Jawa jewel

AS Indonesians breathe a sigh of relief after a barrage of warnings of eruptions from the country's most active volcanoes, Baturraden resort at the foot of Mount Slamet in central Java remains calm and shines as an eco-tourism jewel.

Mount Slamet or Gunung Slamet in Indonesian, is an active volcano and the second-highest peak on Java island, reaching 3,428 metres above sea level.

The resort itself was established in 1979, and is surrounded by beautiful green gardens, hot springs, ponds and bungalow-style hotels 650 metres up the slopes.

As we indulge ourselves with the harmonic surroundings of a vast pine forest and green valley, we can also dip our feet in the cold spring water running through the middle of the resort.

"It's such a great place to breathe fresh, clean air for me and my family," said Widyanarti, 32.

"You don't get this kind of weather in the polluted cities such as Jakarta," she said, adding that the resort is also a perfect place for children to learn about nature and the importance of preserving it.

The cool mountain breezes are a special draw for domestic and international visitors, and the resort caters to all. Admission is only 3,000 rupiah or 0.30 cents. It opens daily from 5.30am and closes around midnight.

Around 400 visitors come on weekdays, but during weekends the numbers can reach thousands, one official said.

Baturraden is also a well-known spot to spend a day trekking through its splendid natural forest and villages. Always green, blanketed with a light misty air, the area is blessed with an abundance of natural water resources spouting in numerous waterfalls and rivers, which flow between the huge boulders of hardened lava.

Visitors can spend the whole day picnicking on the grassy lawn or along the river or bathing in the mineral waters.

While children enjoy recreational park facilities including a swimming pool, water slide and mini zoo, the adults can pamper themselves in the natural hot springs. Traditional massages are also available for 20,000 rupiah ($3).

The resort provides hundreds of opportunities for local people to sell food, beverages, handicrafts and other services for visitors.

"Baturraden has been a great example of how a mountainous area can be managed as a potential asset for eco-tourism," Indriyani, a programme manager at Indecon, a non-governmental organisation specialising in the expansion of eco-tourism in Indonesia, said.

"Nature gives income to the people in its surroundings, and both can benefit from each other's existence," she said, adding that eruption from active volcanoes should not be taken as an obstacle.

"Visitors shouldn't be worried about their safety because the vulcanology agency gives warnings, if they think the volcano enters a dangerous stage," she said.

Indriyani said eco-tourism in Indonesia has a huge potential, although it is not yet getting proper attention from the government. That includes the need to provide a comprehensive policy for local governments to ensure conservation as well as reaping benefits from nature.

"Indonesia needs to get started on the policy level to maximise eco-tourism potential throughout the country, but I think the government is busy enough trying to handle illegal logging in its forests," Indriyani said.

Destination: Baturraden mountain resort located near Purwokerto city in central Java, Indonesia.

Climate and best time to travel: Tropical country, best time is in the dry season between March to October.

How to get there: Seven to nine hours drive from Jakarta by car, bus or train. Bus ticket costs around 40,000 rupiah with AC ($5) or by executive train with AC is 190,000 rupiah ($20).

Language: Indonesian, Javanese.

Currency: Indonesian rupiah. $1 = 9,300 rupiah.