volcanoes in indonesia

Indonesia has more than 500 volcanoes, with at least 129 active, such as Merapi and Semeru in Java, Agung in Bali and Rinjani in Lombok. Australia also has many volcanoes but all of them are extinct – volcanoes that are dead and will never erupt again. One of the most famous is Mount Gambier in south Australia. Mount Gambier last erupted 4900 years ago, making it the youngest volcano on the continent of Australia. It is a very popular tourist resort area and the beautiful lake in the crater is famous for its deep blue color.

In Indonesia, however, the story is quite different. There are many volcanoes and many of them are still active. Perhaps one of the best – known volcanoes is Merapi. Merapi is in Central Java. There have been 68 historic eruptions since 1548. The current eruptions began in 1987. because of Merapi’s violent past and because it is close to Yogyakarta, it has been the target of increased research efforts. In late November 1994, the collapse of a lava dome at Merapi caused lava flows that killed 43 people. Smoke rose 6 miles or 10 km above the volcano. Over 6000 people were evacuated. The eruption also started fires. Of course, eruption such as Krakatoa and Tambora in the last century are well known.

KRAKATAU MOUNTAIN

On 27 August 1883, the Indonesian Island of Rakata almost vanished. In fact, about 75% of the land area of Rakata no longer exists. It was the most violent volcanic eruption recorded in the world history that cased the destruction, and left more than 30,000 dead.

Krakatau ( Krakatoa ) volcano was located on the island of Rakata, 40 km of the west coast of java. Since early historic ages, violent volcanic activity has been known to exist in the region. The “great eruption” of Krakataumust have taken place around 416 AD, as reported in ancient Javanese scriptures. The eruption formed three islands (Rakata, Panjang, and Sertung), and caused a7 km long calderas (cavity) to form underneath Rakata. When Krakatau erupted again in 1883, the island virtually collapsed into its cavity, 300 m below sea level. So violent was the eruption that volcanic and debris reached as far west as Madagascar. Tidal waves resulted in the destruction of more than 150 villages, and were felt in France and England. In Australia, hundreds of kilometers away from the site, the explosion was heard.

Since the disappearance of Krakatau, smaller eruption have been observed. The ocean floor has been since gradually rising, eventually giving birth in 1927 to a new island, north of what remains of Rakata. Today, Anak Krakatau (Son of Krakatau) rises more than 150 m above sea level and is two kilometers in diameter

LAKE TOBA

Lake Toba is in Sumatera and it is one of the most popular destinations for tourists, both domestic and international. Did you know that Lake Toba was formed 75.000 years ago when an enormous explosion occurred?Such a huge eruption probably lasted nearly two weeks.
Very few plants, animals or humans around this part of Indonesia would have survived. Toba was an anormous volcano before the explosion. The result of the explosion is a magnificent lake inside the old volcano.
Toba is probably the largest calderas on earth. Lake Toba is 100 km long and 30 km wide. There have been no eruptions of Toba since then, but large earthquakes have occurred, The most recent in 1987 along the southern shore of the lake.

WATU ULO BECH

Watu Ulo beach is a very beautiful beach. It is only 33 kilometers to the south from Jember, East Java. There is special thing about the beach, which is different from any other beaches in Java Island. A big stone on the the bank of beach called 'Watu Ulo' (stony snake) is unique. The clean and sandy beach is around 2 kilometers long. When you cross the mountainous jungle, either on foot or by vehicle to the west bank, you will find the beautiful while sandy beaches of Malikan called ' Tanjung Papuma '. Ther are fishing boats and local cafes. Enjoy seafood BBQ and Watu Ulo special menu. Camping is also available on the beach. Usually there are not many visitors. The beach is noisy and very busy only on the special occasions such as at New Year and Idul Fitri.

BENGKALIS

The island of Bengkalis is about 6 hours from Pekanbaru Riau, up river by ferry to the closest part of Indonesia to Malaysia. The journey up river from Pekanbaru was very interesting. It's wonderful opportunity to see life both on the river and beside the river. Huge ships and tugs pulling enormous barges dominated the river itself while house, village and timber milling factories line the shores.
Bengkalis is approximately 45 km from Malaysia. It is about 10 km long and 20 to 30 km wide and the population now stands 1.300.000. Principal activities there include shipping, agriculture and mining. For several years now Bengkalis has won awards for the cleanliness of the street and communities. Buildings, especially houses, are not quite the same as in other parts of Indonesia and more influenced by the close proximity to Malaysia.

BALI

Once you arrived in Bali, there are several ways to travel around the island. Taxis and rented cars ( with or without drivers ) are available through hotels and travel agent. Tour agencies and most hotels offer bus tour to major points of interest. Motorcycles and bicycles are available for rent through agencies in Denpasar, Kuta Beach and Sanur Beach. Oplets pass through areas and offer inexpensive rides.
Denpasar, the capital of the province, is the location of many community temples and the Bali Museum. Batubulan, reached in a short drive northeast of Denpasar, is the location of many sandstone shops. Celuk is the village just north of Batubulan where gold and silver work for jewellery and ornaments is done. The village of Batuan specializes in traditional painting and weaving as well as decorative wooden panels and screans.
Further north is Mas, manyof Bali's old master woodcarvers still live, work and exhibit their best work of art.Ubd, an hours driver north of Denpasar, is the location of Balinese painting. The Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) at Bedulu is an eleventh-century monastery bearyng many rock carvings, statues and bathing pool. A thousand year-old springs is still used by the Balinese in religious ceremonies and for water's curative powers. The active volcano, Mount Batur, has a beautiful view and you can hire a boat on its lake or just enjoy the scenery. Besakih, on the slope of Mount Agung, is the location of the largest and holiest temple in Bali, which one must not miss. Northwest of denpasar is Tanah Lot,where you can see the most important sea temple. sea snakes found at the base of the temple on this rocky island are believed to guard the temple from evil.