all about cultures & tourism in central java

2008-02-14T15:08:00.000-08:00

Semarang, Central Java

Wayang Kulit / Leather Puppet Shadow Show

The show is held at RRI Semarang, Jalan Achmad Yani, from 9 pm – 5 am the following morning at the third week of each month on Saturday night. The plays are based on some episodes of Ramayana and Mahabharata epics.

2008-02-14T15:06:00.000-08:00

Shop Till You Drop in Malioboro

Malioboro is perhaps the most famous street in Jogjakarta. Packed with shops selling curios and street vendors offering souvenirs with affordable prices, one is bound to find something of interest in this street.

Here to Stay
If you plan to spend a night in Malioboro, you can stay at hotels and inns with various kind of prices located on this street.

Moving Around
Walk around while browsing the wares. There are so many to see.

Dining Guide
Various restaurants throughout Jogjakarta. Try some local foods, like:

Gudeg, a curry of jackfruit, chicken and egg served
with rice, and is the most famous local dish.
Nasi Langgi (Langgi Rice), warm rice served with various side dishes.
Kipo, bite size snacks made of green colored tapioca dough filled with sweetened grated coconut. Can be found in Kotagede.
Jadah Tempe, sandwich of rice cake and sweet bencake. Can be found in Kaliurang.

Souvenir Tips

If you like merchandises made of batik, Jogja is the right

place to shop. From house dresses to posh, formal batik shirt for men, this street has them all. Batik can also be made into bags, table cloths, bed sheets, pillow covers, curtains, and a lot more. If you buy machine-printed batik, make sure you wash them separately first, using lerak (available on this street) or mild detergent.
Silver jeweleries and silver-plated items can be found here.
Items made of wood, metals, plastic. They are made into jewelries, bags, keychains, and a lot more.
Why not try local cookies? Bakpia is filling, tasty, and sweet.

Visit Bering Harjo market for cheaper products. Visit Kraton or Taman Sari, they're within walking distance.

Travel Tips

Malioboro tends to be packed with locals and tourists, so please take care of your belongings.
For more exclusive items, visit stores such as Mirota in Malioboro.
Use your bargaining skills.
Bring a bagpack to store the items that you've bought.

Malioboro is within walking distance from Stasiun Tugu (Tugu Railway Station). You can go to this place on foot or ride a becak (pedicab).

2008-02-14T15:02:00.000-08:00

Gift and Souvenirs

If you're interested in traditional artworks, you can visit the production village and either watch the locals at work, or haggle for any items you like.

For instance, there's Kasongan, a village that focuses on ceramic and pottery, located 20 km from Jogjakarta. Also near Jogjakarta is Tembi, a handicraft village, about 35 km by land.

Bali also offers many places to go shopping for these handicrafts. Various art markets offer traditional Balinese souvenirs, be it carved statues, beachwears, or masterpieces from the painters that reside in Indonesia.

But if you're looking for modern pieces of clothing for low prices, you can always go to Bandung, capital of West Java and safehaven of factory outlets, where you can get a pair of branded jeans for five to fifteen American dollars.

2008-02-14T15:01:00.001-08:00

Jamu For health

"Traditional Jamu" photo from www.tourismindonesia.com

JAMU-Secret to better health
For the treatment of mild complaints and sometimes quite serious ailments, most Javanese and Madurese will swear on the virtues of Jamu, a traditonal herbal concoctions. Hundreds of different Jamu remedies have nearly the solution to all kinds of illnesses.

2008-02-14T14:57:00.000-08:00

AMANJIWO RESORTS, A Peaceful Resort in Central Java

Amanjiwo (peaceful soul) opened in Central Java in 1997. With clear views to 8th century Borobudur, and drawing its design inspiration from this the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world, Amanjiwo specializes in cultural excursions and experience, highlighting the influential and long-standing artistic traditions of 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.

Getting There

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.

Where to Stay

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.

Dining Guide

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.

Moving Around

You can move around Amanjiwo site on foot or bicycle.

Other Things 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.

Souvenir Tips

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.

Travel Tips

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.

2008-02-14T14:54:00.000-08:00

CANDIREJO – BOROBUDUR : A World Heritage Site

Borobudur temple is located in the district of Magelang, Central Java. It isconsidered one of the world’s wonders and has the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist relief in the world. UNESCO has listed the temple as World Heritage Site.
The village of Candirejo is located some 3 km from Borobudur Temple. A traditional Javanese village, Candirejo is being promoted for village tourism, portraying traditional Javanese culture and daily life through traditional houses, art performances, ceremonies, farming and local food.

How to Get There:
The temple of Borobudur and Candirejo Village can be reached from
Yogyakarta by public buses that start from Umbulharjo Terminal or by taxis
and rental cars. The distance is approximately 42 km from Yogyakarta.

The Best Season to Visit:
Almost anytime during the year, but preferably in the dry season
(April to September).

2008-02-14T14:51:00.002-08:00

Amarta Spa

Amarta Spa features treatment inspired by cultural concept of well being from around the world. Modern facilities support various body treatments and relaxation; from massage, aromatherapy, sauna, Jacuzzi to just laying around doing nothing in our gazebo sipping healthy drinks.

The treatments are designed to bring the indulgence that will ease the stressful life, stimulate the senses and awaken the spirit.

All treatment at Amarta Spa use natural and hygienic herb. The indigenous of body and beauty treatments provide selection of scrubs and masks to suit the skin needs. And aromatherapy, includes oils of native flowers and plant essences, believed to have physical and psychological healing properties.

It is here that the very best ingredients of both Eastern and Western health and beauty techniques are blended with exotic aromas and natural ingredients.

AMARTA SPA

2008-02-14T14:51:00.001-08:00

BATIK

Batik
For the Javanese, beautiful hand painted batik are not merely pieces of clothes but carry much more significance that symbolises life itself. Different regions have their own unique style. Pekalongan with its Chinese influence design and pastel color. Batik made in Solo and Yogya are traditionally coloured blue-symbolizing earth, brown-symbolizing fire and white-symbolizing water and air.

One of the Seven Wonders of the World
The largest Buddhist temple in the world is Indonesia, Borobudur. It even inspired the building of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

2008-02-14T14:50:00.001-08:00

A Memory of an old time in Semarang, Central Java

photo by www.sijiwae.net

Semarang is situated on Java's northern coast and is called the capital of Centarl Java, as it lies just about halfway between the extreme east and west coasts of the island. The environs around Semarang are perfect for day trips and side and side excursions.

The old records of this city date back to the 15th to the 18th century AD in where captivating ancient and colonial monuments still standing to present date. In the older part of the city, near the harbour, you can still find an interesting collection of buildings dating back to the Dutch Colonial era and the Dutch East Indies Company, such as GEREJA BLENDUK, is the eldest Christian Church in Central Java built by the Dutch community in 1753. It shows the Church architecture of the 18th century with its huge dome and a baroque organ inside the building. Nearby the Church, there are some buildings from the Dutch colonial time. STASIUN TAWANG, the main railways station with its "Old Time" architecture located also in this area. While LAWANG SEWU or usually called as Thousand Doors, situated in the downtown of Semarang is also a remarkable building from the "Old Dutch Time".

photo:www.sijiwae.net

Beside an interesting collection of Dutch Colonial buildings, there's an also Chinese buildings remain in Semarang. In the west part of Semarang, a temple SAMPOKONG or locally known as Gedong Batu (Stone Building) was dedicated to Chinese Moslem Admiral Cheng Ho, his fleet arrived in the first time at 1406 AD. The other Chinese Buddhist temple is Tay Kak Sie at Lombok Street built in the year 1772.

Getting There

By Plane
To and from Semarang is easily accessible by Air, the airport name is Ahmad Yani located in West Semarang around five km from the downtown.
There are several airlines, such as Garuda and Merpati, connect with other cities of Indonesia such as Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Banjarmasin, etc.
By Train
The main railway station is Tawang, in the old part of the town.
The main train connection is between Semarang, Cirebon and Surabaya. There is also service to Solo.
By Bus
The main Bus Terminal is in Terboyo, in the eastern part of the city. Several Bus companies serve the inter-city connections with many cities in Java, Bali and Sumatra. Direct information can be collected directly in the terminal.
By Boat
The Semarang harbor is in Tanjung Mas. There are regular shipping lines for passengers sail to and from Semarang to other island, as Kalimantan. The main line is Pelni. Inquire also for occasional cargo boats, taking passengers in the harbor.

Where to Stay

This city has enough accommodation for its visitors, from budget hotels to the star-rated hotels. Some top hotels located in downtown and in any luxurious area. The facilities meet international demands with combination of traditional specialties.

Moving Around

You can move around the city by becak (a three wheels vehicle) only in the north part of the city, mini-buses, buses and taxi.

Other Things to See or Do

While in Semarang, you can visit other interesting places, such as:

Simpang Lima, it is a square with many shops and cinemas around. In the evening a lot of people are here taking a walk or window-shopping. Early in the morning, people are jogging along the street.
Gombel, its a favorite place on the hill with its fresh air and picturesque landscape. In the evening, people like to be here to relax while enjoying the panoramic vista to the city and the harbor.
Puri Maerakaca, it is a well arranged park on the beach exhibiting traditional houses of every Central Java regencies. In these houses, specific crafts of each regency are displayed.

Dining Guide

There are a lot of restaurants in Semarang offering delicious food of Indonesian, Chinese, and European cuisine. One should find easily in Jl. Pemuda around Pasar Johar the best speciality market in Simpang Lima mall.

The area of Gang Lombok and Jl. Gadjah Mada are famous with its Chinese restaurants, in Jl. A. Yani there are tasteful Javanese restaurants.

Semarang is famous for its Lumpia (Chinese Spring Rolls ), Pia, Wingko Babat and Bandeng Presto (Tendered Fish).

Souvenir Tips

Souvenir and art objects are available in Semarang, mostly in the downtown areas and popular market places or shopping centres. Batik cloths and garments, handwoven fabrics, traditional and local jewellery, leather puppets, basketry and many.

Travel Tips

The weather is most pleasant between May to September and it is recommended that travelers choose this time of year to visit
Dress light and comfortable to wear
Don't forget to bring an umbrella or raincoat, in case of rain

2008-02-14T14:49:00.000-08:00

Basking on Beautiful Borobudur

Budha's Statue in Borobudur

One of the 7wonders in the ancient world, Borobudur is located near Magelang. Borobudur, a Hindu Buddhist temple, was built in the 9^th century. This temple has Gupta architecture of India's influence.

Constructed on a hill about 46 meters high, Borobudur has about 55,000 m3 or stones. Borobudur is design symbolizes the structure of the universe. This design influences temples in Angkor, Cambodia. This temple was found in 1815, under volcanic ash. About 41 kilometers northward from Jogjakarta, Borobudur offers spectacular sight in this modern world.

Getting There

Borobudur is only 1 hour away by car from Jogjakarta. You can either join a tour or rent a car to this spot.

Where to Stay

Inns and hotels in Jogjakarta.

Moving Around

You'll explore this site on foot. Climb this magnificent temple and marvel at various carvings on the stone around you.

Dining Guide

You can bring your own food or buy them around this site.

Souvenir Tips

Souvenirs related to Borobudur can be bought in Jogjakarta. You can buy silver Borobudur's miniature (silver plated ones are also available), keychains, and many more. T-Shirts and postcards with an overview of Borobudur are popular as keepsakes.

Other Things to See or Do

Marvel at the magnificent view. For better understanding of this temple, you can join a tour or hire a licensed tour guide here. Climb the temple to reach the top, where you can see an vacant space signifying emptiness as completion. There's a superstition saying that if you climb this temple with one wish deep in mind, try touching Buddha's figure inside the stupa, which is bell-like in structure. If you're able to touch the Buddha, your wish will come true. Take note of the stone carvings. There are many stories in these stones.

Travel Tips

Dress lightly and comfortably.
Hire a licensed tour guide, so you'll get better information.
Wear a hat or an umbrella. Bring along a raincoat, just in case.