Because of its easy access, the Mount Gede-Pangrango National Park with its spectacular panorama is a favourite site with visitors. Located in the province of West Java this Park encompasses the peaks of Mt. Gede, Mt. Pangrango. Around these peaks are tea plantations, recreation parks, waterfalls, hot springs, lakes and accommodation facilities within the park as around its periphery. The Park was declared nature conservation area in 1889, although prior to this the Cibodas Botanical Gardens was already established here in 1830, where cinchona (quinine) and coffee were first cultivated to become Java’s most prominent exports in the 19th century.

Most notable about the Gede-Pangrango Park are its three very distinct ecosystems: a sub-montane ecosystem (1,000 m to 1,500 m altitude), a montane ecosystem (1,500 m - 2,900 m) characterized by large tall trees, and a sub-alpine ecosystem (2,400 m. and higher), characterized by grassy meadows where the Java edelweiss grows in abundance. It also has a savanna as well as marshland ecosystems.

In 1977 UNESCO declared the Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park a Biosphere Reserve.

Today the Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park covers 15,196 hectares that include Cibodas, Cimungkat, the Gunung Gede-Pangrango Reserve , the Situgunung recreation area, and the forests on the slopes centered on two volcanoes. These are Mt. Gede, (2,958m ) with its gaping crater and fumaroles, and Mt. Pangrango (3,019 m). The two are connected by a high saddle at 2,500 m above sea level.

Getting There

The main entrance to the Gede-Pangrango Park is through a trail located next to the main gate of the Cibodas Gardens. Cibodas lies just off the main Jakarta-Bandung mountain route pass the Puncak, at Cipanas, some two hours from Jakarta, when traffic is sparse. On holidays and weekends expect the Bogor-Puncak route to be jammed with Jakarta vacationers.

To obtain your Permit and a map contact the Forestry and Conservation Office:

Jalan Raya Cibodas,
Cipanas 43253, Cianjur, West Java.
Tel.: 62-263-512776, Fax: 620263-519415
Email: tngp@cianjur.wasantara.net.id.

Getting Around

Since the 19th century, the Gede-Pangrango area has been a living laboratory for researchers. The trail on the south-eastern slopes was found by Sir Thomas Raffles in 1811, although the earliest recorded climb of Mount Gede was by C.G.C. Reinwardt in 1819.

Among many points of interest in the park, Bodogol Conservation Education Center offers wide variety of interests. Hanging twenty-five meters above ground, a canopied walkway is one of the park’s best attraction although extra precaution should be taken at several points in which the walkway’s condition has deteriorated.

Because of the high rainfall here during the rainy season, the Park is closed between December through March when heavy fog and clouds cover the peaks and strong winds prevail especially during February and March. Best time to visit and make the exhilarating climb to the craters is during the dry season between June through September.

Temperatures vary on average around 18°C at Cibodas, cooling down quickly to 10°C at the mountain peaks. When you intend to climb to the peak make sure that you wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes because in the evenings temperatures can be freezing cold.

To Do

Edelweiss grow in a field known as the alun-alun Suryakencana, located to the north of Mt. Gede. It takes some six-hours hiking from Cibodas.

The view from the Summit and crater of Mt. Gede is stunning both at sunrise or sunset. From here one can see Mt. Krakatau and Sumatra, and below the towns of Cianjur, Sukabumi and Bogor. Here are three active craters – the Lanang, Ratu and Wadon craters, united in a single complex at an altitude of 2,958 m. The craters are a five-hour hike from Cibodas.

There are four types of primates in this Park, including the Java Gibbon which is endemic to Java, the Surili which lives around the Cibodas waterfall but is rarely seen as it is shy, the long-tailed macaque monkeys and the Javan langur. There are also leopards, wild dogs and wild boars.

The Park boasts a wide variety of bird species, 251 of the 450 species on Java inhabit this Park, including the Javan hawk eagle and the owl.

The Biru Lake, situated at 1,575 m located at 1.5 km from the entrance at Cibodas is a favourite picnic spot. The blue colour comes from the a blue algae with which this lake is covered.

The 50 m high Cibeureum Waterfall, where three separate streams plunge over a cliff, is located 2.8 km. from Cibodas. Here is a red moss that is endemic to West Java. Watch Arjuna butterflies sip salty mud at the water’s edge.

Thermal springs are found around two-hours hike from Cibodas, while camping grounds and accommodation can be found at Mt. Putri and Selabintana.

Lake Tondano is a famous tourist destination in North Sulawesi province. It is located 600 meters above sea level and covers an area of 4,278 hectares (or about 10,571 acres). This lake is situated in Remboken village, or some 3 kilometers from Tomohon city or some 30 km from Manado city.

This lake looks like a bird nest as it is surrounded by mountains of 700 meters high, namely Lembena, Kaweng, Tampusu and Masarang. This lake covers three sub-districts, namely Eris, Kakas and Remboken. By the lake side, you can see clearly Mount Kaweng.

Lake Tondano has a famous tourist object called "Sumaru Endo" Remboken, and Tourist Resort of Bukit Pinus (from Tondano toward Toliang Oki). From this lake side (Toliang Oki), you can see pass Lembean hill to see the beauty of Maluku Sea (on its east), particularly Tondano Pante area in Kombi sub-district, in Minahasa district. Entry fee to this tourist object is Rp 4.000 plus insurance and toilet service.

Getting There

It will take about one hour from Tomohon city to this tourist object through winding roads. To reach this destination, you may take your own car or a public transportation from Manado or Tomohon.

Getting Around

Visitors can travel around the lake by boat for only Rp 50.000 (about 5 US Dollar) but the boat usually waits till it has 10 passengers.

When you are in the middle of the lake, you can see a small island called Pulai Likri. Unfortunately, you cannot reach the island because the boat has its own route to follow. In addition, you can also see the local community fish for Nike fish using nets that look like a spoon with two bamboo sticks on both sides.

Several bamboo buildings stretching out into the lake are suitable for relaxing while enjoying the lake water.

To Do

Local government of North Sulawesi province delegated the authority to manage this tourist destination to private sectors in 2003. At present, this object is called Sumaru Endo and has various facilities such as bungalows, swimming pools and restaurants. In addition, you can also find car rental services, rental swimming equipment and boats to take you around the lake. Hiking near the lake is also fun as it has cool weather.

To Eat

Local inhabitants usually sell their small Nike fish to make fish balls, waku-waku bolanga, or grilled fish. You can enjoy Nike dishes in restaurants or food stalls around the lake.

Gorontalo, the Pieces of Paradise on the Equator

Hidden Paradise on the Equator. There are just so many things that make Gorontalo perfect for holiday, the beauty of its nature, the culture and not forget to mention, the friendly people. General information about Gorontalo, stated at North Sulawesi. Mountains, hills, shore line are the main characteristic of Gorontalo and it makes the island perfect for marine tourism.

Most of diving site take you just a few minute from town, Diving in Gorontalo mean diving within the richness of biodiversity, health and unique coral and reef

Lot of beautiful place could be found here, Tomini Bay famous for under water habitat and undefined creatures. There is several number of unsettled small islands. Tomini Bay is a heaven for divers, because the geographic position of Tomini Bay itself, which is crossed by the equator line, has naturally presented various kinds of sea creature inside.

Desa Olele or Olele Village is well known as the wild diving spot among world class diver. Olele beach is a gate to underwater paradise. The amazing beauty of underwater life on this area has been recognize and proofed by the enthusiasm of the divers who come to Olele beach. The divers called Olele as Traffic Jam dive spot.

In Tomini Bay and Olele Beach, you can find some or maybe the most amazing and diver creature such as:

• Olele Beach

  Lumba-Lumba hidung botol (torsiops trancatus)
• Giant Reef (Petrosia Sp.)
• Angkutan Kota (City Transport " small car) also available
• School of Gobi Fish (Bryaninops erythrops)
• Salvador Dali reef (Petrosia lignose)
• Kipas Laut Biru (Acanthogorgia Sp.). There are only 3 acanthogorgia Sp. In Gorontalo
• Anemon Koralimorf (Discosoma Sp.)
• Nemo
• Ikan Behang (plectorhinchus chaetodonoides), some people call it cha-cha fish caused they dance and swim around the coral.
• Blenni (Escenius Caeruliventris)
• Cardinal Fish, damsel, platax pinnatus, scorpaenopsis, oxycephala, goropa fish, butterfly fish, pusillus, cockatoo fish, Randal fish, parapterois hetururus, Bothus Sp " half face fish, frog fish, celebes
• Not forget to mention that Gorontalo is the Kingdom of Nudibrancia

• BLENNI (ESCENIUS CAERULIVENTRES)

  Seahorse and pigmy seahorse

There are just too many creatures to be named in Gorontalo, Just come, wear your suit and experience the Pieces of Paradise on the Equator.

In your spare time, go cruise with the fisherman and catch/fishing your own fishes.

Getting There

• Jallaludin airport is the entrance for the visitors who use the airplane service (located approximately 15 km from the town of Gorontalo)
• Flight from Sukarno Hatta Air Port-Jakarta " Jallaludin Air Port, Gorontalo (Filght served every day, please check the exact schedule to your airline services)
• For visitors who use sea service, Gorontalo has 3 harbors, Anggrek Harbor, Kwandang Harbor and Crossing Harbor

Where to Stay

During your diving, you can stay at Gorontalo Resort
If you stay within the town, these hotels might be fit your requirements:

• Quality Hotel Gorontalo

  Olele Beach

  
  Jl. A. Yani Kota Gorontalo
  Phone: (0435) 822222, Fax (+62435) 821111, www.choicehotelsindonesia.co.id
• Saronde Hotel
  Walanda Marmis Street
  Phone: (0435) 824144
• Yulia Hotel
  Ahmad Yani Street
  Phone: (0435) 828395
• Wisata Hotel
  23 Januari Street
  Phone: (0435) 821736
• City Hotel
  Basuki Rahmat Street
  Phone: (0435) 822437
• Krawang City Hotel
  Basuki Rahmat Street
  Phone: (0435) 822437
• Citra Hotel
  Merdeka Street
  Phone: (0435) 821249

• NUDIBRANCIA

  Melati Hotel
  Gajah Mada Street
  Phone: (0435) 821853
• Wisata Leato Hotel
  Leato Street
  Phone: (0435) 824144
• Sumber Ria
  Budi Utomo Street
  Phone: (0435) 23888
• Budi Utomo Hotel
  Budi Utomo Street
  Phone: (0435) 821564
• Mutiara Hotel
  Andalas Street
  Phone: (0435) 825778
• Imam Bonjol Hotel
  Imam Bonjol Street
  Phone: (0435) 826240

Moving Around

• Within the town, Trans Sulawesi is a land acces that connected the province in Sulawesi
• Mini bus
• To access the diving spot you can use rented car/bike, then take a boat toward your spot preferences
• For those who use dive companys services, they'll arrange your activities (transport, meals, lodging) the moment you arrived at Gorontalo
• Take a ride with Bentor, support by motor bike machine, for one or two passenger only. Dont worry with the rain, cause Bentor installed with veil

Dining Guide

• Within the city, its easy to find any kind of food you want to have for your meal, international menu and traditional menu are available. Make your order, and youll find your meal rich in spices.
• Seafood lover will be pleased here
• Perkedel ikan nike (nike fish). Mashed nike fish mix with flour and spices, then fried
• Pepes Ikan Nike. Fresh nike fish mixed with certain spices, wrapped with banana leaf then baked or some prefer it grilled.

Souvenir Tips

• Kerawang: one of Gorontalos traditional cloth materials, which made by hand (man cloth and woman cloth for all ages). Althought Kerawang made by hand but is doesnt look like a hand made at all. Its a Must to buy and make sure its on your list
• Ornaments of intricate carved wood are common in all the district

Other Things to See or Do

• Wreck of Japanese Cargo, Tjendrawasih Ship
• Sail with the fisherman
• Sentinels: Best of the Best in Diving
• Fishing
• Potanga Pool with natural cool and fresh water-directly comes from the mountain spring
• Otanaha Castle was the protection and defense of the Kings of Gorontalo
• White sand of Leato
• Limboto Lake
• Ayuhulalo Waterfall
• Boalemo Beach
• Bolihutuo Beach
• Bajos Tribe Village

Travel Tips

• The best diving season runs from November to April
• You can experienced the encounter with dolphin (torsiops truncates) around February to April

Tourist Office:
Jl. Diponegoro No. 1
Gorontalo 96115 Phone:
(0435) 821763 Fax: (0401) 821763

GUNUNG HALIMUN SALAK NATIONAL PARK : The Land Under the Rainbow

Established in 1992, Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP) is the largest remaining primary lowland forest in Java, home to 23 mammal species, at least two of which are endemic and endangered (the Javan gibbon and the grizzled langur). The roughly 113,000 hectares found within its boundaries also cover a wide range of plant and animal species. The park also supports more than 200 bird species, of which 18 are endemic, and over 500 plant species. Indigenous Kasepuhan and other Sundanese communities live in and around the park and depend heavily on its natural resources. The park protects an important watershed for Java. However, small-holder and plantation agriculture, infrastructure development, small-scale gold mining, and unsustainable fuel wood and non-timber forest product harvesting threaten GHSNP’s resources. Visitors trek here to observe rare primates, birds, and other forest attraction, and to relax in the tranquil setting of towering water falls.

How to Get There:
Firstly, fly to Jakarta and continue to the town of Bogor, West Java. From Bogor drive to Kabandungan via Parungkuda in a 1.5 hours drive, or drive to Cisangku located
50 km (1.5. hours drive) away.

The Best Season to Visit:
June to August every year

Contact:
Gunung Halimun Salak National Park Office
Parungkuda PO Box 2, Kabandungan Sukabumi 43157
Ph. (0266) 621256, Fax. (0266) 621257
E-mail: tngh@telkom.net

UJUNG KULON NATIONAL PARK : The Last Sanctuary of the Javan Rhino

This national park, located in the extreme south-western tip of Java on the Sunda shelf, includes the Ujung Kulon peninsula, several offshore islands as well as the Krakatoa natural reserve. In addition to its natural beauty and geological interest – particularly for the study of inland volcanoes – it contains the largest remaining area of lowland rainforests in the Java plain. Several species of endangered plants and animals can be found there, the Javan rhinoceros being the most seriously under threat. Ujung Kulon National Park is the country’s premier wildlife reserve where the last fifty or so Javan rhinoceros survive. In 1992, UNESCO designated the area as a world natural heritage site.

How to Get There:
Fly to Jakarta and then drive to Serang (Banten Province) via toll road, continue to Labuan, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. From Labuan head to Taman Jaya, where the excursion into the park usually starts, in a 3.5 hours drive.

The Best Season to Visit:
April to September every year.

Contact:
Ujung Kulon National Park:
Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan No. 51,
Labuan Pandeglang 42264
Ph. (0253) 801731, Fax. (0253) 804651
E-mail: btnuk@cilegon.wasantara.net.id

Tangkuban Perahu Volcano Crater

Tangkuban perahu is an active volcano, it is located 25 - 30 kilometers north of Bandung direction of Lembang. Mt. Tangkuban Perahu is an appealing destination that is fond to visit. The name translates roughly to "overturning of (a) boat" or "overturned boat" in Sundanese, referring to the local legend of its creation. The huge crater is an astonishing view and we could explore the crater around two hours. The sulphur fumes still emit from the crater though it is not particularly active.

Where to stay
There are numerous hotels covering every budget case around Bandung city. But if you have the intensity to stay longer near Tangkuban Perahu, there are numerous hotels in Lembang (North Of Bandung) and experience the ambience of country side whilst breathing a clear air which is hard to persue in the city.

Dining Guide
Restaurants and warungs are scattered around Tangkuban Perahu. But if you want to experience a different vibe there are various eating places around Lembang.

IJEN PLATEAU : Known for its Sulphur Mining

Photo by Patmawinata

How to Get There:
Ijen Plateau is usually accessed from the town of Bondowoso and Banyuwangi. Pos Paltuding, the starting point for the hike to Kawah Ijen, is 64 km from Bondowoso. The starting point can also be reached from Banyuwangi with 4WD vehicles.

Photo by Patmawinata

A Memory of an old time in Semarang, Central Java

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.

Getting There

• 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.

Where to Stay

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.

Moving Around

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.

Other Things to See or Do

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.

Dining Guide

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 Tips

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.

Travel Tips

• 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

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