Enriched with culture and verdant vista, Ubud offers a respite from humdrum of your busy life. In the past it was just a small village, but now this place has grown bigger. Ubud seeks to pamper the visitors—in body and soul. Fine dining restaurants and spas here will delight and relax the senses. A walk near the paddy fields will leave a lasting impression, and the sight is fantastic enough to make you want to hold your breath. The best way to observe traditions and culture of Balinese is through mingling with the locals and watching their day to day routine. In this relatively small place, you can visit the temples and villages, relatively unchanged. Shown on the upper left is a traditional ritual you can find almost daily. (Image source: Yves Picq, Wikimedia Commons.) Art galleries are also abundant. Pieces of art are waiting to be explored and appreciated, who knows you might find the perfect painting or statue to grace the blank spot in your living room? Various transportations from all over Bali are available. If you decide to visit Ubud right from the airport, you can hail a prepaid cab but the fee might be quite hefty. You can take a regular taxi or rental car to this place. Public transportation like bus can also take you here. On the right: entrance to Ubud. (Image credit: っ,Wikimedia Commons) You might be interested in doing some sightseeing in the remnants of Bali kingdom. Tirta Empul is nearby, only 15 km away. Here you can see Tirta Empul temple. About 8 km away is Pejeng, here you can visit the museum and temples. When you’re around why not complete your trip by visiting archeological sites in Bedulu? It’s only 3 km away. Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), shown on the upper right (credit: China Crisis, Wikimedia Commons), is also worth visiting. Located about 1 km from Teges, legend says that it was created from a giant’s fingernail. It probably was first utilized in 11th century, during Majapahit occupation of Bali. Dutch archaeologist rediscovered this place in the 1920s but the bathing area was not found until in the 1950s. It’s interesting to note that the entrance of this cave is carved in the shape of a demon-like creature. Statue of Ganesh adorns the inside. Bathing pools with water still gushing out can be found nearby, and some say the water will help you look younger. Too tense and caught up in everyday world? Indulge yourself in the spas around Ubud, with exotic spices to tease your senses and relaxation is the ultimate goal. Adventurous folks might want to try white water rafting in Sungai Ayung. Many outdoor activities are available as well, contact the local tour agencies. While your spouse relaxes in the spa, you can pump your adrenaline and enjoy a different way to relieve your stress! The artist in you just yearns to come out of the surface—so take some art classes and courses in Ubud! Ever wondered how batik is done, and how rare masterpieces can be created? Or perhaps you’d love to design and create your own silver jewelry? Learn them here. For those who are more interested in culinary skills, cooking classes are also available. Many inns to star hotels can easily be found here. Posh accommodations are available who prefer luxury above all else. Modest inns or even homestays are available to the ones who would live to view Balinese daily life. The Monkey Forest Street and Jalan Hanoman provides many choices of restaurants, from western cuisine to Balinese dishes. For keepsakes, make sure to visit South of Ubud. You can find hundreds of craft shops offering art products and handmade souvenirs, especially from stone and wood. If you’re planning to stay for a while you can ask the artists to custom made your order. If shopping is your middle name, then Pasar Seni (Art Market), Jalan Raya Ubud, Monkey Forest Street, Jalan Hanoman and Jalan Dewi Sita must be included into your itinerary. While there, why not visit Monkey Forest Sanctuary? The sanctuary's home to hundreds of long-tailed monkeys, with a beautiful temple at its center.
Getting There
Getting Around
Taxis are available but they are considered somewhat of a rare species. If you prefer traveling by car, use “taxis” in the shape of private vehicles with drivers, they usually can be found in the street corner.To Do
FESTIVAL & EVENTS
Ubud is the home of Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (www.ubudwritersfestival.com) where book enthusiasts, namely writers and readers around the world gather and share their experiences and of course, stories. It’s usually held in October every year.To Stay
To Eat
To Buy
Angkringan Lik Man, Spending Your Night in Yogyakarta with Kopi Joss
Do you know a famous place in Yogyakarta where university students, cyber communities
such as bloggers and chatters, journalists, artists, pedicab drivers, and even hookers get relax and involved in a warm conversation? When you studied in this student city, where did you usually hold a discussion with your friends about your paper's themes of tasks? One of the places you mention must be angkringan Lik Man that is located at the north of Tugu railway station. It is understandable since the place is famous with Yogyakarta communities. No formal rules apply in this place but tolerance where people are willing to shares space, for example, and to aware of each other's feeling.
YogYES invites you to enjoy the nuance of angkringan Lik Man as many other people has experienced as well. From Malioboro Street, you can walk northwards until you reach an alley right to the north of Tugu railway station. If you turn left, you will directly find this famous place on your left side. To identify it, just look at two big containers connected with a bamboo, brazier with burning charcoals, and rows of neatly arranged glasses.
Angkringan Lik Man is legendary because the seller is the first generation of the angkringan sellers in Yogyakarta most of whom come from Klaten. Lik Man or uncle Man whose original name is Siswo Raharjo is the son of grandpa Pairo, the first angkringan seller in Yogyakarta who has been running this business since 1950s. The stall with angkringan concept that used to be called 'ting ting hik' was inherited to Lik Man in 1969. Since then, other angkringans mushroomed in Yogyakarta.
When you arrive in this angkringan that starts to open at six o'clock in the evening, you can order hot or cold drinks. The favorite beverage is Kopi Joss, coffee served with hot charcoal plunged in it. The superiority of such coffee is lower degree of caffeine after being neutralized by the charcoal. Such finding was resulted from a research done by some students of Gadjah Mada University who often hang around there.
The main menu is sego kucing that consists of some rice and stirred-fried tempe and tiny sea fish cooked with chili. Other food such as fries and fried jadah (made of sticky rice) are also available. The delicious sego kucing is sold at 1,000 Rupiah per portion. Sego kucing that is served warm goes well with fried tempe or others like skewered quail's eggs. It does not have to spend much money to taste delicious menu.
Most of the foods can be served warm if you want them to be. Just ask Mr. Man to warm them on the charcoal for a while. Some side dishes such as mendoan (tempe fried with flour), filled tofu, sweetened tempe, chicken head, and of course jadah are more delicious when they are grilled before being served. Usually people eat sego kucing on banana leaf as the packaging of it. Otherwise, you can ask for plates to put more than one portion of sego kucing.
Two seat arrangements are available for you to enjoy your meals. If you want to seat near the seller in order for you to chat with him or to ease you add some more dishes, you would better sit beside the brazier. However, if you want to be able to have a chat with your friends, it is better for you to sit on the mat spread on the pavement across the street. The spread of the mat reaches as long as 100 meter. So, don't worry of shorting of space!
Text: Yunanto Wiji Utomo
Photo & Artistic: Singgih Dwi Cahyanto
Sendratari Ramayana
Presented by more than 250 artists at its original place: Prambanan Temple ( Ramayana Open Air Theater & Trimurti Theater. Jl. Raya Yogya-Solo km 16 Prambanan, Yogyakarta. Phone : +62 274 496408, Fax : +62 274 496408)
Ramayana is the Java's finest example of storytelling in stone in which the epic is egrved on the wall of Siwa Temple in the complex of Prambanan sanctuaries. Prambanan's version of the Ramayana differs somewhat from the original Indian epic, reflecting the adaptation to Javanese sensibilities over the centuries.
More recently, the Ramayana has been adopted for the performing arts. Since the 1960s, hundreds of dancers have brought the ancient relief's panels to life at Prambanan's open- air theater, located just west of the temple complex. Essentially, a traditional dance drama minus the lengthy dialogue, the Ramayana Ballet or "Sendratari" - an acronym composed of the indonesian words of art, drama and dance - is rocking good theater, with enough heroics, tragedy, romance and mayhem to satisfy the most jaded modern spectators, all presented under a tropical moon with the magnificent floodlit Roro Jonggrang Temple as a backdrop.
The entire Ramayana epic consists of four episodes, each night one episode, presented from 07.30 to 09.30 p.m. in four clear nights on and around the full moon, each month from May through October. The full story is held at Trimurti Theater every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; presented by more than 50 professional dancers.
Ticket Price Ramayana Ballet:
- Trimurti Stage (indoor)
- Preferred Seat: IDR 125,000
- Premium Seat: IDR 100,000
- Standard Seat: IDR 50,000
- Student: IDR 20,000 (with letter from school)
Month Date January 1 6 8 13 15 20 22 27 29 February 3 5 10 12 17 19 24 26 March 3 5 7 10 12 14 17 19 21 24 26 28 31 April 2 4 7 9 11 14 16 18 21 23 25 28 30 November 3 5 7 10 12 14 17 19 21 24 26 28 December 1 3 5 8 10 12 15 17 19 22 24 26 29 31 - Ramayana Stage (outdoor)
- VIP: IDR 200,000
- Preferred Seat: IDR 125,000
- Premium Seat: IDR 100,000
- Standard Seat: IDR 50,000
- Student: IDR 20,000 (with letter from school)
Month Date May 2 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 16 19 21 23 26 28 30 June 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 16 17 18 20 23 24 25 27 30 July 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 14 15 16 18 21 22 23 25 28 29 30 August 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 18 19 20 22 25 26 27 29 September 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 15 17 19 22 24 26 29 October 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 13 15 17 20 22 24 27 29 31 = episode (not full story)
SYNOPSIS OF RAMAYANA Ballet
Introduction
Prabu Janaka, the King of Mantili Kingdom has got a very beautiful princess named Dewi Shinta. A competition is conducted in order to decide who will be the right person to marry Dewi Shinta. Rama Wijaya, The Prince of Ayodya Kingdom at last wins the competition.
Prabu Rahwana, the ruler of Alengkadiraja Kingdom is eager to marry Dewi Widowati. but after knowing Dewi Shinta he changes his mind since he assumes that Dewi Shinta is the incarnation of Dewi Widowati whom he searching for a long time.
Dandaka Forest
Rama Wijaya along with his wife Shinta and accompanied by his younger brother Leksmana is adventuring until arrive in Dandaka Forest. Unfortunately they meet Rahwana -who adored Dewi Shinta so much Shinta in the place. Rahwana becomes eager to possess her, and in order to realize his idea, Rahwana commutes one of his followers named Marica to a deer called Kijang Kencana so as to attract Shinta.
Being interested in the beauty of the deer, Shinta asks Rama to capture it for her. Rama (menyanggupi) and leaves Shinta accompanied by Leksmana and start hunting the deer.
After waiting for a long time, Shinta becomes nervous as Rama has not arrived yet. She asks Leksmana to look for Rama. Before leaving Shinta alone, Leksmana draws a magic circle on the ground just to protect her from any possible danger.
As soon as Rahwana notices that Shinta has been left alone, he tries to kidnap her but he fails because of the magic circle which protects her life. Then he changes himself to be an old Brahmana. Shinta fels pity to the old Brahmana and that makes her to get out from the magic circle. As a result Rahwana - who becomes the old Brahmana takes her and fly away to Alengka Kingdom.
Running after the Deer
Rama shoots the deer with the bow and arrow, but the deer commutes to a giant. A war out breaks between Rama and the giant. The giant is shot to the death by Rama's arrow. Later on Leksmana arrives and requests Rama to return to Shinta's place.
The Kidnap of Shinta
On the way to Alengka, Rahwana meets a garuda bird called Jatayu. But then they fight each other since Jatayu knows that Rahwana kidnapped Dewi Shinta -the princess of Prabu Janaka, his friend. Unfortunately Jatayu was defeated by Rahwana for his effort to release and escape her from Rahwana.
Finding out that Shinta is not supposed to be in her place, Rama and Leksmana decides to search for her. In the way of searching they meet Jatayu who is seriously wounded. At first Rama thinks that Jatayu who has kidnapped Shinta so he decides to kill him but then Leksmana prevents him to do so. Jatayu explains what has happened to them before he dies.
A moment later, a white monkey named Hanuman arrives. He is delegated by his uncle, Sugriwa to look for two heroes who are able to kill Subali. Subali is a sacred man and has taken Dewi Tara, Sugriwa's beloved woman. At last Rama decides to help Sugriwa after being insisted.
Kiskendo cave
At the moment of Subali, Dewi Tara and his son are chatting suddenly sugriwa arrives and attacks Subali. Then Sugriwa helped by Rama defeats Subali. Sugriwa takes Dewi Tara with him again. To (membalas) Rama's kindness, Sugriwa decides to help him in searching for Dewi Shinta. For this purpose Sugriwa delegates Hanoman to find and investigate the Alengka Kingdom.
Argasoka Garden
Rahwana's niece, Trijata is comforting Shinta in the garden. Rahwana arrives to ask Shinta's willingness to be his wife. Shinta refused it. This makes him angry and try to kill her but Trijata prevent and tells him to be patient. Trijata promises to look after Shinta.
When Shinta feels so sad, she suddenly hear beatiful song sung by Hanoman, the white monkey. Hanoman tells her that he comes and sent by Rama to ascape her. After he explain his purpose, Hanoman starts to find out the total power of the Alengka army. Then he destroy the garden.
Indrakit. Rahwana's son succesfully captured Hanoman but Kumbokarno prevents him so that he is throwm out the Kingdom. Hanoman is sentenced burnt alive till die. But then Hanoman is able to set himself free and burn the kingdom with the fire around his body.
As soon as burn the Kingdom, Hanoman comes to Rama and explains for what has happened. Rama then goes to Alengka along with his monkey's army. He attacks the Kingdom and makes the Alengka's army in a difficult position because Indrajit-the leader of the army is death.
Since the army doesn't have a leader Rahwana orders Kumbokarno-the wise giant to be the leader of the army and fights for the Alengka Kingdom. But then Kumbokarno killed and deah by Rama's heirloom arrow. Rahwana takes over the army and starts to attack Rama and his soldiers. Rama also kills him at last. His corpse is put under the mountain of sumawana carried by Hanoman.
Rama Meets Shinta
After the death of Rahwana, Hanoman takes Shinta to meet Rama. But Rama refused her because he thinks that she is not purified anymore. Shinta is disappointed and to prove her faithfully to her husband she comes into a fire and burns herself. Because of her holiness and God of fire's help she is not burnt and safe. That makes Rama happy and finally accepts her to be his wife again.
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Grebeg is customary ceremony conducted in the form of alms to the court in the form of mountain communities.Yogyakarta and Surakarta ceremony every year Grebeg 3 times, ie when Grebeg Syawal Eid feast, during the Great Grebeg Idul Adha, and Grebeg Maulud or often referred to Grebeg Sekaten the Birthday of Prophet Muhammad's warning.
Looking at history, he said, Äúgrebeg, Au comes from the word, Äúgumrebeg, Au which means loud, noisy, and crowded. This course describes the atmosphere that is Grebeg busy and hectic.
Mound also has a certain philosophical meaning. Mound of earth that contains the results (vegetables and fruit) and snacks (rengginang) is a symbol of prosperity and then distributed to the people.
In this Grebeg ceremony, mountain is called Mount Jaler (men), Mount Estri (female), and Gepak and Pawuhan.
This mound was taken by the courtiers who use colored clothing and a maroon cap and a dark blue batik berkain patterned white circle with a picture of flowers in the middle of the circle. All of these courtiers barefoot nyeker alias.
Depart from the mound to the accompaniment of Kori Kamandungan salvo fire and soldiers guarded the palace ten bregada at around 10 noon.
From Kamandungan, brought across the mountains and then headed Sitihinggil Festival on the square in the north to be placed in the mosque yard Gedhe REGOL through the door.
We set out from the palace, is the vanguard of a soldier who is often referred Wirabraja with chilli soldier brother because her clothes are typical red-red and Turi Kudhup hat shaped like a chilli.
For the record, it has Wirabraja soldier tasks as, Äúcucuking behavior, Au, aka front guard troops in every court ceremony.
Then when the handover ceremony in the courtyard mosque mountains Gedhe, soldiers guarding the Bugis a uniformed soldier in black with a distinctive hat and dressed Surakarsa soldier in white.
Bukittinggi, The Most Relaxed Town in All Sumatra
Bukittinggi is one of the loveliest, friendliest, most relaxed town in all Sumatra. This town is situated more or less 930 meters above sea level.
Bukittinggi, formerly named Fort De Cock by the Dutch, has a cool climate and is surrounded by three volcanoes: Tandikat, Singgalang and Merapi. In the outskirts of the town is the Ngarai Sianok canyon, a canyon separating Bukittinggi from Kota Gadang, 12 km away overland. Kota Gadang is renowned for its fine silver filigree and hand embroidery.
A center of attraction is the town's clock-tower, topped with a horn- shaped roof and referred to by the people as Jam Gadang. It overlooks the market square and the city's magnificent surroundings.
Also worth visiting is the Museum which is a Rumah Gadang, a traditional extended family house built in the 19th century. There are dance performances at the museum's open stage every Sunday and on public holidays. Night dance performances are at Sliguri. It is also worth seeing the bullfights at Padang Lawas (6 km south of Bukittinggi) every Tuesday at 5.00 p.m.
From Jakarta International Airport to Minangkabau International Airport in Ketaping it will take about 2 hours, after you arrive you can use Taxi or Bus to Bukittinggi.
There are various Inns and Hotels in Bukittinggi, If you are looking for a star hotel, theres Novotel Coralia Bukittinggi with a grand view of the beautiful Anai valley, while Lima's Hotel, Hotel Asia and Hotel Denai are classified locally as 'superior hotels'.
- Simpang Raya, Jl Muka Jam Gadang. This large, popular restaurant has good-quality Padang food plus a basic Indonesian menu with soup, rice or noodle dishes.
- Under the Bridge Restaurant, Jl A Yani. This is a slightly up market travelers' restaurant serving steaks, pasta, pizza, apple pie and chocolate cake.
Moving Around
You can move around the city by Taxi, Bus or rent a car. Theres also a horse carriage or sado provide a colorful charming transportation to move around through the town.
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Other Things to See or Do
- Watching one of the landmarks of the city, the Bukittinggi Big Ben or known as Jam Gadang. Also.
- Make nice trips in the environment like to the Harau nature reserve, the Pagaruyung Minangkabau palace and Lake Singkarak.
Souvenir Tips
As a tourist center, Bukittinggi boasts a multitude of craft,souvenir, jewelry, and antique shops. Many craft village lie within an hour ride from Bukittinggi.
Shopping
- Lively Pasar Atas (Upper Market), just south of the clock tower, is lined with stalls and shops selling everyday goods and souvenirs. Nearby, Sumatera,
- Jl Minangkabau 19, has a huge range of textiles from Sumba and Irian Jaya and king sticks from North Sumatra.
Travel tips
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- Though the horse carriage is far more expensive than the 'ojek', it is very popular with the locals, especially since it can carry whole families.
- The tourist office is at Jl Syech Bantam 1 (Mon-Thurs 8am-2pm, Fri 8-11am, Sat 8am-12.30pm; tel 0752/22403), near the clock tower.
- Tours: Many places offer one-day local tours to traditional villages, the Pagaruyung palace and the Harau Canyon.
Good varieties of restaurants are situated on or close to the city. But, since youre in West Sumatra who is known with the spicy foods, we suggested you to try some Padang dishes like Rendang and Soto Padang. Here are some of restaurants around the city: Where to StayGetting There
A Memory of an old time in Semarang, Central Java
Semarang is situated on Java's northern coast and is called the capital of Centarl Java, as it lies just about halfway between the extreme east and west coasts of the island. The environs around Semarang are perfect for day trips and side and side excursions. photo by www.sijiwae.net
The old records of this city date back to the 15th to the 18th century AD in where captivating ancient and colonial monuments still standing to present date. In the older part of the city, near the harbour, you can still find an interesting collection of buildings dating back to the Dutch Colonial era and the Dutch East Indies Company, such as GEREJA BLENDUK, is the eldest Christian Church in Central Java built by the Dutch community in 1753. It shows the Church architecture of the 18th century with its huge dome and a baroque organ inside the building. Nearby the Church, there are some buildings from the Dutch colonial time. STASIUN TAWANG, the main railways station with its "Old Time" architecture located also in this area. While LAWANG SEWU or usually called as Thousand Doors, situated in the downtown of Semarang is also a remarkable building from the "Old Dutch Time".
photo:www.sijiwae.net
Beside an interesting collection of Dutch Colonial buildings, there's an also Chinese buildings remain in Semarang. In the west part of Semarang, a temple SAMPOKONG or locally known as Gedong Batu (Stone Building) was dedicated to Chinese Moslem Admiral Cheng Ho, his fleet arrived in the first time at 1406 AD. The other Chinese Buddhist temple is Tay Kak Sie at Lombok Street built in the year 1772.
- By Plane
To and from Semarang is easily accessible by Air, the airport name is Ahmad Yani located in West Semarang around five km from the downtown.
There are several airlines, such as Garuda and Merpati, connect with other cities of Indonesia such as Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Banjarmasin, etc. - By Train
The main railway station is Tawang, in the old part of the town.
The main train connection is between Semarang, Cirebon and Surabaya. There is also service to Solo. - By Bus
The main Bus Terminal is in Terboyo, in the eastern part of the city. Several Bus companies serve the inter-city connections with many cities in Java, Bali and Sumatra. Direct information can be collected directly in the terminal. - By Boat
The Semarang harbor is in Tanjung Mas. There are regular shipping lines for passengers sail to and from Semarang to other island, as Kalimantan. The main line is Pelni. Inquire also for occasional cargo boats, taking passengers in the harbor.
This city has enough accommodation for its visitors, from budget hotels to the star-rated hotels. Some top hotels located in downtown and in any luxurious area. The facilities meet international demands with combination of traditional specialties.
You can move around the city by becak (a three wheels vehicle) only in the north part of the city, mini-buses, buses and taxi.
While in Semarang, you can visit other interesting places, such as:
- Simpang Lima, it is a square with many shops and cinemas around. In the evening a lot of people are here taking a walk or window-shopping. Early in the morning, people are jogging along the street.
- Gombel, its a favorite place on the hill with its fresh air and picturesque landscape. In the evening, people like to be here to relax while enjoying the panoramic vista to the city and the harbor.
- Puri Maerakaca, it is a well arranged park on the beach exhibiting traditional houses of every Central Java regencies. In these houses, specific crafts of each regency are displayed.
There are a lot of restaurants in Semarang offering delicious food of Indonesian, Chinese, and European cuisine. One should find easily in Jl. Pemuda around Pasar Johar the best speciality market in Simpang Lima mall.
The area of Gang Lombok and Jl. Gadjah Mada are famous with its Chinese restaurants, in Jl. A. Yani there are tasteful Javanese restaurants.
Semarang is famous for its Lumpia (Chinese Spring Rolls ), Pia, Wingko Babat and Bandeng Presto (Tendered Fish).
Souvenir and art objects are available in Semarang, mostly in the downtown areas and popular market places or shopping centres. Batik cloths and garments, handwoven fabrics, traditional and local jewellery, leather puppets, basketry and many.
- The weather is most pleasant between May to September and it is recommended that travelers choose this time of year to visit
- Dress light and comfortable to wear
- Don't forget to bring an umbrella or raincoat, in case of rain
HERITAGE SITE in Palembang, South Sumatra
1. Kuto Besak Fortress
An interesting fact about this museum is that it took 17 years to build it, started in 1780 and inaugurated to use it in Monda 21st Februari 1797. The idea of f this fortress development was Mahmud Badaruddin Sultanate I (1724 - 1758).
It has 288,75m length, 183, 75 m width, 9.99 m height and 1.99 m thick. Each corner provide entrance, the Northwest side entrance is different with three others. The same 3 entrances represent the characteristic of Kuto Besak Fortress. The main entrance, Lawang Kuto allowed visitors to look out to Musi River. While the entrance in the back door called Lawang Buritan.
This fortress has become Palembangnese proud since its the biggest and the only fortress made-up from stone wall and strongly related as the witness of their successes fought against European enemy.
2. Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Museum
This museum was the former Kuto Lama Fortress where the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Jayo Wikramo and Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I (1724 - 1758) stated their Keraton (palace).
In 1821, this palace attacked by the Dutch Colony and in October 17th, 1823 demolished under Dutch Commissaries requirement, I.L Van Seven House as the revenge to Sultanate who burnt Aur rive Loji. The museum rebuilt in 1825 and become Dutch government secretariat and resident.
In 1942 - 1945 during Japanese expansion, this building ruled by Japanese armies and handed over to Palembangnese after the independence proclaimed in 1945. In 1949, Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Museum renovated and punctuated the function as Sriwijaya II Toritorium and used as central rezimen of Sriwijaya IV. Based on the research conducted by National Archeological team in 1988, the Kuto Lama brick foundation found under the scalded wooden-block.
3. Water Tower Office
This building was founded in 1982 and previously used Syuco office during Japanese era in 1942-1945 and then used as city hall untuil 1956. This building provided water treatment supplies for public office. In 1963 Water Tower Office changed into Palembang Government Central Office.
4. Ampera Bridge
Built above Musi River which has 1.777 m length, 22 m width and 11.50 m height funded from war confiscation of Japanese Government by Soekarno instruction, Indonesia President started in April 1962 and finished 1964.
Previously named Musi Bridge then changed to Ampera Bridge since it operated on New Era period. AMPERA word stands for Amanat Penderitaan Rakyat (Message of Folks Tribulation).
Before 1970, the center part of Ampera Bridge could be lift up and passed by big ship with 44.50 m height on maximum. Now days, for maintenance reason ship isnt allowed to cross over.
5. Limas Traditional House
Built along the river banks, facing away from the water so daily household activities can be done in privacy. These very ornate wooden houses are raised on stills, and usually 15-20 meters in width and from 30-60 meters, from Colums; door and window frames to ventilation panels are intricately carved.
Getting There- Domestic flight fly daily to Palembang
- Garuda Indonesia Airlines served flight from Osaka, Tokyo, Jeddah, Riyadh, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Singapore and Perth as well as major cities in Indonesia to Palembang
- Air conditioned buses from Java and Sumatera also available
- Moving around in Palembang, public transportation such as mini bus, buses, small transport called angkutan kota/city trans
- Becak or pedicab is an optional and best to explore the town
Where to Stay
Star Hotel
- Novotel Palembang Hotel & Residence
PALEMBANG - Jln. R. Soekamto 8A, Palembang
+62-711-369777 / +62-711-379777
info@novotelpalembang.com
http://www.novotelpalembang.com - Sandjaya ****: Jln A. Rivai No.6193 Palembang Telp. (0711) 350634-3113693
- Swarna Dwipa ***: Jl. Tasik No.2 PalembangTelp. (0711) 313322-362992
- King's ***: Jl. Kol. Atmo Nomor 623 Plg Telp. (0711) 363633-362323
- Lembang ***: Jl. Kol. Atmo No. 623 Plg Telp. (0711) 363333
- Princess ***: Jl. Letkol Iskandar Komplek Ilir Barat Permai Palembang Telp. (0711)313137-312801
- Lee Paradise **: Jl. Kapt. A. Rivai No.257 Telp. (0711) 356707
- Arjuna **: Jl. Kapt. A. Rivai No.219 Telp. 356719-358505
- Wisata **: Jl. Letkol Iskandar No.105 Telp. 434889
- Puri Indah *: Jl. Merdeka No. 38-40 Plg Telp. (0711) 355785
Budget Hotel
- Sehati: Jl. Dr. Wahidin 1 Palembang Telp. 351537
- Sintera: Jl. May. Ruslan No.667 Palembang Telp. (0711)354618-354619
- Crossandra: Jl. Dwikora I No.1711 Telp. (0711) 313667
- Kenanga Inn: Jl. Bukit Kecil No.76 Palembang Telp. (0711) 358166
- Wisma Olga: Jl. Sumatera 1-7 Telp. (0711) 311265
- Sriwijaya: Jl. Letkol Iskandar No.31 Palembang Telp. (0711) 354193
- Surya I: Jl. Sukarjo Seb-Ulu 1 Palembang Telp. (0711) 512657
- Timbul Jaya: Jl. Letkol Iskandar No.15 Palembang Telp. (0711) 350177
- Pondok Indah: Jl. Kol. H. Burlian Km.9 Palembang Telp. (0711) 414369
- Darma Agung: Jl. Kol. H. Burlian km.7 Telp. 410558-411964
- Cendana: Jl. Jend. Sudirman No.22 Km.3 Telp. 410558-411964
- Ganesha: Jl. Karet No.6/10 Telp. 357333
- Permata: Jl. Jend. Sudirman No.292-793Telp. 369250-369251
Moving Around
- Moving around in Palembang, public transportation such as mini bus, buses, small transport called angkutan kota/city trans
- Becak or pedicab is an optional and best to explore the town
- Ojeg: rented bike drived by the owner
- Getek: traditional boat is one of the main transportation in Musi River
Dining Guide
Find the authentic local food here.
- Pempek Palembang
Ask somebody to name the well-known dishes from Palembang, they will mentioned Pempek Palembang in their top-list. Yes, Pempek Palembang. Once you visit Palembang then you have to give it a try.
Pempek made from fish, sago flour and served with acid sour soup. There are several variant of Pempek; Pempek Lenjer, Kapal Selam (egg), Pempek Kulit (fish), Pempek Adaan and Pempek Lenggang (mixed Lenjer with egg), Pempek Keriting, Pempek Panggang
Store to visit:
Pempek Dempo at Jl. Dempo Dalam
Pempek Noni: Jl. Kolonel Haji Burlian
Pempek Pak Raden - Kerupuk Palembang
One of the famous snack from Palembang, this kerupuk or chips made from mixed flour with certain fish, Tenggiri fish, Gabus fish and Belida fish.
Store to visit:
Kerupuk 601 and Taxi 333 at Jl. Dempo Luar - Martabak Har
Made from fried egg, flour skin and mixed with certain spices. Martabak Har usually served with juicy soup made from potatoes, water and spices. Best place to have this martabak is Martabak Haji Abdul Rosak at Jl. Jendral Sudirman - Lempok Duren
Made from Durian and sugar, available in Durian season only - Tekwan
Local soup made from fishball, shrimp paste/essen, rice noodle and mushroom, juicy tuber - Bekasem
Souvenir Tips
- Kain Songket (Songket Cloth) at Sentra Kerajinan Songket
- Wooden carve at Jalan Jenderal Sudirman
Other Things to See or Do
- Hutan Wisata Punti Kayu
- Bukit Siguntang
- Sentra Kerajinan Kayu Ukir
- Sentra Kerajinan Songket
- Pulau Kemaro
Travel Tips
- The Annual Bidar Race is well worth including in your plans if you visit Palembang around Independence Day, August 17th. The Annual Bidar Race takes place at River Musi. The 24 meters long boat and 75 cm wide, powered by 50 oarsmen.
- Sriwijaya Festival every July perform cultural attractions and ornamental boat race
Other Travel Essential
Tourist Office
Dinas Pariwisata & Kebudayaan Kota Palembang
Jl. Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II, No. 2
Palembang
Phone: 0711 " 358450 - Fax: 0711 " 352573
Airline Services
Garuda Indonesia
Jl. Kapten A Rivai No.35
Phone: (0711) 3122204/790
Fax: (0711) 352224
Mandala Airlines
Bandara Sultan Machmud Badarudin II
Phone: (0711) 411778 ext. 100
Fax: (0711 411840
Tour and Travel Agent
Carmeta Ampuh
Dempo Luar 29 " 30 Palembang,
Phone: (0711)352529, Fax: (0711) 312589
Sri Varia Wisata
Jl. Letkol Iskandar 16 A, Palembang,
Phone: (0711) 372034, Fax: (0711) 313708
Wisata Indah (Wisin)
Jl. Veteran No. 173 C, Palembang,
Phone: (0711) 351811, Fax: (0711) 355580
Pt. Mitra Suryawisatama
Jl. Rajawali No. 491, Palembang,
Phone: (0711) 321875, Fax: (0711) 353365
Internet CafI.Net
Jl.Kolonel Atmo 425
Palembang
Phone : (+62.711) 373068
Email: plgmktg@indo.net.id
Gamelan, the Javanese Orchestra
Gamelan is surely not a foreign music. It has been popular in most continents and has created new music integration, for example jazz-gamelan, has born institution as learning space and gamelan music expression and it has produced famous gamelan musicians. Gamelan music instrument can now be enjoyed in various parts of the world, but Yogyakarta is the right place to enjoy it since you can enjoy the original version of gamelan.
Gamelan that grows in Yogyakarta is Javanese gamelan, one form of gamelan that is different from Balinese gamelan or Sundanese gamelan. Javanese gamelan has softer and slower tones; it is different from Balinese gamelan that is very dynamic and Sundanese gamelan that is melodious with domination of the voice of seruling or traditional bamboo flute. The difference is just natural since Java has its own view of life that is expressed in its gamelan music melody.
The Javanese view of life that is expressed in its gamelan music is the harmony of physical and spiritual lives, harmony in talking as well as behaving in order not to create explosive expression and to realize people tolerance. The real form of harmony in Javanese gamelan music is the moderate play of rebab string, voice harmony of kenong, saron kendang and gambang and the voice of gong ate each closing of the melody.
There is no definite history of gamelan existence. The development of gamelan music is predicted to begin from the existence of kentongan, rebab, tap on the mouth, rubs on string and thin bamboo until the introduction of metal music instruments. Further development after named by gamelan, this music was used to accompany leather puppet show and dances. Later it became independent music and it was completed with voices of female singers called sinden.
A set of gamelan consists of several music instruments; some of them are drum called kendhang, rebab, and celempung, gambang, gong and bamboo flute or seruling. The main components composing the gamelan music instruments are bamboo, metal, and wood. Each of the instrument has its own function in a gamelan music show, for example the gong functioning to close the long music melodies and to give balance after the music was previously decorated by Javanese music melodies.
Javanese gamelan is music with pentatonic melodies. A complete gamelan play consists of two cycles, namely slendro and pelog. Slendro has 5 melodies per octave, namely 1 2 3 5 6 [C- D E+ G A] with small interval difference. Pelog has 7 melodies per octave namely 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 [C+ D E- F# A B] with big interval difference. Gamelan music composition was created with some rules, namely consists of some cycles and pathet, confined by one gong and the melodies were created in a unit consisting of 4 melodies.
You can see gamelan as an independent music performance or a companion of a dance or performance arts such as leather puppet show and ketoprak. As an independent performance, gamelan music is usually combined with the voice of the Javanese singers (male singers are called wiraswara and female singers are called waranggana or sinden). Gamelan music performance can be classic or contemporary. One form of contemporary gamelan is jazz-gamelan as a combination of music with pentatonic and diatonic melodies.
One of the places in Yogyakarta where you can see gamelan performance is Yogyakarta Kingdom. On Thursdays from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. gamelan is performed as an independent music performance. On Saturdays at the same hours, gamelan is performed as companion of leather puppet show, while on Sundays at the same hours, gamelan accompanies Javanese traditional dance. Please come to Bangsal Sri Manganti to see the performance. Meanwhile, in order to see older gamelan music instrument, you can go to other hall of the kingdom that is located a little further at the back.
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Photo & Artistic: Singgih Dwi Cahyanto
Kotagede Mosque, the Oldest Mosque in Yogyakarta
Wandering through Kotagede will be complete only if you have visited the Kotagede Mosque, the oldest building for Moslems to say their prayer in Yogyakarta. This building is often skipped by tourists who are going to the cemetery complex of Mataram Kings, whereas in fact the building is not less enchanting. In fact, there are stories of the instruments in the mosque that was built in 1640s.
Before entering the complex of the mosque - in the parking area - you will see a banyan tree that has been there for hundreds years so that people name it "Waringin Sepuh" that means an old banyan tree. This tree will bring luck to anyone who is praying under it when he or she gets two leaves with one facing up and the other facing down.
Approaching the mosque complex, you will find a gateway. Right in front of the gate, there is wall in the shape of L letter. Some pictures symbolizing the kingdom are carved on it. Such buildings represent Sultan Agung's tolerance to local inhabitants who embraced Hinduism and Buddhism and took part in building the mosque.
Entering the mosque yard, you will see green inscription as high as 3 meters signifying mosque renovation done by Paku Buwono. The base of the inscription is of square form and on top of it is the crown as the symbol of Surakarta Kingdom. A clock functioning as time reference for praying is attached to the southern side of the inscription.
We learn from the inscription that Kotagede mosque was built in two stages. The first work done during Sultan Agung reign was small mosque that was called langgar because of the size. The second building was done by Paku Buwono X, the King of Surakarta Kingdom. The difference of those two building lies on the poles; the one built by Sultan Agung was with wooden poles while the other done by Paku Buwono X was with iron poles.
The main part of the mosque is of Javanese style namely limasan that is characterized by pyramid-form of the roof and two different rooms functioning as main room and verandah respectively.
You will see ditch encircling the mosque before you enter the main building of the mosque. It functions as drainage for the water flowing from a place where people take water from the north part of the mosque to clean them before praying. Now, the ditch functions as fishpond after being renovated with porcelains being fitted to the base of it. In order to ease people to enter the building, small bridge is constructed of woods arranged side by side.
Outside of the main building of the mosque, there is an old drum placed beside a kentongan (traditional Javanese wooden drum that is struck to sound alarm). The drum that is as old as the mosque was a present from Nyai Pringgit from Dondong village of Kulon Progo Regency. Thanks to her presence, her descendents were rewarded privilege to stay in the area around the mosque that later was named Dondongan. The drum is in use this time as time signal for praying.
There is a speaker platform made of finely carved wood inside the mosque, beside the place where imam leads the prayer. The platform was given by Sultan Agung who got it when he visited a Regent in Palembang on his return from Mecca. It is now rarely used in order to keep it from being damaged. For daily uses, people replace it with small platform.
Walking around the mosque, you will see different encircling walls. The left wall was constructed of bigger bricks in size with brighter color and marble-looking stone on the surface with Javanese writings on it. The other wall on the other part is of less bright bricks with smaller size and no decoration on it. The left wall was built during Sultan Agung reign while the other wall was the result of the renovation done by Paku Buwono X. The wall constructed during Sultan Agung reign was cemented by using the juice of sugar palm for stronger bound.
This old mosque still looks vivid to the present time. People make use of it form religious activities. When praying time comes, many people will come to it. After praying, many of them stay there to communicate to each other, to learn Koran or even to take a nap.
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Text & Photo: Yunanto Wiji Utomo
Artistic: Sutrisno
Stepping on the First Palace of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Kingdom
Stepping on the First Palace of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Kingdom
Do you agree that Yogyakarta Palace that has been 300 years old is the first palace of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat kingdom? Please visit Pesanggrahan Ambarketawang to the south of Yogyakarta city center to confirm your belief. The building in the area served as the first palace of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat kingdom for a year, from 9 October 1755 until 7 October 1756.
A couple of days ago, YogYES visited this pesanggrahan. We left from Kotagede through Kusumanegara and Sultan Agung roads to come to the crossroad of the Grand Post Office. From there, we kept on moving westwards until the first T-junction after Gamping market and we turned left. Then, we turned left again after we found a small direction plank informing the direction to Pesanggrahan Ambarketawang.
First, we were surprised to find that the road was blind. The end of the road was rice field, while the sides of it were houses and yards. We thought of being lost, but finally we changed our mind when we looked to the right side and saw wall in its blackening color. The thickness of the wall assured us that the wall was part of pesanggrahan.
Then, we approached a local inhabitant named Tarsono who happened to be in the location. We did not know that he turned to be the person in charge of managing the land in the pesanggrahan. Through him, who is 72 years old now, we could know parts of the existing building and some areas that used to be important parts of the building that was built by Paku Buwono II.
The wall that we saw the first time turned to be the front wall of this building, while the vacant area in the east of the wall was the gate to get into the pesanggrahan. The field to the south of the wall with big trees on it was the square of the pesanggrahan, while the wall at the south of the wall was a horse stable.
Close to the front wall, there is magic well. The water of the well that is as old as Pesanggrahan Ambarketawang is believed to cure illness. Tarsono told that once there was a paralyzed person who bathed with the water from the well and he could walk at once. To date, local people still make use of this magic well, particularly when there is member of the family who gets sick.
If we look carefully, right to the left of the well, there is a construction of bricks parallel to the ground. The brick construction was the upper part of the underground channel stretching 6 meters northwards. If we follow the bricks, we will see similar bricks construction as the end of the tunnel through which people can pass by.
Still in the adjacent area, we saw a kind of basement floor with moss growing on it. We thought it a common cement building, but it turns to be part of the upper floor of this building. This is the only upper floor that we can still see to exist since the other similar building had disappeared and the ground floor is buried in the earth.
In addition to parts of the pesanggarahan, there is also new building in the form of a hall. Various Javanese arts are performed in the hall, such as macapat or the singing of traditional Javanese songs that is done every Thursday of special Javanese weekday called Pahing and martial art that is held on Tuesdays. The Javanese songs sung in the performance usually tell about the breakup of Mataram kingdom into Surakarta and Yogyakarta, such as the one written in the Chronicle of Giyanti.
After we walked around the area, we walked through the path on the rice field to the north direction. There, we found another part of the pesanggrahan, in the form of wall the directly borders to cemetery. The thick wall of which color is blackening is believed to be the rear wall of the pesanggrahan that stretched to the eastwards and westwards.
To the east of the wall, there is a big stone encircled with iron fence. The big stone was pas of a limestone hill existing in the area. The story tells that it was the existence of the limestone hill deciding the location of the palace construction. Now, the hill has disappeared since much of the limestone was utilized to build houses.
To the right of the big stone, there is a stage as big as the stone, which is not part of the pesanggrahan. The stage was used in one of the offering ceremonies, namely the slaughtering of bekakak (the mannequin of bridal couple). This ceremony is held in commemoration of the many people who were killed while collecting the limestone and now it is done once a year after the date of 20 of Javanese month Sapar.
Generally, the procession of the offering ceremony is done until the front part of pesanggrahan Ambarketawang. Various art performances such as leather puppet, macapat, gamelan and so on are held there. Tarsono told that the offering ceremony that is often called as Saparan is still crowded by visitors both from nearby areas and from distant villages.
If we come to visit pesanggrahan Ambarketawang when Saparan ceremony is held, the enchantment of the first area of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat kingdom will be complete. However, if you do not have time to visit on the day, you can still enjoy its history anytime. At least, you can enjoy the enchantment of the area of this pesanggrahan. No expenses are imposed to enter this area.
Text: Yunanto Wiji Utomo
Photo & Artistic: Agung Sulistiono Mabruron
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