The Amazing Indonesia

2010-03-09T23:03:00.000-08:00

Wayang Kulit

2010-01-07T04:02:00.000-08:00

Wayang kulit is performance art that have more than half a millennium. Appearance has its own story, related to the entry of Javanese Islam. One member of the Wali Songo created by adopting Wayang Beber is developed in the heyday of Hindu-Buddhist. The adoption was done because wayang already attached to the Javanese to become the right medium for disseminating propaganda of Islam, while Islam forbids visual art form. As a result, created shadow wayang kulit where people can only see shadows.

Stories told in the wayang performance usually comes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
Wayang show in every country has its own technique and style, thus wayang is made in Indonesia Indonesian people who have a genuine story, style and extraordinary puppeteer.
Puppet known since prehistoric times of about 1500 years before Christ. Indonesian society held belief [pagan] worship of ancestral spirits called or dahyang hyang, manifested in the form of [the statue] or image.

Wayang is the Indonesian traditional art developed primarily in Java and Bali. Wayang show has been recognized by UNESCO on November 7, 2003, as a work of amazing cultural stories in narrative and beautiful heritage and valuable (Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity).

There is a family of characters in Javanese wayang called Punakawan; they are sometimes referred to as "clown-servants" because they normally are associated with the story's hero, and provide humorous and philosophical interludes. Semar is the father of Gareng (oldest son), Petruk, and Bagong (youngest son). These characters did not originate in the Hindu epics, but were added later, possibly to introduce mystical aspects of Islam into the Hindu-Javanese stories. They provide something akin to a political cabaret, dealing with gossip and contemporary affairs.

The puppets figures themselves vary from place to place. In Central Java the city of Surakarta (Solo) is most famous and is the most commonly imitated style of puppets. Regional styles of shadow puppets can also be found in West Java, Banyumas, Cirebon, Semarang, and East Java. Bali produces more compact and naturalistic figures, and Lombok has figures representing real people. Often modern-world objects as bicycles, automobiles, airplanes and ships will be added for comic effect, but for the most part the traditional puppet designs have changed little in the last 300 years.

source : wikipedia, google

Batik Cirebon

2009-12-08T04:01:00.000-08:00

In history, batik Cirebon pattern modes can not be separated from collaboration of religions, arts, cultures brought by various ethnics and nations in the past. Before 20th century, Cirebon, which had sea harbor, became a city which was trading various products coming from many islands, visited by many traders from various ethnics including entrepreneurs from China and Middle East.

This ethnics and cultures gathering, which was caused by trading, has given influencing access to Cirebon arts and cultures motives. These culture influences can be seen from the greatness carts located at both palaces in Cirebon, which are “Singa Barong” cart at Kasepuhan Palace and “Peksi Naga Liman” Cart at Kanoman Palace. The shapes of imagination animals like “Singa Barong” and “Peksi Naga Liman” are reflected in batik Trusmi pattern modes.

Batik Palace pattern modes divided into 2 types. First, the type that is usually used by “punggawa” or “abdi dalam” (internal palace servant). Batik for “punggawa” has big and strong pattern modes. The second type is the type used by aristocrats, with soft and small pattern mode. The colors of original Cirebon batik usually comprise of sogan, black, dark blue, and yellow.

Culture and religion influences to batik Cirebon pattern modes are also symbolized at plate batik and “selampad” plate batik. Pattern modes at those batiks are inspired by China porcelain plate arrangement used for wall decoration at Astana Gunung Jati Palace. These “China style” pattern modes are the accumulation of the tastes of china descendant traders.

Batik from those china descendant traders generally has red, blue, green, and white colors and become the trade mark of coastal area batik.

Pattern modes are also adopted from symbols related to history myths such as Earth Centrum patterns showing a hole on top of Jati Mountain where Islamic scholars having meeting and discussion. “Ayam Alas Gunung” pattern symbolizes Islamic teaching and spreading from Jati Mountain. Also “Taman Arum Sunyaragi” batik symbolizes a beautiful, fragrance park where Kings meditate to close themselves to God.

One of the of culture and religion influences can be felt significantly through mystic such as “Kapal Keruk” batik. This batik, as per the mystic belief, is very useful to be used during seeking knowledge. On the other hand, “Kapal Kandas” batik is useful to be used by adult and mature people who are tough in facing difficulties in life and in reaching their goals. (resumed from various sources)

Kuta Beach in Lombok

2009-11-17T00:07:00.000-08:00

On the ruggedly beautiful South coast, lies the impressive white sandy expanse of Kuta beach. The beach is a perfect place to wander, at low tide, among a plethore of shells, coral and other marine life. Accomodation within the mid range bracket to luxurious is found here, many of which line the main beach.

The people of Lombok call this pristine beach "Puteri Nyale". Every year on the tenth month of the Sasak Calendar (February or March), the "Bau Nyale" ceremony is held which local people join together at night to catch sea worms by torchilight, while eerily singing "pantun" (traditional poetry).

Senggigi Beach, Lombok

2009-11-08T20:33:00.000-08:00

There are some places that you must visit if you travel to Indonesia. While visiting Bali, don’t forget to stop over at Lombok and Sumbawa, NTB Province. These islands can be reached in 2 hours by ship or in 35 minutes by plane. Once you arrive in the capital of the province, Mataram, be ready to be presented with uniquely, incomparable beautiful natures which are too good to pass up.

Situated 10 kilometers north of Mataram, Senggigi is LOmbok's oldest and most famous reseort area. A perfect place to relax, Senggigi boasts a series of white sandy beaches and a safe swimming area - which also provides some good waves for surfers, as well being home to a colourful reef which provides shelter life and exquisitely shaped coral - a perfect place to snorkel.

Senggigi caters to all wallets. Expensive restaurants and small cafes line the main street, accomodation ranging from luxury hotel to small, comfertable bungalows is available.

Gili Trawangan, The Quiet Island

2009-10-25T23:09:00.000-07:00

It takes about forty five minutes to get Gili Trawangan from Bangsal harbour, Lombok. A sensational trip with a wooden boat rocking in the waves is finally finished. This is an entertaining experience for you who want to enjoy the beautiful island paradise of Gili Trawangan with an area of 338 hectares.

If you don't want to go with a wooden boat, there are several alternative means of transportation other than ships that you can use. If you are from Lombok, you can go from the beach that serves travelers Sengigi by boat or speed boat. Whereas if you are from Bali then you can go from Benoa harbor by using fast boats and cruise ships. All these sea transportation modes are distinguished by cost and time travel.

Gili Trawangan island is one of the main tourist destinations. The other two islands are Gili Meno and Gili Air, located in the province of West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The island has an exotic natural beauty, inhabited by inhabitants where the majority ethnic is Bugis. The island is still quiet, so for you who don’t like the atmosphere of city life, should make this island as one of destinations during your stay in Indonesia.

There are some unique nesses you can get on this island. Firstly is transportation system. If you arrive on this island, you will be greeted by traditional transportation, Cidomo. Transportation without pollution can contain up to five people. The driver will take you to explore the white sand of the island outskirts before reaching the hotel. For additional information, during your stay on the island, you wont find a modern transportation other than cidomo and bicycle. This is because the tour manager has agreed with the island authority not to pollute the island by smoke coming out from vehicles. So, the air quality here is very good.

Secondly is the clean white sand. The island is perfect for sunbathing. Foreign tourists can enjoy the beach tours with tropical sunlight. There are several areas that become targets for sunbathing and leisure by travelers, but the area at south of the island become a favorite for the tourists who have come here.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving are some of the targets for tourists from Australia and Europe when they come to Gili Terawangan. This is because the island has calm water, with blue coral gardens and underwater life with a great feasibility up to 40-50 meters. The snorkel and scuba diving lovers can satisfy themselves to explore the underwater nature in Terawangan Gili. As additional information, there are only two places that have this kind of blue coral in the world: the Gili Terawangan Indonesia and the Caribbean sea Mexico.

Tourist facilities should be another enjoyable Glass Botton Boat is a boat that is fully transparent with the light on the floor. So that travelers can see the beautiful scenery freely under the sea around the island. There is also a green turtle conservation was already rare in the world, this animal disposal activities regularly become an event that should not escape from your tour schedule for the Gili Trawangan. Also Night Party is also the main attraction on this island. Type of event with a variety of regular schedules that should be one point why you should be visiting this paradise island.

Another tourist facilities should be enjoyed is Glass Botton Boat. This is a boat that is fully transparent with the light on the floor. The travelers can see the beautiful scenery freely under the sea around the island. There is also a conservation for green turtles which are already rare in the world. The regular animal disposal activities become an event that should not be missed from your tour schedule in Gili Trawangan. Night Party is also the main attraction on this island. Many events which are regularly scheduled can be one of the points why you should be visiting this paradise island.

Once you have been satisfied enoying Trawangan island, dont forget to go across the stop in Gili Meno, the smallest island of the group of three islands. This island is the basis of 350 breeding birds, rare tropical birds from many countries. Slightly different from Terawangan Gili, this island has a brackish water lake which is still natural. And of course diving maniacs can try some diving points in Meno Wall, Sea Turtle Point, and Blue Coral Point.

For you who like the quiet without any noise from the music café or pub, tou can stay at Gili Air Island. Natural conditions in this island is not much different from the two islands above, but here you can enjoy the sun rise from the back of Mount Rinjani and Sunset from Mount Agung Bali.

All of those islands are complete with facilities such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, telecommunication, internet, electricity and clean water. Although they are not as luxury as in Bali, but they are clean, comfortable, and more importantly, cheaper.

Let’s visit Lombok Indonesia!

Travel CostTimber ship port of port Rp 10.000
Give motorcycles Rp 5000/day
Homestay Rp 50.000-200.000/day

Hotel / Cottage Rp 300.000-Rp 700.000/room/day

Equipment Rent Cost Rp 75.000-150.000/unit + instructor. / 2 hoursFood Rp 15,000- Rp 150,000Cidomo Rp 20.000/trip all aroundBike Rp 50.000/day

Angklung Indonesia

2009-10-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

Indonesia is a rich country with various cultures. Music is one part of the culture that gives color to the culture itself. One of pupular Indonesian music is angklung. Not only in Indonesia, angklung is popular in other Asian countries. Various parties began to have concern for angklung music instrument. The obligation to preserve the cultural heritage of music angklung is a must. This was proven many parties have given courses to play angklung. The Indonesian govenment also implicitly affirmed that State belongs angklung Indonesia does not belong to another country, although that intersect with the Indonesian islands. Angklung music heritage should be maintained by all Indonesian citizens.

Padaeng Angklung is a diatonic creator. In 1937, he created the diatonic-chromatic angklung has seven tones. Angklung is a traditional musical instrument from West Java (used and play by the sundanese), made out of bamboo, which sounded shaken by (the sound caused by the impack of bamboo pipe body) that produces a sound that vibrates in the composition of tones in every size, both large and small.

The type of bamboo used as the instrument is awi wulung (black bamboo) and awi temen (white bamboo). Purwa rupa is angklung instruments, each note (barrel) produced from the sound og bamboo-shaped tube of each segment of bamboo from small to large sizes.

How to hold angklung is using left hand and shook angklung with right hand. The left hand should hold the horizontal side. Could palms facing up or down. Angklung must be parallel to the body and is located not too close to the body. Now angklung be shaken and brought out the tone.

Angklung can be played with soft and hard expression depends songs played. Causing loud or soft a tone is vibration frequency stability per second and the distance difference right hand is used to shake. In other words, angklung amplitude of vibration is the cause of soft and hard dynamics.

Stone Love at Situ Patenggang

2009-10-01T23:57:00.000-07:00

Located at an altitude of about 1600 m above sea level, Situ Patenggang or Situ Patengan enchanting panorama. Green carpet like tea gardens of nature, coupled with the cold air, clean and warm sun, giving the impression of peace and tranquility itself for visitors. from the side of the road to quiet location, appears to be a lake behind the tea plantations of trees soaring.

Lake Patenggang or better known as Situ Patenggang by local comunities, occupying an area about 150 ha. Formerly this area is a nature reserve areas or national parks, but in 1981 has been officially transformed into a tourist park. To enjoy the tourist boats have facilities that can be rented for around a small island at the end of the lake is named Sasuka Island. This island seems shady with many tall trees that grow in it. While there are locations across the lake is quite interesting that given the name Stone Love is said to believe will provide the contuinity of love for the couple who came to visit the location.

History or myth about the lake surface caused by a prince's nephew, King Siliwangi, Ki Santang and a beautiful daughter, distant mountains, goddess Rengganis who fell in love. But they do not travel as smoot as love and beautiful as that envisioned by both as separated by circumstances. So that their tears formed a lake. Later the lake was named Situ Patenggang taken from sunda language. In the end they can be together again on a stone there is a stone called love.

Kawah Putih : A beautiful Painting From The God

2009-09-28T05:10:00.000-07:00

Entered Kawah Putih or White Crater area, you'll be stunned and amazed at the sight and see for yourself how amazing pool of water with smoke above it. Color the water in crater lake is not always white. White is the color of the crater of the most encountered while visiting, sometimes the apple-green water and a bluish, when the hot sun and fine weather, sometimes also the color of milk chocolate.

White Crater is located in Mount Patuha, a mountain located in West Java. This mountain height is 2,386 meters. This crater sulfur-containing fluid, situated on mountainside Patuha, Ciwidey district. Located approximately 45 km from the southern city of Bandung. In 1987, the beauty of lake white crater was developed into an object of tourist.

Before the White crater found on the top of Mount Patuha, people considered it as a regional summit that haunted, no one dared touch. Stories hereditary circulating among local residents say, the peak of Mount Patuha once the meeting place of the ancestors of South Bandung Mystery of the White crater lake beauty was revealed in 1837, by a half-breed German Dutch scientist, Dr. Franz Wilhelm Junghun, who is also a Dutch planter who loves nature preservation.

Besides enjoying the scenery, Ciwidey region is a producer strawberry and Pepino fruits. Moreover, you can strum your own strawberry in the farm. This is a pleasant experience.

So, if you have plans to visit Indonesia, dont miss to look in on White Crater.

Traditional Costume Of Indonesia

2009-09-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

Indonesia has 33 provinces and three hundred ethnic group, each with their own costume variations. Traditional costum is usually used for wedding ceremony, traditional ceremony, and other festivities.

Given the broad diversity of ethnic groups in Indonesia, it stands to reason that wedding customs will reflect this diversity. Each ethnic group has different wedding dress and different marriage ceremonies and customs. Within ethnic group, those of different religious background will have different practices as well.

Traditional dress is still commonly seen in rural areas and is especially important throughout Indonesia for national ceremonial occasions. For both men and women traditional dress in Indonesia includes a wrap around lower - body cover , a kain (a rectangular length of fabric, generally in Batik) or Sarung (a length of fabric with ends sewn together, more often in ikat).

Source : www.image.google.com

Batik, From Java To The World

2009-09-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

Batik is cloth which uses the hand written wax-resist dyeing technique. Due to modern advances in the textile industry the term has also been used for fabric which incorporates the traditional batik patterns although not necessarily produced using wax resist dyeing technique. Silk batik is especially popular.

The island of Java in Indonesia is famous for its batik, hence the world batik itself derives from Javanese, especially from Yogyakarta.

Batik or fabric with the traditional batik patterns are also found in several countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, India, Burma, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Iran and Singapore. But, batik from Indonesia remained distinct from batik which from abroad. Indonesia's batik more unique and beautiful. In Addition, UNESCO has recognized that batik is a culture that originated from Indonesia.

Based on UNESCO's evaluation of batik has been approved to be one not of cultural heritage objects of human heritage of UNESCO. Recognition and the opening will be held on September 28, 2009 and a award will be given on October 2, 2009 in Abu Dhabi.

Batik isn't only used for clothes, but can be used as material for the bag and shoes.

At this time, Indonesian women proudly to wear batik because it makes women look prettier and elegant. Batik clothing design also made progress because the market of batik is so large in Indonesia and abroad.

Source : www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/batik, www.images.google.co.id, www.thejakartapost.com.

Uniqueness of Lake Toba

2009-09-06T22:11:00.000-07:00

Lake Toba also known as Danau Toba in Indonesia is the largest volcanic lake (crater lake) in the world.

At 100km long and 30km wide, measuring 505m its deepest point, it is sitiated in the middle of the northern part of the Indonesia island of Sumatra. Lake Toba becomes one of three candidates (Komodo National Park, Krakatau Volcanic Island, and Lake Toba) for new wonders 2008 of nature voted in http://new7wonders.com for wonders nature category.

The beauty of Lake Toba can't be imagine only using a picture or sentence. It will be real if you look at by yourself. A landscape of Lake Toba with the hills sorrounding lake, make a fresh atmosphere and refresh the mind. The visitors sense it with swimming around. In afternoon, they can see the beauty of sunset.

In the middle of Lake Toba, there is a land, called Pulau Samosir or Samosir Land. It have two Lake, they are Lake Sidhoni and Lake Natonang. The visitors can reach it using ship from Tomok village, Samosir

Lake Toba marks the site of the largest volcanic eruption in the last 2 million years. It is like Yellowstone, a "resurgent caldera" or as geologist David Alt and Daniel Hyndman call this type of volcano, a "perfect horror".

Lake Toba has magic and cosmos since it believed as a place where Namboru (seven beloved ancestors of ethnic Batak)was stay. Before Ethnic Batak arranges costume ceremony around the lake, they ask to Namboru for permission.

Aboriginal inhabitant in parapat is Batak tribe. They are the majority of Christian religions, use the traditional language and still perform the traditional ceremony.

Ways to reach Lake Toba

There are two different ways to reach Lake Toba from Medan. One way is via Brastagi in the Karo highlands and the other way is along plantation route. So when on a tour to Indonesia make it a point to visit Lake Toba and have an experience of a lifetime.

Distance traveled time between Medan and Parapat is 4 hours by car through some small town in North Sumatra, among others, P.Siantar, Tebing and so on. Throughout the trip we will see oil palm plantation and rubber plantation which is the natural wealth in North Sumatra.

Source : www.enwikipedia.org, www.medanku.com, www.adventure-travel-tales-and-tips.com