The ASEAN trip completed on 1st February 2014

I have completed  the ASEAN trips. The last ASEAN country I just visited is Laos. I visited Vientiane and Luang Prabang but mostly I spend in the latter city.
So, the whole ASEAN countries I have visited since 2011 :
 ...Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Philiphine, Thailand (five times), Malaysia (many times, mostly transit here before flying to other countries), Singapore and of course, Indonesia.
My48-page-pasport is almost full and it may need a replacement. Even, it will be expired in 2016.

In addition to ASEAN, I have visited China (twice) and Australia (used to live here).

My next trip will be :...........will tell you later :)

However I have not posted both writings and photos of my last trip to Luang Prabang. I will do it later.
I am quiet busy because.....uhm...can't tell you now...anyway...Good nite!

Everything You Need to Know About Logam Mulia PT Antam

all of the sources of the article  and the pictures below I took from kaskus and antamgold. So, the credit is owned by them

versi pertama mungkin LM100gram thn 1994 yg saya upload picnya (hal52&72)
versi kedua mungkin LM25gram thn 2001 yg saya upload picnya (hal52&72)
versi ketiga yg horizontal ada di pageone
versi keempat yg vertikal (tegak) ada di pageone

http://www.kaskus.us/showthread.php?t=9363024

http://www.kaskus.us/showpost.php?p=461893104&postcount=1029

ciri sertifikat antam
http://www.kaskus.us/showpost.php?p=310452203&postcount=1592

1. Kalo nyimpen di rumah di tempat yg kering aja Bro dan jangan ditindihin benda berat, soale emas murni kan lunak kalo ditiban atau jatuh bs2 penyok/patah, sayang kan berkurang sedikit nilai jualnya. Simpen aja di tmpr arsip ente/di tempat yg org gak duga. Trus, banyak2 berdoa deh...

2. Bisnis emas bisnis konvensional Gan kebanyakan, jd ente kenalin dulu deh toko emas dan pemiliknya. Cari toko emas yg besar dan dah lama. Pelajari dulu emas Antam yg asli itu gmn. Minta timbang emas ente, trus minta liatin pake sinar UV sertifikatnya, krn sertifikatnya pake security printing. Tanda keaslian sertifikat Antam itu minimal ada 3: Pertama, ada tanda 'bulu sapi' semacam goresan pendek acak berwarna merah/hijau. Bisa dilihat jg dng cara diterawang ke arah sinar matahari. Kedua, ada invisible printing bbrp blok warna hijau di bagian baris data sertifikat Antam dan jg logo perusahaan Logam Mulia Antam berwarna hijau. Tanda ini hrs diliat dng lampu UV. Ketiga, ada watermark gambar seperti dua huruf C saling kait, ini sebenernya logo huruf S dari percetakan sertifikat Antam, PT. Swadharma. Bs jg diliat dng diterawang.

gambar sertifikat antam asli

1. Kalo nyimpen di rumah di tempat yg kering aja Bro dan jangan ditindihin benda berat, soale emas murni kan lunak kalo ditiban atau jatuh bs2 penyok/patah, sayang kan berkurang sedikit nilai jualnya. Simpen aja di tmpr arsip ente/di tempat yg org gak duga. Trus, banyak2 berdoa deh...

2. Bisnis emas bisnis konvensional Gan kebanyakan, jd ente kenalin dulu deh toko emas dan pemiliknya. Cari toko emas yg besar dan dah lama. Pelajari dulu emas Antam yg asli itu gmn. Minta timbang emas ente, trus minta liatin pake sinar UV sertifikatnya, krn sertifikatnya pake security printing. Tanda keaslian sertifikat Antam itu minimal ada 3: Pertama, ada tanda 'bulu sapi' semacam goresan pendek acak berwarna merah/hijau. Bisa dilihat jg dng cara diterawang ke arah sinar matahari. Kedua, ada invisible printing bbrp blok warna hijau di bagian baris data sertifikat Antam dan jg logo perusahaan Logam Mulia Antam berwarna hijau. Tanda ini hrs diliat dng lampu UV. Ketiga, ada watermark gambar seperti dua huruf C saling kait, ini sebenernya logo huruf S dari percetakan sertifikat Antam, PT. Swadharma. Bs jg diliat dng diterawang.

gambar sertifikat
http://www.kaskus.us/showpost.php?p=324977331&postcount=2780

more here http://www.kaskus.us/showthread.php?t=9363024


Bandung:
di index depan belum ada alternatif di bandung ya gan, coba ditambahin deh..

yang ane tau toko emas buana jl. ahmad yani, pasar kosambi deket rel jualan emas batangan..

langganan ane sih di goldsmart, ga punya toko tapi by phone ke marianto tjandra 085720365217, harganya mirip sama di logammulia jadi ga usah jauh2x ke jakarta



Share te murah di bandung
pagi agan2

ane mau sharing nih..sebelumnya ane nga ada maksud promosi gan, promosi pun ane nga dpt untung apa2, kenal aja kagak ama yg punya TE..ane cuma mau sharing..soalnya ane nemu TE yg jual LM yang ane pikir termurah di Bandung..

ane udah beli beberapa LM di TE recommend yang ada di Index (khusus di Bandung)..terus ane tanya2 temen-temen. ada namanya TE DINAR di daerah Gg. Suniaraja (Daerah ABC)..ane biasanya masuk lewat jalan alkateri, tinggal lurus doank..di sisi kiri gan..

Yang jaganya nci2..tinggal tanya aja beli LM, nanti dia buka di Safety boxnya..ada sertifikatnya juga kok..ane beli kemaren sabtu (3/6/11) yang cetakan Bulan Maret 2011.

kemaren sabtu ane beli 445rb gan, pdhl ane cek di GG 440rb..brarti dia untung 5rb aja (udah sama sertifikat lagi gan !!)...ya menurut ane paling murah, karena TE ini bener2 ngikutin real time harga emas gan..walau engga se real time Money changer..

itu aja ane mau share TE yg recommend dari ane..klo pgn lebih jelas bisa PM ane gan..

Sebelumnya ane kagak mksd promosi cuma share..kagak ada untungnye ane promosi..CUMA MAU SHARE!!!

mudah2n ane ada rezeki buat beli lagi gan

NAMA TOKO : TOKO EMAS DINAR
ALAMAT LENGKAP : GG. SUNIRAJA 5 (DEKET BELOKAN ABC) "PATOKAN JALAN ABC BANDUNG GAN, DKT SITU KOK"
NO. TLPN : 0224206434



LEBIH YAKIN ADA DI WEB INI :

http://www.apepi-indonesia.com/?page_id=1053

cari aja Toko Mas Dinar (Ctlr + F)

Jakarta
GG tuh kalo gak salah goldgram.co.id

nih alamat toko nya :

TOKO EMAS IBU KOTA
Jl. Cikini Kramat No. 1
PD. Pasar Cikini, Jakarta Pusat 10330

Telp : (021) 31931621
Fax : (021) 31926282
Atau HP : 085921072859 - Arie

website www.goldgram.co.id

mengukur keaslian emas http://www.kaskus.us/showpost.php?p=56197405&postcount=83
Kalau mau test emas secara manual, ikuti saja ilmu fisika dulu (hk. archimedes) yg pernah kita pelajari di SMP:

1. Berat jenis emas adalah 19300 kg /m3 (uda lupa.. dapat dari google). Ini artinya emas dengan ukuran 1m x 1m x 1m (panjang, lebar, tinggi) memiliki berat sebesar 19300 kg.

2. Misalkan mau test emas murni 99,9% seberat 1kg. Celupkan ke air putih (yang tawar, 1dm3 = 1 liter) dan ukur pertambahan volume air setelah dicelupkan emas 1kg atau bisa juga ukur volume air yang keluar setelah emas dicelupkan (cara yg terakhir ini harus menggunakan gelas yang terisi air yg pas penuh di bibir gelas). Pertambahan volume air atau besarnya volume air yang mengalir keluar adalah volume emas yang dicelupkan.

Hitung volume emas seharusnya:
rho (massa jenis) = m / v
19300 = 1 / v
v = 1 / 19300 m3
v = 1000 / 19300 dm3 (1 dm3 = 1 liter)
v = 1 / 19,3 liter
v = 1000 / 19,3 mililiter
v = 51,81 mililiter.

Jadi, kalau volume pertambahan volume air / volume air yang mengalir keluar setelah dicelupkan emas 1 kg adalah sekitar 51,81 mililiter, maka bisa dikatakan emas 1kg tsb adalah murni .. kalau gak murni atau ada campuran logam lain, maka volume air yang keluar pasti akan jauh di atas angka tsb, karena kebanyakan metal lainnya (besi, seng, aluminium, dll) memiliki berat jenis di bawah emas (maaf, kalau ada kesalahan hitung).

Karat itu satuan yang digunakan untuk menyatakan % kandungan emas, sedangkan gram itu menyatakan berat emasnya.

Kadar merupakan tingkat keaslian emas. Kadar emas dinyatakan dalam tetapan "karat". Emas 24 karat dinyatakan sebagai emas murni (sktr 99%). Jadi, emas 22 karat, berarti kemurniannya 22/24 x 100% = 91%. Jadi, emas 22 karat dengan berat 10 gram, mempunyai kandungan emas murni sebesar 22/24 x 10 = 9,1 gram.

Menurut SNI (Standart Nasional Indonesia) - No : SNI 13-3487-2005 standard karat emas adalah sbb:
24 K = 99,00 - 99,99%
23 K = 94,80 - 98,89%
22 K = 90,60 - 94,79%
21 K = 86,50 - 90,59%
20 K = 82,30 - 86,49%
19 K = 78,20 - 82,29%
18 K = 75,40 - 78,19%

Tapi saran aja ... kalau beli emas, lebih baik tanya kadar emasnya (dalam %), karena ada kalanya tingkat kadar emas yang dipakai toko emas berbeda dengan yang ditetapkan oleh SNI. Ada toko emas yang mengklaim emas 80% adalah emas 22 karat (padahal seharusnya di atas itu, lihat ketentuan di atas). Kalau sudah gini, customer yang rugi

Buat hitung harga emas:
1. Lihat http://kitco.com/images/live/t24_au_en_usoz_6.gif (versi hemat BW).
2. Hrg emas per gram = harga_kitco x kurs_dollar_rupiah / 31.1
Untuk saat ini, hrg emas masih sama dengan hrg hari sabtu (silahkan lihat posting gw di atas).

Untuk investasi, lebih baik invest dalam bentuk EMAS 24K ...
lebih puas dan lebih mudah jualnya

emas vs property, untung mana? emas
baca di sini http://www.kaskus.us/showpost.php?p=83035835&postcount=817

more:
http://www.kaskus.us/showthread.php?t=886116

OLHO itu nama lain buta emas lantakan ya? Cuman bentuknya gak karuan, kalo punya ANTAM kan bentujnya bagus. Emangnya emas lantakan kadarnya lebih kecil ketimbang emas dari ANTAM ya? Kata mbak penjaga toko, kadarnya sama, 24 karat juga, cuman bedanya yang emas ANTAM kena biaya cetak jadi lebih mahal. Kalau yg ane beli gak kena biaya cetak makanya murah.
Emas lantakan dengan OLHO sama gan,,,atau nama lainnya emas batangan lokal. kadarnya sedikit lebih rendah dari LM Antam..kalo LM 99.99% sedang Olho 99.5% tapi sama2 disebut emas 24K...kalo di gadai ke Bank Syariah dianggap sama dengan LM jadi 24K.

Pulau Mursala dan King Kong 1933

It is said that this island is a place where King Kong movie was made in 1933. I am not sure this is true fact or just hoax. I have googled it but I can't find some credible sources mentioning that the movie indeed was made there. However I found an interesting link below mentioning about the Mursala island connection with King Kong movie. 

Btw : It was Titi Sjuman who told that Mursala Island was a shooting place for the making of famous movie "King Kong"

 Mursala Island Waterfall, Sibolga, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Mursala Island

Picture Source : Suhendri Ali 

source : http://www.insidesumatera.com/en/?open=view&newsid=1075
Floating Heaven in Sibolga Bay
by. Ekky Siwabessy

---

Our speedboat with 170 HP splits the waves of Sibolga Bay at high speed. The green sea fades to blue as we leave the Hotel Wisata Indah’s harbor letting us know that we are now in deep waters. Drops of sea spray from the bottom of the boat wet my face. I check my camera equipment to check it is safe. We pass Poncan Gadang Island and Poncan Ketek Island on either side of the boat. Ahead, Mursala Island begins to take shape.
It was Mr. Maryadi, the General Manager of Wisata Indah Hotel in Sibolga, who enabled us to make this journey across Sibolga Bay to visit some of the islands in these western waters. Even though we are still aching and tired from our overnight journey from Medan, it is hard to refuse his offer to make this journey along the shores of the Indian Ocean. “Your tiredness will disappear for sure,” promises Mr. Maryadi. The result is that at about 13.45, our speedboat prepares to leave the Hotel Wisata Indah harbor. Indeed, the sea air and the fantastic views surrounding us wake us up.
The stony outcrops and large waves are proof of the local fisherman’s bravery. As far as the eye can see, islands are sprinkled throughout the bay, contrasting with the blue sea. Coconut trees grow on the larger islands, we are surrounded by a ring of islands.
Today we are accompanied by Mr. Luhut Butarbutar, the captain of the ship, and his three assistants; Boy Sinaga, Bilmon Pakpahan and Mikael Sinaga. According to plan, we cross to Mursala Island, which is one of the biggest islands in the outer reaches of Sibolga Bay. It was this island that is believed to have saved Sibolga City from the 2004 Tsunami. It functioned as a cushion that lessened the impact of the tidal wave before it could reach the city.
Mursala Island is located 01.38’6,09”  North and 98.35’7,22” East. This island starred in the Hollywood production of “King Kong”. It was pictured as an island full of Stone Age people, frightening animals and a number of other distortions. They named Mursala Island in Sumatera as the setting of the movie story, giving the world a false image of the island. Now, we want to set the facts straight.
Mursala Island is indeed covered in virgin rainforest, but isn’t surrounded by mysterious fog and sharp stony outcrops that sink approaching ships as in the film. The sandy beaches and marine ecosystem is still intact, making it a popular amongst Sibolgans. One can snorkel underneath the warm sun and observe the coral for hours without feeling cold. There are 700 different kinds of fish to entertain you while snorkeling and diving.
Another unique tourist attraction on Mursala is a 35 metre high waterfall which falls from the cliffs straight into the sea. About 100 metres from the shore, we can see coral and multi-coloured fish through the crystal clear waters, allowing us to observe the marine life despite being at a depth of 4 or 5 metres. Mr. Luhut stops the speed boat. He puts on diving clothes, snorkel and grabs an underwater harpoon.
“Someone has ordered fish, I’ve got to go and shoot it. You wait here, ok? Pick me up in an hour,” he says to his assistant. Then he looks at us and says: “Have fun, won’t you?”
Splash! He disappears into the arms of the ocean to make his transactions with the sea.
Mr. Luhut Butatbutar is a boat operator as well as a diving and snorkeling guide at Wisata Indah Hotel. His extensive experience as a marine guide leaves no room for doubt. In a moment, he has forgotten about us while looking for fish in the coral roof on the bottom of the sea below us. Our boat leaves Mr. Luhut behind to enjoy his own activities.
First of all, we are brought to the waterfall which faces the Indian Ocean. At 14.50, the waterfall is in sight. The falling water causes bubbles which mix with the waves. The water pours down the red granite cliffs of the island, then falls to the surface of the ocean with a booming sound. The volume of water will be larger during the rainy season.
I observe the blue-black ocean bed below us. This part is quite deep. We don’t waste the opportunity to take photos of this natural phenomenon. It is quite rare to find a waterfall that falls directly into the sea in this part of the world.
 “This is the favourite diving spot for foreign divers. However, one must be careful because sharks are sometimes found here,” commented Bilmon. After taking photos for a while, we decide to land on the island in order to socialize with the Mursala inhabitants.
In contrast to Poncan and Putih Island, Mursala doesn’t have a resort yet. There isn’t even a pier. So if one wishes to meet the local people, boats have to anchor the boat and come ashore by canoe. The only place that boats can stop is the biggest village on the island, Dusun Hili Badalu. The only problem is that the village is on the left side of the island coming from Sibolga. In the end, we are forced to turn around, passing the spot where we dropped off Mr. Luhut and make our way to the village.
The Island People
A few minutes later our speedboat rests in a very basic harbour built of driftwood and planks. A house on stilts can be seen at the end of the pier. Some local  fisherman can be seen preparing  bait on the terraces of their houses. After leaving the speed boat, we walk 150 metres along the long pier towards dry land. The poor condition of the pier makes visitors walk extra carefully. Some parts have gone rotten due to the weather. The conditions mirror the economy of Hili Badalu inhabitants. “We have fixed this pier a number of times, but every time it breaks again. We can’t afford to buy the materials necessary to fix it properly,” says Mr. Halawa, a local inhabitant, as we pass his house.

Similar to most Mursala Island dwellers, Mr. Halawa, and his family come from Nias. The Nias people are indeed famous for stepping out to new lands. Sibolgans, however, don’t wish to live on this island with an area of less than 800 hectares because they believe that this island is home to a spirit named tondi.
Forced by the need for new land, some Nias people decided to move and stay on this island. Today, more than 100 families live in small villages spread out across the island.
In order to cover their daily necessities, the Mursalans plant cassava and rubber. “We sell the rubber in Sibolga every 3 months using a fishing boat. It isn’t much, because we are still experimenting. The cassava is our daily food staple,” explains Mr. Halawa.
A unique feature of Hili Badalu village is the presence of squirrel traps in every tree. “It is difficult for us to enjoy the fruit we plant because the squirrels always eat them first. So we have to catch them,” says Mr. Ndruru, the village head of Hili Badalu.
Apart from rubber and cassava, the people of Mursala Island are trying to cultivate seaweed. However this business hasn’t shown satisfactory results. “There are a number of problems. Starting from water pollution to people cutting the ropes which hold the seaweed cultivation areas in place. We are trying to protect the water and forests from pollution because Mursala Island is a place that must be protected and looked after. However every time we try to start a new environmentally friendly initiative, there are hindrances from irresponsible individuals,” complains Mr. Ndruru.
Another problem is that this vast island doesn’t have an integrated village administration. The village head who is in charge of all the villages on Mursala Island is situated in an office in far-away Sibolga, so that the village is not supervised on a daily basis.
Mr. Ndruru complains that some village dwellers have been suffering from fever and bodily aches and pains which are the typical symptoms of Chikugunya. “There is a mobile health station to check the health of the villagers living on the islands, but they haven’t been seen for a while,” says Mr. Ndruru, who is planning to bring a number of villagers to Sibolga for medical check ups.
Living on this island paradise isn’t as comfortable as it seems, and lacks equality for its inhabitants. They need a central government which covers many issues, economics, security and health in order to ensure a healthy lifestyle for local inhabitants. Imagine if their conditions remain as they are now. Poverty could result in local inhabitants exploiting the virgin rainforest and coral reefs. The loss would be felt by the Sibolgans, even by the whole world. This is because Mursala Island’s reefs have become part of the Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Programme (COREMAP).
Snorkeling on White Island
In order to pick up Mr. Luhut before continuing our journey we bid the inhabitants of Hili Badalu Island goodbye. After that our boat speeds to the place where we had last left Mr. Luhut. He is unaware of our arrival as he is still observing something below the surface of the water. “Catch anything, Sir?” I ask as he surfaces next to our boat. Mr. Luhut smiles while showing off the fruit of his hunt. Eight red snappers and other kinds of fish weighing from about 4 to 5 kg slide off the harpoon gun. He is indeed an expert.
After the captain joins us, we sail towards Putih Island. This island is a small island about 12 nautical miles from Sibolga. It is located near Marsala Island. Wisata Indah Hotel has built a simple cottage for its guests who wish to stay or just rest after diving or fishing around Mursala Island.
At 15.47, we arrive at Putih Island pier, which is located across the narrow channel separating this island from Mursala Island. We are welcomed by the island attendant. The coconuts have to be tried here.
There are less than 7 simple cottages each with a capacity 1 or 2 people. The price for staying here is included in the price for the boat. The biggest problem here is the lack of fresh water here, which is dependent on rain fall. This is why this island is just a stopover place despite its beauty being a potential tourist attraction encouraging longer stays. The beauty of the island is comparable to that of the location of the film “The Beach” around Phuket, Thailand. 
We don’t waste anymore time. After putting on our snorkeling gear, we float on the surface of the clear blue waters, observing the underwater world in the bright Indian Ocean. The calm is only disturbed by small waves washing over us and the coral in various colours: red, grey, green and blue. This is home to many colourful fish chasing each other.
Believe it or not, coral is the source for a number of fishing industries. Of the 132 types of fish with economic value in Indonesia, 32 live on coral reefs. Reef dwelling fish have become an export commodity due to its unique taste. A healthy coral reef can supply 3 to 10 tonnes of fish per square kilometer per year. This is the kind of world which causes Mr. Luhut to play catch with the fish.
Poncan Gadang Island
At 8 o’clock the next day, we return by 40 HP boat which acts as a ferry for employees to Poncan Island. This island is situated 20 minutes from Sibolga Island and has a famous resort, Sibolga Marine, a branch of Wisata Indah Hotel. Every morning and afternoon, this boat ferries the 33 employees back and forth from the resort.
In fact, Sibolga Bay has 2 islands named Poncan (which means “island” in the local language), Poncan Gadang (Big Island) and Poncan Ketek (Small Island). The latter doesn’t have a resort because it is too small and doesn’t have a spring. Even so, the smaller island is said to have played a role in the history of Sibolga. Before Sibolga was inhabited, Poncan Ketek was the first trading post for Tapian Nauli Area.
About 20 minutes later, our small boat arrives in Poncan Gadang Island. The resort manager, Mr. Alvi, shows us around the island. In contrast to Mursala with its virgin rainforest, this island has complete facilities for its visitors. There are 70 rooms here ranging from standard, superior to deluxe. The price range is from Rp 225,000 to Rp 580,000 per night. This includes breakfast for two.
The Poncan Gadang resort has fishing, snorkeling and diving equipment for rent. Apart from this it is possible to use the jet skis and banana boat. For families, there is a playground with a swing and slide as well as a volley ball court. This is the reason why visitors use this island as a base for exploring the other islands in the bay.
Even though this island is of medium size, it has a small tropical rainforest. This forest has a historical site, the Japanese Caves, leftover from WWII.
While waiting to be picked up, we spend our time chatting and playing volleyball with the hotel’s employees. In the afternoon, we snorkel around the pier. We feel satisfied with our time spent around Sibolga Bay.
-----------------------------
How to Get There
Medan-Sibolga: Rp 100,000 to 120,000 by taxi or public bus from Jalan Sisingamangaraja, Medan.
Chartered boat from Sibolga to Poncan Gandang Island: Rp 300,000 per group (13 people). Can be rented from Wisata Indah Hotel or local fishermen.

Chartered boat from Sibolga to Mursala and PutihIslands: Rp 1,320,000 to Rp 8,500,000 per day. This boat can only be rented from Wisata Indah Hotel. The prize depends on the size of machine and capacity of the boat.