Borobudur, the Biggest Buddhist Temple in the Ninth Century

Who does not know Borobudur? This Buddhist temple has 1460 relief panels and 504 Buddha effigies in its complex. Millions of people are eager to visit this building as one of the World Wonder Heritages. It is not surprising since architecturally and functionally, as the place for Buddhists to say their prayer, Borobudur is attractive.

Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of Old Mataram Kingdom, the descendant of Sailendra dynasty. Based on Kayumwungan inscription, an Indonesian named Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur was a place for praying that was completed to be built on 26 May 824, almost one hundred years from the time the construction was begun. The name of Borobudur, as some people say, means a mountain having terraces (budhara), while other says that Borobudur means monastery on the high place.

Borobudur is constructed as a ten-terraces building. The height before being renovated was 42 meters and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest level was used as supporting base. The first six terraces are in square form, two upper terraces are in circular form, and on top of them is the terrace where Buddha statue is located facing westward. Each terrace symbolizes the stage of human life. In line with of Buddha Mahayana, anyone who intends to reach the level of Buddha's must go through each of those life stages.

The base of Borobudur, called Kamadhatu, symbolizes human being that are still bound by lust. The upper four stories are called Rupadhatu symbolizing human beings that have set themselves free from lust but are still bound to appearance and shape. On this terrace, Buddha effigies are placed in open space; while the other upper three terraces where Buddha effigies are confined in domes with wholes are called Arupadhatu, symbolizing human beings that have been free from lust, appearance and shape. The top part that is called Arupa symbolizes nirvana, where Buddha is residing.

Each terrace has beautiful relief panels showing how skillful the sculptors were. In order to understand the sequence of the stories on the relief panels, you have to walk clockwise from the entrance of the temple. The relief panels tell the legendary story of Ramayana. Besides, there are relief panels describing the condition of the society by that time; for example, relief of farmers' activity reflecting the advance of agriculture system and relief of sailing boat representing the advance of navigation in Bergotta (Semarang).

All relief panels in Borobudur temple reflect Buddha's teachings. For the reason, this temple functions as educating medium for those who want to learn Buddhism. YogYES suggests that you walk through each narrow passage in Borobudur in order for you to know the philosophy of Buddhism. Atisha, a Buddhist from India in the tenth century once visited this temple that was built 3 centuries before Angkor Wat in Cambodia and 4 centuries before the Grand Cathedrals in Europe.

Thanks to visiting Borobudur and having supply of Buddha teaching script from Serlingpa (King of Sriwijaya), Atisha was able to improve Buddha's teachings after his return to India and he built a religion institution, Vikramasila Buddhism. Later he became the leader of Vikramasila monastery and taught Tibetans of practicing Dharma. Six scripts from Serlingpa were then summarized as the core of the teaching called "The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment" or well known as Bodhipathapradipa.

A question about Borobudur that is still unanswered by far is how the condition around the temple was at the beginning of its foundation and why at the time of it's finding the temple was buried. Some hypotheses claim that Borobudur in its initial foundation was surrounded by swamps and it was buried because of Merapi explosion. It was based on Kalkutta inscription with the writing 'Amawa' that means sea of milk. The Sanskrit word was used to describe the occurrence of disaster. The sea of milk was then translated into Merapi lava. Some others say that Borobudur was buried by cold lava of Merapi Mountain.

With the existing greatness and mystery, it makes sense if many people put Borobudur in their agenda as a place worth visiting in their lives. Besides enjoying the temple, you may take a walk around the surrounding villages such as Karanganyar and Wanurejo. You can also get to the top of Kendil stone where you can enjoy Borobudur and the surrounding scenery. Please visit Borobudur temple right away...

Source : http://www.yogyes.com/en/yogyakarta-tourism-object/candi/borobudur/

Flora and Fauna in Bali

Bali has an interesting collection of animal and plant life. The rice terraces are the most common sight everyday in Bali, particularly in the heavily populated and extravagantly fertile south. Balinese gardens are a delight. The soil and climate in Bali can support a huge range of plants, and the Balinese love of beauty, and the abundance of cheap labour, meaning that every space can be landscaped. The style is generally informal, with curved paths, a rich variety of plants and usually a water feature. You can find almost every type of flower in Bali, though some varieties, such as hydrangeas, are restricted to the cooler mountain areas. Orchids are a special attraction, and orchid fanciers should see the collection at the botanical gardens near Bedugul.

There are various animals you might come across around the island of Bali. Chickens are kept both for food purposes and as pets. Balinese cattle are nearly as delicate as Balinese pigs are gross. Bali certainly used to have tigers and although there are periodic rumors of sightings in the remote north-west of the island, nobody has proof of seeing one for a long time.

Source : http://www.all-bali.com/florafauna.html

Diving in Bali

Bali diving. With its warm water, extensive coral reefs and abundant marine life, diving in Bali offers some superb diving possibilities. There are a number of operations conducting diving trips for visitors, and there are also package tours specifically for scuba divers. If you are traveling independently, and you just want the occasional dive, make sure you bring your scuba certification. Most of the main qualifications are recognized, including those of PADI, NAUI, BSAC, FAUI and SSI. Keen divers might also bring their own mask and regulator, though all the equipment is available for rent.

Scuba Diving in Bali, Indonesia is amongst the best in the world and this is still relatively unknown news. Enthusiastic divers heading for Sulawesi, Monado, Flores, Sumba, why not dive for a day or two in a scuba divers heaven, Bali, Indonesia.

Dive sites in Bali

Menjangan Island / West Bali

West Bali dive sites typically offer pristine waters, colourful marine life and milder conditions suitable for divers of all levels. Divers who enjoy wall diving will appreciate the areas prime spots around Menjangan islands, but there is interest for every one here, with a deep wreck dive, some unique night diving and many snorkelling sites.

Most of the regents dive sites are found around Menjanan island. Diving is regulated here. Spear fishing is not allowed and all marine life is protected.

Menjangan' s white sandy beaches make a nice location to break for lunch. Underwater, the drop-off along the south shore and eastern tip, facing the Bali Sea, are home to lots of colourful small fish and vertebrates, lacy sea fans and a variety of sponges. The sandy, gradual slopes of Menjangan' s north coast is a final resting place for Bali' s oldest dive able shipwreck, the Anker Wreck. Even large pelagics are sometimes seen at Menjangan. Occasionally sightings of Whales, Whale sharks and Manta rays have been reported. Drift diving is usual, but currents are quite mild and all levels of divers can enjoy this area.

The northwest area has had his share of destructions. El Nino, storms have been hard on the corals. The marine life however is teaming and vibrant.

Tulamben

Day-trippers travelling from Sanur to the east Bali dive locations of  Tulamben and Amed will get a look at our traditional Bali. The drive is approx. 3 hours. Diving in Tulamben is normally done from shore, where entry can be challenging.

Many people prefer to stay overnight in Tulamben rather than day trip here. The local people are very friendly and Bali International Diving Professionals both support and know the local community. We have been diving in this area before it became developed as a popular dive destination. By diving in Tulamben you are also supporting the local community. Only in Tulamben will you see young and old women alike carrying diving equipment on their heads, to the dive entry points, to earn their living.

Amed

Amed and the villages south east of this area are becoming more popular with tourists. Life goes back in time here. For most of the year, the water is generally calm, most of the year, with minimal to manageable currents. Many sites make excellent drift dives.

Central Coast

The sound of crashing surf on the shores is a part of the Oceanside feel, and the dive sites are part of the seascape. The imposing Gili Tepekong and the four outcrops of Gili Mimpang are directly offshore. Consistent currents flow with the full and varied marine life along the shallow reefs and walls that surround these mysterious islands.

Padang Bai, is a small, busy fishing village. Its sandy bay a convenient haunt for divers. The reefs around Padang Bai have white-sand bottoms and can be magical if the visibility is good. This is not always the case. When the channel is calm you can do a daytrip from Padang Bai to the reefs of Nusa Penida.

Gili Biaha or Ikuan, is a rocky outcrop just of Tanjung Bias Putih. Bias Putih point is a few meters north-west of Gili Tepekong. The west side is mainly chosen for diving as it is more sheltered from current and offers better diving conditions.

Nusa Penida

There are 3 islands here, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan. These are located off Bali's southeast coast.

Sanur

It has been said that diving in Sanur is a waste of time, however, Bali International Diving Professionals have seen wonderful small creatures like the seahorse and mantis shrimp in this area. We feel that this is a good dive location for novice divers and refresher course participants and for those who do not have much time. The minute marine life and coral formations make this an interesting, as well as a convenient, dive site. Sanur certainly doesn’t offer Bali’s best diving, but if you want a quick and easy dive this is the place to visit.

Source : http://www.diving-in-bali.com/

Bali Island

Bali, a tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago, is so picturesque and immaculate it could almost be a painted backdrop. It has rice paddies tripping down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, dense tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and friendly people who don't just have a culture but actually live it. In Bali spirits come out to play in the moonlight, every night is a festival and even a funeral is an opportunity to have a good time.

Bali Island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in day to day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas.

Bali Island is a shopper's paradise particularly for casual and tailored clothing, locally made jewellery, handicrafts, antiques and artifacts. Leather ware is one of the unexpected local bargains with everything from handbags through to tailor made leather jackets and coats, all at unbelievable prices. In fact, prices are so inexpensive, you're sure to need more room in your suitcase! Try bargaining at the street markets of Kuta, Sanur of Nusa Dua or fixed price shopping at a Denpasar department store. Bali has it all.

For those that want to stay wet, Bali Island has world class scuba diving, snorkelling and wonderful day trips out to Nusa Penida for beach sports and coral viewing.

When the sun sets, the choices are still hard to make - a quiet romantic moon lit dinner or watch the spectacular Balinese Fire Dance or Kecak Dance. For those that want to party, Bali Island has it all with bars, discos and nightclubs.

As a truly international destination attracting visitors from all over the world, restaurants in Bali are extremely cosmopolitan yet inexpensive. Experience not only local delicacies like Nasi Goreng and Sate Campur but also Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, Italian/European Greek, Moroccan and even Mexican cuisine. We must not forget Bali's wonderful seafood - local lobster at such prices that you will want to keep coming back for more.

For those more culturally inclined, Bali can offer the peace and tranquility of Ubud high in the hills; the spectacular Mother Temple at Besakih; the ancient capital of Bali, Singaraja and the floating palace at Ujung near the pretty beach area of Candi Dasa. The Scenery is nothing less than spectacular. Jungle, picturesque hillside rice terraces and the awesome magnificence of Kintamani Volcano.

The more active, wanting a break from the idyllic beaches, can experience wonderful golf courses in the mountains at Bedugul and beachside at Nusa Dua, the thrill of white water rafting or kayaking down the beautiful Ayung River; mountain cycling amid scenery you will never forget and organized rice paddy and jungle treks to see the side of Bali most tourists never encounter.

Bali Island, a truly international destination, offers every standard of accommodation ranging from charming yet modest bungalow style hotels in lush tropical gardens for the budget minded through to arguably amongst the most exclusive and sophisticated hotels in the world!

Source : http://www.all-bali.com/

General Information About Bali

Bali is a land that seems to have a magnet at its very heart. It is a feeling that is difficult to understand unless experienced but once visited you are surely compelled to come back and you may even want to stay forever, such is its pull. Maybe its Bali’s beauty, maybe the friendly people, or maybe even the influence from spirits that certainly abide in this place.

Bali goes under many names. Some call it the ‘island of the gods’, others Shangri-La. The ‘last paradise’, the ‘dawning of the world’ and the ‘centre of the universe’ are yet more names for this truly beautiful tropical island inhabited by a remarkably artistic people who have created a dynamic society with unique arts and ceremonies.

Bali is small, just 140 Km by 80 Km and lies between Java, the most highly populated and influential of all the islands, and Lombok, one of the quieter and moderately slower paced islands. Like many islands, Bali has developed a world of its own. It not only captures what is special about Indonesia but also has a uniqueness of its own.

Daily life on Bali is culturally linked to satisfying and appeasing the gods, spirits and demons in the midst of breathtaking panoramas of cultivated rice terraces, impressive volcanoes and pristine beaches. Bali’s main volcano, Gunung Agung, is still active and sometimes explosive and is considered sacred among local people as it is believed to be the centre of the universe.

Lying just 8o south of the Equator, Bali can boast a tropical climate with just two seasons a year and an average temperature of around 28o Celsius. It has a whole range of different environments and activities for the tourist, many of which are covered in these homepages.

Economically and culturally, Bali is one of the most important islands of Indonesia. Rice is grown on irrigated, terraced hillsides; other crops include sugar cane, coffee, copra, tobacco, fruits and vegetables. Cattle and hogs are also raised. The Balinese are skilled artisans, particularly in woodcarving and in fashioning objects of tortoiseshell and of gold, silver and other metals. The Balinese are noted for their traditional dance, the distinctive music of the gamelan and for their skills in weaving cloth of gold and silver threads, Songket, as well as for embroidering silk and cotton clothing.

Bali of today is one of the twenty six provinces of the Republic of Indonesia, divided administratively between eight districts that take their names and boundaries from the island’s old Hindu kingdoms.

Source : http://www.indo.com/geo/gen_info.html

Important Facts About Antibiotics for Bronchitis

In 2006, abcnews reported that majority of physicians prescribe antibiotics for cough and bronchitis. In fact, researchers claim that prescribing antibiotics for bronchitis symptoms such as coughs and colds are actually useless. To begin with, the usual source of such symptoms are viruses so antibiotics would not be of any help. Instead, recommended remedies are rest, intake of fluids, using humidifier or vaporizers as well as taking over the counter medicine to lessen pain. Second, antibiotics for bronchitis have adverse side effects that can be harmful. These include upset stomach, diarrhea, and allergic reactions. Likewise, when you take antibiotics often this can result to antibiotic resistant bacterial infections. Usually, the body can overcome cough and colds naturally especially when caused by virus. Antibiotics for bronchitis is only beneficial once bacterial infection which is manifested by high fever. When this occurs, the body must be aided in fighting off the infection. Briefly, antibiotics for bronchitis is only beneficial when it assists in stopping the spread of bacteria. Antibiotics for bronchitis can prevent further complications like pneumonia.

Several antibiotics are suggested by physicians,among them: amoxicillin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, doxycycline, erythromycin and combination of trimethoprin and sulfamethoxazole. These medicines are can be in capsule or liquid form and different dosage. Only a health professional can issue a real prescription when buying such medicines. Similarly, doctors can properly recommend the correct intake of medicine. It must be kept in mind that when it comes to antibiotics, more is not necessarily better. These are synthetic products that can cause different side effects depending on the individuals tolerance. Food like dairy products as well beverages like alcohol should not be taken with some antibiotics. On the contrary, some antibiotics must be taken along with food. Thus,only a physician can advise you properly regarding the use of antibiotics. Sadly, the majority of patients wrongly believe that antibiotics for bronchitis is the best recourse. Aside from antibiotics for bronchitis, there are several natural and effective treatment for antibiotics which can be more affordable and effective. Natural is better and more effective.

How to Deal With Bronchitis in Children

Children are normally frisky,active and love playing outdoors with their friends. They are fond of exploring the natural environment which makes them exposed to a lot allergens and pollutants. Moreover, children often dismiss the weather and would go out whether it’s sunny or rainy. For this reason, it is expected that colds and cough appear that can lead to bronchitis in children. The symptoms of bronchitis in children often manifest as runny nose, sore throats and slight fever. Suddenly, the child feels weak and complains of feeling cold most of the time. Sooner, children experience dry cough at the start since breathing becomes difficult due to clogged nose. Soon enough the cough eventually loosens and the lungs try to expel them. A wheezing sound is also an indication of possible bronchitis in children.

Parents should not get stressed because there are several over the counter medications that can be used in treating acute bronchitis in children. The purpose of most cough syrups is to dissolve the mucus and expel it. At the same time, some aspirin can help in bringing down fever and relieving minor headache that kids feel due to a clogged nose. In most cases, parents are very disturbed seeing their children sleepless or having difficulty in breathing due to bronchitis in children. When this happens, a humidifier or a vaporizer can help clear nasal passages effectively. The smell of eucalyptus is very soothing for those who have colds.

Parents should also keep in mind about bronchitis in children is that children must take lots of beverages like water or fruit juices. Bronchitis in children is one of the leading cause of missed school days. Sick children are often advised to take a rest so their bodies can recover although some would still prefer to play despite the symptoms. Other household members must always wash their hands since bronchitis in children can easily be spread. If the symptoms do not disappear after several days, medical attention should be immediately sought. It is most likely that bacterial infection is present ,then the doctor would prescribe antibiotics. Bronchitis in children can be treated as long as you follow the aforementioned tips.