more often than not a rethinking of one&#8217;s departure. Perhaps another night?</p>
<p><strong>GEOGRAPHY</strong></p>
<p>Fact remains, travel to Indonesia is dynamic exploration chasing after islands and wildlife, which is quite a lot. Indonesia is, after all 1,904,569 km2-territory with 17,508 islands with great biodiversity, 6,000 of which are inhabited, making it the largest and most populous country in the Southeast Asia.</p>
<p>Indonesia (5 00 S, 120 00 E) is made up of forest-clad mountains and lowland plains and coasts that have served as the home to nomadic and more advanced civilizations of the archipelago. Mountains can be found inland, toward the island centres of bigger islands, the highest of which is the Puncak Jaya at an altitude of 5,030 metres above the sea level, the Indian Ocean in this part.</p>
<p><strong>CLIMATE</strong></p>
<p>The climate just can&#8217;t get better for a Southeast Asian travel, tropical climate as usual as Indonesia straddles the equator. The traveller can&#8217;t ask for more sun or heat with average temperatures varying very subtly throughout the year from 26-30 °C. But the highlands and mountainous regions like Kalimantan, Sulawesi, W. Java, and W. Sumatra and Papua offer a different kind of cool, regardless the two seasons of wet and dry.</p>
<p><strong>PEOPLE</strong></p>
<p>Indonesia is the 4th most heavily populated country in the world succeeding the United States with 240,271,522 people, or officially, Indonesians. Its high population and rapid modernization entail environmental concerns of excessive waste and poor management of it, large-scale illegal deforestation and massive air and water pollution with related forest fires that threaten neighbouring countries Brunei and Malaysia.</p>
<p>The Javanese are the most numerous ethnic group with almost 45% of the population, and the island of Java, the most populous island in the world with 130 million of inhabitants. After which comes the Sudanese with 15% of Indonesians and some 300 groups such as the Madurese who are at odds with the Dayak, the Minangkabau, Bajar, Banten, Betawi, and the Bugis.</p>
<p><strong>RELIGION</strong></p>
<p>The republic nation prides on being the country with the largest Muslim population on the planet with almost 90% of a Muslim demographic. Naturally, Islam is the way of life here, that main ideology to every action, every principle from preparation of meat and food to governance and law. Christianity is a budding faith in many small villages where missionary work is chiefly directed to especially in North Sumatra with 9% of the population in practice and still adding. Hindu and other pagan or animist beliefs incompletely identified are also in practice.</p>
<p><strong>LANGUAGE</strong></p>
<p>BAHASA INDONESIA, a modified Malay language, is the official language of the state. ENGLISH is widely spoken in major cities and is the language used for foreign matters and the hospitality industry, DUTCH, the colonial language spoken as more of a creole by a minor senile generation, and a few local dialects have dotted the linguistic landscape.</p>
<p><strong>ATTRACTIONS</strong></p>
<p>The rich and hearty Indonesian culture is the perfect accent to the allure of sights of this island paradise. Nothing quite epitomizes Indonesian allure as the rich biodiversity at the coral reef kingdoms to which the traveller can scuba dive and witness colours and creatures so diverse, so flamboyant, possibly none that anyone has seen anywhere on earth, until now. We&#8217;re talking possibly hundreds of shades of blue, red, green, yellow, and so on. Sulawesi is a place to site rare animals found nowhere else in the world that have evolved to survive in the island of heat and volcanic activity.</p>
<p>Crater and volcanic lakes of Sumatra, alabaster beaches of Maluku, more volcanoes of Java, resorts of Bali, surfing sites and fine woven village textiles of Lombok, rainforests in Sabah and Sarawak, Borneo, West Papua, and thousands more places offer pristine nature experiences that is are constantly threatened, it is heart-breaking. In the Orangutan Sanctuary at the Indian Fire Islands-volcanic hotspot, the traveller will also feel a certain over-joy that suddenly shifts to melancholy realizing that these beings are in danger as well.</p>
<p><strong>FOOD</strong></p>
<p>The nine essential gastronomic elements of Indonesian cuisine are rice, fuel, cooking oil, flour, corn, salt, sugar, eggs and meat. A country of many faces, so is Indonesian cuisine combining Indian, Middle Eastern, European, Chinese, and Malay influences with their use of spices and methods of cooking and food presentation, but not without sharing some of their own like nutmeg, clove, and galangal, spices native to Indonesia.</p>
<p>Most popular to the world are dishes such as satay, beef rendang, sambai, lumpia, pangsit, and many others. Authentic Indonesian cuisine is not a solid concept per se. Rather it pertains to the cuisine in Indonesia which renders localized versions of others. Rice is a staple not restrictive to main meals as it is also used in desserts using a variant called &#8220;sticky rice&#8221; cooked in coconut milk or buras. In some dishes, food is so hot and spicy, it can kill microbes.</p>
<p>Indonesian food also offers some Eastern exotica of spicy brains, lungs, and gizzards, but besides its high cholesterol content, there is no reason to not eat it. Islamic food prohibitions are practiced but with some leniency. The rationale is that alcohol has been in existence even before Islam and is part of traditional and cultural practices. There&#8217;s a big and beautiful world out there, but, a world of its own, Indonesia is a tough contender.</p>
<p>Article Source: <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://www.backpackingaddictz.com/</span></em></p>
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		<title>Traveling and Living in Indonesia Using Dharmasiswa Scholarship</title>
		<link>http://www.albestna.com/traveling-and-living-in-indonesia-using-dharmasiswa-scholarship/</link>
		<comments>http://www.albestna.com/traveling-and-living-in-indonesia-using-dharmasiswa-scholarship/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:14:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>albestna</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Traveling and Living in Indonesia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.albestna.com/?p=40</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Indonesia is the wonderful archipelago country wonderful with fertile soil and lots of beautiful places like Bali Island. Everyone dreams to visit in Indonesia. What about studying in Indonesia? This is very interesting obviously because students can increase experience of living and traveling in Indonesia. Dharmasiswa is a scholarship program offered to foreign students who [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Indonesia is the wonderful archipelago country wonderful with fertile soil and lots of beautiful places like Bali Island. Everyone dreams to visit in Indonesia. What about studying in Indonesia? This is very interesting obviously because students can increase experience of living and traveling in Indonesia.</p>
<p>Dharmasiswa is a scholarship program offered to foreign students who have diplomatic relations with Indonesia to study Indonesian language, music arts and crafts as well as other studies in universities in Indonesia.</p>
<p>Dharmasiswa program is started in 1974. Until 1975, only students from ASEAN are to join the program. But since 1976, students from Hungary, Norway, Mexico, Sweden, Canada, France, Australia, Japan, Netherlands, Germany, Gambia, Senegal and the United States could retrace this program.</p>
<p>The main purpose Dharmasiswa program is to foster and enhance interest in Indonesian language and culture among the people of friendly countries. The program is also designed as a reciprocal program to other countries that offer scholarship programs for Indonesia and to strengthen cultural relations among nations. Each year, the program Participants targeted Dharmasiswa continues to increase.</p>
<p>There are 5 schemes Indonesia Dharmasiswa scholarship Program:</p>
<p>Dharmasiswa &#8211; Regular<br />
This Dharmasiswa Program is a one-year scholarship program for foreign students to study Indonesia language, traditional music, traditional dance and Indonesian crafts.</p>
<p>Dharmasiswa &#8211; Short term<br />
Dharmasiswa Short Term Programme consists of two schemes: 6 (six) months of regular courses for foreign students to study Indonesian and Dharmasiswa Short Term for Preparation Program to enhance the ability of Indonesian language in order to enter education in Indonesia.</p>
<p>Dharmasiswa &#8211; Plus<br />
Darmasiswa plus Program Offered to Indonesian language, traditional music, traditional dance and crafts in Indonesian Higher Education. Participants are required to teach a foreign Language 10 hours / week in Junior High School, Secondary Schools, Vocational School (SMK) or Institute of Higher Education of Indonesia Nowhere the relevant learning.</p>
<p>Dharmasiswa &#8211; Plus studies<br />
Dharmasiswa plus Program Offered to foreign students to take 4 (four) credits in other study instead of language, arts with to get double degree.</p>
<p>Dharmasiswa &#8211; Double degree<br />
Dharmasiswa Program Offered to foreign students from to study language as part of degree programs 1 (one) &#8211; 1.5 years until the master program for 2 (two) years.</p>
<p>Article Source: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>http://nextscholarship.info/</em></span></p>
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		<title>Living in Jakarta in a Challenging Country</title>
		<link>http://www.albestna.com/living-in-jakarta-in-a-challenging-country/</link>
		<comments>http://www.albestna.com/living-in-jakarta-in-a-challenging-country/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:06:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>albestna</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jakarta in a Challenging Country]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Living in Jakarta]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Other aspects of life in the country that may influence the quality of living of foreigners are real estate, shopping, and medical care. Above all, it is important that expats know the cost of living before deciding to settle in the country for good. Government and Climate The temperature in the country usually ranges from [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Other aspects of life in the country that may influence the quality of living of foreigners are real estate, shopping, and medical care. Above all, it is important that expats know the cost of living before deciding to settle in the country for good.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Government and Climate</strong></span></p>
<p>The temperature in the country usually ranges from 60 degrees to 90 degrees because Indonesia is situated near to equator. Most expats in Indonesia suffer from humidity. For the understanding of foreigners, thus place has two seasons, dry and monsoon.</p>
<p>Dry season starts from June until October, while monsoon begins from November to May. Aside from the climate in the place, those who want to settle in Indonesia should also consider its political system or its government. Despite constant demonstrations and riots, the Republic government of Indonesia still manages to maintain stability in its political sector.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Medical Care and Tax System</strong></span></p>
<p>Expats in Indonesia should have long-term financial plans if they want to settle in this place since it has high unemployment rates. Tax rates in corporate income are fixed at 30 per cent while the rates at personal incomes are fixed at 35 per cent. Aside from these, expats should expect miscellaneous and value added taxes.</p>
<p>Another thing that they must consider before living in this Asian country is the state of medical care. Even if there are numerous clinics and medical centers that can assist people who suffer from minor illnesses, in many instances, those who experience major health problems are advised to seek medical help from their homelands or from medical centers in Singapore.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Shopping and Real Estate</strong></span></p>
<p>Shopping in Indonesia is very easy because a lot of shopping centers and department stores are found on the major cities of the country. On the other hand, expats in Indonesia who live in rural places have nothing to worry because there are also public markets that they can visit to get their basic needs like clothes and foods.</p>
<p>Besides shopping, real estate is also a major factor that affects the lives of expats in this nation. When purchasing homes, villas, or apartments, people should compare real estate prices in different areas since there are some cities in Indonesia that have cheaper real estate costs like Jakarta.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Cost of Living</strong></span></p>
<p>Expats in Indonesia should know that a large portion of their monthly budget goes to their housing expenses. To those who want to save money, they can live in rural areas for at least $100 a month. Meanwhile, for families living in urban areas or cities, the estimated budget that they need in a month to live comfortably is $1,500.</p>
<p>However, expats should not be bothered about settling in this country since a lot of private corporations provide well or high compensation for their hardworking, reliable, and efficient employees.</p>
<p>Article Source: <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://www.expatintelligence.com/expat-indonesia.shtml</span></em></p>
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		<title>Jakarta&#8217;s Trendy District Kemang</title>
		<link>http://www.albestna.com/jakartas-trendy-district-kemang/</link>
		<comments>http://www.albestna.com/jakartas-trendy-district-kemang/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 05 Nov 2011 13:48:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>albestna</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jakarta Trendy District Kemang]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Kemang &#8211; Top Shopping and Nightlife If you are looking for a place to shop and party in Jakarta you should make your way to the south district. The Kemang area is an elegant and wealthy neighbourhood where Jakarta&#8217;s glitterati and many ex-pats reside. This fact alone has led to the establishment of many local [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Kemang &#8211; Top Shopping and Nightlife</strong></p>
<p>If you are looking for a place to shop and party in Jakarta you should make your way to the south district. The Kemang area is an elegant and wealthy neighbourhood where Jakarta&#8217;s glitterati and many ex-pats reside.</p>
<p>This fact alone has led to the establishment of many local designer shops, delicious restaurants and easygoing café bars. If you enjoy browsing around boutique stores, antique shops and sampling exotic dishes then the streets of Kemang should be on your tour.</p>
<p>It is a very popular place to go and during a weekday its streets throng with the bustle of traders, locals and tourists all jostling for space. The best time to pay a visit is at weekends or on holidays, there is less congestion then and it is a lot easier to find your way around the collection of world cuisine restaurants and bijou art galleries.</p>
<p>Restaurants range from the authentic cafés serving Indonesian and Asian food, to genuine Italian menus. There are light spacious lounges serving spicy local meals and small intimate bars with tasty snacks and light bites. Those who can&#8217;t live without their burger and chips will be pleased to find a number of well known fast-food chains have branches here, while those who enjoy trying a countries national dishes will not be disappointed.</p>
<p>Kemang hosts an art festival every June and throughout the neighbourhood you will find that there are displays of locally produced arts and crafts, street dancing and parades. The narrow streets come alive with bazaars, craft demonstrations and art performances all aimed at raising funds and the profile of the area. Check out the online magazine Kemang Buzz for up to date listings</p>
<p>The nightlife in Kemang is as lively by night as its streets are hectic during the daytime. The numerous bars and clubs are full of young people out to enjoy their evening at the diverse venues. Names like Tipsy, Amor and Murphy&#8217;s Irish Pub are all designed to attract the young and trendy set for an evening of drinking and dancing.</p>
<p>There is a lot of variety in both food from Jamaican to Japanese and music from chart beats to Latin grooves; classical music by the pool or smoky jazz in a basement, you are bound to find something you like.</p>
<p>Jakarta is becoming an incresingly popular destination for young couples looking for a mixture of culture and nightlife while on holiday. UAE flag carrier Etihad Airways have begun to include Jakarta amongst the worldwide cities that the fly to.</p>
<p>If you take pleasure in real life experiences when on holiday then the Kemang district will give you a sample of how the local people of Manila unwind and have fun. Jarkarta is a melting pot of cultures and shopping here you will find everything from Indian silks to Turkish pottery, there is Western fashion and Japanese jewellery. This is where you will discover the fashion and style conscious come to shop.</p>
<p>The Kemang district provides an entertaining place to visit during any stay in Jakarta, there are ample quality hotels, a number of sporting facilities and health spas worth visiting and some great galleries and museums. Visitors will find attractions like the beautiful Setu Babakan Lake, Ranunan Zoo and Kidzania miniature city all within easy reach.</p>
<p>Article Source: http://topbanana.wordpress.com/</p>
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		<title>Easy Living in Indonesia</title>
		<link>http://www.albestna.com/easy-living-in-indonesia/</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:01:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>albestna</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Expat Living in Indonesia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Living in Indonesia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.albestna.com/?p=31</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago of thousands of islands, is known throughout the world for its biological diversity and Balinese beach getaways. As culturally diverse as it is biologically, the capital city of Jakarta is a melting pot of roughly 10 million people. Home to numerous expatriates from all corners of the earth, Jakarta has everything [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago of thousands of islands, is known throughout the world for its biological diversity and Balinese beach getaways. As culturally diverse as it is biologically, the capital city of Jakarta is a melting pot of roughly 10 million people.</p>
<p>Home to numerous expatriates from all corners of the earth, Jakarta has everything any cosmopolitan city has to offer &#8211; but you might just have to dig a little deeper to find it.</p>
<p>While your first impression might leave you choking on fumes from the ubiquitous Metro Mini public buses that leave a trail of grey exhaust along the main thoroughfares, Jakarta quickly compensates with its high end shopping malls, excellent cuisine, and smiling faces. Known as the &#8220;Big Durian&#8221; after the notoriously stinky Southeast Asian thorny fruit, Jakarta certainly makes an impression on all who have counted themselves among Indonesia&#8217;s bule gila (crazy foreigners).</p>
<p>If you are relocating to Jakarta, the first challenge you might find yourself up against is the hunt for accommodation. While short term needs are easily met by any of the international or national hotel chains in the city, longer term accommodation can be trickier. The decision usually boils down to a villa or an apartment.</p>
<p>For those of more modest means, there are also communal living arrangements called kost that include a private bedroom and bathroom with shared living area and kitchen. The area in which you choose to live is usually decided by your particular needs. Families often opt to live in Jakarta&#8217;s southern neighborhoods in order to have a larger house with a yard and easy access to Jakarta&#8217;s international schools.</p>
<p>Kemang is an area of town most known for its expat population and as such has numerous boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and bars within walking distance. Singles and couples often live in Kemang or opt for the more centrally located apartments that can be found in and around the central business district. Centrally located apartments are often on the higher end of rental spectrum as they offer a host of luxury amenities such as on site gym, security, and pool.</p>
<p>Jakarta has much entertainment to offer both young and old throughout the year. The up and coming local and international artists have made great effort to broaden Jakarta&#8217;s cultural horizon and sponsor annual events such as the Jakarta International Film Festival and the Jazz Festival.</p>
<p>Embassies and Consulates also bring in talent every month which include pianists, operatic performances, and chamber music. For athletic types, whether children or adults, there are numerous intramural teams who are very welcoming to newcomers, such as the football teams and Ultimate Frisbee leagues.</p>
<p>If your idea of athleticism is lifting a Starbucks while you contemplate whether or not to buy that cute Kate Spade bag &#8211; Jakarta will not disappoint. With new shopping malls springing up every year, Jakarta is quickly becoming a shopping haven to rival the nearby retail center of Singapore. With numerous high end stores such as Bulgari, Valentino, and Gucci as well as moderately priced chains like the U.K.&#8217;s TopShop, there is something for everyone.</p>
<p>If you find yourself missing home while in Jakarta, you don&#8217;t have to go far to find a taste of comfort food, whatever it might be. Be sure to check out Scusa at the Intercontinental for Italian, C&#8217;s for steaks and seafood at the Grand Hyatt, and of course the place to see and be seen for Sunday brunch, Seasons Café at the Four Seasons.</p>
<p>If hotels aren&#8217;t your thing &#8211; don&#8217;t worry &#8211; there are more than enough International restaurants tucked away in a neighborhood near you. Try the persistent favorite, Koi with mouth watering desserts or line up for freshly flown in mussels at Cassis every Tuesday. For consistently good Indian, try Kinara in Kemang.</p>
<p>The newly renovated Blowfish is the trendiest place for sushi these days, and the attached club gets going by 11pm making a late dinner transition into drinks a step away. If you have a hankering for dim sum, you will not be disappointed in the consistently high quality of Din Tai Fung in Plaza Senayan Arcadia. And if you stay long enough &#8211; there are bound to many new restaurants popping up as the city&#8217;s economy continues to recover.</p>
<p>Article Source: <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://www.cheapthaitravel.com/</span></em></p>
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		<title>Travel to indonesia</title>
		<link>http://www.albestna.com/travel-to-indonesia/</link>
		<comments>http://www.albestna.com/travel-to-indonesia/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 30 Oct 2011 03:16:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>albestna</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel to indonesia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.albestna.com/?p=28</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Our main destinations are Jakarta, Bali, Lombok, Jogyakarta and Bandung, both on Java Island. Here I would like to share several observations that hopefully would help anybody planning to visit the Indonesia republic, in the areas of money. 1) Wise Luggage Choice We were surprised to find how willing the locals were at the airports [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Our main destinations are Jakarta, Bali, Lombok, Jogyakarta and Bandung, both on Java Island. Here I would like to share several observations that hopefully would help anybody planning to visit the Indonesia republic, in the areas of money.</p>
<p>1) Wise Luggage Choice</p>
<p>We were surprised to find how willing the locals were at the airports to help load our luggages into the van. However, my father was quick to point out to all of us, NOT to allow them to do so. These helpers come at a cost. They are not helpful for no reason, and they will persistently push you for payment after helping you with your luggages, and insist that it is not adequate with the weight that they had lifted.</p>
<p>Therefore, it is highly recommended to use a roller luggage when you are travelling. They are much more convenient to carry around and therefore eliminates the need for assistance.</p>
<p>2) Know Your Currency Conversion Factor</p>
<p>it is very important to shop around for the best conversion rate whenever you get your Rupiah. Personal Money in their November 2010 issue highlighted several Bureau de Change that offers the best rates and how to get the most out of your money for your perusal.</p>
<p>3) Be Nice To Your Tour Guide &amp; Miscellaneous Spending</p>
<p>We were traveling in a group of nine, and we had tour guide/driver that drives us around and from city to city. I didn&#8217;t know what to make of his suggestions upon several places that we should visit, considering how familiar my parents are with the republic. It turns out that the agency/tour guide have an arrangement with those places.</p>
<p>Turns out, that is how the tour guide makes his living. He receives, or to be more accurate, he can claim some rewards from the shops that we shopped at the restaurants we dined in.</p>
<p>However, when you are in the city and are stuck in traffic, it is not compulsory to pay the walking street performers or vendors. Some would be more persistent than the rest because they can smell tourists from a distance.</p>
<p>4) Location &amp; Price</p>
<p>Prices of things vary from place to place, especially food. The price for Nasi Padang, famous for its variety would vary if you&#8217;re dining right in the center of Jakarta compared to Cengkareng.</p>
<p>5) Bargain Like There&#8217;s No Tomorrow</p>
<p>Be a hardball, don&#8217;t be afraid to walk away if you think the item is too pricey&#8230;, more often than not two things would happen:</p>
<p>a) the shopkeeper would finally agree to lower the price according to yours.</p>
<p>b) you&#8217;ll find the same item in the store next door or one of the stores in the vicinity.</p>
<p>Also, if you find a good enough bargain, grab it! Don&#8217;t expect to get a better deal in Jakarta, or any other city you&#8217;re stopping by afterwards. You can&#8217;t win all the time. At least, minimize your losses. Trust me, when you find out that the same item cost more, or twice in the next city, you&#8217;ll start kicking yourself over that missed opportunity.</p>
<p>6) Cash is King</p>
<p>Be reminded that not every outlet in Indonesia accepts credit cards. There have been numerous stories where tourists, often wealthy and not such big fans of carrying too much cash around went to Indonesia, had a great meal at Puncak (which involves 17 dishes or so). Unfortunately when it comes to paying time, the restaurant back then do not receive credit cards payment&#8230;..</p>
<p>Indonesian businesses prefer to be paid instantly. This reduces the need to deal with the bank when it comes to credit payment. So unless you are staying in a five star hotel with very little movement outside the city, carry sufficient amount of cash for your perusal.</p>
<p>Hope these six tips help.</p>
<p><em>Article Source: <a href="http://placestovisitinindonesia.xprezi.com/">Place to visit in Indonesia</a></em></p>
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		<title>Why You Should Buy Property in Bali &#8211; Indonesia</title>
		<link>http://www.albestna.com/why-you-should-buy-property-in-bali-indonesia/</link>
		<comments>http://www.albestna.com/why-you-should-buy-property-in-bali-indonesia/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 29 Oct 2011 03:14:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>albestna</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Buy Property in Bali - Indonesia]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Property in Bali is booming right now. There are many different areas to buy property in Bali, but some areas such as Seminyak and Kuta, you almost have to almost be a millionaire to buy a nice property. Many people are now looking for property in other areas of Bali, such as in the north, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Property in Bali is booming right now. There are many different areas to buy property in Bali, but some areas such as Seminyak and Kuta, you almost have to almost be a millionaire to buy a nice property.</p>
<p>Many people are now looking for property in other areas of Bali, such as in the north, especially around Lovina to buy their perfect holiday house or retirement villa.</p>
<p><strong>Here are ten reasons why you should consider buying property in or around Lovina.</strong></p>
<p>1. Lovina is located on the north coast of Bali, but it is only a three hour scenic drive from the international airport in Denpasar.</p>
<p>2. Prices of vacant land are still fairly affordable and you can even buy land from just 1.5 million rupiah or around US$150 per are. One are is the Indonesian measurement of land and is equivalent to 100 square meters of land.</p>
<p>3. Lovina is a quiet place and doesn&#8217;t have the traffic problems like in the south of Bali.</p>
<p>4. Lovina is famous for watching dolphins and in some areas you can even see dolphins swimming from the beach.</p>
<p>5. The north of Bali is becoming a popular place for retirees, particularly from Europe who love the warm climate and the quiet beaches.</p>
<p>6. Lovina has some great restaurants and fresh seafood. As the area becomes more popular, entrepreneurs are starting new businesses in the area everyday.</p>
<p>7. Since tourism is not as developed as the south of Bali, the people are friendly and very welcoming to foreigners visiting the region.</p>
<p>8. Buleleng is the regency for the north of Bali and it has a long history of performing arts and a unique culture.</p>
<p>9.Labor in Bali and Indonesia is cheap, but even cheaper in the north of Bali. If you want to have your own cook, maid or driver, you can have all three for around $100 a month!</p>
<p>10. Not only is property cheap to buy in Lovina, the area has a very low cost of living. As long as you have an outside income, it is easy to live like a king (or queen!)</p>
<p>Article Source: <span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://www.lovinahomes.com/</span></p>
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		<title>Indonesian real estate today</title>
		<link>http://www.albestna.com/indonesian-real-estate-today/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 29 Oct 2011 03:10:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>albestna</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indonesia real estate today]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.albestna.com/?p=22</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The simple fact is that mortgage rates in Indonesian real estate fall and rise according to how investors feel about long-term inflation. If investors believe that inflation will be rising, mortgage rates rise in response. According to Bank of Indonesia, the average fixed rate on a 30-year mortgage in mid-July was 6.82%. As of mid-September, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The simple fact is that mortgage rates in Indonesian real estate fall and rise according to how investors feel about long-term inflation. If investors believe that inflation will be rising, mortgage rates rise in response.</p>
<p>According to Bank of Indonesia, the average fixed rate on a 30-year mortgage in mid-July was 6.82%. As of mid-September, the rate has dropped to 6.32%. It turns out that those numbers exactly mirror the half-point reduction the Fed just put into place, but it&#8217;s still only a coincidence, because interest rates are really reacting to America&#8217;s natural market forces. When the Fed cuts rates, it&#8217;s really reacting to declining consumer interest rates within the economy, and not the other way around, as most people believe.</p>
<p>The people in the most difficult situation during the current slowdown are homeowners who got into their houses with little down and took out an adjustable rate mortgage.</p>
<p>They have recently been experiencing a double whammy, seeing their interest rate increasing while the value of their homes has gone down. That means their payments have gone significantly higher, but they can&#8217;t refinance their homes to make their payments more manageable.</p>
<p>However, the Indonesian real estate news isn&#8217;t all bad. Since mortgage rates are still relatively low and home prices have been falling, more and more first-time buyers are finding themselves in a position to buy their first homes. That number includes people who have been renting while they&#8217;ve been waiting for just such a price correction in the real estate market.</p>
<p>For them, the coming months may actually be the best time in years for them to finally be able to get out of the rent cycle and into homes of their own, which they can make pretty!</p>
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