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Madagascar is a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean, off the south eastern coast of Africa. It is ringed by golden beaches and palm trees and with an interior that is resplendent in its variety, from grassy plateaus to volcanoes and opaque forests and natural reserves.

According to local legend, the island was first inhabited by the Vazimba, a race of white pygmies. These people, if they existed, were displaced by successive waves of Polynesian migrants from the Malayo Indonesian archipelago, from as early as the sixth century AD. In the ninth century, Madagascar was a major trading power in the western Indian Ocean. Moreover, ancient ruins indicate an extensive Arab presence on the island around that time. Bantu tribes from mainland Africa later settled on the west coast. The first Europeans arrived in the mid 17th century. Several French settlements were established on the south east coast but were destroyed within 30 years.

At the time, Madagascar supported several kingdoms along its coastline and, in the central highlands, the kingdom of the Merina, which was the dominant ethnic group. From their fortress city of Antananarivo, the 19th century kings gradually conquered the coastal kingdoms and by 1830 most of the island was under unified Merina control. The success of the Merina was partly due to a well-worked strategy of playing off rival European colonists against each other: in particular, the British and the French.

In 1948, the Malagasy people sought to re establish their independence through armed insurrection. They were unsuccessful, but the uprising paved the way for independence, which came in 1960. Philibert Tsiranas PSD Party ruled with the support of France and the people of the coastal regions until 1972, when highland agitation against French influence prompted the Army Chief of Staff, Major General Ramanantsoa, to assume executive power for the purpose of pursuing a more nationalistic policy. Three years later the military government resigned after selecting Lt Commander Didier Ratsiraka as Head of State. A gradual civilianisation of the government culminated in 1977 in elections to the National People’s Assembly, which were won by the sole legal party, Avant garde de la Revolution Malgache.

Recent years have been marred by political, economic and meteorological crises. Indeed, some may be deterred by the levels of poverty on this island and the enormous gap between rich and poor. Nevertheless, Madagascar dazzles with its rich wildlife, with a large majority of its species unique to the island, and found nowhere else on earth. Of the popular creature, the lemur, there are over 10 different species alone. The island is a mass of unusual and colourful flowers and other flora. In terms of biodiversity alone, Madagascar really is one of a kind.

New Caledonia has become a peaceful and tranquil land where different ethnic populations live and grow side by side : Melanesians, Europeans, Wallisians, Futunians, Polynesians, Asians, Indonesians and West Indians.

Today this ethnical blend is the wealth of the archipelago and contributes to its extraordinary cultural diversity. To discover New Caledonia you need firstly to meet its inhabitants and learn about their traditions. In the tribes, kindness and hospitality is more than a reality, its a way of life. This philosophy is acted out on a daily basis with the custom, a solemn moment, or the sharing of a meal around the fire embers.

Close to nature, the Kanak people know all the secrets, fables and legends which are only revealed to attentive ears. Elsewhere, life in the outback commands admiration and respect; a hard but privileged lifestyle, based mostly on agriculture and cattle breeding. Land as far as the eye can see, cattle rounded up on horseback, bivouacs in the moonlight. These stockmen are the kings of the plains.

The astonishing beauty of the New Caledonia landscapes inspires sculptors, painters and engravers. Writers and photographers also fall under its charm. Dance and music, universal languages in the Polynesian and Oceanic cultures, provide the archipelago with its most beautiful quality.

Peaceful yet dynamic. Designated as a natural port in the 19th century, Noumea has become the economical, administrative and cultural capital of the archipelago. Boutiques, restaurants, cinemas and theatres rub shoulders with the city’s gardens and parks. The colonial houses of the first European settlers and the dressed stone buildings, vestiges of the pioneer years, blend harmoniously with the modern architectural style of the city.

In the heart of Noumea, Coconut Square with its music kiosk surrounded by numerous shops, is a meeting place for the local population. In the Latin Quarter, Port Moselle is home to the colourful and popular Noumea markets and is the departure point for pleasure craft sailing to the many surrounding islets.

Located opposite Citron Bay and Anse Vata Bay, renowned for their popular beaches, are numerous hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and casinos. But Noumea is also the Tjibaou Cultural Centre and city museums, showcasing different cultures but bringing together a common past.

The temperate climate, diverse landscape and numerous infrastructures in New Caledonia provide a vast choice of activities whether it be for leisure, sport, or pure relaxation on the magnificent beaches. Hiking or horseriding trails across the mountain chain, along the riverbanks or in the middle of the vast plains are operated by experienced guides who provide a fascinating insight into the New Caledonia flora and fauna, the tribal traditions and the relics of the past.

The high standard of the road network facilitates an island tour by car or by motorbike. During your voyage, a kaleidoscope of landscapes will pass you by; the crossing of the La Ouaieme river on a ferry will be one of those unforgettable moments. Use of a 4WD is advisable on dirt tracks. For energetic travellers, a quad or mountain bike will satisfy your adventurous spirit.

Water activities are just as abundant above or below the surface of the lagoon or canoeing or canyoning on the many rivers. Paragliding, microlite, flying or parachuting for those who prefer the skyline to the waterline and if you still have time to spare, play some golf, cricket or tennis !

Like many of its Caribbean neighbors, St. Kitts still bears many markings of its colonial past. A tour across the island will reveal old sugar plantations, stone fortresses and period European architecture. One of the most celebrated sites on the island is the oldest colonial plantation and its mansion, Romney Manor. Established in the 17th century during the first major stage of colonial development, the property has been owned by only six families in over 350 years. Today, Romney Manor retains much of its antique charm and certainly has plenty of stories to tell the curious visitor.

Before colonizers gained control of the land surrounding Romney Manor, it is believed the site was occupied by the village of Chief Tegereman – the leader of the Carib Indian tribe. Soon after European colonizers defeated the native tribes, the land came to be owned by the ancestors of Thomas Jefferson. Many of the structures from the once-successful tobacco plantation known as the Wingfield Estate date to this early colonial period. Adjacent to the Wingfield Estate, the Earls of Romney established their own sprawling plantation and resided over both estates by 1735.

The story of Romney Manor in the 18th century is, in many ways, the story of the Caribbean. In the fields, African slaves focused on the cultivation of sugar cane while the Romneys tended to their airy Caribbean mansion. After the emancipation of slaves in 1834, sugar production slowed considerably – not just at Romney Manor, but also throughout the region. As more Caribbean nations gained independence in the 19th and 20th centuries, plantation farming came to a halt and colonial structures such as Romney Manor fell into disrepair. However, in 1974, this majestic property again became a site of culture and industry.

Today, Romney Manor features one of St. Kitts’ most celebrated local businesses – Caribelle Batik. Using the traditional Indonesian method of treating fabric with wax to resist dye, the artisans of Caribelle Batik have been creating their apparel and tapestries for over 30 years. When you visit the site, you can watch the artists at work and even learn the technique during hands-on demonstrations. Known for their durability and inventive designs, handcrafted artworks from Caribelle Batik are some of the finest souvenirs you can find in St. Kitts.

Outside the main home, you will find some of the most beautiful botanical gardens on the island. Spread over six acres, the gardens feature many varieties of tropical flowers and plenty of animal life. At the heart of the gardens’ diverse plant life is a 350-year-old saman tree, also known as a rain tree. Having seen all stages of St. Kitts’ diverse history, this giant tree – it covers nearly half an acre – has long been one of Romney Manor’s most popular sites. In many ways, the saman tree and the gardens it presides over add to the majestic aura of the site.

At the farthest reaches of the botanical gardens, you can even spot the beginning of the island’s dense tropical rain forest. As you walk amongst the ruins of the oldest plantation in St. Kitts, you can hear the creatures of the rainforest calling to one another and see the land rise to the volcanic peak of Mt. Liamuiga. If you want to explore parts of the rainforest while you are at Romney Manor, guides are available to help you find the best trails and teach you about the ecological diversity of St. Kitts.

Many tours visit Romney Manor each day and it is easy to find if you venture to the site on your own. Perhaps more than any other destination in St. Kitts, Romney Manor has many stories to tell about how the island used to be and how to best appreciate it today.

Indonesia, a Country of thousands of beautiful and exotic Islands, that spark off your imagination with thoughts of fine sandy beaches, huge temple complexes, great diving and the giant dragons of Komodo. The islands of Indonesia are spread over a vast expanse of ocean and technically speaking is divided by two Continents.

Some parts of the Country can be as different from each other as black is from white. The hustle and bustle of the modern capital Jakarta is like another planet when compared to the traditional Papuan tribes of the Baliem Valley. Jakarta – Not only is it the largest City in the Country, Jakarta is also the heartbeat. Indonesian’s from all over the archipelago come to the City to try and find their fortune or just to survive. The face of the City is constantly changing due to the construction of new skyscrapers, shopping malls and hotels.

Jakarta is mainly a business and political City and not really a tourist destination, but the older colonial parts of the City are very interesting and the museums have a lot of fascinating exhibits.

Jakarta, like you would expect, is the most expensive place in Indonesia, as well as the most polluted and most congested. It can be very hard to cope with all of the hustle, dirt, crime and cost, but if you can you will find an exciting City with plenty to offer.

Kota – This is the old Town of Batavia, which was the capital of the Dutch East Indies and the best example of the colonial era in Indonesia. Though much of the old town has been destroyed or demolished over the years, some of the old Colonial buildings are still in active use, and the area has a definite Dutch feel to it.

The centre of the old Town is the pebble stone square known as Taman Fatahillah and this is the key to being able to orientate yourself around the sights of the old Town. The canal of Kali Besar is one block to the west of the square and runs alongside the Ciliwung River.

This was a very prosperous area and on the west bank are some of the high class homes that date from the eighteenth Century.

The Chicken market bridge is the last remaining drawbridge from the Dutch era, it is at the north end of the Kali Besar. Buses always come by on their routes and the city train also has a stop here.

Jakarta History Museum – This museum is housed in the old town hall of Batavia, which is on the south side of Taman Fatahillah. It is a well built building, which was originally constructed in 1627 and added to in the early 1700s. It was from here that the Dutch administered their colony, and the cities law courts were also here as well as their main prison compound.

It contains plenty of heavy, carved furniture from the colonial, as well as other memorabilia from the Dutch period. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp Wayang Museum – This museum is also on the Taman Fatahillah, and has a great assortment of Wayang puppets. It also has examples of puppets from other Countries like Cambodia, China and India.

This building was formerly the museum of old Batavia and was built in 1912 on the site of the former Dutch church which was demolished in 1808 as the
Dutchman “Daendels” plan to rid the City of its unhealthy areas. In the downstairs courtyard, there are memorials to previous governors who were buried on site. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp

Fine Arts Museum – Built in the 1860s, the palace of Justice building is now the Fine arts museum. It has a nice collection of contemporary paintings from prominent artists. They also have some ceramics on show from Chinese items to Majapahit offerings. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp

Gereja Sion – This church was built in 1695, and is the oldest Church in Jakarta. It is on Jl Pangeran Jayakarta near the Kota train station. The exterior of the Church is actually pretty plain but inside copper chandeliers, the original organ and the baroque pulpit makes it very appealing. Though thousands of people have been buried here there are very few tombs left remaining.

Sunda Kelapa – Just a 10 minute walk from the Taman Fatahillah, the old City port of Sunda Kelapa is full of wonderful Macassar schooners and the brightly coloured sails of these boats make for great viewing. The ships are still a vital means of transporting goods to outlying Islands.

Guides hang around the docks and for a few thousand rupiah will show you around and tell you some insightful stories. You can also take a ride out to the offshore fish market for around 5,000Rp. Admission, 250Rp to the dock area.

Maritime Museum – This is an old VOC warehouse that was built in 1645 and is by the entrance to the Sunda Kelapa. It has examples of Indonesian crafts from around the ages and has photos of the voyages from Europe to Jakarta. The building itself is well worth the visit and the lookout posts are part of the old City wall.

Just before the entrance to the museum proper, is the old watchtower that was built in 1839, it has brilliant views over the harbour. Opening hours are hit and miss, so try to find the caretaker.

National Museum – This museum, constructed in 1862, is considered the paramount museum in Indonesia, and one of the finest in South East Asia. It has a huge ethnic and relief maps of Indonesia on which you can track your travels. The museum has a variety of different cultural displays that show a diverse collection of clothing, instruments, model houses and religious items. In addition the museum has a fine collection of Chinese ceramics that even date back to the Han dynasty of the third Century.

The museum is sometimes known as the Elephant house due to the giant bronze elephant that was a gift from the King of Thailand, and that now stands outside. Open, 8.30am till 2.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 750Rp. Guides are around who can conduct tours in various different languages.

National Monument – This 130 metres high monument stands over Merdeka square and is Jakartas chief landmark. The construction was started in 1961 but was not finished until 1975, when it was officially opened by President Soeharto. At the base is the National History Museum which tells the story of the Indonesian struggle for independence. On national holidays and at the weekends the queues can be long. Open, 9am till 5pm, daily. Admission: 600Rp or 3,100Rp which includes a ride to the top.

Lapangan Banteng – Just east of Merdeka square is this nineteenth century colonial square. It has some of the best examples of Dutch colonial architecture in the whole of Jakarta. The Catholic Cathedral was built at the turn of the twentieth Century, and is opposite the principal place of worship for Jakartas Muslim community, the Istiqlal Mosque. To the east of the square is the Supreme Court that was built, along with the Ministry of finance, in 1809 by that man “Daendel” to replace those buildings torn down.

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Indonesia is a large country and contains rich in cultural diversity with hundreds of different ethnic groups. Each group has a unique tradition, culture and art, making Indonesia the country to attract foreign tourists, scientists, theater, and art. Each tribe also has a tradition and the local language, besides Bahasa Indonesia, official language. Although in one island, like Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, Maluku, Papua and others, local language is often different from village to village. Diversity such as language, is very interesting for those interested in linguistics. Linguists interested in historical linguistics, morphology, sociolinguistics, language shift and language attrition will find Indonesia a land that provides them with much material to work with.

Indonesian has the largest Muslim population in any country in the world but also a country of diverse religion. Including Hindu, Buddhist, Catholic and Protestant. In addition there Kaharingan, the Dayak people in Kalimantan has been obtained from law officials. This religious and traditional beliefs, together they provide syncretism interesting for students who study religion.

Indonesia is a developing country with rich natural resources and human resources and economic potential, especially the market that promise, so for the sake of the country, international economists, plant and animal experts, and development workers.

The Indonesian archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, inhabited by two species of flora and fauna of different origin. Especially in the west belongs to the Indo-Malayan realm, while to the east Pacific and Australian realms. Although the country covers only 1.3 percent of Earth’s land, but here is home to some of the most spectacular wildlife and extraordinary – both plants and animals. Indonesia also has a high biodiversity: ten percent of the world’s flowering plant species, 12 percent of the world’s mammal species, 16 percent of all reptile and amphibian species, 17 percent of all 2008 bird species and more than 25 percent of fish species.

Recent research shows that 40 million Indonesians are directly dependent on biodiversity. Of these, 12 million people of native (indigenous) people who live in and around the forest. Environment in the forest for centuries, the community has developed a policy of sustainable exploitation of resources – they acknowledge that the continued existence depends on the availability of food to hunt and gather. Help preserve the culture and their lifestyle is as important as related to the conservation of biodiversity in Indonesia.

Indonesia has experienced remarkable political changes in the last few years, moving toward democracy and greater freedom for the community, including the mass media, so it can become a nation that can become a role model to be learned by other countries in the world.

The name Indonesia was derived from indos nesos, meaning islands near India. The country is in fact the largest archipelago in the world with a thousand islands, 17,508 to be precise, spread in an area between the Asian continent and Australia, and between the Pacific and the Indian oceans.

The islands are inhabited by many tribes with diverse culture and languages, although there is a national language spoken throughout the country, namely Bahasa Indonesia. It is thus appropriate, that the countries motto is Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which means Unity in Diversity.

Clear blue seas lap pristine beaches, gentle breezes carry scents of spices and flowers, and divers are entranced by the oceans riches. Inland, dramatic volcanic ranges tower above a green mantle of terraced hillsides and lush rainforest.

Bali offers an image of paradise stunning scenery, gentle sarong clad people and sunsets of legendary glory.

If you think Bali is all about rowdy beach holidays, its time to head to the hills in the beautiful interior of the island, where time moves at an entirely different rhythm to the tourist resorts of the coastline.

In recent years, dozens of spa resorts have opened in and around the inland town of Ubud.

They offer a slower and more sophisticated alternative to the usual beach holiday and are guaranteed to have you feeling fit and fantastic.

Gone are the days when a massage consisted of being prodded by an elderly lady as you lay prone on the Kuta sand.

In Ubud, you recline in the private plunge pool of a hillside villa overlooking the rice paddies. You get massaged by an expert, then drift off in a cocoon wrap that is a heady mix of mango, ginger and ylang ylang.

On peaceful Lombok, life moves at a slower pace, while bustling Jakarta exhibits Indonesians cosmopolitan, modern face.

Komodo Islands have living dinosaurs and the entrancing sea gardens of Suwalesi invite exploration.

Yet modern Indonesia have triggered troubles. The main independence movement, the Indonesian Nationalist Party, emerged in the 1920s under the leadership of Ahmed Sukarno and by 1949, finally claimed the countries sovereignty. Such sovereignty did not get off to a good start previous colonial powers had depleted much of Indonesians wealth while contributing little to its development.

However, from such a devastating tsunami also came a much needed glimmer of hope. A peace agreement with separatist rebels was reached just as 2006 dawned, resulting in the withdrawal of state security forces from the Aceh province. In return, Free Aceh Movement rebels began disarmament and vowed to abolish their armed wing. Such withdrawal effectively ended a 29 year conflict.

Indonesian extensive diversity of cultural heritage and craft products have long been admired, appreciated and studied by world communities.

Tropical climate varying from area to area. The eastern monsoon brings the driest weather June to September, while the western monsoon brings the main rains December to March. Rainstorms occur all year. Higher regions are cooler.

The City of Cape Town on the Southern tip of Africa is a famous melting pot of cultures and a prime tourist destination. Dubbed the “Mother City”, this location offers every desirable tourist activity under the sun.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Cape Town is internationally known as one of the most picturesque travel destinations. Its trendy beaches and the iconic Table Mountain, together with the impressive floral surrounds, and the majestic Cape Peninsula justify this perception. It isn’t surprising then that it has been rated the most popular tourist destination in Africa, even outshining Cairo in the popularity polls. Part of its fame can be attributed to its favourable climate, natural splendour and first-rate infrastructure which make visiting the city a pleasure.

A Clash of Cultures

The history of the city is multifaceted and the reason for its cosmopolitan nature today. Everywhere you look there is evidence of its worldly identity: the Victorian architecture, traditional mosques, and upmarket, sophisticated boutiques and eateries point out the different cultural influences. This amalgamation resulted from the occupation of the region by the Indonesian, French, British, Dutch, and German settlers, as well as local Bushmen and the arrival of Hottentot and Bantu tribes over the years.

Top 5 Tourist Attractions

Cape Town is guaranteed to satisfy every taste – no matter how quirky or conventional. The list of to-dos is endless and will keep you and your fellow travellers enthralled for days. The variety of attractions range from the historical and architectural, to those orientated towards the outdoors and adventure.

Table Mountain

Undeniably the city’s most breathtaking sight, Table Mountain recently made it into the final round of the New 7 Wonders of Nature contest. You can choose to either take a cable car up to the top or can enjoy a challenging walk through the Skeleton Gorge trail. Once you have completed the climb, the unbeatable views of the city will make the experience worthwhile.

Robben Island

Located in Table Bay just below Table Mountain, Robben Island is a major symbol of South Africa’s segregated past. It is famously known for the isolated prison it hosted during the Apartheid years when political opposition figures such as former President and Nobel Laureate Nelson Mandela were forced to stay there for many years.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Situated at the foot of Table Mountain, the magnificient Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens hold more than 20’ 000 native plant species that can be observed at your own leisure. You will need at least an hour to stroll around the lower part of the gardens, or you can enjoy a shorter walk along the pathways of the slopes. Must-see attractions include the scented, protea, herb, and rock gardens. Don’t forget to stop off at the Bird Bath, a pool that occupies the centre of a shady area inhabited by 70-year-old yellowwood trees.

Victoria and Albert Waterfront

Built in 1860 the V & A Waterfront is first and foremost an entertainment quarter that attracts over 13 million visitors annually. Its eclectic array of shops, restaurants, hotels and theatres attract crowds all year round – especially in the cold winter months. Named after Queen Victoria and her second son Alfred, this continues to be one of the liveliest locations in Cape Town.

Chapman’s Peak Drive

This scenic meandering drive will take you from Hout Bay around Chapman’s Peak to Noordhoek on the Atlantic Coast, where you will experience the most impressive marine drive in the world. This 9km route has a total of 114 curves and offers travelers a marvelous 180° view of the surrounds. Stop off along the way at any one of the several picnic spots to absorb the natural beauty – if you are lucky enough, you may even spot a Southern Right whale. Be aware that the road has been under construction for the past few months and is set to reopen in October 2009, well in time for the 2010 World Cup.

Indonesia is located in southeast asia, comprises a vast country with many islands, with many different ethnic origins. With such geographical conditions make each tribe has the characteristics of art and culture unique. Ethnic diversity of Indonesia with such a rich art and culture. Variety of art is portrayed in a lot of handicrafts produced by residents of this country. Countries that are appropriate to visit, I wait for you there.

Jogjakarta Ethnic Silver
Jogjakarta which commonly known as Jogja, is a popular tourism destination in Indonesia after Bali. Jogjakarta is rich with culture and high art, puppets, dances, and crafts like batik fabric, and silver. Jogja silversmith well known because of the quality and uniqueness, is located in the area named kotagede.

Jogja silver jewelry crafts already existed since the 16th century, which at the beginning just to meet the needs of the royal palace Ngayokyakarta. Since the year 1930 kotagede began to develop into silver jewelry handicraft center that meets the needs of the general public.

Jogjakarta Ethnic silver jewelry has a unique pattern with typical Javanese style carvings,  usualy use filigree technique with natural motifs such as leaves, flowers, animals. Jogja silver jewelry like ethnic silver pendants, and ethnic silver Brooch can be seen in jogjasilvercraft.com.

Bali Ethnic Silver
Bali is famous in the world as a tourist destination, famous for the beauty of the beach, dancing, exotic dance and valuable works of art that captivate each eye and heart of anyone who has visited this island.
One work of art is quite well known characteristic art bali silver. More prominent in the form of paraphernalia jewelry. Craft motif of bali silver jewelry is very unique, with Balinese carvings. The model is unique and hard to imitate, because these trinkets are still produced manually with the touch of skilled hands and careful to bring into a unique shape and has a high taste.

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