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.
Tampilkan postingan dengan label West Java. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label West Java. Tampilkan semua postingan
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
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
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