PADANGLAWAS

A collection of ruined 11th and 12th Century monuments virtually unknown to the outside world. This archaeologist's dream is found in South Tapanuli in the neighborhood of Gunungtua near the little village of Portibi, a small barren plain which was once covered in forests. Because of the area's isolation in the middle of the jungles of Sumatra, this site is very seldom visited. Out of at least 16 temple ruins there are 4 broken down but beautiful Hindu temples still standing: Bahal I, II, III, and Sipamutung. Of the other temple sites all that remain are mounds and piles of bricks. In addition, there are untold scattered and broken Hindu statues, carvings and ancient artifacts lying around by the dozens. The statuary (but not the bricks) are thought to have come from India, transported to this site on barges all the way by river from the east coast of Sumatra. These remains are connected with East Java architecturally, though a distinct type of Buddhism was practiced by these ancient Batak peoples, a tantric cult full of wierd magic. The main vaults of the temples are left, the walls decorated with dancing raksasas swinging swords and clubs, lions, many warriors and guardians. Temple Bahal I is 13 m tall and has the strangest iconography: demonic Tibetan tyrannical anger and revenge scenes with thunderbolts and skulls and hideous laughter. getting there : From either Bukittinggi or Padang get a bus first to Padangsidempuan. This small town is known as Kota Se/ak because of the abundance of the fruit, salak, Rp200 for a whole basketful. From Padangsidempuan there are buses only once or twice a day, Rp300, out to Portibi' village. Buses operate more frequently from Padangsidempuan to Gunungtua, Rp250, then it's easy enough to get the only 8 km from Gunungtua down to Portibi. If you want to make more than a day of it, stay with the villagers in Portibi.

Nusa Lembongan is situated 12 miles south east of Bali. It is one hour traveling time by boat from Benoa Harbour. This pear shaped island is around 4km long and 2km wide. It is surrounded by a beautiful fringing reef, which hosts a myriad of marine life, The waters are renowned for their abundance of life and great surf breaks. The reef has been declared a marine park by the Indonesian authorities. Not only does the reef support its own Eco-system, but it supports most of the villagers on the island as well. The local people farm seaweed. This seaweed is cultivated, harvested then exported all over the world for use in cosmetics, food stabilizers and medicines. Other sources of income include traditional wooden boat building, farming peanuts, sweet potato, and fishing.Village life is very slow and enchanting. Very few cars and motorbikes are seen on the roads. The people are steeped in tradition, and one could imagine Bali being like this island, thirty years ago.Although the island is small there are many things to do. Fishing, diving, surfing, mangrove exploring, discovering natural fresh water springs, underground cave house exploring, cycling around the island. A visit to the bat caves on a nearby island, or a picnic at dream beach. Try catching mud cabs in the mangrove area at the back of the island. There is something for every one at Nusa Lembongan.