Month: February 2024

Jakarta: A Beautiful City

February 27, 2024 / adminagent1 / 0 Comments

Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 10 million people. It is a city of contrasts, where old and new collide, and where the traditional and the modern coexist.

History and Culture in Jakarta

Jakarta has a rich history dating back to the 5th century. The city was once known as Sunda Kelapa, a major trading port for spices. In the 16th century, the Portuguese conquered Sunda Kelapa and renamed it Batavia. The city remained under Dutch control for over 300 years until Indonesia gained its independence in 1945.

Jakarta is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from all over Indonesia and the world. The city is home to a diverse population of ethnic groups, religions, and languages. This diversity is reflected in Jakarta’s cuisine, architecture, and arts.

Tourist Attractions

Jakarta has a number of tourist attractions, including:

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII): A miniature park that showcases the different cultures of Indonesia.
Ancol Dreamland: An amusement park with rides, water slides, and an aquarium.
Kota Tua: The old town of Jakarta, with historical buildings and museums.
National Monument (Monas): A 132-meter tall monument that commemorates Indonesia’s independence.
Istiqlal Mosque: The largest mosque in Southeast Asia.
Cathedral of the Assumption: The largest cathedral in Indonesia.

Shopping and Dining in Jakarta

Jakarta is a shopper’s paradise, with malls and markets selling everything from clothes and electronics to souvenirs and food. The city also has a wide variety of restaurants, serving everything from Indonesian cuisine to international fare.

Getting Around

Jakarta is a large city, and getting around can be a challenge. The best way to get around is by taxi, bus, or train. The city also has a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system that is currently being expanded.

Where to Stay

Jakarta has a wide variety of hotels, from budget-friendly to luxurious. The best place to stay depends on your budget and preferences.

Jakarta is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. From its rich history and culture to its many tourist attractions, Jakarta is a city that is sure to amaze and delight.

Some additional points to consider:

Jakarta is home to a number of beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Taman Menteng and the Kebun Raya Bogor.
The city has a vibrant nightlife scene, with bars and clubs open late into the night.
Jakarta is a great place to experience Indonesian culture, with traditional dances, music, and food on offer throughout the city.

assorted Turkish dishes, hummus, muhamara, mutabal, falafel, shawarma

Middle Eastern Food: A Journey Through Flavors

February 20, 2024 / adminagent1 / 0 Comments

Middle Eastern food is a diverse and flavorful collection of dishes that reflects the rich history and culture of the region. From hummus and falafel to kebabs and baklava, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Popular Dishes

Some of the most popular Middle Eastern dishes include:

Hummus: A creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
Falafel: Deep-fried balls made from chickpeas or fava beans.
Kebabs: Grilled meat skewers, often served with rice or pita bread.
Baklava: A sweet pastry made with phyllo dough, nuts, and honey.

Regional Specialties

Each country in the Middle East has its own unique specialties. Some of the most notable regional dishes include:

Lebanese: Tabbouleh, fattoush, kibbeh, shawarma.
Egyptian: Koshari, ful medames, molokhia, mahshi.
Palestinian: Maqluba, musakhan, knafeh.
Moroccan: Tagine, couscous, pastilla.
Iranian: Chelo kebab, khoresh, tahdig.

Ingredients

Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its use of fresh, healthy ingredients. Some of the most common ingredients used in Middle Eastern cooking include:

Chickpeas: A versatile legume that is used in a variety of dishes, such as hummus and falafel.
Fava beans: Another type of legume that is often used in falafel.
Tahini: A sesame seed paste that is used in hummus and other dishes.
Olive oil: A staple of Middle Eastern cooking that is used for frying, sauteing, and dressing salads.
Pita bread: A flatbread that is used to scoop up food or make sandwiches.
Rice: A common side dish that is often served with kebabs and other dishes.

Spices

Spices are another important ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine. Some of the most common spices used in Middle Eastern cooking include:

Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that is used in a variety of dishes, such as kebabs and stews.
Turmeric: A bright yellow spice that has a slightly bitter taste. It is often used in curries and rice dishes.
Cinnamon: A sweet, aromatic spice that is used in desserts and savory dishes alike.
Sumac: A tart, acidic spice that is used to add flavor to salads and grilled meats.
Za’atar: A blend of herbs and spices that is used to season bread and other dishes.

Middle Eastern food is a delicious and diverse cuisine that is sure to please everyone. With its fresh ingredients, flavorful spices, and unique dishes, Middle Eastern food is a culinary journey that is worth taking.

The Maldives: A Tropical Paradise

February 19, 2024 / adminagent1 / 0 Comments

The Maldives is a chain of islands located in the Indian Ocean, about 700 miles southwest of Sri Lanka. The country is made up of over 1,000 islands, of which about 250 are inhabited. The Maldives is a popular tourist destination, known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts.

What to do in the Maldives

There are many things to do in the Maldives, including:

Relaxing on the beach: The Maldives is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Visitors can spend their days swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in the clear waters.
Snorkeling and diving: The Maldives is a great place for snorkeling and diving. The coral reefs around the islands are home to a variety of marine life, including fish, turtles, and sharks.
Visiting Male: Male is the capital of the Maldives. It is a bustling city with a mix of old and new. Visitors can explore the city’s markets, mosques, and museums.
Going on a dolphin cruise: Dolphin cruises are a popular activity in the Maldives. Visitors can take a boat trip to see dolphins swimming in the wild.
Taking a sunset cruise: Sunset cruises are another popular activity in the Maldives. Visitors can take a boat trip to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Where to stay in the Maldives

There are many resorts in the Maldives, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious. Some of the most popular resorts include:

Kurumba Maldives: Kurumba Maldives is a luxury resort located on a private island. The resort has a variety of restaurants, bars, and pools. It also has a spa and a water sports center.
Soneva Jani: Soneva Jani is another luxury resort located on a private island. The resort has a variety of villas, each with its own private pool. It also has a spa, a water sports center, and an observatory.
Baros Maldives: Baros Maldives is a luxury resort located on a private island. The resort has a variety of villas, each with its own private pool. It also has a spa, a water sports center, and a wine cellar.
Hurawalhi Island Resort: Hurawalhi Island Resort is a luxury resort located on a private island. The resort has a variety of villas, each with its own private pool. It also has a spa, a water sports center, and an underwater restaurant.
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort: Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort is a luxury resort located on a private island. The resort has a variety of villas, each with its own private pool. It also has a spa, a water sports center, and a golf course.

How to get to the Maldives

The Maldives is accessible by plane from a number of countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The main airport in the Maldives is Male International Airport.

When to go to the Maldives

The best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The weather is warm and sunny during this time, with little rain.

Tips for traveling to the Maldives

Here are a few tips for traveling to the Maldives:

Book your flights and accommodation well in advance, especially if you are traveling during the dry season.
Pack light clothing, as the weather is warm and sunny year-round.
Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Bring insect repellent, as there are mosquitoes in the Maldives.
The currency in the Maldives is the Maldivian rufiyaa. However, US dollars are widely accepted.
Tipping is not expected in the Maldives.
The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi. However, English is widely spoken.

The Maldives is a beautiful and exotic destination that is perfect for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts, the Maldives is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Did you know, there is a tree root bridge in Sleman, this is what it looks like

February 5, 2024 / adminagent1 / 0 Comments

Did you know, natural bridges made from tree roots do not only exist in India, they also exist in Sleman. What does it look like?

In Sleman Regency, specifically in Padukuhan Kurahan IV, Margodadi Village, Kapanewon Seyegan, there is a unique bridge. The bridge is not made of concrete or iron, but from tree roots.

The bridge is made from the roots of preh and white banyan trees which are intertwined and form a bridge. The length of this bridge is about 10 meters.

The beauty of the root bridge is like in Hollywood films. Travelers will feel like they have been invited into a fairy tale when they visit here.

Before it went viral like now, the bridge apparently had a long history with local residents. Previously, the bridge was the main access for residents to get to other villages.

One resident of Kurahan IV, Mangkuharjono (73), said that he did not know exactly when the bridge was built. However, he believes that the tree root bridge has existed for hundreds of years. The bridge itself has been there since he was little.

“When was this root bridge built? I don’t remember, it’s been there since I was little. It’s possible that it has existed since the Japanese era, during the time of my great-grandparents,” said Mangkuharjono when met at the bridge location, some time ago.

As far as he knows, the bridge was originally built from leftover lorry tracks from the sugar factory in Cebongan which were arranged over the Sipolo river. Over time, tree roots spread throughout the tracks. The residents eventually used the bridge to go to other villages and to the rice fields.

“The roots spread to the bridge. So people don’t know if they put them so they spread there, it’s natural,” he explained.

From what he said, this root bridge has become popular again after many cyclists stopped by. The beautiful scenery with various plants such as bamboo, coconut, etc. makes gowesers feel at home resting and taking photos there.

“On Saturday or Sunday morning it will definitely be busy from early morning. Now there are 5 food and drink traders from local residents here,” he explained.

How to Get to the Tree Root Bridge in Sleman

The tree root bridge in Sleman can be reached in about 45 minutes from the Malioboro area. Tourists who want to go there can take Jalan Godean or follow Google Maps by writing the name of the Root Bridge.

To be able to enjoy the beauty of the tree root bridge, tourists only need to pay as willingly as possible. There are no entrance tickets or parking tickets yet.

One of the tourists, Tri (51), a resident of Wirobrajan, Jogja City, deliberately took the time to go to the tree root bridge because he was curious. According to him, this place would be interesting if it could be better managed and conceptualized.

“I came here with my wife on purpose. I found out about it from social media. A friend shared a post recently. Even though they say it’s been around for hundreds of years, it went viral recently,” he said.

He hopes that the management can add several supporting facilities to this tourist destination. According to him, it will also be more interesting when visitors can get an explanation of the history of this bridge.

“This includes unique potential for root bridges because it is natural and cannot be made instantly,” he said.

It’s the Loneliest House on Planet Earth

February 2, 2024 / adminagent1 / 0 Comments

A whitewashed house on a remote island in Iceland is worthy of being named the loneliest house on planet Earth.

Just try to imagine living here, without neighbors and crowds. On the right and left, there is only green grass as far as the eye can see. The house is not imaginary, but it really exists.

The house is on Ellidaey Island which is part of the Vestmannaeyjar Islands area, in the southern part of Iceland. Many people call it the loneliest house in the world, because there is only one house on the island. Tourists also became curious.

Quoted from On Manorama, Ellidaey Island is the third largest island in the Vestman Archipelago, which consists of around eighteen small islands. There is not much fauna on the island except for a Nordic bird species called the puffin.

Ellidaey Island itself only has stretches of grassland and hills, without a single tree. Pay attention again, there is a unique curve like the letter ‘U’.

In the middle of that arch, there is the loneliest house in the world. Many rumors circulated about the house.

Some believe the house was built by a billionaire who was preparing to move there if the apocalypse occurred.

So, what is the history of this house?

About 300 years ago, the island of Ellidaey was inhabited by five families. They live here because they want to find peace, as well as to hunt puffins (Fratercula cirrhata).

This bird is often found on islands around the Atlantic Ocean. This medium-sized bird has a distinctive characteristic, namely its bright and thick beak, and yellow legs.

In the following two centuries, many people on Ellidaey Island moved. This is due to depleting natural resources, as well as wanting to find a better life.

Most of them moved to mainland Iceland and continued to live by raising cattle and other animals.

Until 1930, Ellidaey Island was completely abandoned by its inhabitants. So this island is completely empty.

In 1953, the Ellidaey Hunting Association, a community of puffin hunters on Ellidaey, built a large lodge on the island.

Every few years, members of the community would come there to spend the night and hunt puffins. After that, the house was empty and uninhabited.

The house has no electricity, no internet and no plumbing. Members of the Ellidaey Hunting Association community who spend the night get water from dew or collect rain.

They are also required to carry a large supply of water to survive. Until now, the house on Ellidaey Island is still very well maintained.

Unfortunately tourists are prohibited from staying overnight, only members of the Ellidaey Hunting Association community are allowed to come to his house and spend the night there.

But don’t be disappointed, several tour operators in Iceland such as Rib-Safari offer speed boat tours to Ellidaey Island. From above the sea, tourists can take photos of Ellidaey Island and see from afar the loneliest house in the world.