Omed omedan was what they called it, hold every once in a year after Nyepi. Omed Omedan comes from local tongue means pulling each other. In this ceremony, group of men and group of women would pull each other. They are Banjar Kaja youngster should be 17 years old, can be older to 30 years old, as long as they are unmarried. They will pull each other, hug and kiss until elderly brought cold water and pour it onto them, to separate the two kissing people. The ritual actually is hundreds of years’ ceremony, conducted by local believes that bad omen would befall them if they stop this ritual.

At some points, the people of this banjar came to dislike this ceremony, and elderly made decision to stop it entirely. However, once mystic event takes place made them to consider their decision thus reactivate this ceremony until today. The ceremony begin hundreds of years ago, survive even when the colonial felt disturbed even ordered to stop it entirely, still alive and surly become one of event you have to see when visiting Bali.

Related posts:

1. Makepung; a Ticket for a Standout Balinese Racing When the west has grand prix and horse racing, Balinese...
2. Banjarese Banjar Tribe or Oloh Masih lives in Tanah Laut and...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Cangkuang Temple is a Hindunese Temple that placed in Kampung Pulo, Cangkuang. Administratively it placed in Leles District, Garut, West Java. This temple is being the first temple that found in Sunda but also the only Hindunese Temple in Sunda land. The temple found in 1966 by Harsoyo researcher team and Uka Candrasasmita. The temple found with a cluster of megalithic heritages such as pre-historic knife pieces and some huge rocks. Another research project succeeded finding the grave building.

This tiny temple placed in the middle of a lake with a same name, Situ Cangkuang. Getting there, you can across the lake that stretching around 500 meters from the entrance. Bamboo rafts that owned by locals are ready to guide you to Cangkuang Temple. This small lake decorated by lotus and water hyacinth which are making you turn back to the past. Your journey on the raft to get the tiny island is about 10 minutes then you will get the land of Panjang Island where Cangkuang Temple stunning there along with Pulo Village. This little island is elongating to the eastern side as it is stretching along 16,5 hectares width. Panjang Island offers tranquil countryside for those looking for truly escape from their hectic life. Entering this temple area, you will be charged for the temple’s maintenance.

Cangkuang Temple made by andesite stones that comprises three part of temple. They are feet, body and roof. The feet of this temple is supported pelipit padma, pelipit kumuda and pelipit pasagi. In the eastern side, there is a staircase. The entrance of this temple placed in the northern side while the top of the temple is covered two levels. One of the square levels sized 3,8 x 3,8 meters while the other one is smaller with 2,74 x 2,74 meters width. The roof of this temple divides into two levels. there are eight pieces of ‘kemuncak’ decoration on its each level. Other historical site is the graveyard of Embah Dalem Arief Muhammad that placed in the southern side of Cangkuang Temple. Embah Dalem Arief Muhammad is coming from Mataram Kingdom who charged to attack VOC in Batavia. The attack is failed then Arief Muhammad and his people were chosen to stay in Cangkuang village due to they are ashamed to get back to Mataram. Their presence is welcoming by local people due to their hospitality. Arief Muhammad built a simple mosque there. The mosque has little museum where you can find Islam scripts in 17th centuries, the script of Friday sermon that made by goatskin, an Alquran that made by basts also a Fikih book sized 26×18,5 cm.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

When the west has grand prix and horse racing, Balinese in Jembrana has their unique race that developed from an action born of intuitive mind and surprisingly becoming the most sought-after race in the island. Bali presents you with a bull race or known by local as Makepung. It is an event where there will be tens of bulls gathered with beautiful decoration. It will wear colorful crown with typically intricate Balinese crafting some even with golden-like crown. Pair of bulls will pulled over small cart with a jockey lead it and yelling high spirited words in local tongue for the bulls to run faster and faster than its competitors.

It was once a spare activity by group of farmers in the midst of ploughing rice paddies. They will use a single bull to carry over their wagon with one jockey on it. Gradually, it attracted more crowds until it becomes popular sport. Nowadays, it has become one of the most interesting cultural attractions watched by many tourists. It even managed by professional and has appeared as one of Bali’s annual tourism agenda. Today’s racing has used pair of bulls and instead of quite large wagon; they replaced it with a small cart. The jockey will hold 2 meters stick and push the bulls to run on a U shaped track.

Today’s Makepung not only followed by farmers since many people from varied background watch and join the race. Fans as well participants of this race will be divided into two group known as West and East. It was done based on Ijo Gading River’s flow that divides Jembrana Regency. The two groups usually would meet in an official racing once in two weeks. What’s unique from this bull race is in what determined the winner. It’s not which bulls reach finish first but which pair able to make 10 meters distance. If by any chance the pair behind them able to narrow the gap, this pair will come out as the winner. Each race usually finished in around eight to ten minutes and surely will full of cheers and passionate atmosphere, definitely not-to-be-missed event in Bali.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Maron Beach slowly getting the attention of Semarang government after a long time it was set aside. Standing as the upriver of Silandak River, this beach has renowned as ocean traffic for some traditional fishermen. Its calm beach is featuring with docile waves of Java Island spoiling each guest within the blow of ocean breezes. Some people deemed ‘maron’ word means Maruna Kulon or Maruna that lies in the western side due to Maron Beach development is imitating Maruna Beach.

Road access to this island is still difficult to access while there are only few public transporation which is leading you to this destination. However this beach is worth to visit while you can pass two road access: Ahmad Yani Airport and Krapyak. If you are bringing your own car, you should go to the Adi Sucipto Airport. Then you can follow an entrance way to the airport to get Penerbad official housing. Then you should follow first track of the train to get Maron Beach.

Maron Beach is a perfect destination to visit if you want to visit black sandy beach with shallow waters and calm waves. It is one of northern sided beaches that rarely have calm weaves and sloping areas. It makes Maron Beach is fitted for family trip where you can swim on its safe waters. Maron Beach also coupled natural scene of mangrove forest and lines of local’s embankments. Here you can rent fishermen’s ships to experience the ocean while it is also a perfect site to enjoy amazing sun set scene. Unfortunately this beach is lack of government attention that leaving it unclear.

Related posts:

1. Batu Karas Beach Bali indeed offering wide choices of beach to take challenging...
2. Siung Beach This beach lies about 70 kilometers from Jogjakarta while it...
3. Double Six Beach Double Six Beach is including to one of hectic beach...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Promising high-end living in Bali Island, The Layar is enjoying secure environment of villa complex in vibrant area of Seminyak. The Layar conveniently located on strategic area of Seminyak so you can walk to a line of restaurants and bars in this area. Minutes away from the Layar, you are also can access kinds of massage and spa treatment to get the traditional massage of locals. The Layar complex is totally composed by 23 unit private villas to offer you wide choices of two and three bedroom villas for discerning travelers.

The Layar two bedroom villa is built amongst the hug of tropical garden with unique sloping roof shade. Delivering real comfort of private living in this island, The Layar two bedroom is completed by open air living area, two chic bedrooms with bathrooms and the tranquility of private pool in the well-arranged garden. The Layar is scented tropical lifestyle to greet its guests in the living area. Steps away from the entrance, the living area opens to the outdoor breeze to provide you comfortable seating and coffee table in white. Floored by Palimanan tiles, this room is overlooking to the pool to get you perfect niche for your cocktail times either luscious mealtimes in the dining area nearby.

The dining area has set up for four persons with a circular dining table under ceiling fan coolness. All of bedrooms in this villa are serving comfortable double beds for four persons. First bedroom is situated just steps away from the living area while second bedroom is enjoying same comfort with an access to the entertainment room. Each bedroom is promising leisure times inside with a set of entertainment facilities such as large screened TV and DVD to allow you watching your favorite movies. An en-suite bathroom in each bedroom linked you to rejuvenating bath on the oversized tub, shower and terrazzo washbasin. The outdoor environment is surrounded this living by kinds of tropical foliages and frangipanis to give you great swimming times in the private pool.

Related posts:

1. Villa Mimpi Villa Mimpi Bugis lies in most sought after area in...
2. Villa Rama Including to one of Bugis collection, villa Rama lies in...
3. Villa Casa Brio Seminyak is always become the prime destination area for tourists...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

There is no official record about the history of Batik until now but batik could not release from the history of Indonesian soul. According to National Consensus 12 March 1996, batik including as one of nation’s art which can categorized into five big groups: batik tulis (handmade batik), batik cap (stamp batik), batik combination, modern batik and embroidery batik. Since 14th century Pekalongan had renowned of its batik activities so it was emerging a strong will to build batik museum by the locals.

First phase of batik museum built in the center of Pekalongan City in the southern side of Taman Hiburan Rakyat (Municipal Park) Gedung Bintang Merdeka which is now being Police Post Regiment XVII Street. The first form of Batik Museum built on 40sqm area with a very simple building to exhibit 60 batik collections. There were traditional woven tools, some simple equipment under the coordination of Education and Cultural Department Pekalongan. Unfortunately the simple arrangement of this museum was causing some precious collections were missing then the museum moved to the new building on Majapahit Street. Passing kinds of obstacles, Museum Batik reformed a proper museum building in 2006. This museum is inaugurated by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on July 2006.

Now Museum Batik Pekalongan can be visited on Jatayu Street Number 3 Pekalongan, Central Java, Indonesia. This museum is realizing the dream of Pekalongan people also their effort to preserve batik as the original culture of Indonesia. Museum Batik itself divides into five parts. The first part is Batik Collection Section where you can visit its three sections. There are Batik Pesisiran Room, Batik Tokoh Room and Pedalaman Batik Room there. Batik Pesisiran displays any kinds of batik collection from coastal area (pesisir in Indonesian word) of Indonesia, Pekalongan, Cirebon and Lasem. Batik Tokoh Room is displaying any kinds of batik cloth including private collection of First Lady Ani Yudhoyono. Batik Pedalaman Room is displaying batik collection from hinterland areas such as Solo and Jogkarta also the private collection of Mrs Widaningsih Susilo Soedarman, the wife of former Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunication. Batik collection changed every four months due to the museum has limited space to exhibit the total of 1,106 batik collections.

Realizing Pekalongan people’s dream to make this place as the source of knowledge about batik, this museum has Library room. A long record until March 2012 was explained if this museum has more than 1,296 books. The books consist of everything about batik. It also caters public acknowledge, history, social, economy, culture and others. The third part is Batik Shop. This museum corner is selling batik products to the guests. At first this shop was selling batik products from some batik handicraftsmen in Pekalongan but now this museum has been able to produce their own products such as scarf, tablecloth, post card and others. Batik Workshop is one of enticing facility in this museum due to you can learn to make a batik cloth there. This place is often used as practice site for local students in Pekalongan while it is also actively producing any kinds of batik products. The last part of this museum is Meeting Room. This large room is using to greet guests in large group. Before they are touring this museum, they gathered to get a brief explanation. The ticket’s price is Rp5,000 for adult and kid’s visitors only paid Rp1,000 to enter this museum (valid on October 2011, please check before you get there).

Related posts:

1. Geology Museum Bandung If you are loving geology visit, this site can be...
2. Museum Puri Lukisan This museum started by a will of Rudolf Bonnet who...
3. The Shine of Adityawarman Adityawarman built in 1974 and it officially opened on 16...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Built on 10 hectares land, Taman Sari Jogjakarta firstly called ‘Fragrant Garden’ as it is beautifully covering 57 buildings such as resting building, bathing pond, hanging bridge, water canal, artificial lake and underwater tunnel. The garden regards to the former park site of Keraton Jogjakarta. It can be compared with Bogor Park as the part of Bogor Palace. Fragrant Garden built on the age of Sultan Hamengku Buwono I who rules on 1758-1765. The garden was effectively used at that age and it is stretching on the southwest side of Kedhaton complex until the southeast side of Magangan complex but now the preserved relic of Taman Sari only appears on the southwest side of Kedhaton complex.

Taman Sari Complex divides into four parts. The first part is artificial lake in the western side. The second part is Umbul Binangun bathing site in the southern side of artificial lake. Third part regards to Pasarean Ledok Sari and Garjitawati Pond in the southern side of Umbul Binangun. Last part connects you to the eastern part of first site stretching to the southeastern side of Magangan complex. Taman Sari’s first part used to a most exotic place in its age. This part consists of artificial lake that called ‘Segaran’ (that means artificial ocean) with a building in the middle. Segaran lake used to a sailing site for Sultan and his family but now it is turning into a village named Taman village.

The center of the water palace is an ‘umbul’ (that means ‘spring’). Respecting the dedication of Sultan wives, Sultan build a palace about 500 meters from the southern keratin. The palace surrounded by artificial lake and flowers that planted around. Sultan usually witnessing traditional dances in Gapura Panggung. Taman Sari pond is serving soothing natural sound of water with crystal water and creamy walls around. The bathing pond divides into three parts: Umbul Kawitan (a pond for prince and princess), Umbul Pamuncar ( a pond for the king’s concubines) and Umbul Panguras (for Sultan).

Other parts that still emerging the glory of Jogjakarta in the past are Sumur Gumuling and Gedung Kenongo. Passing Tajug, you will have a tunnel that linking Taman Sari with Keraton and Pulo Kenongo. The wide underground tunnel also functioned to protect royal family at precarious condition. Secret chambers are hidden away there. Going to Sumur Gumuling, it is recreating a solemn praying session at kingdom’s age as it used to an underground mosque for Sultan and his family. The two-storey building designed to have well acoustic sides so in the past when the priest led shalat, the priest’s voice could hear well. The last majestic site is Gedung Kenongo. The building is used to a dining area for the King but also the highest building in Taman Sari. Here you can enjoy legendary golden sunset with the aerial scene of Taman Sari.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Gathering the richness of Western Java, Sawarna lies in the southern side of Java Island as it is officially registered in Bayah sub district, Lebak Regency, Banten Province. Sawarna enchants discerning travelers who dreaming about spectacular natural attraction through diverse attractions of beach, caves and the smile of the locals.
The exotic village has tempted many foreigners to stay longer for a pleasure on surfing board in its beautiful beach. Enjoying southern coastal line of Banten, Sawarna had been renowned as one of best surfing site in Indonesia. It is not only famous of Carita and Anyer Beach also Ujungkulon National Park but also a line of tourist destination that worth to visit.

They are suspension bridge of Sawarna river, Legon Pari Beach, Ciantir Beach, Tanjung Layar and others. This suspension bridge is shading 20 meter-Sawarna River as its beauty is often to be a great corner to take pictures. The bridge is about 1,5 meter width that is safe to crossing around even two wheels vehicle can use it freely. Legon Pari beach is ideal to see legendary sun rise in the village. The white sandy beach is not only a perfect place for afternoon stroll but it is also tightly related with the daily life of traditional fishermen in this village. Functioned as the harbor of local fishermen, the wonderful beach is also a great place to swim. The rest of the beach side is the formation of unique reef that shaped some water niches with small fishes and shell when the ocean waters recede. Some reefs are shaping beautiful arrangement like a handcrafted reef. It is about 1,5 km walking distance from the parking yard.

Another wonderful reef displayed on Tanjung Layar that connected to the Legon Pari. Here you will witness two large reefs, one of main icon for tourists who visited there due to its uniqueness. Wonderful Ciantir Beach creating different attraction than other usual beach as it divides into two areas: big wave beach and small wave beach. The big wave beach lies in the eastern side and it is being favorite place of world’s surfers. The surfers are usually coming from Japan, America, Europe and Australia. The western side of the beach is displaying small wave with more sloping areas than the eastern one. Cariang Hill is a perfect stop on the way to go to Sawarna village. The hill is witnessing the beauty of Ciantir beach and Tanjung Layar as its background while you can enjoy local drinks on stalls there.

Peaceful rural scenes greet you soon after you are entering Sawarna Village. The village accommodates terraced rice fields that might remind you to the picturesque view of Ubud in Bali. local houses in Sawarna was far away from the touch of modern living. The houses made by wood and concrete to shape simple cocoon and bathroom with well waters. There is no hotel in Sawarna due to the government policy is giving chance for locals to build proper home stay for the tourists. Here you will get standard price with delicious local food. Locals also realized if the coming of tourists is a blessing from the village so all of villagers usually treated strangers well. Domestic tourists are usually coming from Jakarta due to it is only 230 km from Jakarta or about six hours driving to the southwest of Jakarta.

Related posts:

1. West Bali National Park West Bali National Park started by a discovery of a...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Togian Islands are shaping its beautiful archipelago by rainforest and surrounded by coral reef to bring heavenly habitat and breeding sites for hawksbill turtle, green turtle and Dugong. Beautifully placed in the Gulf of Tomini, this archipelago is enriching the coast of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Comprising 56 exotic islands, Togian’s three largest islands are Togian, Talatakoh and Batudaka. Togian National Park officially inaugurated by Indonesia government in 2004 to reveal the beauty of 292,000 hectares salty waters area.

The large waters composed by 132,000 hectares of coral reefs which had been the largest in the country while its land area catering thousands hectares area of forest reservation and mangroves. Togian Ocean Park soon is being one of major tourism attraction in Central Sulawesi due to its greatness. It is also an important part of world’s triangle reefs (Sulawesi, Philippine and Papua Nugini). The gracious coral reef is making hundreds famous diving spots you can visit. There are four kinds of reefs on its underwater heaven, they are barrier reef, patch reef, fringing reef and atoll.

Inland Togean is also preserving extraordinary natural attraction on its 33 kinds of mangroves. The mangroves are including some native fauna with characteristic features such as kuskus, deer, canary crab, togean monkey, babi rusa and other endemic fauna of Sulawesi. After you are tiring to explore this large park, Togian National Park offers diverse accommodation with any prices variant. There are any kinds of cheap lodges, inns or resort. If you are trying local food of Togian, you can try sago and fresh seafood dishes along its region. In Ampana, you can invite your beloved one to enjoy the beauty of Sulawesi nightlife with special rica-rica grilled fish.

Togian Islands can be reached through Gorontalo by two times of scheduled boat trips a week. If you are coming from South Sulawesi, Rantepao, Togean can be reached through Mangkutana, Pendolo, Tentena and Poso. You will be guided to Ampana by around 14 hours driving. There are public bus or rental vehicles also daily rental boats from Amana to Wakai and Malenge. There are also some airline services to Togean from Jakarta. You can transit at Palu from Jakarta. In Palu there are some travel agencies that will bring you to Ampana.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

A long history of Indonesia is enriching the journey of this country by any historical heritages. One of them is one owned by Dutch colonization era. Ruling Indonesia for hundreds years, Dutch people left some historical buildings in Jogjakarta. The buildings called loji by locals due to its great size and its wide yard. Dating back to the colonization era, you can stroll around the ancient buildings. The loji area is starting from the crossroad of the Grand Post Office.

The oldest loji in Jogjakarta placed facing Grand Post Office named Vredeburg Fortress. The fortress had known as Loji Gede that means Great Building in English language. Loji Gede built in 1776 about two years after the foundation of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Kingdom, one of Mataram Kingdom fractions. Loji Gede built with any kinds of supportive buildings to enhance its function as a fortress. There are a spying post and a resting place for the soldiers. Now you can visit each corner of Loji Gede due to it opens for public. Designed in special character of European architecture, the fortress is displaying the diorama of Indonesian people struggle for Indonesia’s independence.

The vivid loji appears from Vredeburg is Loji Kebon which is now called ‘Gedung Agung’. This loji was built in 1824 under the beauty of ancient European style to keep its role as residence building. Loji Kebon has wide yard and some statues of Dutch officers as the decoration. The statues are coming from different corners of Jogjakarta. Loji Kebon complex even has Societeit de Vereniging where Dutch officials used to dance with violin assistance.

Witnessing Indonesia’s history, this construction was passing Prince Diponegoro war and ever being the dwelling place of Japanese officials. In 1946 this building functioned as presidential place when Jogjakarta was being the capital city of Indonesia. Now this building still functioned as a presidential palace though the capital city of Indonesia is not Jogjakarta. Other loji in Vredeburg Fortress is Small Loji or ‘Loji Kecil’ as it placed in the shopping area, the crossroad of Gondomanan. Loji Kecil serves as a dwelling place to complete other loji.

The other loji area is Loji Kecil that is located to the east of Vredeburg fortress, to be exact in the area of Shopping Center to the crossroad of Gondomanan. Different from Loji Besar that functioned as a fortress and Loji Kebon as government building, Loji Kecil serves as a dwelling place. Now, even though only a few left, you can still enjoy several old buildings, one of them is located in Taman Pintar complex. In the same complex, there is also Societet Militair building where Dutch military troops used to relax.

Now you can enjoy the beauty of some supporting facilities like Protestansche Kerk church that was built in 1857 and Francis the Xavier church of Kudul Loji (the old building) that was built in 1870 in the southern side of Loji Kecil. The last loji is Satan Loji. The name appears due to nobody knew when the loji was built. Surroundings people also told there are unknown crying voices and unidentified sound of music from the main hall. Satan Loji used to function as meditation and exhibition room.

Related posts:

1. Cipanas Palace President Palace Cipanas beautifully including to one of President Indonesia...
2. Gedung Agung Yogyakarta This president palace lies in Yogyakarta with simple design but...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.