Casuarina (Casuarina Sp) and rows of trees keben (Barringtonia Sp) of the green island of Rakata calming interior. At the shoreline, a stretch of sea water spinach (Ipomoea pes-caprae) covering the sand. Suddenly there was a rustling sound, a lizard quickly infiltrate into the bushes. In such a vibrant life on the island.
Unimaginable, 128 years ago, the green island is an empty land devoid of life. Behind his charm, a remote island in the Sunda Strait that keep dark history. On August 27, 1883, Krakatau erupted superb, leaving only a third of his body that became known as the island of Rakata. Scattering of ashes, pumice, and other material covering the island and destroy the life on it.
However, it was the eruption of Krakatoa and history that attracts people from all over the world to come. Since long the eruption of Krakatoa like magnets that suck travelers. In fact, in May 1883, when Krakatoa erupted first time, a group of curious tourists who come there on a cruise.
Company Netherland Indies Steamship Company, which offers a "package" Krakatau sailed with the steamer Governor General Loudon directly attacked passengers. A total of 86 passengers were taken around Krakatoa, just a week after Krakatoa erupted for the first time in May 1883. In fact, the captain GG Loudon, TH Lindeman, providing a small boat to get participants to gain a foothold on the island of Krakatoa was bubbling.
"The view was fantastic island: the island was bare and dry, rich tropical forests have disappeared, and the smoke rising from the island as out of the oven," wrote AL Schuurman, who participated in a Loudon GG ship.
Sight of smoke coming out of Krakatoa and the peak in the dense forest are burned by the eruption of the rich charming Dutch in Jakarta. GG Loudon ship carrying passengers was routinely passed around Krakatoa. In fact, when Krakatau erupted last great and send a tsunami on August 27, 1883, GG Loudon was in the Sunda Strait carrying 111 passengers. The ship was saved by good fortune.
As the history of its predecessor, the smoke and incandescent rocks thrown at Anak Krakatau is also a major tourist attraction. Since emerging in 1927, to be excellent at Anak Krakatau Krakatau island complex. In fact, tourism in the region Anyer-Carita beach to Lampung not be excited without the carrying capacity and activity of Anak Krakatau.
Chairman of the Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants Association (PHRI) Banten Province Ahmad Alam Sari said, when the wave height is not the Sunda Strait and sunny weather, tourists can be taken to see the full panorama of Anak Krakatau, or with molten lava burst like fireworks in the evening when the volcano is currently active.
Samuel (30) from Italy came to the coast Pasauran, Banten, with three friends, including those interested in the activity of Krakatau. They had heard about the history of the magnitude of the eruption of Krakatoa and spent about two days traveling in the region.
"We can imagine the magnitude of the eruption of Krakatoa. Moreover, in Italy, we also have volcanoes with big eruptions like Etna and Vesuvius that buried Pompeii. In the world, not least the famous Krakatau name," he said.
Not only in Indonesia, the beauty, history, and the phenomena of eruption volcanoes create the potential to be a tourist destination in the world since time immemorial. Haraldur Sigurdsson of the University of Rhode Island and Rosaly Lopes-Gautier of Fet Propulsion Laboratory in writing, Volcanoes and Tourism, said, in the 17th century and the 18th, the aristocrats visited Vesuvius and Etna as a great tour package.
In Europe, Thomas Cook opened the special railway line to the top of Vesuvius in 1880 which carries a lot of the aristocracy. The line is broken three times as lava flows and not rebuilt after the eruption in 1944. Cook also faces the threat of Italian local people who had been earning from transporting tourists to the top of the mountain by sedan chairs.
Travelers to visit the volcano with a variety of reasons, one of which is seen from near the forces of nature. Tension watch from a nearby volcano was erupting attract millions of people every year to visit the mountains of active eruption, such as Kilauea (Hawaii), Stromboli (Italy) and Arenal (Costa Rica).
But behind his charm, a trip to Anak Krakatau is still dangerous. Head of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) Surono said, in the 1980s, teaching at the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) of the United States (U.S.) was killed while watching the eruption of Anak Krakatau.
Therefore, the Chairman of the Mount Anak Krakatau monitoring post Anton S Tripambudi remind tourists and fishermen to remain in compliance with an appeal so as not to close to Anak Krakatau within a radius of 2 kilometers. This distance limitation refers to the experience of last time Anak Krakatau eruption could throw a stone as far as 1.5 kilometers, which has reached the waters around this island. Travelers are prohibited from landing to the island of Anak Krakatau.
"In the case of Mount Anak Krakatau (GAK) may be landed if the normal active status or in Level I. However, after entering Level II (alert), the volcano should not be approached," said Anton.
However, the 2-mile limit is often ignored.
"Information from the boat people, there are sometimes encountered tourists, especially foreigners, who landed at GAK," said Anton.
At the end of August 2011 was seen a few foreign tourists landed and encamped at Anak Krakatau despite the ban on approaching the island's volcano at a radius of 2 km was applied. Not only that, a few other tourists seen swimming in the warm sea water.
In fact, the current status of this mountain was raised to Alert (Level III) on 30 September 2011, visitors who want to Krakatau was also reduced. Volcanic activity in the magma chamber is very high in recent weeks also did not cause hesitant travelers.
Hayun, manager of an inn on the island Sebesi, South Lampung, said the majority of tourists, especially foreign tourists, who visit to his claim was challenged when active Anak Krakatau see up close. They do not quite see the bursts of lava from the crater of Anak Krakatau in the evening can be seen from the island of Krakatau Islands Sebesi or complex.
In fact, the Krakatau eruption was not only the beauty and history of spooky. On Krakatau, travelers can not only adventure and the opportunity to watch the eruption of Krakatoa spewed moments of his bowels, but also can enjoy the flora and fauna that live on the islands.
Moreover, the cluster of islands covering an area of ​​13 605 hectares of Krakatau is entered into the area and nature reserve by UNESCO as World Heritage (1991) and is a natural laboratory for the theory of succession.
On Krakatau, travelers can learn how life evolved on land grows ever sterile of life. Tourism and government actors should be able to intelligently capture the opportunities that this has not been widely explored

Segara Anak, Great Lakes Hot Water

Bathing in Lake Segara Anak is not as cold as one might imagine. Surface water of the lake at an altitude of 2003 meters above sea level was much warmer than room temperature. This is the magic of Segara Anak, one of the largest volcanic lake in the world's hot.
Daily temperature of the surface water of Lake Segara Anak 20-22 degrees celsius. The water temperature is much warmer than room temperature 14-15 degrees celsius.
Wonders of the lake in the caldera of Mount Rinjani which has a volume of up to 1.02 cubic kilometer is intriguing number of experts. In 2008-2009, researchers of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) and Université Libre de Bruxelles conduct geochemical and thermodynamic studies on the Segara Anak.
The results, found the hot water (hydrothermal) of the magma chamber heating that goes into Lake Segara Anak. "The temperature of the surface of the lake which is well above room temperature, which is unusual for this height, reflecting a large supply of the hydrothermal fluid," wrote Akhmad Solikhin, PVMBG member of staff involved in the study.
Supply of hot water into the lake, according to Solikhin, identified from the geochemical composition of the hydrothermal showing the number of elements, such as clorid, sodium, potassium, and sulfate.
Indicators of volcanic
Monitoring Compass Lake Segara Anak while wading in late September 2011 found the number of bubbles or gas bubbles in the lake. This indicates a leak at the bottom of the lake of volcanic systems. In fact, discovered the hot springs flowing from the foot to Lake Segara Anak Barujari.
Research conducted Solikhin et al (2009) also found a close relationship between increasing temperature hot water in Lake Segara Anak Barujari and increased volcanic activity.
During monitoring, 10-14 April 2009, an increase in temperature and chemistry in a number of hot springs. Increased acidity of the water in two hot springs were believed due to increased gas sulfur dioxide (SO2) from the magma chamber Barujari. Signs that occur prior to the May 2009 eruption Barujari can be seen from the significant changes in temperature and chemical content of water in a hot spring and lake water surface temperature rise.
Water circulation
On the other hand, although rich with elements of the hydrothermal chemistry, lake with a maximum depth of 230 meters has very good water cycle. Thus, hydrothermal elements that go into the lake through a leak around the cone Barujari system does not settle to the bottom of the lake and harmful to life.
Rain water that enters the lake also helps thin the content of chemical elements. The study also found that the lake water is a mixture of hydrothermal and rainwater.
Lake water circulation takes place when the density of surface water is higher than at the base. Water with a high density layer of water will hit the bottom so the water moves upward and downward moving surface. Water circulation process is ongoing so that well-mixed water conditions.
Water with such good circulation, and the acidity of the neutral condition, suitable for breeding fish.
Volcanologists from the Directorate of Geology (London), Kama Kusumadinata, who examined this lake in 1969, recommended the cultivation of fish in the lake. At that time there has been no fish habitat in Lake Segara Anak.
In 1985, West Nusa Tenggara provincial government finally sowing the seeds of fish in this lake. Currently, tilapia fish species breed rapidly and amounted to millions and making a living from some residents.
Head of Post Monitoring Mount Rinjani in Sembalun Mutaharlim witness ecological changes in Rinjani. He first climbed Rinjani in 1980. "At that time there has been no fish in the lake, but a lot of grouse in the lake and the deer in the woods Rinjani. At that time, along the route often see big deer, "recalls Mutaharlim.
In those days, not many people who hike to the lake at an altitude of 2003 masl it. "Once the fish stocked in 1985 during Mr. Billy (NTB Governor of the time), more and more people are climbing into the lake. Initially, they only catch fish, but then catch grouse, deer hunting as well, "he said.
Now the remaining few grouse. Mutaharlim estimated 100 individuals remaining. As we were sailing down the leg Barujari, only seen three pairs of grouse. Deer were no longer found along the route. Human intervention has changed the ecology of Lake Segara Anak.

Sea water slowly expelled from the city life Singkil, Aceh. Homes, schools, police stations, mosques and ambles into the earth, then filled with water. Singkil city will likely meet the fate of the old Singkil first lost in the Indian Ocean.
The morning was clear skies after days of rain before sending clouds. We go downstream along the river by boat Singkil to look for traces of the old town of Singkil.
NYPA and dense mangroves bordering the banks of the river. About 45 minutes boat, we arrived at the beach. Rows of trees to dry. Roots and partially submerged tree trunks.
"This used to be dense forest. After the earthquake in 2004 and 2005, ground down. Dead trees. Mangroves that can only grow, "said Alimuddin (64), so new residents Singkil guide. "Here there are graves, rail, wells, and the walls of the house," said Alimuddin. He then led us into the swamp to find the ruins of the abandoned city.
Dense growth of mangroves, mud up to Sepaha it. "The last here three years ago not selebat this," said Alimuddin confusion.
Alimuddin suddenly running quickly disappeared in the dense mangroves. We were separated and scattered. Of forest, Rai appeared Radi (34). "Wow, you guys scare the birds. There will not catch today, "complained the man from the village of Ujung, Singkil.
Rai Singkil bird hunting in a long time since 10 years ago. He made a cage trap that was given coconut water and eat an. Each bird will not be able to get out. Only birds and fish that can live in the old Singkil.
"In fact, this is where our grandparents used to live," he said. Rai then pointed digging holes gaping at some point. "That old man looking to dig for treasure," he said.
Rai took a long time looking for relics Singkil. In swamps surrounded by dense mangroves, we found the ruins of the old cemetery surrounded by a brick wall. We also found coins bearing the Dutch East Indies dates to 1834, broken tiles and glass, old wells, and the ruins of a brick wall. "It's just a rest. Said the old, formerly of the side walls there are many rows of houses, "Rai said, pointing to the Indian Ocean.
"Galoro"
There was no record of exactly when Singkil time lost. However, based on records Moehammad Saleh in his autobiography, the tale of Perasaian Hidoep and Only, 1965, until the mid-19th century, the city of Singkil still one of the trade center.
Around the beginning of 1861, Saleh sailed to Singkil to trade. He spent a couple of days, then sailed back to Pariaman. "Not long ago I was in Pariaman, returning from Singkil, broke the news that the market Singkil drowned, buried since the surge (sea water) which accompanied the earthquake ride," wrote Saleh. The quake was called Saleh has sunk burnt-Djawi Djawi near the Singkil. "Not only that demolished Singkil market, burial ground was swept away by flood slippery. Many people fled, fled to the south Singkil body, the tip of onion. "
In recording the people, long abandoned because of torn Singkil galoro, the big wave that hit the mainland after the earthquake. "The story is repeatedly told galoro our parents," said Datuk Amir Alam (74), resident mill, Singkil. "We just found out galoro was like a tsunami after the earthquake, December 26, 2004."
After the hit galoro, long Singkil residents moved away from the mouth of the Kuala Singkil. The new settlement now known as Singkil. "The first settlement at the far end mill near the river, and then spread to the tip of the Village, Village Market, and Sarok Island."
New Singkil
However, the city of Singkil (new) next to the river, about 45 minutes from Singkil old motor boating, again sank after being hit by an earthquake on December 26, 2004, followed by an earthquake on March 28, 2005.
After two earthquakes, the land subsidence in Singkil. Researchers earthquake Indonesia Institute of Sciences, Danny Hilman, find, land in Singkil fell 0.5 meters to 1.5 meters due to the earthquake in March 2005.
At least 3,000 houses submerged in sea water Singkil a result of declining soil. Residents forced to leave the house. Some of them come back and raise the floor of their house.
Abnan Beams (44), resident mill village, Singkil, said it was three times the raised floor of his house. As a result, the distance floors and ceilings are getting shorter.
"In fact, the fish market here first, so crowded," said Bakarudin (63), a resident of the Village Market, Singkil, lamenting that his city continues to sink.
The loss of the old and the sinking of Singkil Singkil (new) proves the power of nature in altering the course of history.

This is the Eight Wonders of Nature in NTT

 The province of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has eight wonders of nature and a capital base in the tourism sector to become the locomotive of economic development community. "Eight of these natural wonders is island of Flores, who has five points of the wonders of the world and Samana Santa, the island of Sumba with Nihiwatu Beach, with Alor Alor Dive, and Nemberalla Beach on Rote Ndao district," said Secretary of the Governor of NTT Assistance Team, Edu Hena, in Kupang , Monday (05/21/2012).

According to Edu, assistance team has done a variety of discussions and is currently completing NTT Tourism Master Plan that has been presented. "The draft master plan, we find there are eight wonders that can be owned by NTT and economic powerhouse," he said.
It is the eighth natural wonder of Komodo Island, where dragons dwell there reptiles and has been designated as the Komodo National Park (KNP); Pink Beach on the island of Padar, Komodo Island area, and Park Island Riung 17. In the Garden 17 Riung Island has the feel of sand and crystal clear sea water, sea garden and the hills that create an atmosphere that is different from other areas in the country.
Other natural wonders on the island of Flores is a lake three colors in the area of ​​Mount Flores, who become the focus of world tourism. Furthermore Maumere Marine Park and the beautiful bay enclosed by a very comfortable life in it.
While three other natural wonders of the Nihiwatu Beach on the island of Sumba with the best and most beautiful beaches (including 10 in Asia), giving the impression of a very elegant and exclusive because of the location and sea waves can be utilized for the surfers. This natural wonder gives the impression of a strong individualistic and promise to every tourist to come back again, he said.
Next, the island of Alor has specificity, ie the natural beauty of the sea, more than a dozen points to be aligned with the submarine underwater Caribbean Islands. This site is protected by the island of Timor to become the world's best places to dive after the Caribbean.
"Finally, Nemberalla Beach. Natural wonders that exist on the island of Rote is included in the international calender of events for surfing (surfing), so placing it as second only to Hawaii, although still very low in the availability of facilities and infrastructure," said Edu Hena.
In addition to having eight wonders of nature, NTT also has the potential of cultural tourism and other traditions are no less interesting to other areas in Indonesia, even the world.
Hena Edu expect, with the Tourism Master Plan NTT will be able to encourage the development of tourism and a regional economic powerhouse.

Flores, Birds chirping Unattended Souls

Lake Flores in the morning,

Nearly a century ago, exactly 95 years ago, researchers from the Netherlands named BCChMM van Suchtelen was very amazed by the phenomenon of water color changes in the three craters Flores in Ende, Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, that.
Ata Polo Tiwu craters often show red color of blood, Crater Nua Muri Koo Fai Tiwu emerald green, and Crater Tiwu Mbupu white Ata. Because of that, Flores is also often called Lake tricolor. However, occasionally three colors can also be uniform.
While visiting in mid-July 2010, Nua Muri Koo Fai Tiwu light green blue, green Polo Tiwu Ata, Ata and Tiwu Mbupu blackish green moss.
Among scientists and researchers to provide information, the chemical form of salt, iron, sulfate, other minerals, as well as the gas pressure of volcanic activity, and sunlight into the factors causing discoloration of the lake on Mount Flores (1690 meters) away.
"Seismic activity can also change the color of the crater lake. This geological phenomenon is quite unique and the only place in Lake Flores in Indonesia. In other countries, including Italy and New Zealand, if any, change in color of the water is not significant and colorful, "said researcher Research Center for Geotechnology Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Jakarta, Eko Soebowo, Wednesday (08/18/2010) .
Flores is not the only charm. In an area of ​​5356.5 hectares was also easy to find various types of rare flora and wildlife. Bird garugiwa (Pachycephala nudigula) is one of them. Black-headed birds, while the body, wings, tail yellowish green until it is there are endemic species found nowhere else.
When the summit crater of Lake Flores, at around 8:00 pm, there was a variety of unique sounds garugiwa male bird. Lively and loud bird chirping loudly, shouted, decorate morning at Lake Flores, like a friendly welcome, and even helped to warm the atmosphere.
Garugiwa common birds chirping from 06.00 to 10.00 only. This bird varies according to altitude. In the area of ​​1,400 meters above sea level, there are about 12 chirp. According to locals, at an altitude over 1,400 meters above sea level, there are birds which have about 17 chirp.
"Therefore, there are people here who call this ghost bird. In addition to hard to catch, birds were also only appears when certain, "said Muhammad joints, coffee traders around the monument monitoring of Lake Flores.
Radar natural
For local communities, water discoloration crater Lake Flores also described as a radar, the first sign of impending events of this country. They believe, an earthquake that occurred in Tasikmalaya, West Java and West Sumatra, and even the outbreak of any Century Bank scandal, preceded by a color change of crater water.
Lio ethnic communities in the region believe that Flores is a very sacred place, the village spirits of their ancestors. This corresponds to the name of Flores which consists of the word "keli" which means "mountain" and the word "quality" which means "gathering". That is why they are visiting the area would not dare to talk carelessly or arrogant.
At the gate (Konde Pere) in writing, the lake is maintained Konde Ratu, the ruler. Ata Polo Tiwu lake is "headquarters" spirits of evil, Lake Nua Muri Koo Fai Tiwu a "palace" spirit of youth, while Lake Tiwu Mbupu Ata is the "throne" spirit of a wise elder.
Singers and musicians Ende, Eman Bata Dede, a resident of Village Onekore, Middle District of Ende, was strongly convinced that trust.
Natural wonders of Lake Flores, as well as a real myth embodied by various magical rituals, providing exceptional charm. Not to mention in there too Flores arboretum, mini forest area of ​​4.5 hectares, where the growth of various types of trees that represent the potential biodiversity of the Park Flores. There are a variety of flora that numbers 78 species, grouped in 36 tribes.
Among the endemic flora exist Flores, the Onga uta (Begonia kelimutuensis) and turuwara (Rhododendron renschianum), in addition to arngoni plants (Vaccinium varingiaefolium) a small white flowers and black fruit when ripe, the local people called food the gods. Also herd of long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) who need help the handler to see it.
No less interesting, impassable terrain along the road from the town of Ende to Lake Flores: winding, up and down the high hill, with only a 4 meter wide road. On the right side of the road is a cliff. Anyone who visits Lake Flores will get a separate sensation.
Unfortunately, Lake Flores has not promoted optimally. In fact, many people want to enjoy the natural charm of Indonesia which is phenomenal.

Moni, Flores Toward the Gate

.Travelers enjoy the charm of Lake Flores in Ende, East Nusa Tenggara, Sunday (08/01/2012). Flores lake that offers natural beauty is still the main attraction of domestic and foreign tourists visiting the island of Flores.

 A volunteer rangers capture the color change to one of three crater lakes of Mount Flores in Ende, Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Tuesday (19/10). Crater lakes are usually black half begins to change color to green. Rare phenomenon of change is related to the volcanic activity of Mount Flores


One of the beauty that is Lake Flores Flores offered. This lake has a water colors that can change at any time. Tourists from all over the world are willing to cross the ocean only to see the extent of this natural phenomenon. Before embarking on the journey to Flores in the morning, you'll want to stay overnight in Moni. Moni has some accommodation with facilities that can provide comfort to your stay.
Once you start the ascent of Wolowaru, the view from the other side of the hill shows the pulse of life in which some farmers are busy taking care of their fields. At the junction of the road, you can find a motorcycle in front of the Hotel Flores Sare. From there, a small village called Moni located about 52 kilometers from Ende ready to welcome you.
Frequent visits of tourists make this village as a center of accommodation in the area. Rows of stalls lined the sweet and accommodation in one of the village. Although most of the tourists who would normally direct to Flores took a guide from Labuan Bajo, Ende, or Maumere but some accommodation here also provides a package trip to Flores or to other parts of the island.
The air is cold, terracing, and pecan trees (Aleurites moluccana) makes lush scenery in Moni looks beautiful and green. Moni is also a suitable place as a stop before heading to Labuan Bajo and Maumere. The village does not have a fancy restaurant, but except in Flores Ecolodge offers hospitality, humility, and a comfortable resting place.
Ascent
Ascend is the main reason for tourists who come to Moni or Ende. Local people believe that Lake Flores is a place beristirahatnya souls of the dead. Flores is surrounded by areas of forest plant species rarely found elsewhere on Flores.
In addition to the pine trees, there are also ferns, a plant genus Casuarina, redwood and edelweiss flower. Pine forests thrive in the height of Mount Flores. Another area of ​​barren mountain with sand and soil that is unstable. Local people believe that Mount Flores is Kramat mountain and is a source of fertility to the soil around it.
Although you can capture stunning scenery in places that have not visited yet you are not advised to do so. Some parts of the park is forbidden to visit because of the instability of geothermal energy. Some people have lost and many reporters who died when attempting to these places. It is safest trekking around the area between Moni and Mount Flores.
You can stop in and Wiwipemo Koanara Flores district. There are several traditional houses you might want to see and learn. Traditional homes can also be found in Nggela, Tents and Wolojita in the District and in Wolopoto Wolojita, Ngalupolo, Onelako, Puutuga, roga, and Sokoria Ndona District.
There are some usual ritual of local communities and can give you the experience and cultural interaction directly. Traditional rituals are still practiced in Lio Lio, like Tu Tau which is a ritual harvest in October, January or February. Jala is a ritual cleansing Gaga road in March. Wari ritual Pare is drying rice in April or May. Monetary Nai is the ritual of picking coconuts and areca nut in February (especially for coconut harvest in March, June, September, and December). Wa'u Tosa is a traditional ritual of rice milling around September or October. There is also Nggera Kibi ritual to cleanse the rice around October.

Inhabited since the Valley of the Golden Age megalithic

Indonesia - The valleys that lies along the Bukit Barisan has long been known for its fertility. The valley is continued, as if making a line connecting the island of Sumatra split lengthwise.Starting from the Valley Semangko in Lampung, connect to the Suoh, Kepahiang, Ketahun, Kerinci, Muaralabuh, Singkarak, Maninjau, Rokan Left, Batang Gadis, Angkola, Alas, Tangse, Seulimeum, to Banda Aceh.Surrounded by old volcanoes, 11 of which are still active, these valleys are where the rich volcanic ash mengendapnya nutrients. Water is abundant and the most unstoppable in the basin formed by the movement of soil or because of an ancient volcanic eruption.These lakes were created; Suoh and five lakes in the Lake Ranau (Lampung), Lake Kerinci (Jambi), Lake Singkarak, Above Lake, and Lake Under (West Sumatera), Lake Toba (North Sumatra), and Lake Sea Fresh (Aceh ).Rows of the valley is also rich in natural hot springs and geothermal energy store. Based on research results Junghun F (1854), the USGS said, at least there are 23 hot springs along the valley of Bukit Barisan which could potentially generate geothermal energy. Survey conducted by Geothermal Energy New Zealand Ltd in 1986 even find 37 hot springs.Not only that. Coincides with a row of the valley, snaking "gold belt" which exalt the Svarnadwipa Sumatra. From the Sanskrit word that means "Island of Gold" as stated in the Nalanda inscription carved in 860 AD.William Marsden, in his book, History of Sumatra (1783), mentions, Sumatra, once thought to be Ophir, where the fleet of Solomon (Sulaiman) takes charge of gold and ivory. Although allegations of Ophir by Marsden unfounded, the island is indeed matchless gold producer.These precious metals, mainly found in the center of the island along the Bukit Barisan as the Martabe, Bangko, Rawas, Lebong, and Christmas. Minangkabau regarded as the richest region so that the Dutch are many established lodges in Padang.According to Marsden, in the Minangkabau region alone there were not less than 1,200 gold mine site."A total of 399 600 283 000-gram gram per year stored in Padang, on the open market or in private hands. Meanwhile, approximately 28,000 grams Nalabu marketed, in Natal approximately 23 000 g, and at 17 000 g Mukomuko," Marsden wrote.TM Van Leuwen give more complete picture about the production of precious metals from Sumatra. Writing in the Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 50th edition, 1994, he estimates, the total gold dredged from Sumatra since the exploration of the Netherlands until 1994, reaching as much as 91 tons and 937 tons of silver.Long before the Dutch came from Sumatra and gold dredge, gold trade of the island is of long standing. Barus in the book A Thousand Years Ago (2003), Marie-France Dupoizat and Daniel Perret said the rover Tome Pires at the beginning of the 16th century noted that gold is traded at all ports in Sumatra, especially in Barus.The old port on the west coast of North Sumatra has been mentioned in the work of Ptolemy, Geographia, written in the 2nd century AD.Besides looking for camphor, the merchants of various countries are also chasing a lot of gold traded in the harbor this native. Precious metal is thought to be brought from the rivers that disgorge around the Bukit Barisan.With all the abundance of life, no wonder that these valleys have long attracted people to settle there. Traces of large stones or megalithic culture are widely scattered along the valley is a proof that early humans had settled there.Archaeologists from the Archaeological Institute of Palembang, Tri Marhaeni S Budisantosa, said the findings on the island of Sumatra megalithic mostly scattered in the valleys along the Bukit Barisan, ranging from Liwa in Lampung until around Kerinci in Jambi."For example, megalithic in Kerinci and Merangin parallel to the Bukit Barisan found along 80 km," he said.In the region have been found 21 megalithic cylindrical, and spherical single megalithic. In addition, also found the tomb complex of six jars. "They chose this area, mainly because the soil was fertile, suitable for farming."The amount of rock andesite, volcanic rock types, which is the raw material megalithic, contributed to the flourishing of this old culture around the Kerinci valley and Merangin. In addition, a plateau surrounded by hills is also very suitable for developing their belief systems. Proponents believe this megalithic culture, the high mountains is where the ancestors dwell.Budi Wiyana, colleagues at the Institute for Archaeology Budi Palembang, also cited the same reason by the discovery of the distribution of megalithic sites in Lahat and Pagar Alam, South Sumatra."Human beings inhabit this area as fertile, and other practical reasons as close to water sources and raw materials abundant igneous rock andesite," said Budi Wiyana.According to Budi, megalithic tradition found in this region is very comprehensive, ranging from the dolmen, menhir, statues, statue menhirs, terraces, a stone mortar, stone dakon, and flat stones. This megalithic relics prove that the area had been inhabited by humans since at least 2500 years before Christ.That afternoon, Budi shows a row of large stones shaped table (dolmen) is lying in the verdant rice fields in Tegurwangi, Pagar Alam. Nearby, there are four large stones, each carved mengggambarkan middle man riding an elephant.In addition to demonstrating the progress of culture then, be the ability to tame elephants, carved stone also proved that people are familiar with that era of metal casting. "To make the carvings in the stone, almost certainly using a metal," said Budi.Giant stones were also found in the lush coffee plantations owned by Robinson (64) in the village of Tanjung Batu, Keca Tanjung Sakti, Lahat regency. Dolmen stones measuring about 2 meters long and 1 meter wide was superimposed on the small stones in the four corners.Pajarbulan Village, Subdistrict Tanjung Sakti, Lahat regency, megalithic relics discovered in the backyard of the house residents. These rocks are commonly referred to as the stone pillars six residents. Archaeologists call it rock tetralit.Tetralit usefulness is still being debated by experts. "Some experts argue, is the foundation or base with tetralit pole home," said Budi. This opinion arose because at the top of the stone pillar there is a kind of overdraft is expected to put a pole house