ISLAND Umang Resort Hotel
Global trend 'back to nature' lifestyle is the most attractive people of the city at this time as a means of healthful recreation and useful to improve the quality of life. Recreation 'back to nature' because it has advantages in addition to also bring to make healthy people that the environment must be kept in order to hold the balance of human life.
With the concept of 'The Beauty of Nature ... Beyond Your Imagination', ISLAND Umang Resort Hotel presents a nuanced nature resort that is designed such that a touch of natural beauty of the building and its surroundings provide luxury and comfort of itself. ISLAND Umang Resort Hotel is an ideal place to relax and refreshing for the routines of life saturated with the metropolitan.
ISLAND Umang Resort Hotel is located 183 km from Jakarta and applied for about 4 hours by car, and then proceed with the trip cross ship with only about 5 minutes. From a distance already feel the atmosphere of the panorama of nature and beautiful scenery with hills enchain in Java.
ISLAND Umang Resort Hotel currently has 60 rooms that are all natural nuances located by the beach with facilities such as the withdrawal-star hotel leisure spa, swimming pool, kids pool, Jacuzzi, 'Sunrise Café', which provides local and international food court, table tennis, and activities it water sport.
ISLAND Umang Resort Hotel also offers various activities such as visiting the outdoors Legon Hill The Outbound Adventure which is located on top of the hill with a spectacular seas. This place is the area to complete the outbound delivery activities' back to nature 'with a combination of tracking to the hills, and river rafting in the traditional Saung. Boosted by a group of lovers of nature and the creative professionals in the field of human resources development with the adventure in the outdoors.
There are also activities Umang Island Summer Camp, an event that will be in the guide by a professional team, with the outing that offers programs designed specifically for children in order to recognize the potential and advantages to themselves as well as environmental and natural surroundings. ISLAND Umang Resort Hotel also has other programs that you can select such as Hill adventure, River trip, Kids outdoor activities and much more. With the location, facilities and activities that are interesting.
ISLAND Umang Resort Hotel with the natural beauty of the extraordinary in the area plus snorkeling spot is very beautiful, will create a comfortable and happy feeling that will make you feel downright fresh integrates with nature.
With the existing facilities ISLAND Umang Resort Hotel became one of the main options for the holiday or event for the meeting, company gathering, outbound team building, training, pre wedding photos, wedding party, honeymoon, and enjoy other activities as well as natural environment free of refrigerant .
Rabu, 15 April 2009
Selasa, 14 April 2009
Adrenalin stimulate the River Ciberang
Adrenalin stimulate the River Ciberang
For tourists seeking pleasure lover aka adrenalin sports spur heart, rivers Ciberang is the right place. Characteristics of a challenging rapid berbalut natural river with panoramic Ciberang indeed have the feel of the beautiful natural scenery. At the riverside there are Ciberang diverse trees, cliffs, cliffs that is unique, and various forms of rocks.
In addition, in the vicinity of the river there are also Ciberang area of rice field and plantation turn. This is an attraction for tourists Ciberang river. River water comes from mountains Halimun, Banten Province and the water looks clear.
Rafting on this river starts from Kampung Muara, Desa Banjar Sari, Kecamatan Lebakgendong, and ends at the village Leuwi Bujal, Cipanas District. One of the distinctive Ciberang this river is the location that is still natural and varied, there are cliffs, cliffs that stick to the river, dam-dam that steep, and the rocks off. The many obstacles along the river Ciberang this course will provide challenges.
Accommodation
River Ciberang have 40-50 m wide with a depth of 1-20 m, the track that has divided into 3 distance with a rapid 10 km, 14 km and 15 km. But actually there is still a more rapid and challenging, but especially for this cascade that have been experienced. Since in the open in 2007, tourism Arum cascade, which is managed by FAJI Banten branch has many interesting tourist, local or international.
For visitors who use the vehicles to the general river Ciberang terminal can be started from Jakarta, Bogor increased faculty Jasinga-or-Rangkas Bitung Bogor. Meanwhile, for users of private vehicles towards Jakarta, can Balaraja through with the distance about 100 km or through Bitung Serang Rangkas through with the distance about 80 km.
To enter the tourism Ciberang river, not in pungut cost, but for those interested in the beauty of the river Ciberang with berarung cascade, charged Rp. 185,000 per person and includes food, softdrink, snack and insurance. As a complement tourism, in this area there are also lodging, food stalls and playground area for children.
For tourists seeking pleasure lover aka adrenalin sports spur heart, rivers Ciberang is the right place. Characteristics of a challenging rapid berbalut natural river with panoramic Ciberang indeed have the feel of the beautiful natural scenery. At the riverside there are Ciberang diverse trees, cliffs, cliffs that is unique, and various forms of rocks.
In addition, in the vicinity of the river there are also Ciberang area of rice field and plantation turn. This is an attraction for tourists Ciberang river. River water comes from mountains Halimun, Banten Province and the water looks clear.
Rafting on this river starts from Kampung Muara, Desa Banjar Sari, Kecamatan Lebakgendong, and ends at the village Leuwi Bujal, Cipanas District. One of the distinctive Ciberang this river is the location that is still natural and varied, there are cliffs, cliffs that stick to the river, dam-dam that steep, and the rocks off. The many obstacles along the river Ciberang this course will provide challenges.
Accommodation
River Ciberang have 40-50 m wide with a depth of 1-20 m, the track that has divided into 3 distance with a rapid 10 km, 14 km and 15 km. But actually there is still a more rapid and challenging, but especially for this cascade that have been experienced. Since in the open in 2007, tourism Arum cascade, which is managed by FAJI Banten branch has many interesting tourist, local or international.
For visitors who use the vehicles to the general river Ciberang terminal can be started from Jakarta, Bogor increased faculty Jasinga-or-Rangkas Bitung Bogor. Meanwhile, for users of private vehicles towards Jakarta, can Balaraja through with the distance about 100 km or through Bitung Serang Rangkas through with the distance about 80 km.
To enter the tourism Ciberang river, not in pungut cost, but for those interested in the beauty of the river Ciberang with berarung cascade, charged Rp. 185,000 per person and includes food, softdrink, snack and insurance. As a complement tourism, in this area there are also lodging, food stalls and playground area for children.
Senin, 13 April 2009
Places of Interest in Banten
Places of Interest in Banten
Rawa Dano
Rawa Dano is located in Kampung Bojong, Gunungsari Village Kaduagung District, Banten. Place before this one was already known as a place where many people relax.
Enchantment of the Rawa Dano as the lake is located at the foot of hills or mountains. If the sun is shining bright, it will appear in the distance swamp. Water appears to overlay the turn, around the plants to grow a variety of water types. But in the afternoon or when the sun began to decrease, which appears only overlay white fog cover the lake. Although I can not see anything, other than the carpet-like cloud of fog that cotton, but we like to make cool berlama-old here. Rawa Dano Kabutan located in Serang, and can be applied through Anyer-Serang-Cinangka-Padarincang-Rawa Dano with a distance of 50 km.
Green Valley Travel
For those of you who like outdoor activities, such as outbond, Banten is also a place that is not less interesting. Located behind the line of the hotel that stands along the tour route Anyer, there is an alternative tour of the concept of natural keasrian with the main form of the game. Tourism Tourism outbond is called Green Valley.
In this place you have not heard the sound waves, there is no hotel, there are only a small Cabin-Cabin for overnight with the red brick building wall. Tour Green Valley area into three arena. First arena contain fun games, field and lodging. Down to the arena, there are rice fields and ponds with Saung Saung-small. And the third arena, the arena there is a flying fox. And to reach this place is not too difficult from Anyer beach, it only takes about about 2 hours using a vehicle.
Malimping until Sawarna
Pesona Banten tourism was to continue to extend towards South. In fact Malimping along the coast to Sawarna spirit can be a drag in the new domestic and international tourists. To reach the area that are in the city district in the south end of Banten Province, you can start the journey from Labuan to Serang and continue toward Malimping.
Distance needed to get to this area about 6 hours, feeling tired in the journey is very definitely felt. But do not have to worry during the trip because you'll enjoy mountain chain, a vast carpet of rice field. One again, you need not fear the government lost because of Banten has given directions at every intersection.
The first area that you will find is Malimping Beach, bongkahan reef with crystal clear water plus akan indah.Apalagi into the water if you will see plants and animals of the sea behind. Keasrian this beach is still awake, perhaps because not many tourists who visit the ini.Jika your photography hobby, many of the objects of interest to the image.
If you continue the journey is approximately 1 hours drive, you will arrive at the beach Bayah, one of the beaches are still virgin and has a distinctive charm. Excess bayah beach is a great ombaknya and hempasannya can be up to much. Bayah slain the beach has coral stone paving and gravel black.
If the trip has not been too sore to continue you can visit the beach Ciantir in the Village Sawarna a distance not too far.
Rawa Dano
Rawa Dano is located in Kampung Bojong, Gunungsari Village Kaduagung District, Banten. Place before this one was already known as a place where many people relax.
Enchantment of the Rawa Dano as the lake is located at the foot of hills or mountains. If the sun is shining bright, it will appear in the distance swamp. Water appears to overlay the turn, around the plants to grow a variety of water types. But in the afternoon or when the sun began to decrease, which appears only overlay white fog cover the lake. Although I can not see anything, other than the carpet-like cloud of fog that cotton, but we like to make cool berlama-old here. Rawa Dano Kabutan located in Serang, and can be applied through Anyer-Serang-Cinangka-Padarincang-Rawa Dano with a distance of 50 km.
Green Valley Travel
For those of you who like outdoor activities, such as outbond, Banten is also a place that is not less interesting. Located behind the line of the hotel that stands along the tour route Anyer, there is an alternative tour of the concept of natural keasrian with the main form of the game. Tourism Tourism outbond is called Green Valley.
In this place you have not heard the sound waves, there is no hotel, there are only a small Cabin-Cabin for overnight with the red brick building wall. Tour Green Valley area into three arena. First arena contain fun games, field and lodging. Down to the arena, there are rice fields and ponds with Saung Saung-small. And the third arena, the arena there is a flying fox. And to reach this place is not too difficult from Anyer beach, it only takes about about 2 hours using a vehicle.
Malimping until Sawarna
Pesona Banten tourism was to continue to extend towards South. In fact Malimping along the coast to Sawarna spirit can be a drag in the new domestic and international tourists. To reach the area that are in the city district in the south end of Banten Province, you can start the journey from Labuan to Serang and continue toward Malimping.
Distance needed to get to this area about 6 hours, feeling tired in the journey is very definitely felt. But do not have to worry during the trip because you'll enjoy mountain chain, a vast carpet of rice field. One again, you need not fear the government lost because of Banten has given directions at every intersection.
The first area that you will find is Malimping Beach, bongkahan reef with crystal clear water plus akan indah.Apalagi into the water if you will see plants and animals of the sea behind. Keasrian this beach is still awake, perhaps because not many tourists who visit the ini.Jika your photography hobby, many of the objects of interest to the image.
If you continue the journey is approximately 1 hours drive, you will arrive at the beach Bayah, one of the beaches are still virgin and has a distinctive charm. Excess bayah beach is a great ombaknya and hempasannya can be up to much. Bayah slain the beach has coral stone paving and gravel black.
If the trip has not been too sore to continue you can visit the beach Ciantir in the Village Sawarna a distance not too far.
Minggu, 12 April 2009
Banten Lama
Banten Lama
Besides tourism, the beach and mountains, Banten province also has the potential attractions that have historical value, namely tourism Banten Lama. Located not far from the city of Serang, or more than one hour journey, the enchantment is not separated from the story of the triumph of Banten and prosperity of the people in the past and the remnants of progress can be found in some of the region. Unfortunately, the historic buildings and heritage Dutch Islamic kingdom of Banten XVI-XVIII century is not well.
Entering the area of Banten Lama will feel very thick with the feel of religinya. You can start with a round to go directly through the Great Mosque street gang or small. The left and right lane is filled by the vendors that offer a variety of souvenirs typical Banten. Setiba in the mosque, you will see a high tower which is approximately 15 meters, from the top will look very beautiful scenery. You can see a mosque or a full witness Surosowan with the palace wall (fortress) that mengelilinginya.
Fort area is about three hectares, with different fortresses in Europe, at the top of the cupola there is no fort or bastion. But even in a high poles where the soldiers outside the fort. At the time of Sultan Maulana Yusuf, son of Maulana Hasanuddin, strengthened the fort with rock and brick. Trench dug around the fortress-trench. While the palace was built in the swimming bath and the remaining buildings that can still be seen. Unfortunately, this place is less terawat.
Culture Tourism
Potential that is not less interesting when you are visiting Banten on the other side of the Banten people still adhere to customs and culture. One is a place of quiet and far from urban areas. The Bedouin tribe of the name, that is located in the Village Kenekes, about 1.5 hour from Bitung Rangkas, Regency of Lebak. To go there, you can via the Lebak regency until Leuwidamar, and paths through the 10 km far from the village of Ciboleger, Cibungur Village.
Bedouin society is a tribe native Banten still maintain that tradition. Every April to May, the Bedouin is closed for outsiders who come because akan akan Ceremony held Kawalu, a kind of celebration of religious feast day. Bedouin tribe consists two parts, namely Badui In and Out Badui. The beautiful natural scenery and are traditionally of will teach how we should be together with the environment.
The beauty of the panorama in Banten Regency 4 and 4 cities, namely Serang, Tangerang, Lebak and Pandeglang who do have diversity.
Besides tourism, the beach and mountains, Banten province also has the potential attractions that have historical value, namely tourism Banten Lama. Located not far from the city of Serang, or more than one hour journey, the enchantment is not separated from the story of the triumph of Banten and prosperity of the people in the past and the remnants of progress can be found in some of the region. Unfortunately, the historic buildings and heritage Dutch Islamic kingdom of Banten XVI-XVIII century is not well.
Entering the area of Banten Lama will feel very thick with the feel of religinya. You can start with a round to go directly through the Great Mosque street gang or small. The left and right lane is filled by the vendors that offer a variety of souvenirs typical Banten. Setiba in the mosque, you will see a high tower which is approximately 15 meters, from the top will look very beautiful scenery. You can see a mosque or a full witness Surosowan with the palace wall (fortress) that mengelilinginya.
Fort area is about three hectares, with different fortresses in Europe, at the top of the cupola there is no fort or bastion. But even in a high poles where the soldiers outside the fort. At the time of Sultan Maulana Yusuf, son of Maulana Hasanuddin, strengthened the fort with rock and brick. Trench dug around the fortress-trench. While the palace was built in the swimming bath and the remaining buildings that can still be seen. Unfortunately, this place is less terawat.
Culture Tourism
Potential that is not less interesting when you are visiting Banten on the other side of the Banten people still adhere to customs and culture. One is a place of quiet and far from urban areas. The Bedouin tribe of the name, that is located in the Village Kenekes, about 1.5 hour from Bitung Rangkas, Regency of Lebak. To go there, you can via the Lebak regency until Leuwidamar, and paths through the 10 km far from the village of Ciboleger, Cibungur Village.
Bedouin society is a tribe native Banten still maintain that tradition. Every April to May, the Bedouin is closed for outsiders who come because akan akan Ceremony held Kawalu, a kind of celebration of religious feast day. Bedouin tribe consists two parts, namely Badui In and Out Badui. The beautiful natural scenery and are traditionally of will teach how we should be together with the environment.
The beauty of the panorama in Banten Regency 4 and 4 cities, namely Serang, Tangerang, Lebak and Pandeglang who do have diversity.
Sabtu, 11 April 2009
Ujung Pandang “Makassar” Gateway to the East
Ujung Pandang “Makassar” Gateway to the East
History and Culture, called Makassar until 1971, present day Ujung Pandang served as the gateway to the fabled Spice Island (Maluku) and all points east. From 1500’s, the trading town of Makassar was the meeting point of all shipping and commercial activity East of Java. With sailors and trading ships coming from all directions, Makassar achieved the status of a truly international city as Chinese, Europeans, Indians, Malays, Japanese and Indonesians traded with against each other. But perhaps the most famous sailors and traders were the Makassar people themselves.
The local Makassarese and the Bugis became renowned throughout Southeast Asia, sailing to ports from Malacca to Manila. people The Bugis Prahu (wooden schooner) are legendary for Makassar people sailing ability. In fact, the prahu sail so well that over 800 are still used today in the logging trade and local shipping, though most now use motors with their sails. And as many as another 1,000 smaller but similarly designed vessel ply the waters as far away as Singapore using only the wind in Makassar people sails and the stars for navigation.
With the Maluku’s gaining international importance because of the spice trade in the 17 th century, Makassar transformed into gateway to riches. As the colonial powers fought over the Maluku’s, controlling Makassar meant great control over the spice trade. With the English, Portuguese, Danish, Spanish, French and Asian traders trying to block the Dutch spice monopoly, holding Ujung Pandang became a Dutch priority. The massive walls of Fort Rotterdam were the result. Today, Ujung Pandang remains an active trading port-still the gateway between the east and west.
People and Religion, In South Sulawesi, the Bugis are the largest of four main ethnic groups, followed by the closely related Makassar people and the similar Mandarese.
While these three similar groups occupy coastal lands and primarily live off the sea, the fourth group, the Toraja, inhabit the rugged interior of the South Sulawesi peninsula in a far different lifestyle.
Ujung Pandang boasts a modern city of 800,000, while the overall population of South Sulawesi is about six million. Sulawesi, a land of seafarers and traders demonstrates the variety that such maritime traffic will bring: Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Confucians and numerous indigenous religions make up one of the most diverse religious combinations in Indonesia.
Site and Sights, just outside Paotere Harbor, the street activity is the busiest in all Ujung Pandang. Men and women buying and selling everything, and children running wild waving sticks with tiny boats and cars tied on strings.
Inside the harbor, one long dock is reserved for the huge Bugis prahu an impressive sight looking down the row with their curved, upturned bows and tall masts forming an eye-pleasing symmetry. But these big wooden boats are there for more than aesthetics, and their crews work furiously to load and unload cargo. Barefoot sailors walk long wooden planks-once whole trees-between the boat decks and the dock with an expert dexterity that defies the resonant bounce of the planks. Among the small boats, authentic Bugis and Makassar character-big character-puton a real life show.
Back in town, Fort Rotterdam marks the city’s historic center. Originally built in 1545 by the local Gowanese kingdom, the beach-side Fort Rotterdam was captured and rebuilt in 1667 by the Dutch. The two-meter-thick outer walls stand seven meters tall and form a large square. At each corner and at the main gate, diamond shaped defensive bastions ptotrude, giving the fort an invincibility that allowed the Dutch to headquarter there for hundred of years. Today, the fort still guards Ujung Pandang’s seas and exhibits great examples of Dutch colonial architecture. It also houses the Cultural Foundation, an engaging living history museum for South Sulawesi.
All throughout Ujung Pandang, fine examples of Dutch colonial architecture still stand, though unfortunately some beautiful old buildings are being destroyed in favour of modern box architecture. Still colonial homes dot the narrow streets of the downtown area around Fort Rotterdam. With a large Chinese population, the city also boasts many old Chinese buildings, including four colourful Buddhist temples.
Diponegoro’s Tomb houses the remains of one of Indonesia’s greatest heroes. The son of the Sultan of Yogyakarta, Diponegoro led the resistance against the Dutch in the Java war from 1825-1830. Betrayed to the Dutch, he was exiled to Makassar, where he lived the rest of his life in Makassar. A family tree pained on the tomb shows that his family has stayed in Ujung Pandang.
Food and entertainment. In the evening, the esplanade at Pantai Losari turns into a food festival, with the smells of sate and ikan bakar wafting through the air. In a carnival atmosphere of food stalls, the people of Ujung Pandang congregate here, sitting among friends and strangers to share a simple supper. Ujung Pandang also presents good nightlife with discos, karaoke lounges and billiards halls.
Things to buy. Torajans handicrafts like small wood-carved tau-tau, engraved bamboo containers and Toraja trays make good souvenirs. Antique porcelain and celadon stoneware can also be found, and on jalan Sombu Opu, artisan produce intricate gold and silver jewellery.
Sulawesi grows and exports some of the finest coffee in the world, so a visit to one of Ujung Pandang’s small coffee factories might be unavoidable. Inside the factory shop, workers pack and grind exclusive Arabica and Toraja varieties. If you show a little interest, the workers will brew a fresh sample of their best for taste-testing. Though the sample is free, it will convince you to purchase at least a kilo for the trip home-a tasty and aromatic reminder of the ‘Gateway to the east!’
History and Culture, called Makassar until 1971, present day Ujung Pandang served as the gateway to the fabled Spice Island (Maluku) and all points east. From 1500’s, the trading town of Makassar was the meeting point of all shipping and commercial activity East of Java. With sailors and trading ships coming from all directions, Makassar achieved the status of a truly international city as Chinese, Europeans, Indians, Malays, Japanese and Indonesians traded with against each other. But perhaps the most famous sailors and traders were the Makassar people themselves.
The local Makassarese and the Bugis became renowned throughout Southeast Asia, sailing to ports from Malacca to Manila. people The Bugis Prahu (wooden schooner) are legendary for Makassar people sailing ability. In fact, the prahu sail so well that over 800 are still used today in the logging trade and local shipping, though most now use motors with their sails. And as many as another 1,000 smaller but similarly designed vessel ply the waters as far away as Singapore using only the wind in Makassar people sails and the stars for navigation.
With the Maluku’s gaining international importance because of the spice trade in the 17 th century, Makassar transformed into gateway to riches. As the colonial powers fought over the Maluku’s, controlling Makassar meant great control over the spice trade. With the English, Portuguese, Danish, Spanish, French and Asian traders trying to block the Dutch spice monopoly, holding Ujung Pandang became a Dutch priority. The massive walls of Fort Rotterdam were the result. Today, Ujung Pandang remains an active trading port-still the gateway between the east and west.
People and Religion, In South Sulawesi, the Bugis are the largest of four main ethnic groups, followed by the closely related Makassar people and the similar Mandarese.
While these three similar groups occupy coastal lands and primarily live off the sea, the fourth group, the Toraja, inhabit the rugged interior of the South Sulawesi peninsula in a far different lifestyle.
Ujung Pandang boasts a modern city of 800,000, while the overall population of South Sulawesi is about six million. Sulawesi, a land of seafarers and traders demonstrates the variety that such maritime traffic will bring: Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Confucians and numerous indigenous religions make up one of the most diverse religious combinations in Indonesia.
Site and Sights, just outside Paotere Harbor, the street activity is the busiest in all Ujung Pandang. Men and women buying and selling everything, and children running wild waving sticks with tiny boats and cars tied on strings.
Inside the harbor, one long dock is reserved for the huge Bugis prahu an impressive sight looking down the row with their curved, upturned bows and tall masts forming an eye-pleasing symmetry. But these big wooden boats are there for more than aesthetics, and their crews work furiously to load and unload cargo. Barefoot sailors walk long wooden planks-once whole trees-between the boat decks and the dock with an expert dexterity that defies the resonant bounce of the planks. Among the small boats, authentic Bugis and Makassar character-big character-puton a real life show.
Back in town, Fort Rotterdam marks the city’s historic center. Originally built in 1545 by the local Gowanese kingdom, the beach-side Fort Rotterdam was captured and rebuilt in 1667 by the Dutch. The two-meter-thick outer walls stand seven meters tall and form a large square. At each corner and at the main gate, diamond shaped defensive bastions ptotrude, giving the fort an invincibility that allowed the Dutch to headquarter there for hundred of years. Today, the fort still guards Ujung Pandang’s seas and exhibits great examples of Dutch colonial architecture. It also houses the Cultural Foundation, an engaging living history museum for South Sulawesi.
All throughout Ujung Pandang, fine examples of Dutch colonial architecture still stand, though unfortunately some beautiful old buildings are being destroyed in favour of modern box architecture. Still colonial homes dot the narrow streets of the downtown area around Fort Rotterdam. With a large Chinese population, the city also boasts many old Chinese buildings, including four colourful Buddhist temples.
Diponegoro’s Tomb houses the remains of one of Indonesia’s greatest heroes. The son of the Sultan of Yogyakarta, Diponegoro led the resistance against the Dutch in the Java war from 1825-1830. Betrayed to the Dutch, he was exiled to Makassar, where he lived the rest of his life in Makassar. A family tree pained on the tomb shows that his family has stayed in Ujung Pandang.
Food and entertainment. In the evening, the esplanade at Pantai Losari turns into a food festival, with the smells of sate and ikan bakar wafting through the air. In a carnival atmosphere of food stalls, the people of Ujung Pandang congregate here, sitting among friends and strangers to share a simple supper. Ujung Pandang also presents good nightlife with discos, karaoke lounges and billiards halls.
Things to buy. Torajans handicrafts like small wood-carved tau-tau, engraved bamboo containers and Toraja trays make good souvenirs. Antique porcelain and celadon stoneware can also be found, and on jalan Sombu Opu, artisan produce intricate gold and silver jewellery.
Sulawesi grows and exports some of the finest coffee in the world, so a visit to one of Ujung Pandang’s small coffee factories might be unavoidable. Inside the factory shop, workers pack and grind exclusive Arabica and Toraja varieties. If you show a little interest, the workers will brew a fresh sample of their best for taste-testing. Though the sample is free, it will convince you to purchase at least a kilo for the trip home-a tasty and aromatic reminder of the ‘Gateway to the east!’
Jumat, 10 April 2009
Cirebon & Kuningan vacations
Cirebon & Kuningan vacations
Cirebon is one of the important harbor cities in Java and it is developing as an industrial city. From Bandung, Cirebon can be reached via Sumedang with scenic panoramas along the way. Although Cirebon is not as big as Bandung, it has upper scale hotels and good seafood restaurants. Most of them are located in the city center, in Jl. Tuparev, Jl. Siliwangi and Jl. Kartini. The oldest Moslem Kingdom in West Java was located in Cirebon. The first king was said to be grandson of Prabu Siliwangi of the Pajajaran kingdom. There are three palaces in Cirebon. The significant one is Keraton Kasepuhan. A traditional gapura or gate marks the entrance that leads to a pretty large yard. The yard is surrounded by red brick structures, and shaded by big old trees. You may find a man who looks as ancient as those trees sweeping the falling leaves and maintaining the yard with great care. The walls of the palace are embedded with antique ceramics plates from China, a reminder of the importance of Cirebon in the old days as a port frequented by Chinese traders. The palace is flanked by two museums housing a carriage, gamelan (traditional musical instrument) sets and other historical items. The other two minor palaces are Kanoman and Kacirebonan. Masjid Panujunan, a walking distance from the Keraton, is an old mosque built around 1478.
Gua Sunyaragi
This curious shaped grotto on Jl. Brig. Jen. Dharsono, might tempt you to play hide and seek once you are inside, and you might get lost too. Built in 1703 by one of the princes, it was used as a place for learning martial art and meditation. Later on the place was raided and destroyed by the Dutch. It was reconstructed during the reign of Prince Adiwijaya, assisted by Chinese architect in 1852.
Astana Gunung Jati
About 5 km North of the city, ia the sacred grave site of Sunan Gunung Jati and his wife, believed to be a princess from China. Sunan Gunung Jati is one Wali Songo or Nine Apostles in Moslem religion, who spread Moslem religion as far as Banten. Many people visit the place from distant area pray and ask for blessing.
Cipari & Linggarjati
30 minutes South of Cirebon is Kuningan area. The place has a natural beauty of its own and the climate is cooler. The places to go include Cipari, where a pre-historic site was found from which items are displayed in a small museum. Linggarjati is a village at the foot of Mt. Ciremai, the history of Indonesian Independence is told by rows of photos were taken during the negotiation and the signing of Linggarjati agreement. Formerly the house was owned by a Dutch entrepreneur, and has been renovated and preserved as a historical building. Linggarjati is a good starting point for mountain climbers. Opposite the junction of the road to Linggarjati is a hot spring area called Sangkan Hurip.
The Outskirts of Cirebon
The village of Trusmi, approximately 5 kms prior to entering the city of Cirebon from Jakarta has several batik factories. The design of Cirebon batik is different to batik from Central Java. It is influence by Chinese with characteristically bright colors with flower, plant or bird motifs. Some other Village around Cirebon produce rattan furnitures, framed goat skin embedded with wayang figures or calligraphy.
Sukabumi vacations
The retreat area of Sukabumi is called Selabintana, there is plenty of accommodation, ranging from hotel rooms to bungalows equipped with cooking and sports facilities. Even though there is not much to see, Sukabumi is a cool and quite place and is known as a source of marble. Here you can get crafts made of marble such as bangles, ashtray, animal figures, etc.
Pelabuhan Ratu
From Sukabumi if you go south through a winding road, you will arrive at Pelabuhan Ratu, on Southern shoreline. Unfortunately in this area there are places that are not save for swimming, and those places are marked with warning signs. Stick to safe area, or simply lie down on the beach and relax, the place is pretty quite. Accommodation and restaurant are easy to find, and sometimes you don’t need to make advance booking. The legend has it that the South Sea is the realm of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, the queen of South Java Sea. People still believe that you should not wear anything in green, since it is her favorite color, or else you would be swept away and become one of her servants.
Pangandaran
In the Southern border of West Java and Central Java is the famous Pangandaran. It can be reached in about 5-6 hours from Bandung. Tourist facilities such as hotels and restaurants here are less commercial than those in Anyer/Carita. Bicycling in the early morning around the village will introduce you to kampong people and let you feel their hospitality. Another attraction is Pangandaran National Park. Arrange with the local authorized guide in advance if you want to explore the tropical rain forest inhabited by deer, porcupines, monkeys and other curious creature.
Cirebon is one of the important harbor cities in Java and it is developing as an industrial city. From Bandung, Cirebon can be reached via Sumedang with scenic panoramas along the way. Although Cirebon is not as big as Bandung, it has upper scale hotels and good seafood restaurants. Most of them are located in the city center, in Jl. Tuparev, Jl. Siliwangi and Jl. Kartini. The oldest Moslem Kingdom in West Java was located in Cirebon. The first king was said to be grandson of Prabu Siliwangi of the Pajajaran kingdom. There are three palaces in Cirebon. The significant one is Keraton Kasepuhan. A traditional gapura or gate marks the entrance that leads to a pretty large yard. The yard is surrounded by red brick structures, and shaded by big old trees. You may find a man who looks as ancient as those trees sweeping the falling leaves and maintaining the yard with great care. The walls of the palace are embedded with antique ceramics plates from China, a reminder of the importance of Cirebon in the old days as a port frequented by Chinese traders. The palace is flanked by two museums housing a carriage, gamelan (traditional musical instrument) sets and other historical items. The other two minor palaces are Kanoman and Kacirebonan. Masjid Panujunan, a walking distance from the Keraton, is an old mosque built around 1478.
Gua Sunyaragi
This curious shaped grotto on Jl. Brig. Jen. Dharsono, might tempt you to play hide and seek once you are inside, and you might get lost too. Built in 1703 by one of the princes, it was used as a place for learning martial art and meditation. Later on the place was raided and destroyed by the Dutch. It was reconstructed during the reign of Prince Adiwijaya, assisted by Chinese architect in 1852.
Astana Gunung Jati
About 5 km North of the city, ia the sacred grave site of Sunan Gunung Jati and his wife, believed to be a princess from China. Sunan Gunung Jati is one Wali Songo or Nine Apostles in Moslem religion, who spread Moslem religion as far as Banten. Many people visit the place from distant area pray and ask for blessing.
Cipari & Linggarjati
30 minutes South of Cirebon is Kuningan area. The place has a natural beauty of its own and the climate is cooler. The places to go include Cipari, where a pre-historic site was found from which items are displayed in a small museum. Linggarjati is a village at the foot of Mt. Ciremai, the history of Indonesian Independence is told by rows of photos were taken during the negotiation and the signing of Linggarjati agreement. Formerly the house was owned by a Dutch entrepreneur, and has been renovated and preserved as a historical building. Linggarjati is a good starting point for mountain climbers. Opposite the junction of the road to Linggarjati is a hot spring area called Sangkan Hurip.
The Outskirts of Cirebon
The village of Trusmi, approximately 5 kms prior to entering the city of Cirebon from Jakarta has several batik factories. The design of Cirebon batik is different to batik from Central Java. It is influence by Chinese with characteristically bright colors with flower, plant or bird motifs. Some other Village around Cirebon produce rattan furnitures, framed goat skin embedded with wayang figures or calligraphy.
Sukabumi vacations
The retreat area of Sukabumi is called Selabintana, there is plenty of accommodation, ranging from hotel rooms to bungalows equipped with cooking and sports facilities. Even though there is not much to see, Sukabumi is a cool and quite place and is known as a source of marble. Here you can get crafts made of marble such as bangles, ashtray, animal figures, etc.
Pelabuhan Ratu
From Sukabumi if you go south through a winding road, you will arrive at Pelabuhan Ratu, on Southern shoreline. Unfortunately in this area there are places that are not save for swimming, and those places are marked with warning signs. Stick to safe area, or simply lie down on the beach and relax, the place is pretty quite. Accommodation and restaurant are easy to find, and sometimes you don’t need to make advance booking. The legend has it that the South Sea is the realm of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, the queen of South Java Sea. People still believe that you should not wear anything in green, since it is her favorite color, or else you would be swept away and become one of her servants.
Pangandaran
In the Southern border of West Java and Central Java is the famous Pangandaran. It can be reached in about 5-6 hours from Bandung. Tourist facilities such as hotels and restaurants here are less commercial than those in Anyer/Carita. Bicycling in the early morning around the village will introduce you to kampong people and let you feel their hospitality. Another attraction is Pangandaran National Park. Arrange with the local authorized guide in advance if you want to explore the tropical rain forest inhabited by deer, porcupines, monkeys and other curious creature.
Kamis, 09 April 2009
Tanah Pasundan
Tanah Pasundan
The island area of Tanah Pasundan is mostly mountainous and is blessed with fertile soil resulting from volcanic explosions hundred of years ago, making it very rich in minerals. Coffee and tea plantations, vegetable farms are abundant, especially in the area of Lembang. Rice fields occupy most of the area Cianjur, Garut and Sumedang. High rainfall also makes this area much cooler than the rest of West Java. Some towns are surrounded by still active volcanoes. Bandung and the highlands surrounding the city are also called Bumi Parahyangan, meaning ‘the Abode of the Gods’ As in most similar topographical areas waterfalls and hot springs can be found in many places making it attract many tourists, as a result a hue number of resorts and retreat places sprout like soaked greenbeans.
The history
The famous Sundanese king was Sri Baduga Maharaja who ruled the Hindu kingdom of Pajajaran around the15 th century. His successor was defeated by the Moelem army of Banten during its invasion in 1579. After the arrival of the Dutch, things changed drastically. In 1620 Dutch traders founded the East India Company (VOC) to monopolize the spice trade. VOC was allowed to acquire Parahyangan by the current King in return for its favour in helping him to ascend the throne. In 1799 VOC went bankrupt and the Dutch government took over. The monopoly of the spice trade was expanded to the East. In 1808 the appointed Governor General, Daendels, ordered the construction of a 1,000 km road from Anyer in West Java to Panarukan at the end of East Java. This project took the lives of over 30,000 Javanese coolies in forced labour. When the French took hold of the Netherlands, the British under Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles ruled Java for a short period of time from 1811 to1815. The man who later on founded the famous city of Singapore was also responsible for shaping Pasundan area.
The people
The Sundanese people are known as very friendly and soft spoken. The women, especially from Parahyangan area, in local dialect called Mojang Priangan, or ladies of Parahyangan, are well known for their beauty and they have lighter complexions. It is believed that their diet of raw vegetables result in them having healthy skin and slim figures. They speak in the singsong lilt of the Sundanese dialect. The dialect itself is divided into several levels where respectful terms are used by younger people when speaking to an elder person. The people from Bandung and its vicinity are said to speak in a certain modulation and finer Sundanese dialect than those from the other areas. People in the North Coast, Cirebon area, speak in slightly different dialect. It has the influence of Javanese dialect. Their skin a shade darker and they are also bolder in the manner of speaking compared to those from Parahyangan.
The way of life
The majority of Sundanese are agricultureal people. The hard working farmers play the most important role making Tanah Pasundan the source of most agriculture and dairy produce supplied to Jakarta and other areas of West Java. Pelabuhan Ratu and Pangandaran areas have developed into tourist spots. Like their counterparts in Anyer they earn their living from sea produce or working at the ever growing tourist facilities. People in the city of Bandung, as in other big cities work at various trades.
How to get there
Buses are available from Jakarta to most towns in West Java. Trains serve the routes to Rangkasbitung, Cirebon, Bogor, Sukabumi, Cianjur, Bandung up to Garut and Tasikmalaya. To reach a remote area one can transit at a nearby larger town and take a smaller bus.The capital city of Bandung can be reached in several ways. For the fastest and the most convenient mode of transportation, daily flights are available from Soekarno Hatta airport. The train from Gambir station takes around 3 hours. If you prefer to travel at leisure, rent a car and drive via Puncak. If you would rather avoid traffic in the Bogor-Puncak, take the Cikampek toll road and the scenic Subang-Lembang route. Buses which are more economical depart from Kampung Rambutan terminal.
The Capital City of Bandung
When the Dutch planned to relocate the capital from Batavia to Bandung, it underwent a sudden boom and the population increased. Considering themselves as an upper class society, the Dutch community insisted on keeping themselves up-to date with European lifestyles. To support this high fashion standart it was necessary to have some kind of “Champs de Ellyses”, and Jl. Braga was the result. A shopping lane complete with theatre with the latest movies. Bandung then, became famous as “Paris van Java”. The city parks and gardens with blooming flowers made Bandung also famous as the “Flower City”. Bandung also became the center of education, with best “ITB” (Institute Teknologi Bandung) located right in the center of the elite area of Bandung. Today ITB produces qualified engineers and several graduates of the arts faculty are knowledged as famous commercial artists. The aircraft factory of IPTN has sold a number of aircraft overseas. Bosscha Astronomical Observatory in Lembang installed in 1923 and still functions as Astronomy Research Center. Technology is not the only science that Bandung can boast, Lembaga Pasteur, or Pasteur’s Institute, where the rabies serum and smallpox vaccine were researched and developed, is also located in Bandung.
Where to stay
Bandung has quite number of modern places of accommodation. Most star hotels are located in the center of the city or on the famous Jl. Dago (renamed Jl. Juanda). For budget hotela try the streets around the train station, and Melati hotels on Jl. Pasteur or Jl. Cipaganti.
Some of the star hotels are Grand Preanger and Savoy Homann on Jl. Asia Africa, right in the center of the city. Papandayan on Jl. Gatot Subroto, Sheraton Inn and Jayakarta Suite on Jl. Juanda and Panghegar on Jl. Merdeka.
Where to eat
I seems the foreign cuisines have also invaded Bandung. Western, Japanese and fast food restaurants on Jl. Setiabudi, or on Jl. Sukajadi (which also has Korean restaurant), is proof. You can find a Thai restaurant on Jl. Braga, while the favourite place for Chinese is on Jl. Gardu Jati. At night, numerous stall inhabit the street sides. The Sundanese dishes are considered as mild. For those who enjoy the spicy stuff there is always sambal as a side dish to go with whatever you order. Most Sundanese restaurants have gold fish in their menus, with different way of cooking it, fried, roasted or pepes (wrapped in spices and banana leaves, then steamed).
Shopping
Jl. Braga still serve as a shopping lane, here you can find a couple of antique shops, some shops from the colonial days are still there. Another shopping street is along Jl. A. Yani. A modern shopping center, Bandung Indah Plaza is located on Jl. Merdeka. If you care for browsing, the area of Alun-Alun will give you some idea on how the local people shop and bargain. If you are a T-shirt & jeans person, go to Jl. Cihampelas. Row of shops wit hilarious exterior design, each with real loud, loud speaker blasting different pop music, are quite exhilarating. Cibaduyut is famous for its shoes, but you may have to look hard for the desired quality. For batik, souvenirs and handicraft there is Sarinah Department Store on Jl. Braga.
Geological Museum Jl. Diponegoro
It is one the largest geological museums in Southeast Asia. It was built in 1926 and houses numerous fossil, including skull replica of Java Man (the original of which was escavated from East Java), models of volcanoes and others pertinent to geology. The museum is closed in the afternoon and on Sundays or public holidays.
Gedung Sate- Jl. Diponegoro
This building is synonymous with Bandung and was used as the seat of the Dutch government during its occupation. It now serves as the office of the Governor of Java. The pointed structure at the top resembles sate or satay, the Indonesian shish kebab.
Gedung Merdeka- Jl. Asia Africa
Formerly known as the Concordia Club, the building is where the Dutch high society and the members of the aristocracy spent their evenings for entertainment. Renamed Gedung Merdeka or Liberty Building after Independence, the building witnessed the Asia Africa Conference initiated by Indonesia’s first President, Soekarno.
Other colonial buildings.
Hotel Savoy Homann on Jl. Asia Africa, was the first hotel in Bandung and was buil by German immigrant. The building underwent reconstruction following the Art Deco style of that period and was completed in 1939. During the Asia Africa Conference the place served as accommodation for the heads of states who attended the conference.
Hotel Grand Preanger was constructed in 1889 and also underwent redesigning. It is located across the street from the Hotel Savoy Homann. As time went by, the building was enlarged and now is much bigger than it originally was.
Villa Isola or Bumi Siliwangi on Jl. Setiabudi. Wolf Schoemaker who was responsible for designing Gedung Merdeka and Grand Preanger created this unique architecture at the request of an Italian millionaire. Since it was built in much later in 1932, it combines the modern style.
Beautiful spots of Parahyangan Highland
Lembang and Maribaya.
Lembang 16 kms North of Bandung is located on the slope of Mt. Tangkuban Perahu, with clean mountain air, the place is cooler than Bandung. Rows of hotels along the road from Bandung make it an easy guess that Lembang is a favourite retreat for the wee ends. What you will not fail to notice when you arrive in these areas are the vegetables, plantations, fruits market and the nursery. Maribaya, which is not too far from Lembang is an ideal place for forest walks or hot spring bath.
Tangkuban Perahu & Ciater
Mount Tangkuban Perahu, which means “capsized boat” justified by its shape, is another 15 kms from Lembang. Sangkuriang of the local legend was believed to be responsible to cause the boat to upturn. In clear weather you can view the boiling crater. Around 7 kms further North you will encounter tea plantation on both sides of the winding road, drive further a bit and you will arrive at Ciater, the center of hot springs in this Northern area. The Sariater Hotspring resort provides accommodation, a hot water pool, Physiotherapy clinic and playground.
Sindulang waterfall & Garut
Sindulang waterfall is on the way to Garut. From Bandung go Southeast about 38 ms to Citarik village. Just after the local market there is a sign says Curug Sindulang or Cidulang, 10 kms from the main road. The two flows gush down from about 12 meter high. Sindulang seems to be a favourite recreation spot for the locals. Garut, is around 70 kms Southeast of Bandung and famous for its orange and dodol or jelly candy. Rice fields, water buffaloes and ducks will occupy your view along the way. You may see handsome rams with their curly horns on display at one of the local markets. The town of Garut is surrounded by Mt. Cikuray, Mt. Papandayan, Mt. Galunggung and Mt. Guntur, the last three are still active volcanoes. The area of Cipanas before you enter the town of Garut is famous for its hot water springs. You can find good hotels with natural hot water flowing nonstop in their bathrooms.
Ciwidey & Kawah Putih vacations
Ciwidey, 36 kms Southwest of Bandung is known for blacksmithing. The Ciwidey valley with terraced paddy fields and Mt. Malabar as a background provides a beautiful panorama. Reasonable accommodation is available in Ciwidey. Kawah Putih or white Crater, is 11 km further South from Ciwidey towards Cimanggu plus 5 km from the main road. The crater at certain times turns from tourquois to white. On clear day you can see Mt. Patuha standing proudly at the back of the high cliff at the other end of the crater. The crater also has an interesting story which is written on a board at the entrance to the path leading to the crater.
Cimanggu & Ciwalini Hotsprings
Around 1 km South of Cimanggu village, on the left side of the main road you will see the Cimanggu cottage style accommodation. The place is surrounded by tall Australian eucalyptus trees. It is less crowded than Ciater in Subang or any other hot spring spots. As an alternative, go further South for another 2 km and you will arrive in Ciwalini. On the left side, down in the valley amid the tea plantations, stand invitingly the Walini hotpool, its steam can be seen from the road. Walini has accommodation belonging to the Government Tea Plantation.
Situ Patenggang
Situ or Lake Patenggang is 30 kms from Ciwidey or just 5 km from Ciwalini. Surrounded by tea plantation and pine trees the place provides magnificient view from the main road. The lake is an ideal place for boating and simply enjoying the fresh mountain air. You can also find accommodation there and rows of warung will cater simple menus mostly mie bakso.
The island area of Tanah Pasundan is mostly mountainous and is blessed with fertile soil resulting from volcanic explosions hundred of years ago, making it very rich in minerals. Coffee and tea plantations, vegetable farms are abundant, especially in the area of Lembang. Rice fields occupy most of the area Cianjur, Garut and Sumedang. High rainfall also makes this area much cooler than the rest of West Java. Some towns are surrounded by still active volcanoes. Bandung and the highlands surrounding the city are also called Bumi Parahyangan, meaning ‘the Abode of the Gods’ As in most similar topographical areas waterfalls and hot springs can be found in many places making it attract many tourists, as a result a hue number of resorts and retreat places sprout like soaked greenbeans.
The history
The famous Sundanese king was Sri Baduga Maharaja who ruled the Hindu kingdom of Pajajaran around the15 th century. His successor was defeated by the Moelem army of Banten during its invasion in 1579. After the arrival of the Dutch, things changed drastically. In 1620 Dutch traders founded the East India Company (VOC) to monopolize the spice trade. VOC was allowed to acquire Parahyangan by the current King in return for its favour in helping him to ascend the throne. In 1799 VOC went bankrupt and the Dutch government took over. The monopoly of the spice trade was expanded to the East. In 1808 the appointed Governor General, Daendels, ordered the construction of a 1,000 km road from Anyer in West Java to Panarukan at the end of East Java. This project took the lives of over 30,000 Javanese coolies in forced labour. When the French took hold of the Netherlands, the British under Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles ruled Java for a short period of time from 1811 to1815. The man who later on founded the famous city of Singapore was also responsible for shaping Pasundan area.
The people
The Sundanese people are known as very friendly and soft spoken. The women, especially from Parahyangan area, in local dialect called Mojang Priangan, or ladies of Parahyangan, are well known for their beauty and they have lighter complexions. It is believed that their diet of raw vegetables result in them having healthy skin and slim figures. They speak in the singsong lilt of the Sundanese dialect. The dialect itself is divided into several levels where respectful terms are used by younger people when speaking to an elder person. The people from Bandung and its vicinity are said to speak in a certain modulation and finer Sundanese dialect than those from the other areas. People in the North Coast, Cirebon area, speak in slightly different dialect. It has the influence of Javanese dialect. Their skin a shade darker and they are also bolder in the manner of speaking compared to those from Parahyangan.
The way of life
The majority of Sundanese are agricultureal people. The hard working farmers play the most important role making Tanah Pasundan the source of most agriculture and dairy produce supplied to Jakarta and other areas of West Java. Pelabuhan Ratu and Pangandaran areas have developed into tourist spots. Like their counterparts in Anyer they earn their living from sea produce or working at the ever growing tourist facilities. People in the city of Bandung, as in other big cities work at various trades.
How to get there
Buses are available from Jakarta to most towns in West Java. Trains serve the routes to Rangkasbitung, Cirebon, Bogor, Sukabumi, Cianjur, Bandung up to Garut and Tasikmalaya. To reach a remote area one can transit at a nearby larger town and take a smaller bus.The capital city of Bandung can be reached in several ways. For the fastest and the most convenient mode of transportation, daily flights are available from Soekarno Hatta airport. The train from Gambir station takes around 3 hours. If you prefer to travel at leisure, rent a car and drive via Puncak. If you would rather avoid traffic in the Bogor-Puncak, take the Cikampek toll road and the scenic Subang-Lembang route. Buses which are more economical depart from Kampung Rambutan terminal.
The Capital City of Bandung
When the Dutch planned to relocate the capital from Batavia to Bandung, it underwent a sudden boom and the population increased. Considering themselves as an upper class society, the Dutch community insisted on keeping themselves up-to date with European lifestyles. To support this high fashion standart it was necessary to have some kind of “Champs de Ellyses”, and Jl. Braga was the result. A shopping lane complete with theatre with the latest movies. Bandung then, became famous as “Paris van Java”. The city parks and gardens with blooming flowers made Bandung also famous as the “Flower City”. Bandung also became the center of education, with best “ITB” (Institute Teknologi Bandung) located right in the center of the elite area of Bandung. Today ITB produces qualified engineers and several graduates of the arts faculty are knowledged as famous commercial artists. The aircraft factory of IPTN has sold a number of aircraft overseas. Bosscha Astronomical Observatory in Lembang installed in 1923 and still functions as Astronomy Research Center. Technology is not the only science that Bandung can boast, Lembaga Pasteur, or Pasteur’s Institute, where the rabies serum and smallpox vaccine were researched and developed, is also located in Bandung.
Where to stay
Bandung has quite number of modern places of accommodation. Most star hotels are located in the center of the city or on the famous Jl. Dago (renamed Jl. Juanda). For budget hotela try the streets around the train station, and Melati hotels on Jl. Pasteur or Jl. Cipaganti.
Some of the star hotels are Grand Preanger and Savoy Homann on Jl. Asia Africa, right in the center of the city. Papandayan on Jl. Gatot Subroto, Sheraton Inn and Jayakarta Suite on Jl. Juanda and Panghegar on Jl. Merdeka.
Where to eat
I seems the foreign cuisines have also invaded Bandung. Western, Japanese and fast food restaurants on Jl. Setiabudi, or on Jl. Sukajadi (which also has Korean restaurant), is proof. You can find a Thai restaurant on Jl. Braga, while the favourite place for Chinese is on Jl. Gardu Jati. At night, numerous stall inhabit the street sides. The Sundanese dishes are considered as mild. For those who enjoy the spicy stuff there is always sambal as a side dish to go with whatever you order. Most Sundanese restaurants have gold fish in their menus, with different way of cooking it, fried, roasted or pepes (wrapped in spices and banana leaves, then steamed).
Shopping
Jl. Braga still serve as a shopping lane, here you can find a couple of antique shops, some shops from the colonial days are still there. Another shopping street is along Jl. A. Yani. A modern shopping center, Bandung Indah Plaza is located on Jl. Merdeka. If you care for browsing, the area of Alun-Alun will give you some idea on how the local people shop and bargain. If you are a T-shirt & jeans person, go to Jl. Cihampelas. Row of shops wit hilarious exterior design, each with real loud, loud speaker blasting different pop music, are quite exhilarating. Cibaduyut is famous for its shoes, but you may have to look hard for the desired quality. For batik, souvenirs and handicraft there is Sarinah Department Store on Jl. Braga.
Geological Museum Jl. Diponegoro
It is one the largest geological museums in Southeast Asia. It was built in 1926 and houses numerous fossil, including skull replica of Java Man (the original of which was escavated from East Java), models of volcanoes and others pertinent to geology. The museum is closed in the afternoon and on Sundays or public holidays.
Gedung Sate- Jl. Diponegoro
This building is synonymous with Bandung and was used as the seat of the Dutch government during its occupation. It now serves as the office of the Governor of Java. The pointed structure at the top resembles sate or satay, the Indonesian shish kebab.
Gedung Merdeka- Jl. Asia Africa
Formerly known as the Concordia Club, the building is where the Dutch high society and the members of the aristocracy spent their evenings for entertainment. Renamed Gedung Merdeka or Liberty Building after Independence, the building witnessed the Asia Africa Conference initiated by Indonesia’s first President, Soekarno.
Other colonial buildings.
Hotel Savoy Homann on Jl. Asia Africa, was the first hotel in Bandung and was buil by German immigrant. The building underwent reconstruction following the Art Deco style of that period and was completed in 1939. During the Asia Africa Conference the place served as accommodation for the heads of states who attended the conference.
Hotel Grand Preanger was constructed in 1889 and also underwent redesigning. It is located across the street from the Hotel Savoy Homann. As time went by, the building was enlarged and now is much bigger than it originally was.
Villa Isola or Bumi Siliwangi on Jl. Setiabudi. Wolf Schoemaker who was responsible for designing Gedung Merdeka and Grand Preanger created this unique architecture at the request of an Italian millionaire. Since it was built in much later in 1932, it combines the modern style.
Beautiful spots of Parahyangan Highland
Lembang and Maribaya.
Lembang 16 kms North of Bandung is located on the slope of Mt. Tangkuban Perahu, with clean mountain air, the place is cooler than Bandung. Rows of hotels along the road from Bandung make it an easy guess that Lembang is a favourite retreat for the wee ends. What you will not fail to notice when you arrive in these areas are the vegetables, plantations, fruits market and the nursery. Maribaya, which is not too far from Lembang is an ideal place for forest walks or hot spring bath.
Tangkuban Perahu & Ciater
Mount Tangkuban Perahu, which means “capsized boat” justified by its shape, is another 15 kms from Lembang. Sangkuriang of the local legend was believed to be responsible to cause the boat to upturn. In clear weather you can view the boiling crater. Around 7 kms further North you will encounter tea plantation on both sides of the winding road, drive further a bit and you will arrive at Ciater, the center of hot springs in this Northern area. The Sariater Hotspring resort provides accommodation, a hot water pool, Physiotherapy clinic and playground.
Sindulang waterfall & Garut
Sindulang waterfall is on the way to Garut. From Bandung go Southeast about 38 ms to Citarik village. Just after the local market there is a sign says Curug Sindulang or Cidulang, 10 kms from the main road. The two flows gush down from about 12 meter high. Sindulang seems to be a favourite recreation spot for the locals. Garut, is around 70 kms Southeast of Bandung and famous for its orange and dodol or jelly candy. Rice fields, water buffaloes and ducks will occupy your view along the way. You may see handsome rams with their curly horns on display at one of the local markets. The town of Garut is surrounded by Mt. Cikuray, Mt. Papandayan, Mt. Galunggung and Mt. Guntur, the last three are still active volcanoes. The area of Cipanas before you enter the town of Garut is famous for its hot water springs. You can find good hotels with natural hot water flowing nonstop in their bathrooms.
Ciwidey & Kawah Putih vacations
Ciwidey, 36 kms Southwest of Bandung is known for blacksmithing. The Ciwidey valley with terraced paddy fields and Mt. Malabar as a background provides a beautiful panorama. Reasonable accommodation is available in Ciwidey. Kawah Putih or white Crater, is 11 km further South from Ciwidey towards Cimanggu plus 5 km from the main road. The crater at certain times turns from tourquois to white. On clear day you can see Mt. Patuha standing proudly at the back of the high cliff at the other end of the crater. The crater also has an interesting story which is written on a board at the entrance to the path leading to the crater.
Cimanggu & Ciwalini Hotsprings
Around 1 km South of Cimanggu village, on the left side of the main road you will see the Cimanggu cottage style accommodation. The place is surrounded by tall Australian eucalyptus trees. It is less crowded than Ciater in Subang or any other hot spring spots. As an alternative, go further South for another 2 km and you will arrive in Ciwalini. On the left side, down in the valley amid the tea plantations, stand invitingly the Walini hotpool, its steam can be seen from the road. Walini has accommodation belonging to the Government Tea Plantation.
Situ Patenggang
Situ or Lake Patenggang is 30 kms from Ciwidey or just 5 km from Ciwalini. Surrounded by tea plantation and pine trees the place provides magnificient view from the main road. The lake is an ideal place for boating and simply enjoying the fresh mountain air. You can also find accommodation there and rows of warung will cater simple menus mostly mie bakso.
Rabu, 08 April 2009
Specialties Jogjakarta
Specialties Jogjakarta
Palace JOGJA
The building is not just a building. There are many stories in baliknya. Residence of the Sultan of Yogyakarta in wake of mid-century in 18 open to the public and you can see the remains of kejayaannya in the past.
At the palace Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat saved many heirloom, such as weapons, music instruments, flags, vehicles. Train the king was in the running you can see in the Railway Museum. You will be accompanied by a guide tells smoothly there. Abdi dalem downstream mudik every day with their traditional clothing.
Palace complex in pagari Beteng and there are also houses the servant of the palace. Palace building consists of Alun-alun Utara (including Siti Hinggil Bangsal and Pagelaran), Kemandungan Lor (North) or Keben, Sri Manganti, as the main palace, Kemagangan, Kemandungan Kidul (south) and Alun-alun Selatan.
CANDI BOROBUDUR complex
Borobudur is an object that is never bored in the visit. Immortal works of architecture that is not cracked period, is located in the village of Borobudur, Borobudur district, 40km from Yogyakarta.
Borobudur was built by the King's dynasty Samaratungga dynasty in the 8 th century. High temple is 42 m. However, because the stupa mother never tersambar lightning, the height is only 31.5 m. With wide temple around 123 m, the type of andesite stone (stone times) are taken from the river around Borobudur is composed of up to 55,000 m3. Berundak Borobudur undak-10 level, the estimate represents 10 King Sailendra dynasty, the founder of Borobudur. He has 504 Buddhist area, 72 units in the stupa berterawang and 432 in the niche open. Also there are five areas that dip ledge and the Buddha in the four areas alley. Highest average before the statue 150 cm. Borobudur was now surrounded by the Park with a variety of resources for the charm visitors.
Around the temple of Borobudur, there are several small temples like Temple and the Temple Pawon Mendut, size is much smaller. Temple-This temple located in the street towards Borobudur. Mendut in the temple there is a statue of Buddha with a large enough size. Andapun can see Buddhist clergy residence in this place.
Prambanan temple complex CANDI AND GROUP IN KALASAN
Thirty minutes from Jogja, you'll find the Prambanan Temple, a temple of Hindu Kingdom of Mataram Hindu heritage. High building 47 m, with 8 units and 250 Temple temple small fruit. Founded around 850 M by Rakai lure. According to legend, this temple work at Bandung Bondowoso want memperisteri Roro Jonggrang. When completed the 999 Bandung Bondowoso fruit temple, Roro Jonggrang make a request in 1000 at the temple for the statue to be cursing menggenapi amount. Roro Jonggrang statue is now in the temple in Siwa.
Prambanan reach the sky can be seen from the high cliffs around 2 km from the south. In the cliffs that Ratu Boko is, up to the hill temple is located, can be rung through kelokan atu play with vehicles passing through villages penduduksampai gate entrance. The stage is open and cafes, you can enjoy the sunrise and sunset from here.
Sewu temple is behind the Prambanan Temple, as well as several other temples, like Temple Sajiwan, Bubrah Candi, Candi Lumbung, Candi PLAOSAN, Candi Sari, Candi and Candi Sambisari Kalasan.
BEACH-BEACH
Parangtritis Parangkusumo beach and the beach is already quite popular. Some other beautiful beaches are also located in the Gunung Kidul and Wonosari as Baron beach and coastal Krukup. And there are still some beaches in the adjacent position, among other beach Sepanjang, Drini, Krakal and Sundak
Palace JOGJA
The building is not just a building. There are many stories in baliknya. Residence of the Sultan of Yogyakarta in wake of mid-century in 18 open to the public and you can see the remains of kejayaannya in the past.
At the palace Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat saved many heirloom, such as weapons, music instruments, flags, vehicles. Train the king was in the running you can see in the Railway Museum. You will be accompanied by a guide tells smoothly there. Abdi dalem downstream mudik every day with their traditional clothing.
Palace complex in pagari Beteng and there are also houses the servant of the palace. Palace building consists of Alun-alun Utara (including Siti Hinggil Bangsal and Pagelaran), Kemandungan Lor (North) or Keben, Sri Manganti, as the main palace, Kemagangan, Kemandungan Kidul (south) and Alun-alun Selatan.
CANDI BOROBUDUR complex
Borobudur is an object that is never bored in the visit. Immortal works of architecture that is not cracked period, is located in the village of Borobudur, Borobudur district, 40km from Yogyakarta.
Borobudur was built by the King's dynasty Samaratungga dynasty in the 8 th century. High temple is 42 m. However, because the stupa mother never tersambar lightning, the height is only 31.5 m. With wide temple around 123 m, the type of andesite stone (stone times) are taken from the river around Borobudur is composed of up to 55,000 m3. Berundak Borobudur undak-10 level, the estimate represents 10 King Sailendra dynasty, the founder of Borobudur. He has 504 Buddhist area, 72 units in the stupa berterawang and 432 in the niche open. Also there are five areas that dip ledge and the Buddha in the four areas alley. Highest average before the statue 150 cm. Borobudur was now surrounded by the Park with a variety of resources for the charm visitors.
Around the temple of Borobudur, there are several small temples like Temple and the Temple Pawon Mendut, size is much smaller. Temple-This temple located in the street towards Borobudur. Mendut in the temple there is a statue of Buddha with a large enough size. Andapun can see Buddhist clergy residence in this place.
Prambanan temple complex CANDI AND GROUP IN KALASAN
Thirty minutes from Jogja, you'll find the Prambanan Temple, a temple of Hindu Kingdom of Mataram Hindu heritage. High building 47 m, with 8 units and 250 Temple temple small fruit. Founded around 850 M by Rakai lure. According to legend, this temple work at Bandung Bondowoso want memperisteri Roro Jonggrang. When completed the 999 Bandung Bondowoso fruit temple, Roro Jonggrang make a request in 1000 at the temple for the statue to be cursing menggenapi amount. Roro Jonggrang statue is now in the temple in Siwa.
Prambanan reach the sky can be seen from the high cliffs around 2 km from the south. In the cliffs that Ratu Boko is, up to the hill temple is located, can be rung through kelokan atu play with vehicles passing through villages penduduksampai gate entrance. The stage is open and cafes, you can enjoy the sunrise and sunset from here.
Sewu temple is behind the Prambanan Temple, as well as several other temples, like Temple Sajiwan, Bubrah Candi, Candi Lumbung, Candi PLAOSAN, Candi Sari, Candi and Candi Sambisari Kalasan.
BEACH-BEACH
Parangtritis Parangkusumo beach and the beach is already quite popular. Some other beautiful beaches are also located in the Gunung Kidul and Wonosari as Baron beach and coastal Krukup. And there are still some beaches in the adjacent position, among other beach Sepanjang, Drini, Krakal and Sundak
Selasa, 07 April 2009
POINTS OF INTEREST FROM JAKARTA
POINTS OF INTEREST FROM JAKARTA
CENTRAL JAKARTA
Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) Cultural Center, Jl. Cikini Raya 73
TIM is a center of cultural activities, with nightly performance of either art or cultural, exhibitions by local artists or from abroad, gamelan concerts, foreign film festivals, dances, mimes, ballet and a lot more. A monthly program book is available at most major hotels or at the TIM office. Other facilities include children’s library.
Museum Taman Prasasti, Jl. Tanah Abang I No. 1
The Park of Inscriptions Museum is the only open air museum in Indonesia. Encompassing 13,000 sq.m. Of land there are around 1,300 gravestones with memorial inscriptions displayed, sheltered with trees that are hundred of years old. An old hearse cart is also on display. Before Independence, this place was used as cemetery for Dutch officials and their families. Some of the remains of Batavian Governor Generals removed from what now become Museum Wayang, were once reburied here. In 1975 the cemetery was closed and the remains were transferred to various places. Since 1977 it has become a museum with not a single bone of skeleton remaining.
Textile Museum, Jl. Satsuit Tubun No. 4
The street leading to this museum is one of the most densely trafficked that could be distressing. But as you enter the museum’s large front yard, the place soothes your heart away. The building itself is one of those colonial structure with a large hall followed with wide corridor between two rows of huge rooms, where woven cloths from all parts of Indonesia are kept. From famous Javanese batik, glittering Sumatra sarongs, mystical ulos from Batak, fine to very light silk sarongs from Bugis and also the tools for making them.
National Museum, Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 12
Known as Gedung Gajah or Elephant House for its bronze elephant perched in the front yard, this was presented by King Chulalongkorn. Two cannons stand on each side. Housing a collection of various ethnic cultural objects, it also has a large collection of archaeological artifacts and stone remains from various temples in Central and East Java, some fascinating crock wares from the Sung and Ming dynasties, stone wares from Thailand and Annam ceramics from Vietnam.
National Monument, Jl. Silang Monas
This Jakarta landmark symbolizes the Independence of Indonesia. The height of the obelisk including the flame shaped top coated in 35 kg of pure gold is 132 meters. A platform where visitors have a panoramic view of Jakarta can be reached by an elevator. The basement functions as the nation’s history museum depicting Indonesia’s history, and the struggle for Independence. Outside the monument there is a statue of Prince Diponegoro on a horse back. He was a Javanese Prince who fought the Dutch (1825-1830), but he was later captured and held prisoner before he was exiled to Manado in North Sulawesi.
Other place of interest
On the North side of the National Monument is the Presidential Palace, where the president receives the state’s official guests. The palace is not open for public. A walking distance from the palace there are 3 structure representing 3 religions. They are Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in South East Asia. The second one is the St. Mary Catholic Cathedral, built in 1901. The architectural design is Neo-Gothic with two spires. The last one is the Immanuel Church. This unique structure resembles the Roman arenas; its construction began in 1934 and was completed in 1939. It once was used as a repository for the ashes of Javanese soldier killed during World War II. The church provides services in Indonesian and English.
WEST JAKARTA
Old Batavia
Batavia, a name given by the Dutch to the early part of Jakarta. Massive buildings of colonial style with large windows and high ceilings, now serve as offices and museums. The area of Glodok or China town, as it was in the past, is still the center of trade, believed to be where the wheel of the Indonesian economy starts rolling. This part of town is being developed into tourist area.
Jakarta History Museum, Taman Fatahillah
This building with octagonal shaped bell tower is located in the golden day’s elite area of Batavia city, used to be the town hall, served as Batavia city’s administration. It also housed the offices of the Bench of Magistrates and Council of Justice, where many so called injustices were witnessed. The basement was a dungeon prison, notorious for cruel methods of torture used to extract confession from prisoners. Now this building function museum with the collections of carved wooden furniture from the Dutch period and stone replicas from the earlier kingdoms.
Just outside the museum, is a cobblestones square called Taman Fatahillah. The glory history of the Dutch period revealed that in this square a considerable number of executions for capital punishment had taken place, in which verdicts were announced from the Council of Justice. Nonetheless, the square also had its share of merry activities, among others being the fair market.
Fine Arts & Ceramic Museum, Jl Pos Kota No. 1
Still within the vicinity of Taman Fatahillah, what was formerly the Palace of Justice now serves as art gallery, exhibiting famous Indonesian painters such as Raden Saleh, Basuki Abdullah and Affandi. A collection of ceramics is also on display.
Wayang Museum, Jl. Pintu Besar Utara 27
Across the street on the West side of square sits a narrow building called Wayang or Puppet Museum. It has the best collection of puppets in Java. It includes Punch & Judy, Guignol, and puppets from China, Malaysia, India and Cambodia. Inside the building there are several large tombstones of Dutch Governor Generals who once were buried there. The museum holds wayang performance every Sunday.
SOUTH JAKARTA
Ragunan zoo, Jl. Harsono RM 1, Pasar Minggu
Most of Indonesia’s larger islands have their own distinctive animals. The 340 hectare zoo contains rhinoceros, elephants, tigers from Sumatra, Komodo from East Nusa Tenggara, orang utan and other species from the Asian, African and Australian continents with a total population of 4,000. If you don’t mind a rather long walk under the shady trees, you might be able to view them all. The zoo also serves as the rehabilitation and breeding center for endangered species.
EAST JAKARTA
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
TMII was officially opened in 1975 and is considered the most visited place of interest in Jakarta. Inside the 100 hectare park there are 27 pavilions, each in the shape of a traditional house of a province of Indonesia. Each pavilion displays handicrafts and traditional costumes, sometimes cultural performance or traditional wedding ceremony takes place. TMII also has an orchid garden, Bird Park and several museums. A lagoon with miniatures of the Indonesian islands is located at the Northern side. Keong Mas Theatre shows an Imax screen of Indonesian Panoramas with special effects at certain hours in the afternoon.
CENTRAL JAKARTA
Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) Cultural Center, Jl. Cikini Raya 73
TIM is a center of cultural activities, with nightly performance of either art or cultural, exhibitions by local artists or from abroad, gamelan concerts, foreign film festivals, dances, mimes, ballet and a lot more. A monthly program book is available at most major hotels or at the TIM office. Other facilities include children’s library.
Museum Taman Prasasti, Jl. Tanah Abang I No. 1
The Park of Inscriptions Museum is the only open air museum in Indonesia. Encompassing 13,000 sq.m. Of land there are around 1,300 gravestones with memorial inscriptions displayed, sheltered with trees that are hundred of years old. An old hearse cart is also on display. Before Independence, this place was used as cemetery for Dutch officials and their families. Some of the remains of Batavian Governor Generals removed from what now become Museum Wayang, were once reburied here. In 1975 the cemetery was closed and the remains were transferred to various places. Since 1977 it has become a museum with not a single bone of skeleton remaining.
Textile Museum, Jl. Satsuit Tubun No. 4
The street leading to this museum is one of the most densely trafficked that could be distressing. But as you enter the museum’s large front yard, the place soothes your heart away. The building itself is one of those colonial structure with a large hall followed with wide corridor between two rows of huge rooms, where woven cloths from all parts of Indonesia are kept. From famous Javanese batik, glittering Sumatra sarongs, mystical ulos from Batak, fine to very light silk sarongs from Bugis and also the tools for making them.
National Museum, Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 12
Known as Gedung Gajah or Elephant House for its bronze elephant perched in the front yard, this was presented by King Chulalongkorn. Two cannons stand on each side. Housing a collection of various ethnic cultural objects, it also has a large collection of archaeological artifacts and stone remains from various temples in Central and East Java, some fascinating crock wares from the Sung and Ming dynasties, stone wares from Thailand and Annam ceramics from Vietnam.
National Monument, Jl. Silang Monas
This Jakarta landmark symbolizes the Independence of Indonesia. The height of the obelisk including the flame shaped top coated in 35 kg of pure gold is 132 meters. A platform where visitors have a panoramic view of Jakarta can be reached by an elevator. The basement functions as the nation’s history museum depicting Indonesia’s history, and the struggle for Independence. Outside the monument there is a statue of Prince Diponegoro on a horse back. He was a Javanese Prince who fought the Dutch (1825-1830), but he was later captured and held prisoner before he was exiled to Manado in North Sulawesi.
Other place of interest
On the North side of the National Monument is the Presidential Palace, where the president receives the state’s official guests. The palace is not open for public. A walking distance from the palace there are 3 structure representing 3 religions. They are Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in South East Asia. The second one is the St. Mary Catholic Cathedral, built in 1901. The architectural design is Neo-Gothic with two spires. The last one is the Immanuel Church. This unique structure resembles the Roman arenas; its construction began in 1934 and was completed in 1939. It once was used as a repository for the ashes of Javanese soldier killed during World War II. The church provides services in Indonesian and English.
WEST JAKARTA
Old Batavia
Batavia, a name given by the Dutch to the early part of Jakarta. Massive buildings of colonial style with large windows and high ceilings, now serve as offices and museums. The area of Glodok or China town, as it was in the past, is still the center of trade, believed to be where the wheel of the Indonesian economy starts rolling. This part of town is being developed into tourist area.
Jakarta History Museum, Taman Fatahillah
This building with octagonal shaped bell tower is located in the golden day’s elite area of Batavia city, used to be the town hall, served as Batavia city’s administration. It also housed the offices of the Bench of Magistrates and Council of Justice, where many so called injustices were witnessed. The basement was a dungeon prison, notorious for cruel methods of torture used to extract confession from prisoners. Now this building function museum with the collections of carved wooden furniture from the Dutch period and stone replicas from the earlier kingdoms.
Just outside the museum, is a cobblestones square called Taman Fatahillah. The glory history of the Dutch period revealed that in this square a considerable number of executions for capital punishment had taken place, in which verdicts were announced from the Council of Justice. Nonetheless, the square also had its share of merry activities, among others being the fair market.
Fine Arts & Ceramic Museum, Jl Pos Kota No. 1
Still within the vicinity of Taman Fatahillah, what was formerly the Palace of Justice now serves as art gallery, exhibiting famous Indonesian painters such as Raden Saleh, Basuki Abdullah and Affandi. A collection of ceramics is also on display.
Wayang Museum, Jl. Pintu Besar Utara 27
Across the street on the West side of square sits a narrow building called Wayang or Puppet Museum. It has the best collection of puppets in Java. It includes Punch & Judy, Guignol, and puppets from China, Malaysia, India and Cambodia. Inside the building there are several large tombstones of Dutch Governor Generals who once were buried there. The museum holds wayang performance every Sunday.
SOUTH JAKARTA
Ragunan zoo, Jl. Harsono RM 1, Pasar Minggu
Most of Indonesia’s larger islands have their own distinctive animals. The 340 hectare zoo contains rhinoceros, elephants, tigers from Sumatra, Komodo from East Nusa Tenggara, orang utan and other species from the Asian, African and Australian continents with a total population of 4,000. If you don’t mind a rather long walk under the shady trees, you might be able to view them all. The zoo also serves as the rehabilitation and breeding center for endangered species.
EAST JAKARTA
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
TMII was officially opened in 1975 and is considered the most visited place of interest in Jakarta. Inside the 100 hectare park there are 27 pavilions, each in the shape of a traditional house of a province of Indonesia. Each pavilion displays handicrafts and traditional costumes, sometimes cultural performance or traditional wedding ceremony takes place. TMII also has an orchid garden, Bird Park and several museums. A lagoon with miniatures of the Indonesian islands is located at the Northern side. Keong Mas Theatre shows an Imax screen of Indonesian Panoramas with special effects at certain hours in the afternoon.
Senin, 06 April 2009
LOMBOK, ACROSS THE STRAITS FROM BALI
LOMBOK, ACROSS THE STRAITS FROM BALI
Lombok may not be well known as its next door neighbor Bali, but this might actually be an advantage- it gives you the chance to enjoy its splendors up close and personally.
Beaches
Starting from south, we arrive at Pantai Seger, Kuta, around 70 km from Mataram, right in front of the Hotel Novotel Coralia Lombok, Pantai Seger is the chief venue of the Nyale festival which takes place in February and March. Nyale are sea worms that appear in the sea for two days each year, believed by the people of Lombok to be a manifestation of Putri Mandalika, a Lombok princess who jumped into the sea to avoid the strife between several princes who all sought her hand. The local people hunt the Nyale and cook them up for a major feast.
In the afternoon we could see a group of seaweed farmers returning from their harvest. They gather the seaweed during Lombok’s dry season (July-December). Every morning and afternoon at low tide they collect the seaweed and bring it to shore on two large inner tubes tied together. Once ashore, they use a cidomo, a traditional wooden horse-drawn cart, to carry the seaweed home to be dried. Kuta is Lombok’s biggest seaweed producing area; the product is exported to Hongkong, where it is used to make cosmetics.
From Pantai Seger, follow the coast to Tanjung Aan, around 4 km from Kuta. The sea displays various shades of green and blue; pure white sands and a cluster of stony outcrops. One side of Tanjung Aan has fine white sand, and the other side large black grains like peppercorns.
Most of the residence of Tanjung Aan are quite poor. The area is very dry; they only get one rice crop per year, relying solely on the scant rainfall. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself followed by a mob of small children trying to sell you souvenirs to raise money for their school fees.
From the weast of Lombok, we turn to Pantai Senggigi, which is to Lombok as Pantai Kuta is to Bali-the most popular beach. Along the beach fronting the Senggigi Beach Hotel, while waiting for the sun to set we can see children chasing one another, foreign tourists in bikinis sunning themselves, several surfer and of course the inevitable vendors, we also enjoy the watching the sun set with silhouette of Bali’s Gunung Agung in the distance. Senggigi also has a lively night life, with dozens of cafes and pubs along Jalan Raya Senggigi and Senggigi Plaza.
Travelling further north, we find three gili (small islands in the Lombok language), which must not be missed. These island-Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air-can be reach by motorboat from the port of Bangsai in about half an hour. Here you can enjoy snorkeling and diving, or travel around each island by cidomo.
If you like a lot of action, Gili Trawangan is the place. The largest and furthest of the three gili, Trawangan has the most complete range of accommodation, restaurants and pubs. It also has a larger proportion of domestic tourists. Foreign tourists, who tend to prefer a bit more privacy, usually visit Gili Meno or Gili Air.
Gili Meno, the one in the middle, is the most serene. You can engage in water sports, or simply laze in a hammock on the beach, caressed by cool sea breezes, or walk in the fine white sand that surrounds the island.
Gili Air is full of young foreign couples, chatting or reading while working on their tans. You can view the underwater wonders of Gili Air without getting wet by taking a cruise in a glass bottom boat, but we choose to go snorkeling. Along the shore at depths from one to six meters you can feast your eyes on blue and yellow kima (clams) of various sizes, blue coral the size of a small table, tiger fish, moon fish, and many other colourful species of tropical fish. Schools of tiny glittering green fish swarm in and out of their nests among the coral.
Tour at Gili Air by cidomo, only takes 45 minutes to circumnavigate the dry, 175 hectare island on the narrow, dusty footpaths. We see cattle and goats grazing, and vast expanses of sea in many shades.
Traditional villages
Eighty percent of Lombok’s residents belong to the Sasak ethnic group. Sade Hamlet, in the Rambitan area, is the oldest Sasak village in south Lombok. Around 700 residents inhabit 150 traditional houses.The population has outgrown the original village and expanded it with nine newer hamlets outside Sade. It’s not surprising that the original village become overcrowded, as it has been inhabited for over fifteen generations.
Local people are still mostly traditional in style, with high peaked thatched roofs. The houses are on two levels. The men sleep below, three steps up and you are in the kitchen and women’s and children’s bedroom. The three stairs symbolize the teachings of the local religion, Wektu Telu, a syncretistic blend of Islam, Hiduism and animism. The floor of the house is made of mixture of earth and rice stalks, which is freshened up once a month with ox dung to keep the dust down.
Another traditional Sasak village lies in North Lombok, at Senaru, around 80 km from Mataram. This village is the last stopover for those who plan to climb Gunung Rinjani from the Senaru route. The roofs of the house are thatched, but without high peaks. The interior are only one level, with one wide space divided into sleeping and kitchen area. Between the houses are several berugak-open platforms that serve as community meeting places. At Senaru fifty families here follow the Wektu Telu belief, a variety of Islam that mandates only three types of prayers: the weekly Friday prayers and the annual festivals of Idul Adha and Idul Fitri.
Culture
Lingsar temple is the largest and oldest in Lombok. Built in 1714, this temple symbolizes harmony among religions; it is used as place of worship both by Hindus and by the Sasak followers of Wektu Telu. The building for the Hindus is called Gaduh, while the Sasak section is called Kemaliq, meaning “holy place”. In front of these two buildings are two houses, one used by pemangku (Hindu religious leader) and one by the amangku (Sasak traditional chief), who are chosen based on ancestry.
The Perang Topat or Pujawali festival in November or December (using the Sasak calendar) is the largest festival celebrated here. This festival was first held to venerate the wali who brought Islam to Lombok, but nowadays people from all ethnic and religious groups from throughout Lombok take part. Ketupat (cooked rice in woven packets) are brought to be blessed by the amangku, and then thrown from Gaduh and Kemaliq. Everyone tries to catch the ketupat, as they are believed to bring good fortune. The ketupat are usually placed on the farm land to bring a successful harvest.
Natural Greenery
Lombok is also blessed with dozens of waterfalls in the cool mountain areas. The best known is Sendang Gile in North Lombok, just before Senaru.
Lying at 600 meters above sea level, this waterfall is said to be able to cure many ailments. It takes some effort to bathe in the waterfall; you have to go down 315 steps to reach the falls. Yet the gorgeous greenery and the chili of the water on your feet will wash away your fatigue from the climb. Legend has it that the name Sendang Gile comes from the experience of local people who discovered the waterfall quite by accident while hunting a crazed lion that terrorized their village and then ran back into the forest.
Above Sendang Gile is another waterfall, Tiu Kelep, with natural ponds in which tourists often bathe-a welcome treat after the one hour hike to go there.
Souvenirs
From Lombok you can choose weaving from Sukarara, around 45 minutes from Mataram, or pottery ware, the specialty of Banyumulek, not far from Sukarara. In the main cities of Mataram and Cakranegara are many shops selling traditional Lombok snacks such as jackfruit taffy, candied seaweed, salted duck eggs, and Lombok’s famous honey. And don’t miss out on Ayam taliwang, Lombok’s specialty chicken dish, found at restaurants everywhere on the island.
Lombok may not be well known as its next door neighbor Bali, but this might actually be an advantage- it gives you the chance to enjoy its splendors up close and personally.
Beaches
Starting from south, we arrive at Pantai Seger, Kuta, around 70 km from Mataram, right in front of the Hotel Novotel Coralia Lombok, Pantai Seger is the chief venue of the Nyale festival which takes place in February and March. Nyale are sea worms that appear in the sea for two days each year, believed by the people of Lombok to be a manifestation of Putri Mandalika, a Lombok princess who jumped into the sea to avoid the strife between several princes who all sought her hand. The local people hunt the Nyale and cook them up for a major feast.
In the afternoon we could see a group of seaweed farmers returning from their harvest. They gather the seaweed during Lombok’s dry season (July-December). Every morning and afternoon at low tide they collect the seaweed and bring it to shore on two large inner tubes tied together. Once ashore, they use a cidomo, a traditional wooden horse-drawn cart, to carry the seaweed home to be dried. Kuta is Lombok’s biggest seaweed producing area; the product is exported to Hongkong, where it is used to make cosmetics.
From Pantai Seger, follow the coast to Tanjung Aan, around 4 km from Kuta. The sea displays various shades of green and blue; pure white sands and a cluster of stony outcrops. One side of Tanjung Aan has fine white sand, and the other side large black grains like peppercorns.
Most of the residence of Tanjung Aan are quite poor. The area is very dry; they only get one rice crop per year, relying solely on the scant rainfall. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself followed by a mob of small children trying to sell you souvenirs to raise money for their school fees.
From the weast of Lombok, we turn to Pantai Senggigi, which is to Lombok as Pantai Kuta is to Bali-the most popular beach. Along the beach fronting the Senggigi Beach Hotel, while waiting for the sun to set we can see children chasing one another, foreign tourists in bikinis sunning themselves, several surfer and of course the inevitable vendors, we also enjoy the watching the sun set with silhouette of Bali’s Gunung Agung in the distance. Senggigi also has a lively night life, with dozens of cafes and pubs along Jalan Raya Senggigi and Senggigi Plaza.
Travelling further north, we find three gili (small islands in the Lombok language), which must not be missed. These island-Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air-can be reach by motorboat from the port of Bangsai in about half an hour. Here you can enjoy snorkeling and diving, or travel around each island by cidomo.
If you like a lot of action, Gili Trawangan is the place. The largest and furthest of the three gili, Trawangan has the most complete range of accommodation, restaurants and pubs. It also has a larger proportion of domestic tourists. Foreign tourists, who tend to prefer a bit more privacy, usually visit Gili Meno or Gili Air.
Gili Meno, the one in the middle, is the most serene. You can engage in water sports, or simply laze in a hammock on the beach, caressed by cool sea breezes, or walk in the fine white sand that surrounds the island.
Gili Air is full of young foreign couples, chatting or reading while working on their tans. You can view the underwater wonders of Gili Air without getting wet by taking a cruise in a glass bottom boat, but we choose to go snorkeling. Along the shore at depths from one to six meters you can feast your eyes on blue and yellow kima (clams) of various sizes, blue coral the size of a small table, tiger fish, moon fish, and many other colourful species of tropical fish. Schools of tiny glittering green fish swarm in and out of their nests among the coral.
Tour at Gili Air by cidomo, only takes 45 minutes to circumnavigate the dry, 175 hectare island on the narrow, dusty footpaths. We see cattle and goats grazing, and vast expanses of sea in many shades.
Traditional villages
Eighty percent of Lombok’s residents belong to the Sasak ethnic group. Sade Hamlet, in the Rambitan area, is the oldest Sasak village in south Lombok. Around 700 residents inhabit 150 traditional houses.The population has outgrown the original village and expanded it with nine newer hamlets outside Sade. It’s not surprising that the original village become overcrowded, as it has been inhabited for over fifteen generations.
Local people are still mostly traditional in style, with high peaked thatched roofs. The houses are on two levels. The men sleep below, three steps up and you are in the kitchen and women’s and children’s bedroom. The three stairs symbolize the teachings of the local religion, Wektu Telu, a syncretistic blend of Islam, Hiduism and animism. The floor of the house is made of mixture of earth and rice stalks, which is freshened up once a month with ox dung to keep the dust down.
Another traditional Sasak village lies in North Lombok, at Senaru, around 80 km from Mataram. This village is the last stopover for those who plan to climb Gunung Rinjani from the Senaru route. The roofs of the house are thatched, but without high peaks. The interior are only one level, with one wide space divided into sleeping and kitchen area. Between the houses are several berugak-open platforms that serve as community meeting places. At Senaru fifty families here follow the Wektu Telu belief, a variety of Islam that mandates only three types of prayers: the weekly Friday prayers and the annual festivals of Idul Adha and Idul Fitri.
Culture
Lingsar temple is the largest and oldest in Lombok. Built in 1714, this temple symbolizes harmony among religions; it is used as place of worship both by Hindus and by the Sasak followers of Wektu Telu. The building for the Hindus is called Gaduh, while the Sasak section is called Kemaliq, meaning “holy place”. In front of these two buildings are two houses, one used by pemangku (Hindu religious leader) and one by the amangku (Sasak traditional chief), who are chosen based on ancestry.
The Perang Topat or Pujawali festival in November or December (using the Sasak calendar) is the largest festival celebrated here. This festival was first held to venerate the wali who brought Islam to Lombok, but nowadays people from all ethnic and religious groups from throughout Lombok take part. Ketupat (cooked rice in woven packets) are brought to be blessed by the amangku, and then thrown from Gaduh and Kemaliq. Everyone tries to catch the ketupat, as they are believed to bring good fortune. The ketupat are usually placed on the farm land to bring a successful harvest.
Natural Greenery
Lombok is also blessed with dozens of waterfalls in the cool mountain areas. The best known is Sendang Gile in North Lombok, just before Senaru.
Lying at 600 meters above sea level, this waterfall is said to be able to cure many ailments. It takes some effort to bathe in the waterfall; you have to go down 315 steps to reach the falls. Yet the gorgeous greenery and the chili of the water on your feet will wash away your fatigue from the climb. Legend has it that the name Sendang Gile comes from the experience of local people who discovered the waterfall quite by accident while hunting a crazed lion that terrorized their village and then ran back into the forest.
Above Sendang Gile is another waterfall, Tiu Kelep, with natural ponds in which tourists often bathe-a welcome treat after the one hour hike to go there.
Souvenirs
From Lombok you can choose weaving from Sukarara, around 45 minutes from Mataram, or pottery ware, the specialty of Banyumulek, not far from Sukarara. In the main cities of Mataram and Cakranegara are many shops selling traditional Lombok snacks such as jackfruit taffy, candied seaweed, salted duck eggs, and Lombok’s famous honey. And don’t miss out on Ayam taliwang, Lombok’s specialty chicken dish, found at restaurants everywhere on the island.
Minggu, 05 April 2009
BOROBUDUR AT DOWN
BOROBUDUR AT DOWN
For anybody who has not been here but has seen enough photos of monotone grey structure to lose interest, prepare to be delighted. Watching the sunrise over Borobudur, is indeed (and obviously), a religious experience. There are a few moments are exquisitely serene as navigating Borobudur alone, before the hoarders arrive, and as the sun comes up to illuminate the reliefs, some constructed in the seventh century.
It is devotional practice to circumambulate around the galleries and terraces always turning to the left while either chanting or meditating. After reflecting at a quite spot or finding one’s favorite relief, go in search of Buddha that can be touched through the stupa, and supposedly brings good luck.
For about century and a half the temple, which represents the ten levels of a Bodhisattva’s life, was the spiritual centre of Buddhism in Java, lost until its rediscovery in the eighteen century. Composed of 55,000 square meters of lava-rock, the temple is built in the form of stepped-pyramid of six rectangular storeys, three circular terraces and a central stupa forming the summit. The whole structure is in the form of a lotus, the sacred flower of Buddha.
The lowest and middle levels contain reliefs depicting various stories of the Buddha’s life from the Jataka Tales and the highest level has a circle without beginning or end. There are ninety-two Vajrasattvas or Dhyani Buddhas, many headless due to theft, tucked into small stupas.
Each of these statues has a mudra (hand gesture) indicating one of the five directions; east, for calling the earth to witness; south to symbolize blessing; west, meditation; north, fearlessness; and the centre; teaching.
The Borobudur stupa is also a replica of the universe. It symbolizes the micro-cosmos, which is divided into three levels, in which a person’s world of desire is influenced by negative impulses; the middle level, the world in which people have control of their negative impulses and uses their positive impulses; and the highest level, in which the world is no longer bounded by physical and material desire.
For anybody who has not been here but has seen enough photos of monotone grey structure to lose interest, prepare to be delighted. Watching the sunrise over Borobudur, is indeed (and obviously), a religious experience. There are a few moments are exquisitely serene as navigating Borobudur alone, before the hoarders arrive, and as the sun comes up to illuminate the reliefs, some constructed in the seventh century.
It is devotional practice to circumambulate around the galleries and terraces always turning to the left while either chanting or meditating. After reflecting at a quite spot or finding one’s favorite relief, go in search of Buddha that can be touched through the stupa, and supposedly brings good luck.
For about century and a half the temple, which represents the ten levels of a Bodhisattva’s life, was the spiritual centre of Buddhism in Java, lost until its rediscovery in the eighteen century. Composed of 55,000 square meters of lava-rock, the temple is built in the form of stepped-pyramid of six rectangular storeys, three circular terraces and a central stupa forming the summit. The whole structure is in the form of a lotus, the sacred flower of Buddha.
The lowest and middle levels contain reliefs depicting various stories of the Buddha’s life from the Jataka Tales and the highest level has a circle without beginning or end. There are ninety-two Vajrasattvas or Dhyani Buddhas, many headless due to theft, tucked into small stupas.
Each of these statues has a mudra (hand gesture) indicating one of the five directions; east, for calling the earth to witness; south to symbolize blessing; west, meditation; north, fearlessness; and the centre; teaching.
The Borobudur stupa is also a replica of the universe. It symbolizes the micro-cosmos, which is divided into three levels, in which a person’s world of desire is influenced by negative impulses; the middle level, the world in which people have control of their negative impulses and uses their positive impulses; and the highest level, in which the world is no longer bounded by physical and material desire.
Sabtu, 04 April 2009
A Glimpse of West Java
A Glimpse of West Java
The island of Java is divided into 3 provinces, namely, West Java, Central Java and East Java. West Java itself was actually called Tanah Sunda or the Island of Sunda, while Central Java used to be called Tanah Jawa. However, these days the North Western to the West and Southwest parts of West Java, is commonly known as daerah Banten or Banten area. The main area includes the towns of Serang, Merak, Cilegon, Anyer, Labuan, Pandeglang and Ujung Kulon. The people from this area are called orang Banten or people of Banten.
The Eastern part of West Java area from Bogor to Cirebon in the Northeast, close to the border of Central Java, and Pangandaran in the Southeast is called Tanah Pasundan. People in Tanah Pasundan is called orang Sunda. Although Jakarta is located in West Java, the capital city of West Java is Bandung, approximately 180 kms Southeast of Jakarta.
Banten area.
The coastline starts from the old city of Banten and goes East to Merak and down South to Anyer, Labuan and Ujung Kulon, where it goes Southeast up to Pelabuhan Ratu. As in most coastal areas the climate is hot and you don’t have to work hard on your tan. If you stay outdoors too long the sun can really toast your nose and turns your skin to cornflakes. Pandeglang area is the hilly part, where the considered sacred Mt. Pulosari standing erect. It was there that the first Moslem King of Banten sought refuge during the war. The small town of Pandeglang is neat, clean and quite. On the way to the town of Menes, rice fields with mountain backdrops providing one of those typical beautiful Indonesia scenes.
The history
The Portuguese and the Chinese began trading with Sunda people in the early 15th century. Being one of the two port of Pajajaran Sundanese kingdom, Banten was well known as a pepper trading port. In 1527 the Moslem army under Hasanudin seized Banten, who was then named the King of Banten. Trade with the Portuguese was reestablished and flourished. In 1596 the first Dutch merchant ship landed in the port of Banten. The Dutch came with intention of controlling the European spice trade which at that time was in the hands of Portugal. As a result naval battle took place in 1601 in the Bay of Banten, and the Portuguese forces were defeated. In 1609. The Regent of Banten tried to restore government control of commercial sector and establish his own policy, but this was not the liking of the Dutch. The Dutch finally stormed Sunda Kelapa and established Batavia. They then blockaded Banten harbor, preventing other traders coming to Banten. Around 1635 a peace treaty was signed with Batavia. This was ratified in 1639 obliging Banten to acknowledge the new state. During the reign of Sultan Ageng, Banten’s economy once again prospered and trading posts of several foreign countries were established in Banten. Banten started to decline during the reign of Sultan Haji, the son of Sultan Ageng. His policy was not favored by his people, who then tried to reestablish his father back to the throne. Sultan Haji sought the help of Batavia, who managed to capture Sultan Ageng, holding him prisoner in Batavia before he died in 1692. After the war there was not much left of the city of Banten. Nowadays not much of grandeur of Banten remains after it was left in ruins by the Dutch.
The people
The people speak the Bnaten dialect which is similar to the Sundanese dialect except for the use of certain terms. When Moslem arrived in Banten, those who refused to embrace the new faith fled to the mountain. Today they are referred to as suku Badui or the Badui tribe. There are two Badui communities. The suku Badui Dalam (Inner Badui), live in the remotest part, and never leave, nor will they allow any outsider to enter their secluded area. They practically have not been touched by modern living. The suku Badui luar live in the outer zone, and allow people to visit and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Although basically they still lead their traditional life, in some ways they allow the influence of the outer world, and some even travel or mix with outsiders. Modern orang Banten lead the same life style depending in the area where they live.
The way of life
The people on the mountain side grow tangkil, a variety of nuts, rice and fruits. Those living on the coast are fishermen. With the growing numbers of hotels and tourist resorts, the fishermen thrive on sea produce. The town of Cilegon has been the first to move ahead with construction of factories. With the upcoming development of one of the largest port in this area, it boosts the towns of Serang, Pandeglang and Labuan. Banten is known for the magical power possessed by the Gurus or Masters, Attractions from this area are amazing performances called Debus. Debus are performed by a group led by a Debus Master who recites incantations prior to each performance. The show includes making fire on top of one of the member’s heads using it to fry crackers, while another member uses his fingers as a spatula.
Places of Interest
Old Banten Mosque
Built during the reign of Maulana Yusuf, the mosque is located in the Northern part of Serang. Closeby is a minaret with spiral staircase to reach the top, from where Muezzin voice their prayer calls. At the North and South of the mosque is the royal cemeteries where the Sultans of Banten were buried. Lined up along the dusty road from the parking terminal to the Mosque’s front yard are stalls selling Arabic headdresses, wall decorations and beads, while lining the path to the mosque are beggars chanting prayers.
Banten Museum.
In Banten Museum, located in Northern part of Serang you can learn the history of Banten and the first time the Dutch set foot on the island of Java. Weapons, household good used, clay pipes and pieces of broken ceramics are also on display. Across the road you can still see the foundations and remains of the old palace, Surosowan.
The Chinese Temple
The Chinese Temple is farther to the North of the Mosque. There is a retreat compound at the back. Burning red candles decorate the altar and a table filled with variety of fruits. Further back there is a statue of he goddess Guan Yin or Kwan Im. The Buddha statue is located in another structure next to the temple, the front yard is shaded by huge old trees giving it a tranquil surrounding
Anyer/Carita
Anyer and the next beach Carita is approximately half an hour from Cilegon. Until about 10 years ago there were a limited number of cottages there. The view was dominated by tall coconut trees along the beaches, interspersed with coral and tall coconut trees, where the fisherman would roast fish, prawn or lobster you ordered on open fire made out of coconut shell. But those days are long gone and the so called hotels, Resorts and condominiums with their tall fences have obscured the sea view. The fisherman auction their catches of the day, or of yesterday, to the Jakartan’s at supermarket prices. Nevertheless, if you are not really looking for a countryside holiday, Anyer or Carita will be a good place for relaxing and enjoying the fresh ozone and good seafood…never mind the price.
Ujung Kulon and Anak Krakatau
Ujung Kulon National Park is located in the Western tip of Java island. Ujung Kulon is a reservation area for endangered species such as Javanese rhinoceros, Banteng or wild ox, various near extinct birds and flora. The eruption of Krakatau, across the Sunda Strait from Ujung Kulon, in August 1883 was recorded as one of the world’s biggest explosions. In 1930 Anak Krakatau or child of Krakatau emerged. It is still quite active, and occasionally cough fire that can be seen from Carita beach on a clear day. During the calm down tourists are allowed to make a trip to have a closer look at the baby volcano.
Peucang Island and Taman Jaya
Apart from its quite and beautiful beach where one can really enjoy privacy, Peucang is famous among divers and surfer. This island provides reasonable accommodation for those who wish to explore the wilderness of Ujung Kulon or to climb Anak Krakatau. Taman Jaya, is pretty coastal village with nice and clean beach. This village also serves as a starting point for trekking the jungle for nature lovers.
The island of Java is divided into 3 provinces, namely, West Java, Central Java and East Java. West Java itself was actually called Tanah Sunda or the Island of Sunda, while Central Java used to be called Tanah Jawa. However, these days the North Western to the West and Southwest parts of West Java, is commonly known as daerah Banten or Banten area. The main area includes the towns of Serang, Merak, Cilegon, Anyer, Labuan, Pandeglang and Ujung Kulon. The people from this area are called orang Banten or people of Banten.
The Eastern part of West Java area from Bogor to Cirebon in the Northeast, close to the border of Central Java, and Pangandaran in the Southeast is called Tanah Pasundan. People in Tanah Pasundan is called orang Sunda. Although Jakarta is located in West Java, the capital city of West Java is Bandung, approximately 180 kms Southeast of Jakarta.
Banten area.
The coastline starts from the old city of Banten and goes East to Merak and down South to Anyer, Labuan and Ujung Kulon, where it goes Southeast up to Pelabuhan Ratu. As in most coastal areas the climate is hot and you don’t have to work hard on your tan. If you stay outdoors too long the sun can really toast your nose and turns your skin to cornflakes. Pandeglang area is the hilly part, where the considered sacred Mt. Pulosari standing erect. It was there that the first Moslem King of Banten sought refuge during the war. The small town of Pandeglang is neat, clean and quite. On the way to the town of Menes, rice fields with mountain backdrops providing one of those typical beautiful Indonesia scenes.
The history
The Portuguese and the Chinese began trading with Sunda people in the early 15th century. Being one of the two port of Pajajaran Sundanese kingdom, Banten was well known as a pepper trading port. In 1527 the Moslem army under Hasanudin seized Banten, who was then named the King of Banten. Trade with the Portuguese was reestablished and flourished. In 1596 the first Dutch merchant ship landed in the port of Banten. The Dutch came with intention of controlling the European spice trade which at that time was in the hands of Portugal. As a result naval battle took place in 1601 in the Bay of Banten, and the Portuguese forces were defeated. In 1609. The Regent of Banten tried to restore government control of commercial sector and establish his own policy, but this was not the liking of the Dutch. The Dutch finally stormed Sunda Kelapa and established Batavia. They then blockaded Banten harbor, preventing other traders coming to Banten. Around 1635 a peace treaty was signed with Batavia. This was ratified in 1639 obliging Banten to acknowledge the new state. During the reign of Sultan Ageng, Banten’s economy once again prospered and trading posts of several foreign countries were established in Banten. Banten started to decline during the reign of Sultan Haji, the son of Sultan Ageng. His policy was not favored by his people, who then tried to reestablish his father back to the throne. Sultan Haji sought the help of Batavia, who managed to capture Sultan Ageng, holding him prisoner in Batavia before he died in 1692. After the war there was not much left of the city of Banten. Nowadays not much of grandeur of Banten remains after it was left in ruins by the Dutch.
The people
The people speak the Bnaten dialect which is similar to the Sundanese dialect except for the use of certain terms. When Moslem arrived in Banten, those who refused to embrace the new faith fled to the mountain. Today they are referred to as suku Badui or the Badui tribe. There are two Badui communities. The suku Badui Dalam (Inner Badui), live in the remotest part, and never leave, nor will they allow any outsider to enter their secluded area. They practically have not been touched by modern living. The suku Badui luar live in the outer zone, and allow people to visit and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Although basically they still lead their traditional life, in some ways they allow the influence of the outer world, and some even travel or mix with outsiders. Modern orang Banten lead the same life style depending in the area where they live.
The way of life
The people on the mountain side grow tangkil, a variety of nuts, rice and fruits. Those living on the coast are fishermen. With the growing numbers of hotels and tourist resorts, the fishermen thrive on sea produce. The town of Cilegon has been the first to move ahead with construction of factories. With the upcoming development of one of the largest port in this area, it boosts the towns of Serang, Pandeglang and Labuan. Banten is known for the magical power possessed by the Gurus or Masters, Attractions from this area are amazing performances called Debus. Debus are performed by a group led by a Debus Master who recites incantations prior to each performance. The show includes making fire on top of one of the member’s heads using it to fry crackers, while another member uses his fingers as a spatula.
Places of Interest
Old Banten Mosque
Built during the reign of Maulana Yusuf, the mosque is located in the Northern part of Serang. Closeby is a minaret with spiral staircase to reach the top, from where Muezzin voice their prayer calls. At the North and South of the mosque is the royal cemeteries where the Sultans of Banten were buried. Lined up along the dusty road from the parking terminal to the Mosque’s front yard are stalls selling Arabic headdresses, wall decorations and beads, while lining the path to the mosque are beggars chanting prayers.
Banten Museum.
In Banten Museum, located in Northern part of Serang you can learn the history of Banten and the first time the Dutch set foot on the island of Java. Weapons, household good used, clay pipes and pieces of broken ceramics are also on display. Across the road you can still see the foundations and remains of the old palace, Surosowan.
The Chinese Temple
The Chinese Temple is farther to the North of the Mosque. There is a retreat compound at the back. Burning red candles decorate the altar and a table filled with variety of fruits. Further back there is a statue of he goddess Guan Yin or Kwan Im. The Buddha statue is located in another structure next to the temple, the front yard is shaded by huge old trees giving it a tranquil surrounding
Anyer/Carita
Anyer and the next beach Carita is approximately half an hour from Cilegon. Until about 10 years ago there were a limited number of cottages there. The view was dominated by tall coconut trees along the beaches, interspersed with coral and tall coconut trees, where the fisherman would roast fish, prawn or lobster you ordered on open fire made out of coconut shell. But those days are long gone and the so called hotels, Resorts and condominiums with their tall fences have obscured the sea view. The fisherman auction their catches of the day, or of yesterday, to the Jakartan’s at supermarket prices. Nevertheless, if you are not really looking for a countryside holiday, Anyer or Carita will be a good place for relaxing and enjoying the fresh ozone and good seafood…never mind the price.
Ujung Kulon and Anak Krakatau
Ujung Kulon National Park is located in the Western tip of Java island. Ujung Kulon is a reservation area for endangered species such as Javanese rhinoceros, Banteng or wild ox, various near extinct birds and flora. The eruption of Krakatau, across the Sunda Strait from Ujung Kulon, in August 1883 was recorded as one of the world’s biggest explosions. In 1930 Anak Krakatau or child of Krakatau emerged. It is still quite active, and occasionally cough fire that can be seen from Carita beach on a clear day. During the calm down tourists are allowed to make a trip to have a closer look at the baby volcano.
Peucang Island and Taman Jaya
Apart from its quite and beautiful beach where one can really enjoy privacy, Peucang is famous among divers and surfer. This island provides reasonable accommodation for those who wish to explore the wilderness of Ujung Kulon or to climb Anak Krakatau. Taman Jaya, is pretty coastal village with nice and clean beach. This village also serves as a starting point for trekking the jungle for nature lovers.
Jumat, 13 Maret 2009
TANA TORAJA VACATION
People of The Mountains
Of all the incredibly interesting cultures found in Indonesia, perhaps none is more fascinating than that of the Torajas. Isolated by difficult terrain and fierce privacy, the people of Tanah Toraja remained free of outside influence until early this century when the Dutch finally made contact. For centuries, the mountainous Torajas barely interacted with their seafaring Bugis neighbours and escaped the attention of the Dutch.
In a setting of steep rocky mountains, this green jungle and fertile rice paddies, Torajaland's geography mesmerizes even the most travelled adventurers. But the Torajan culture itself surpasses the physical beauty of the place.
Torajan houses are beyond distinct: traditional houses, tongkonan, are raised on piles. The rooftops rear up very high on both ends, suggestive of the horns of a water buffalo (Torajans revere the water buffalo as sacred). Every tongkonan faces north and is accompanied by a matching though smaller rice barn. Underneath each rice barn, a wooden sitting platform makes the familiy's meeting place: sitting there, the villagers might ask you to join them for a glass of home-made palm wine.
The most unique aspect of Torajan culture revolves around death. When a person dies, they must be sent to the after-world with the greatest attention. An elaborate funeral follows, with special bamboo huts being built to house hundred – sometimes even thousands – of guests who might come from as far away as Jakarta. From an overlooking tower, the deceased presides over the festivities, which include animal sacrifices and might last as many as seven days. For rich ornoble people, tau-tau (wooden effigies of the deceased) are carved and dressed. In a lasting and impressive gesture, the tau-tau are placed in hollowed-out cliff faces for all the world to see.
Sabtu, 07 Maret 2009
Sam Poo Kong Chinese Temple
It is not hard to find the famous temple. Anywhere you are in Semarang, just ask the local, for they will tell you right away. Sam Poo Kong Chinese Temple or known as the stone building, looks different than others, situated on the left side hills heading towards Ungaran from Semarang.
It's called the Stone Building due to the main building and temple is actually a caved stone, which is nowadays situated at the back of the main building. The stone cave is the main prying room to ask for ciamshie as assign of good luck for the pilgrims. And this is what to believes as the headquarters of Admiral Cheng Ho and his soldiers when they visited Java.
This Chinese Temple is quite spectacular, especially since it's been renovated in a number of times and is free of flood now. According to one of the tour guide in this temple, the Sam Poo Kong Complex was built simultaneously. The first building was built in 1724 in order to honot Admiral Cheng Ho (Sam Poo Tay Djien), who came to Semarang, in Simongan Beach to be exact. Nowadays Simongan Beach is the name of the road that situated right in front of Sam Poo Kong Chinese Temple.
Major renovation of Sam Poo Kong was done in the year 2002, which took three years up until 2005, exactly at the commemoration of the 600th year of the arrival Admiral Cheng Ho. Cheng Ho first came in year 1405, and revisited in 1516.
Should you enter the temple from the north entrance, you'll be greeted by two statues of Gupala giants on left and right side of the gate. After passing a red building with a model of a veranda, you'll see on your right a row of typical Chinese temple buildings.
The color red wraps its main columns, hundreds of lamps, even the roofs are colored in red. To the right of the main building stands two little temple to honor Kyai Jangkar (there's an anker from Cheng Ho's ship) and Kyai Cundrik Bumi (the weapons that was brought inside Cheng Ho's ship). And as to the left, there's thetemple of Kyai Jurumundi, and next to it is temple of Dewa Bumi.
The yard in front of the main building is quite spacious, here there are several small statues and medium size statue of Admiral Cheng Ho. It's a shame that statue is not tall enough, drowned by the height of rows of building behind it.
Another interesting thing due to its uniqueness is a tree that has roots that resembles the chain of a big ship, twirling around the trees all over the complex. And so it's called the chain root tree.
As a reminder, Cheng Ho or Zeng He (1371-1433), is an admiral, traveler, and skilled diplomat, whom tried to broaden China's influence towards the countries in Hindi sea. In his quest, he succeeded in gaining business and diplomatic relations with at least 35 countries! An outstanding achievement, considering the sailing condition at that time.
Everyday, there are always people visiting this temple, but the amount is not always the same, sometime there are only 1 or 2 people, but on some other day it grew to hundreds of people. Sam Poo Kong foundation, who manages the temple, is planning to build a place for pilgrims from out of town to spend the night in. The 4 floored building is entering its finishing phase.
Cheng Ho is an old story which interesting to learn, yet the Admiral has certainly left many valued lessons to enhanced relationship among many religions an ethnics.
Railway mounting tour
As to the train station museum, according to PT Kereta Api, it suits the purposes of educating, preserving, conserving, research, development, observation, and not to forget, recreational.
In the train station museum, situated some of communication devices from the old days such as old phone receivers made in the year 1900, 1901, and 1926 by the Americans, Conductor's hat, mottos, numerous photos, the Yasa Hall of Semarang 1918, telegraph device, type writer, ticketing machine, and two toilets with Hesren and Dames written in the doors.
The Ambarawa Train station museum with ancient technology that served the need of transportation since the pre-independence era until 1964. This museum consist of 21 stem locomotives, situated in the north and west of the museum, and 5 steam locomotives situated in the depot, which 3 of them are operable.
Other than the Train Station Museum, Ambarawa trains station also have an old locomotive that can travel the mountains with its gears. This one of a kind Indonesia's geared train is still capable of hiking slopes with 30 degrees incline towards Bedono station which is 9 kilometers away and the journey can be made in about an hour, with the capacity of 80 passengers. The geared steam locomotive is unique and is one among three that are left in the world. With two other situated in India and Swiss.
Tourist can enjoy the beautiful panorama along the way, trough Ungaran and Merbabu Mountains that situated high above with and Pening swamps below it, which are truly a breathtaking view.
The museum provides three kinds of tour which are named 'Railway Mountain Tour'. Tourists can enjoy the natural view of Ambarawa and the surrounding villages by riding on the geared steam locomotive, or Lori on demand.
According ti the history, Ambarawa during the Dutch-Hindi era was a military area, and there for, King Willem the 1st wanted to build a train station in order to mobilize his soldiers toward Semarang. On the 23rd of May 1873, Ambarawa train station was built on a 127.500 m2 of land.
During its reigning days, Ambarawa train station was known as Willem 1. Ceased its functions of serving the tracks Ambarawa-Kedungjati, Semarang, and in the year 1976 for the tracks Ambarawa-Secang, Magelang, and also Ambarawa-Temanggung.
With the closing of Ambarawa train station, on the 8th of April 1976, The Governor of Central Java, Soeparjo Rustam, along with the Head of Public Train Company, Soeharso declared Ambarwa Train Station as museum by gathering 21 of locomotives that took part in the battle for independence, especially in mobilizing Indonesia's soldiers.
With its massive containment of history along with the touch of the well preserved locomotives, made this location a favorite spot to make pre-wedding pictures, or just to walk pets for the locals.
Mount Krakatau
This region is the mountain panorama that is still active, because the location is surrounded by sea, maritime tourism activities such as termasukolahraga water diving, snorkeling and other activities to become one of that region. Due leakan pad tremendous year 1883 has changed the habitat so that all can be witnessed here in the early beginning of life and animal plants.
Geographically, this area included in the autonomous regions Lampung, but more easy accessibility of Banten province. And if you want to see the beauty of nearby mountains, the dikalukan can rent a boat with a good beach from Anyer, Carita and Tanjung Lesung. With all the charm and mystery of nature in such a way that, quite probably the reason why the area surrounding Mount Krakatau an mengundangminat always people there to visit, both the tourists who only picnic or simply to find inspiration as well as among scientists that research in the framework of dating.
When the days when crawling dusk, eksotisme Krakatau mountain area more obvious. Travelers will be amazed to see the sun sinking spell back from this mountain, tourists can see the beauty of the Sunda, Tel; uk Lampung beautiful, charm the west coast of Banten, Lau-thatch ships crossing-Bakauheni Merak, which is always crowded, and the flickering began nelaayan of distance.
Ujung Kulon Tour
If it's still panatai fascination with the west, perjalan you can proceed to Ujung Kulon. There are two objectives, namely tourism area Tanjung Pulau Umang Lesung or in Ujung Kulon. In that location, where the sunset is near.
To go to Tanjung Lesung take about one hour from the area Carita. Travel the country roads of Carita, Labuhan, Panimbang, Citeureup ago arrived in Tanjung Lesung. Ocean blue carpet menjadipemandangan along the road to Tanjung Lesung. Sea sersa the dkat ketikak Citeureup enter the area, even if it is reported tide season arrived, the waves menghempas to the road.
If you want to vacation in Tanjung Lesung, there are two options where to stay. At home residents who made home, or stay in the resort with the facilities that the hotel star tidakmkalah in Jakarta. Here you not only enjoy the high seas but also can see from the nearby coral reef conservation in the middle of the sea.
Not far from Tanjung Lesung atausatu half hours by using a vehicle, you will arrive in the district well. In this area will be visible to a small island with white sandy jejran small gazebo-gazebo that is slick Dann beautiful. That Umang Island, an island of 5 hectares was changed into a luxurious health resort.
To reach this place takes approximately 10-15 minutes away by boat kecicl, from Sumur. A lot of charm that can be enjoyed during a trip to the island to incoming tourism in the area of Ujung Kulon is. On this island you can stay around or just to enjoy the scenery of sea, mountains, forests, and hills.
If your time is quite long, it's not complete if it does not descend to the Ujung Kulon national park, which is the most important nature conservation areas in Indonesia. Yah, Ujung Kulon indeed have good biodiversity of flora and fauna and various types of vegetation and is a representative tropical rain forest ecosystem datran lower left and terluas. This condition is an ideal habitat for rare animals viability as a bercula Badak, buffalo and several types of birds, other than monyek, deer and other.
Simpang Lima icon of the city
Semarang as the capital of Central Java is mending itself in order to gain local and domestic tourist interest, especially when the government has declares that the Visit Indonesia Year was to be extended until late 2009.
Actually, tourism objects are relatively common in Semarang, Just to mention, Tanjung Emas Harbor, Tugu Muda, museums such as the Nyonya Meneer, Jamu Jago, Muri, and Mandala Bakti, and then the newly renovated zoo, and the Chinese Tample of Sam Poo Kong.
Visiting Semarang just doesn't feel right when you haven't seen Simpang Lima (Five intersections). But some are thinking, what's so special about Simpang Lima? A place like that you can always find in Jakarta, in fact, there many such places that you can find here in the capital city.
Regarding to this kind of places, you may find iti anywhere, but should you be there yourself, you'll feel the different ambience. Friendliness and quietness are two things that worth mentioning. To the Semarang people, Simpang Lima is their icon of the city, and they're proud of it.
It's called Simpang Lima, due to the five major roads that lead to one spot, which is the boulevard. Those five roads are Pandanaran, Pahlawan, Ahmad Yani, KH Ahmad Dahlan, and Gajah Mada Streets. As is said, Pandanaran is a name of a sovereign whom served to the needs of the locals, and not to himself. He made many sacrifices to the society, not only with his wealth and fortune, but also his life.
The Simpang Lima Boulevards an open space for the society of many walks of life. The boulevard feels alive during the night before Sundays, Sunday Mornings, or on public holidays. On the night before Sundays and the morning after it, there many vendors selling things with affordable prices. Among them are handyman equipments, DVD disc, belt, shorts, and many home utensils. Including souvenirs, school utensil, sandals, and hair equipment are sold here.
Simpang Lima feel cozy and quiet, especially during the monsoon, due to the large trees that surrounded the place. There are even some that reached the height of 5 meters.
Around the Simpang Lima area there some object that are shame to be missed. On the west side there's the Baiturrahman Mosque as the prating spot of Moslems. On another west side there's the E-Plaza, one of the movie theatres that exist in Semarang. Other than that, there are meny supermarkets such as Ramayana on the south side, Matahari Plaza on the north, Mall Ciputra and Robinson on the north, they are also Horrison Hotel on the east and Ciputra Hotel on the north side, which made Simpang Lima a never resting place.
Many kind of food and snacks are scattered and sold in "lesehan" style on the path walk and squares. In Semarang, Simpang Lima is the center. Semarang also has religious tourism, which is the Great Mosque.
Rumors has it, the mosque is one of the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia, completed with a tower as high as 99 meters. The height made accordingly to the 99 characteristics of God. The tower is also use as the gathering place to determine the beginning of Ramadahan.
Semarang doesn't only have tourism potentials in the city, but also in its district. The sites in the district of Semarang are just as beautiful as the city. One among many is the Hills Joglo Villa at the foot of mount Ungaran. This area gives you the village atmosphere surrounded by rice fields. There are also many Joglo houses here, one of them is the house that was built in 1822, in the village of Godong, there even some genuine furniture left inside the house.
Facilities such as swimming pool and gallery are provided in this house. When entering the gallery, visitors can see varieties of paintings, or ancient pottery that are found in the island of Java and Bali, there are even some that originated from Vietnam.
Just a little bit to the south, in Ambarawa to be exact, you can stop by at the Banaran coffee Village in Bawen Street. Many facilities are offered here; among them are swimming pool, tennis court, play ground, camping ground, and ball room. You can go around this area by riding tourism coach that only costs Rp 4,000.
Not only looking trough the coffee plantation, you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery. For there you can see five mountains at once, those are Sumbing, Gajah Mungkur, Kelir, Elomoyo, and Merbabu, which surrounded the plantation. To end the journey around the coffee plantation, visitors will enjoy the scenery of sunset while with a cup of coffee and dumplings.
Nowadays, the capital of Semarang is Ungaran. There, you can see the Train Station Museum, Palagan Ambarawa, and Willem II fort.
Source: Health n Tourism
Carita Beach
Once satisfied, you can continue the journey to another object that is not less beautiful Carita beach that is located in the Sunda strait coast. This region is a popular tourist destination in the province of Banten. The strategic location, because it is at the road Carita-Labuan, easier access to tourists. It's not too far from the beach making this so popular, so many tourists visited domestic and overseas, especially on weekends and holidays other.
Coastal area which is located in Tanjung Carita is the carpet of white sand with a sloping green vegetation typical beach. Not too far from the beach and there is a river Cikembang river Cimeti a clear and elegant look with the green hills that are latarnya. Sloping white sand that support the tourist activities, such as sunbathing and sports.
For those of you who want to drive the adrenalin, 3 km along the coast also provide a variety of challenging games such as surfing, jet ski, speed boat or banana boat. Not far from the beach, you can also perform various activities such as diving or snorkeling in the marine park. You will be amazed to see various types of ornamental fish and marine biota have. Of course all this can cause a sensation which is difficult recede
Anyer beach
Enjoy the beauty of nature Banten indeed bring us to a destination in the frame of nature treat the challenging spirit of adventure. Unuk and the natural beauty that is, if Jakarta can be started through the area from the nearest beach is Anyer. The popular beach since 1980 and is renowned as one of the Seven Wonders of Banten location not too far from Jakarta.
With the distance about 160 km, can travel from place about two hours using a motor vehicle. Meanwhile, the city of Serang, Banten province capital, Anyer beach is about 35 km. On this beach you can menikamti panoramic sea blue horizon of a blue jga. Paving the wide sand beach and clean the area is comfortable to use for activities to swimming, surfing or diving.
Towards the afternoon, you can relax on the beach while enjoying the lips sinking sun, which is accompanied by sea birds which fly low and occasionally prey fish along the coast, as if all reinforces how beautiful this region. When you are bored by the beach, you can also enjoy the charm Anyer beach panorama from the top of the lighthouse relic found in the Netherlands region.
SAWARNA AIMS TO BECOME THE BALI OF BANTEN
The Sawarna Village, noted for its pristine beach with good waves for surfing, is now preparing to become "The Bali of Banten".
"We have drawn a master plan in which an integrated tourism complex will be built. The people in the village have prepared to welcome any kinds of tourists while preserving our own culture, just like the Balinese," said Erwin Komarasukma, the village head.
He further said that the local government has allocated a 16 hectare land for the purpose. In the tourism complex, there will be a water park, cottages, retailing complex where the Sawarna people can sell their handicrafts, restaurants, fisherman home stay complexes and so on.
"The master plan has been getting positive responses, but unfortunately we are stumbled on the funding of the permanent bridge construction. Without it, the master plan will be just a plan," Komarasukma said, adding that the 60 meter bridge would cost around Rp 2 billion. "It should be the provincial government's decision to take, but it seems not in the near future."
Currently Sawarna keeps receiving tourist visits everyday, domestically as well as internationally. They can spend the night at the villagers' homes with very reason able price. To go to the beach, about 65 km in length, people have to pass through the wooden hanging bridge as the land and the beach is separated by a wide and deep river. For those who heave no courage to go through it, they opt to fly using paragliding or light aircraft.
"Most of the foreign tourists do it that way. They fly from Pelabuhan Ratu and return there later; no spending for the local people. By building the integrated tourism complex, the tourist is hoped to stay and spend their money here.
However, the beach will be kept free for access, no entry charge whatsoever for anyone," Komarasukma said.
Sawarna village is flanked by a mountain and the sea, with breathtaking view of the beach, viewed from winding roller coaster well asphalted road. Due to its geographical conditions, it's no wonder if the village is also enriched by unique flora & fauna and natural caves.
For those who are interested to invest in Sawarna, it's better to start buying a piece of land now when the price is still relatively very cheap, between Rp 10,000 – Rp 60,000 per square meter.
Source: Travelwan Magazine
Lawang Sewu the building of a thousand doors
According to the history, at the beginning Lawang Sewu was use as the headquarter of Nederlandsch Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij (NIS), the first Dutch owned public train company in Indonesia established in 1864.
When the five days war of Semarang erupted, 14th-18th August 1945, Lawang Sewu and areas near it became the center of armed conflict between Indonesian and Japanese soldiers. There were casualties as always. In order to commemorate these casualties, ono the left of the entrance gate, a column with the name of the name of all casualties was rise.
To the Semarang people, the name Lawang Sewu is common. An old building with pealing walls on the outside which give the appearance of being untattended. Yet, what is so special about the building that looks untaken care of?
According to the rumors, Lawang Sewu is haunted. Several screenshots and bravery trial even located in this building. As is said, in the bravery trial program, there were several sightings. Due to the haunted status, Lawang Sewu gain many tourist interests. To thoe two enjoy mystical stories, they choose to visit it in the night. Usually on Thursday and Saturday nights.
Lawang Sewu nowadays is managed by the State Owned Train Company. There are two kinds of tourist targeted to visit this building, domestic an international.
In the day, during holiday season Lawang Sewu usually visited by children from schools outside Semarang., there are even some that come from outside Central Java. They are eager to gain information about the history of Lawang Sewu. Other than the students, this historical building is also visited by families and other visitors.
Foreign tourists are usually comes from Holland, and Japan. They want to feel nostalgic touch of the building while some just want to see the firm and strong building with their own eyes. According to Bambang, a tour guide in Lawang Sewu, not so long ago, the were hundreds of foreign tourist came down from the cruise ship MS Stantendam which set Anker in Tanjung Emas Port, Semarang to see Lawang Sewu.
Actually, the building isn't spooky as it seems to be. If step inside it, it look rather clean and taken care of. Of course there's no lights what so ever inside. If the outlook seems spooky, that's where the appeal of Lawang Sewu is.
Lawang Sewu have basement. The Dutch uses it as cooling system of all the room above it. But when the Japanese came in and took over Lawang Sewu, they changed the function as dungeons. Rooms with the size of 1 meter square were fitted with five prisoners. Other than that it's also function as torturing room decapitation room! The victims were Indonesian and Dutch.
In order to get to the pitch black basement, you'll be escorted by a guide, with the fee of Rp 6,000/person. During the monsoon, the water entered the basement, the organizer provided boots and flashlights. If you are ever in Lawang Sewu don't miss the chance to do the basement tour.
If you enjoy tourism objects that can raise your adrenaline, Lawang Sewu is one of them.
Source: Health n Tourism
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