Ten Tallest Buildings in the World

Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan – 1671 ft (509 m) 101 Floors

Taipei 101 became the world’s tallest building to be constructed in the new millennium and the first to cross the half-kilometer mark. The construction cost was $1.76 billion and it was completed in 2004. This multi-use steel-and-glass skyscraper was designed by C.Y. Lee & Partners and has 61 elevators. It reflects the traditional Chinese pagoda, with a soaring podium base, eight tiers of eight stories (eight is considered a number representing prosperous growth in China), narrow pinnacle tower, and a spire.

The building has an 18 ft, 882-ton ball-shaped damper at the top that counteracts swaying motions during typhoons and earthquakes. Although CTBUH only takes into consideration the floors above ground level, there are 5 floors underground too. The number “101” represents not only the number of floors, but also the mailing code of Taipei’s international business district. It was hailed as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World by Newsweek magazine in 2006 and as one of the Seven Wonders of Engineering by The Discovery Channel in 2005.

Shanghai World Financial Center – 1614 ft (492 m) 101 Floors

This super-tall skyscraper in Shanghai dominates the skyline over East China and is destined to become a symbolic icon, giving the city a new status and depicts the arrival of a new era in Asia. It was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and officially opened its doors to the public on August 28, 2008. It is a mixed-use building with excellent urban shopping malls at the base, a 174-room luxurious five-star hotel at the top and sixty-two floors filled with offices. There are three observation decks between the 94th and the 100th levels. It has a total of 31 elevators and the construction cost was US $1.2 billion. The most remarkable feature of this majestic building is the aperture at the top of the building. It is the 2nd tallest building in the world.

Petronas Twin Towers – 1483 ft (452 m) 88 Floors

The beautiful world-famous Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were constructed in 1998. The name sounds as romantic as they look together, standing side by side. These elegantly slender towers once held the title of the world’s tallest buildings before being ousted from that position by Taipei 101.

Petronas Tower 1 is the 3rd tallest building in the world.

Petronas Tower 2 is the 4th tallest building in the world.

However, they still remain the tallest twin buildings in the world. They were designed by Argentine-American architect Cesar Pelli and were built on Kuala Lumpur’s race track. The structure is made of high-strength concrete and has a curtain wall of glass and stainless steel sun shades that help diffuse the intensity of light.

The major feature of the towers is the sky-bridge between the towers on the 41st and 42nd floors, which is the highest 2-story bridge in the world. Visitors are allowed on the Skyway. The sky-bridge is also meant to be used in case of a fire or for other emergencies.

The Sears Tower – 1451 ft (452 m) 108 Floors

Located in Chicago, Illinois, The Sears Tower was constructed in 1974, and held the title of the world’s tallest building when it overtook the World Trade Center in New York. Although it is no longer the tallest building in the world, the Sears Tower is the 5th tallest and still has the world’s highest occupied floors, highest elevator ride and the highest roof deck. The top of the tower is the highest point in Illinois. It is said that four states can be seen from the top of the Sears Tower.

This tower was designed by architect Bruce Graham and engineer Fazlur Khan in a “bundled tube” system with nine squares, sheathed in a dark tinted glass curtain wall. The building leans a few inches due to its asymmetrical design and this can be felt occasionally. The Sears Tower has a separate tourist entrance and attracts more than 1.5 million tourists each year.

Jin Mao Tower – 1380 ft (421 m) 88 Floors

The name of the landmark super-tall skyscraper, Jin Mao, literally means “Golden Prosperity Building.” Currently ranked the 6th tallest building in the world, it was designed by the Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and was constructed in 1999. It is located in the Lujiazui area of the Pudong district of Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. The architecture ingeniously combines elements of traditional Chinese culture with the modern architectural styles of the time, which makes it one of the most well-constructed buildings in China. The proportions of this structure revolve around the number 8, which according to Chinese belief signifies prosperity.

It houses the very luxurious Shanghai Grand Hyatt hotel and several offices. The construction cost is estimated to be 530 million dollars. The tower has several exhibition halls, banquet halls, entertainment venues, and an observation deck on the 88th floor that can fit about 1000 tourists. The daily maintenance of this tower is reported to be an unbelievable US$121,000.

Two International Finance Center (IFC) – 1362 ft (415 m) 88 Floors

Constructed in 2003, the IFC with its two skyscrapers overlooking the Victoria Harbor is a prominent landmark in Hong Kong, China. One International Finance Center is 38 stories high. The Two International Finance Center, which is the world’s 7th tallest building, has 88 stories and has been designed to house financial firms with advanced telecommunications, featuring raised floors for better cabling and floor plans that are almost without columns. About 15,000 people can be accommodated in this building. Although there are 88 stories, there are some floors that are considered to be taboo and which are not used, such as the 14th and 24th floors, as these numbers signify evil for the Chinese.

The IFC mall has an array of famous retailers and several top jewelry retailers, health & skin care and fashion houses, restaurants, and a cinema. It is one of the few buildings in the world to be equipped with double-deck elevators.

CITIC Plaza – 1283 ft (391 m) 80 Floors

The China International Trust and Investment Company (CITIC) Plaza, built in 1997, is located in Guangzhou, in the growing Tianhe District. It was the tallest building in the world when it was built and is currently the tallest concrete building in the world. It is ranked as the fourth tallest building in China, seventh in Asia and eighth in the world. This building is part of a complex which has two other 38-story residential buildings.

CITIC Plaza has two antennas on the top like spires. This elegant building is surrounded by several other tall buildings and gives an indication of the increasing prosperity of Guangzhou. It is close to the Tianhe Sports Center where part of the Asia games 2010 will be held.

Shun Hing Square – 1260 ft (382 m) 69 Floors

The Shun Hing Square tower, built in 1996, is one of the world’s tallest buildings and occupies the 9th place currently. This brilliantly constructed building is in Shenzhen, China and is said to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It has the distinction of being the tallest all-steel building in China and the fifth tallest building overall in China. An interesting tid bit about this building: it was built at an incredible speed of four floors in nine days. The spires on the top of the building add to the height and without them, it stands at 325 m tall.

Shun Hing Square is a complex that has an office tower and another 35-story building for residential, office, and retail purposes. The 69th floor has an observation deck called the Meridian View Center. Tourists will have to pay US$12 to go up to that observation deck.

Empire State Building – 1250 ft (381 m) – 102 Floors

The Empire State Building of New York, in the United Stats was built in 1931, and it is one of the oldest and most famous buildings in the world. There probably aren’t many people who have not heard of it. Now rated as the 10th tallest building, it was the world’s tallest building for forty-one years until the World Trade Center was constructed in the year 1972. After the unfortunate incident with the World Trade Center in 2001, the Empire State Building once again became the tallest building in the State of New York.

It has also been named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The beauty of the Empire State Building is highlighted by the beautiful lights at the top of the building. In fact, the view of the building at night is considered to be a tourist attraction all on its own.

Coming Up

Standing tall among all others is another marvel, the Burj Dubai Tower in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is still under construction and will not be considered the tallest building until completion in September 2009. It already has 160 stories and overtook Taipei 101 and surpassed the KVLY-TV mast in the U.S. (which is 629 m), achieving the status of being the tallest man-made structure on the planet. The eventual height remains a secret, but speculation is that it will reach 900 meters.

There may be a magical moment in the future. The plan for the proposed Sky City 1000 by Japan shows its height at 1000 meters and 196 floors. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Burj Dubai, Dubai, The United Arab Emirates (167 Stories)

 The Burj Dubai had a delayed opening. It’s name has been changed to the Burj Khalifa, and it officially opened and became the world’s tallest building on January 4, 2010. It stands at 828 meters (2717 feet) tall. You can view a picture of the completed building below.

Inilah 7 Pantai Terindah di Pulau Bali Dewata

Bali merupakan pariwisata yang diakui oleh Seluruh Dunia akan keindahan alam dan kekayaan budayanya yang sangat kental, pantai di Balipun merupakan salah satu dari 10 pantai terbaik di Dunia, dimana dan apa sajakah pantai terindah dibali ini?

1.Padang Bai

 

Pantai Padang Bai terletak di pelabuhan penyebrangan Bali Lombok yaitu Padang Bai, pantainya cukup terjaga kebersihan dan keindahannya. Bagi pemancing dan para penyelam (diver) sangat suka dipantai ini. Karena biarpun bersebelahan dengan pelabuhan tetapi biota lautnya masih sangat terjaga dengan baik. Namun hati hati kalau mau menyelam disini, terkadang arusnya sangat kencang.

2.Pantai Legian dan Seminyak

 

Memang pantai yang terletak di utara pantai kuta mempunyai suasana yang sama dengan pantai Kuta, tetapi pantai di Legian dan Seminyak yang membedakan dengan pantai Kuta adalah kebersihan dan suasana yang tidak begitu ramai. Pantai legian dan seminyak ini merupakan tempat favorite memotret sunset saya, karena suasana sunset setiap harinya tidak pernah sama dan sangat unik.

3.Pantai Dreamland.

 

Pantai ini sangat disukai turis turis mancanegara, pasir putihnya membentang sangat luas. Dan karang karang besar memperindah pantai ini, salah satu pantai pasir putih di bali yang sangat indah dan eksotik. Hanya sayang akses ke tempat ini agak susah karena harus memasuki komplek perumahan mewah dan jalan yang sangat curam kebawah, agar berhati hati dikala musim hujan.

4.Pantai Sanur

 

Daerah sanur dan sekitarnya salah satu daerah wisata yang pertama berkembang di Bali, kita dapat merasakan suasana desa dengan kedamaian dibandingkan di daerah pantai yang lain. Semenjak direnovasi besar besaran Pantai sanur saat ini berubah menjadi pantai yang sangat cantik dan bersahabat. Banyaknya aktivitas dan resort2 yang berada didaerah sanur tersebut membuat Pantai Sanur salah satu pantai alternative yang layak dikunjungi.

5.Pantai Amed dan Tulamben

 

Pantai Amed dan Tulamben adalah pantai yang bersebelahan, hampir mirip karakter kedua pantai ini. Tetapi pantai amed masih sangat perawan dan tidak banyak turis domestic yang dating kesini. Pantai Tulamben sangat disenangi oleh para Diver yang ingin menyelam disini. Karena disini terdapat kapal perang US yang karam dan tidak terlalu dalam. Sehingga pantai ini adalah salah satu pantai yang eksotik dibali.

6.Pantai Lovina

Pantai yang terkenal yang terletak di utara pulau Bali, karakter pasir disini sedikit berbeda dipantai pantai bali lainnnya karena pasir hitamnya. Selain itu yang sangat terkenal di Pantai Lovina ini adalah setiap pagi kita bisa menyaksikan segerombolan Ikan Lumba lumba yang bermain di pantai ini, untuk melihat lumba lumba ini kita bisa menyewa perahu nelayan yang bisa dipesan dihotel atau langsung ke nelayannya. Jangan lupa membawa lensa tele dan wide, karena bisa saja tiba tiba lumba lumba tersebut muncul disamping anda.

7.Pantai Candi Dasa

 

Disebelah timur Pulau Bali dan 2 perjalanan dari Denpasar anda akan menemui daerah wisata yang cukup dikenal yaitu candi Dasa, dan keindahan pantainya yang sangat memukau. Banyak kegiatan yang bisa dilakukan di pantai ini, salah satunya adalah snorkeling dan diving bisa anda lakukan disini.

7 Spectacular Bali Temples

Bali is know as the “island of a thousand temples”.  You can’t get to see all of them while you’re in Bali, but you should try and get to see some of them!  Here’s a selection of 7 of the best / most popular temples on Bali.
When visit temples please respect the local customs.  Proper dress is encouraged, if you wear long pants or a long skirt you will need a sash tied around the waist.  If you are wearing shorts you will need a sarong.  These can typically be hired at the temples.
Besakih Temple (Mother Temple)
This is a collection of temples found in the village of Besakih on the side of Mount Agung and is know as the Mother Temple.  It is considered one of the most important temples in Bali and is over 1000 years old.  When Mount Agung erupted in 1963 (killing 1,700 people) the lava flows missed the temple by metres, which is seen as a miracle and a sign from the gods.


Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot is probably the most famous of Bali’s temples and mean “Land in the Middle of the sea”.  The temple sits just off the coast on a rock, which is quite spectacular.
The temple is visited quite often at sunset and provides great photos.  The temple is believed to be the work of 15th century priest Nirartha.


Pura Luhur (Uluwatu) Temple
Pura Luhur is a Balinese Sea Temple at Uluwatu on Bali. It was built in the 11th century. Probably one of the most spectacular temples sitting atop the cliffs overlooking the surf at Uluwatu.  Luhur means “something of divine origin” while “Uluwatu” can be broken into “ulu” which means “land’s end” and “watu” means “rock” in the old language).
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s ‘directional temples’ guarding Bali from evil spirits from the SW.


Pura Tirta Empul
Considered one of the 6 most important temples in Bali, Pura Tirta Empul dates back to 926 AD.  The spring water is sacred and thought to have healing properties.


Ulun Danu
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, or Pura Bratan, is the second most important temple in Bali after the mother temple Besakih. The temple is found on the shores of Danau Bratan (Lake Bratan) in the mountains near Bedugul.  The temple was built in 1926 and is dedicated to Dewi Batari Ulun Danu, goddess of lakes and rivers.



Goa Lawah Temple
Goa Lawah which means ‘Bat Cave’, is located along the coast of southeastern Bali just west of Candidasa. Founded in 1007 AD, the temple is built around a cave filled with thousands of bats, and is one of the directional temples protecting Bali from evils spirits from the SE. 

Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi
This is a Royal Temple of the Mengwi Empire, located in Mengwi Village.  Taman Ayun translates as “beautiful garden’ and is regarded as one of the most attractive temples of Bali.
Pura Taman Ayun was built in 1634 by the Raja of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu. It is a family temple.

Balinese Dance

Balinese Dance

Theater and dance is an integral part of Balinese culture. Balinese dances are famous all over the world and the Balinese themselves take them very seriously. Birthdays, weddings, and temples festivals are all occasions for dramatic performances and dance is inextricably linked with the Balinese religion. The commercial performances for tourists that are today offered on a daily basis in several places of Bali do, of course, not have the same religious significance and atmosphere of a dance that is performed at a real temple festival. The Kecak is an unusual Balinese dance for a couple of reasons. First, there is no musical accompaniment. The gamelan is not there. Rhythm is provided by a chanting 'monkey' chorus. The polyrhythmic sound of the chanting provides the name, 'Ke-chak'. For reservation, please      If black magic prevails, a village fails into danger, and extensive purification ceremonies become necessary to restore a proper equilibrium for the health of the community. Dramatic art is also a mea of cleansing the village by strengthening its resistance to harmful forces through offerings, prayers and acts of exorcism. Such is the symbolic play of the two remarkable presences-the Barong and Rangda. Barong, a mystical creature with a long swaybackand curved tail, representstheaffirmative, the protector of mankind, the glory of the high sun, and the lavorable spirits associated with the right and.white magic. For reservation, please      He took the costume from Kebyar Legong, but to move in a squatting position he had to hold up the train with one hand as he moved and this became the hallmark of the dance. The mood of Kebyar Duduk is determined by the music, and the dancer works in close co-ordination with the entire gamelan to interpret its shifting colors.     In legends, Legong is the heavenly dance of divine nymphs. Of all classical Balinese dances, it remains the quintessence of femininity and grace. Girls from the age of five aspire to be selected to represent the community as Legong dancers. For reservatio

Istilah dalam "cockfight"

Pria remaja dan dewasa mengenakan setelan adat putih-putih lengkap dengan udeng. Seperti orang yang sembahyang ke pura. Tapi, mereka bukan sembahyang. Mereka melihat sabung ayam.
Di tengah stadion, puluhan pasang ayam jago saling membantai satu sama lain. Setiap 30 menit sekali stadion seakan luruh dengan pekik ribuan mulut meneriakkan ayam jagoannya atau jenis taruhan.
“Cok.. cok.. Gasal..gasal..gasal.,” dua kata paling banyak terdengar. Sebagian lagi mengucapkan beberapa jenis taruhan lain seperti, kangin, kauh, dapang, dan lainnya. Istilah-istilah yang untuk orang awam tak bisa dipahami dengan cepat.
Semua istilah taruhan itu berarti berbeda. Jika skalanya 100, maka untuk taruhan jenis cok adalah perbandingan 75:100. Jika memilih ini jika menang mendapat bagian 75, dan yang kalah harus membayar 100 bagian atau penuh. Ini bisa dipilih jika si ayam diketahui sering menang sehingga diberikan pur.
Sementara gasal adalah taruhan dengan perbandingan 80:100 dan dapang 90:100. Ada juga yang berteriak “kangin” atau “kauh”, artinya jenis taruhan yang seimbang, dengan perbandingan 50:50. Kalah atau memang mendapat bagian yang sama. Kangin (timur) dan kauh (barat) merujuk arah sudut ayam yang diadu.
Anehnya, walau terkesan rumit, setiap petaruh sangat mudah mencari lawan taruhan. Bahkan, kesepakatan ini terjadi sangat singkat, beberapa detik saja sesaat ayam mulai diadu. Tak ada sedikit pun keributan atau perang mulut ketika sepasang ayam usai beradu. Petaruh yang kalah dengan cepat menyelesaikan kewajibannya pada lawan tanpa basa-basi atau protes seperti pemain sepak bola di lapangan.
“Tajen adalah soal insting. Kalau memang suka pasti cepat memahami dan menikmatinya,” ujar Bagus Krisnu pria tengah baya yang menikmati tajen terang atau terbuka siang itu.
Tajen terang di Samplangan ini baru dimulai pukul 10.00 Wita, usai persembahyangan warga di pura desa setempat dan berakhir sekitar pukul 13.00 Wita. Hanya dilangsungkan secara terbuka saat Galungan. Sejumlah pecalang dengan seragam desa adat berjaga di pintu masuk sambil membagi karcis masuk yang harus ditukar dengan uang Rp 10 ribu per orang.
Ada sebuah bangunan dengan kubah tulang besi berpilar sembilan yang sudah penuh dengan penikmat tajen dan puluhan kurungan ayam. Di luar areal, sejumlah dagang siap dengan aneka jajanan, nasi, sate, es, dan lainnya. Seluruh perangkat berjalan dengan organisasi yang baik, tak ada yang saling rebut lahan jualan karena mereka sudah mendaftar dan membayar sewa.
Para pemilik ayam menggunakan waktu selam 30 menit sebelum pertandingan mencari calon lawan yang sepadan. Pemilik atau pengadu mencoba memegang ayam calon lawannya, mengelus bulunya, memegang paha, pinggul, dan lainnya untuk mengetahui apakah sepadan.
Ketika sejumlah pasang ayam sudah siap, babak pertarungan diawasi oleh dua orang juri yang duduk di atas sebuah panggung kecil di atas ring. Seorang juri menulis jumlah uang taruhan yang beredar di dalam ring dan seorang juri lagi sebagai pengatur waktu. Ia memegang sebuah gong kecil (klemong) dan mengawasi sebuah pengukur waktu khas tajen. Terbuat dari bilah kulit kelapa (ceeng) yang dilubangi.
Ada dua jenis taruhan uang dalam tajen. Taruhan di dalam artinya para penjudi kakap yang sudah merencanakan jumlah uang yang sangat besar. Dalam tajen di Samplangan ini, terlihat puluhan orang yang menyodorkan bergepok-gepok uang untuk ditaruhkan.
“Minimal uang taruhan di dalam puluhan juta untuk satu pasang ayam yang bertanding saja,” ujar I Putu Suteja, pria 22 tahun, salah seorang generasi baru penjudi tajen di Bali. Sebanyak 10% dari jumlah taruhan di dalam inilah yang dicatat untuk masuk kas desa pelaksana tajen.
Sementara taruhan di luar ring adalah mereka yang meneriakkan jenis taruhan untuk mencari lawan sendiri. Seperti cok, gasal, dan lainnya itu.
Selain juri, juga ada sepasang wasit atau saya yang bertugas mengadu atau memisahkan ayam saat bertanding. Mereka juga bertugas memobilisasi taruhan dengan meyakinkan petaruh bahwa ayam yang dipegangnya lah yang oke.
Para petaruh memiliki informasi yang sangat minim soal ayam yang dijagokan. “Kalau sudah terbiasa metajen, instingnya jalan,” demikian Bagus Krisnu. Ia sulit mendeskripsikan pengalamannya.
Tentu saja insting tak selalu membuat petaruh menang. Bahkan, judi tajen diakui I Komang Ardana, pria 33 tahun yang tiap hari bertaruh ini tak pernah membuatnya menang. “Utang terus, tapi saya merasa suatu saat pasti menang besar,” katanya.
Agung Sujana, warga Gianyar penggemar berat tajen mengatakan atraksi sabung ayam ini sangat sulit dihentikan walau disebut perjudian dan ilegal di Indonesia. “Banyak orang menggantungkan penghasilan pada tajen,” katanya.
Di tajen terang Samplangan, Gianyar ini misalnya ada lima kelompok pedagang yang hanya berdagang di even tajen. Misalnya Dayu Sekar, penjual sate kambing asal Karangasem yang berkeliling sejumlah kota tiap minggunya mencari tajen-tajen besar. Ada juga Wayan Sri dan suaminya dari Bangli yang menjual aneka buah potong dan minuman.
Selain itu tiap sudut arena tajen, ada pekerja yang sigap memasang taji, membersihkan bulu ayam mati, dan lainnya yang masing-masing mendapat upah atas jasanya.

maanntaap gaannn