START YOUR NEW YEAR WITH A SPLASH OF COLOR AND DRAMA. KENNY SANTANA REPORTS

14 February 2010

Chinese New Year, Pontianak
Besides visiting their families during Lunar New Year, Chinese Pontianakians take to the city streets, to enjoy dragon and lion dances around the city’s atmospheric Chinese temples. Then on the 15th day, visitors from around the region travel to nearby Singkawang, for its annual Cap Go Meh festival.

22-24 January 2010

South to South Film Festival, Jakarta
This year’s South to South Film Festival promises movies with environmental issues to the fore. Also in the line-up will be discussions and exhibitions in the Goethe Institut and CCF Salemba. www.stosfestival.org

15-17 January 2010

Jakarta Mega Wedding Festival
Before walking down the aisle, bring your loved one to the Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran for an array of floral selections, a slice of wedding cake and to test drive your perfect bridal gown.

16 February 2010

Placebo in Concert, Jakarta
Istora Senayan Jakarta will host London-based indie rock band Placebo’s first foray to Indonesia’s capital. It is the lads’ only tour stop in Asia, so grab a ticket for your chance to sing along to ‘Every You Every Me’, ‘Nancy Boy’ and ‘Pure Morning’. www.javamusikindo.com

31 March - 4 April 2010

Bali Spirit Festival
Yoga practitioners, music fans and dance enthusiasts alike gather in Bali for the 3rd annual Bali Spirit. Ubud hosts international guests including yogi Mark Whitwell, dance teachers Sofia Thom and a handful of world musicians. www.balispiritfestival.com

5 - 7 March 2010

Java Jazz Festival 2010, Jakarta
Jakarta’s biggest music festival returns with a new venue in Kemayoran’s Jakarta International Expo. Fresh faces like Adele and Corrine Bailey Rae will compliment international music maestros such David Foster, Babyface and BB King. www.javajazzfestival.com

22 February 2010

Bunkasai Festival, Pekanbaru
Grab a chance to visit Riau University’s Faculty of Japanese Literature for its one-day cultural fair, held on campus. Guests can try their hand at hiragana writing, take part in the origami challenge - then dress up wild for the cosplay, or costume-play, competition.