Benefits of Meditation for Physical Health 

Do you meditate regularly? Meditation is the process of training your mind to focus so that it can better direct your thoughts. What benefits does meditation have especially for health? Work pressure and stress from everyday life can lead to mental illness. Therefore, the mental health benefits of meditation are that it helps you overcome stress. 

Many people consider the benefits of meditation to be very important in dealing with stress. Apart from this, another benefit of meditation is that it improves concentration. 

Meditation can also be used to increase your awareness of yourself and your surrounding environment. Many people use meditation to improve their mood, improve sleep patterns, and increase pain tolerance. 

Improving Sleep Quality 

Many people suffer from lack of sleep. Research shows that meditation can relax your body, relieve stress and tension, make your body and mind comfortable, and make it easier to sleep. 

Lower Blood Pressure 

The benefits of meditation are also significant for physical health. High blood pressure can cause the heart to pump more blood, which can worsen heart function. 

High blood pressure also contributes to the narrowing of blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. 

A meta-analysis of 12 studies involving approximately 1,000 participants found that the benefits of meditation may help lower blood pressure. The benefits of meditation appear to be even stronger in older participants and those with a history of high blood pressure. 

Memory Training 

A final benefit of meditation for mental and physical health is that it can help train a person's memory and become more alert. Because whoever meditates, his mind becomes clear. In this way, the mind is better able to absorb different information and store it in memory. This is a series of information about the benefits of meditation for mental and physical health. 

May help control symptoms in people with chronic illnesses. 

The next benefit of meditation is that people with chronic illnesses may be able to control their symptoms. Some studies suggest that meditation can control the symptoms of some diseases: 

1. Asthma 

2. Cancer 

3. Depression 

4. Heart disease 

5. Blood pressure Hypertension 

6. Sleep disorders 

7. Headaches Tension 

However, this effect Further research is needed to prove this. Benefits of meditation. Meditation is not easy. It takes a long time to be able to meditate properly. Remember that it is common for the mind to wander "all over the place" during meditation. This is because even people who are already accustomed to meditation may not be able to fully concentrate during meditation. 

Try to regulate your emotions and thoughts. By filtering out negative emotions and keeping positive thoughts, you will feel more calm and comfortable. 

For maximum results, try making meditation a part of your daily routine. However, keep this in mind. Additionally, maintaining a healthy body requires getting enough rest, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and alcoholic beverages.

Read More

Hiking Can Improve Overall Mental Health

Hiking Can Improve Overall Mental HHealth

Not only is a walk or hike in nature good for your physical health, but experts have found that even a 90-minute nature excursion can have a positive impact on your mental health.

Mountain climbing, hiking, and outdoor walks are two forms of healthy exercise. Doctors in Scotland have even begun to prescribe it for chronic diseases. But what are the benefits of going up the mountain for mental health? Sport is basically beneficial for every aspect of the body. While adventure by walking or climbing mountains regularly is not only beneficial to the body but also has an impact on mental health, This outdoor activity allows you to move away from thoughts that make stress more rational while being fused with nature.

Even for those who may not have mental health issues, spending time outdoors and hiking can help them fully realize their ability to cope with difficult things.

"You deserve a breath of fresh air before you have a mental health problem. Getting out there and doing that can help us be more balanced," Tovar said.

Running above the treadmill is a good exercise to improve mental state. But climbing in the open is better at fighting general mental health problems such as stress and depression. The diverse views of forests, mountains, roads, and beaches are far more enchanting than gym walls in general. So it's not hard to imagine that walking around in nature—or even in parks—makes us feel much happier.

Walking and hiking in nature have gained popularity because of the positive correlation they have with physical and mental health. Its benefit to mental health happens regardless of whether someone is currently affected by a mental illness.

"I think the things that are helpful for people with mental health issues are also helpful for people without these issues: exercise, social contact, mindfulness and behavioral activation. It may also promote gratitude, which has a positive impact on mental health," Nielsen explain.

Hiking is now considered the most popular activity among adventurers, surpassing kayaking and mountain climbing, according to a report from the Adventure Travel Trade Association.

“I love being outdoors because I feel like I’m away from it all and breathing fresh air and freedom,” says Sean Gassaway, an outdoor and travel photographer based in Provo. “Being able to get away from stress and be in nature is definitely helpful for mental health.

Hikers in Utah range from beginners to experts, but hikers of all experience levels can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of the outdoors. If you want to reap the mental health benefits of hiking, all you have to do is get out and move.

"Just do it. If you have to start small, start small. Make it your goal to get out there and follow through," Gassaway said.

Read More

Danau Taman Hidup: Beautiful lake in the Hyang Argopuro mountains

The Hyang Argopuro Mountains are located in 3 districts, namely Probolinggo, Jember and Bondowoso districts. The Hyang Argopuro mountains are open for public climbing with two entrances via Bondowoso and Probolinggo, namely the Baderan and Bremi basecamps. My friends and I climbed the Hyang Argopuro mountains via Bremi which is located in Probolinggo Regency with a travel time of 2 days 1 night. The cost of viewing per person is Rp20,000 per day and if the motorbike taxi reaches the core limit, the fee is Rp50,000 per person.

The Argopuro mountain climbing accommodation basecamp does not have an official basecamp like Mount Semeru or other mountains in East Java. To stay overnight, we stayed at a halfway house where residents happened to have booked via WA. One of the halfway houses is the Arifin basecamp. From Malang we use motorbikes with a travel time of approximately 5.5 hours. The parking fee at the Arifin basecamp is Rp30,000 for 2 motorbikes for 4 days.

The trip started at 8 am, deliberately taking it early because we didn't use a motorbike taxi a.k.a ojek service. From the basecamp to the forest boundary takes less than 1 hour. Entering the forest, the road is still cast and there is a resin forest, which is very beautiful in my opinion, because I have never seen it before. From the resin forest to the coast boundary we find a post made of wood which is tall but sufficient for shelter.

From the coast boundary to get to the Danau Taman Hidup, you pass an incline with an elevation of almost 45 degrees. It requires stamina and physical fitness. To be honest, the Argopuro via Bremi track is very tiring. There is nothing wrong with tracking Sindoro via Kledung and Sumbing via Garung. From the cast boundary to the Danau Taman Hidup takes 3.5 hours.

After the motorbike taxi limit, the feeling of tiredness seemed to disappear. Take photos and continue to the park of life. In less than 10 minutes, the lake hut was visible. And indeed, Danau Taman Hidup is as beautiful as it is, even though the fog descends, it doesn't reduce the beauty of the living garden lake.

While walking towards the Danau Taman Hidup while recording, because you don't want to lose the precious moments until the park comes alive. After finishing taking photos and videos, I unloaded the carrier and put up the tent and continued cooking because I was hungry from tracking. After eating and cleaning yourself, return to the lake lodge to enjoy the drizzling atmosphere on the live garden lake and finally rest for tomorrow's summit.

Read More

Estimated time to climb Mount Sumbing via the new Garung route

Estimated time to climb Mount Sumbing via the new Garung route

The base camp, located in Garung, Butuh, Kalikajar, Wonosobo, is strategically located. The location next to the Need villagers' football pitch makes this base camp increasingly popular with climbers. When the weather is clear the view is also very beautiful, you can see Mount Sumbing on the right and Mount Sindoro on the left.

At 6 AM, I got off the bus headed to Malang-Wonosobo, which turned out to be an hour later than usual. My friend and I got off at the T-junction with the entrance gate of Butuh Village. Having finished the bag in the trunk, we set off towards the base camp, taking about 15-20 minutes with the road wet, as if it had rained last night. The trail ascends gently as a warm-up before climbing Mount Sumbing.

After arriving at the base camp we started packing our bags because we remembered that we would be leaving together. After we finished packing, we searched for breakfast while waiting for the picture window to open. After finishing breakfast, immediately check in for the two-day, one-night climb. Registration to see it costs IDR 30,000 per person and the motorbike taxi costs IDR 25,000 per person. While waiting in line for a motorbike taxi, take a photo of the base camp to remember it because if you wait you definitely won't have time, you will obviously be tired. The peculiarity of this Sumbing mototaxi is that we drive the mototaxi in front and the motor driver carries the transporter because it is balanced because the road goes up, so we are afraid that the mototaxi is not balanced and an accident will happen.

Ngeeeeennggg ruunn ruuunnn ruuunnnnn that's a really cool blower. How can we not invite all of us to imagine feeling as if we were on an earthly roller coaster? Older bikes that have been modified like this and when off-road are really good.

Location of Mount Sumbing 

This mountain, which has a height of 3,371 meters above sea level, is administratively located in three districts: Magelang, Temanggung and Wonosobo. A type of stratovolcano, Mount Sumbing has two peaks, namely Puncak Sejati and Puncak Selo Content. Cited from the Center for Volcanoes and Geological Disaster Mitigation page, Mount Sumbing experienced an eruption once in 1730. As a result of this eruption, a lava dome was formed and flowed towards the edge of the lower crater.

Mount Sumbing climbing itinerary and estimated travel time

Quoted from the website of outdoor sports equipment and electronic library provider Unikom, here are five climbing routes to Mount Sumbing and the estimated travel time:

1. Garung hiking route

The route and travel time for this route are:

Garung-Pos 1 Base Camp (Malim): 1 hour

Post 1-Pos 2 (Genre KM IV): 50 minutes

Post 2-Post 3 Sedlupak Roto (KM V): 1 hour

Post 3-Pestan: 30 minutes

Festival-Watu Market: 90 minutes

Watu Market-Watu Kotak: 2 hours

Cash peak time: 1 hour. 

This route is considered the friendliest for beginner climbers with generally gentle terrain. Climbers can also take a motorbike taxi on the Garung Basecamp route to Post 1. The total travel time for this route is 7-8 hours.

Read More

Indonesia is ranked first as the most beautiful country in the world by Forbes

Have you ever thought of visiting the most beautiful country in the world? You don't have to travel far abroad, the most beautiful country in the world is Indonesia.

Forbes classifies Indonesia as the most beautiful country in the world due to the multifaceted beauty of Indonesia and the rich flora and fauna spread across the island.

This wealth is one of the main attractions for local and foreign tourists. This study ranks the world's 50 most beautiful countries using an analysis that includes coral reefs, tropical rainforests, volcanoes and glaciers. How to measure the beauty of a country? Money.co.uk ranks everything from coral reefs, tropical rainforests, volcanoes, glaciers and more based on an analysis of their natural beauty.

Salman Haqqi, head of personal finance at Money.co.uk, stresses that beauty is subjective, but it's clear that these countries have a lot to offer visitors, from mountain adventures to relaxing beaches.

As a result, Indonesia was named the most beautiful country in the world with a natural beauty score of 7.7/10. This estimate is made by analyzing the number of natural attractions per 100,000 square kilometers. Destinations for domestic and foreign tourists are Bali and Raja Ampat. Bali is famous for its beautiful beaches, sea and culture. However, Raja Ampat has very beautiful seas and islands.

Other factors that make Indonesia the most beautiful country in the world are the Komodo National Park, the island of Sumatra with its abundant tropical forests, and the island of Borneo, home to orangutans.

Below Indonesia is New Zealand, or New Zealand, which is famous for its active volcanoes, hills, peaks and glaciers and is the most beautiful country in the world with a score of 7.27. Its natural beauty makes this country the best milk producer in the world and the location of many movies.

In third place is Colombia, which also has a long coastline. This country is also the country that crosses the Andes mountain range, which is the longest mountain in the world. The longest river in the world, the Amazon, flows through Colombia.

Read More

What is travel insurance?

Tahbrontak - Travel insurance is the insurance which helps to manage economical default or non conformance of travel companies, medical costs and various other losses incurred while you are traveling. Simply speaking, travel insurance is a way to protect your travel investment. A travel insurance plan is a limited term insurance policy which is mainly composed of a package of benefits intended to protect you, your travel investment and your luggage as well as other belongings while you are on a trip, either in a domestic vacation or around the world.

There are a wide variety of travel insurance plans which suit the various travelers which include the students, adventure travelers, business travelers, cruise travelers, overseas travelers as well as backpackers. Each travel insurance plan offers different protection according to the type of traveling the insurer requires.

Normally, a good travel insurance plan provides benefits for;

• Medical expenses and emergency transportation for a serious injury or illness that occurs during your travel.
• Trip cancellation due to a covered reason prior to departure. You have to choose the right policy while considering this benefit, by checking on the covered reasons to cancel a trip.
• Trip interruption benefits are provided for a covered reason where you can refund your unused travel arrangements.
• Baggage loss/delay benefits are provided to cover the loss or damage to your baggage or personal items or the cost of buying personal articles in case your baggage is delayed for a specific amount of time, such as 9 hours or more.

Travel delay benefits are offered for flight delays or cancellations or other similar reasons which is covered in the plan.

Missed connection is offered in certain plans to cover the expenses occurred to make alternate travel arrangements when flight is canceled due to weather problems or mechanical issues.

You can also find certain additional benefits in some travel insurance plans like enhancements to provide more covered reason in case you have to cancel your trip or trip interruption, rental car damage, accidental death or dismemberment.

To choose the best travel insurance plans, it is important that you understand the benefits offered in that plan and how it suits your needs. For example, if you are traveling in India itself, then you may not need higher limits of medical protection.

It is better to buy a travel insurance policy which includes ‘cancel for any reason’ benefit. In regular travel insurance, there are a lot of included reasons. But when it comes to canceling for any reason benefit, then you can cancel your trip for a change of mind, traveling fear or any open reasons.

You have to be careful if you are buying a travel insurance policy online. Try to get a policy from a recognized and popular travel insurance company where you can develop a good long term relationship. You can discuss your needs and concerns with your travel insurance agent and keep your investment safe.

Now what are you waiting for? Go and get the best travel insurance plan from your nearest provider.

Read More

Visit to the Maldives, Known As Heaven On Earth

There are many tourist destinations, both inside and outside the country. One of them is the Maldives Island in the Indian Ocean, which has extraordinary beauty. It is located between southwest Sri Lanka and India. There are many small islands there, so they are often not visible on the world map.

Before you decide to travel to the Maldives, you need to know some complete information about the island. So that vacations can be planned properly because you already know in detail about the country of the Republic of the Maldives.

The Maldives, or Maldives, is an archipelago with a panorama that is called the most beautiful in the world. Visiting the Maldives, people say, is like a trip to heaven thrown to earth.

The stretch of white sand accompanied by the beautiful Tosca green sea is synonymous with the Maldives. The island nation has succeeded in seizing the market as a dream destination for honeymooners.

Not only is the natural beauty of the sea beautiful, but learning about the Maldives culture actually has its own charm. It turns out that this popular tourist destination has a 100% Muslim population.

Not only that, because the majority are Muslims, this country also applies Islamic law. Therefore, even though it is a popular tourist destination, the rules in the Maldives are different from those in other tourist destinations.

Although small, the Maldives is actually a very old country. Some historical evidence shows that the Maldives are around 2,500 years old. The country has had rulers, then kings, queens, sultans, and presidents for the last 1,000 years.

Maldives is a country with many islands. Its economic activity is heavily centered on tourism. This is indeed an attractive tourist destination. There are several activities that can be done on this island. Some of the most popular activities on the island are scuba diving as well as snorkeling, including land sports and water sports.

Scuba diving is usually done every day. Then relax, enjoy the day, and also enjoy the evening at the bar. Water sports that are very popular in the Maldives range from jet skiing, windsurfing, water skiing, and many more. Tourism is the most important value on the island of the Maldives, including nature tourism, shopping tours, culinary tours, and other tours.

Since this is an archipelago and the main area for making money in this country is tourism, there are definitely a lot of resorts. Because there are many choices of resorts in the Maldives, it's better to look for resort recommendations there.

Besides being famous for its attractive natural beauty and clean, pollution-free environment, the Maldives is also known for its polite and friendly people. It is not surprising that tourists who vacation here will feel very satisfied. Besides the beautiful scenery, the service is also pleasant.

Being a country with a Muslim majority, the Maldives also has very strict regulations in a number of ways.

This regulation applies to those of you who visit local islands inhabited by native Maldivians. So, before you go on vacation to the Maldives, it's a good idea to first find out, mate, about the regulations that apply in that country. That way, you won't have problems that can bother you later.

As a country whose majority population adheres to Islam, the Maldives Government imposes strict regulations on matters that violate Islamic values. On vacation in the Maldives, you will be prohibited from consuming alcohol freely. Especially when visiting inhabited islands. So, you can only consume alcohol while at the resort.

In addition, you are also not allowed to wear impolite clothing while on inhabited local islands. For example, open shirts and shorts above the knee. Bikinis are also not allowed on public beaches. You can only use it on private beaches.

The best time to explore the Maldives is anytime! The skies from December to April are generally very friendly, but tourism is very crowded during this dry season. The rainy season lasts from May to November, attracting hammerhead and reef sharks. While visibility isn't as good during the rainy season, the lighter currents make diving a more relaxing experience.

Read More

Wakatobi: Exploring the Biodiversity Hotspot of Southeast Asia

x

Tahbrontak - Wakatobi National Park in this district is the name of the national park area designated in 1996, with a total area of ​​1.39 million hectares, concerning the marine biodiversity, scale, and condition of the coral reefs that occupy one of the highest priority positions for marine conservation in Indonesia.

Wakatobi Regency is an archipelago located in southeastern Sulawesi Island. Astronomically, Wakatobi Regency is located south of the equator, stretching from 5.00º to 6.25º South Latitude (approximately 160 km in length) and from 123.34º to 124.64º East Longitude (approximately 120 km in width).

Wakatobi is one of the many beautiful regions in Indonesia, in Southeast Sulawesi Province, famous for its tourist attractions. Not only that, Wakatobi Regency is also known with the slogan "Real Underwater Paradise at the Center of the Coral Triangle."

In 2016, the government designated Wakatobi as one of the ten priority tourist destinations in Indonesia. Other priority destinations include Borobudur, Lake Toba, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Komodo Island, Thousand Islands, Tanjung Kelayang, Mandalika, Morotai, and Tanjung Lesung.

Wakatobi is also home to the Bajo people who spend most of their lives on the sea. The uniqueness of their cultural traditions is extraordinarily attractive. In fact, the potential for unique marine and cultural tourism led Wakatobi to be designated as the 8th Biosphere Reserve in Indonesia by UNESCO in 2012.

The Wakatobi Islands consist of four islands: Binongko Island, Tomia Island, Kaledupa Island, and Wangi-wangi Island. In addition, there are several interesting tourist attractions, including Kaluku Beach, Moli'i Sahatu Beach, Jodoh Beach, Melai One Beach, Waikesa Beach, Sousu Beach, and Waha or Cemara Beach.

The unique tourism attractions in Wakatobi are a draw for tourism in the eastern part of Indonesia. The development of tourism in Wakatobi also has the potential to improve the welfare of the local community.

Wakatobi, the pride of maritime tourism in Sulawesi, is known as a piece of real paradise that has gained worldwide recognition. You won't regret setting foot in this regency with its capital city located in Wangi-Wangi.

Have you ever visited Southeast Sulawesi? If not, you must visit one of its premier tourist destinations, Wakatobi! Wakatobi, the pride of maritime tourism in Sulawesi, is known as a piece of real paradise that has gained worldwide recognition. You won't regret setting foot in this regency with its capital city located in Wangi-Wangi.

To satisfy your curiosity, here is a list of exciting activities in Wakatobi!

1| Explore the underwater beauty of Wakatobi National Park

The mesmerizing coral reefs and exotic fish in Wakatobi. When talking about Wakatobi, it's incomplete without discussing its enchanting underwater beauty. In 2012, Wakatobi National Park was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to the presence of at least 750 out of the world's total of 850 coral species in its waters. No wonder Wakatobi is often referred to as the "paradise" for divers from around the world. Some diving spots you can explore include Sombu Beach and Onemohute in Wangi-Wangi Island, Hoga Island in Kaledupa, Tomia Island, and Binongko Island.

2 | Dolphin watching around Kapota Island

Besides Lovina Beach in Bali, you can also enjoy dolphin watching in Wakatobi, specifically around Kapota Island! Just a 15-minute boat ride from Wangi-Wangi Island, you'll witness the extraordinary sight of a group of dolphins gracefully dancing in the open sea. This special moment can be experienced every day between 6 am and 7:30 am local time, so don't miss it!

3 | Capture stunning photos at the savannah of Puncak Khayangan

Apart from popular diving spots like Marimabok, Roma Dive, and Wreck Huntete, Tomia Island also offers an Instagrammable spot called Puncak Khayangan. Located on the eastern part of Tomia Island, Puncak Khayangan provides the best view of rolling green hills that stretch to the ocean. The sunset panorama at Puncak Khayangan is also truly impressive. So, if you have the chance to visit Wakatobi, exploring Puncak Khayangan on Tomia Island is a must!

4 | Visit Bajo Mola, the village of the Bajo Sea Gypsies

Have you ever heard of the legendary Bajo Sea Gypsies? In Wakatobi, particularly on Wangi-Wangi Island, there is a village called Bajo Mola inhabited by the Bajo people. Unlike typical villages, their yards and terraces consist of vast expanses of clear seawater. Apart from enjoying the impressive scenery, you can get a closer look at the Bajo people's way of life, who still possess remarkable knowledge of the sea and the stars.

5 | Explore the historical village of Liya Togo, Wangi-Wangi

To experience a different side of Wakatobi, visit the village of Liya Togo on Wangi-Wangi Island. This area, which was once part of the Buton Sultanate, has its own unique charm. Here, you can stroll around and admire the traditional Buton houses called Banua Tada, which are raised wooden houses with thatched roofs. There is also a cultural site called Baruga, a wooden building where local residents hold meetings.

Oh, when visiting here, make sure to wear the traditional woven cloth called "tenun" from the Liya Togo community. For men, it is usually wrapped around the waist and extends below the knee, while women wear it by tying the cloth on one shoulder.

Read More