CANDI PRAMBANAN, The Gourgeous Hindu's Temple

Crossing the road of Jogjakarta - Solo, on the border of Central Java and Jogjakarta, a big building at the north. It covered by tress and plants along the road. The building was built in 850th century that was built by a king of the dynasty of Sanjaya. It's called Candi Prambanan. A Hollander, name C.A. Lons, found Prambanan Temple in 1733. First he saw black square rocks at the soil, and then started to clean up and moving the rock one by one. Oudheidkundige Dienst, a Dutch Archeological Authority, had designed more systematic system to install the rocks as the same with the original part. Although it was very difficult, needed lots money and strong commitment to rebuild, in 1993 Prambanan Temple rebuild in Indonesia.

47 meter high, 8 main candi and 250 little candi, made Prambanan Temple as the biggest Hindunese templei in South East Asia. From the air, the complex of Candi Prambanan configurates Mandala form, a square with points at the side of it, north, south, west and east. North point is sacred place for Batara Wisnu, God of Verve in Hindunese and at south point for Batara Brahma, God of Conceive in Hindunese.

At the juxtaposition of the points, a candi with 4 rooms in each side points inside. Sculptures of Hindu's God and Goddess are standing in the room. At the past, the room was being a sacred place for praying and meditation. Cool and dark, so quiet, a best place to meet god. There is a steep rock stair which is leveled the room from the surface. The Mandala has 20 candi at the edge. They have Ramayana relief on the sidewall, a story about Rama's travel around the world.

At the east side of the complex, a museum will show the visitor about the history of Prambanan Temple, from the first it had founded until now and also artifacts which was found in the site. A big stage, name Ramayana Stage, also being part of the museum. It will display to audience beautiful light of full moon in 15th day in every month (Javanese calendar). At the same time, some dancers will dance an epic story of Ramayana.

CANDI PRAMBANAN, The Gourgeous Hindu's Temple

Crossing the road of Jogjakarta - Solo, on the border of Central Java and Jogjakarta, a big building at the north. It covered by tress and plants along the road. The building was built in 850th century that was built by a king of the dynasty of Sanjaya. It's called Candi Prambanan. A Hollander, name C.A. Lons, found Prambanan Temple in 1733. First he saw black square rocks at the soil, and then started to clean up and moving the rock one by one. Oudheidkundige Dienst, a Dutch Archeological Authority, had designed more systematic system to install the rocks as the same with the original part. Although it was very difficult, needed lots money and strong commitment to rebuild, in 1993 Prambanan Temple rebuild in Indonesia.

47 meter high, 8 main candi and 250 little candi, made Prambanan Temple as the biggest Hindunese templei in South East Asia. From the air, the complex of Candi Prambanan configurates Mandala form, a square with points at the side of it, north, south, west and east. North point is sacred place for Batara Wisnu, God of Verve in Hindunese and at south point for Batara Brahma, God of Conceive in Hindunese.

At the juxtaposition of the points, a candi with 4 rooms in each side points inside. Sculptures of Hindu's God and Goddess are standing in the room. At the past, the room was being a sacred place for praying and meditation. Cool and dark, so quiet, a best place to meet god. There is a steep rock stair which is leveled the room from the surface. The Mandala has 20 candi at the edge. They have Ramayana relief on the sidewall, a story about Rama's travel around the world.

At the east side of the complex, a museum will show the visitor about the history of Prambanan Temple, from the first it had founded until now and also artifacts which was found in the site. A big stage, name Ramayana Stage, also being part of the museum. It will display to audience beautiful light of full moon in 15th day in every month (Javanese calendar). At the same time, some dancers will dance an epic story of Ramayana.

RAMAYANA BALLET, A Graceful Love

If you go to Candi Prambanan, there's a love story which is shaped on its wall. It's Ramayana love story. The story came from India thousands years ago. Based on an epic Hindu history, the story was began on a contest of Prabu Janaka, who looking for a husband for his daughter, Shinta, a beautiful and charming princess. Some tests were hold in order to get best from the best. Then, Rama Wijaya got Shinta's love, at once won the contest. They were falling in love on a first sight.

One day, Rama, Shinta, and Laksmana (Rama's brother) went to the Dandaka Forest. They were passed with Rahwana, an evil and enemy of Prabu Janaka. It caused a big trouble; Rahwana thought that Shinta was incarnation from Dewi Widowati. Rahwana was crazy in love. He had spelt his soldier become a deer, attracted Rama to hunt it, and then kidnap Shinta.

A big war happened between Prabu Janaka and Rahwana, hundreds of soldiers, weapons and tactics were used by both kings. But, Prabu Janaka's kingdom was on crisis; his ability couldn't fight against Rahwana. A white monkey, Hanoman, was being a hero for saving Shinta. The princess was free, back to Rama. But, the trouble still haunted their love. Rama was unbelievable with Shinta. He was asked Shinta to jump down in a fire. Then Shinta was done it indeed! The miracle was came, Shinta hadn't burn at all, whereas she became more beautiful the before. Rama felt sorry then the story is ended in happy ending.

If you want to see the complete story, you have to see Ramayana Dance in Candi Prambanan. Not just dance, but you can hear gamelan music, feels night wind, and take up full moon into your soul. The dance will hold in night, on outdoor stage, at the best angle of Candi Prambanan. From distance at outdoor stage, you can see silhouette of the candi, looks dark and solid, but left a mystery how people built a very high building a decade ago.

The most interesting part in the Ramayana story is battle of Rahwana and Prabu Janaka. Fire attraction is combined by laser lighting and acrobatic martial art between performers. Sometimes they jump, roll on or fly! Please, preparing your camera if you're decided to see the Ramayanan Dance, you will shot interesting movement, colorful fashion and unpredictable movement. The dance hold every night, especially in holiday, there will be lots of audiences come there.

Merapi volcano mud threatens temples

Three Hindu temple sites that date back to the eighth and tenth century are vulnerable to Mount Merapi’s cold volcanic mud flow in Magelang, Central Java.

Located near Pabelan and Tlising rivers, which are the paths for the cold volcanic mud flow, the three temple sites are Lumbung, Asu and Pendhem. These were built during the glorious Hindu era known as the ancient Mataram kingdom in 869 AD.

The Lumbung Temple is only 1 meter from Pabelan river, and the river has already eroded the 20-meter-high cliff near the temple. Meanwhile, Asu and Pendhem temples are about 200 meters from both Pabelan and Tlising rivers.

Several parts of the temples have been scattered around the sites due to the ground’s movement during the cold volcanic mud flow. Access to the three temples has also been destroyed by the volcanic mud flow.

Ikhsan, a member of the village assembly board (BPD) of Sengi village, Magelang, told newsportal detik.com that the local administration should secure the sites before the volcanic mud flow destroyed them totally.

South Padre Island Spring Break

For several decades, students have turned to the picturesque barrier island of South Padre for a wide variety of spring break activities. In fact, spring break is such a big deal on South Padre Island that an official visitor's guide has been created by the South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau. And why not? When a South Padre Island spring break is this big, it's great being prepared in advance.

For many, a spring break trip to South Padre Island wouldn't be complete without spending some time on Coca Cola Beach. Located just behind the Isla Grand Beach Resort (formerly the Radisson), some of the best free live music acts take place here during the late morning and early afternoon. There are typically numerous big-name acts that show up, making it one of the busiest locales on the island. Be sure that if you want to see a particular act that you arrive early; the beach fills up quickly. And when the beach closes, the party doesn't stop. There are numerous bars and clubs for you to get your dance on after the sun goes down.

Of course, there's much more than rambunctious parties to be experienced during a South Padre Island spring break. The region around the islands is well-known for its quality wind surfing and kiteboarding conditions. If your groups is interested in such activities, you may be able to find some lucrative group deals, especially if you book early. If playing in the water isn't your thing, take to the trails by horse through the Island Equestrian Center, or hit the skies with Skydive South Padre Island.

Getting to South Padre and finding a place to sleep for a few hours (you didn't plan on sleeping much, did you?) is easy enough to do, though it's recommended that you book your trip early. It doesn't take long for the prime, affordable plane tickets and accommodations to sell out. Even the top luxury hotels of South Padre Island sell out quickly, so it's best to not procrastinate. If you're not thrilled with having to research and book everything yourself, travel companies like Student City may be a viable option for you. They can typically offer you meal plans, pre-party plans, and VIP club entrance to go with your travel and accommodations, often at attractive prices. Additionally, they tend to have a lot of experience working with groups of people to get the best rates and most flexible options for groups wanting to experience spring break in South Padre Island.

It's inevitable that some folks wait to the last minute to do their spring break planning. For those who procrastinate, be sure to check out our article on last minute travel deals to South Padre Island. It may help you find a way to get in on the South Padre Island spring break action this 2011!

Panama City Spring Break for the College Crowd

In the first few months of the new year, college students are getting back into gear after the holiday break by hitting the books, studying hard and looking ahead to end-of-semester finals. Just kidding. Most of them are making spring break plans, and a lot of them will be hitting the sugar-sand beaches of Florida's Panhandle for Panama City spring break. Panama City Beach remains a popular spring break destination not only because of those beautiful beaches but also because of its proximity to many Southern, Midwestern and Northern colleges and universities.

Panama City Spring Break: What to expect
Panama City throws its doors wide open for the spring break crowd, with loads of concerts, contests and other special events. Expect a lot of celebrity appearances, late-night parties and all-you-can-eat seafood specials along the community's 27 miles of beachfront and at its nightclubs. Of course, as with any popular spring break destination, there will be lots of traffic and big crowds everywhere. But since college spring breaks are spread out from late February to early April, there should be periods where the madness is not so concentrated.

Panama City Spring Break: Where to crash
Plenty of hotels and resorts for all budgets line the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City Beach, and many offer special deals for spring break visitors. If you honor the longstanding tradition of splitting the cost of a room or suite between several members of your crew, a Panama City spring break can be quite a bargain for the college-student budget. Be sure to research the location and amenities offered to make sure your choice of lodging dovetails with your spring break plans.

Panama City Spring Break: Things to Do (Besides Partying)
Panama City Beach offers myriad options for water-based spring break fun, from sunning on the beach or at poolside to fishing, boating, parasailing or jumping the waves with a personal watercraft. You and your friends can hit the cheesy tourist attractions like the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum or play a few rounds at Barnacle Bay Mini Golf. If you think Florida is all beaches and theme parks, you might want to take a day trip an hour north to check out the natural underground beauty of Florida Caverns State Park.

Panama City Spring Break: Staying Safe
You've heard the lectures from your parents and your school counselors, but don't shrug them off. Bad things can happen on spring break, and you must always remain aware of your situation and surroundings to keep them from spoiling your fun. Be sure to always travel in groups, drink responsibly, follow all the rules posted at the beach and pool, and secure your valuables. Law enforcement officers are there to help protect you, but they are also extra-vigilant about underage drinking and drunken driving violations during spring break. Trust us: you'll be much more comfortable sleeping in your hotel room bed than a cot in the county jail.

A spiritual journey down a stony path

The inner power of a strong woman can move mountains.

This can certainly be said of Made Surati, a grandmother of three living in the remote and impoverished Tianyar village in Karangasem regency, East Bali.

Dog stones

Fifteen years ago, Surati would never have thought of opening a stone museum, which she calls Pasraman Agung Gedong Batu, that is now home to thousands of “real” mountain, coastal and river stones.

Entering the modest museum building is almost magical. Numerous stones of various forms, shapes and measurements were scattered all over the place. “It is like visiting a miniature Stonehenge,” commented a visitor.

Surati is not a geologist nor an expert on stones. She is just a housewife who one day began picking up stones. “I have collected these stones one by one for the last fifteen years,” she recalled, adding that she just followed her instincts whenever picking up any of the collected stones.

Her motive behind starting a stone collection stemmed from loneliness and depression.

“I was married at a very young age. My husband’s extended family in Ban [village, Karangasem,] seemed to hate me so much. Marriage for me was not happy, rather a dark nightmare,” Surati recalled.

The new married couple moved to Tianyar, a village on the cusp of Karangasem regency in the East and Buleleng regency in the North, to build a new life to raise their three children.

Living far from her in-laws did not free her from troubles and sadness.

“[My husband’s family] kept torturing my heart. I felt so depressed and confused. I kept questioning Sang Hyang Widhi [the chief Hindu god] what was wrong with my life,” she reminisced.

Deeply confused, Surati decided to take an extreme step. She started fasting and meditating for 42 days. “For 23 days, I did not eat a thing and only drank holy water sprinkled during a prayer, the remaining 19 days, I ate the petals of frangipani flowers,” said Surati

The 55 year old woman also made a spiritual journey Tirta Yatra to all Hindu temples in Bali and other sacred places on the island.

Her fasting and meditating had gave her new courage and sharpened her spirituality and intuition.

“I felt like I was reborn — my mind and heart were clear and pure. I could see and feel the intangible things,” she explained.

Surati’s spirituality lead her to experience vivid dreams, in which she was told to pick up certain stones along the rivers, mountains and seas.

“I first went to Bukit Mangun to follow my intuition and collect some small stones,”she said. Hundreds of stones in the collection are indeed small but many are heavy and bulky.

“At times, I had to ask up 20 persons to carry the bigger stones,” she said.

Statue stones

For years, she collected thousands of stones with different shapes. There are some stones in the museum that resemble the faces of heroes like Patih Gajah Mada, prime minister of the ancient Majapahit Kingdom in East Java. Others are shaped like household and ritual utensils like holy water carriers, while others resembling statues of Hindu gods and goddesses.

The stones are placed around the museum’s yards like an art installation, and some are even said to possess spiritual and magical powers.

“Many people have asked me to sell some of the stones, offering handsome prices. But, we have refused to do so,” added Gede Tantra, Surati’s husband.

The stones, Surati said, may mean nothing to others. “But, the process of collecting them was based on my strong belief in God. That’s what really matters to me.”

The Pasraman Agung Gedong Batu Museum is now a place for those seeking spirituality.

“We invite anybody to come to this place and to share their spiritual experiences to enrich their lives,” Surati said.