Livestream
Special Interview
Video Streaming
Indonesian Wonder

Indonesian Wonder (604)

14
January

Gegog Rice

Written by
Published in Indonesian Wonder

Trenggalek, a regency in East Java is located on the southern coast of Java Island. The topography of the Trenggalek area is identical to the mountains; one of them is in the Bendungan sub-district, northern area of Trenggalek City. The majority of the people in the sub-district work as farmers. To speed up the work and avoid the heat, they come to the fields as early as possible. The situation has made the housewives creative in preparing fast and delicious lunch. Thus, the idea of making so-called ‘Sego Gegog’ is made.

The name Sego Gegog is an acronym for “Sego Genem Godhong Gedhang” which means rice punel (fluffy and lumpy rice) that is wrapped in banana leaves. In a packet of Gegog rice, there is white rice and its side dish, namely anchovy sauce with a mixture of small tempeh slices. Besides anchovies, there are also people who use tuna and gizzard. Initially, the rice is half cooked, then it is wrapped in banana leaves with the side dish. Afterwards, it is steamed until cooked. Nasi Gegok is wrapped in small pieces. With a small portion, one person can spend 2 to 3 packs of Gegog rice.

When it is eaten, you will immediately smell the aroma of banana leaves. This typical food of Trenggalek is even more delicious, when it is combined with the spicy taste of the side dishes. Usually, the stalls selling this dish also sell fried side dishes, such as fried tempeh, fried tofu and many others. The Gegog rice can be enjoyed at food stalls in Trenggalek sub-district. But if you want to enjoy Gegog rice with an original taste, you can also try it in the Bendungan sub-district. The price of Sego Gegog is from Rp 3000 to Rp 5000/portion.

10
January

If you visit Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, don't forget to stop over at Nunsui Beach which is located near Lasiana and Manikin Beaches in the east of Kupang City, precisely in Oesapa Village, Kelapa Lima District, Kupang City. Nunsui Beach is not difficult to find, because from downtown of Kupang, it only takes about 20 minutes by motor vehicle.

Nunsui Beach by the local people is also known as Batu Nona Beach, because there is a rock shaped like a woman. The location of the rock that resembles a woman is located close to the beach. Visitors can climb to the top of Batu Nona where they can see the beautiful view of Kupang bay from a distance and sunset. While waiting for the sunset, visitors can enjoy the cool air on the beach while sitting on the stone embankment.

For visitors who like fishing, this embankment is often used as a place for fishing. The length of this rock is like the separator between Batu Nona Beach and Lasiana Beach. Along Batu Nona, visitors can also see the activities of Kupang City’s residents, such as playing ball, looking for fish at low tide or even coming to this beach just to play. If you are tired of playing, swimming and enjoying the beauty of Nunsui Beach, you can sunbathe while enjoying the snacks offered by traders around the beach, such as grilled corn, pressed bananas or fresh young coconut ice.

12
January

West Java is very rich in stunning natural beauty. One of the tourism destinations that you should visit if you are in West Java is Pangalengan Sky Park. The park is a new tourism destination introduced at the end of 2020. This tourisattraction offers natural beauty and a wide expanse of tea gardens. The cool air and green grass are very appropriate location for refreshing for a moment from the city hustle and bustle. In addition, here, it is also a good place to take selfies with beautiful scenery as a background. One of the spots, such as the viewing post, is a favorite place for visitors to capture their beautiful moments.


If you are a connoisseur of beautiful sunrises or sunsets, Pangalengan Sky Park is also very suitable because you can enjoy both of them here. In the morning, it is foggy and cloudy and it surrounds the plantation, and makes the atmosphere as if you are in the sky. Meanwhile, towards dusk, you will feel a serene nuance here while enjoying a warm drink. If you want to sleep under the starry sky, a camping ground is also provided here. If you don't bring a camping tent, you don't need to worry because the park also provides the camping tent for rental. Public facilities, such as toilets, food stalls and parking spaces are also available here. So, you don't have to worry if you don't bring food or don't bring enough drinking water.

Pangalengan Sky Park is located in Sukaluyu Village, Pangalengan District, Bandung, West Java. The distance from the center of Bandung is about 60 km, which can be reached in 2 hours by motorized vehicle. Pangalengan Sky Park is open 24 hours a day and implements health protocols even though it is an open-air tourist destination. Your safety, comfort and health are the main keys to enjoying your vacation with your family.

07
January

Pasambahan dance is one of the traditional dances  of Minangkabau that develops in many regions in the province of West Sumatra. The dance is performed at the welcoming ceremony as a greeting dance and an expression of respect to the guests of honor. Besides, the Pasambahan dance is also often performed at weddings to welcome the bride and groom. When the guests of honor or the bride and groom enter the room, the dancers usually carry a nobility umbrella and cover the guests or brides to their seat as a sign of respect.

Dancers of Pasambahan dance  are generally women. They are colorfully dressed with accessories and headdresses. They also dance gracefully following the accompaniment of traditional Minangkabau musical instruments, namely Talempong and Gendang. Talempong is a traditional percussion of typical instrument of the Minangkabau tribe. It is made of brass or wood. The shape is a circle with a diameter of 15 to 17.5 centimeters; there is a hole at the bottom while at the top, there is a protruding circle with a diameter of five centimeters as a place to hit.

After the Pasambahan dance is performed, the program continues with the presentation of betel leaves in a carano, a kind of tray filled with betel leaves to the guests. At the time of the wedding ceremony, the betel leaf treats are given to the parents of the groom as a representative of the entourage. The betel leaf in the carano is also usually served to the parents of the bride and groom. This is a symbol of the hospitality of the Minang people and also a symbol that the Minang people accept and want to establish friendships with guests who come. Pasambahan dance used to be an exclusive dance as a welcoming dance. However, now its function has changed. The dance is now used not only to welcome the guests, but also to entertain the present people.

05
January

If you want to have a new adventurous experience at the beginning of this new year, maybe Ciampea lime mountain can be your next adventure destination. The mountain, which was used to be a former limestone mine, has been transformed into a tourism destination whose view is beautiful enough. Located in Ciampea, Bogor, West Java, this limestone mountain has three peaks, namely Batu Roti, Galau, and Lalana.  The highest peak is Lalana Peak which is located at an altitude of 385 meters above sea level. The height of Lalana Peak is low for a mountain, but you have to be physically fit because the terrain that must be traversed to the top is quite steep. However, this limestone mountain is quite recommended for inexperienced climbers.


In addition to its strange tracking, Ciampea lime mountain also has a special area for camping provided for visitors to set up tents. Even more unique, this camping ground tends to resemble a helicopter pad. This campground is quite large because it can accommodate as many as 15-20 tents. This tourism spot is not only for trekking and camping, but also for exploring its own charm. According to the local residents, the area has more than 20 caves. This natural phenomenon is often the object of research for archeologists. One of the most famous caves in Ciampea lime mountain is AC Cave.

For the entrance ticket price at this Ciampea lime mountain, you will be charged Rp5,000 per person. If you bring personal motor vehicles, such as a motorbike, you will be charged a parking fee worth Rp5,000, and a car Rp 10,000. The facilities in this tourism destination are also quite complete, clean and adequate, such as a prayer room and toilet. If you don't bring a tent, the management provides a tent for rent with a fairly cheap price. If you want to visit this tourism spot, don't forget to always comply with health protocols namely wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands.

03
January

The Roah Segare Tradition is a form of gratitude to the God for the fishing community at Kuranji Dalang Village due to  abundant marine products. The Roah Segare is held every Muharram month in the Hijri calendar. They have carried out this tradition from generation to generation until now in a bid to avoid all kinds of calamities.

The Roah Segare procession begins with the recitation of BarzanjiSelakaran (doing dhikr and sholawat of the Prophet Muhammad together, while standing, and forming a circle), and also a prayer to AllahThen, it is continued by praying for Dulang Penamat (offerings) to be taken to the beach. The Dulang is then thrown into the sea. The floating process is a symbol of the fishing community's gratitude for the abundant marine products. In this tradition, there are several customary provisions that must be carried out. For example, fishermen are not allowed to go to sea to look for fish for three days after the Roah Segare ritual takes placeThis is intended to give the sea time to recover for a moment, after all this time being taken by fishermen. If this rule is violated, the local community believes, fishermen will get into troubleAfter three days, fishermen can go to sea with new hope and enthusiasm, namely to get an abundant catch.

After the procession is completed, the community and guests are served with the food that has been prayed for. They do the Begibung tradition or eat together in one large container or tray. Eating together is a form of togetherness and kinship for the fishermen on Kuranji Beach. Roah Segare is now not just a tradition. This tradition of Lombok people continues to be carried out and developed as one of the tourism icons in West Lombok.

30
December

Nasi Tus-Tus

Written by
Published in Indonesian Wonder

If in some other regions across Indonesia, the rice crust is immediately thrown away. But, it is different in Manado, North Sulawesi. The local people actually turn the rice crust into delicious food by making ‘Nasi Tus-Tus’ or Tus-Tus Rice. In Manado language, Nasi Tus-Tus itself means rice crust. It is the main ingredient of rice baked in a bowl. Before baking, the white rice is covered with shredded skipjack tuna and of course, it’s Manado’s style spicy chili sauce.

Before tasting Nasi Tus-Tus, stir the rice first. The mixture of fish and chili sauce makes the red-brown rice dish, similar to fried rice. This dish will taste more delicious if eaten with Tamarind Fish whose sour taste is obtained from sliced green tomatoes. In addition to Tamarind Fish, you can also eat Nasi Tus-Tus with squid Woku Ink. Woku is a Manadonese style of cooking that consists of many spices, including scallions, shallots, garlic, basil leaves, ginger, and lime leaves.

For those of you who are interested in enjoying this culinary, please visit Manado, if the condition is conducive. There are many restaurants that sell this special culinary. The price of Nasi Tus-Tus is relatively cheap; it’s only from Rp 30,000 to Rp 40,000/portion. But if you taste this culinary with other side dishes, of course you have to pay more.

27
December

Malang City, as one of the regencies in East Java is indeed famous for its many natural attractions, which is very tempting for tourists to visit. Its geographical location, which is in the highlands, makes Malang City have a cool air. In this city, you will be spoiled with various types of interesting recreational areas; one of which is Kletekan Bay.   

Kletekan Bay is located in Lenggoksono Hamlet, Purwodadi Village, Triyudo, Malang Regency, East Java. Getting to Kletekan Bay takes a long time and is certainly exhausting. When you arrive at Lenggoksono Hamlet, Purwodadi Village, you can choose the route you want. First from Lenggoksono Beach, you can rent a fishing boat, with a rental price per person of around IDR 50,000. In addition, you can walk through the path or ride a motorcycle. Through this route, the cost is cheaper but it is quite dangerous and quite challenging for your adrenaline.

The Kletekan bay attraction is open 24 hours every day, including weekends. If you want to rent a boat, you have to come around 7 am. Entering Teluk Kletekan, you don't need to pay an entrance ticket. Kletekan Bay presents a beautiful view, which you will not find anywhere else. The depth of sea water here ranges from 4 to 7 meters. In this bay, you can do many activities; one of which is snorkeling. Kletekan Bay is also famous for its beautiful underwater life. At a depth of 7 meters, sunlight can still shine on the bottom so that you can see colorful corals and fish. After being tired of snorkeling and doing various activities in Kletekan Bay, in the afternoon you can see the beautiful orange sky combined with the blue sea water, this sight will surely amaze you.

23
December

Iket Sunda

Written by
Published in Indonesian Wonder

Besides traditional clothes, every region in Indonesia also has a typical headband, or usually called ‘Iket’. Take for example, in Central Java, there is Blangkon as a complement of men's traditional clothes. In Bali, the headband is called ‘Udeng’. While in West Java, it is known as ‘Iket Sunda’. The existence of Iket is as complementary of men's traditional clothes or "Anggoan Pameget" which has high esthetic value. There are various kinds of Iket Sunda and they have deep philosophy.

Iket comes from the Sundanese language which means 'tie'. In ancient times, Iket reflected class in society so that it was clear the difference in the position of a man in everyday life. Philosophically, Iket means Sauyunan (bond) in a single life. Like a palm-stick, if forms into a single knot, a broom will be able to clean anything. Likewise, if humans act individually, of course it's hard to face a problem. Iket also indicates that the user does not want to be separated from Kasundaan's identity. Iket is made of cloth in the form of a square that has four corners. The four corners have the meaning as kereteg haté (kereteg = feelings or sounds that arise automatically, haté = heart. Kereteg haté is defined as intention, speech (oral), behavior (attitude), and body which is then folded in half to form an isosceles triangle with three corners. The three angles reflect three principles, tritangtu of equality in social life, namely the tritangtu consisting of rishi (religious leader), rama (people's leader) and perebu (regional leader).

Based on its history, Iket is divided into two major parts: Iket Buhan (Baheula Iket) and Iket Kiwar (modern or practical Iket). Iket Buhun is an Iket model from ancient elders in the Pasundan area and is formed from rectangular cloth that is folded according to special rules and forms an Iket model, such as Barangbang Semplak, Julang Ngapak, Parekos Jengkol and Buaya Ngangsar. The shape and model of the Kiwari Iket resembles the Buhun Iket. However, it has undergone several changes following the development of fashion, such as Iket Candra Sumirat, Iket Maung Leumpang, Iket Praktis Parekos, Iket Praktis Makuta Wangsa, Iket Proktis Manca Putra and Iket Batu Kincir.

22
December

Banggai Laut is one of regencies in Central Sulawesi province which always offers natural charm, beginning from waterfalls until amazing beaches. In today’s edition, I am going to introduce you to Bone Bulusan Beach. The beach which is located in Kelapa Lima village, South Banggai district, Central Sulawesi province, will really spoil your eyes with the beauty of the natural scenery. Unlike some beaches in Indonesia in general, this beach is shady and cool. This beach has a blue sea graded tosca color, soft and yellowish sand, gray coral cliffs, and fresh green trees, which will definitely make you feel at home on this beach.


The distance of Bone Bulusan Beach is only 15 kilometers from the Regency Capital, but unfortunately, the road to this beach is not smooth. If you want to go to this beach, you should use motor vehicles, such as a minibus to get to this beach. After arriving at the parking lot, you still have to walk 100 meters to reach the beach. There are no public facilities around the beach, such as food stalls or toilets. So, make sure you bring your necessities before going to this beach.

Bone Bulusan Beach is not fully managed by the local government, but its beauty does not stop tourists from visiting. During this Covid-19 pandemic, the management of this beach continues to carry out health protocols so that you and your family can enjoy a healthy and comfortable vacation.

Page 11 of 44