East Of Bali lie the islands of Nusa Tennggara, one of the least known, but most fascinating parts of Indonesia. The natural and cultural wonders of this area--Komodo dragons, ikat textiles the Pasola spear fight--are legendary, but were until recently off-limits to all but the most intrepid travelers.
Diving A Guide to the WorldÕs Greatest Diving
Well–travelled divers all acknowledge that the best diving in the world is found in the warm waters of tropical Asia.No other region on earth presents such a rich variety of marine life, and none can boast as many different types of dive tiny, isolated atolls, World War II wrecks draped in beautiful soft corals, shallow, bommie–filled fringing reefs and pinnacles, all swarming with fish and vibrant color.Diving Southeast Asia is a comprehensive diving guide covering Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. It presents in great detail the very best dive sites in the tropical western Pacific. Our seasoned diver–authors have an aggregate half–century of experience exploring these waters, and each site receives thorough coverage, including detailed maps, color photos, and a full description of access, conditions, and facilities.This Asia diving guide
Book by Muller, Kal
Focusing on the South Coast of West New Guinea, the book explores the rich cultural tapestry of the Marind, Asmat, and Kamoro peoples, detailing their historical contexts, artistic traditions, and interactions with colonial powers. It highlights the impact of Dutch control and the preservation efforts by missionaries, alongside the challenges posed by modern development. The series aims to publish diverse academic studies, fostering a deeper understanding of New Guinea's cultures through collaborative works and visual anthropology, while emphasizing the importance of local knowledge.
The Kamoro ethno-linguistic group, residing along the Arafura Sea, faces challenges due to the Grasberg mine's impact on their lands. The author shares personal experiences and insights from various explorers and anthropologists, focusing on cultural revival and traditional woodcarving skills fostered through mining compensation programs. This book is part of a series aimed at enhancing the study of New Guinea, encouraging contributions from scholars and local knowledge workers, and exploring themes like oral history, folklore, and local literature.
The book explores the contrasting histories and cultures of Papua New Guinea and West New Guinea, highlighting their shared island yet distinct paths shaped by colonization and geography. It delves into trade practices, linguistic diversity, and the impact of World War II on each region. The differing colonial approaches—Dutch neglect in the west versus exploitation in the east—led to divergent post-war developments, with PNG moving towards independence and WNG remaining under Indonesian control. The final chapter addresses the complexities of mining and land ownership issues in both areas.
Focusing on the rich history and diverse cultures of West New Guinea's north coast, this volume explores the region's colonial past, significant towns like Manokwari and Jayapura, and the impact of European exploration since the 16th century. It delves into social structures, kinship, and the languages of various ethnic groups, highlighting the enduring influence of traditional Papuan sailors. The series aims to enhance academic discourse on New Guinea, encouraging contributions from both emerging and established scholars while emphasizing the preservation of fading cultural traditions.
The Science as of 2001, at the Turn of the 21st Century
Focusing on the biodiversity of New Guinea as of 2001, the book is divided into three sections: an overview of the island's biodiversity, a detailed study of the Timika area and Lorentz National Park, and an examination of the natural resources utilized by the Kamoro ethno-linguistic group. It discusses various animal and plant life, including unique findings like the world's smallest vertebrate frog. The author faced challenges in research due to permit issues but utilized extensive resources, providing a comprehensive look at the region's ecology and its inhabitants.
The book explores the surprising history of Hungarians in New Guinea, tracing their presence back to the 19th century during Hungary's time within the Habsburg Empire. It highlights the contributions of early Hungarian scientist-collectors like Samuel Fenichel and Lajos Biro, and the cultural impact of Count Festetics de Tolna. The narrative details how these individuals collected ethnographic artifacts and photographs, which enriched Hungary's National Ethnographic Museum. The author, who worked in the region for two decades, provides insights into the legacy of these Hungarian explorers in a land far from home.