Komodo National Park goes international after it officially becomes one of seven natural wonders of the world. The natural beauty in the region cannot be missed. Even, before entering the tourism object, you will be amazed on the natural beauty from its gate, namely Lawadarat island or in local language called ‘Gili Lawadarat’. Before arriving on Komodo island, tourists will pass Gili Lawadarat. The island is located at the North part of Komodo island and it includes in one island which has existed at Komodo National Park since 1980. Interestingly, here, you can find sea as well as cluster of exotic islands. Gili Lawadarat is one of islands which protects the biggest lizard habitat in the world besides Komodo, Rinca, and Padar island. Almost the entire island is overgrown with grass. The grass overlay has captivated tourists who visit the island. Tourists, who want to get relaxed, can do trekking for 30 minutes to the peak of the island in order to be able to enjoy the beauty of panorama and the exotic nature. The right time to visit Gili Lawadarat is before sunrise. Because at that time, you will see sunrise which is really extra ordinarily beautiful. If you are lucky, you can see the beauty of sun and moon at the same time. Moreover, sea surface makes this place unforgettable to its beauty. If you visit this tourism destination, you can pass two routes, namely through Lombok or Flores island. But to save your time, we suggest you to take Flores route. Because the airport in Flores is near with Labuan Bajo. From Labuan Bajo, the trip is continued to Gili Lawadarat by speed boat for several hours.
Culture or tradition of a nation is the national identity, because with the existence of the culture, we know who we are and where we come from. Indonesian has many cultures and traditions because every region has different and unique culture, such as West Nusa Tenggara –NTB which has Gendang Beleq. Precisely, Gendang Beleq is from Sasak tribe, Lombok, NTB. The word of Beleq is from Sasak language meaning big. Earlier, Gendang Beleq was for the spirit of the soldiers who fought in the war and returned after the war. The sound, which was produced, was believed to make the soldiers be braver defending the kingdom. Now, Gendang Beleq is played to accompany traditional ceremony, such as wedding, circumcision, Aqiqah, and other ritual ceremonies. Gendang Beleq is made from Meranti tree which is flourish in Lombok. It produces big and echo sound. The sound is produced with 50 diameters and length 1.5 meters of tree trunk. Its center of the tree is perforated and covered with leather of goat, cow or buffalo. Gendang Beleq is traditional instrument which is played in a group. It is usually played along with other instruments such as gong, terumpang, pencek, oncer, and flute. With a thunderous sound, Gendang Beleq performance is more interesting and entertaining. Gendang Beleq player is called “Sekaha”. Sekaha consists of 2 main players. Those Sekahas perform by wearing Lombok traditional clothes including “Sapo”, Lombok typcal headband. Although the size of Gendang Baleq is big, Sekahas have no difficulty to play it by hanging on their shoulder.
Fascination of tourism object in Bandung, West Java never stops to give surprise to tourists. Bandung as if giving innovation attracts domestic or foreign tourists. In today’s edition, Voice of Indonesia will discuss one of tourism destinations in Bandung which has natural nuance and can be enjoyed along with the family. The tourism object is Batu Malakasari hamlet. This tourism destination is located on Jalan Raya Bancaran Rencong, Malakasari, Bale Endah. Earlier, Batu Malakasari hamlet was stone mining area. The condition of its location was poor after being neglected for several years. But, someday, there was an investor, Ir. H. Waryo who came and built Batu Malakasari hamlet as tourism destination. Several months later, the dry location which was neglected, becomes interesting tourism destination. In additional to relying on its natural fascination which is beautiful and exotic, tourists who visit will be also spoiled with various educational rides. Batu Malakasari hamlet looks like natural laboratory. Because at the place, tourists can try various kinds of interesting activities. The activities which can be conducted here are related to nature and life creature surrounding areas, such as interacting with animals like cows, sheep, rabbits and goats at animal husbandry. Here, you can also see spotted deer at the breeding, learn about agriculture and local art at the studio and Sundanese traditional house. Besides, other interesting activities are outbound, flying fox, and going down Batu hill which make you closer with the nature. Many people say that Batu Malakasari hamlet is one of completed tourism destinations in Bandung because it has many facilities. Therefore, the place is suitable to become alternative to spend holidays along with the family, especially for them who love nature. Batu Malakasari hamlet opens every day starting from 9 am until 4 pm. On weekends and holidays, this tourism object opens 30 minutes earlier and closes one hour longer than weekdays.
Binarundak is one of the typical foods in Motoboi Besar, Kotamobagu, North Sulawesi Province. However, something similar to it is also known in many parts in Indonesia. For instance, most people in North Sulawesi call it Nasi Jaha, or in Gorontalo it is known as Nasi Bulu. In some places on the island of Sumatra, Binarundak is known as Lemang.In Motoboi Besar, Binarundak has become an Icon. There is a Binarundak monument erected in the area with a height of 18 meters. Inaugurated by the Mayor of Kotamobagu on August 2, 2014 it stands upright and strong in the middle of the village. Eating binarundak in Motoboi Besar has become a tradition. Usually 1 week after Idul Fitri day, local people always hold the celebration of Binarundak Lebaran. The tradition is said to be deliberately created by people who return home from other areas. Besides being a series of Idul Fitri celebrations, this tradition is also an opportunity to ask forgiveness from people at the hometown, especially the elders, for any wrongdoing made, intentionally or unintentionally, before the travelers return to their respective cities.At the peak of the celebration, tons of coconut husk and Binarundak ingredient are prepared by residents. The process is fairly unique, glutinous rice is mixed with herbs and spices such as onion, ginger, lemongrass, and coconut milk. Then a mixture of the rice and spices are put into bamboo stems covered with banana leaves inside. After that the bamboo is grilled with coconut husk and shell. Throughout the process of making Binarundak, people take turns flipping the typical food to cook evenly. When Binarundak is being pepared in every house, thick smoke will billow along the street. At this timeday , those who have not had time to visit each other during Idul Fitri fitri, will use the opportunity to do it.In the afternoon, most of the Binarundak is ready to be transported by a committee assigned to a designated place. Here, the Binarundak is set aside and served to be eaten together.
East Nusa Tenggara province is one of provinces in Indonesia which has many natural tourism objects, such as Komodo island, Kelimutu lake and many others. Besides tourism objects which are well known in domestic and abroad, the province also has beuatiful natural tourism object, namely Susuk reservoir. The tourism object is located at Dualaus village, Kakuluk Mesak district, Belu regency, East Nusa Tenggara province.In local language, Susuk reservoir means mosquito’s reservoir. According to the legend, in the past, there were seven angels who stopped to clean themselves at the reservoir. Those angels were delegations of King Lifao from Oecusse. King Lifao intentionally sent mosquito to bother them when sleeping. So that those angels still awaked and were not closed by servants of the king. Based on the legend, local people call the reservoir as Susuk reservoir. Actually, it is because the tourism object is surrounded by shady mangrove forest to cause many mosquitos surrounding the reservoir.Susuk reservoir is formed naturally and has white land. So that it is exposed to the sunlight, its water reflects white glow like milk. Location of Susuk reservoir is around 17 kilometer to the North of Atambua city,the capital city of Belu regency. From Atambua, the reservoir can be accessed around 20 minutes by using car. Its road is twist through valley and cliff. But, its road has been paved. This tourism object is usually visited on the weekend or holiday.Facilities at Susuk reservoir is quite complete, such as clear water, toilet, lodging and security post. There are also stalls of local people that provide foods and beverages. Until now, local government still continues to develop Susuk reservoir as tourism object and also asbreeding center of shrimp and milkfish, so the reservoir can be maintained well.
East Kalimantan is a province where Mahakam river flows. In this suburb of Mahakam river, a dance so-called ‘Jepen dance’ develops. It is a typical dance of East Kalimantan, developed by Kutai and Banjar tribe. The dance has various movements which are influenced by Islamic and Malay culture. Japen dance is one of the dances which describes Malay culture that is dynamic, attractive, energetic and graceful. The dance is usually danced by females. By the times, Jepen dance has many developments on which in its performance, Jepen dance consists of two types, namely Jepen Genjoh and Jepen Eroh dance. The Jepen Eroh dance is a creation dance of Jepen which does not leave its original movement, such as honor, waves, Satanic Samba or Samba Setangan, full Samba and Gengsot Anak. Eroh in Kutai language means crowded, boisterous and happy. While Jepen Genjoh Mahakam dance is one of creation dances of Jepen where most part of its movements are from Jepen dance, for example waves movement, half Samba, full Samba, swinging kid, Jalan Kenyak, Saluang Mudik, and Taktim movement. Generally, it can be said that Jepen Genjoh Mahakam dance is the one which describes Malay culture. In its performance, Jepen dance is accompanied with Tingkilan music. Tingkilan music is one of Kutai typical music. In the tingkilan music, the kinds of the instrument which are played are Gambus or a string instrument, Ketipung or Gendang with small size, Kendang, and violin. Currently, the dance is accompanied with piano. Besides, it is also accompanied with song called ‘Bertingkilan’ which means to shout each other. The song is usually sung by two persons, which contains of religious advice and moral message. When performing the dance, Jepen dancers wear combined clothes of Malay and Indonesia, which is thick of Islamic nuance. With natural make up, the dancers are seen be well mannered and graceful. When dancing, the dancers are completed with shawls. In the past, Jepen danced functioned as entertainment to crown king of Kutai Kartanegara sultanate in Tenggarong and as youth social dance. Thus, since 1970s, the dance has been used to welcome guests, wedding ceremony and for other great events.
Welcome to “Indonesian Wonder”, a daily segment featuring tourism, culinary arts and culture from various regions across Indonesia.
Besides Bali, Lombok is one of the popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. The beauty of beaches attract local and foreign tourists traveling to Lombok. In addition to Kuta Beach, Tanjung An, Ampenan Beach, Senggigi Beach, and Malimbo, which are already popular among domestic and foreign tourists, there still many other interesting and beautiful beaches in Lombok. One of them is Tanjung Kerakat beach. It is located in Sukamulia, Pohgading Timur Village, Pringgabaya Subdistrict, East Lombok Regency. The beach is very wide with a stretch of black sand. The beach area are mostly filled with Jerangjang grass and Rembiga Trees.
Pondok Kerakat Beach is also known as Tanjung Gali Beach. The beach is better known by the name of Pondok Kerakat, due to many pondok Kerakat (cottage) lined up around the beach. At Pondok Kerakat the fishermen who come from the village of East Pohgading and its surroundings are gather before starting “ngerat” (catch fish with a large net). The attraction of the beach lies on the large waves. Many tourists travelling to the beach spend their time to surf. In addition to surfing, swimming is also a favorite activity on the beach. In addition, tourists also can do camping or playing football on a stretch of black sand.
Pondok Kerakat Beach is also equipped with a variety of interesting photo spots. A leading photo spot on the beach is Pre Weeding photo spot. The photo spot is made of wood and the back ground is made from fabrics so that the spot poto is really resembling wedding stage. The photo spot is the most visited. In addition to Pre Wedding Photo Spot, Pondok Kerakat also has Fish Reconnaissance Photo Spot. This photo spot is a “lelanjon” or Short Tower from which the visitors can see the expanse of the beach widely. Another photo spot in Pondok Kerakat, namely Mushroom Table spot photo. The spot is made of coconut base material and consists of a table with 4 slabs of coconut base supported by a pole from teak branches. The table is completed by four chairs also made from the coconut base plates. In the Mushroom Table, you can sit back while enjoying the beautiful atmosphere on the beach.
Another interesting activity on the Beach is Betalet. Betalet is a natural spa activity, where tourists can bury half of the body or the legs up to the waist in the sand. Betalet Therapy is recognized can cure rheumatic and uric acid, since as long as the body immersed in the sand, the muscles of the legs and waist get a reflection to smooth blood circulation. Generally, the therapy just hold the body in the sand for 10 to 30 minutes, because the longer the body is buried, the massage felt stronger. The natural Spa or Betalet is better done at night.
That was the regular segment of Indonesian Wonder for today with the topic “Pondok Kerakat Beach In Lombok”.
“Indonesian Wonder,” a daily segment featuring tourism, culinary arts, fine arts and culture from various regions across Indonesia. In today’s edition, we will introduce you to food which is easily found in Banten in the month of Ramadhan, namely Ketan Bintul.
Hunting for Iftar menu becomes an interesting activity in Ramadhan. In Banten, there is a tradition which has been conducted since the 15th century and this is difficult to be forgotten, namely by presenting special food when breaking the fast with Ketan Bintul.
For Banten people, the existence of Ketan Bintul in Ramadhan is a main part which cannot be separated. Even, in Banten, there is proverb which has ingrained “without Ketan Bintul in Ramadhan, like does not fast”. According to the history, Ketan Bintul was favorite food of Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin, namely a prince who became a role model of the people of Banten kingdom at that time. Whereas, the food was typical food of common people and was considered too simple for Sultan. Because a Sultan had high moral character and always became a role model for his people to love Ketan Bintul. So since that time, it has become culture, if someone breaks the fast by eating Ketan Bintul to honor the Sultan. for Banten people, especially Serang who have many families and relatives, are accustomed to making their own food. They sometimes use sticky rice for their harvest. Definitely, this is to give typical treatment to the guests and families when breaking the fast.
Ketan Bintul is made from sticky rice which is steamed. To get savory flavor, when steaming the sticky rice, is mixed with grated coconut and a little bit salt. After well done, the sticky rice is put on a container. In the past, the container was from ex-rice sack which was made from plastic, then it was laid on the floor. Thus, the hot sticky rice is pounded smoothly by using wood pestle whose tip is covered with plastic to avoid being sticky. To pound the sticky rice needs great power. It should be noted that the sticky rice should not lose its hot, so when being pounded, it can be refined and soften quickly. It needs speed, accuracy, and understanding where the part is not pounded yet. To pound the sticky rice is needed at least two persons, one for pounding it and another for turning again and again the sticky rice in order to get good result. After it is refined, it is formed square and wrapped by using banana leaf in order to be durable and still looking white.after the sticky rice is done, grated coconut is provided and it is fried without vegetable oil. If grated coconut is getting brown, this is pulverized until smooth. And then it is added with sugar and salt. To arouse appetite, it is added red chili which is sliced small and elongated. Fried red onion is also given.
Towards breaking the fast, the Ketan Bintul is served by spreading fried grated coconut slices of red chilly and fried red onion, while being accompanied by a glass of sweet tea or coffee. Surely, this typical food is able to relieve hunger and thirst after all day fasting. In Ramadhan, you can find Ketan Bintul vendor as long as outskirt of Serang old markets.
The sea territory of Tolo gulf geographically enters into Central Sulawesi province. Its sea has great marine biota. Thus, the sea is utilized as marine tourism object. The beauty of Tolo gulf can be enjoyed from Sombori Island. The island is located at the South of Tolo gulf, precisely in Morowali regency between South Bungku district and Menui Kepulauan district. Sombori is conservation area consisting of clusters of beautiful atolls. Part of the island becomes residence of fishermen, but there are more empty places without being touched by human beings. Sombori area can be accessed through Kendari, the capital city of Southeast Sulawesi. And then, you can choose through land or sea transportation. If you choose land transportation, the trip takes for 6 hours to Lafeu port, Bungku Pesisir district. Then, this is continued by using sea transportation around 1 hour to Sombori island. While if you use sea transportation, it will take a half day by ship. While if you use speedboat, it takes only around 4 until 5 hours. To enter Sombori island, you will be welcomed by amazing scenery. The sea has quite waves and also high cliff at the left and right side. To enter more deeply, more amazing sceneries will welcome you. There are many clusters of atolls in various sizes and forms. There is prominent coral without vegetation so that giant coral is covered with shady and exotic trees. The atolls have beach with white and clean sand. With sea conservation area around 41,000 hectares, Sombori is a heaven for lovers of undersea activities. There are various kinds of forms and colors of animals and there is also coral spreading in the ocean. Sea anemone, which becomes home for various ornamental fish, shakes following the stream. Akropora or table coral can be easily found here. Currently, many tourism packages are offered to visit Sombori island with affordable cost.
Bajo tribe has a traditional settlement which is located at Bangko village, Maginti district, Muna regency, Southeast Sulawesi. The territory of the Bangko village, which is in the west part of Muna Island, includes land and sea. The settlement at Bangko village is built on the sea which has a distance around 600 meters from Muna Island so that as if it is a floating settlement. Among many Bajo tribe settlements in Southeast Sulawesi, Bangko village is one of Bajo tribe’s villages which still preserves the tradition which exists on the sea until now. Meanwhile, another Bajo tribe settlement has lived permanently at the edge of the beach or built house on land.The name of Bangko village was taken from an island near the settlement which was built, namely Bangko Island. Bangko in Bajo language means ‘mangrove’. The island is named Bangko Island because the island is covered by 95 percent of mangrove. Since the past, Bajo tribe has relies its life from the sea and has life which is never far from the sea. Bajo tribe is always identical with boat and settlement on the sea. Because in the past, the people of Bajo tribe only lived on the boat and moved from one place to another. Their habit changed by living permanently and they also build their house on shallow sea until now. To Bangko village, the trip starts from Raha city (the capital city of Muna regency) to Pajala village at Maginti district by using personal car or rental car. The trip has a distance around 70 kilometers. Arriving at Pajala village, the trip is continued by boat with distance around 7 kilometers. The fee to ride the boat is around Rp 100,000/person.