A magnificient work of nature at more than 2300 m above sea level. Dominating the Bandung skyline, it is the mountain you can see from Bandung's northern hills.
The huge cleft in the mountain flank originated from a prehistoric eruption was once the location of the world famous transmitter station Radio Malabar, made by the Dutch, for direct communication between Holland and Java. (Please find more info about this radio station in http://radiokootwijk.free.fr )
Two man-made lakes near Pangalengan, Cileunca and Cipanunjang are quite inviting for a picnic. Small motor boats and a watercycle for two persons can be rented (about $2 per hour). It's a relaing place which is not overly crwoded even on holidays.
Sabtu, 08 Desember 2007
Karang Bolong: West Java
Every once in a while it is nice, if at all possible, to get away from the metropolis that is Jakarta, with all its traffic congestion and choking pollution, and head for the coast to get some sun, sand and reviving sea air.
Although Jakarta does have coastal areas at its northernmost edges, it is hard to feel that one is really “away from it all” at these narrow little beaches.
Instead, many will travel to the furthest western reaches of Java and to the coastal areas of Anyer and Carita. To get to this part of the island, it is possible to take the Jakarta-Merak toll road for most of the journey.
This road is principally intended to serve as a link to the port town of Merak and the ferries there that depart to Sumatra, but a turn heads to the western coast of Java. Thanks to the toll road, travelers can arrive at the western Java from Jakarta within two hours.
Traveling along the coastal road here, one is confronted by giant industrial complexes that do not suggest that scenic seashores lie ahead. The massive Krakatau steelworks bring heavy traffic to these parts, but perseverance and patience are rewarded.
Traveling beyond the heavy industrial development, one soon passes through the small town of Cilegon and on to the coastal road that hugs the seashore.
Soon, the lineal town of Anyer is reached but there is little here that really constitutes a town. Mostly all that is on offer are cottages and villas offering sandy accommodation.
Probably the most distinguished and literally outstanding aspect of Anyer is its slender and regal white lighthouse, which was erected after the 19th century volcanic explosion of Krakatau that devastated this coastal region.
Passing through Anyer the road continues to hug the shoreline, and gates along the way offer entry to public beaches that give glimpses of the blue sea and distant islands. The road continues to wind toward Carita, but just before it some 12 kilometers from Anyer, one reaches the destination of Karang Bolong.
Care is necessary when approaching this natural wonder, as the entrance gate is narrow and rather hidden on a bend in the road. It would indeed be a shame to miss this site, as it is simultaneously unusual and attractive.
A small fee is charged by the local people to enter this “tourist location” but this should not put anyone off.
Karang Bolong can be translated as a rock or cliff that is “perforated” or “drilled through”, and this is an accurate description. But perhaps some reference to the stone archway here would be a more attractive name, as is this archway that is the site’s most outstanding feature.
The archway is remarkably even and rounded on its underside, but above the cliff face it rises up as an angular and jagged edge. The cliff can be climbed via some steep and heavily moss-covered steps. But the climb is indeed challenging, as trees grow all over the cliff and seem to maraud over the walkway with their branches.
Similarly, the tree roots creep down the sheer rock faces of the cliff, seeking out sustenance. The trees seem precarious dwellers on this cliff, which itself seems to be precariously poised.
At its base, cavernous holes run right through it and the surf washes up against them, striking fears that the whole cliff could crumble and fall into the sea.
Rocky outcrops dot the area, and pagoda-like shelters have been built on some of them, providing shade and a fun place to take a break from the heat of the day. The tide washes in and out around these outcrops, so it is possible, sitting on a huge rock, to be “stranded” momentarily on a tiny island just meters off the shoreline.
Climbing to the top of the cliff allows for excellent views both inland and out to sea.
Looking inland, the small but attractive beach at Karang Bolong can be seen, as can the surrounding hills. Gazing seaward offers a panorama of deep blue waters, and distant cloud-topped islands can be discerned far off in these waters, shimmering in the hot sun.
It is suggested that the Krakatau eruption could have been responsible for carving out the rocks of Karang Bolong into their unusual shapes and sizes. But whatever formed this site, it is clear that the mighty powers of nature were at work.
Just across the coastal road from Karang Bolong, nature is for sale. Surrounding a circular parking lot is a small market where inexpensive seafood can be bought. Also for sale here are many different shells and corals, some of which have been shaped into desk-top ornaments or other decorative affairs.
These, however, give rise to concerns for the local ecosystems. That is, with so many shells and pieces of coral for sale, it may be surmised that much of nature is ruthlessly taken from the sea and exploited for the benefit of tourism.
If so, this would be a shame, for these parts surely need to be protected.
Karang Bolong is a scenic and highly unusual site, and it really ought to be enough to come and take in this sight and appreciate it. It is a popular site at weekends and on national holidays, so take heed that it may get quite crowded.
Even so, Karang Bolong is well worth a visit, as it does illustrate simultaneously the great power and remarkable beauty of nature.
The sea here is clean, clear and blue while the sea air is both fresh and invigorating, thus offering a natural getaway from the hustle, bustle and clutter of the big city.
Simon Marcus Gower
http://www.indonesialogue.com
Although Jakarta does have coastal areas at its northernmost edges, it is hard to feel that one is really “away from it all” at these narrow little beaches.
Instead, many will travel to the furthest western reaches of Java and to the coastal areas of Anyer and Carita. To get to this part of the island, it is possible to take the Jakarta-Merak toll road for most of the journey.
This road is principally intended to serve as a link to the port town of Merak and the ferries there that depart to Sumatra, but a turn heads to the western coast of Java. Thanks to the toll road, travelers can arrive at the western Java from Jakarta within two hours.
Traveling along the coastal road here, one is confronted by giant industrial complexes that do not suggest that scenic seashores lie ahead. The massive Krakatau steelworks bring heavy traffic to these parts, but perseverance and patience are rewarded.
Traveling beyond the heavy industrial development, one soon passes through the small town of Cilegon and on to the coastal road that hugs the seashore.
Soon, the lineal town of Anyer is reached but there is little here that really constitutes a town. Mostly all that is on offer are cottages and villas offering sandy accommodation.
Probably the most distinguished and literally outstanding aspect of Anyer is its slender and regal white lighthouse, which was erected after the 19th century volcanic explosion of Krakatau that devastated this coastal region.
Passing through Anyer the road continues to hug the shoreline, and gates along the way offer entry to public beaches that give glimpses of the blue sea and distant islands. The road continues to wind toward Carita, but just before it some 12 kilometers from Anyer, one reaches the destination of Karang Bolong.
Care is necessary when approaching this natural wonder, as the entrance gate is narrow and rather hidden on a bend in the road. It would indeed be a shame to miss this site, as it is simultaneously unusual and attractive.
A small fee is charged by the local people to enter this “tourist location” but this should not put anyone off.
Karang Bolong can be translated as a rock or cliff that is “perforated” or “drilled through”, and this is an accurate description. But perhaps some reference to the stone archway here would be a more attractive name, as is this archway that is the site’s most outstanding feature.
The archway is remarkably even and rounded on its underside, but above the cliff face it rises up as an angular and jagged edge. The cliff can be climbed via some steep and heavily moss-covered steps. But the climb is indeed challenging, as trees grow all over the cliff and seem to maraud over the walkway with their branches.
Similarly, the tree roots creep down the sheer rock faces of the cliff, seeking out sustenance. The trees seem precarious dwellers on this cliff, which itself seems to be precariously poised.
At its base, cavernous holes run right through it and the surf washes up against them, striking fears that the whole cliff could crumble and fall into the sea.
Rocky outcrops dot the area, and pagoda-like shelters have been built on some of them, providing shade and a fun place to take a break from the heat of the day. The tide washes in and out around these outcrops, so it is possible, sitting on a huge rock, to be “stranded” momentarily on a tiny island just meters off the shoreline.
Climbing to the top of the cliff allows for excellent views both inland and out to sea.
Looking inland, the small but attractive beach at Karang Bolong can be seen, as can the surrounding hills. Gazing seaward offers a panorama of deep blue waters, and distant cloud-topped islands can be discerned far off in these waters, shimmering in the hot sun.
It is suggested that the Krakatau eruption could have been responsible for carving out the rocks of Karang Bolong into their unusual shapes and sizes. But whatever formed this site, it is clear that the mighty powers of nature were at work.
Just across the coastal road from Karang Bolong, nature is for sale. Surrounding a circular parking lot is a small market where inexpensive seafood can be bought. Also for sale here are many different shells and corals, some of which have been shaped into desk-top ornaments or other decorative affairs.
These, however, give rise to concerns for the local ecosystems. That is, with so many shells and pieces of coral for sale, it may be surmised that much of nature is ruthlessly taken from the sea and exploited for the benefit of tourism.
If so, this would be a shame, for these parts surely need to be protected.
Karang Bolong is a scenic and highly unusual site, and it really ought to be enough to come and take in this sight and appreciate it. It is a popular site at weekends and on national holidays, so take heed that it may get quite crowded.
Even so, Karang Bolong is well worth a visit, as it does illustrate simultaneously the great power and remarkable beauty of nature.
The sea here is clean, clear and blue while the sea air is both fresh and invigorating, thus offering a natural getaway from the hustle, bustle and clutter of the big city.
Simon Marcus Gower
http://www.indonesialogue.com
Juanda Forest Reserve
Indonesia is blessed with massive expanses of forests and jungles across the archipelago. In west Java not far from the city of Bandung is located the highland forest park of Juanda.
A 590-hectares forest, it is reserved for research and recreation, with numerous native plant species as well as some from other parts of the world. Here, you can also see a number of caves and tunnels dug out during World War II by the Japanese Forces during their occupation of Indonesia. The reserve is also a boon for those who delight in trekking and climbing nearby Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. Bambang Parlupi wrote an excellent article on the Juanda Forest Reserve:
Juanda Forest Reserve Combines Beauty, History
West Java offers its exotic natural beauty and fresh air to those pursuing nature tourism around Bandung. The cool natural environment of Ciwidey in the Parahyangan Highlands boasts the Kawah Putih (white crater) and Lake Situ Patenggang, with the legendary Mt. Tangkuban Perahu (literally, upside-down boat) in Lembang.
A fascinating natural zone serves as yet another alternative in the environs of the West Java capital. It is Ir. H. Juanda Forest Reserve — formerly the Curug Dago nature tourism destination and Mt. Pulosari protected forest and known locally as Tahura Juanda — which is situated only five kilometers from the municipal center of Gedung Sate. The reserve is operated and maintained by the West Java forestry office.
Cruising along the montane Cicadas and Lembang districts of Bandung regency, and through the steep hills surrounded by the region’s Sundanese tropical rainforest, is an exciting experience. The mountain ecosystem lies at varying heights from 770 meters to 1,330 meters above sea level.
The aroma and coolness of the rainforest that fill the mountain air as one treks upwards are attributable to the local humidity and a temperature of around 22-24 degrees Centigrade.
The melodious calls of songbirds — orioles, grey-headed bulbuls, serpent eagles and sterlings — can be heard from among the hundreds of tree species dominated by pines, calliandra, bamboo and hedges like the teklan, a species of Euphatorium.
The diversity of vegetation provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species in the 526.99-hectare montane environment. Among the notable mammals are civets and squirrels, in addition to a host of reptiles and insects.
According to Tata, 55, a tourist guide from Mekarwangi village, Lembang, visitors can also watch groups of long-tailed macaques.
“Some 50-60 macaques can be seen around the Dutch and Japanese caves. The wild monkeys are afraid of men,” said Tata, who has worked there since 1985.
With its scenic beauty and biological diversity, Juanda Forest Reserve is also known as a nature reserve, where the flora and fauna of West Java are protected as stipulated in Presidential Decree No. 3/1985.
According to Irawan, an information staffer at the reserve, Tahura Juanda has 11 attractive tourist spots, including an arboretum, waterfalls and historic caves.
The reserve’s diverse plants are due to a type of secondary vegetation. The 30-hectare arboretum has been established here presenting rare plant species from Indonesia and abroad.
Based on an inventory provided by its management, the garden has a collection of 250 trees representing 40 plant families and 112 species. Some of them are rare and endangered ones like Ugandan mahogany (Khaya anthotheca), Sosis (Kigelia aetheiopia), Mexican pines (Pinus montecumae), Sulawesi Bayur (Pterospermum celebicum) and Sumatran casuarina (Casuarinas sumatrana).
Around the reserve, tourists will also find a 1.1-hectare reservoir drawing its water from the Cikapundung River and serving as a source for the local community’s hydropower generator.
Meanwhile, an information center and museum not far from the lake keeps records of national hero and engineer Juanda, and has examples of plant specimens as well as taxidermic displays of animals that live in the reserve. Unfortunately, the center only opens on work days, against the tide of thousands who visit at weekends.
Other enchanting views in the forest are three waterfalls called Curug Dago, Curug Omas and Curug Lalay. According to Irawan, each fall has a unique feature.
Curug Lalay, lying between Pakar and Maribaya, also hosts a natural cave that is home to thousands of bats, while 35-meter-high Curug Oma, located near Maribaya, is the tallest waterfall in Juanda.
Curug Dago, at 10 meters high and outside Juanda’s gates, offers a thrilling adventure. To reach this fall, visitors frequently take the route that starts in front of Dago Terminal. After trekking a quarter of an hour along steep paths through village farms, visitors will reach a guards’ station and a bridge over Cikapundung River. Following signposts, they will arrive at the waterfall, but are warned to keep a tight grip on railings as they descend because of the wet and slippery access.
Curug Dago is also very close to the site of a Thai inscription marking the 1896 visit of Thai King Chulalongkorn II (Rama V) to Bandung. This heritage site is protected by the reserve management in view of its historic value and symbol of past friendship between the two nations. A structure has been erected to prevent the inscription from vandalism and water erosion.
A sightseeing tour of villages along the Cikapundung’s tributaries is also a good way to wind up the waterfall hike. Several neatly arranged rural settlements are still found within the forest preserve, with villagers still seen tending to their daily chores in the fields.
Exploring historic caves is another popular activity among Juanda’s visitors. The Japanese cave is not far from the first gate in the Dago area. Its mouth has four main doors embedded in rock walls. Three meters wide and two meters high, the cave is 350 meters deep.
“During the independence war of 1942-1945, this cave was used by Japanese troops as a hideout and defense,” said Acil, 32, a guide from Cimenyan, adding that it was built mostly by Indonesians through forced labor (romusha).
The Dutch cave, which is less than a kilometer away, was built in 1918 to provide access to the water tunnel leading to the Bengkok hydropower generator.
Acil, who has three years’ experience as a cave guide, said Dutch colonial troops had once used it as an intelligence communication center. As Indonesia gained independence, the cave served as a weapons arsenal. The Dutch cave also has a number of fairly large hidden rooms flanking its main artery, concealed by small doors.
Neither cave is illuminated. Tata, who waits to guide visitors in front of the Japanese cave, indicated that after the tourist spot was officially opened, lamps were installed but they only lasted some time.
“Previously, torches had been used to explore the cave but they were dangerous and later banned. Since 1990, local guides provide flashlights,” said the man, who has often taken Japanese guests to the dark corners of this cave. A flashlight can be rented at Rp 3,000 per entry.
Visitors who choose to explore the two caves are put to a mental test amid a darkness shot through with basic lighting, while the cave walls seem to puff cold air over their bodies. It is certainly not for those who are claustrophobic nor those who fear the dark.
Tahura Juanda is easily accessible by public or private transportation, with entrance costing only Rp3,000 per visitor including accident insurance.
The reserve can be reached by city transportation from Kebun Kelapa Terminal to Dago, or from Hall Station to Dago, covering a distance of seven kilometers. If traveling through Lembang, visitors can go to Maribaya to reach the reserve.
Source : http://www.indonesialogue.com
A 590-hectares forest, it is reserved for research and recreation, with numerous native plant species as well as some from other parts of the world. Here, you can also see a number of caves and tunnels dug out during World War II by the Japanese Forces during their occupation of Indonesia. The reserve is also a boon for those who delight in trekking and climbing nearby Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. Bambang Parlupi wrote an excellent article on the Juanda Forest Reserve:
Juanda Forest Reserve Combines Beauty, History
West Java offers its exotic natural beauty and fresh air to those pursuing nature tourism around Bandung. The cool natural environment of Ciwidey in the Parahyangan Highlands boasts the Kawah Putih (white crater) and Lake Situ Patenggang, with the legendary Mt. Tangkuban Perahu (literally, upside-down boat) in Lembang.
A fascinating natural zone serves as yet another alternative in the environs of the West Java capital. It is Ir. H. Juanda Forest Reserve — formerly the Curug Dago nature tourism destination and Mt. Pulosari protected forest and known locally as Tahura Juanda — which is situated only five kilometers from the municipal center of Gedung Sate. The reserve is operated and maintained by the West Java forestry office.
Cruising along the montane Cicadas and Lembang districts of Bandung regency, and through the steep hills surrounded by the region’s Sundanese tropical rainforest, is an exciting experience. The mountain ecosystem lies at varying heights from 770 meters to 1,330 meters above sea level.
The aroma and coolness of the rainforest that fill the mountain air as one treks upwards are attributable to the local humidity and a temperature of around 22-24 degrees Centigrade.
The melodious calls of songbirds — orioles, grey-headed bulbuls, serpent eagles and sterlings — can be heard from among the hundreds of tree species dominated by pines, calliandra, bamboo and hedges like the teklan, a species of Euphatorium.
The diversity of vegetation provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species in the 526.99-hectare montane environment. Among the notable mammals are civets and squirrels, in addition to a host of reptiles and insects.
According to Tata, 55, a tourist guide from Mekarwangi village, Lembang, visitors can also watch groups of long-tailed macaques.
“Some 50-60 macaques can be seen around the Dutch and Japanese caves. The wild monkeys are afraid of men,” said Tata, who has worked there since 1985.
With its scenic beauty and biological diversity, Juanda Forest Reserve is also known as a nature reserve, where the flora and fauna of West Java are protected as stipulated in Presidential Decree No. 3/1985.
According to Irawan, an information staffer at the reserve, Tahura Juanda has 11 attractive tourist spots, including an arboretum, waterfalls and historic caves.
The reserve’s diverse plants are due to a type of secondary vegetation. The 30-hectare arboretum has been established here presenting rare plant species from Indonesia and abroad.
Based on an inventory provided by its management, the garden has a collection of 250 trees representing 40 plant families and 112 species. Some of them are rare and endangered ones like Ugandan mahogany (Khaya anthotheca), Sosis (Kigelia aetheiopia), Mexican pines (Pinus montecumae), Sulawesi Bayur (Pterospermum celebicum) and Sumatran casuarina (Casuarinas sumatrana).
Around the reserve, tourists will also find a 1.1-hectare reservoir drawing its water from the Cikapundung River and serving as a source for the local community’s hydropower generator.
Meanwhile, an information center and museum not far from the lake keeps records of national hero and engineer Juanda, and has examples of plant specimens as well as taxidermic displays of animals that live in the reserve. Unfortunately, the center only opens on work days, against the tide of thousands who visit at weekends.
Other enchanting views in the forest are three waterfalls called Curug Dago, Curug Omas and Curug Lalay. According to Irawan, each fall has a unique feature.
Curug Lalay, lying between Pakar and Maribaya, also hosts a natural cave that is home to thousands of bats, while 35-meter-high Curug Oma, located near Maribaya, is the tallest waterfall in Juanda.
Curug Dago, at 10 meters high and outside Juanda’s gates, offers a thrilling adventure. To reach this fall, visitors frequently take the route that starts in front of Dago Terminal. After trekking a quarter of an hour along steep paths through village farms, visitors will reach a guards’ station and a bridge over Cikapundung River. Following signposts, they will arrive at the waterfall, but are warned to keep a tight grip on railings as they descend because of the wet and slippery access.
Curug Dago is also very close to the site of a Thai inscription marking the 1896 visit of Thai King Chulalongkorn II (Rama V) to Bandung. This heritage site is protected by the reserve management in view of its historic value and symbol of past friendship between the two nations. A structure has been erected to prevent the inscription from vandalism and water erosion.
A sightseeing tour of villages along the Cikapundung’s tributaries is also a good way to wind up the waterfall hike. Several neatly arranged rural settlements are still found within the forest preserve, with villagers still seen tending to their daily chores in the fields.
Exploring historic caves is another popular activity among Juanda’s visitors. The Japanese cave is not far from the first gate in the Dago area. Its mouth has four main doors embedded in rock walls. Three meters wide and two meters high, the cave is 350 meters deep.
“During the independence war of 1942-1945, this cave was used by Japanese troops as a hideout and defense,” said Acil, 32, a guide from Cimenyan, adding that it was built mostly by Indonesians through forced labor (romusha).
The Dutch cave, which is less than a kilometer away, was built in 1918 to provide access to the water tunnel leading to the Bengkok hydropower generator.
Acil, who has three years’ experience as a cave guide, said Dutch colonial troops had once used it as an intelligence communication center. As Indonesia gained independence, the cave served as a weapons arsenal. The Dutch cave also has a number of fairly large hidden rooms flanking its main artery, concealed by small doors.
Neither cave is illuminated. Tata, who waits to guide visitors in front of the Japanese cave, indicated that after the tourist spot was officially opened, lamps were installed but they only lasted some time.
“Previously, torches had been used to explore the cave but they were dangerous and later banned. Since 1990, local guides provide flashlights,” said the man, who has often taken Japanese guests to the dark corners of this cave. A flashlight can be rented at Rp 3,000 per entry.
Visitors who choose to explore the two caves are put to a mental test amid a darkness shot through with basic lighting, while the cave walls seem to puff cold air over their bodies. It is certainly not for those who are claustrophobic nor those who fear the dark.
Tahura Juanda is easily accessible by public or private transportation, with entrance costing only Rp3,000 per visitor including accident insurance.
The reserve can be reached by city transportation from Kebun Kelapa Terminal to Dago, or from Hall Station to Dago, covering a distance of seven kilometers. If traveling through Lembang, visitors can go to Maribaya to reach the reserve.
Source : http://www.indonesialogue.com
Mekarsari Fruit Park
Mekarsari Fruit Park in Bogor is striving to restore its image as a recreational site, not just a place where visitors can pick and feast on fruits of their choice. “Most people seem to think they can get fruit out of season anytime they come here. It’s not exactly right. We are a fruit conservatory, not a fruit farm,” park public relations officer Catherina W. Day.
The 264-hectare park, operated by PT Mekar Unggul Sari, includes an 80-hectare fruit conservatory with 1,400 varieties of fruit plants, a 27.5-hectare pond and a 150-hectare recreational area.
The park has mini go-karts for children, a family garden for gatherings, a deer park and a plantation laboratory.
Thirty-something couple Didi and Elsie from Bekasi, who visited Mekarsari twice this year, said the garden ambiance suited families.
“We always bring our parents and our 16-month-old son here,” Elsie said.
“The entrance fee is also affordable,” Didi said, referring to the Rp 10,000 ticket for both adults and children above two years. After the Idul Fitri holiday week, tickets for children between 2 and 6 years old will return to the normal price of Rp 9,000.
Catherina said the park, located in Bogor, has begun to attract more visitors from further away.
“Previously we only had regular visitors from nearby areas like Bogor or Cibubur, but in the last two years more visitors have come from other areas of Greater Jakarta.”
In the low season Mekarsari welcomes between 10,000 and 12,000 visitors per month, while in high season, including Idul Fitri, up to 16,000 visitors crowd the garden.
To get around Mekarsari Park, visitors can choose from several options including trams costing from Rp 10,000 to Rp 40,000 for a round trip, tuk tuk (a kind of golf buggy) and tandem bicycles costing Rp 20,000 for a 15-minute trip.
Catherina said starting this month the garden operator also offered rental bicycles for individuals. “We realized that traveling by foot around the 264-hectare parkland can be really painful.”
Mekarsari plans to build three more villas (currently there is one), to cater for visitors who wish to stay overnight at the gardens.
The villas can accommodate up to five people.
Catherina said Mekarsari also offered activities including fishing, team building, biking and barbecuing.
“We aren’t just a venue, we are an events organizer.”
Despite efforts to transform its image into a recreational garden, Mekarsari still welcomes visitors to pick fruits like melons and salak (thorny palm), provided they come during the right season.
A grandmother of three, Ros, 67, on visiting Mekarsari for the first time, said, “I thought I could pick all kinds of fruit here, but I could only get melons today. I’m still happy to be here because it’s so refreshing.”
When asked whether she hoped to see the same fruits available in other stores, she said, “Definitely not. These fruits better stay here because they are Mekarsari’s speciality.”
Mekarsari opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Agnes Winarti
Source : http://www.indonesialogue.com
The 264-hectare park, operated by PT Mekar Unggul Sari, includes an 80-hectare fruit conservatory with 1,400 varieties of fruit plants, a 27.5-hectare pond and a 150-hectare recreational area.
The park has mini go-karts for children, a family garden for gatherings, a deer park and a plantation laboratory.
Thirty-something couple Didi and Elsie from Bekasi, who visited Mekarsari twice this year, said the garden ambiance suited families.
“We always bring our parents and our 16-month-old son here,” Elsie said.
“The entrance fee is also affordable,” Didi said, referring to the Rp 10,000 ticket for both adults and children above two years. After the Idul Fitri holiday week, tickets for children between 2 and 6 years old will return to the normal price of Rp 9,000.
Catherina said the park, located in Bogor, has begun to attract more visitors from further away.
“Previously we only had regular visitors from nearby areas like Bogor or Cibubur, but in the last two years more visitors have come from other areas of Greater Jakarta.”
In the low season Mekarsari welcomes between 10,000 and 12,000 visitors per month, while in high season, including Idul Fitri, up to 16,000 visitors crowd the garden.
To get around Mekarsari Park, visitors can choose from several options including trams costing from Rp 10,000 to Rp 40,000 for a round trip, tuk tuk (a kind of golf buggy) and tandem bicycles costing Rp 20,000 for a 15-minute trip.
Catherina said starting this month the garden operator also offered rental bicycles for individuals. “We realized that traveling by foot around the 264-hectare parkland can be really painful.”
Mekarsari plans to build three more villas (currently there is one), to cater for visitors who wish to stay overnight at the gardens.
The villas can accommodate up to five people.
Catherina said Mekarsari also offered activities including fishing, team building, biking and barbecuing.
“We aren’t just a venue, we are an events organizer.”
Despite efforts to transform its image into a recreational garden, Mekarsari still welcomes visitors to pick fruits like melons and salak (thorny palm), provided they come during the right season.
A grandmother of three, Ros, 67, on visiting Mekarsari for the first time, said, “I thought I could pick all kinds of fruit here, but I could only get melons today. I’m still happy to be here because it’s so refreshing.”
When asked whether she hoped to see the same fruits available in other stores, she said, “Definitely not. These fruits better stay here because they are Mekarsari’s speciality.”
Mekarsari opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Agnes Winarti
Source : http://www.indonesialogue.com
The Four Stages of Borobudur
The Borobudur is one of the greatest architectural achievements of Indonesia. The largest Buddhist monument in the world, it is, in essence, a giant stupa built on a hill. Its construction took about 50 years, during which time its design was altered at least four times. Click on the red dots to see how Borobudur would have looked at each stage of its construction.
Stage One The first stage took place before Buddhism had become firmly established in Java. Construction probably began in 780 AD, to build a small, three-terraced structure on which another structure was erected and then destroyed. This first stage may have been associated with Preclassic rituals connected to the worship of ancestral spirits.
Stage Two It may be coincidental that the Buddhists, who began the second stage of the monument, chose this site, and accommodated their design to the pre-existing land form merely to save time. However, an alternative explanation is that the designers of Borobudur chose to build on this spot precisely in order to associate themselves with the symbolism already established there.
In this second stage two more square terraces, and one round one were added, and the stairways were changed. These alterations created three upper galleries containing relief images.
Stage Three More thorough changes were made during the third stage. A new foot was added to the monument, covering the reliefs of the original bottom terrace. The top round terrace was removed, and replaced with a new set of three round terraces. A large stupa was placed on top of the upper terrace, and a number of smaller stupas placed on all three round terraces.
Stage FourOnly minor changes were made during the final stage. These included the addition of new reliefs to the lower terrace, which created a fourth gallery, and changes were made to the stairways and arches.
In spite of all these alterations, the symbolism of the monument remained the same, the alterations being mainly decorative. The ground plan of the monument, seen from above, clearly forms a mandala pattern. Mandalas are diagrams in which deities are placed in particular locations forming rings or concentric circles. These diagrams have multiple purposes, including the function of aiding meditation, and delineating sacred space from which evil forces are excluded.
taken from: http://www.nusantara.com/heritage/boro/index.html
Stage One The first stage took place before Buddhism had become firmly established in Java. Construction probably began in 780 AD, to build a small, three-terraced structure on which another structure was erected and then destroyed. This first stage may have been associated with Preclassic rituals connected to the worship of ancestral spirits.
Stage Two It may be coincidental that the Buddhists, who began the second stage of the monument, chose this site, and accommodated their design to the pre-existing land form merely to save time. However, an alternative explanation is that the designers of Borobudur chose to build on this spot precisely in order to associate themselves with the symbolism already established there.
In this second stage two more square terraces, and one round one were added, and the stairways were changed. These alterations created three upper galleries containing relief images.
Stage Three More thorough changes were made during the third stage. A new foot was added to the monument, covering the reliefs of the original bottom terrace. The top round terrace was removed, and replaced with a new set of three round terraces. A large stupa was placed on top of the upper terrace, and a number of smaller stupas placed on all three round terraces.
Stage FourOnly minor changes were made during the final stage. These included the addition of new reliefs to the lower terrace, which created a fourth gallery, and changes were made to the stairways and arches.
In spite of all these alterations, the symbolism of the monument remained the same, the alterations being mainly decorative. The ground plan of the monument, seen from above, clearly forms a mandala pattern. Mandalas are diagrams in which deities are placed in particular locations forming rings or concentric circles. These diagrams have multiple purposes, including the function of aiding meditation, and delineating sacred space from which evil forces are excluded.
taken from: http://www.nusantara.com/heritage/boro/index.html
Clothing's Shopping Spree in Bandung
Bandung, also known as Parijs van Java, has so many things to offer. From various cuisines to factory outlets and distribution stores (distros), visitors looking for clothes might be overwhelmed with the wide amount of choices. It is said that Bandung is one of the most prominent Meccas for Indonesian people, when it comes to clothes. The streets of Dago (Ir. H. Djuanda, Cipaganti, Riau (R.E.Martadinata), Cihampelas are packed with factory outlets. If you prefer clothes from jeans, choose Cihampelas street. While you're in Bandung, why not visit Cibaduyut street to shop for shoes and bags to brighten your appearance.
Getting There
From Jakarta, you can take a flight to Bandung. Those who are interested in seeing the panorama between Bandung and Jakarta might find riding a train more to their liking. Or you can rent a car to come to this city. It's only takes two or three hours to drive though.
The streets of Dago are easy to locate. From the Bandung's train station or airport, you can book a cab ride to Dago for about Rp25,000. Most cabs use flat rates.
Where to Stay
Plenty of lodgings are available in this city. From youth hostels to five-starred hotels, choose the one that is suitable for you.
Moving Around
Bandung is relatively small, so from one place to another you can use a public transportation or taxi. To make it easier, rent a car. On that way, you can save your energy to shop!
Dining Guide
See Bandung's Dining Guide for details.
Souvenir Tips
Leather shoes, jackets, bags, and goods in Cibaduyut will delight young and old alike. Since Bandung has so many choices of food, why not buy the famous batagor, brownies, molen, and other delicacies for your loved ones
Other Things to See or Do
You can visit the Japanese cave in Dago, amuse yourself in Lembang area, take hot spring water bath in Lembang, visit Tangkuban Parahu also in Lembang, and many more. You can ask the locals or people from travel agents for more information.
Travel Tips
Not all stores accept credit cards, so make sure you have sample amount of cash ready.
Check and recheck before you purchase an item. Some stores have non refundable policy.
Try every item before you buy it, if possible.
Drink and eat before you shop. Shopping with an empty stomach is indeed and unpleasant experience.
taken from : http://www.visitbandung.net/berita-bandung/others/clothings-shopping-spree-in-bandung.html
Getting There
From Jakarta, you can take a flight to Bandung. Those who are interested in seeing the panorama between Bandung and Jakarta might find riding a train more to their liking. Or you can rent a car to come to this city. It's only takes two or three hours to drive though.
The streets of Dago are easy to locate. From the Bandung's train station or airport, you can book a cab ride to Dago for about Rp25,000. Most cabs use flat rates.
Where to Stay
Plenty of lodgings are available in this city. From youth hostels to five-starred hotels, choose the one that is suitable for you.
Moving Around
Bandung is relatively small, so from one place to another you can use a public transportation or taxi. To make it easier, rent a car. On that way, you can save your energy to shop!
Dining Guide
See Bandung's Dining Guide for details.
Souvenir Tips
Leather shoes, jackets, bags, and goods in Cibaduyut will delight young and old alike. Since Bandung has so many choices of food, why not buy the famous batagor, brownies, molen, and other delicacies for your loved ones
Other Things to See or Do
You can visit the Japanese cave in Dago, amuse yourself in Lembang area, take hot spring water bath in Lembang, visit Tangkuban Parahu also in Lembang, and many more. You can ask the locals or people from travel agents for more information.
Travel Tips
Not all stores accept credit cards, so make sure you have sample amount of cash ready.
Check and recheck before you purchase an item. Some stores have non refundable policy.
Try every item before you buy it, if possible.
Drink and eat before you shop. Shopping with an empty stomach is indeed and unpleasant experience.
taken from : http://www.visitbandung.net/berita-bandung/others/clothings-shopping-spree-in-bandung.html
Jumat, 07 Desember 2007
INACRAFT 2008
(my-indonesia) INACRAFT to be held on April 23-27, 2008, attain the age of ten years. In spite of annual event, it has many expriences and improvement for the the future to be full of challenges.
From the first INACRAFT in April 1999 through the ninth, INACRAFT has indicated its own characteristics a right showcase for promoting handicraft products for entrepreneur/ exporter/ craftmen from Indonesia and handicraft producing countries within Asia. Moreover, INACRAFT has been weel known by domestic and overseas buyers as an exhibition to be necessarily visited to find high quality and favorite handicraft product. The 10th Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair ( INACRAFT 200) will be held on:
Date : April 23 - 27, 2008 Opening Hours : 10.00 am - 09.00 pm
Exhibition Hall : Hall A & B, Lobby A & B, Cendrawasih Hall, Plenary Hall, Assembly Hall & Main Lobby Balai Sidang Jakarta Convention Center, Jakarta - Indonesia
Hall Area : ± 24.080 M2 (gross)
Focuused Products : Indonesian Handicraft (Gifts, Housewares & Fashion Product)
Exhibited Products
- Gift Item
Ballpoint & Wooden box, Candy jar, Woven blanket throw, Key accessories, Lighter box, Jewelry box, Small photo frame, Cigarette box, Aromatherapy, Stationery item, etc. - Housewares, Home & Garden Decorative
Artificial flower, dried flowers, ceramic flowers vase, candle holder, lighting lamp, wood carving, ornament, craft silver, table cover embroidery, cushion cover, place mate, embroidery bed cover, Wooden furniture, rattan furniture, fiber furniture, coconut furniture, bamboo furniture, garden furniture,A kitchen wares, basket wares, table wares, bathroom wares, carpet, painting, candle, glass item, natural stone, pottery, bird house & accessories, umbrella, wind chime, doormat, garden ornament, plan terrace set, self watering hanging planter, garden bridge, garden statue, etc - Toys & Game
Wooden toys, soft toys, game board, inflatable toys, toys box, footballs, jigsaw puzzles, education games, etc - Jewelry
Gold jewelry, silver jewelry, pearl jewelry, shell jewelry, precious stones, etc - Batik
Painting batik, Printing batik, Stamped batik, Silk, etc - Fashion Garment & Embroidery
Fashion embroidery garment, Moslem dress, Indonesian ikats, Indonesian songket, Indonesian ulos, Hand oven fabric, etc
Product Zoning
- Main Lobby & Plenary Hall : Gifts & Housewares, Toys & Games, Miscellaneous Crafts
- Hall A : Fashion, Embroidery, Batik, Jewelry & Accessories
- Assembly Hall 3 : International Hall/ Export Hall
- Hall B & Lobby B : Dinas, Pemkab & Pemda, Dekranas dan Dekranasda serta produk penunjang (mesin dan alat bantu pembuatan barang kerajinan)
- Lobby A : Sponsorship
Supported
• National Agency for Export Development, Ministry of Trade of the
Republic of Indonesia
• Ministri of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia
• Ministry of Culture and Turism of the Republic of Indonesia
• State Ministry for Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises of the
Republic of Indonesia
• State Ministry for State Owned Company of the Republic of Indonesia
• Asean handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA)
• Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association (IECA)
For more information click http://www.inacraft2008.com
Ministry of Culture and Tourism Republic of Indonesia Parallel Events on the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2007 at Bali. (December 3-14, 20
(my-indonesia) The Ministry of Environment, Republic of Indonesia will host The Conference of the Parties (COP) Thirteenth Session and Conference of the Parties as the meeting of the parties the Kyoto Protocol, Third Session (COP-13/MOP-3), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at Bali on 3-14 December 2007.
Tourism not only contributes to climate change but is affected by it as well. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Indonesia will actively involve on these events which focus on issues of global climate changes, as a consequence to these issues significance effect on Indonesia’s tourism, particularly on Indonesia inbound tourism market and the impact on various nature attraction in Indonesia.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism in coordination with UNWTO and Secretariat of UNFCCC to held side event “Conference on Climate Change and Tourism – Responding to Global Challenges” which will be held on:
Day/Date : Tuesday, December 11 2007
Time : 01.00 pm – 03.00 pm (GMT+8)
Venue : Grand Hyatt Hotel, Nusa Dua, Bali
Speakers : 1. Dr. Daniel Scott
2. Dr. Shardul Agrawala
3. Mr. Andrew Skeat
4. Mr. Peter de Jong
The seminar is a routine agenda from UNFCCC and has been published on UNFCCC website.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has arranged the following parallel events on the UNFCCC conferences:
a. Seminar on the Impact of Climate Change to Indonesia’s Tourism, hold on:
Day/Date : Monday, December 10, 2007
Time : 08.00 am – 05.00 pm (GMT+8)
Venue : Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Sanur Bali
Speakers : International:
1. Secretary General of UNWTO, Mr. Geofrey Lipman
2. Dr. Daniel Scott
3. Dr. Tery de Lacy
National:
1. Minister of Culture and Tourism, H.E. Ir. Jero Wacik, S.E.
2. Minister of Environment, H.E. Dr. Rachmat Witoelar
3. Indonesia Tourism Industry Representative
Participants : 1. Central and Provincial Government of Indonesia
2. Indonesia Tourism Associations/Industries
3. Tourism Education Institution
4. Press Media
b. Post Conference Tour, will be held at Samboja (East Kalimantan), Pulau Komodo, and Bali on 15 – 17 December 2007.
c. Exhibition, exhibit tourism products and facilities of Indonesia, will be held at Pulau Besar, Bali on 8 – 14 December 2007.
d. Function/Hospitality/Cultural Performance, will be held at Grand Bali Beach Hotel on 10 December 2007. Welcoming 500 speakers and delegates from UNWTO, government official, environmental expert, tourism associations/ industries, tourism education institutions.
e. Press Conference, will be held at Grand Bali Beach Hotel on December 10, 2007 following the grand opening of “Seminar on the Impact of Climate Change to Indonesia’s Tourism”.
f. Advance Seminar on Integrated Tourism Development, hold on:
Day/Date : Tuesday and Wednesday/ December 18–19, 2007
Place : Hotel Le Meridien, Jakarta
Participants : 1. Central and Provincial Government of Indonesia
2. Tourism Associations/Industries
3. Tourism Education Institution
4. Press Media
Speakers : 1. Minister of Culture and Tourism, H.E. Ir. Jero Wacik, SE
2. Minister of Home Affairs, H.E. Mr. Mardiyanto
3. The Industry and Environmental Expert
g. “A Thousand Trees Planting”, will be held at Bali on December 11, 2007 (tentative). This event will be commence by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and attended by government institution, tourism industry/association, tourism education institution, etc.
Related Link:
www.unfccc.int
www.climate.web.id
taken from : http://www.my-indonesia.info/page.php?ic=7&id=3135
ECOTOURBIZ 2007
The 3rd Internasional Ecotourism Business Forum 2007 (ECOTORBIZ 2007) invites you to attend the conference, which will be held at Wonosobo, Central Java on 30th November to 3rd December 2007, The three-day conference will bring together ecotourism associations and networks from around the world, along with each other interested organizations and individuals. tourism academics, tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, officials of tourism associations, tourism offices, and NGOs.
International and national keynote speakers, informative, concurrent sessions and discussion panels will ensure that delegates have access to the latest information on how to plan, manage and market Ecotourism.
In an effort to inform the public and media about ecotourism in Indonesia, Ecotourbiz was enhanced by Public Exhibition along with Publicity and Promotion programs. Around 38 exhibitors are participating in this exhibition, opened for any visitors interested in sustainable environment and tourism.
" ECOTOURBIZ 2007"
Third International Eco-Tourism Business Forum
PLANNING, MANAGING & MARKETING ECOTOURISM
TENTATIVE PROGRAM
30 November - 3 December 2007
Gallery Hotel Kresna, Wonosobo, Central Java - Indonesia
Third International Eco-Tourism Business Forum
PLANNING, MANAGING & MARKETING ECOTOURISM
TENTATIVE PROGRAM
30 November - 3 December 2007
Gallery Hotel Kresna, Wonosobo, Central Java - Indonesia
Day 0: Friday, 30 November 2007: ARRIVAL
Arrival & Registration
Time Description Remarks
09:00 – 18:00 Arrival of all delegates Venue:
Registration for buyers, Sellers, Speakers Kresna Hotel
Participants & Exhibitors
Day 1: Saturday, 1 December 2007 PRE-TOUR, WELCOME DINNER
Arrival & Registration
09:00 – 18:00 Arrival of all delegates Venue
Registration for Buyers, Sellers, Speakers, Kresna Hotel
Participants, Media & Exhibitors
- Familiarization Tour of Ecotourism Organized by:
Destinations Central Java
- Exhibitors set up booths Province Government
19:00 – 21:30 Welcome Dinner Venue:
Hosted by Governor of the Central Java Tentative
Province, Drs H.Ali Mufiz,MPA
Day 2: 2 December 2007 ECOTOURISM FORUM
VENUE: Gallery Hotel Kresna Ballroom
Morning Session: Ecotourism Forum
07:00 – 09:00 Final Registration Venue:
Pringgodani Ballroom Foyer
09:00 Opening Ceremony
09:00 – 09:10 Report Speech by International Promotion
Director, Department of Culture and Tourism,
Tatang Rukhiyat
09:10 – 09:20 Welcome Speech by Head Of Wonosobo
Regency, HA Kholiq Arif
09:20 – 09:35 Opening Speech by Director General of
Marketing, Department of Culture and Tourism,
Thamrin B. Bachri
09:35 – 10:00 Keynote Speaker:
Joop Ave, Former Indonesian Minister of Tourism,
Post and Telecommunication of The Republic Of
Indonesia. (confirmed)
10:00 – 10:30 Coffee Break (Held in Exhibition area) . Venue:
Pringgodani Ballroom Foyer
11.00 – 13.00 PANEL PRESENTATION 1 :
Theme planning: Managing and Marketing
Ecotourism
Moderator : Prof.Dr.Wiendu Nuryanti, M.Arch
Executive Diretor, Yogyakarta Tourism Development
Board Indonesia
11:00 – 11:15 Speaker 1: Mr Jose Ma Lorenzo (Lory) Tan
Vice-Chairman, World Wide Fund (WWF) Philippines
“Planning Ecotoursm” (tba)
11:15 – 11:30 Speaker 2 : Ari Suhandi
Director INDECON (Indonesia)
“Managing Ecotourism in Indonesia” :
Opportunity & Challenge (tba)
11:30 – 12:45 Speaker 3: I.B Ngurah Wijaya
Head Of Bali Tourism (Indonesia)
Marketing Ecotourism (tba)
11:45 – 12:00 Speaker 4: Dwi Windari Widyastuti
Director of Tlogo Plantation (Indonesia)
“Planning, Managing, Marketing Ecotourism:
Tlogo Plantation Cases (tba)
12:00 – 13:00 Question and Answer/ Discussion Moderator
12:30 – 12:40 Conclusion and Recommendations Conclusion Team
12:40 – 12:50 Conference Closing Session by Head
Of Banjarnegara Regency,
Drs. H.Djasri, MM
12:50 – 14:00 Lunch Break
Certificate Distribution at Committee Desk Venue :
Maespati Restaurant
AFTERNOON SESSION: ECOTOURISM MART
13:30 – 14:00 Buyers & Sellers briefing in Exhibition area – Venue :
Compulsory session Kendalisdo Room
14:00 – 16:30 TABLE TOP:SELLERS MEET BUYERS Venue
Exhibition area only for Buyers & Sellers Ballroom Free Function
Coffee available in the exhibition room
Evening : Free program to explore Wonosobo
EXHIBITION OPEN FOR PUBLIC: 10 am – 17 pm
10:00 – 17:00 Exhibition Open for Public Venue :
Pringgodani Ballroom Foyer
DAY 3: Monday, 3 December 2007 BUSINESS SESSION & DEPARTURE
VENUE : Kresna Hotel
EXHIBTION OPEN FOR PUBLIC: 10:00 am – 17:00 pm Committe
08:00 – 10:00 Follow up Business Session Venue :
(buyers and sellers only) Pringgodani Ballroom Foyer
(Individual optional basis)
10:00 – 17:00 Exhibition Open for Public
All Day Hotel Check Out by 12:00 noon
Departure of Delegates
Contact :
Ecotourbiz - International Ecotourism Business Forum
Jl. Lingkar Utara 234
Yogyakarta - Indonesia 55281
Phone: (62 274) 520 907
Fax: (62 274) 583 783
e-mail: ecotourbiz@gmail.com
taken from: http://www.my-indonesia.info/page.php?ic=7&id=3140
AMANJIWO RESORTS " A Peaceful Resort in Central Java
 |
Amanjiwo (which means peaceful soul and opened in 1997) is fashioned out of limestone and takes its inspiration from the surrounding culture of Central Java. The resort is located within a natural amphitheatre with the limestone Menoreh Hills rising directly behind, the Kedu Plain in front and four volcanoes " Sumbing, Sundoro, Merbabu and Merapi " gracing the horizon. Amanjiwo looks out onto Borobudur, the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world. Indeed, Borobudur is carefully mirrored in the resorts design and central dome. The view runs arrow-straight through Amanjiwos entrance and the stone corridor that neatly cleaves the resort, up the steps to the soaring, bell-shaped rotunda, down to the Dining Room, on to the Terrace, past rice fields in an unwavering line to Borobudur itself. Several kampungs (small villages) are within walking distance.
 |
Amanjiwo is constructed from paras yogya " the local limestone. Thirty-six suites radiate outward from the main building in two deep crescents. These are rimmed by high, limestone walls set off by spider lilies and morning glory. The walls blend into the stone walkways that link the suites to the main building and the Pool Club. At the far end of the resort, in a lush tranquil setting, is the Dalem Jiwo " a large private suite with two separate bedrooms.
- Amanjiwo can be reached by daily domestic flights to Yogyakarta and Solo either from Indonesias capital, Jakarta, or from Bali. Flights take less than an hour from either place and Amanjiwo is a one-hour complimentary transfer from Yogyakarta or two hours on the more scenic route from Solo, which passes some of the biggest volcanoes in Java. There are also several direct flights to Solo from Singapore and a thrice-weekly service to Yogyakarta from Kuala Lumpur.
- Private air charter on a six-seater Piper Chieftain is available between Bali and Yogyakarta at a cost of US$2,590 nett. The flight takes two hours and maximum load is 500kg which allows for approximately four passengers with luggage or six with only hand luggage.
Amanjiwos main building is framed by 36 suites arrayed in two deep crescents. The walled suites feature terrazzo flooring, high ceilings, domed roofs and sliding glass doors opening onto a garden terrace with a view towards Borobudur. 15 suites come with private swimming pools.
From Amanjiwos entrance, five steps climb to the rotunda bar, a circular salon of columns, ceiling fans and a coconut-wood bar. The Bar gives way to the arcing Dining Room, with its amber-washed, silver-leaf ceiling. Indonesian and Western cuisine are both available in an open-air setting. The speciality of the house is makan malam, classic Javanese offerings served in brass dishes. A Javanese gamelan orchestra performs at lunch and dinner.
You can move around Amanjiwo site on foot or bicycle.
Other Thing to See or do
Theres a lot of thing that you can see and do here in Amanjiwo, including:
- Visiting the city of Yogyakarta and Solo
- Trekking: Hike up the Menoreh Hills to a vantage point over the Kedu plain or the leisurely 40-minute walk through the village of Selogriyo and its surrounding verdant jungle and steep rice terraces.
- See the crowded of Market mornings in Central Java
- Watch the village dances
- Golf
- Watching the mist rise off the rice fields and densely packed coconut plantations
- Revealing the silhouettes of distant volcanoes in the distance.
You can buy some souvenir at the resorts, or for more option, you can browse at the near city like Yogyakarta and Solo. There you can buy many local souvenirs like handicraft, textile woven, batik, sculpture and many else. 
- Loose and casual clothing is advisable.
- In the dry season, April to November, a light sweater may be useful in the evenings, especially in the hill country.
- Airport customs procedures are generally handled in a fast and efficient manner.
- In certain areas of Southeast Asia there is a chance of contracting mosquito-borne diseases. Reasonable precautions, including the use of mosquito repellent will minimize the risk.
taken from : http://www.my-indonesia.info/page.php?ic=1123&id=1274
Baliem Valley - Papua
 |
The Dani men and women sleep separately in different honai (Danis traditional house). The men sleep grouped in one honai, while the women and children slumber in another honai. As descended from their ancestor, sex is taboo for the women after giving birth, for 2 or 5 years; as the result the Dani generated healthier kids since the women focus on babysitting the kids during the most important phase of growth. This situation makes the men vulnerable to polygamy, its a true fact of life that the Dani men are allowed to have more than 1 wife or as many as he can afford. A man should give 4-5 pigs to the girls parent he wants to marry. For Dani men, his social status are initiated by the number of wives and pigs he has.
Another remarkable custom of Dani is that women will amputate their finger when their relatives die; hence doesnt be surprise when you see women with missing finger.
To enhance the quality of your experience in Baliem Valley, guide is essential since there are no clear maps or signage initiated for visitor. The guide will help to lead the track, communicate with the local people and in advance, the guide will inform the tourist about local dos and donts.
Getting There=]
Flying might be the only way to access the Baliem Valley through Wamena. Here are some alternatives on carrier from jayapura to Wamena: (For further info, ask the officers at Sentani Airport Information Center)
- Trigana Air Services provide daily flights into and out of Wamena. Spot the Trigana Air Service Offices at Sentani Airport terminal and Wamena Airport terminal.
- MAF
- AMA
- Yajasi
- Manunggal Air
- Hercules carrier provide by Indonesian army (TNI)
To access Baliem Valley, you can rent car or public bus from Wamena.
Where to Stay=]
For those who are adventurer and cultural observer in heart, stay and mingle with the Baliem Valley people is possible, just make sure your guide booked it before your visit. Go Show? Affordable.
If the first alternative is way too extreme, you can stay at hotels at Wamena:
- Wamena Hotel at Jl. Homhom 61
- Srikandi Hotel at Jl. Irian 16
- Pondok Wisata Putri Dani at Jl. Irian 40
- Nayak Hotel at Jl. Gatot Subroto 63
- Hotel Syah Rial Makmur at Jl. Gatot Subroto 45
- Hotel Anggrek at Jalan Ambon 1
- Baliem Pilamo Hotel at Jalan Trikora
- Baliem Valley Resort (3 star resort) " www.baliem-valley-resort.de
Moving Around=] 
Would you mind if we say ON FOOT? " Healthy foot and fit body? Absolutely. Through trekking, you can witness traditional ceremonies, traditional markets and the people of Dani.
Dining Guide
There is no restaurant inside the Baliem- Valley " a guide could bargain the Dani people to provide simple meals. Its stoutly advised, that the visitor bring their own meals and snack during the trekking. Meals and snacks can be found in grocery store at Wamena
Souvenir Tips=]
Souvenir can be easily found on the valley and buy the crafts directly from the Dani people.
Other Things to See or Do=]
Travel Tips=]
Others=]
Foreigner must obtain a travel permit letter or known as Surat Keterangan Jalan to get the access into the interior part of Papua. You can obtain the Surat Keterangan Jalan at main town police station such as Jayapura, merauka, Timika, Biak, Nabire, Monokwari and other main city. The permit of lasts will depend on your request, from 1 week until 1 month or even longer. Please prepare copies of your passport, recent photograph and list of places you wish to visit. Its easy to get the Surat Keterangan Jalan, because the officers are friendly and helpful.
You can ask your travel agent to arrange the Surat Keterangan Jalan.
Further Reading:
http://www.papua-adventures.com/
taken from : http://www.my-indonesia.info/page.php?ic=4&id=2758
Jiffest 2007
The 9th Jakarta International Film Festival showcases the best films from around the world. The Festival will be held from 7 - 16 December 2007 and this year, Jiffest will show more than 200 films from over 30 countries at :
Djakarta XXI
Erasmus Huis
GoetheHaus
Kineforum TIM 21
Blitz Megaplex in Grand Indonesia
The festival will showcases World Cinema that shows big films with big names behind them and in them; Panorama shows equally good films, but with lesser-known directors and actors. House of Docs showcases top documentaries and the Variety section screens quality short films from all over the world.
Once again, JiFFest is hosting Indonesian Feature Film Competition where all Indonesian films released from end of 2006 to 2007 will be screened for FREE.
JiFFest is proud to present the World Premiere of Chants of Lotus, an omnibus film by Indonesian female directors: Nia Dinata, Upi, Lasja F. Susatyo and Fatimah Tobing.
Most JiFFest films are temporarily imported only for festival purpose. After the screenings end, the prints will be shipped out of the country, and you may never see them again. So take the whole week off , have fun, and enjoy JiFFest!
Membership
Similar to previous years, JiFFest 2007 applies a membership system to enable its screenings legally classified as non-commercial screenings. More importantly, audiences can easily secure seats to see films of their choice. No admission tickets are sold. Instead, viewers purchase membership cards and receive free passes for festival screenings. This year, the membership system is classified based on film categories (World Cinema, Panorama, House of Docs, Variety) for one-time screening.
HOW TO WATCH FILMS AT JIFFEST
JiFFest audiences can choose from these types of membership:
WORLD CINEMA & PANORAMA, membership fee of Rp. 20.000 for one membership card and one Blue entry pass for one desired screening time. The same membership is applicable for CLOSING FILM (limited seats only), with membership fee of Rp 25.000.
HOUSE OF DOCS & VARIETY, membership fee of Rp. 10.000 for one membership card and one Green entry pass for one desired screening time.
FREE SCREENINGS, no membership fee. Obtain one membership card and one White entry pass for one desired screening time.
The membership card and the White entry pass for Free Screenings is distributed one hour before the screening time. Each person is allowed only one membership card and one White entry pass.
For members of Garuda Frequent Flyer (GFF), receive a 5% discount of membership fee upon presenting a valid GFF card. Please note that the discount offer is not applicable for Closing Film. Win 5 (five) return tickets Jakarta-Bali-Jakarta from Garuda Indonesia when you register for all paid JiFFest membership! Write down your name and contact details at the back of the membership card.
Drop the card after the end of each screening to our Info Desk in all JiFFest venues. Winners will be notified via phone or email based on the information given on the membership card.
Membership Card Regulations:
Membership Cards must be shown at the entrance to the cinema.
Membership is valid only for JiFFest 2007 and cannot be extended.
How to obtain a Membership Card:
Viewers fill out a membership form (WORLD CINEMA, PANORAMA, HOUSE OF DOCS & VARIETY), which also serves as an order form for his or her choice of films. Note that the membership form is not applicable for FREE SCREENINGS.
Upon completion of the form, JiFFest registration staff will issue both the Membership Card and the Entry Pass as chosen.
Membership Registration Venues and Time:
Djakarta XXI, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 9 Jakarta Pusat. Phone: (021) 3156725. November 22 to December 6, 2007. 12 pm to 8 pm. December 8 to December 16, 2007. 12 pm to 9.30 pm.
Blitz Megaplex, Grand Indonesia, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1 Jakarta Pusat. Phone: (021) 23580200. December 3 to December 7, 2007. 12 pm to 8 pm. December 8 to December 16, 2007. 12 pm to 9.30 pm.
(ak.’sa.ra) Bookstore, Jl. Kemang Raya 8B Jakarta 12730. Phone: (021) 7199288. November 22 to December 6, 2007. 11 am to 8 pm.
Plaza Senayan XXI, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 1 Jakarta Selatan. Phone: (021) 572553. November 24 to November 25, 2007. 12 pm to 8 pm. December 1 to December 2, 2007. 12 pm to 8 pm.
21 Cineplex, Cilandak Town Square, 3rd Floor, Jl. TB Simatupang Kav. 17, Jakarta Selatan. Phone: (021) 75920347. November 22 to December 7, 2007. 12 pm to 8 pm.
Copyright @ 2007 Jakarta International Film Festival. All Right Reserved.
* All information are gathered from http://www.jiffest.org/
Djakarta XXI
Erasmus Huis
GoetheHaus
Kineforum TIM 21
Blitz Megaplex in Grand Indonesia
The festival will showcases World Cinema that shows big films with big names behind them and in them; Panorama shows equally good films, but with lesser-known directors and actors. House of Docs showcases top documentaries and the Variety section screens quality short films from all over the world.
Once again, JiFFest is hosting Indonesian Feature Film Competition where all Indonesian films released from end of 2006 to 2007 will be screened for FREE.
JiFFest is proud to present the World Premiere of Chants of Lotus, an omnibus film by Indonesian female directors: Nia Dinata, Upi, Lasja F. Susatyo and Fatimah Tobing.
Most JiFFest films are temporarily imported only for festival purpose. After the screenings end, the prints will be shipped out of the country, and you may never see them again. So take the whole week off , have fun, and enjoy JiFFest!
Membership
Similar to previous years, JiFFest 2007 applies a membership system to enable its screenings legally classified as non-commercial screenings. More importantly, audiences can easily secure seats to see films of their choice. No admission tickets are sold. Instead, viewers purchase membership cards and receive free passes for festival screenings. This year, the membership system is classified based on film categories (World Cinema, Panorama, House of Docs, Variety) for one-time screening.
HOW TO WATCH FILMS AT JIFFEST
JiFFest audiences can choose from these types of membership:
WORLD CINEMA & PANORAMA, membership fee of Rp. 20.000 for one membership card and one Blue entry pass for one desired screening time. The same membership is applicable for CLOSING FILM (limited seats only), with membership fee of Rp 25.000.
HOUSE OF DOCS & VARIETY, membership fee of Rp. 10.000 for one membership card and one Green entry pass for one desired screening time.
FREE SCREENINGS, no membership fee. Obtain one membership card and one White entry pass for one desired screening time.
The membership card and the White entry pass for Free Screenings is distributed one hour before the screening time. Each person is allowed only one membership card and one White entry pass.
For members of Garuda Frequent Flyer (GFF), receive a 5% discount of membership fee upon presenting a valid GFF card. Please note that the discount offer is not applicable for Closing Film. Win 5 (five) return tickets Jakarta-Bali-Jakarta from Garuda Indonesia when you register for all paid JiFFest membership! Write down your name and contact details at the back of the membership card.
Drop the card after the end of each screening to our Info Desk in all JiFFest venues. Winners will be notified via phone or email based on the information given on the membership card.
Membership Card Regulations:
Membership Cards must be shown at the entrance to the cinema.
Membership is valid only for JiFFest 2007 and cannot be extended.
How to obtain a Membership Card:
Viewers fill out a membership form (WORLD CINEMA, PANORAMA, HOUSE OF DOCS & VARIETY), which also serves as an order form for his or her choice of films. Note that the membership form is not applicable for FREE SCREENINGS.
Upon completion of the form, JiFFest registration staff will issue both the Membership Card and the Entry Pass as chosen.
Membership Registration Venues and Time:
Djakarta XXI, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 9 Jakarta Pusat. Phone: (021) 3156725. November 22 to December 6, 2007. 12 pm to 8 pm. December 8 to December 16, 2007. 12 pm to 9.30 pm.
Blitz Megaplex, Grand Indonesia, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1 Jakarta Pusat. Phone: (021) 23580200. December 3 to December 7, 2007. 12 pm to 8 pm. December 8 to December 16, 2007. 12 pm to 9.30 pm.
(ak.’sa.ra) Bookstore, Jl. Kemang Raya 8B Jakarta 12730. Phone: (021) 7199288. November 22 to December 6, 2007. 11 am to 8 pm.
Plaza Senayan XXI, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 1 Jakarta Selatan. Phone: (021) 572553. November 24 to November 25, 2007. 12 pm to 8 pm. December 1 to December 2, 2007. 12 pm to 8 pm.
21 Cineplex, Cilandak Town Square, 3rd Floor, Jl. TB Simatupang Kav. 17, Jakarta Selatan. Phone: (021) 75920347. November 22 to December 7, 2007. 12 pm to 8 pm.
Copyright @ 2007 Jakarta International Film Festival. All Right Reserved.
* All information are gathered from http://www.jiffest.org/
taken from : http://www.my-indonesia.info/page.php?ic=7&id=3141
Tabot Festival (1 Muharam Moslem New Year)
The traditional ceremony to commemorate the death of grandchildren of the Prophet Muhammad, Hasan and Husein, in defending and preserving the religion. Highlight during the festival include various kinds of contests and handicrafts exhibitions.
For further information, please feel free to contact these numbers below.T : (62-736) 21 272F : (62-736) 342 200
taken from: http://www.budpar.go.id/page.php?ic=661&id=3299
For further information, please feel free to contact these numbers below.T : (62-736) 21 272F : (62-736) 342 200
taken from: http://www.budpar.go.id/page.php?ic=661&id=3299
Visit Indonesia 2008
Tahukah Anda bahwa pemerintah Indonesia tengah mencanangkan tahun kunjungan wisata 2008. Pemerintah kita sangat berharap dengan pencanangan tahun wisata 2008 dengan judul lengkap "Visit Indonesia Year 2008-celebrating 100 years of nation's awakening" maka seluruh komponen bangsa bersiap diri untuk menyambut tahun kunjungan wisata.
Banyak hal yang perlu dibenahi untuk mensukseskan tahun kunjungan wisata. Hal penting dalam mensukseskan tahun kunjungan wisata 2008 adalah kesadaran masyarakat itu sendiri untuk membenahi berbagai hal yang terangkum dalam Sapta Pesona terdiri dari Keamanan, Ketertiban, Kebersihan, Kesejukan, Keindahan, Keramahan, dan Kenangan.
Sebuah tempat wisata yang sukses tidak terlepas dari peran serta masyarakat yang bersinergi dengan pemerintah secara terpadu untuk memiliki visi dan misi yang sama dalam menentukan langkah-langkah strategis untuk menciptakan daerah wisata yang berkualitas. Saya seringkali menemukan hal janggal ketika saya berwisata ke daerah-daerah tertentu, misalnya masyarakatnya yang suka menggoda wisatawan, mengeluarkan kata-kata kasar, sampah yang bertebaran, dan lain sebagainya. Kondisi ini sangat memprihatinkan kita.
Hal klasik yang menjadi masalah dalam pengembangan daerah wisata selalu dikaitkan dengan masalah dana. Menurut saya hal seperti ini bukan sebuah masalah penting. Hal terpenting adalah bagaimana peran masyarakat sekitar dan pemerintah daerah dalam mengelola citra wisata. Kita bisa melihat daerah wisata yang murni menjual keaslian lokal seperti misalnya Kampung Naga di Jawa Barat, Ubud di Bali, dsb. Masalah sumber dana lebih tepat dikelola oleh pemerintah daerah bisa dengan jalan sponsorship, menyekolahkan putra lokal ke sekolah pariwisata (dengan kontrak untuk kembali ke daerahnya sebagai pengelola), birokrasi yang bersih dan sehat, dan banyak hal lainnya yang bisa dilakukan perlahan tapi pasti.
Hari ini saya menerima email konfirmasi dari Bapak Taufik Istiqlal (Humas Departemen Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata RI) yang memperkenankan saya untuk memasang logo Visit Indonesian Year 2008 dan sepenggal pesan untuk seluruh masyarakat Indonesia agar terus mencintai negeri ini dan berperan seoptimal mungkin untuk kebudayaan dan kepariwisataan Indonesia. Terima kasih buat Pak Taufik dan Depbudpar yang telah memberikan ijin resmi untuk memasang logo tersebut di blog saya.
Banyak hal yang perlu dibenahi untuk mensukseskan tahun kunjungan wisata. Hal penting dalam mensukseskan tahun kunjungan wisata 2008 adalah kesadaran masyarakat itu sendiri untuk membenahi berbagai hal yang terangkum dalam Sapta Pesona terdiri dari Keamanan, Ketertiban, Kebersihan, Kesejukan, Keindahan, Keramahan, dan Kenangan.
Sebuah tempat wisata yang sukses tidak terlepas dari peran serta masyarakat yang bersinergi dengan pemerintah secara terpadu untuk memiliki visi dan misi yang sama dalam menentukan langkah-langkah strategis untuk menciptakan daerah wisata yang berkualitas. Saya seringkali menemukan hal janggal ketika saya berwisata ke daerah-daerah tertentu, misalnya masyarakatnya yang suka menggoda wisatawan, mengeluarkan kata-kata kasar, sampah yang bertebaran, dan lain sebagainya. Kondisi ini sangat memprihatinkan kita.
Hal klasik yang menjadi masalah dalam pengembangan daerah wisata selalu dikaitkan dengan masalah dana. Menurut saya hal seperti ini bukan sebuah masalah penting. Hal terpenting adalah bagaimana peran masyarakat sekitar dan pemerintah daerah dalam mengelola citra wisata. Kita bisa melihat daerah wisata yang murni menjual keaslian lokal seperti misalnya Kampung Naga di Jawa Barat, Ubud di Bali, dsb. Masalah sumber dana lebih tepat dikelola oleh pemerintah daerah bisa dengan jalan sponsorship, menyekolahkan putra lokal ke sekolah pariwisata (dengan kontrak untuk kembali ke daerahnya sebagai pengelola), birokrasi yang bersih dan sehat, dan banyak hal lainnya yang bisa dilakukan perlahan tapi pasti.
Hari ini saya menerima email konfirmasi dari Bapak Taufik Istiqlal (Humas Departemen Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata RI) yang memperkenankan saya untuk memasang logo Visit Indonesian Year 2008 dan sepenggal pesan untuk seluruh masyarakat Indonesia agar terus mencintai negeri ini dan berperan seoptimal mungkin untuk kebudayaan dan kepariwisataan Indonesia. Terima kasih buat Pak Taufik dan Depbudpar yang telah memberikan ijin resmi untuk memasang logo tersebut di blog saya.
Agro Wisata Kebun Kopi Jampit Kalisat Jember
KAWASAN wisata Kebun Kalisat-Jampit memang unik dan mengandung tantangan tersendiri. Dari aspek akses masuk menuju lokasi wisata itu saja sudah menimbulkan rasa ingin tahu pengunjung, belum lagi lokasi yang tersembunyi dan terpencil di sekitar dataran tinggi Ijen. Perkebunan kopi ini dengan mudah bisa diakses dari jalan raya jalur Kota Bondowoso- Kabupaten Situbondo.
Setelah menempuh perjalanan sekitar 12 kilometer, kita akan menjumpai pertigaan Gardu Atak. Dari pertigaan tersebut, kita berbelok ke arah timur melewati Sukosari. Dari sana, lalu berbelok ke arah utara untuk kemudian melanjutkan perjalanan yang berkelok- kelok menuju Perkebunan Kopi Arabika Kalisat–Jampit yang terletak di Kecamatan Sempol, Kabupaten Bondowoso.
Dari Gardu Atak menuju Kebun Kalisat–Jampit, terbentang jarak sepanjang 43 kilometer. Di sepanjang perjalanan, panorama perkebunan, baik itu perkebunan cokelat atau tebu, sangat mendominasi. Selain itu, udara sejuk khas pegunungan akan segera menyergap begitu sampai di jalanan menuju lokasi kebun.Kalau Anda pergi ke sana naik kendaraan atau angkutan umum, hanya ada satu jenis angkutan yang bisa dipakai, yakni kendaraan angkutan pedesaan seperti mikrolet dengan ongkos Rp 6.000 per orang, sampai ke perkebunan.Namun, perlu diingat, angkutan tersebut merupakan angkutan pedesaan sehingga bagi pengunjung yang memiliki jiwa petualang, harap memahami jadwal keberangkatan dan kedatangan angkutan yang serba tidak pasti.
ADMINISTRATUR Kebun Kalisat–Jampit Syuhadak menceritakan, obyek Wisata Agro Kalisat–Jampit Arabika Home Stay atau lebih dikenal sebagai Kebun Kalisat-Jampit dan biasa disingkat menjadi Kaja itu memiliki sejarah tersendiri.Tempat itu pertama kali dibangun pada masa pemerintahan Hindia Belanda pada tahun 1900-an dengan nama Davit Bernie Administrate Kantoor. Pada tahun 1955 berubah nama menjadi Landbouw Matschappij oud Djember. Kemudian pada tahun 1958, kebun tersebut diambil alih atau dinasionalisasi oleh Pemerintah Republik Indonesia. Di tahun 1961 dinamai PPN Kesatuan Jawa Timur VII. Tahun 1963 berubah lagi menjadi PNP XXVI.Tahun 1972 berubah menjadi PT Perkebunan XXVI (Persero). Dengan pergantian pemerintahan, sejak tahun 1996 sampai sekarang, lalu menjadi PT Perkebunan Nusantara XII.
Berdiri di atas lahan seluas 3.105,40 hektar, perkebunan yang menawarkan kopi arabika sebagai komoditas wisata andalan itu terletak pada ketinggian 1.100-1.550 meter di atas permukaan air laut. Karena tingkat elevasi yang berbeda- beda itulah, cita rasa setiap varietas kopi yang dihasilkan menjadi beragam dan khas.Karena tingkat elevasi yang lumayan tinggi itu, di kala musim pancaroba, dari musim hujan ke musim kemarau, suhu bisa menjadi sangat rendah, sampai empat derajat Celsius pada dini hari.Syuhadak menuturkan, awal ide mendirikan tempat wisata Kebun Kalisat-Jampit itu adalah kebanggaan karena kopi yang dihasilkan merupakan kopi khusus yang sudah dikenal sejak zaman dulu, yaitu kopi yang dikenal sebagai kopi jawa atau java coffee yang tidak akan ditemui di tempat lainYang ditanam di sana pun kopi jenis yang sudah dikenal di dunia perdagangan kopi arabika internasional, seperti kopi jenis tibika, kartika I dan II, serta jenis usda.Namun, yang lebih mendukung terwujudnya ide pendirian kebun itu adalah hasil pengamatan petugas PT Perkebunan Nusantara XII, banyak wisatawan asing, terutama asal Perancis, betah berlama-lama tinggal di kawasan itu. Terutama karena di puncak kawasan itu terdapat kawasan Kawah Ijen yang indah.
Para wisatawan betah berada di kawasan itu karena kawasan tersebut terkenal sebagai kawasan yang sejuk dan tenang. “Wisatawan Perancis itu sangat menyukai suasana alam dan ketenangan,” katanya.Berawal dari temuan itulah, PT Perkebunan Nusantara XII lantas membangun beberapa fasilitas yang bisa dimanfaatkan pengunjung. Di antaranya berupa 19 buah kamar home stay dan 5 buah kamar Jampit Guest House. Sarana akomodasi juga dilengkapi kolam renang, kolam pancing, dan lapangan tenis.Wisatawan Perancis memang yang tercatat terbanyak. Tahun 2001, wisatawan Perancis yang datang sekitar 657 orang, meningkat di tahun 2002 menjadi 954 orang. Tahun 2003 menjadi 413 orang dan meningkat lagi menjadi 924 pengunjung pada 2004. Wisatawan asing lainnya fluktuatif antara 200-an sampai 300-an per tahun.Yang membanggakan adalah jumlah kunjungan wisatawan lokal yang terus meningkat. Tahun 2001 tercatat sebanyak 1.863 orang. Tahun 2002 1.336 orang, tahun 2003 sebanyak 1.486 orang, dan tahun 2004 ada 1.546 orang.
SALAH satu tawaran paket wisata yang tidak bisa dilewatkan begitu saja adalah tur pabrik dan tur kebun. Dengan mengikuti kedua tur tersebut, pengunjung bisa menyaksikan aktivitas kerja keseharian sehingga bisa mengetahui proses panen dan pascapanen.Syuhadak menuturkan, tur kebun paling bagus dilakukan pada bulan-bulan panen raya kopi arabika, yaitu sekitar bulan Juli-Agustus. Saat-saat itu, wisatawan bisa turut merasakan menjadi petani kopi yang memetik bijih kopi.Melewati proses pemanenan merupakan pengalaman tersendiri yang menyenangkan. Mulai dari pendataan pemetik, tahap pemetikan, tahap pemisahan biji kopi berwarna merah dan hijau, hingga penyerahan hasil petikan ke pabrik.A Mahmudy, sinder pabrik di lingkungan Kebun Kalisat– Jampit sebagai pemandu, akan mengantar wisatawan melihat bak-bak pemisah bijih kopi hingga ke pengolahan. Proses diawali dengan pemisahan bijih merah dengan hijau. Bijih hijau langsung diproses, sedangkan bijih merah dipisahkan antara bijih tenggelam dan bijih rambangan.Bijih-bijih itu lalu difermentasi selama 36 jam lalu ditiriskan selama 12 jam. “Proses fermentasi dan penirisan merupakan faktor penentu awal kualitas bijih kopi,” katanya. Berikutnya lalu dijemur di bawah sinar matahari selama 9–10 hari sampai kadar air 36 persen. Dilanjutkan dengan pengeringan mekanik, 36–48 jam sampai kadar air 11 persen.Bijih kopi kemudian disimpan, disortir, disangrai, kemudian dipak.Penyimpanan dan pengepakan yang tepat akan menimbulkan cita rasa khas kopi tercipta. Sekitar 90 persen produk diekspor ke luar negeri dan sisanya untuk suplai.
Dikitari pemandangan alam yang elok dan kekhasan tradisi masyarakat petani kopi menjadikan Kebun Kalisat–Jampit salah satu areal romantis di dataran tinggi Ijen. Sungguh suatu perjalanan wisata yang unik dan berbeda.
taken from : http://eastjava.com/news/2007/03/08/agro-wisata-kebun-kopi-jampit-kalisat-jember/
Setelah menempuh perjalanan sekitar 12 kilometer, kita akan menjumpai pertigaan Gardu Atak. Dari pertigaan tersebut, kita berbelok ke arah timur melewati Sukosari. Dari sana, lalu berbelok ke arah utara untuk kemudian melanjutkan perjalanan yang berkelok- kelok menuju Perkebunan Kopi Arabika Kalisat–Jampit yang terletak di Kecamatan Sempol, Kabupaten Bondowoso.
Dari Gardu Atak menuju Kebun Kalisat–Jampit, terbentang jarak sepanjang 43 kilometer. Di sepanjang perjalanan, panorama perkebunan, baik itu perkebunan cokelat atau tebu, sangat mendominasi. Selain itu, udara sejuk khas pegunungan akan segera menyergap begitu sampai di jalanan menuju lokasi kebun.Kalau Anda pergi ke sana naik kendaraan atau angkutan umum, hanya ada satu jenis angkutan yang bisa dipakai, yakni kendaraan angkutan pedesaan seperti mikrolet dengan ongkos Rp 6.000 per orang, sampai ke perkebunan.Namun, perlu diingat, angkutan tersebut merupakan angkutan pedesaan sehingga bagi pengunjung yang memiliki jiwa petualang, harap memahami jadwal keberangkatan dan kedatangan angkutan yang serba tidak pasti.
ADMINISTRATUR Kebun Kalisat–Jampit Syuhadak menceritakan, obyek Wisata Agro Kalisat–Jampit Arabika Home Stay atau lebih dikenal sebagai Kebun Kalisat-Jampit dan biasa disingkat menjadi Kaja itu memiliki sejarah tersendiri.Tempat itu pertama kali dibangun pada masa pemerintahan Hindia Belanda pada tahun 1900-an dengan nama Davit Bernie Administrate Kantoor. Pada tahun 1955 berubah nama menjadi Landbouw Matschappij oud Djember. Kemudian pada tahun 1958, kebun tersebut diambil alih atau dinasionalisasi oleh Pemerintah Republik Indonesia. Di tahun 1961 dinamai PPN Kesatuan Jawa Timur VII. Tahun 1963 berubah lagi menjadi PNP XXVI.Tahun 1972 berubah menjadi PT Perkebunan XXVI (Persero). Dengan pergantian pemerintahan, sejak tahun 1996 sampai sekarang, lalu menjadi PT Perkebunan Nusantara XII.
Berdiri di atas lahan seluas 3.105,40 hektar, perkebunan yang menawarkan kopi arabika sebagai komoditas wisata andalan itu terletak pada ketinggian 1.100-1.550 meter di atas permukaan air laut. Karena tingkat elevasi yang berbeda- beda itulah, cita rasa setiap varietas kopi yang dihasilkan menjadi beragam dan khas.Karena tingkat elevasi yang lumayan tinggi itu, di kala musim pancaroba, dari musim hujan ke musim kemarau, suhu bisa menjadi sangat rendah, sampai empat derajat Celsius pada dini hari.Syuhadak menuturkan, awal ide mendirikan tempat wisata Kebun Kalisat-Jampit itu adalah kebanggaan karena kopi yang dihasilkan merupakan kopi khusus yang sudah dikenal sejak zaman dulu, yaitu kopi yang dikenal sebagai kopi jawa atau java coffee yang tidak akan ditemui di tempat lainYang ditanam di sana pun kopi jenis yang sudah dikenal di dunia perdagangan kopi arabika internasional, seperti kopi jenis tibika, kartika I dan II, serta jenis usda.Namun, yang lebih mendukung terwujudnya ide pendirian kebun itu adalah hasil pengamatan petugas PT Perkebunan Nusantara XII, banyak wisatawan asing, terutama asal Perancis, betah berlama-lama tinggal di kawasan itu. Terutama karena di puncak kawasan itu terdapat kawasan Kawah Ijen yang indah.
Para wisatawan betah berada di kawasan itu karena kawasan tersebut terkenal sebagai kawasan yang sejuk dan tenang. “Wisatawan Perancis itu sangat menyukai suasana alam dan ketenangan,” katanya.Berawal dari temuan itulah, PT Perkebunan Nusantara XII lantas membangun beberapa fasilitas yang bisa dimanfaatkan pengunjung. Di antaranya berupa 19 buah kamar home stay dan 5 buah kamar Jampit Guest House. Sarana akomodasi juga dilengkapi kolam renang, kolam pancing, dan lapangan tenis.Wisatawan Perancis memang yang tercatat terbanyak. Tahun 2001, wisatawan Perancis yang datang sekitar 657 orang, meningkat di tahun 2002 menjadi 954 orang. Tahun 2003 menjadi 413 orang dan meningkat lagi menjadi 924 pengunjung pada 2004. Wisatawan asing lainnya fluktuatif antara 200-an sampai 300-an per tahun.Yang membanggakan adalah jumlah kunjungan wisatawan lokal yang terus meningkat. Tahun 2001 tercatat sebanyak 1.863 orang. Tahun 2002 1.336 orang, tahun 2003 sebanyak 1.486 orang, dan tahun 2004 ada 1.546 orang.
SALAH satu tawaran paket wisata yang tidak bisa dilewatkan begitu saja adalah tur pabrik dan tur kebun. Dengan mengikuti kedua tur tersebut, pengunjung bisa menyaksikan aktivitas kerja keseharian sehingga bisa mengetahui proses panen dan pascapanen.Syuhadak menuturkan, tur kebun paling bagus dilakukan pada bulan-bulan panen raya kopi arabika, yaitu sekitar bulan Juli-Agustus. Saat-saat itu, wisatawan bisa turut merasakan menjadi petani kopi yang memetik bijih kopi.Melewati proses pemanenan merupakan pengalaman tersendiri yang menyenangkan. Mulai dari pendataan pemetik, tahap pemetikan, tahap pemisahan biji kopi berwarna merah dan hijau, hingga penyerahan hasil petikan ke pabrik.A Mahmudy, sinder pabrik di lingkungan Kebun Kalisat– Jampit sebagai pemandu, akan mengantar wisatawan melihat bak-bak pemisah bijih kopi hingga ke pengolahan. Proses diawali dengan pemisahan bijih merah dengan hijau. Bijih hijau langsung diproses, sedangkan bijih merah dipisahkan antara bijih tenggelam dan bijih rambangan.Bijih-bijih itu lalu difermentasi selama 36 jam lalu ditiriskan selama 12 jam. “Proses fermentasi dan penirisan merupakan faktor penentu awal kualitas bijih kopi,” katanya. Berikutnya lalu dijemur di bawah sinar matahari selama 9–10 hari sampai kadar air 36 persen. Dilanjutkan dengan pengeringan mekanik, 36–48 jam sampai kadar air 11 persen.Bijih kopi kemudian disimpan, disortir, disangrai, kemudian dipak.Penyimpanan dan pengepakan yang tepat akan menimbulkan cita rasa khas kopi tercipta. Sekitar 90 persen produk diekspor ke luar negeri dan sisanya untuk suplai.
Dikitari pemandangan alam yang elok dan kekhasan tradisi masyarakat petani kopi menjadikan Kebun Kalisat–Jampit salah satu areal romantis di dataran tinggi Ijen. Sungguh suatu perjalanan wisata yang unik dan berbeda.
taken from : http://eastjava.com/news/2007/03/08/agro-wisata-kebun-kopi-jampit-kalisat-jember/
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)
