CHINA

Tourism in China has greatly expanded over the last few decades since the beginning of reform and opening. The emergence of a newly rich middle class and an easing of restrictions on movement by the Chinese authorities are both fueling this travel boom. China has become one of the world's most-watched and hottest outbound tourist markets. The world is on the cusp of a sustained Chinese outbound tourism boom.

China is the world's fourth largest country for inbound tourism. The number of overseas tourists was 55 million in 2007. Foreign exchange income was 41.9 billion U.S. dollars, the world's fifth largest in 2007. The number of domestic tourist visits totaled 1.61 billion, with a total income of 777.1 billion yuan.

According to the WTO, in 2020, China will become the largest tourist country and the fourth largest for overseas travel. In terms of total outbound travel spending, China is currently ranked fifth and is expected to be the fastest growing in the world from 2006 to 2015, jumping into the number two slot for total travel spending by 2015.

The most popular tourist attraction in China holidays is the Great Wall of China. Also popular are the Forbidden City in Beijing, which was the center of Chinese Imperial power, and the Terracotta Army of the Qin Dynasty Emperor's mausoleum in Xi'an, a vast collection of full-size terracotta statues of Chinese Imperial soldiers and others.

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LEMBANG - WEST JAVA

Lembang is a cool mountainous town North of Bandung. It is popular with local tourists for its refreshing climate and the proximity to the Tangkuban Prahu volcano, Bandung 's main tourist attraction. Even though Lembang in itself is doesn't have that much to offer, it is worth a daytrip to savor some local specialties and gawk at the beautiful panoramas on the way.

There are four roads that lead to Lembang from Bandung . A steep and meandering road departs from Dago Bengkok (after the angkot terminal take the left fork), there's a new road that is even steeper that is on the left side just after the terminal, but make sure your vehicle can cope with the climbs.

Jalan Ciumbuleuit also connects to Lembang but the fastest way is through the road that goes to Sethiabudi, this road has more traffic but is more easily accessible than the others. Angkots (minivans) saying Lembang will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to get there, but to really enjoy the views it is suggested to go either with private car or with motorcycle.

Lembang itself is a scruffy, busy place with a lot of traffic, street vendors and markets. Because the volcanic soil that makes up the rolling hills around this area is extremely fertile, horticultural and agricultural products are abundant. Corn, rambutan (hairy fruits), strawberries, orchids and bonsai trees can be found everywhere. On Sundays Lembang is usually packed with families conducting Indonesia 's single most favourite weekend activities: tasting snacks and local specialties.

Other favourites include sate kelinci (rabbit satay) and susu murni (fresh cowmilk). Furry rabbits can be found at street stalls everywhere, soon to be put on a stick and barbequed for your pleasure. Cow milk is sold at various places, the biggest being Kencana Lembang, where you can drink milk or yoghurt in old converted cow stables and also see the process of milking the cows.

If you have green hands Lembang is the place to be, plants and flowers are considered to be among the best and relatively cheap. Several botanical gardens sell plants ranging from tiny bonsai trees to 2 meter high palm trees.

Near Lembang there are some forests and waterfalls that can be visited. The hot springs of Maribaya resort have been tapped into a public pool and form an ultimate relaxing pastime, although it can be quite crowded on weekends.

Staying over in Lembang is apparently quite popular and the town is sprawling with hotels of every category. Among the most well known are Grand Hotel Lembang and Putri Gunung. There is enough to see and do in the surroundings, but unfortunately Lembang itself is far from charming. It makes for a nice daytrip though, and if you enjoy snacking and stunning views it's a place most conveniently located.

Source : Streetdirectory.com

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PUNCAK HIGHLAND - WEST JAVA

Puncak is the popular name for the area surrounding the peak of Mt.Gede-Pangrango, located in the Bogor-Cianjur-Sukabumi regencies, in the province of West Java, Indonesia. Puncak, literally translates to Peak, is a weekend getaway that has beautiful view of tea plantation. Located about 100 KM South of Jakarta, West Java, Indonesia, Puncak swarms with hotels and mountain resorts.

This area is a popular holiday area for the residents of Jakarta, the capital city, and its satellite cities. It has fresh air and mountain scenery.

Two to three hour drive from Jakarta. Take the Jagorawi toll road to Puncak. Usually heavy inbound traffic on long weekends. There is also traveling car from airport to Bandung , but ask the driver first is the car will pass Puncak or not. Because there is another road highway name Cipularang which shorter road to Bandung and this highway does not pass through Puncak.

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