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Indonesian Wonder (604)
April
Talaga Bodas Garut is a mountainous tourism attraction in the form of a lake created in a mountain crater. The name Bodas is used because the lake water with a diameter of 2 kilometres looks white. This is because the water content of the lake that is formed from this crater contains sulphur. Talaga Bodas crater is located on the slopes of Mt. Galunggung at an altitude of 1,512 meters above sea level. An area of 23.85 hectares is directly adjacent to forests and beautiful verdant mountains. The water is widely used by local residents as a source of hot water and health treatment.
Talaga Bodas Garut is one of the craters of Mt. Galunggung which erupted hundreds of years ago. The temperature of the crater tourism area on the north side of the mountain is cold. The best time to visit this spot is during daytime to enjoy a million charms of the crater. This crater is elongated with views of the hills around it. Many tourist activities can be done in this tourism area, such as trekking and hiking, walking around the crater, bathing in hot water pools, and taking selfies. On the lower right side of this tourism attraction, there are three natural hot water soaking pools. Two pools are available for children and one for adults. The water temperature in this pool is relatively warm, so it is quite comfortable for tourists. This natural hot spring pool is located adjacent to the Talaga Bodas crater. Tourists can soak free of charge in the pool for relaxation. Soaking in this hot pool makes the body feel fresh.
There are several routes that can be accessed to get to this tourism destination which is located in Sukamenak Village, Wanaraja District, Garut, West Java. If you depart from Garut, you can use the Suci, Karangpawitan, to Wanaraja routes which are about 27.6 kilometres away. If you drive a personal motor vehicle without getting stuck in traffic, it may only take about 1 hour and 10 minutes. This is because Karangpawitan and Wanaraja areas often become congestion points, especially during rush hours. At the end of the crater road, there are several huts and toilets. The parking area has been well managed and organized. A prayer room and a row of culinary stalls complement the facilities in this area. Arrangements are also carried out at the entrance gate, making a fence between the lake area and the mainland. As well as repair and manufacture of pipes from springs in the area around the lake. There are toilets and places to change clothes around the hot water soaking pool. The local staffers continue to develop existing facilities to support tourists’ comfort. You can visit this tourism spot every day from 7 am to 5 pm by paying an entrance ticket for Rp. 10,000.
April
The great mosque of Al-Falah or it is well known as Seribu Tiang mosque is the biggest one in Jambi. It was established in 1971 and finished in 1980. It was also inaugurated by President Soeharto on 29 September 1980. This mosque is located at Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin street No 60 in Legok sub-district. The mosque land covers 26. 890 meter squares or more than 2,7 hectares. Meanwhile, the building area of the mosque is 6,400 square meters with a size of 80 meters x 80 meters. This mosque can accommodate 10 thousand jamaahs or worshipers.
The great mosque of Al-Falah was completely built with a large dome and high tower. The entire mosque building uses reinforced concrete material. In spite of getting the epithet of the mosque with one thousand poles, the number of poles is not so many as its name. The great mosque of Al Falah has only 232 poles divided into two poles. First, smaller poles support the outer roof of the mosque. Two pillars with a golden color support the center of the mosque.
The Seribu Tiang Mosque was designed as an open building without doors and windows. This is in line with the name of this mosque “Al-Falah“ which means Victory in Arabic language. The victory means having freedom without the shackles. This philosophy is considered to be the basis for the construction of the mosque with an open concept. So, any Muslim community is free to enter and carry out worship in this mosque. Meanwhile, the inside part of the dome is decorated with symmetrical ornamentation. The large ring under the dome is decorated with gold colored Al-Quran calligraphy paintings. A very large chandelier made of copper beautifies the appearance of the space under the dome.
April
Pesisir Selatan is one of the regencies in West Sumatra. This regency is located on the coast, with a coastline of 218 kilometers long. The topography consists of plains, mountains and hills which are an extension of the Bukit Barisan cluster. With a diverse topography, Pesisir Selatan offers the beauty of nature. There are five tourism objects that must be visited. One of them is the Langkisau Hill.
The Langkisau Hill is a hill that extends along the northern side of Painan City. This hill is only about two kilometers long or 10 minutes by motor vehicles from the Painan City, the capital of the South Coast. Many people admire the natural beauty at the top of the Langkisau Hill. The beauty of nature on the top of the Langkisau Hill will even look more beautiful, when the sun sets and rises. In addition, on top of the peak, you can enjoy views along the coast of the southern coast of West Sumatra and the residential areas of Painan City and the long stretch of the South Barisan Hills. The top of this hill has a height of approximately 400 meters. Going to Langkisau peak, you can use a motor vehicle, because the road is well-paved. This certainly makes it easier for tourists to come to the top of the Langkisau hill. Arriving at the parking location, you still have to walk about 25 meters up the stairs to the top of the hill.
Apart from being known for its beautiful natural scenery, the Langkisau Hill Area is also known as one of the most popular Paragliding arenas for Indonesians and world gliders. Various paragliding sports activities have often been held in Langkisau. An activity that is routinely carried out every year is the Langkisau Festival.
In addition to paragliding sports, the Langkisau Hill is also equipped with outbound facilities in the form of a flying-fox, as well as food and snack stalls. The local residents also provide lodging for tourists who want to spend the night here. On its peak, there is a parking lot that has been arranged and also a garden and a small gazebo as a place to sit around enjoying the view. Visitors only need to pay a parking fee of approximately Rp. 2,000 without the need to pay an entrance ticket.
April
Gesing Beach in Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is one of the cities on the island of Java, which is quite famous among foreign tourists. Besides its cultural and historical tourism, Yogyakarta’s natural charm also attracts the attention of the tourists. One example is Gesing Beach in Girikarto Village, Panggang District, Gunungkidul Regency. This beach is 45 km from Yogyakarta City. If you depart from Yogyakarta City, there are three routes to get to the beach, namely Jalan Wonosari, Jalan Imogiri, and Jalan Parangtritis.
Gesing Beach has white sand and small waves. The sea surface is dangerously beautiful, because there is a gradation of the water surface from bright green to blue. Because the water is quite calm, this beach is a comfortable place to swim. You can also snorkel on this beach to see the underwater charm. This beach is in the bay, and is flanked by cliffs. If you like photography, you can capture the charms of Gesing Beach both from the top of steep cliffs and from white sandy beaches. If you like fishing, Gesing Beach is also a quite challenging place because there are many favorite fishing spots. One of them is above steep cliffs. There are lots of mackerel, Layur fish, squid and lobster here.
Gesing Beach is not too big. With its characteristics, this beach is a place for fishermen to anchor. On Gesing Beach, there is also a Fish Auction Place, so it's no wonder, if on Gesing Beach there are many stalls lined up selling processed fresh fish. Around this beach, there are also inns if you want to spend the night around Gesing Beach. The cost of admission to this beach is also not too expensive, you only need to pay Rp5,000 and plus a parking fee of 2 thousand rupiah for motorbikes and 5 thousand rupiah for cars.
April
Recently, Rawon has been labeled as the most delicious soup in Asia by TasteAtlas. TasteAtlas is a culinary site from Croatia that reviews various kinds of foods around the world. Rawon attracts a wide attention because it tastes delicious and it is processed with a variety of herbs and spices. Apart from Rawon, there is also ‘Sayur Asem’ which is also included in the TasteAtlas version of the best soup list. The dish is in the 12th position. Today’s edition of Indonesian Wonder lets you know Sayur Asem Culinary.
Sayur Asem is a typical Indonesian vegetable dish. Generally, Sayur Asem uses peanuts, young jackfruit, melinjo, vegetables, star-fruit, chayote, long beans, and tamarind. Corn is also often added for the dish. Each region across Indonesia has also other additions for Sayur Asem. There are many local variations of Sayur Asem such as Sayur Asem Jakarta or Sayur Asem Betawi, Sayur Asem kangkung (a variation using kale), and salted fish Sayur Asem. There is Sayur Asem of Sumatra which has more and oily sauce. There is also Sayur Sunti of Aceh. Then, there is the East Javanese style of Sayur Asem which is known to have a spicy taste; while Sayur Asem from West Java region tends to have less vegetables and its prominent characteristic uses peeled peanuts.
Sayur Asam has a philosophy which describes diversity. This can be seen from the various contents of the vegetables. There are long beans, sweet corn, pumpkin, peanuts, melinjo, eggplant, jackfruit, sweet corn, melinjo leaves. Even though there are a lot of vegetables used, it can give a special taste. The flavors that are created are savory and sour. In addition, tamarind vegetables also remind you not to be careless and patient. And this simple menu is often reminiscent of home and family. The way to enjoy Sayur Asem is also various. In West Java and Jakarta, the people usually enjoy Sayur Asem in a bowl.It is separated with cooked rice. But in East Java, they prefer to mix Sayur Asem, cooked rice and side dishes.
March
The area of Old Town in Semarang, Central Java, with 45 hectares wide, is an area where we can still feel the nuance of the Netherlands. The Old Town, which was founded in the Dutch colonial era around 1677, has 150 buildings which are silent witnesses to the triumph of large companies at that time. Jalan Kepodang or formerly known as Hogendorp Straat is the main road on which stands various banks and large corporate offices. One of them is NV Handel Mij Kian Gwan which was founded in Semarang by Oei Tjie Sien on March 1, 1863. The name Kian Gwan means the Source of all welfare. The hope is that their company will be large and prosperous. This trading company is engaged in the export and import of sugar, cotton, chocolate, coffee and pepper. After Oei Tjie Sien died, the company was inherited to his son, Oei Tiong Ham. This company has head-office called the Monod Diephuis building which is still standing up to date.
The building, which was built in 1921, was owned by the richest Sugar King in Southeast Asia, Oei Tiong Ham. After decades of being a seemingly meaningless building frame, this building was finally revitalized by its new owner, Agus S Winarto. Initially, it was difficult to find parts of the building that looked like the original ones, but now the result is that the two-floor building has been standing again. The building which consists of two floors is very thick with the art deco style, which is characterized by firm and straight architectural lines and magnificent decorations. In 2018, this building officially became a cultural heritage and can be used for various artistic activities. A set of Gamelan instruments is also placed in one of the rooms in the building, which is used every week for practicing the Semarang musical community.
In front of this building, the Gema Kroncong music performance is held for three hours once a performance every Monday, Thursday and Saturday night. Before the building was completed in restoration, in May 2017, the Monod Huis courtyard was used as a jazz concert venue to commemorate International Jazz Day. The visitors were spoiled by jazz music from three Semarang jazz bands, namely Delight, DD Kids, and Kitty Fatty. Local designer fashion shows are also often held on this building's yard. Some time ago, Nyala Rupa painting studio held an exhibition of paintings from painters all over Indonesia at the Huis Monod. The trading building that turned into a place for artists to showcase their work is one of the efforts of Semarang people to preserve the historical relics that are scattered in the Old City.
March
Parangloe Waterfall is one of the most beautiful natural tourism attractions in Gowa Regency which must be visited while on a vacation in South Sulawesi province. This multilevel waterfall which has an interesting stone arrangement is located in Bori Village, Parangloe District, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi Province or about 2 kilometers from Makassar City, the capital of South Sulawesi province.
Parangloe waterfall is still very natural. To enjoy the beauty of the waterfall in Gowa Regency, you can depart from Makassar through Gowa-Malino until Bili-Bili dam area. Then, you ask the local people how to go to the waterfall because the location of this waterfall is very hidden. To enjoy Parangloe waterfall, you have to avoid visiting during the rainy season, because here there is often a sudden flood, and you have to bring a supply of drinks to prepare for the trip, use comfortable footwear for trekking on unpaved and rocky roads.
Parangloe Waterfall is the most beautiful waterfalls in the South Sulawesi region, because it has the characteristics of a multilevel waterfall with an attractive stone arrangement and clear water, and the sound of a waterfall splashing adds to the beautiful and fresh atmosphere of Parangloe Waterfall. Parangloe Waterfall is about 20 meters high, with a form of steps between beautiful rock cliffs. It is formed as many as 3 streams of water with different widths and heights. Around it there is a natural pool with various depths and decorated with a sprinkling of rocks. The situation is still very natural, in the middle of a forest that is still shady, so that it presents a calm atmosphere and very cool air.
March
If you travel to Makassar, South Sulawesi, just visit Kampung Berua. This village area was stipulated as National Geopark in 2017 with the beauty of Mount Karst that surrounds it// Kampung Berua is located in Rammang-Rammang sub village, Salenrang Village, Bontoa sub-district, Maros regency, South Sulawesi.This tourism attraction can be reached for approximately 1.5 hours by motor vehicles from Makassar. When you arrive at Salenrang port, you must get on a rental boat. It takes about 30 minutes by boat. you will cross the Pute river which is quite wide and quiet while looking at the natural scenery.
When you get off the boat, you will be presented with a beautiful view. There is a high mountain, namely Karst, combined with green rice fields and the residents' stilt homestays. Kampung Berua is a village that has only 15 houses in which all of them are still in one relative. Traveling to Kampung Berua, you can stroll around this village. You can see black karst rocks standing strongly in the middle of the rice fields. There are only a few houses around the rocks. You can also visit a lake, Telaga Bidadari arund Kampung Berua. The water in this lake is very clear and clean, so that the residents of Kampung Berua make it a source of water to meet their daily water needs. There are also several caves in Kampung Berua, namely Kingkong Cave and Berlian Cave. Each cave has its own uniqueness. To reach the caves, you have to travel down the rice fields and ponds owned by the local residents.
In Kampung Berua, you can also visit Padang Ammarung. To go to Padang Ammarung, you will pass a simple wooden bridge, and then climb several rocky steps to reach the top. In Padang Ammarrung, you can see the beautiful view of Kampung Berua from the top. Traveling to this tourism village, you don't need to worry, because there are restaurants, toilets, prayer rooms and homestays.
March
Bogor and its natural attractions are indeed the most effective in releasing fatigue. If you need refreshing by seeing the green scenery on weekends, please come to Situ Rawa Gede located in Sirnajaya Village, Sukamakmur District, Bogor Regency, West Java. Located at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, the trip to Situ Rawa Gede is through a fairly steep track. If you visit Situ Rawa Gede for the first time, you don't need to worry, because this area is already listed in the map application and the directions are quite clear. As you go up, the air will be fresher. When you reach Rawa Gede, the air will be colder. During the day, the fog will fall and make this swampy area even shadier. Prepare your thick jacket, if you are not used to cold weather.
At the gate, tourists must buy an entrance ticket worth Rp 20,000 per person. All staffers wear masks, and tourists are asked to adhere to the set health protocols. This lake already has facilities for the convenience of tourists, such as gazebos for sitting around, toilets, and also food stalls. Situ Rawa Gede is more complete with a cliff area, which is usually used as a camping area. Even amid the Covid-19 pandemic, it turns out that there are still many tourists camping. There are about 4-5 tents standing there. Puffs of smoke might be seen to warm the atmosphere. You don't need to worry, because there is already a place for a campfire or burnt pot provided by the staffers. Tourists who want to camp will be charged an additional fee of Rp 10 thousand per person. As a camping area, Situ Rawa Gede is open 24 hours.
The lake area is decorated with wooden and floating bridges. Photo spots are provided, so tourists can be satisfied with selfies. Another attraction that is given is the waterfalls that are scattered over the lake. Then, you can also swim in a pool where the water is directly from the waterfall. If you don't want to play in the water, there are boats, which are duck-shaped, too. For half an hour, you will only be charged Rp 25 thousand. If you want to stay overnight without bringing a tent, take it easy. Because there is a homestay on the lake side that you can rent. The price is Rp 400 thousand per night and Rp 500 thousand per night on holidays and weekends. Now, Situ Rawa Gede is an agro-tourism. Please prepare yourself for a vacation there.
March
The traditional house of Sumba is usually called ‘Uma Bokulu’ or ‘Uma Mbatangu’. Umma Bokulu means big house, while Umma Mbatangu is a tower house. Umma Bokulu and Umma Mbatangu refer to typical Sumba’s stilt houses with towering roofs. Umma Bokulu was built in the traditional village of Wainyapu, Kodi sub-district, West Sumba. Meanwhile, the form of traditional houses outside the traditional village generally does not have towers. The top of Umma Bokulu's roof is very high, approximately 20 meters. Thereby, it is called the tower house.
Umma Bokulu is built from natural materials. The floor and frame are made from bamboo. The roof is made of thatch grass. The strength of this building is on the 4 main pillars in the form of giant logs called ‘Kambaniru Ludungu’. Around the main pillar, there are 36 supporting pillars called ‘Kambaniru’. This traditional house is built together through traditional ceremonies. To build a large house, rattan ropes are used without nails. When installing thatch roofs, they must not take a break to eat until the roof covering is complete. The uniqueness of Umma Bokulu is the conical shape of the ridge, which is called ‘Toko Umma’. Inside the house, there is a room that is used as a barn to store seeds, foodstuffs and heirlooms.
On the top floor of Umma Bokulu, there is a residential room called ‘Bei Uma’. In the middle of the room, 4 main pillars are used as a kitchen. In front of the kitchen, there is a dining table, and in front of the dining table, there is a veranda where the gentlemen have a discussion. The porch or terrace is usually fitted with buffalo horns or pig fangs. This proves that the owner of the house has slaughtered livestock, as well as a sign that the owner of the house is an important person in the community. Staying at Umma Bokulu is very comfortable. The free air in and out of the floor and bamboo walls makes the air in Umma Bokulu very comfortable. The floor also does not need to be mopped or swept, because between the bamboo logs that are arranged into the floor, there are gaps so that dust and dirt fall directly under the house. This under Umma Bokulu is called ‘Kali Kabunga’. This space is usually used to store firewood and is also used as a cattle pen. The authenticity of the Sumba traditional house is still preserved. These thatched tower houses can be found in traditional villages such as Wainyapu, Ratenggaro, Tarung, Waitabar, Lamboya, Wanokaka.