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Trowulan (Ruins Of Majapahit Kingdom)

2009-10-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

The kingdom of Majapahit, with its capital in East Java, flourished at the end of what is known as Indonesia's 'classical age'. This was a period in which the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism were predominant cultural influences. Beginning with the first appearance of Hinduized kingdoms in the archipelago in the 5th century A.D., this classical age was to last for more than a millennium, until the final collapse of Majapahit in the early 16th century and the establishing of Java's first Islamic sultanate at Demak.

Legend has it that Hindu civilization and culture were introduced to Java in A.D. 78 by the sage Aji Saka. This figure is often associated with Agastya, the patron saint of southern India, whose image is a common sight on the southern walls of Central Javanese Hindu temples. Not unlike the god Neptune in appearance, Agastya is also recognized as Shiwa in his form of divine teacher. When he first brought the message of Hinduism to southern India, it is said that he stood in the north and faced south.

The way in which Hindu/Buddhist culture was transmitted to Indonesia is still not yet fully understood. Older theories suggesting immigration and colonization by Indian merchants and settlers have tended to lose favour in the light of recent advances made in the fields of history and archaeology. The case seems rather to have been one in which the native Indonesians themselves played an active role in the selection and adaptation of foreign cultural forms, through which they were inspired.

The great flowering of Hindu-Javanese civilization which sprang up in Central Java during the 8th and 9th centuries may be seen as the product of a dialogue between, on the one hand, the established forms of classical Hinduism and Buddhism, and on the other, the innovative qualities of a society whose traditional beliefs and customs were already firmly entrenched.

The oldest datable evidence of a Hindu civilization in Indonesia comes from Kutei in eastern Kalimantan (Borneo). Stone inscriptions, written in sanskrit and dating from around A.D. 400, record the reign of a King Mulawarman. At about the same time, in West Java, there existed a kingdom named Tarumanagara, yet more than this little is known, on account of the scarcity of archaeological remains.

It is not until the 7th and 8th centuries that the picture becomes clearer. This period, which saw the rise of the maritime empire of Sriwijaya in south eastern Sumatra, as well as the emergence of the Central Javanese kingdom of Mataram, marked the beginning of a golden age in Indonesian history. In the whole course of my life I have never met with such stupendous and finished specimens of human labour, and of the science and taste of ages long since forgot, crowded together in so small a compass as in this little spot'

Thus exclaimed Captain George Baker when first confronted by the ruins of Candi Sewu, or the 'Temple of a Thousand Buddhas', at Prambanan, near Yogyakarta, early in the 19th century. Baker, who had been given the task of surveying the antiquities of Java by Thomas Stamford Raffles, then governor of the island, was no stranger to India, nor to other parts of south east Asia.

Yet, the extensive ruins to be found in the mountains and on the plains of Central Java were beyond anything which he had yet seen. The remains of Borobudur, Prambanan, Sewu, the temple sites of Dieng and Gedong Songo, are just a few of the archaeological treasures which to this day continue to arouse similar expressions of wonder and astonishment.

Through the study of temple remains and the deciphering of ancient inscriptions on stone and metal, historians have been able to establish a quite coherent chronology for the period. Tracing an outline, the ruling power in 8th and 9th century Central Java appears to have been shared by two dynasties, whose exact relationship is not fully clear. According to the earliest known inscription, dating from A.D.732, there was a Hindu king named Sanjaya, who united the kingdom of Java and whose descendants are recorded in inscriptions for the following two centuries.

Not long after the appearance of Sanjaya, a dynasty bearing the title Sailendra emerged as the supreme authority on the southern plains. The Sailendra were adherents of Mahayana Buddhism, the religion which inspired them to embark on one of the most ambitious building programmes known to history. In the space of just one century they commissioned the construction of a vast number of religious monuments, some very large, built from hand cut blocks of volcanic stone. The remains of many of these buildings are still visible, some of the,more well known including the temples of Kalasan, Sari, Sewu, Sojiwan, Mendut, Ngawen, Pawon, as well as the massive 'temple mountain' of Borobudur, one of the architectural wonders of the world.

Sometime during the early to mid 9th century, a marriage alliance between a Sailendra princess and a king from the dynasty of Sanjaya seems to have resulted in the end of Sailendra rule in Java. At about the same time, the great Shiwa temple at Prambanan was constructed, perhaps as a monument to the return to power of the Sanjaya dynasty.

Yet, the Prambanan temple complex was barely completed when, for reasons which are still not fully comprehended, Central Java all but vanished from the records of history for about five centuries. One reason for this sudden silence, which began after the palace was moved to East Java by Mpu Sindok in A.D. 929, may well have been a violent eruption of Mt Merapi, which overlooks the plains of both Borobudur and Prambanan. In recent years, more and more archaeological sites have been discovered buried under metres of lava and volcanic dust, indicating the occurrence of a serious calamity which could well have taken place about a thousand years ago.

Trowulan

Ancient Capital of Majapahit - The village of Trowulan lies on the plains to the south west of Surabaya, not far from Mojokerto. Here is to be found one of East Java's most exciting archaeological sites; the ancient capital of Majapahit itself. During the last few years, teams of scientists have been busy excavating and, where possible, restoring the remains of this historic city. Most of the buildings, which were made from a reddish brick, have long since collapsed, but some of the larger structures have at least partially survived and are undergoing a reconstruction programme.

Some of Trowulan's more important remains include the gateway of Bajang Ratu, recently restored; the bathing place Candi Tikus; Candi Brahu, where it is said that the cremations of several of Majapahit's rulers were carried out; the tomb of the Princess from Champa; Candi Menak Jinggo, Candi Sumur Upas, as well as the split gateway Wringin Lawang, which is presently undergoing reconstruction. Trowulan also has a large museum, which not long ago was extended to include the collection of sculpture and artefacts which used to be housed in the Museum of the Archaeological Service in Mojokerto.

Architectural Styles

Surveys of East Javanese temple architecture usually begin with Candi Kidal, which lies to the south east of Malang. Built around the mid 13th century, Kidal is the earliest known example of a new stylistic tendency; a move away from the massive structures which characterized the monuments built by the Sailendra dynasty in Central Java some four centuries earlier, towards more slender buildings with tall, tapering spires. True, we see a foreshadowing of this new style in the Central Javanese temple complex of Prambanan, but the almost total absence of archaeological remains from the intervening period makes it difficult to re-construct any coherent development of architectural design between, say, A.D. 930, when the centre of Javanese political power shifted to the east, and about 1250, the approximate date for the building of Candi Kidal.This new style is quite clearly apparent in a number of other monuments of the 13th and 14th centuries, among them Candi Jawi, Candi Sawentar, Candi Sumberjati (Simping), Candi Bangkal, Candi Bajang Ratu, as well as the 'dated' temple at Penataran.

A further development occurred in spatial orientation. In the classical architecture of Central Java, the layout of a temple or temple complex tended to be symmetrical, with the principal building situated in the centre, almost invariably aligned with the cardinal points. The whole was conceived as an earthly reflection of the subtle regions inhabited by the gods, according to the principles of Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. With the temples of East Java, however, there appears to have been a move away from this closed, centrally focussed orientation, to one where the most important and sacred building was placed at the rear of the complex, furthest from the entrance.

We see a clear example of this idea at Candi Penataran, where the site is divided into three separate courtyards, into which a variety of buildings have been placed in a seemingly haphazard fashion. Symmetry has been all but abandoned. The principal building, which faces west, can be found at the far eastern end of the compound. It has frequently been noted, incidently, that Penataran appears to have been a prototype for the modern day Balinese pura, which usually consists of three courtyards, known as jaba, jaba tengah, and jeroan, The temple is essentially a consecrated space enclosed and protected by its surrounding wall.

One temple which is often considered to contain elements of both early and late classical Javanese design is Candi Singosari. In that it has a symmetrical base with four projections aligned with the cardinal points, the temple follows a pattern commonly found in the Shiwaite monuments of Central Java. Yet there are marked differences, the most notable of which is the location of the four main chambers or niches containing statues. In Central Javanese temples these were almost invariably recessed into the main body of the building, which rested on a solid base. At Singosari, however, the niches have been set into the base itself, perhaps with the intention of creating an illusion of greater height. The roof, which has for the most part collapsed, exhibits further unique elements not yet found in other East Javanese temples.

In some cases, notably the principal temple at Penataran, as well as at Candi Jajaghu, there are indications that the roof was not made of stone, but rather of a combination of wood and sugar palm fibre (ijuk). An example of this type of structure can still be seen at the Pura Yeh Gangga at Perean, 60 kilometres north of Denpasar in Bali. The temple, which dates from the Majapahit period (inscriptions at the site display dates equivalent to A.D. 1339 and 1429) shows the typical 'pagoda-like' tiered roof (mew) of Balinese temples, in this case set on a stone base. Reliefs on the walls of Candi Jajaghu, moreover, display similar structures.

Majapahit's Sites - Majapahit Inheritances

Yet a further innovation which appeared in East Java was the construction of Majapahit's sites. These were of two types. On the one hand, there were buildings like Jajaghu temple, which consisted of a single solid structure built on a number of receding levels. Access was from the front, by means of a system of stone stairways, which led up to the most sacred shrine occupying the highest point.

The other type of terraced sanctuary, which seems to have become popular towards the end of the Majapahit period, was built on the mountain slopes. Examples of this kind of structure can still be seen today, notably at Sukuh and Ceto temple on Mt Lawu, as well as on Mt Penanggungan. These sites of 'altars', as they are sometimes called, appear to recall an earlier period of Indonesian history. Built against the natural hillside, orientated to the mountain peak, the levels of the sanctuary symbolize the divisions of the material and spiritual worlds, which must be traversed before reaching the 'ancestral seat' (pelinggih) situated on the topmost level. A contemporary example of the site mountain sanctuary is Pura Besakih, 'mother temple' of Bali.

Mummy In Baliem Valley

2009-09-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

Normally, the bodies of dead people are cremated. However, the bodies of some great warriors are instead smoked and thus become mummies. They are believed to still give their power to the villagers. According to Pini this mummy in Akima is about three generations old, that is about 150 years.

Baliem Valley, Wamena - IRIAN JAYA

The Baliem Highlands is centered on the Grand Valley some 1,600 meters above sea level. Temperatures of the highland are ranged from 26 degrees Celsius at the day time and 12 degrees at night.. The valley is 60 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide and is surrounded on all sides by mountain peaks rising to between 2,500 and 3,000 meters.This valley has been the most visited part of the island, especially in recent years. This valley is home to the Dani tibesmen. They are living in primitive way of farming.

Baliem Valley, is a spectacular valley is an ideal location for trek that follows trails through the jungle and mountain environs of the, Yali and Lani People. Until a generation ago these stone-age tribes had little to do with the outside world, until the arrival of white missionaries in the 1950s (a fact well documented in Heinrich Harrer's account of the first ascent of Carstensz Pyramid in 1962). Even today, the Dani's reliance on stone axes and on an agricultural lifestyle - that evolves around raising pigs and growing root crops - provides a fitting insight into their tribal traditions.

This spectacular valley is an ideal location for trek that follows trails through the jungle and mountain environs of the Dani People. Even today, the Dani's reliance on stone axes and on an agricultural lifestyle - that evolves around raising pigs and growing root crops - provides a fitting insight into their tribal traditions.

The proposed program of we attached here allows you to experience some trekking to deeper side of Dani's communities at the southern part of the magnificent valley, to encounter people who are living in so-called stone age as they are almost naked people, as well as to experience their ancient way of live.

The trekking it self is considered moderate to challenging grade as we will trek up and down the hills, cross rivers and thru its slippery banks.

Baliem Valley Festival

The cultural festival it self will be held on August.The main pont of interest of the festival will be the massive tribal attraction involving the all natives group living on the surrounding area of the giant valley. All tribes group will deliver their envoy to attend the faestival while bringing all tribes attributes, kotekas, art and craft. The festival is a right chance to observe the rich cutlure of the hinterland. Baliem valley area is mainly occupied by three main big clan, namely Dani, Yali and Lani.

Each tibe group will come over with their own identity. Here you will see clear difference among them refer to thir dressing. The Dani man only use small koteka (penis gourd / penis cover), the Lani tribes use bigger Koteka, their body is much bigger than the averrage Dani tribe, while the Yali has long slender Koteka with rattan belt corved waist lenght.

By attending the masive festival, you will have a great chance to know and learn the culture of each attending tribes without having to make the visit to their compunds deep in the hinterland of West Papua.

Beside to present during the days of the festival, we will also held a trekking trip in Jiwika village in the suburban of Wamena to see the old smoked mummy and salt pool where you will enjoy and see how to make salt in their traditional way. As you will entering the site, you will return to the stone age era. Grass dressed woman, dressless man, just having a long slender penis cup, man with arrows and bows, and with the body ornaments.

CARSTENSZ PYRAMID

Carstensz Pyramid is the highest mountain on island of the New Guinea, on the greater Australian continent and in Oceania. It's the highest point between the Himalayas and the Andes.

The peak is located in what is variously called the Sudirman Range or the Dugunduguoo, in the western central highlands of Papua - Indonesian. While Puncak Jaya's peak is free of glaciers, there are several on its slopes, including the Carstensz Glacier, the Meren Glacier, and Northwall Firn. Being equatorial, there is little variation in the mean temperature during the year (around 0.5°C) and the glaciers fluctuate on seasonal basis only slightly.

Evidence from satellite imagery demonstrates that most of the glaciers atop the mountain are retreating rapidly and some have disappeared altogether the last 20 years

Puncak Jaya, sometimes called Mount Carstensz or the Carstensz Pyramid, is the highest mountain on the island of New Guinea, on the Australia-New Guinea continent and in Oceania. It is the highest point between the Himalaya and the Andes and the highest island peak in the world. The peak is located in what is variously called the Sudirman Range or the Dugunduguoo, in the western central highlands of Papua, the Indonesian western half of the island, and is the highest peak in the country.

History
Puncak Jaya was originally called 'Carstensz Pyramid', after Dutch explorer Jan Carstensz who first sighted the glaciers on the peak of the mountain on a rare clear day in 1623 (Carstensz was ridiculed in Europe when he said he had seen snow near the equator) This name is still used among mountaineers Although the snowfield of Puncak Jaya was reached as early as 1909 by a Dutch explorer, Hendrik A. Lorentz, the peak was not climbed until 1962, by an expedition led by the Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer (of Seven Years in Tibet fame) with three friends, Temple, Kippax and Huizenga.

Tana Toraja ( Land of The heavenly King )

2009-08-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Toraja is one of the famous destination and beautiful regions in South Sulawesi in Indonesai as well. From a distances, ones can see jagged ridges of the hills stretching side by side along the slopes of the mountains. The traditional houses with carved roof among the paddy fields that are beautifully and naturally carved and colored by the sky full people of Tana Toraja

Before the Dutch come to power in this high land in the 20th century, there was no even a single word given for the name of their religion instead of the word "aluk" which refers to a ritual ways and daily lives activities that are to be controlled, without special instruction of how to build a house, to cook rice, to greet boys and the head of the village, and the number of buffaloes and pigs that must be slaughtered in every ritual ceremony.

Funeral Rites in Tana Toraja

Tomate, is a funeral procession in Toraja society. This ritual procession held to send the spirit to the Puya, the afterworld properly to avoid misfortune to its family.

In Toraja funeral dead person called Tomate. Without proper funeral rites the spirit of the deceased will cause misfortune to its family. The funeral sacrifices, ceremonies and feats also impress the gods with the importance of deceased, so that the spirit can intercede effectively on behalf of living relatives. In Tana Toraja, there are several arcs of groups of roughly hewn stone slabs around villages, and each stone possibly represents a member of the noble class who lived and died there.

The dead person presides over the funeral from the high-roofed tower constructed at one and of the field. At a funeral, bamboo pavilions for the family and guests are constructed around a field.

The Toraja generally have two funerals, one immediately after a death and elaborate, second funeral after preparations. The souls of the dead can only go to Puya, the afterworld, when the entire death ritual has been carried out.

They believe the soul of the deceased will ride the souls of the slaughtered buffaloes and pigs to heaven. The buffalo has traditionally been a symbol of wealth and power-even land could be paid for in buffaloes. After the guest display their presents of pigs and buffaloes, the traditional Mabadong song and dance is performed. This is a ceremonial re-enactment of the cycle of human life and the life story of the deceased. It also farewell to the soul of the deceased, and relays the hope that the soul will arrive in the afterworld safely.

Tradisional House In Kete Kesu Village

The traditional village of Kete Kesu, there are the Tongkonan houses nicely lined up in a row. Nobody lives in this house anymore, With the the small interior. Opposite to the houses is a similar row of rice storage houses. They are built in the same style, but are smaller and have an extra platform between the ground and the storage. This is where the population meets to drink tea, play cards, and socialize.

Behind the village a path leads to the rock, where the graves are located. Climbing up, we see a large variety of graves. Complete houses, hanging graves, nicely decorated coffins, and decayed ones, full of bones and skulls. Halfway is a locked cave with Tau Tau. These are effigies diseased. Old dolls are rigid and simple, newer are created more to resemble the diseased. The cave is locked to prevent robbery.

Dance and music

Torajans perform dances on several occasions, most often during their elaborate funeral ceremonies. They dance to express their grief, and to honour and even cheer the deceased person because he is going to have a long journey in the afterlife. First, a group of men form a circle and sing a monotonous chant throughout the night to honour the deceased (a ritual called Ma'badong). This is considered by many Torajans to be the most important component of the funeral ceremony. On the second funeral day, the Ma'randing warrior dance is performed to praise the courage of the deceased during life. Several men perform the dance with a sword, a large shield made from buffalo skin, a helmet with a buffalo horn, and other ornamentation. The Ma'randing dance precedes a procession in which the deceased is carried from a rice barn to the rante, the site of the funeral ceremony. During the funeral, elder women perform the Ma'katia dance while singing a poetic song and wearing a long feathered costume. The Ma'akatia dance is performed to remind the audience of the generosity and loyalty of the deceased person. After the bloody ceremony of buffalo and pig slaughter, a group of boys and girls clap their hands while performing a cheerful dance called Ma'dondan.

As in other agricultural societies, Torajans dance and sing during harvest time. The Ma'bugi dance celebrates the thanksgiving event, and the Ma'gandangi dance is performed while Torajans are pounding rice. There are several war dances, such as the Manimbong dance performed by men, followed by the Ma'dandan dance performed by women. The aluk religion governs when and how Torajans dance. A dance called Ma'bua can be performed only once every 12 years. Ma'bua is a major Toraja ceremony in which priests wear a buffalo head and dance around a sacred tree.

A traditional musical instrument of the Toraja is a bamboo flute called a Pa'suling. This six-holed flute (not unique to the Toraja) is played at many dances, such as the thanksgiving dance Ma'bondensan, where the flute accompanies a group of shirtless, dancing men with long fingernails. The Toraja have indigenous musical instruments, such as the Pa'pelle (made from palm leaves) and the Pa'karombi (the Torajan version of a jew's harp). The Pa'pelle is played during harvest time and at house inauguration ceremonies.

Bunaken Island

The Bunaken National Marine Park was formally established in 1991 and is among the first of Indonesia's growing system of marine parks. The park covers a total surface area of 89,065 hectares, 97% of which is overlain by sparkling clear, warm tropical water. The remaining 3% of the park is terrestrial, including the five islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain and Siladen. Although each of these islands has a special character, it is the aquatic ecosystem that attracts most naturalists. The waters of Bunaken National Marine Park are extremely deep (1566 m in Manado Bay), clear (up to 35-40 m visibility), refreshing in temperature (27-29 C) and harbor some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. Pick any of group of interest - corals, fish, echinoderms or sponges - and the number of families, genera or species is bound to be astonishingly high. For example, 7 of the 8 species of giant clams that occur in the world, occur in Bunaken.

The park has around 70 genera of corals; compare this to a mere 10 in Hawaii. Although the exact number of fish species is unknown, it may be slightly higher than in the Philippines, where 2,500 species, or nearly 70% of all fish species known to the Indo-western Pacific, are found. Oceanic currents may explain, in part, why Bunaken National Marine Park is such a treasure trove of biodiversity. Northeasternly currents generally sweep through the park but abundant counter currents and gyros related to lunar cycles are believed to be a trap for free swimming larvae. This is particularly true on the south side of the crescent-shaped Bunaken Island, lying in the heart of the park.

A snorkler or diver in the vicinity of Lekuan or Fukui may spot over 33 species of butterfly fish and numerous types of groupers, damsels, wrasses and gobies. The gobies, smallish fish with bulging eyes and modified fins that allow them to attach to hard surfaces, are the most diverse but least known group of fish in the park. Biologists believe that the abundance of hard corals is crucial in maintaining the high levels of diversity in the park. Hard corals are the architects of the reefs, without them, numerous marine organisms would be homeless and hungry. Many species of fish are closely associated with particular types of corals (folious, branching, massives, etc.) for shelter and egg-laying. Others, like the enormous Bumphead Parrotfish, Balbometopon muricatum, are "coralivores" and depend on hard corals for their sustenance. Bony mouth parts fused into an impressive "beak" allow these gregarious fish to crunch corals like roasted peanuts. Some 20,000 people live on the natural resources of Bunaken National Marine Park.

Although there are inevitable conflicts between resource protection and use by people, the Indonesian government is taking a fairly unusual and pragmatic approach to park management. The idea is to promote wise resource use while preventing overexploitation. Local communities, government officials, dive resort operators, local nature groups, tourists and scientists have played an active role in developing exclusive zones for diving, wood collection, fishing and other forms of utilization. If successful, Bunaken Marine Park will stand as an important example of how Sulawesi, and the rest of Indonesia, can work to protect its natural resources.

Toba Lake & Samosir Island

2009-07-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

Lake Toba

Lake Toba lies in the northern part of Barisan Mountain Range, which is volcanic and traverses Sumatra Island from northwest to southeast as its backbone. The water surface of Lake Toba is 905 m above sea level and about 1,100 km² wide. The total area of the lake, including the areas of Samosir and Paradapur Islands, amounts to 1,780 km². The mountains around the lake are called Batak Highlands. The only draining river from L. Toba, the Asahan, flows southeastwards dissecting the gentle slopes of the pyroclastic plateau.

Samosir island

Samosir Island , in the middle of Lake Toba is the home of Batak people. The population of Samosir Island is approximately 130.568, or 91 per square kilometer . The island measures 45 by 20 km, and originally was a peninsula. It only became a peninsula after the Dutch arrived and dug a canal across the small piece of land of 200 metres in 1906. This action seemed to have a lot to do among the local population, because they thought the island would slip away towards the middle of the lake and simply dissappear. The eastern coast of the island rises steeply from a small bank towards a central plateau with an altitude of 780 metres. This gradually descends towards the southern and western coast of the island and is scattered with small villages which dangerously lean against the rock, and cross ravains. The Samosir plateau mainly is clear rock, with some scattered forests, swamps and a small lake.
The Batak people love their lake and island, and many traditional local songs are written about it. You are sure to hear some of these Batak songs on visit to Samosir island Lake Toba, singing is a strong part of the local culture walk past a toddy shop any evening after local men have consumed a few glasses of Tuak, or palm wine , and hear it for your self. Lissoi is their saying for cheers. There are also some fine woodcarvers on Samosir Island, as a glance at any of the souvenir shops will verify.

Nias Island

Isolated yet worldy, the Nias Island chain has been trading with other cultures, other islands, and even mainland Asia since prehistory. Some historians and archaeologists have cited the local culture as one of the few remaining Megalithic cultures in existence today. While this point of view is hotly debated, there is no doubt that Nias' relative geographic isolation has created a unique culture. As a culture of traders, the people of Nias find tourists to be a welcome - and historically familiar - phenomenon.

Nias best known for its remarkable diversity of festivals and celebration. The most well known events are War Dances, performed regularly for tourists, and Stone Jumping, a manhood ritual that sees young men leaping over two meter stone towers to their fate. In the past the top of the stone board is covered with spikes and sharp pointed bamboo. The music of Nias, performed mostly by women, is noted worldwide for its haunting beauty.

Gunungsitoli is home to Nias's only museum, the Museum Pusaka Nias (Nias Heritage Foundation), which houses over 6000 objects related to Nias's cultural heritage. The museum had recently built a new building and had improved their storage and exhibitions when the 2004 earthquake and tsunami occurred. The museum suffered some damage to the grounds and collections, but museum staff are working to recover from this devastating event.

Nias Tradisional House

The traditional house from Nias is constructed from various types of heavy tropical woods, and without the use of any nails. It is built on poles and has a characteristically tall roof. The traditional house has made Nias the focus of attention, for quite a few international architects, who come to study this form of construction.

The house is built in accordance with the traditional structure of society, almost like a micro cosmos of the world in its ideal form. The size and shape is determined by the social status of the owners and the floors are built on varying elevations, in accordance with the class division within the nobility, the bourgeois and ordinary citizens. It has been argued that the outer form was inspired by the Dutch merchant ships of the early seventeenth century, this could relate to the influence of the very first trading connections that occurred with the local population and how it left a lasting impression on the society and culture in general.

Surfing At Nias Island

Nias is an internationally famous surfing destination. The best known surfing area is Sorake Bay, close to the town ofTeluk Dalam, on the southern tip. Enclosed by the beaches of Lagundri and Sorake, the bay has both left and right-hand breaks. As they wait for waves, surfers can often see sea turtles swimming below. There are also two consistent, world-class waves in the nearby Hinako Islands, Asu and Bawa. Many lesser-known, high-quality surf spots with low crowds await adventurous travelers.

Mentawai Island

Located in the middle of Indian Ocean, takes 9 hours trip from West Sumatra-Mentawai glowing with all the nature spirits and make it an extraordinary escaping spot from a hectic life. Mentawai is the natural habitat for 16 endemic species, and some of them categorized as endangered species e.g. Simakobu monkey.

Mentawai people categorized from Neolithic era and they have a strong believe in nature spirit, for their life strongly affected by nature. They believe that nature is the center of life. All the genuine attributes make Mentawai a perfect place to gain cultural experiences, here you will notice a very fascinating and indigenous culture. The entire culture attributes strongly reflects their respect to nature.

Among the surfers, Mentawai is the best place to fill their demand for challenges and natures beauty. The beaches offer one of the highest wave in the world, 3 to 4 meters, totally challenge your gut. Next you will paddle out to the worlds best surf. Dont call your self Surfer if you havent ride Mentawais waves said most of the surfer to expressed their surfing experiences in Mentawai

Komodo Island

2009-06-09T07:39:00.001-07:00

Komodo Nasional Park

The Komodo National Park is a national park in Indonesia located near the Lesser Sunda Islands in the border region between the provinces of East Nusa Tenggara and West Nusa Tenggara. The park includes the three larger islands Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller ones, and a total area of 1817 km² (603 km² of it land). The national park was founded in 1980 in order to protect the Komodo dragon. Later it was dedicated to protecting other species, including marine species. The islands of the national park are of volcanic origin. About 4000 people live within the park. In 1991 the national park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Scuba diving is popular Komodo National Park because of its high marine biodiversity, including whale sharks, ocean sunfish, manta rays, eagle rays, pygmy seahorse, false pipefish, clown frogfish, nudibranchs, blue-ringed octopus, sponges, tunicates, and coral.

Since 1995, the national park authority has been supported by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), an American environmental organization. A new management plan was co-authored with TNC and implemented in 2000 to address the problem of increasing resource exploitation, both marine and terrestrial. Most pressure on marine resources originates from fishing communities and commercial enterprises from outside the park. However, regulations and restrictions on resource use impact mostly on park residents, who have few options to make a living but rely on what the park has to offer. The provision of alternative livelihoods is part of the overall management strategy, but communities within the park are yet to benefit from appropriate measures addressing their needs.

The development of – largely marine-based – ecotourism is the main strategy to make the park self-financing and generate sufficient revenue through entrance fees and tourism licenses to cover operational and managerial costs. To this end, a joint venture between TNC and a tourism operator were granted a tourism concession, that also entails extensive park management rights. This concession has generated an ongoing controversy. The joint venture has been accused of making decisions behind closed doors, and many people in and around Komodo claim that they haven’t been consulted regarding decisions that ultimately affect their lives.

Most controversy, however, was caused by the death of several fishermen since the 1980s. The circumstances of the fishermen’s deaths are contested. While park patrol (including, at the time, police and navy personnel) claim they acted in self-defense, fishing communities accuse park management of having deliberately killed the fishermen.

Komodo National Park remains an awe-inspiring experience for tourists and travelers, but the conflict between park management, TNC and local communities continues unabated.

Senggigi Beach

Senggigi is the main tourist strip of the Indonesia island of Lombok, stretched out along the several kilometers of the beachfront, just to the north of the capital Mataram. The site of a building frenzy in the late 1990s when Lombok was hyped to be the next Bali , the communal violence of 2000 and the 2002 Bombing Bali dealt Senggigi a severe blow, with tourist numbers declining precipitously and many construction projects halted.

Mount Rinjani & Segara Anak Crater Lake

Standing at a majestic 3726 m, Mt. Rinjani located in the North of Lombok, is the second highest peak in Indonesia. For the people of Lombok, Sasak and Balinese alike, this mountain is a sacred place where, at the summit, the holy gods live.

A large crater lake Segara Anak, located at 2000 m above sea level is the destination of many pilgrims, who make the annual trek up the steep slopes in order to place offerings to the gods in the lake itself. Within this breathtaking crater lake has appeared a new and active volcano, Mt. Barujari. On the north side of the lake is a hot spring (one of 4 Segara Anak hot springs found there) which is said to cure disease.

To climb such an impressive mountain is an unforgettable experience. Starting points for such a trek can begin at Senaru in the North (or from Sembalun from the east) ‑ this two or three day trek attacks Rinjani from the West with a descent to the awesome crater lake before again climbing up and out and on to the summit.

A model for ecotourism in Indonesia, the community-based activities are focused on the Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru, the most popular starting point for the tough trek. Developed with New Zealand Government assistance since 1999, the Rinjani Trek Centre embodies under one roof (satu atap) the unique partnership of the National Park, tourism industry and local communities that has been forged to manage and protect the Rinjani mountain environment.

Rinjani volcano towers over the beautiful island of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara province. Rising from the sparkling rice terraces to a dizzying height of 3,726 meters, it is the second-highest volcanic peak in Indonesia.

Only Gunung Kerinci in Sumatra is higher, at 3805 metres. Unlike the smooth cones of Bali and Java, Rinjani is more a massif than a single peak: the huge crater is some six kilometres across, and shelters a deep lake.

Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok rises to 3726 m, second in height among Indonesian volcanoes only to Sumatra's Kerinci volcano. Rinjani has a steep-sided conical profile when viewed from the east, but the west side of the compound volcano is truncated by the 6 x 8.5 km, oval-shaped Segara Anak caldera. The western half of the caldera contains a 230-m-deep lake whose crescentic form results from growth of the post-caldera cone Barujari at the east end of the caldera. Historical eruptions at Rinjani dating back to 1847 have been restricted to Barujari cone and consist of moderate explosive activity and occasional lava flows that have entered Segara Anak lake.

The whole of the Rinjani area was gazetted as a national park in 1997, and the mountain is one of the mostprized trekking destinations in Southeast Asia. Rinjani is located in a caldera 2.4 km by 4.8 km in size. There are two active centres located in the eastern part of caldera - Barujari and Rombongan cones. Segara Anak Lake is situated inside the caldera.

Kraton Yogyakarta Central Culture of The Javanese People

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Kraton Yogyakarta

A calm yet elegant Javanese heritage that consists of two separate entrances: the Main CourtPagilaran & Siti Hinggil, and the Residence. The Main Court showcases the grandeur of Sultan's monarchy, while the Residence is more homey while still exhibiting the royal family's luxurious lifestyle.

Kraton Compleks

The Sri Sultan's palace or Kraton encompasses the main palace, Sultan's residential, two Sultan's grounds, and large residential area where sultan servants used to reside.

Sultan's Carriage Museum (Museum Kereta)

This museum houses Sultan's horse-drawn carriages, including two beautiful carriages imported from the Netherlands and known as Golden Carts (kereta kencana).

Taman Sari

Known by the Dutch name waterkasteel (water castle), this is a partly ruined complex built as a pleasure garden by the first Sultan in 1765. One of the bathing pools was dedicated to the sultan's harem, and he had a tower overlooking the area so he could take his pick.

Siti Hinggil Selatan

This somehow-muted palace is rarely used for formal occasion. You can catch a shadow puppet performance during weekend night.

Alun-Alun

There are two Sultan's grounds: Alun-alun Utara and Alun-alun Selatan or the northern and southern Sultan's ground, consecutively. If you are lucky, you can see the Gerebeg Maulud parade during Prophet Muhammad's birthday.

Masjid Gede Kauman

one of the oldest and largest mosque in Yogyakarta. Located on the west of Alun-alun Utara, this mosque was where the Sultan performs his religious rites and ceremonies. Non-muslim visitors should wear decent clothing. It may be a good idea to ask the mosque authorities prior to entering the mosque due to some rules that must be abide.

Candi ( Ancient Temple )

Candi Prambanan ( Prambanan Temple )

The Prambanan Temple was the biggest Hindu temple in Indonesia. I think this the biggest hindu temple also in the world. 47 metre high central building inside a large complex of individual temples, was built in 10 century during the reigns of two kings namely Rakai Pikatan and Rakai Balitung. This temple location was approximately 17 km east of Yogyakarta direction in the great side of the road headed to Solo.
The temple it self has 3 main temple. The Siwa Temple (middle), The Brahma Temple (south), the Wisnu Temple (north). In the front was located the Wahana Temple (the vehicle) as the Trimurti vehicle; the Angsa Temple was the Brahma vehicle (the God of the Guard), the Nandi Temple (the Buffalo) was the Siwa vehicle (the God of the Destroyer) and the Garuda Temple was the Wisnu vehicle (the God of the Creator).

In the wall of the fence of the Siwa temple and the temple of Brahma was engraved relief the Ramayana story, whereas in the fence of the Wisnu temple was engraved by Krisnayana story.

Candi Kalasan ( Kalasan Temple )

Candi Kalasan is located not far from Prambanan, around 2 km to the west from Prambanan or 14 km to the east from Yogyakarta. This candi is on the south side of the Prambanan-Yogyakarta main road. It is the oldest Buddhist temple in Yogyakarta. Constructed in late 7th century (778 AD) by Rakai Panangkaran from Sanjaya Dinasty. He was Hindu but he built a Buddhist temple, thus it reflects peacefully religion life during that time. The relief carved in this candi are known to be the most beautiful. The wall is covered by ancient white cement called bajralepa. Candi Kalasan was built to adore Dewi Tara (Tara Godess). A Boddhisatva bronze statue used to be placed inside the candi, but this statue is not there anymore.

Candi Sari ( Sari Temlple )

Candi Sari is located not far from Candi Kalasan, estimated 600 m to north-east from Candi Kalasan. This candi was built as an ancient Buddhist monk dormitory. Inside the candi, there are two floors with three rooms on each floor. The reliefs is similar with Candi Kalasan's and the wall is also covered with bajralepa. There are Boddhisatva and Tara Godess carved beside the windows that show us the relation between Candi Kalasan and Candi Sari. The unique rooftop consists of 9 stupas in grid. The holes in some areas shows that woods was used to complete the construction. This candi is predicted to be build in the same era with Candi Kalasan.

Bromo-Tengger-Semeru Nasional Park

The one and only Indonesian conservatory, in which having a unique sand-ocean for about 5.250 hectares, and lies on ± 2.100 meters sea level. Sand-ocean is the main tourism spot. In this cool air we can see the wide desert and grassy sphere. While the most awaited from mount Bromo is the sightview of sunrise and sunset, where those two nature phenomenon can be depicted very clearly from mount Bromo. Though the journey to Bromo is quite dusty, but still it feels worthed compared to the beauty sceneries served.

As for the Bromo’s origins, the Suku Tengger ( the Tengger Tribe), Mount Bromo is believed as a sacred mountain. Once in a year the Tengger Tribe is holding a Yadnya or Kasodo ceremony. This ceremony is held in a Pura ( Hinduist sacred temple) in the hillside of the mountain then continued to the top of the mountain.

Kasada Ceremony at Mt. Bromo

On the fourteenth day of the Month Kasada, the inhabitants of Tengger Mountain range gather at the rim of Mount Bromo's active crater to present annual offerings of rice, fruit, vegetables, flowers, live stock and other local produce to the God of the Mountain. As adherents of religion combining elements of Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism the Tenggerese ask for blessing from the supreme God Hyang Widi Wasa. The Kasada ceremony opens with the inauguration of the honored members ofTenggerese society. Followed by a classical ballet performance which recounts thelegend of Roro Anteng and Joko Seger at the open theatre in the village of Ngadisari. At midnight is the inauguration of new priest at the Poten on the sand sea of Mt. Bromo.

Bali The Paradise Island

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Bali is famous for its culture and beautiful natural view. The culture is so unique and nowhere else to be found in the world. The view is dominated by beautiful rice field terraces, coconuts and rain forest as the main occupation of Balinese is farmer.
The culture and the nature have a strong relation with Hindu, their religion. Everywhere you go, you may see many Hindu temples. And their life is also strongly related with and influenced by their religion. This is the reason why Bali is called the Island of God, the Island of Thousand Temples, and the Paradise Island.

Interesting Places In Bali

Ubud Village

Ubud - Beauty, natural, exclusive and exotic. That is the characteristic of the well known artists' colony in the world. Many people (most students, researchers, and scientists besides common people) from all over the world come to this place to explore its interesting features.

Kintamani

The spectacular mountainous region around Kintamani with its deep crater lake and bubbling hot springs, make this region a must to visit. Lake Batur is the largest lake in Bali and the region offers some of the most spectacular views to be found anywhere on the island. Lake Batur also provides water for an underground network of streams and springs across the southern slopes of the mountain.
The district is the earliest known kingdom in Bali, dating from the tenth century. The evenings get cool up here but it's well worth the stay overnight to climb the volcano and watch the sunrise.

Sangeh

Sangeh is the famous Monkey Forest, set in heart of the only primary forest in southern Bali. This forest consists entirely of pala (nutmeg) tree. The monkeys living here are considered sacred and hence used to make barong.

Tampak Siring

The temple of Pura Tirta Empul is built around the sacred spring at Tampaksiring. Over 1000 years old, the temple and its two bathing places have been used by the people for good health and prosperity because of the spring water's curative powers. Regular ceremonies are held for purification. Specialties of the area are bone and ivory carvings, and seashell ornaments.

Kuta

Once a lonely village on the road from Denpasar toward the Bukit Peninsula. It is a beach for surfing although currents make it less suitable for swimming. Coast guards, however, are on constant duty during the day. Kuta faces toward the west offering beautiful sunsets. It is easier to find regular performances of Balinese music and dance in Kuta. The village is ideal for meeting and mixing with other people, locals as well as visitors from abroad.

Nusa Dua

The Nusa Dua tourist resort is part of the Bukit Peninsula in southern Bali. Some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels are found here. The resort is known for its clean white beaches and clear waters. The surf is gentle along the northern side of the peninsula, bigger along the south.

Sanur

Sanur beach has long been a popular recreation site for people from Denpasar. The palm-lined beach curves from the Bali Beach Hotel toward the south, facing the Indian Ocean towards the east. Offshore reefs protect the beach against the waves to make it popular for wind surfing, boating and other water sports.

Popular Temple In Bali

Besakih Temple

Known as the "Mother Temple of Bali", the sanctuary of Besakih on the slopes of Mt. Agung is the biggest and holiest of all Balinese temples. Over a thousand years old, steps ascend through split gates to the main courtyard where the Trinity shrines are wrapped in cloth and decorated with flowers.
Around the three main temples dedicated to the Trinity: Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu, are 18 separate sanctuaries belonging to different regencies and caste groups.
To the Balinese, a visit to the temples sanctuaries is a special pilgrimage. Each has its own anniversary celebration or "Odalan". The sight of the temple against the background of the mountain is impressive and during festivals, colored banners add a touch of gaiety.

Tanah Lot Temple

One of Bali's most important sea temples, Tanah Lot is built a top a huge rock which is surrounded by the sea. Built by one of the last priests to come to Bali from Java in the 16th century, its rituals include the paying of homage to the guardian spirits of the sea.
Poisonous sea snakes found at the base of the rocky island are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruder. The best time to see Tanah Lot is in the late afternoon when the temple is in silhouette.

Uluwatu Temple

South Bali on Bukit Badung. This cliff top temple, dedicated to the spirits of the sea, has spectacular views and is popular for viewing sunsets. The famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple is an architectural marvel situated on headland at the western tip to the plateau. According to local tradition, the first Uluwatu temple was built in the 11th century, In the 16th century, it was rebuilt into its current state. The temple has some of the most exquisite architecture in Bali. The carvings made in the unusually hard coral stone have withstood time well.

Balinese Popular Dances

Kecak Dance

The Kecak is an unusual Balinese dance for a couple of reasons. First, there is no musical accompaniment. The gamelan is not there. Rhythm is provided by a chanting 'monkey' chorus. The polyrhythmic sound of the chanting provides the name, 'Ke-chak'.

Barong Dance

If black magic prevails, a village fails into danger, and extensive purification ceremonies become necessary to restore a proper equilibrium for the health of the community. Dramatic art is also a mea of cleansing the village by strengthening its resistance to harmful forces through offerings, prayers and acts of exorcism. Such is the symbolic play of the two remarkable presences-the Barong and Rangda. Barong, a mystical creature with a long swaybackand curved tail, representstheaffirmative, the protector of mankind, the glory of the high sun, and the lavorable spirits associated with the right and.white magic.

Legong Keraton

In legends, Legong is the heavenly dance of divine nymphs. Of all classical Balinese dances, it remains the quintessence of feminity and grace. Girls from the age of five aspire to be selected to represent the comonity as Legong dancers.

Balinese Cremation Ceremony

Cremation or Ngaben Ceremony is one of the spectacular Balinese Hindu rituals which is executed to return dead soul to the heaven by burning the dead body in the funeral and followed by Hindu ritual procession. It is a part of honorable to the ancestor and returns the body to the resources. This ceremony is very unique with beautiful dead body casket which is called Bade or Wadah and the Balinese ornament patch on it. The dead body it self is burned or cremate in the funeral in purpose of returning the five elements of body to the resources. In this site, we present the photo of Cremation or Ngaben Ceremony in procession to the funeral.

Jakarta the old Town

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As the centre of all activities and one of the gates to enter Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta provides many of entertainments to be enjoyed, including its historical inheritance, as the result of culture acculturation. Because of that, Jakarta can’t forget its history. The cultural inheritance of Jakarta can be seen from many aspects, such as historical buildings, cultures, and arts. Also could represent the typical and representative style period as well as it was considered had the important value for the history, science and culture.

The long history of the city of Jakarta has noted, that the historical old buildings, contain ample of memories of the past and constitute and evidence of the course of development of the city. The existing evidences of historical works also reflect the strife of the communities of their age in developing Jakarta, making this city own an identity different from the one of the other cities in Indonesia. Event today, the historical heritage is rightly as a motivating force, encouraging creativity and inspiring the younger generation to do better for sustainability of the development of Jakarta.

The Important Sites in Jakarta Old Town

As important settlement, urban center, and the center of commerce in Asia since 16th century, Oud Batavia is home of several important historical sites and buildings.

The Port of Sunda Kelapa

Located at the mouth of the ciliwung river, formally Sunda Kelapa was a harbour town where the portuguese traded with the pajajaran kingdom in the early 16 th Century. When the Dutch domination of Indonesia they begin from this area. And old Dutch building can still be seen.

Museum Bahari

These former Dutch East Indies warehouses contain objects related to seafaring and the spice trade.

Fatahillah Square

Fathillah Square located in North Of Jakarta It Was Popular Historical site in Jakarta, because there are many Museum arround here and now it's known as Old Town Object. there are puppet museum, cramics museum, arround here. so many photographer visited this place.

Fatahillah Museum

Also called the Museum of Old Batavia, Fatahillah Museum occupies the old town hall and contains artifacts, weapons and an old jail.

Wayang Museum

This museum exhibits a great many wayang kulit, two-dimensional puppets used in the ancient art of Javanese storytelling.

Museum of Fine Art and Ceramics

This galerry displays paintings, sculptures and ceramics from Indonesia's greatest artist.

Glodok

Its jakarta china town and bussiness district famous of this shop. and you can find also chinese medicines there.

Interesting Sites In Jakarta

National Monument

The National Monument, or "Monas" as it is popularly called, was built to commemorate Indonesia's independence. The 137-meter tall marble obelisk is topped with a flame coated with 35 kg of gold. The base houses a historical museum and a hall for meditations. The monument is open to the public and upon request the lift can carry visitors to the top, which offers a bird's eye view on the city and the sea.

Museum Nasional

In 1778, the Batavia Society for Arts and Science established what would become, after many expansions and name changes, the world-famous National Museum.

Ragunan Zoo

The zoo was established in 1864 and moved to its present location in 1966. It is inhabited by 295 species and 4,040 specimens.

The Park Of Beautifull Indonesia in Miniatur

Its a park showing the diversity of the indonesian archipelago, there are some atraction in this park, The Keong mas Theatre,the Bird Park, The Art and Handicraft Village, The Cactus Park, the orchid garden , and model of Tradisional houses. There are some museum displays Puppets , jewellery, weddong customs and tradisionalTextoles wich show the rich culture of Indonesia.

Ancol Dreamland

Eciting for relaxation and entertainment, there is the art market, its show the current of developmentIndonesian Art Forms, and its sell all shorts of hand made souvenirs. there are many small restaurant offering good food and drinks.

Taman Ismail Marzuki

The jakarta art center or the focal point of cultures, and academy of arts, an aechieve building and a planetarium. You can see Exebition,music and poetry recitals,dance with performances of folk arts or drama from the various regions of Indonesia.

Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands)

The Thousand Islands or Kepulauan Seribu consist of around 340 isles, including sand bars. Set in a clean blue sea filled with myriad of tropical fish living among multicolored corals, the Thousand Islands are tremendously tempting places to spenc your vacation. Some of them have been developed into holiday resorts for real lovers of sea, sand and sun.

Furnished with ample, holiday comforts such as accommodation, restaurants, pools and other sport facilities it is an ideal place for a change from the routinism of your life. For water sports and underwater world lovers, it's a paradise.

People and Culture

Jakarta has its own special Betawi culture, which the influences reached the city’s shores over the centuries. Along process of selectively borrowing and uniquely blending Chinese, Arab, Portuguese and Dutch elements with native ingenuity has produces the colorful. The word “Betawi” is derived from Batavia, the old name of the capital during the Dutch administration. Java, Sumatra’s, Bali and Sulawesi, hailing from Papua and Kalimantan, home of the Dayaks and one of the largest rainforests in the world it is part of the city dominant populations. Over the centuries, these groups have kept their cultural roots, yet some have also intermixed, including with non-Indonesians, to form a special group of their own known as Orang Betawi.

Borobudur - One of the World Wonder Heritages

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At the time of it's finding the temple was buried, it was buried because of Merapi explosion. It was based on Kalkutta inscription with the writing 'Amawa' that means sea of milk. The Sanskrit word was used to describe the occurrence of disaster. This Buddhist temple has 1460 relief panels and 504 Buddha effigies in its complex. Millions of people are eager to visit this building as one of the World Wonder Heritages. It is not surprising since architecturally and functionally, as the place for Buddhists to say their prayer, Borobudur is attractive. Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of Old Mataram Kingdom, the descendant of Sailendra dynasty. Based on Kayumwungan inscription, an Indonesian named Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur was a place for praying that was completed to be built on 26 May 824, The name of Borobudur means a mountain having terraces (budhara). Borobudur is constructed as a ten-terraces building. The first six terraces are in square form, two upper terraces are in circular form, and on top of them is the terrace where Buddha statue is located facing westward. Each terrace symbolizes the stage of human life. Each terrace has beautiful relief, tell about the legendary story of Ramayana. that was built 3 centuries before Angkor Wat in Cambodia and 4 centuries before the Grand Cathedrals in Europe.With the existing greatness and mystery, it makes sense if many people put Borobudur in their agenda as a place worth visiting in their lives.

Budha Statue and Stupa Borobudur

Relief In Borobudur Wall

Ghost in Borobudur Wall