THE TANIMBARS

Some of the TOP Hotels in Bali

Bali's most famous and crowded resort is Kuta beach, a six-kilometre sweep of golden sand, with plenty of accommodation, shops and nightlife. Nearby Sanur is much quieter, but most backpackers prefer the beaches of peaceful east-coast Candi Dasa and traveller-oriented Lovina on the north coast. The island's other major destination is the cultural centre of Ubud , a still charming but undeniably commercialized overgrown village, where traditional dances are staged every night of the week and the streets are full of arts-and-crafts galleries.

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa : The Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa is a luxury property strategically located only 15 kilometers away from the... Nusa Dua
Aston Bali Resort & Spa : The Aston Bali Resort and Spa is a luxury hotel located on the waterfront facing golden sandy beaches... Tanjung Benoa
Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel : Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel is situated in the coastal village of Sanur, an ideal location from which to explore... Sanur
Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites : The Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites is located in Sanur Village just two kilometers from the Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel....Grand Bali Beach Hotel also is a nice hotel in Sanur.
Swiss Belhotel Bali Aga : The Swiss Belhotel Bali Aga is a deluxe property strategically located only 20 kilometers northeast from the Ngurah Rai... Nusa Dua
Grand Hyatt Bali Hotels located in Nusa Dua and The Oberoi Bali located in Seminyak, Maya Ubud located in Ubud, The Alilia Ubud, Chedi, Hard Rock Hotel Bali located in Kuta beach, Melia Bali located in Nusa Dua and Padma Bali located in Kuta

15 m long whales are found in the waters around these islands. The Tanimbars are made up of about 60 islands composed of a mix of peoples: Irianese, Negritos, and Orang Maluku. Saumlaki is the largest town on the main island of Jamdena. In Saumlaki there's a nice mission where you can always get a bed or take a bath. Visit the delightful harbormaster and the chief of police. Odilon, the amicable Chinese merchant, you will no doubt run into. He'll tell you how simple the people are, yet so happy.from Saumlaki: Walk up the east coast of Jamdena (the main island) through the coastal villages. But take care; herds of wild bulls kill about 15 people a year on this island. From Saumlaki catch prahus to the southern island of Selaru and its main town of Adaut for two packs of tobacco. Selaru is a poor island, low and bushy. There's not a lot of food; meals of only rice and dried fish cost Rp150-350. Trade a bottle of beer for a seaweed bracelet (akhar bahar). by boat: About every 1'/ months a small mission boat bedecked with flags departs Saumlaki for Babar, Kisar, Sermata, etc. Sometimes another boat sails to Aru and Kai. A boat also leaves for Ambon once every 3 weeks or so from Saumlaki. crafts: The art of the peoples of Tanimbar and Alor Islands can be traced back as far as the ornamental Dongson-style of Annam. This style incorporates numerous oriental motifs, seen in their small carved wooden ancestor statues. Also woven sarungs and scarves are produced that look similar to those produced on Sumba and Timor but actually the colors and motifs are quite different. Herman De Vries in Saumlaki has a large collection of carvings (praying figures), books and notes. De Vries possesses a great knowledge of South Maluku, and is especially expert in the motifs used in this area. He's also lived in Agats, Irian Jaya, for 4 years. other sights: On some islands in the Tanimbars the Alfuro aborigines practice a shark cult. Alfuros go into the sea to feed the sharks, supposedly maneaters, then come out unharmed. Blowpipes are still used, but only as a hunting weapon. These Alfuro are some of the best spearmen in Indonesia. Arui-Bab: A village on the east coast of Jamdena. There's a long boat-shaped stone platform here where members of the village council sit for deliberations. It's an ancient custom for village elders to occupy ancestral stone seats, indicating their origins and reinforcing their authority to rule. Let! Islands: East of Timor. Here people worship the male sun god Upulero and the female earth goddess Upunisa who are regarded as being married. Rain is looked upon as this god's sperm. Porka-festivals are held every few years with phallic rites (also on Moa and Lakor Islands). On Leti and Lakor, religious sculptures are made totally unique in shape.