Photo: Merdeka.com/terasjabar.id

After a long day exploring Riau Province, it’s the perfect time to take a break and enjoy “Laksamana Mengamuk Ice”. The name of this traditional drink from Riau might sound unique. According to legend, the drink's name, which means "The Raging Commander" originates from the time of the Malay kingdom, when a naval commander, or laksamana, went on a rampage in a Kuweni orchard. The commander was furious because his wife had been taken away by the orchard’s owner. In his anger, he slashed his sword in all directions, destroying countless Kuweni fruits. People in the area then gathered the scattered fruit pieces. Unsure of what to do with them, a woman mixed the pieces with coconut milk and palm sugar, creating a refreshing drink later named Laksamana Mengamuk Ice. Another version of the story claims that, in the past, a small amount of chili was added to this sweet drink, causing those who drank it to “go wild” because of the spiciness.  

Laksamana Mengamuk Ice is made with chunks of Kuweni fruit. It is served with a sauce made of coconut milk and either palm sugar or granulated sugar. The addition of pandan leaves gives the drink a fragrant and distinctive aroma. To make it even more refreshing, ice cubes are added before serving. Kuweni fruit is a type of large, fibrous mango with a sweet taste, soft texture, and fragrant aroma.  

Laksamana Mengamuk Ice tastes sweet and refreshing. This drink is often served with other traditional Malay dishes, such as Bacah Daging, a savory dish made from beef. Laksamana Mengamuk Ice is typically enjoyed as a dessert during feasts, when breaking fast, or during major celebrations. On regular days, it is commonly sold by street vendors across Riau. If you ever visit Riau, don’t miss the chance to try this drink. It’s affordable, with prices ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 rupiah or 1 US dollar.  

Photo: wonderfulimages.kemenparekraf.go.id

Banyuwangi never runs out of fascinating tourist destinations, and one of them is De Djawatan Forest. Located in Benculuk Village, Cluring District, Banyuwangi, this 4-hectare forest is managed by Perum Perhutani Banyuwangi Selatan. It offers breathtaking views of giant rain trees that create a magical atmosphere, similar to a fantasy world. The canopy of these ancient trees forms enchanting natural corridors, making it one of the most photogenic spots in East Java.

De Djawatan Forest, which was officially listed as a tourist attraction by the Banyuwangi Regency Tourism Office in June 2018, is only about a 45-minute drive from downtown Banyuwangi and very easily accessible by road. In addition to admiring the beauty of the centuries-old rain trees, visitors can enjoy various exciting activities such as taking photos, picnicking, or even exploring the forest by riding a horse-drawn carriage or horseback.

During the morning and late afternoon, sunlight streaming through the tree branches creates dramatic visual effects, making these the best times to visit.

The facilities at De Djawatan Forest are quite complete. There is a spacious parking area, food stalls offering local dishes, as well as toilets and a prayer room (mushola) for visitor’s convenience. This place is also ideal for families who want to enjoy the natural atmosphere while relaxing. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of every corner of this forest.

Banyu Lawe waterfall is one of the waterfall tours that should not be missed when visiting Madiun district. It is precisely located in Kepel village, Kare, Madiun, East Java province.

Located on the slopes of the Wilis mountains with a cold atmosphere, this place is very beautiful and offers a refreshing and peaceful experience. This waterfall looks like it is waving when seen from a distance, so the local people named it Banyu Lawe waterfall. Banyu lawe means waving water

Banyu Lawe waterfall with a height of approximately 30 meters is surrounded by lush forest, creating a cool and natural atmosphere. The fast and clear flow of water makes this place suitable for soaking or playing in the water. In addition, the sound of gurgling water combined with the chirping of birds makes visitors feel closer to nature.

Access to Banyu Lawe waterfall requires a little effort, because the path to the location is quite challenging. But your journey will be paid off with the extraordinary scenery that awaits at your destination. The trekking route also adds to the exciting adventure experience. This place also offers natural photo spots known as instagrammable. Large rocks around the waterfall are often used as photo backgrounds by visitors.

Although the facilities around the waterfall are not yet complete, tourists can still enjoy their visit. It is advisable to bring your own supplies, especially if you plan to spend more time at this location. Indeed, the calm atmosphere makes the Banyu Lawe waterfall tourist spot a suitable place to escape from the daily hustle and bustle.

Photo: pulauseribu.co.id

The names of islands in Kepulauan Seribu, North Jakarta can sometimes sound strange to us. One of these is Payung Island, a small island located between Tidung Island and Pari Island. The word "payung" means umbrella. It has about 40 households, and is administratively part of Tidung Island village in South Kepulauan Seribu sub-district.  

To reach Payung Island, tourists can take a ferry, which takes about 2.5 to 4 hours depending on the weather and sea conditions. If you take a speedboat, the travel time is much shorter. Once you step off the boat, you can head to the local community area, which also serves as a public space on Payung Island.  

Payung Island is also a popular spot for shallow diving. Activities like snorkelling and banana boating here can even extend to nearby Tidung Island. That’s why, it’s no surprise that Payung Island attracts so many visitors. One of the island's most famous attractions is its beautiful beach and pristine underwater scenery. Even though the sea is shallow, the calm waves and clear water make it a perfect spot for snorkeling enthusiasts. Additionally, the island has a large camping area by the beach, ideal for enjoying a romantic evening under the stars. The island's natural beauty and friendly locals make any vacation here feel truly special.

So, if you’re visiting or planning a trip to Indonesia, especially in Jakarta, make sure to add Payung Island in Kepulauan Seribu to your itinerary.

Photo: dispar.tanahlautkab.go.id

While the Floating Market is the highlight of South Kalimantan tourism, the region also offers a variety of other fascinating attractions, especially for beach lovers. One highly recommended beach destination in South Kalimantan is Takisung Beach. Covering an area of 0.65 hectares, with a length of 85 meters and a width of 80 meters, this beach not only showcases natural beauty but also provides a glimpse into the daily lives of local fishermen. Located about 62.4 kilometers from Banjarbaru, the capital of South Kalimantan, it takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the beach.  

To enter and enjoy the beauty of Takisung Beach, visitors need to buy a ticket, which costs 5,000 rupiah or less than 1 US dollar on regular days and 10,000 rupiah on holidays. Once you arrive, you'll be amazed by the scenic surroundings, where the beach is lined with coconut trees and features soft, brownish sand. You can swim safely here, as the waves are relatively calm. In addition to swimming, you can take a boat ride to Datu Island using a klotok boat, a diesel-powered boat named after the unique "klotok" sound it makes. Datu Island is a small island just off the coast of Takisung Beach.  

Takisung Beach also offers various fun activities. For those looking for an adrenaline rush, you can rent a mini racing motorbike to ride along the beach. The rental fee is around 50,000 rupiah, or about 3 US dollars, for 30 minutes. You can also try the banana boat ride, with tickets costing 20,000 rupiah for adults and 15,000 rupiah for children. The beach area is well-equipped with facilities such as restaurants, parking areas, bathrooms, and cottages, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. 

Photo: jakarta.go.id/kepulauan-seribu

Photo: kemenparekraf.go.id

Rice is the staple food of Indonesian people. No wonder, there are many various kinds of menus made of rice in Indonesia. There is liwet rice cooked with spices. Yellow rice in Java and Bali is distinctive with its yellow color from turmeric. And in North Kalimantan, there is Subut Rice. Unlike other rice menu, Subut Rice is bright purple in color due to the use of sweet potato.

Subut Rice is made from rice cooked with purple yam and corn. The sweetness of the purple sweet potato and corn blends with the savories of the rice. Subut Rice reflects the local wisdom of the people of Tana Tidung Regency, North Kalimantan, who utilize ingredients such as purple sweet potato and sweet corn that are abundant there.  This rice variant is often served at traditional events or celebrations.

Subut Rice is usually served with stingray satay. Before being processed into satay, the stingray meat is soaked first with lime juice to remove the fishy odor. After that, the fish is cleaned, seasoned and grilled until cooked. Along with Subut Rice, sate pari is also served with a dipping sauce made from tomatoes, shallots, sugar and salt. The savory-sweet combination of Subut Rice and sate pari is addictive.

Photo credit: kompasiana

Batujajar Bunker is a relic site found during the Dutch colonial era. It stands in a green area, namely on the banks of the Saguling Reservoir in the Manglid area, Cangkorah, Batujajar district, West Bandung regency, West Java province. This building is right in the middle of the green area of the Saguling reservoir area. Visitors can visit the historical site, while enjoying the view of the beautiful lake that irrigates the reservoir. This tourist area offers stunning natural scenery and an unforgettable travel experience. The clear turquoise-coloured water, surrounded by lush green trees, makes the lake an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers. The trail also allows you to enjoy and see the diversity of local flora and fauna while feeling the cool mountain air.

According to local residents, the bunker located in the Army's military area has existed since the Dutch and Japanese colonial times. The function of the bunker at that time was as a storage place for Army goods such as weapons and so on. The panoramic view of the Saguling reservoir with the Bandung mountains in the background will spoil your eyes. You can also feel the sensation of travelling around the Saguling reservoir on a fishing boat by paying Rp15,000 to Rp20,000 or 1 to 1.5 US dollars. The facilities here are also quite complete with toilets, stalls, and prayer rooms.

To get to Batujajar Bunker, which is about 21 km from the centre of Bandung, it takes about 1.5 hours by car. The location of this bunker is still a hidden gem. Some of the access roads are unpaved and challenging because they are dirt and rocky. The route can only be travelled by two-wheeled vehicles. However, these obstacles can be overcome because along the way to the bunker you will enjoy views of plantations and rice fields. The dry season is the best time to visit this excellent destination in West Bandung. There is no entrance fee for visitors who come to Batujajar Bunker. All the natural beauty of the lake and this exotic old bunker building can be enjoyed for free.  Around the lake there are also many trekking trails that make it easy for you to explore the natural beauty around.

Photo credit: Antara

Indonesian traditional musical instrument angklung mesmerises visitors at the Chigasaki Cross Culture Festival in Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Sunday (8/12/2024).

The festival featured Sri Lestari Dewi Susilowati, who introduced angklung to Japanese people, most of whom had just seen the instrument. During the Cross-Cultural Festival, Sri Lestari said that this way angklung could be better known and attract attention.

Not only introducing the instrument, Sri Lestari also demonstrated how to play angklung and invited visitors to try the instrument themselves.

Not only adults, but children also took to the stage to play along. Each held one angklung with a certain note, playing the harmony of sounds according to instructions.

To encourage more enthusiasm, Sri Lestari also distributed Indonesian snacks, including nastar cookies and candies for those who had tried playing angklung.

According to Sri Lestari, Japanese people should get to know more about Indonesia, not just Bali, which is the most popular among them. She hopes that not only angklung, but musical instruments and cultures from various regions in Indonesia can be recognised among Japanese people.

Indonesian cuisine was also one of the favourites at the Chigasaki Cross Culture Festival, including chicken satay, curry rice and fried noodles. There were long queues as customers waited for their turn to order and taste the culinary delights.

The festival features a variety of cuisines and cultures from various countries, including Indonesia, Spain, Brazil, France and others.