Best Java Travel Guides
The islands of Borneo, Sumatra, Java, and Bali are ecologically one of the richest, most biologically complex areas in the world, sought out by thousands of knowledgeable nature lovers every year for the spectacular variety of wildlife and beautiful vistas. and an essential reference for ornithologists and birders visiting or residing in those islands. "The most complete and comprehensive field guide for the region of the Greater Sundra islands is more than just a field guide. No doubt, this top field guide will be wanted by any birder going to the Greater Sundra islands, as well as by many ornithologists as a general reference. This book, I believe, will supersede all that is in print, and will be a must for birders and naturalists visiting one or more of the islands." -- The Auk "No doubt, this top field guide will be wanted by any birder going to the Greater Sunda islands as well as by many ornithologists as a general reference.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The science of making guides that are actually effective and handy in the field has progressed considerably since this one was published 20+ years ago."
"Still the best book for all serious birdwatchers of the region."
"In this instance, I ordered two different field guides at the same time from the same seller. The book "from Canada" arrived in three days, the Bali book "from England" came about two weeks later."
"Best book on birds of Indonesia I could find."
"This was the book that everyone who seemed to be serious used in Borneo, but if you are going to be out in the bush for more than a few days and make frequent use of field guides, consider having it re-bound before you leave -- many people I passed along the way were finding that the plate pages were starting to fall out."
"Basics: 1993, 491 pages, softcover; 88 good color plates of all 820 species in the region, multiple poses for most birds, short line of ID text next to the plate; 1/3 of text for each bird covers description, voice, distribution, habits; 20 birding sites discussed, no range maps. There are 88 color plates that show most of the birds with multiple poses or plumages, which display gender, age, or seasonal variations when relevant. It should be noted a large percentage of these plates and illustrations are re-used in a later book published in 2010 by the same illustrator, Karen Phillipps, titled "Phillipps' Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo". Although there are now (as of 2010) two books dedicated to just Borneo, this book is still the only one to illustrate all the birds of Sumatra, Java, and Bali which makes this book a "must" for any serious birding done on these islands. I should point out MacKinnon's book "Birds of Java and Bali of 1988" does illustrate all the birds of just those two islands. - (written by Jack at Avian Review / Avian Books, January 2010). I've listed several related books below... 1) Field Guide to Birds of Borneo by Myers. 2) Phillipps' Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo by Phillipps. 3) Field Guide to the Birds of Java and Bali by MacKinnon. 4) The birds of Borneo by Smythies. 5) Photographic Guide to the Birds of Borneo by Davison/Fook. 6) A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Mount Kinabalu, Borneo by Nakayasu. 7) Birds of Mount Kinabalu, Borneo by Davison et al. 8) A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Southeast Asia by Strange. 9) Photographic Guide to Birds of Java, Sumatra and Bali by Tilford."
"Any serious birder to the listed regions of this book would buy this book."
"Many newer guides have been published about birds of this region, but this book still deserves its place on the bookshelf of anyone interested in birds of South-east Asia."
![Java [Indonesia] (National Geographic Adventure Map)](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51JYIomP0mL._SS600_.jpg)
• Waterproof • Tear-Resistant • Travel Map The island of Java is not only home to a majority of the population of Indonesia, but it is also the most populous island in the world. National Geographic's Java Adventure Map provides global travelers with the perfect combination of detail and perspective, highlighting points of interest and the diverse and unique destinations within the country. Founded in 1915 as the Cartographic Group, the first division of National Geographic, National Geographic Maps has been responsible for illustrating the world around us through the art and science of mapmaking.Today, National Geographic Maps continues this mission by creating the world's best wall maps, recreation maps, atlases, and globes which inspire people to care about and explore their world.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Only Jakarta has detailed inset."
"It is made from a thin plastic which makes it durable, rip resistant, won't fall apart in the rain and long lasting."
"Excellent map - clear annotations and convenient size."
The book features the dramatic Battle of Batavia, the sinister British expedition to Palembang, the 1812 sacking and looting of Yogyakarta, and various fights between soldiers and civilians, buffaloes and tigers, and Englishmen and Javanese. Tim Hannigan (London, UK) is an author and journalist specialising in Indonesia and the Indian Subcontinent.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I've read many academic "Histories" of Java, Raffles and Singapore... And visited theses places, but I never really "got the picture" until I read this book... Its a "Rip Roaring" "Page Turner" that gives the interesting nuances of historical events without resorting to "Novelization"..."
"Raffles has been much written about, but Hannigan successfullyportrays him as a unique and marvelous character who, despite sometimes being at cross purposes with his employer, the British East India Company rose from obscure beginnings, and little education, to the heights of early 19th century British society."
"Very good explanation of the life and times of that period, and a somewhat different view of Raffles, but well documented."
"How interesting to learn "Dutch" Indonesia was five years British!"
"Raffles at the end of the day was a man with his flaws, and I do believe that Tim has done justice in painting a fair picture of a colonialist who was struggling to pursue fame and fortune, and not a altruistic statesman which we have been lead to believe."
"This was gloriously depicted in pro-British books and fawning biographies of Stamford Raffles, furthermore, amplified by Raffles own monumental book "History of Java"."
"Raffles condoned and participated in slavery, launched two needless attacks on native tribes and came out a hero when his wife wrote a glowing postumous biography of her husband just to pay off his bills."
"I had the Kindle version of this book and it was nearly incomprehensible at times."
Best Sumatra Travel Guides
The islands of Borneo, Sumatra, Java, and Bali are ecologically one of the richest, most biologically complex areas in the world, sought out by thousands of knowledgeable nature lovers every year for the spectacular variety of wildlife and beautiful vistas. and an essential reference for ornithologists and birders visiting or residing in those islands. "The most complete and comprehensive field guide for the region of the Greater Sundra islands is more than just a field guide. No doubt, this top field guide will be wanted by any birder going to the Greater Sundra islands, as well as by many ornithologists as a general reference. This book, I believe, will supersede all that is in print, and will be a must for birders and naturalists visiting one or more of the islands." -- The Auk "No doubt, this top field guide will be wanted by any birder going to the Greater Sunda islands as well as by many ornithologists as a general reference.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The science of making guides that are actually effective and handy in the field has progressed considerably since this one was published 20+ years ago."
"Still the best book for all serious birdwatchers of the region."
"In this instance, I ordered two different field guides at the same time from the same seller. The book "from Canada" arrived in three days, the Bali book "from England" came about two weeks later."
"Best book on birds of Indonesia I could find."
"This was the book that everyone who seemed to be serious used in Borneo, but if you are going to be out in the bush for more than a few days and make frequent use of field guides, consider having it re-bound before you leave -- many people I passed along the way were finding that the plate pages were starting to fall out."
"Basics: 1993, 491 pages, softcover; 88 good color plates of all 820 species in the region, multiple poses for most birds, short line of ID text next to the plate; 1/3 of text for each bird covers description, voice, distribution, habits; 20 birding sites discussed, no range maps. There are 88 color plates that show most of the birds with multiple poses or plumages, which display gender, age, or seasonal variations when relevant. It should be noted a large percentage of these plates and illustrations are re-used in a later book published in 2010 by the same illustrator, Karen Phillipps, titled "Phillipps' Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo". Although there are now (as of 2010) two books dedicated to just Borneo, this book is still the only one to illustrate all the birds of Sumatra, Java, and Bali which makes this book a "must" for any serious birding done on these islands. I should point out MacKinnon's book "Birds of Java and Bali of 1988" does illustrate all the birds of just those two islands. - (written by Jack at Avian Review / Avian Books, January 2010). I've listed several related books below... 1) Field Guide to Birds of Borneo by Myers. 2) Phillipps' Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo by Phillipps. 3) Field Guide to the Birds of Java and Bali by MacKinnon. 4) The birds of Borneo by Smythies. 5) Photographic Guide to the Birds of Borneo by Davison/Fook. 6) A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Mount Kinabalu, Borneo by Nakayasu. 7) Birds of Mount Kinabalu, Borneo by Davison et al. 8) A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Southeast Asia by Strange. 9) Photographic Guide to Birds of Java, Sumatra and Bali by Tilford."
"Any serious birder to the listed regions of this book would buy this book."
"Many newer guides have been published about birds of this region, but this book still deserves its place on the bookshelf of anyone interested in birds of South-east Asia."
Best Borneo Travel Guides
Who wouldn’t want to tackle the world’s most dangerous hiking path, tangle with the Vietnamese Mafia, and suffer days in the dreaded Mongolian saddle…? Share their hopes and fears as they battle the wildlife, the elements, and the laws of probability to explore six fascinating and exotic countries. This is a comedy travel memoir, covering Borneo, Vietnam, Mongolia, China, Laos and Cambodia.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Another hilarious adventure by Tony Slater."
"A fantastic book by a very affable young man that has fairly bad luck and a fairly crazy sense of adventure."
"As usual- Tony's new novel doesn't disappoint."
"While a good deal longer than his previous books, "Shave My Spider" is no less entertaining, and is not only a highly enjoyable and hilarious travelogue, but a wonderful portrait of many countries in eastern Asia. Along the way they encounter colorful personalities of all kinds -- an airheaded American on a river tour, a nasty and vengeful Australian expat living in Vietnam who gets back at Tony in a very underhanded way for an unflattering review of his tour experience, a friendly backpacking British couple who give them tips, and various locals who appear quite bemused by Tony and Roo's unabashed goofiness and bad luck -- and explore ancient ruins, wildlife-filled jungles, vast wilderness areas, and the crowded madness of most Asian cities. And before everything is over Tony will have ticked off locals in every country, been chased by the Chinese military, had a nasty run-in with one of the world's most dangerous insects, and come to the conclusion that as much as he loves traveling, he's pretty crap at it."
"I have a tendency to read multiple books at once, switching between them on my Kindle, and every time I’d laugh out loud while reading, various members of my family would ask if I was reading Shave My Spider! There either wasn’t as much swearing in this book compared to his previous ones or I’ve gotten used to it (I’m pretty sure there is less)."
Best Jakarta Travel Guides
Nguyen is in his element as the 'Street Food King', eating and exploring his way through traditional noodle soups and sweet sticky meats, to more adventurous dishes like Stir-fried Embryo Egg with Tamarind and Duck and Banana Blossom Salad. LUKE NGUYEN is one of Australia's best-loved chefs.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"We have already made several of the recipes and they turned out perfect."
"Love the pictures and the recipes in the book, but I also wish there were far more recipes."
"A recipe book that will give you a better look at Asian street food."
"Great book, filled with all the recipes to try at home all the great food i've been eating for the last 2 months while traveling in Southeast Asia."
"I have all his books there great."
"The recipes that I was most interested in, he did not include actual recipes."
Best Bali Travel Guides
Lonely Planet. Bali & Lombok is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Stand amongst the clouds on Gunung Rinjani, party all-night in Kuta, or experience the Gili Islands' phenomenal diving scene; all with your trusted travel companion. Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - art, architecture, beaches, festivals, cuisine, water sports and outdoor adventures, history, dance, music, painting, environment, politics Over 50 maps Covers Kuta & Seminyak, Gili Islands, Lombok, North Bali, West Bali, Central Mountains, Ubud, East Bali, South Bali and more. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travellers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Found this one a big confusing to navigate, locating the various regions of Ubud for example and the sights that correspond to maps pages apart."
"Left packaging feedback as well as the envelope was completely open when received."
"This book was very informative during my trip to and in Bali."
"Received the book very fast."
"Has sample itineraries for different vacation lengths (1 - 3 weeks)."
Best General Indonesia Travel Guides
The 10th anniversary edition of one of the most iconic, beloved, and bestselling books of our time. Sustaining a chatty, conspiratorial tone, Gilbert fully engages readers in the year's cultural and emotional tapestry - conveying rapture with infectious brio, recalling anguish with touching candor - as she details her exotic tableau with history, anecdote and impression. Three years later, after a protracted divorce, she embarked on a yearlong trip of recovery, with three main stops: Rome, for pleasure (mostly gustatory, with a special emphasis on gelato); an ashram outside of Mumbai, for spiritual searching; and Bali, for "balancing."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book (somehow memoir doesn't seem to do justice to what Gilbert has produced) will make you silent in realizing profound and great wisdom before making you blurt sudden laughter upon reading the very next page."
"It motivated me to make my own trip and enjoy life and I liked that."
"Liz Gilbert bares her soul in this book and shows us that there will always be difficulties in life, you will make mistakes and you have to learn to live with them without beating yourself up."
"This is an uplifting story of a woman who puts hectic life on hold, and allows herself to heal after a difficult divorce."
"I ordered this book since I read the book "Eat, Pray, Love" when it was first published (2007), and I was curious to see how other readers were positively influenced by this book (and see if any of the stories were similar to my reactions)."
"This is an inspirational book that will show you spiritual truths through the authors personal journey."
"And Elizabeth Gilbert has a great writing style.....she adds humor into many areas and makes the story so simplistic and so visual that I can almost picture myself eating in Italy or meditating in India."
"Great quality and arrived fast!"