11 World Heritage Objects in Indonesia

Until this year there are 11 Indonesian objects out of approximately 890 objects around the world which are awarded as World Heritage by UNESCO. These World Heritage objects may get sponsored by World Heritage Fund under certain conditions. The World Heritage objects located in Indonesia are listed as follows: 

World Heritage of Nature : 
Indonesia has 4 World Heritage of Nature Objects. 

Komodo National Park received the recognition from UNESCO in 1991. The park is located between Sumbawa and Flores and it consists of three major islands, namely Komodo Island, Rinca Island, Padar Island, and also several small islands. This park was established in 1980 to protect komodo and their habitat. In addition to komodo, there are 277 species of other animals which are coming from Asia and Australia. 

Also, there are 253 species of coral reefs in the water area which is known as one of the best diving place. At the moment, this national park is nominated to be one of the seven wonders of the world. Komodo dragon, as some of you may already know, is the closest living creature to dinosaurs. In fact, Komodo dragon started their evolutionary journey 40 million years ago. They were originally from Asia but along with time, they migrated to Australia. The collision between Australia and Southeast Asia 15 million years ago brought Komodo dragon to Komodo National Park, Indonesia, which has since become their natural ecosystem. 

The Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) : is a large species of lizard found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang. A member of the monitor lizard family (Varanidae), it is the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2 to 3 metres (6.6 to 9.8 ft) and weighing around 70 kilograms (150 lb). In the wild, an adult Komodo dragon usually weighs around 70 kilograms (150 lb), although captive specimens often weigh more. The largest verified wild specimen was 3.13 metres (10.3 ft) long and weighed 166 kilograms (370 lb), including undigested food. 

The Komodo Dragon has a tail as long as its body, as well as about 60 frequently replaced serrated teeth that can measure up to 2.5 cm (1 inch) in length. Its saliva is frequently blood-tinged, because its teeth are almost completely covered by gingival tissue that is naturally lacerated during feeding. This creates an ideal culture for the virulent bacteria that live in its mouth. It also has a long, yellow, deeply forked tongue. Komodo dragons are endangered species.

Behavior : 

The Komodo Dragon is a solitary animal, except during the breeding season. It is a very territorial animal. It is active during the day, can climb trees, it is a good swimmer and has good eyesight. Although Komodo dragons eat mostly carrion, they will also hunt and ambush prey including invertebrates, birds, and mammals.

Reproduction :

Mating begins between May and August, and the eggs are laid in September. About twenty eggs are deposited in abandoned megapode nests and incubated for seven to eight months, hatching in April, when insects are most plentiful. Young Komodo dragons are vulnerable and therefore dwell in trees, safe from predators and cannibalistic adults. They take around three to five years to mature, and may live as long as fifty years. They are among the rare vertebrates capable of parthenogenesis, in which females may lay viable eggs if males are absent, producing only male offspring.

Threats and Conservation :

The population of Komodo dragons today is estimated to be a mere fraction of its size 50 years ago. Causes of this decline are widespread habitat loss throughout the region, a loss of prey species and hunting. No Komodo dragons have been seen on the island of Padar since the 1970s, the result of widespread poaching of the deer that constitute their chief prey source.

Komodo and surrounding islands lie within the Komodo National Park. Law has protected these dragons since the 1930s. They are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and international trade is prohibited by their listing on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). An important tourist trade has sprung-up around these spectacular creatures, bringing over 18,000 visitors to the area each year; it is hoped that this economic incentive will help to safeguard the future of these awesome dragons.

Komodo National Park is located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. Established in 1980, initially the main purpose of the Park was to conserve the unique Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) and its habitat. However, over the years, the goals for the Park have expanded to protecting its entire biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine. In 1986, the Park was declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, both indications of the Park’s biological importance.

Komodo National Park includes three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands creating a total surface area (marine and land) of 1817km (proposed extensions would bring the total surface area up to 2,321km2). As well as being home to the Komodo dragon, the Park provides refuge for many other notable terrestrial species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic rat, and the Timor deer. Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest marine environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays. These habitats harbor more than 1,000 species of fish, some 385 species of reef-building coral, and 70 species of sponges. Dugong, sharks, manta rays, at least 14 species of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles also make Komodo National Park their home. Divers also claim that Komodo waters are one of the best diving sites in the world.

New 7 Wonders. Why Vote?

Komodo National Park is currently voted as one of the finalists for the New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign held by the New 7 Wonders Foundation. It’s all because of the support that have been given to Komodo National Park. But, it hasn’t over yet. I think almost of us agree that to save nature, we have to appreciate it first. Many wanton destructions against Mother Earth were caused by our own ignorance. Komodo National Park does not only shelter the endangered komodos but also home to 385 underwater species of beautiful corals, mangrove forests, and seaweeds as a home for thousands of fish species, 70 types of sponges, 10 types of dolphins, 6 types of whales, green turtles and various types of sharks and stingrays. Komodo Island is also one of the best diving sites in the world.

Indonesia National Parks Wild Life Wonderful in the World World Heritage

2:00 AM

11 World Heritage Objects in Indonesia

Until this year there are 11 Indonesian objects out of approximately 890 objects around the world which are awarded as World Heritage by UNESCO. These World Heritage objects may get sponsored by World Heritage Fund under certain conditions. The World Heritage objects located in Indonesia are listed as follows: 

World Heritage of Intangible Culture : 
Indonesia has 4 World Heritage Intangible Culture objects. 

The angklung is a musical instrument from indonesia made of two to four bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame. The tubes are carved to have a resonant pitch when struck and are tuned to octaves, similar to american handbells. The base of the frame is held in one hand, whilst the other hand strikes the instrument. This causes a repeating note to sound. Each of three or more performers in an angklung ensemble play just one note or more, but altogether complete melodies are produced. The angklung is popular throughout Southeast Asia, but it originated in what is now West Java and Banten provinces in Indonesia, and has been played by the Sundanese for many centuries. Angklung and its music has become the cultural identity of Sundanese communities in West Java and Banten.Playing angklung as an orchestra requires cooperation and coordination, and is believed promotes the values of teamwork, mutual respect and social harmony.

On November 18, 2010, UNESCO officially recognized Indonesian angklung as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, and encourage Indonesian people and government to safeguard, transmit, promote performances and to encourage the craftsmanship of angklung making.

Indonesia Wonderful in the World World Heritage

1:00 AM

11 World Heritage Objects in Indonesia

Until this year there are 11 Indonesian objects out of approximately 890 objects around the world which are awarded as World Heritage by UNESCO. These World Heritage objects may get sponsored by World Heritage Fund under certain conditions. The World Heritage objects located in Indonesia are listed as follows: 

World Heritage of Nature : 
Indonesia has 4 World Heritage of Nature Objects.

Ujung Kulon National Park is located at the westernmost tip of Java, within Banten province of Indonesia. It includes the volcanic island group of Krakatoa in Lampung province, and other islands including Panaitan, as well as smaller offshore islets such as Handeuleum and Peucang in the Sunda Strait. Geography : The park encompasses an area of 1,206 km² (443 km² marine), most of which lies on a peninsula reaching into the Indian Ocean. The explosion of nearby Krakatau in 1883 produced a tsunami (giant wave) that eliminated the villages and crops of the coastal areas on the western peninsula, and covered the entire area in a layer of ash averaging 30 cm thick. This caused the total evacuation of the peninsula by humans, thereby allowing it to become a repository for much of Java’s flora and fauna, and most of the remaining lowland forest on the island.

Ecology : It is Indonesia's first proposed national park and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 for containing the largest remaining lowland rainforest in Java. After the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa, many settlements in the park were wiped out and never repopulated. Ujung Kulon stands as the last known refuge for the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros after poachers killed the last remaining rhino in Cát Tiên National Park of Vietnam, where a small population of 10 or less remained back in 2010. 

In Ujung Kulon the population has been estimated at 40-60 in the 1980s. Within 2001-2010 there have been 14 rhino births identified using camera and video traps. Based on recordings taken between February and October 2011, 35 rhinoceros have been identified, of which 22 were males and 13 females. Of these 7 were old, 18 adults, 5 youngsters, and 5 infant rhinos. Increasing from previous years, in 2013 there were 8 calves which 3 of them were female and 50 teenage and adult which 20 of them were female identifying using 120 video cameras functioning at night with moving sensor. It was accurate data, because every rhino has unique morphology as finger print, mainly skin wrinkles around the eyes.

By 2013 feeding areas of Eupatorium odoratum vegetation have been reduced from 10 locations comprising 158 hectares to just 5 locations comprising 20 hectares. Thus competition for feeding ground between the solitary Rhinoceros and Banteng also increased. The park also protects 57 rare species of plant. The 35 species of mammal include Banteng, Silvery gibbon, Javan lutung, Crab-eating macaque, Javan leopard, Java mouse-deer and Rusa deer, Smooth-coated Otter. There are also 72 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 240 species of birds.

The status of crocodiles within the park is largely unknown- sightings are rare, but do occasionally occur. There are reports of the false gharial within the park, but these are not confirmed. In addition, the saltwater crocodile was historically present throughout Java's coastal river systems but is currently extinct within these regions. Small, isolated populations of the saltwater crocodile are reported to exist within Ujung Kulon but confirmation is needed.

Conservation : Parts of today's national park and World Heritage site have been protected since the early 20th century. Krakatoa (or rather, the three minor islets which remain of it) was declared as a Nature Reserve in 1921, followed by Pulau Panaitan and Pulau Peucang Nature Reserve in 1937, the Ujung Kulon Nature Reserve in 1958, the Gunung Honje Nature Reserve in 1967, and most recently Ujung Kulon National Park in 1992. In 2005 the park was designated as an ASEAN Heritage Park.

Rhino-Ujung-kulon

Rhino-Ujung-kulon

Sunset at Cidaon,

Sunset at Tanjung Layar beach, Cibom island

Ujung kulon

Coral Copong

Indonesia National Parks Nature Wild Life Wonderful in the World World Heritage

1:00 AM

When you adore archaeology, then when you are in Sicily, you must go see the Valley of the Temples, the greatest and most noteworthy collection of ancient Greek ruins discovered anywhere. You will also come across necropolis, residences, avenues and all of the other artifacts you’d expect to see in an ancient metropolis. You can surely need to see the smaller amphitheatre, the many auditoria, plus the world-class archaeological museum. Do not leave out the Concord Temple; it has 13 tall columns that show the effects of the wind. Located outside the city of Agrigento, situated on the southern coast of Sicily, the temples appear dramatic inside the evening when floodlights outline their shape and size.

December four, Saint Barbara Day, is celebrated within the Sicilian town of Paterno on the slopes of Mount Etna volcano. Right after the parade citizens set up a nativity scene. Santa Lucia Day, December 13, is celebrated in quite a few Italian localities which includes the city of Siracusa whose big parade includes a golden coffin carrying the saint to the Church of Santa Lucia. There is a week of festivities culminating having a huge fireworks display over the harbor and a different parade that brings the coffin back towards the crypt. Among the a lot of nativity scenes ensure to see one in Custonaci, which is re-enacted inside a cave. 

The exhibition includes a classic nativity scene and an ancient village total with shops. The town of Acireale is also recognized for its nativity scene. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Palermo with fireworks and an outdoor music show. Almost every single region on the island has a museum dedicated towards the history of it. This 1 is dedicated to the ancient city of Agrigento as well as the surrounding location. Like numerous other Sicily museums, this 1 displays antiquities found throughout excavations that occurred in the 20th century. The highlights of this museum include finds from the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and nearby cities.

Examples of other tours the tourist may perhaps enjoy contain: In Trapani, the “Myth, History and Ancient Cookies: Erice and Segesta” tour, which is often a full day private tour to learn about the history of Sicily, view a Greek temple and theatre, and sample the almond cookies and marzipan from ancient recipes; the “Alcantara Gorge and Fancavilla” tour, which is often a private tour along the gorge to witness how the lava flows affected the river developing the impressive gorges and ravines and where the tourist can rent hip-waders to get the full river expertise; there is also the “Messina Taormina Jewish Tour” where visitors can see the Jewish quarter inside the city of Messina.

Should you desire to get additional info about the Sicily island, I’d like to show you these extra resources: 1.If you want to get more travel info to tour Sicily, I’d suggest you have a look at these traveler’s F.A.Q. Sicilytraveltours.com has a nice table which will help tourists to find what is the best period of the year to plan their vacation on this page. 2.The resources listed below are blogs managed by actual Sicilians which share their experiences to assist tourists uncover out of the box facts. the tours to Sicily blog is actually a absolutely free weblog that lists some practical info to travel in Sicily i.e. wheatear charts, transportations and attractions to stop by.

The article author: Prof. Alexander has traveled in Italy over A decade. She currently lives nearly 6 months in her house in Sicily. She was also a family consultant in California for 5 years. She is passionate about Sicilian food and enjoys sharing her experience with others.

Beaches Italy Nature Tips And Trip Wonderful in the World World Heritage

2:00 AM

11 World Heritage Objects in Indonesia

Until this year there are 11 Indonesian objects out of approximately 890 objects around the world which are awarded as World Heritage by UNESCO. These World Heritage objects may get sponsored by World Heritage Fund under certain conditions. The World Heritage objects located in Indonesia are listed as follows: 

World Heritage of Intangible Culture : 
Indonesia has 4 World Heritage Intangible Culture objects. 
Batik
Batik is recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO in 2009. To celebrate it, Indonesia has set 2 October as batik day. Indonesian batik has various motives depending on regions. The techniques, symbolism and culture surrounding hand-dyed cotton and silk garments known as Indonesian Batik permeate the lives of Indonesians from beginning to end: infants are carried in batik slings decorated with symbols designed to bring the child luck, and the dead are shrouded in funerary batik. Clothes with everyday designs are worn regularly in business and academic settings, while special varieties are incorporated into celebrations of marriage and pregnancy and into puppet theatre and other art forms. 
The garments even play the central role in certain rituals, such as the ceremonial casting of royal batik into a volcano. Batik is dyed by proud craftspeople who draw designs on fabric using dots and lines of hot wax, which resists vegetable and other dyes and therefore allows the artisan to colour selectively by soaking the cloth in one colour, removing the wax with boiling water and repeating if multiple colours are desired. The wide diversity of patterns reflects a variety of influences, ranging from Arabic calligraphy, European bouquets and Chinese phoenixes to Japanese cherry blossoms and Indian or Persian peacocks. Often handed down within families for generations, the craft of batik is intertwined with the cultural identity of the Indonesian people and, through the symbolic meanings of its colours and designs, expresses their creativity and spirituality.

Indonesia Wonderful in the World World Heritage

1:30 AM

The Leshan Giant Buddha is the tallest stone statue of Buddha in the world. It is situated near Leshan in China. The stone statue is headed towards the Mount Emei. The statue is considered as the tallest one in the world. It is not only the tallest but also the largest figure of Buddha. It is designed in the traditional Chinese style and gives a brief insight about the architecture of the Tang Dynasty. The giant figure is about 71 meters high. It took a very long time to complete the statue taking around 90 years and thousands of artisans to fully design and built it. The construction began in the 713 and was completed in 803.

The stone carved figure was designed and constructed by Haithong. He was the biggest follower of Buddha and when he was collecting the amount for building the statue he was greatly harassed. So he donated his eyes to shoe how strong his beliefs were. When he died the construction was left in between then after a huge span of time, a disciple of Haithong thought of completing the work of his master. Thus it was finally completed by him in 803.

The figure is beautifully designed and carved out. It stands erect with the Buddha resting his both the hands on his knees. Below the statue visitors can enjoy the beauty of the head. The figure is said to be located in the heart of the mountain ranges. It is not only known for its beautiful artistry but also for the calm and still posture of Lord Buddha. The coiled hair has 1021 buns which are magnificently embedded. The most attractive feature is the drainage system which is efficiently designed to drain all the rain water during the rainy season.

As it is one of the well renowned monuments therefore it captures the attention of both the local visitors and also people from abroad. But the pollution has done damage to the statue. The figure has been polluted by the factories and the various power plants. It would have been washed away if necessary steps had not been taken by UNESCO and the government of China. If you need to go to Leshan you can easily get trains to route you. The railway station is situated about 31 kilometers from the Leshan City. Also if you want you also take a bus as it takes only two hours to reach there. So you have ample of options to reach there. According to me if you are religious and spiritual you must visit the Leshan Giant Buddha. One will find peace in the atmosphere and also an environment which will take you close to the divine power.

China National Parks Wonderful in the World World Heritage

1:00 AM