Exotic Dieng Plateau

The name ‘dieng’ which literally translates as ‘abode of the Gods’ says all you need to know about this collection small ancient temples set in the  remarkable volcanic landscape of the Dieng Plateau. The misty location, sulphurous springs and colored lakes truly make this a place of natural wonder and cultural significance.  

Come here and you will be transported back to ancient times. The temples are remnants from the glorious period of the Hindu empire in Java dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. Standing on a plateau 2,000 meters (6,500 ft) above sea level, it is the extraordinary setting of these temples which make them most remarkable. It is believed that this place was chosen as the sacred location because of the spectacular landscape.

From the bubbling mudholes, brightly colored sulphur lakes and thick mist surrounding the plateau, visitors will easily understand why the ancient Javanese considered this place to be the seat of supernatural powers. Modern visitors to the plateau are enthralled by the unearthly beauty of this spot, with many finding it quite eerie.   

Each of the small temples is named after figures in the epic tale of the Mahabarata such as Bima, Gatutkaca, Arjuna and Srikandi. It is believed that these temples used to serve as residences of Hindu priests who would spread Hindu teachings.

The natural splendors of this location are fascinating. From lakes with green and yellow hues to the pristine waters of the reflective ‘mirror’ lake, the natural beauty of this spot is superb. The mirror lake is particularly impressive as it offers a perfectly reflective image of the landscape.  While sadly, the impact of logging can be seen as many of the trees surrounding the lake have been cut down, it still remains an impressive natural phenomenon.

Once you’ve walked to the top of the Dieng plateau you will feel like you are on top of the world. It will be difficult to know just where to look as the view from the plateau takes in steaming and colorful lakes, ancient temples and lush green landscape.

For a truly amazing spectacle, arrive at the plateau at sunrise and you will be spoiled with not one, but two amazing views of the sunrise, a ‘golden’ and a ‘silver’ sunrise. This double sunrise is a unique natural phenomenon.  Visitors take in the first ‘golden’ sunrise from a watch tower while the second ‘silver’ sunrise can be seen from the temples.

Even the drive to the plateau offers impressive sights. On the way up, visitors will pass through tobacco plantations and beautiful mountain scenery.

The Dieng people are used to visitors and warmly welcome travelers to the region.

Get There

The easiest way to get to Dieng plateau is by car. It is located in Central Java, around a three hour drive from Yogya or only 25km from Wonosobo.

It is advisable to leave for the plateau early to reach the site before noon. Because of the altitude, the plateau is often covered in mist by early afternoon.

By public transport, you can take a bus from Yogya to Magelang and change for Wonosobo. From Wonosobo, take a minibus to the village of Dieng. The sites on the plateau can be reached on foot from the village of Dieng. If you are driving, parking is available near the main sites.

Tips

The plateau itself is cool, with an average temperature of around 15 degrees Celsius during the day. If you are visiting at sunrise remember to bring some warm clothes.

Image Galleris Click here 

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Air Manis Beach

Description

Air Manis Beach is closely related to the legend of Malin Kundang in West Sumatra. Malin Kundang is a character fabled to have been turned to stone, together with his ship, after periods of disobedience to his mother.  By the beach, there is a Malin Kundang stone and several pieces of equipment from his ship, which are also stones. Based on the story, Malin Kundang was cursed by his mother for his refusal to acknowledging her as his mother after traveling to another region and becoming rich.

Air Manis beach is a favorite tourist site for local and foreign tourists because it has low waves and beautiful views of Mount Padang. There is also a small island called Pisang Kecil (literally means “small banana”) on its right side. From morning to afternoon, you can walk to this one hectare island through shallow water. In late afternoon, however, there is a tide and you must take a boat to return. On its right, there is another island called Pisang Besar (literally means “big banana”). Local inhabitants on this island are mostly farmers and fishermen.

To Do

Beside playing in the water and swimming, visitors can rent a motor boat to visit Pisang Kecil and Pisang Besar Islands which are located some 500 meters from the beach. On Pisang Kecil Island, visitors can sit under gazebos and enjoy sea and beach sceneries. If you want to stay overnight on Pisang Besar island, you can stay in a local inhabitant's home or your own tent.

If you visit Sikuai Island, you can try water sports such as surfing and diving. This island is famous for its white sand.

Get Around

You can walk around the beach and wade to Pisang Kecil Island. Visitors can also rent a motor boat to visit Sikuai Island which is located across Pisang Island.

Get There

Air Manis beach is located 15 km from Padang city center. From Minangkabau international airport, visitors can go to Air Manis by passing through Padang. If you want to use public transportation, you must first go to Plaza Sentral Pasar Raya from the airport exit gate in Simpang Ketaping. From the city center, you can take public transportation plying the Padang-Bungus route.

Tips

If you visit Air Manis beach, you should prepare extra clothes. You will be tempted to swim or walk to Pisang Kecil Island.

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Solo, The Real Java

Famous as a city that is fiercely proud of its Javanese traditions, the regal city of Solo or Surakarta is known throughout Indonesia as a strong upholder of Javanese culture. A visit here is a chance to connect with and take in the sights and sounds of ancient Javanese culture. You’ll need at least a few days to explore the city to wander around and discover all the vibrant old markets, busy street life and ancient buildings.

Historically, Solo has been a centre of power in Central Java. In 1745 the Mataram court was transferred here from Kota Gede, and, since then, the city has built on its reputation as a cultural hub. From Solonese dance, wayang puppetry through to hand-crafted batik Solo remains a city that prides itself on its artistic traditions of elegance and refinement.  Today, Solo is part of the province of Central Java.

While you are here pay a visit to the many cultural attractions of the city such as the two keratons or palaces, of the Sunan of Surakarta and the Prince of Mangkunegara. Take a load off your feet and ride a pushcart along the maze of white palace walls.

Absorb yourself in history with a becak ride through the old city.

Known as the city that never sleeps, there is always something going on in Solo. Warung’s operate almost around the clock so there is no danger of going hungry.

With a population of over 550,000 people, Solo is a densely populated city. But while people may live close together there are no high rise buildings, so this city has a community atmosphere that is difficult to find in any other city in Indonesia.

Compared to Java’s other ‘court’ city, Yogyakarta, fewer travelers journey to Solo. Come here and explore the refined and aristocratic Javanese traditions that you won’t find anywhere else. 

To Do

Keraton Surakarta – also called the Kasunanan – was built in 1745 and is a must see for any visitor to Solo.  As you enter the grounds you will be immediately transported to a place where tradition governs daily life. While most of the woodwork in the keraton of Yogya is colored green, the dominating color in the court of Solo is sky blue. This is a unique cultural attraction not to be missed.

Visitors to the palace are requested to wear a samir or red and gold ribbon around their neck as a mark of respect. Walking through the palace, stop and look at the huge mirror whose inscription invites the visitor to examine their soul before being received by the King.  You will see areas such as the keputren – an area reserved for the Sunan’s (Kings) daughters and wives where the only man permitted to enter is the Sunan himself. Unfortunately a fire in 1985 has meant that some sections of the palace have been rebuilt. A new pavilion now stands following ancient descriptions, dominated by bold red and gold colors.

The Mangkunegaran palace or Pura Mangkunegaran is the other royal palace of Solo. Set within lush gardens and European fountains, this palace was founded by a dissident prince, who in the 18th century, was awarded a portion of the Sunan’s (King’s) fiefdom to ensure he remained loyal to the Sunan. To symbolize the junior rank of the Mangkunegaran, the palace is set south of the Kasunanan palace.

The Mesjid Ageng or Grand Mosque is a magnificently large mosque in a unique design that blends Middle East and traditional Javanese architecture.  Originally built in 1750, the mosque has become bigger and more majestic as Sunans have made their own additions and renovations over the years. This remains a place of active worship and is still used for royal ceremonies and festivals such as the Sekaten. Visitors are welcome outside of prayer times but are required to dress respectfully, remove their shoes, and wash before entering.

For visitors traveling with children, take in the fun and excitement of the Sriwedari Amusement Park with rides and entertainment sure to impress the young ones. The onsite theatre puts on nightly cultural shows including wayang kulit (shadow puppet performance) and wayang orang (live  theatre). 

To Stay

While Solo is not as established as a tourist destination as Yogya, there are a wide range of accommodation options available. A number of major hotel chains have establishments here including the Novotel and the Ibis.

The Indah Palace hotel is a three star hotel located close to many of the landmarks in the city. 

To Eat

Food is an important part of life in Solo so if you like to eat, you won’t be disappointed with this city. Solo hosts an array of eateries which sell all kinds of Javanese food. Warungs here are open almost 24 hours so no matter what the time, you’ll never go hungry in Solo.
As your choice of food is limited to Javanese cuisine, this is the perfect opportunity to try all those traditional dishes you’d never heard of until you got to Solo.

Some popular dishes in Solo include:

Ayam bakar – Barbequed chicken served with lalapan or raw vegetables.
Pecel – Cold cooked vegetables over rice with a spicy peanut sauce.
Kelapa muda utuh ¬– A whole young coconut which makes a refreshing drink.

To Buy

The biggest textile market in Java, the Pasar Klewer, is in Solo and attracts people from all over the island who flock here to shop and buy cloth of every imaginable description. This busy bazaar is a hive of activity. Many stall holders are from Arab and Muslim Indian descent giving the market a multi-cultural atmosphere. Shoppers will go through aisle after aisle of tiny stalls piled high with woven and printed cottons, linens, synthetics and silks – most of them in batik prints.

Pasar Triwindu is a small yet chaotic flea market where, if you’re willing to search, shoppers can find pretty much anything and everything as long as it’s used or old. From old masks, wayangs, musical instruments and coins, this is a market filled with endless curiosities. Even if you’re not in the market for something, it’s worth a look to come here and browse at the collection of oddities on sale.

The central market of Solo is Pasar Gede, located in the Chinese district. Every day
villagers pour in from the countryside to sell their produce here. Everything from vegetables, fruits, rice, coffee, dried fish, clothes and manufactured good is on sale here.  This is a hot, crowded and cramped market where you will need to have your wits about you and your bargaining skills ready to get the best buys.

Fancy checking out a different kind of market? Parrots, chickens, doves, canaries, owls and the occasional eagle – all can be found on sale at Pasar Depok, Solo’s bird market.

Getting There

Solo has a large airport, the Surakarta - Adi Sumarmo Wiryokusumo International Airport, which has daily flights traveling from most major cities throughout Indonesia. International flights also fly from here to Malaysia and Singapore. AirAisa flies from Kuala Lumpur to Solo and SilkAir from Singapore.

Domestic airlines that fly in and out of Solo include Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Sriwijaya Air.

The train goes regularly between Solo and Jakarta and the trip takes between 11-12 hours. The train continues to Surabaya.

Night buses travel from Jakarta to Solo and take around 12 hours.

From Yogya, you can travel to Solo by express minibus which takes around one hour. The cheaper but more crowded public buses also travel by this route. 

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Prambanan, The Most Beautiful Hinduism Temple

As the largest Hindu temple in Southeast Asia, the beautiful and graceful temple of Prambanan is a magnificent spectacle and an icon of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

Located not far from the Buddhist Borobudur temple, the proximity of the two temples tells us that on Java, Buddhism and Hinduism lived peacefully next to one another.

Prambanan is known locally as Roro Jonggrang, coming from the legend of the ‘slender virgin’. According to the legend once upon a time, there was a young and powerful man named Bandung Bondowoso.  He wanted to marry a beautiful princess named Roro Jonggrang. Her father, the king, agreed and forced her to marry Bandung Bondowoso. Butm Sita did not love him yet could not refuse him.

After careful consideration, she thought of a way to refuse Bondowoso, whose magical power was well-known.  She decided she would agree but only if Bondowoso built 1,000 temples in one night before the break of dawn.

She insisted that the work must be completed before the rooster crowed, something she believed was impossible. But with the help of genies and his own magical powers, Bondowoso managed to complete 999 temples. Panicked, Jonggrang told the women of her village to start pounding rice so that the rooster would wake up and begin to crow.  When Bondowoso heard this he was deeply disappointed and wildly enraged. When he found out that Roro Jonggrang had made the roosters crow, he turned her into stone, The statue of a slender virgin graces the main Prambanan temple, while a group of temples nearby is called the Candi Sewu or the Thousand Temples.

The  temples at Prambanan were built in the 9th century. The biggest temple is dedicated to Shiva – the destroyer, and the two smaller ones which sit on its right and left are dedicated to Brahma -¬ the creator and Wisnhu – the sustainer.  The tallest temple of Prambanan is a staggering 47 meters high. Its peak visible from far away and rises high above the ruins of the other temples.

After hundreds of years of neglect, the Prambanan temple was rediscovered by CA Lons, a Dutchman, in 1733. Since then, this temple has been revitalized and today is widely regarded as the most beautiful and graceful Hindu temple in Indonesia.

The grandeur, complexity, and integrated architectural concept of Prambanan makes this a truly amazing structure. As a unique cultural and architectural marvel, Prambanan was declared a World Heritage site in 1991 by UNESCO.

 

To Do

The relief’s inside the temple show the epic story of Ramayana. Inside, there are also historical items such as the Lingga Batara Siwa stone, a symbol of fertility.

From May to October at full moon, the classic Javanese  Ramayana ballet or dance drama  (hyperlink) is performed by more than 250 dancers in an outdoor open stage  with as its backdrop the full moon dramatically rising over the temples.

The epic Ramayana tells the story of Prince Rama and his wife Sita who are wandering in the forest. When Rama sees a golden deer he chases it, but not before drawing a circle around Sita. He tells her not to step out of the circle to stay safe. The king of ogres Rahwana lures Sita out of the circle, abducts her and carries her to his kingdom, Alengka.

The grief stricken Rama is assisted by the monkey king, Hanuman., who finds Sita in Rahwana’s palace. He burns Alengka and Sita is saved and restored to her husband.

While you are here you will want to snap as many photos as you can. The ticket you purchase to enter Prambanan is valid for a whole day meaning you can exit and re-enter the sites as many times as you wish. This is the same for tickets purchased for Borobudur temple. For photographers this means you can take pictures of the site at different times of the day.

 

To Stay

 

There is a wide variety of inns and hotels to choose from in nearby Yogyakarta. For more information refer to our Travel Directory.

If you're after a touch of luxury, try the Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort and Spa. It's near the airport and has a large pool as well as gift shops, entertainment, and food.  The Hyatt is another luxury hotel to stay at.

Many hotels in nearby Yogya also have high quality restaurants where serving a combination of modern Western food and traditional Yogya cuisine

Tea is a specialty of this region. Wherever you go in the Java plains, the climate remains warm throughout the year which means there is nothing more refreshing than a big pitcher of cold javanese tea. A big cup of cold ginger Javanese tea usually costs only IDR 2,000.

Getting Around

Visitors to Prambanan wander around the temples on foot. This is the best way to enjoy the lush landscape and take in the detailed architecture and design of the temples up close.

This temple compound covers 39.8 hectares. In the main yard, there are the three main temples, as well as three Wahana temples, two Apit temples, and eight Patok temples surrounded by fences. In the second yard, there are another 224 Perwara temples. Wandering around here and examining the intricate stonework will be enough to keep you busy all day!

Compared to the temples in Angkor Wat, the temples of Prambanan are much easier to navigate and more tourist-friendly. The area surrounding Prambanan is developed, with a landscaped park and stores selling tourist souvenirs. While it’s not a temple set in a remote rustic setting, the splendor of the temple will make you quickly forget your surroundings. You will be transported back to an ancient time where ritual and culture dominated every part of life.

 

Getting There

 

The closest cities to  Prambanan, are either Yogyakarta (insert hyperlink) or Semarang. Garuda Indonesia, Mandala, Merpati Nusantara Airlines and a number of domestic airlines fly to these cities from Jakarta and other large cities in Indonesia. AirAsia is the first international airline that flies direct from Kuala Lumpur to Yogyakarta.

From Yogyakarta, you can rent a car to go to Klaten. From there, you can walk to the temple.

If have been busy and are really tired of walking, you can always call for a becak. With the cost of about Rp10,000 the Becak driver will bring you right up to the  entrance gate of the Temple, not far from the ticket box.
 

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Banda Aceh New Endeavours

Five and a half years after the tsunami destroyed the city, Banda Aceh has started to stretch itself. Rehabilitation and reconstruction of Islam’s former gateway to Indonesia and one of the oldest Islamic cities in Southeast Asia have finished, meaning it is time for the city to become a tourist destination yet again.

Aceh and its Islamic kingdom was known on the international stage as a prosperous country and was listed fifth in the world in the expansion of Islam. When it was built in 225 Hijriah, Perlak was the first Islamic kingdom in Nusantara and also the first in Southeast Asia. Its first king was Sultan Alaidin Saiyid Maulana Abdul Aziz Syah. After the kingdom of Perlak, only then did the Islamic kingdoms of Samudera Pase and Aceh Darussalam emerge.

According to old manuscripts and historical notes, the Kingdom of Aceh Darussalam was built on the ruins of the Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms of Indra Purba, Indra Purwa, Indra Patra and Indra Pura. Several remains of these kingdoms can be seen at sites around Banda Aceh.

In Kampong Pande there is the tombstone of Sultan Firman Syah, the grandson of Sultan Johan Syah, that has an inscription stating that Banda Aceh was the capital of the Kingdom of Aceh Darussalam and that it was built on Friday, 1 Ramadhan 601 H (22 April 1205) by Sultan Johansyah after he defeated the Hindu and Buddhist Kingdom of Indra Purba whose capital was Bandar Lamuri.

Five and a half years after tsunami destroyed the city, Banda Aceh begins to rebuild the main potential for tourism. Many interesting places can be visited by foreign and domestic tourists.
The Islamic ambience was immediately apparent when I landed at Sultan Iskandar Muda airport. The characteristic domes of mosques welcome visitors to Banda Aceh. In this region, the women commonly wear veils. Another different thing is that when the call to prayer is resounding around the city, it goes quiet because all the inhabitants worship in the mosques, which are the centre of the people’s activities and the most often visited places in Aceh.

The Baiturrahman Masjid Raya (the Grand Mosque) is one of the main tourists destination and it’s the main symbol of Banda Aceh and is located to the south of Krueng Aceh River. This mosque, as is usual for a major mosque, is huge and grandiose and full of the faithful worshiping and carrying out various religious activities from Taman Pendidikan AlQuran (Koran education), reciting from the Koran, manasik haji rehearsals, weddings etc. The mosque, which was built during the glorious era of Sultan Iskandar Muda, was once used as the headquarters for the military in their defence of Aceh against the Dutch.

A new place of interest in Aceh is the Aceh Tsunami Museum that was built on a site covering about 10,000m2 on Jalan Iskandar Muda Blang Padang, Banda Aceh. This unique museum, built by local people, was inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, on 23rd February 2008. The museum, which is open twice a day from 10.00–12.00 and 15.00-17.00 (except Friday) really deserves the admiration it gets.

In addition to being a museum that contains a collection of pictures about the tsunami in Aceh, it is also a tsunami research and learning centre. It has an Escape Roof, an evacuation area for the public should there be a flood or tsunami. The roof area of the museum building is designed so that it can be planted with grass. The museum also comes complete with a public park called The Hill of Light, a small hill that can be used for initial rescue efforts in the eevent of a tsunami.

Unfortunately, the museum does not have a complete collection yet and there are only two floors people can visit while several rooms still look empty. Up to now the museum management is still encouraging people to register artifacts belonging to individuals, government and private agencies and also tsunami remains for the museum’s collection.

Right next to the museum is a cemetery complex for the members of the Dutch military who died in battles against the people of Aceh. The cemetery is called Kerkhoff and is evidence of the heroism of the people of Aceh in defending their region from Dutch colonialism. Kerkhoff was built in 1880 and the complex has about 2,200 Dutch military graves, from members the ordinary ranks to generals. General J.H.R. Kohler, who was shot dead by Acehnese troops in front of the Masjid Raya Baiturrahman, is buried here. The cemetery is adorned with lines of Bungong Jeumpa trees on the left and right of the road. The flowers are well known from the lyrics to an Acehnese song and are really pretty and fragrant.

Not far from Kerkhoff there is one of Iskandar Muda Sultanate’s legacies, Gunongan, a place of recreation for members of the royal family at that time. This place is the symbol of the strength of the Sultan’s love for his beautiful wife, Putri Phang (Putroe Phang), who hailed from Pahang, Malaysia. The white building, laid out in the form of a flower, is both unique and attractive.

Another interesting place in Banda Aceh is International Park where the aircraft Seulawah known as “RI-1”, as well as “RI-2”, can be seen. The monument provides real evidence of the support of the Aceh community for the Republic of Indonesia’s journey towards securing its independence. Seulawah, which was the first aircraft of Garuda Indonesia Airways, was paid for with money donated by business people and other ordinary citizens from Aceh.

Banda Aceh also offers opportunities for food tourism. Typical Acehnese food is a blend of various cultures such as Arab, Indian, Siamese, Spanish and Dutch. Its ayam tangkap has a special flavour and the spiced chicken fried with herbs has a fragant aroma that is enticing as well as being very delicious when served with sambal kecap and hot rice. And there is Mie Aceh with its special spices making it very tantalizing with its mixture of squid, crab and beef.

To enjoy Acehnese food in Banda Aceh is not difficult because there is a restaurant on almost every street. Some of the more interesting eateries are in Rex Peunayong, an open area in the city centre that offers various foods and drinks typical to Aceh such as Mie Aceh (Aceh noodle), Kerang Rebus (boiled clams), Sate Matang, Nasi Briani, Ayam Tangkap, Martabak Aceh as well as Aceh coffee. Rex only opens in the evening and there are inexpensive hotels and souvenir shops in the area.

Engaging in food tourism in Banda Aceh wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a cup of Acehnese coffee widely available in the coffee shops around the city. With the unique taste of this local coffee at a reasonable price, the snacks and WiFi facilities in almost every coffee shop, no wonder people like to linger here. There is always a new coffee shop in Banda Aceh, and there is no coffee shop without customers.

Buying rencong and Acehnese embroidery as souvenirs is a must. These two local specialities are available in the souvenir shops that you will find all over Banda Aceh in addition to Gampong Sibreh in Aceh Besar, a kampong whose population are almost all rencong artisans and Aceh embroidery makers. Apart from being full of traditional artisans, this kampong has the ambience of a typical Acehnese village with rumah panggung (houses on stilts) and local culture that is well preserved. Tourists visiting this place will always receive a warm welcome.

After the tsunami, the signing of the peace Memorandum of Understanding in Helsinki between the government of the Republic of Indonesia and Gerakan Aceh Merdeka (Free Aceh Movement or GAM) on 15th August 2005, has made Aceh very safe and open to all, including domestic and international tourists. The feeling of safety and fun have made tourists want to stay longer in this city of Serambi Mekkah or “the verandah of Mecca”.

Going to Banda Aceh:
Garuda Indonesia flies the Jakarta-Banda Aceh-Jakarta route 7 times per week, Jakarta-Medan-Banda Aceh route 7 times per week.

Where to stay in Banda Aceh:

1. Hermes Palace Hotel
   Tel. +62 651 755 5888
2. Oasis Atjeh Hotel
   Tel. +61 651 636 999
3. Grand Nanggroe Hotel
   Tel. +62 651 35788
4. The Pade Hotel
   Tel. +62 651 49999

Coffee stalls in Banda Aceh
are spread throughout the city, from Ulee-Kareng, Taman Sari, to Tepi Kali.

Related article - Visit Banda Aceh 2011

source : Garuda Indonesia Magazine

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Bintan A Paradise in Its Own Right

A visit to Bintan offers you an insight into its illustrious past as well as its promising future in the realm of tourism.

Bintan, an island in the Riau Islands province, has a beautiful coastline that runs about 100 kilometers, most of which comprises pristine white sandy beaches.

Located a 30-minute ferry ride from Batam or 45 minutes away from Singapore by a high-speed catamaran, Bintan is the largest of no less than 3,200 islands in the Riau archipelago.

It is often described as a unique paradise, where life is simple and its multicultural population of some 200.000 people – mostly Javanese, Buginese and Chinese – are friendly and live in harmony.

Bintan was initially part of the Riau Province, but to accommodate post-reform separatist sentiments the government and the House of Representatives agreed to spin off Riau Islands as a separate province in July 2004 with Tanjung Pinang as its capital.

In visiting Bintan, most holidaymakers and pleasure-seekers head straight to Bintan Resort where life seldom moves beyond sitting by swimming pools sipping gin tonics at luxury hotels, snorkeling, fishing, canoeing and wind surfing. Its all-year round sunny weather allows for upscale activities such as golfing, jet-skiing, sailing, diving and island hopping.
Most tourism activities are concentrated on the north coast around Lagoi, while the east coast is still unspoiled and worth a visit.

To those with a passion for facts and figures: there are seven international hotels, four resorts and three international golf courses with 36 holes in Bintan Resort, covering 23,000 hectares, designed by Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman.

Comparisons to Bali’s tourist enclave Nusa Dua is inevitable but this is hardly an-apple-to-apple exercise. While the resort island is by all measures unique and distinctive to the point of being in a class of its own, Bintan has sufficient drawing power to attract large numbers of tourists from Europe, Japan and South Korea (and, of course, Singapore) and foreign companies to hold their annual meetings.

Local tourist guidebooks trace Bintan back to the 13th century, when the island was a part of the magnificent Sriwijaya Empire of what is now South Sumatra.

As historical data show, Sri Tri Buana, a member of the royal family of Palembang, visited Riau Islands in 1290 and joined forces with the island’s ruler to take over Bintan and later became its king.

Since then Bintan has become a perennial battleground involving the Malacca and Johor sultanates, the Portuguese, the Buginese, the Acehnese and the Dutch because of its strategic location as a port and trade center in the region.

But when the British in 1819 discovered and developed Singapore to became a regional trading center, Bintan’s stature diminished enormously. The island experienced a permanent reversal of political and trading fortune and today remains overshadowed by neighboring Batam and Singapore.

“In the 1980s, the leaders of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore initiated the Sijori (Singapore, Johor and Indonesia) Growth Triangle and signed agreements to invest in Bintan and Batam, the latter once a deserted island that was turned into a special bonded zone,” says, Abdul Waahab, the Singaporean general manager of Nirwana Gardens. (See also Travel Notes.)

Singapore also signed a special agreement with Indonesia to lease its northern coast and develop it into a resort called Bintan Resort. The powerful Salim Group was then brought in to join forces with Singapore’s equally powerful business group, Sembawang, to develop the area.

It now features excellent infrastructure and is home to such luxury and exclusive entities such as Nirwana Gardens, Club Mediteranee, Bintan Lagoon and Banyan Tree.
Says Wahab: “About 5000 people are employed in this resort.”

At one time Bintan saw huge investments coming their way, including industrial parks that many Japanese and American companies use as their manufacturing base.

For some reasons, not the least the global economic crisis, that lustre has slightly worn off. But that has not prevented Bintan to remain as a popular tourist destination with its own brand of allure.

Places of Interest in Bintan

1. Tanjung Pinang
   The main and busy port town, where trader and passenger ships link all parts of Indonesia with Singapore. In many ways, the city reminds us of Bogor in West Java some 20 years ago, as it transforms itself from a quaint and rustic place into a city teeming with ATMs and internet kiosks.
2. Tanjung Uban
   The second largest town after Tanjung Pinang, on the north western coast of Bintan Island. Along the seaside is a charming boardwalk called “Pelantar” with houses, accommodations and restaurants built above the sea, where you can
   buy art works and handicrafts.
3. Senggarang Island
   Visit the over 300 years old banyan tree temple.
   Another temple is also on hand, Xuan Tian Shang-di, named after a Chinese ruler.
4. Penyengat Island
   15 Minutes away away from Tanjung Pinang by motor-powered sampan boat.
   Spend some time at a 200-year-old well-maintained grand mosque of the Sultan of Riau, an old palace and royal tombs, and a typical Riau traditional house.
5. Pantai Trikora
   A beach on the east coast where the sand is white and the water clean, a great place for relaxation. Visit also a nearby fishing village and a small traditional boat building facility.
   

What to do in Bintan

1. Mountain Biking
   The quiet, hilly and well-maintained roads of Bintan are ideal for biking.
2. Bintan Elephant Park
   Seven Sumatran elephants beckon you to an interactive adventure by offering you a ride into the forest.
3. Gunung Bintan Adventure Trek
   The 340-meter high mountain of Gunung Bintan offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views from the summit.
   Bintan’s rainforest features giant trees and rare animals.
4. Mangrove Discovery Tour
   The beauty and mystique of Bintan’s flora and fauna.

Getting There

You can reach Bintan from Batam Island, Singapore or Malaysia (Johor Baru) by scheduled ferries. Bintan has a small airport in Kijang serving domestic flights to and from Jakarta.

Garuda Indonesia flies daily to Batam, 21 times per week.

Source : garudamagazine

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Ujung Genteng Beach- A never - Ending Andventure

The Adventure Begins

Although the clock said it was still only 4 am, I couldn’t keep my eyes shut. I was too excited about starting my journey along Ujung Genteng beach later that morning. The first test came a moment later as thunderbolts roared and the drenching rain poured down without restraint.

Our basecamp and starting point was Ujung Genteng Beach, where there are a lot of places to stay - mostly cheap guesthouses and villas. The Warung (small shops or stalls) were our last chance to stock up on supplies because after setting off from this place there would be no other warung or villages along our planned route. There would be nothing but beaches, forests and hills. Our aim was to pitch our tent in Batu Keris Beach, about 30 kms away. And the next morning we were to return via a different route, shorter at about 17 kilometres, through the forests lying behind the beach.

“We can’t wait any longer. We have to start now,” said Petrus, our team leader.

At 8 o’clock on the dot, wearing our raincoats, we started trudging along the beach.

Conditions underfoot were firm because of all the rain and this helped keep my feet from sinking into soft sand. Remember, I had a 15 kilogramme rucksack on my back.

The going got heavier as we made our way along Cipanarikan Beach. The weather became hot all of a sudden and the drying sand turned soft and sucked at our feet. Each step was really heavy! Fortunately the view was lovely with the calm, bluish water and the wide, white beach. We stopped for a short rest here.

After we’d had our picnic lunch, the weather grew hotter. This meant I had to get ready for the next, more difficult challenge. Firstly, despite the high temperatures on the beach, I had to go easy on our already limited reserves of water. Secondly, Petrus already warned us that along the next section of the beach it would be very difficult to find any shade. Thirdly, the hot weather would make the sand dry and soft. This meant that the walking would be heavy going.

The Challenge of Karang Taraje
For more than two hours we braved the heat and the laden strides before we finally came to a rocky beach. The ground was more solid here so it was easier traverse. We walked quite a long way under the hot sun above that southern shore before we eventually arrived at cliffs with forests behind them. The rocks were quite tall and jagged. It was just like Skull Island in the movie King Kong. This was Karang Taraje Beach.

There was no other way to go except walking along the foot of cliff next to the crashing waves. For a moment, with the rocks so slippery and sharp, I wasn’t sure I was all that keen on taking this route. If I were to lose my footing, it would be catastrophic! Petrus told us that Karang Taraje in the local language meant “rock stairs”. Perhaps this was because the rocks here were tiered just like a flight of stairs.

All along Karang Taraje Beach I saw only rocks and not one bit of sand. Indeed, this beach is not suitable for swimming. Our path came to an end at an even bigger cliff than the first one. I had to cross a crevice using only two bamboo poles. With the help of several seasoned mountain climber friends I crawled up the side of the cliff. The sound of the dashing breakers below as I scrambled up the four metre tall cliff was a terrifying combination.

I needed to be patient here because we had to tackle the difficult route one by one. Behind the cliff I was relieved to see a plateau of rock that was quite wide and flat. From here I could see the shoreline of Karang Taraje. Although seemingly unfriedly, Karang Taraje beach was a captivating blend of the beauty and ferocity with its commanding cliffs lapped by the boisterous breaking waves.

Once past the shoreline at “Skull Island”, the beach became sandy again. And once again our feet began to sink. We took frequent breathers because of our heavy packs and the stinging sun. At one point the group was split but we didn’t let ourselves get too far apart.

Getting Harder
The journey was getting harder because it turned out that we couldn’t keep up with the schedule we’d set ourselves. The day was getting on and we still had a long way to go and knowing that made me feel even more tired. It was true, I didn’t have to climb cliffs again but the flat route with soft sand and the sun beaming down was all a big challenge for me. We were exhausted and dehydrated.

We continued walking and rested often before finally reaching Ombak Tujuh Beach. The curve of this beach was also quite long, stretching almost 4 kilometres. There were no sharp rocks here. What I could see was only the horizon in the distance and the rolling waves that tumbled onto the edge of the beach. There were huge waves that allegedly could split into seven, or so they say, and this is how the beach got its name.

The journey following this stretch of coast seemed never-ending. I felt like I was walking across an endless desert. I felt like Brooke Shield in the film Sahara. Sweltering and relentless. The porter who was helping us to carry our food continued to comfort me by saying, “We are almost there, Sir, just one more turn.” As far as I could remember, those were his exact words almost two hours beforehand.

We often encountered waterways that we had to wade across. Their depths varied, some thigh high, others came right up to our tummies. What was clear was that to cross these waterways I had no choice but to hold my backpack up high with one hand.

Walking past bend after bend on the beach, there seemed no clear sign that we would arrive at Batu Keris soon. We had walked for eight hours and there still seemed no end to it. As we approached Batu Keris Beach, we turned right into the forest behind the beach.

The forest here was dense and almost untouched. The road started to climb slopes and then descend again. Several times we came across small stretches of beach and then plunged back into the forest again. After more of this up and down trekking, we finally arrived on a pretty big beach below a cliff. I thought that this was where we were going to make our camp. It turned out that Batu Keris Beach was still way off in the far distance. I could see my friends who were ahead of us. Our destination was still very far away.

Arriving at Batu Keris
Again we walked through small forests and for the umpteenth time we had to cross an estuary this time using using the two bamboo poles. Afterwards, we walked along a beach with wooded hills up on our right. After turning one more time, I was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. We had arrived at Batu Keris Beach.

The beach was quite big and several parts of it had some coral. Just behind the beach there was a hill covered with relatively thick forest. On our right there was a cliff standing 10 metres tall.

The sunset was obscured by clouds that evening but just enjoying the crashing waves and the rustling of the wind was refreshing enough. The forest and the hills behind us made our camp really seem like it was completely isolated. There were no other signs of anyone else around except for us.

“The nearest village is 10 kilometres from here,” explained Petrus.

After savouring dinner to the accompaniment of the splashing of the sea and the chattering crickets, I immediately slipped into a deep slumber. Both my legs felt sore from walking for nine hours along the sea’s edge while carrying that heavy pack. However, our challenge was far from over. At 3 o’clock in the middle of the night the rain lashed down on us and, with a strong wind buffeting too, my tent began to leak.

So, in the morning I had to take everything out of my backpack and dry it in the open. The rainbow that appeared near our camp made the view even more beautiful. The waves were not so big and the spectacle of the rows of rough coral caught by the sun’s rays accentuated the ferocious side of Batu Keris Beach.

Although flat, and in places sandy, swimming here was not recommended. Coral reefs were scattered everywhere including close to the beach and further out to the sea too. Because it was almost untouched by visitors, I was able to enjoy this natural beauty. Moreover, as we were told, the nearest settlement was 10 kilometres away. One thing that was guaranteed at Batu Keris Beach: it was free of peddlers and hawkers!

The Adventure is (not) Over
We should have started our journey home at 7 am. However, because the supply team had been delayed by the torrential rain and unable to reach our camp in time, our journey back had to start without breakfast. At 9 am we hiked back into the forest behind the beach.

“The forest route is shorter than the beach route,” our porter said. The beach route was 30 kilometres while the forest route was only about 17 kilometres.

It turned out that the short route wasn’t all that much easier. The rain that had been falling mercilessly since dawn had turned the narrow track into treacherous mud which made walking a real hassle. At one point I even sunk calf deep in mud. In the end I decided to go barefoot.

The muddy, sloping track saw me slipping over and over again. Several times I had to endure the agony of stepping on thorns. It was a no win situation because putting the shoes back on made it more slippery and difficult to walk. Travelling through the forest turned out to present its own challenges. The trees here was not as dense as they were in the mountains but there was a lot of coarse, face high grass and the path was narrow and mucky.

Meanwhile, the weather continued to overheat us, making the journey in the forest just as scorching as it had been along the beach.

Unforeseen circumstances made this journey feel never-ending too. The failure of the supply team to get to our overnight campsite, the unexpected natural conditions in the forest and the extreme heat, had resulted in our water running out prematurely. When we had to cross another river by walking along a very slippery tree trunk, it was very hard for me to concentrate. Luckily my friends kept encouraging me.

Several kilometres from the first river, we had to wade across another one whose current was swifter. This time we didn’t have a tree trunk but had to go into the water. This was better than crossing on that tree trunk. Splash!! We all jumped into the river.

When we had finished enjoying the refreshing water of the river, some of us thought we could not go on walking because we had run out of drinking water and we still had 10 kilometres to go. In the end we asked our porter to find motorbike taxis in the nearest village.
A few minutes later, a whole gaggle of motorbike taxis turned up to take our weary bodies home. Travelling on a motorbike in this area was also a unique adventure. Going uphill and downhill on slithery roads, through forests and tall coarse grass and past plantations, was all an unforgettable experience. As we went went over one hill I happened to see a stretch of coconut plantation on a hilly area with the sea as the backdrop. Very beautiful!

By 3 pm we had arrived back at our starting point, Ujung Genteng Beach. While resting, we ate our lunch and kidded around. Our adventure was complete although in the end we hadn’t been able finish it on foot. However, apart from all that, we agreed that we had enjoyed a very different adventure, one that had taken us along beaches and through forests, and that had confronted us with various circumstances and weather that we won’t forget.

Getting there
It is not difficult to get to Ujung Genteng from Jakarta. If you take public transport, get on a bus bound for Bogor, then continue on another bus from Bogor to Surade. From Surade, take an angkot (minibus) to Ujung Genteng.

What to do
If you are crazy about mountain biking, Ujung Genteng’s trails are enticing enough to try out. Jungle & beach trekking: the long shoreline with different distinctive features and the forest with it tall coarse grass, hills and coconut groves, will turn your visit to Ujung Genteng into an unforgettable adventure.

When to go
April to October, during the dry season, is the best time to enjoy the charms
and challenges of Ujung Genteng.

Where to stay
At Ujung Genteng Beach, there are many villas and local residents’ houses for rent. The prices vary. One of the more well known ones is Pondok Hexa (021-7509271). Nature lovers may want to camp along the shoreline.

What to see
A turtle breeding facility in Ujung Genteng is one of the places tourists are most interested in. On certain days there is the release of baby turtles into open sea. Curug Cikaso, although not located near the beach, is part of Ujung Genteng area and is one of the most popular local tourist destinations.

source : garuda Magazine

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Ternate - Tidore - World History, Natural beauty

Spices and Maluku - two inseparable things. And so are Ternate-Tidore in world history. Five centuries ago, the two big sultanates in the eastern part of our country emerged onto the stage of world history. They were sought after, and even fought over. The existence of the spice islands - the islands

of Maluku, especially Ternate-Tidore as clove producers, and the Banda Islands as nutmeg producers - motivated people to travel right around the world for the first time.

History records that Christopher Columbus, who discovered the North American continent, made his voyage in

order to find spices, the actual location of which was a mystery to Europeans at that time. The desire to control these premier commodities, whose status then resembled what oil’s is nowadays, was indeed very strong. And Ternate-Tidore were the world’s only producers of clove - the most sought after spice of them all.

The Origin of Cloves and the Arena of World Politics

All cloves on the planet came from here. A long ti

me ago, trading them was under the control of the Sultans of Ternate and Tidore, two kingdoms sitting on two adjacent islands and, so the story goes, they were the most highly respected in eastern Indonesia at the time.

Ferdinand Magellan was sent by Charles I, King of Spain, to find spice islands. His fleet arrived from the east but was a bit too far north in the Philippines, which later went on to become a Spanish colony. Magellan himself died there, but his remaining fleet, Trinidad and Victoria, finally arrived in Tidore on 8th November 1521. The Spanish, followed by the British, the Dutch and others, also reached Ternate-Tidore. The Golden Hind, Sir Francis Drake’s legendary ship from Britain, for example, docked at Ternate in

1579, and Cornelis de Houtman from the Netherlands came in around 1596. Ternate–Tidore then moved onto the world geopolitical stage.

A Visit to the Palace

Five hundred years have passed. Spices are no longer the world’s most precious commodities. The two big sultanates have now been incorporated into the Province of North Maluku together with the islands of Halmahera, Morotai, Bacan and others. Ternate has become its capital and at the same time Maluku’s second biggest city. Its economy is alive and well, mark

ed by the bustle of its inhabitants and the heavy traffic of motorised vehicles and public transport.

The Sultan of Ternate’s yellow Grand Palace sits on higher ground in the city centre, not far from the seaside. Behind it the Mountain of Gamalama stand no less grandly. There is speculation as to whether Sultan Baabullah (1570-1583) governed one of the strongest kingdoms in Nusantara from here, controlling the trade of cloves which spiced up royal feasts back in the castles of Europe. The greatness of Baabullah was widely recognised; he was in 1574 one of the few Nusantara kings - or perhaps even the only one - to succesfully drive the Portuguese colonists away.

The palace is now a museum. However, you should know that it was built at the end of the 19th century. So it is not the origin

al building.

Tracing History’s Footsteps

On these two islands, neith

er of which is wider than 12 km, stand several fortresses that witnessed the world’s history unfold. A bit to the north of the palace, in Ter

nate city centre, is Fort Oranje whose construction was completed in around 1607. It was the first centre for the Dutch East Indies government in Nusantara. Not many people know that Ternate was once a Dutch colonial capital. The fortress is relatively big compared to other fortresses in our country.

To the north of the city there is Fort Toloko standing on a hill. This Portuguese built fortress is very well maintained and looks like it has been renovated

. From on top of it, Ternate is in full view, as is the Island of Tidore across the water from it.

Still in the city, but a bit to the south, stands the Kayu Merah Fortress built by the Portuguese in 1510. This fortress with its strong thick walls is the only one remaining on the water’s edge and looks like it is keeping watch over the sea in front of it.

To the west there is another quite small but beautiful fortress called Fort Nostra Senhora do Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary), or Fort Gamalama as it is commonly referred to as. This fortress was perhaps built by the Portuguese as well. It is now in ruins and not on the seaside anymore but what remains still looks quite stunning.

The Twin Island

Tidore, Ternate’s “twin” island, although separated only by a one kilometre wide strait, turns out to be quiet and peaceful. Crossing the water to Tidore, we are welcomed by a simple but very important inscription which commemorates the arrival of the Trinidad and Victoria on 8 November 1521, having sailed for 2 years, 2 months and 28 days from Seville, on their epic voyage around the world seeking spices. Trinidad then sank on her way home, leaving Victoria to return to Seville as the first ship to have sucessfully sailed the proverbial Seven Seas.

The inscription is signed by the Spanish Ambassador to Indonesia. If, from the story above, it is clear that Ternate is “Portugese”, then Tidore is indeed “Spanish”. Another proof of Tidore’s “Spanishness” is the Tohula Fort above Soa Siu.

A day trip to Tidore from Ternate is possible because it is quite close, just a few minutes in a wooden boat. On this island stands the palace of the Sultanate of Tidore. If Ternate has Baabullah, Tidore has Nuku, her most well known ruler.

If Ternate has Gunung Gamalama, her twin island has Gunung Kiematubu. A stretch of fairly smooth asphalt road will take us to that traditonal villa

ge to see how Tidore’s native people live.

The Scene on the One Thousand Rupiah Banknote

Do you have a one thousand rupiah bank note? Please have a look at what is written there. “Pulau Maitara dan Tidore”, that’s the description there. It is a real depiction of Ternate. Do you want to see for yourself the scene pictured on the banknote? Easy. Go to the south of Ternate. It is not difficult to get there and only about 10 minutes from the city. The view is indeed fantastic.

Apart from being chock full of history, North Maluku is beautiful. The islands there are like miniature volcanoes rising up out of the sea, creating a landscape that might be from a fairy story.

Travelling here will not only bring you back to the golden age of spices but will also give you unforgettable memories. And don’t forget to sample their fresh sea fish with the renowned sambal dabu-dabu or their specialty sago snack.

Getting to Ternate

Garuda Indonesia flies The Jakarta-Manado-Ternate vv route 7 times per week

Source : Garuda Indonesia Magazine

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Enjoying Bumi Sriwijaya

by: garuda magazine
Packed with historic sites and renowned for the quality of its cuisine, Palembang’s charms are attractive indeed

Palembang, the capital of South Sumatera Province, is also known as Bumi Sriwijaya (Sriwijaya Land). In 712 AD this area was the centre of the largest and strongest maritime kingdom in Indonesia, whose influence reached as far as China in the North and Madagascar off the coast of Africa to the west.

“Nak kemano kita kak? (Where are we going now, sister?)” asked Pak Wicaksono with distinctive accent Palembang, the driver who was going to escort me on my journey around Bumi Sriwijaya.

The heavy rain that started in the early hours of the morning actually made me pretty reluctant to get moving. Because Palembang is on average only 12 metres above sea level, and with tides reaching 3 to 5 metres, several lower lying parts of the city, especially on the outskirts, are often flooded. However, I eventually decided to drive around while waiting for the rain to stop and started savouring the city which is officially the 17th Tourist Gateway in Indonesia.

Fifteen minutes out on the road and the rain eased, although the sun was still hiding behind the clouds as I arrived at Jembatan Ampera (Ampera Bridge), one of the city’s icons. It was built by Japan and was opened by President Soekarno in 1964; at that time it was the longest bridge in south east Asia.

The bridge across the River Musi is 1,177 metres long, 22 metres wide and 11.50 metres above the surface of the water. Early on it was called Musi Bridge but then in the 1970s it was renamed Ampera Bridge (the People’s Hardship Mandate).

It used to be that the middle part of the bridge could be raised so that ships could pass underneath. However, since the 1970s, because people are more and more mobile and there are more vehicles, as well as for some technical reasons, the bascule bridge function is no longer in use.

From the bridge, I went to the area around Kuto Besak Fort which is close to the Museum of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin and Mesjid Agung (the Great Mosque).

The Fort of Kuto Besak, whose walls are three metres high, was constructed by the Sultan of Palembang and it took 17 years to complete. It was built as a defence against the Dutch military who tried several times to capture Palembang. It is now used as the headquarters of Kodam II Sriwijaya (the regional military command) and Dr. A.K. Gani Hospital. This means that tourists are only able to see its exterior.

The Museum of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II, which faces the Musi River, is located at the northern end of Ampera Bridge. It was built by the Dutch authorities in 1823 on the site of the Sultan of Palembang’s palace which was destroyed when the Dutch attacked. The museum building, which is a combination of traditional Malay and Dutch colonial architecture, was used as a residence by Dutch officials. This museum has a collection of historical and cultural artefacts from Palembang.

Not far from the museum and the fort, the Great Mosque stands imposingly on the corner of Jl. Jenderal Sudirman and Jl. Merdeka. This mosque is one of the legacies of the Palembang Sultanate and was built by Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I in 1740. The area in the vicinity of the mosque used to be the capital of the Islamic Kingdom of Palembang.

The tourists flock to the area around Kuto Besak Fort morn, noon and night. Many of them come here to appreciate the picturesque views with Ampera Bridge and the Musi River in the background. What is more, we can also rent a boat and cruise down what is often referred to as the river tourist town.

At night the area promises different charms: the sparkling lights that decorate Ampera Bridge; floating coffee shops offering the sensations of coffee and Palembang specialty snacks, such as pempek, amidst the rhythms and cadence of street musicians and the rocking motion of the Musi River’s ripples.

If the weather is inclement, the most interesting and tantalising tourist activity in Palembang is related to its delicious cuisine.

In almost every corner of Palembang we can find mobile food sellers on their bicycles or motorbikes, and foodstalls and restaurants along the streets, all offering Pelembang’s famous snack.

Pempek is well known and closely identified with Palembang. It is a kind of dumpling made from fish and tapioca flour, served with a thin sauce called cuko made from white sugar, garlic, table vinegar and chillies. It is said to be a dish with some foreign influence and has been in existence since the 16th Century when Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II reigned in the Kingdom of Sriwijaya. An old Chinese man, so the story goes, thought it such a pity that the abundance of fish caught in the Musi River was not being put to good use. They only fried and salted them. After a bit of experimentation, the old man was finally successful and came up with a new snack and hawked it around town on his bicycle. People wanting to buy some called out to him: “Apek! Apek!” (meaning “old” in Chinese). Over the course of time, the food became known as empek-empek before finally changing to pempek.

Apart from pempek, Palembang boasts other specialties with fish as their main ingredient such as model, tekwan and Palembang crackers, also known as kemplang, consisting of fried, grilled kemplang and kerupuk. Several other localities in South Sumatra, like Ogan Ilir and Ogan Komering Ilir, are well know for their salted fish and smoked fish. And another area is known for its Pindang.

Another kind of food that is no less delicious is celor noodle in Rumah Makan 26 Jl. Ilir HM Syafei. During holidays this smallish restaurant may sell as many as 1,000 portions of celor noodles in a day. The secret of its tastiness is way that the flavour of shrimp is allowed to dominate the other ingredients. The noodles are the yellow egg kind but, while egg noodles are usually curly, these are much bigger and straight rather like spaghetti. Those who have not tried celor noodle before may well think it is a variant of the famous Italian pasta.

It was still pouring when I arrived at No. 30 Jl. Kiranggo Wirosentiko, Ilir, Palembang. Along this street there are a lot of craftspeople producing woven cloth called songket and several songket boutiques. Palembang’s songket, both in the form of broadcloth and scarves, is nowadays well known all over Indonesia, especially after it being heavily promoted at various events, festivals and exhibitions.

Songket is a traditional craft native to Palembang, using silk combined with golden threads woven with a high degree of artistry. It is a cottage industry and normally carried out by women.

Songket, which is usually quite expensive, utilizes various motifs such as lepus, jando beraes, bunga inten, tretes midar, pulir biru, kembang suku hijau, bungo cino, bunga pacik and others. Women usually wear them for weddings, formal parties and traditional ceremonies.

One of the boutiques that travellers often visit is Fikri Collection, which sells different kinds of songket with both traditional and the most up-to-date designs. There are about 20 craftspeople employed there and we can see them at work. There are about 50 others who carry out their craft and work from home. The price varies from Rp. 600,000 to several million rupiah, depending on the type of material and the motif.

Besides visiting the weaving district on Jl. Kiranggo Wirosentiko, I also went to Kampoeng BNI Tenun Songket in Muara Penimbung Village, Indralaya, in the Regency of Ogan Ilir, South Sumatera. The weaving kampong that lies about 35 kilometres from Palembang was inaugurated by the Coordinating Minister of Economics, Hatta Rajasa, last February.

The Songket Weaving Village was developed by BNI to produce songket cloth. This cottage industry so far has not been able to reach optimal production nor have the villagers prospered. In BNI’s programme, called PKBL (Program Kerja Bina Lingkungan or Environment Building Work Programme), the craftspeople receive training, consultation, capital and help with marketing.

Like other big cities in Indonesia, the traffic in Palembang is heavy. In order to provide its people with decent, safe and inexpensive public transport, the local authorities are planning to launch a bus service called “Trans-Musi” to replace the current bus routes. However, those old buses are certainly interesting with pictures covering almost the entire windscreen!

The last ten years in Palembang have seen a lot of changes. The common impression that a trip there will not be comfortable one has changed. Now it is safe and pleasant, and the clean up continues as it prepares itself to become the host and venue for the SEA GAMES XXVI next year.

Getting to Palembang:
Garuda Indonesia has 49 flights on the Jakarta-Palembang vv route every week.

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Pangandaran Beach

Pangandaran is a small town and a subdistrict in southern Ciamis regency, West Java, Indonesia. It is located on the southern coast of Java. Pangandaran is a popular tourist destination, having a beach which is considered to be one of the finest in Java and which offers excellent surfing.

A kite-flying festival is held on the beach in July and August. It is reported that the locals used to fly kites in the evenings to catch bats, and may still do so. There is a local belief that wearing any green garment in this area will anger Loro Kidul, the Javanese guardian spirit or goddess of the southern sea, and will bring misfortune.

The Penanjung Pangandaran nature reserve is nearby on a peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow neck of land. About eighty percent of the nature reserve is secondary rainforest. The flora of the nature reserve includes the Rafflesia.

A tsunami hit the area on 17 July 2006. An undersea earthquake measured at 7.7 on the Richter scale triggered a three metre high tidal wave. Extensive damage was caused and hundreds of people were reported to be dead or missing

Pangandaran is a Tourist Location in West Java, Indonesia. Pangandaran is Family friendly and has also for individual Tourists much to offer. In the Bay Area Pananjung are two beautiful Beaches for swimming, surfing or just relaxing. Here you have much Activities and Adventures like Trekking, Snorkeling, Fishing and many more..

The National Park
On the southside From Pangandaran is a National Park mostly as Jungle. You can Walk there with a Guide to the beautiful Waterfalls and enjoy the flora and fauna. Or by a 1 day Trip around the Park

Batu Karas
Batu Karas is a little Village 1 hour away from Pangandaran. It's famous for Surfing there.

Batu Hiu
Batu Hiu is a Place between Pangandaran and Batu Karas. Batu Hiu means Shark's Rock wich is a coastal rock having the shape of a shark. It's nice for relaxing there or swimming at the Beach.

Green Canyon
The best Way to go to the Green Canyon is with a Guide or by Rent a Motorbyke. At a Boat Station are many Boats who drive to the Green Canyon. After 45 Minutes Boat drive over a nice River you are there. There is also the chance to swimming in the Green Canyon.

Getting Here
Pangandaran is locatet at the Southcoast from West Java, Indonesia in the District Ciamis. See the Descriptions above and the Map for further Information.

From Jakarta
A fast Way from Jakarta is by bus. The buses drive nearly every hour from Kampung Rambutan bus station toward Pangandaran. Most buses drive directly to Pangandaran. With some buses you have to change the bus in Ciamis or Banjar. The trip lasts around 7 hours and cost around Rp.50'000 without AC and around Rp.80'000 with AC. The fee depends on the bus company.

It's also possible to rent a Car with a Driver in Jakarta. This will cost around Rp.1'500'000.

From Bandung
With the bus you reach Pangandaran on the bus station Cicaheum. Some buses drive directly to Pangandaran. With some buses you have to change the bus in Ciamis or Banjar. It's recommendable to take a bus who drive direct to Pangandaran. The buses from Banjar are small and mostly overcrowded.

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