Indonesia Best of
Getting Around in a Becak
Last night I was at a get-together of University colleagues and during a conversation about Java one man said “I’m going there next month. It will be my first time. I want to try a bisak” I mulled this over in my thought and eventually had to ask what he meant by ‘bisak’. Of course I laughed when I realised he in fact meant ‘becak’, the very popular and cheap form of transport on a lot of the islands in the archipelago. Becaks are a three-wheeled bicycle, two wheels in the front and one at the rear, and you sit quite uncomfortably on the padded wooden seats in the front. This form of transport is literally king-of-the-road and all other manner of transport is obliged to give way to them on the roads. Becak drivers are usually lean in stature with strong-muscled legs and area mine of information should you decide to use them to get around the city you are visiting, but, ensure you bargain the price for the journey well beforehand.
Date: September 4th, 2008 |
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Fifteen Great Reasons to Visit Malang: East Java
When you travel across Java there are many beautiful cities and large towns but none are as cool and delightful to walk around as the second largest city in East Java, Malang. Famous for its cool air and the surrounding country regions, the city was commonly referred to as ‘Paris Van East Java’ because of its quaintness and magnificent colonial buildings dating from the era of Dutch colonization and was very popular with European residents during this time. The streets are wide with an airy feeling, the people of Malang accommodating and friendly, however, it is less visited by foreign travellers there days. It is one place that, in my opinion every traveller should put on his ‘must visit’ list as the array of attractions, excellent restaurants and delicious food is quite simply, beyond reproach as far as what a Javanese city has to offer. There is so much to see and do and especially in the countryside where places like Tumpang, Turen, Batu and Singosari offer nature at its best. Then there are the beautiful beaches such as Sendang Biru Beach, Ngliyep Beach, and Balekambang Beach.
Date: August 29th, 2008 |
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Dragon Fruit
Most fruits in Indonesia are seasonal and one of my favourites is Dragon Fruit. It is easily recognised with its round shape, often red coloured with prominent scales. The thin rind encloses the large mass of sweetly flavoured white or red pulp and small black seeds. Some varieties are pinkish or yellow. The good news is that this fruit is good for your body as it is rich in vitamins, especially Vitamin C. The flesh is eaten raw and is mildly sweet and low in calories. Some people have likened it to the Kiwi Fruit mainly because of the prevalence of sesame seed-sized black crunchy seeds found in the flesh. Just don’t eat the skin or the seeds as they are both indigestible. Interestingly, this fruit can be converted into a juice or wine and it flowers make great tea once steeped.
Date: August 21st, 2008 |
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Preparations for Independence Day
Across the archipelago of Indonesia preparations are well underway in cities, towns and villages for Independence Day this Sunday. The Indonesian Declaration of Independence was officially proclaimed at 10.00 a.m. sharp on Friday, August 17, 1945. The declaration marked the start of the five year diplomatic and armed-resistance of the Indonesian National Revolution, fighting against the forces of the Netherlands until the latter officially acknowledged Indonesia’s independence in 1949. Wherever you are in Indonesia, this is a great day with heaps of celebrations.
Date: August 15th, 2008 |
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Classic Car Show: Jakarta, West Java
When we think of classic cars, the likes of MG’s and MGB’s come to mind, those built in the 40’s and 50’s of the last century. I suppose you could call my old car a classic. It’s a wonder it’s still running! However, it is not only the British-made motor vehicles that are considered classics. There are many others like the German Volkswagen or the old Mercedes Benz. The classics I like are the Chevrolet’s from the 50’s and the old motor bikes such as Triumph’s and Harley Davidson’s. If you …
Date: August 12th, 2008 |
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The Faces of Yogyakarta: Central Java
Yogyakarta is often referred to as the cultural heart of Indonesia, and its people, the friendliest. A beautiful city, Yogyakarta boasts such amazing attractions as the mighty Borobudur Temple, the Hindu Temple complex of Prambanan, and the Kraton to mention a few. It is a city that leads the way in Batik production, the arts and music. Besides being all the aforementioned, Yogyakarta is one of those places that seems to alluringly mystify visitors ensuring they return again and again. It is a city that is close to my heart and often, as I walk around its streets and gangs, I have always found the people to be accommodating in their hospitality and warmth.
Date: August 31st, 2008 |
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The Fasting Month of Ramadhan
In just under a week’s time the holy fasting month of Ramadhan begins in Indonesia. This month precedes the Idul Fitri celebration that marks the end of the fasting month and is an exciting time to be in Indonesia for the culinary delights available on the streets and the gaiety of it all. But first, Muslims must participate in the fast and this includes children albeit allowances are made by some families. During the month of Ramadhan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset every day and in addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur’an. The Islamic religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is believed to be the month in which the Qur’an began to be revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. For Muslims this is a time for inner reflection, devotion to God and self-control. In the Islamic month of fasting Muslims don’t eat or drink anything from sunrise ’till sunset. This also includes abstaining from sexual activity, smoking, partying and any other form of entertainment.
Date: August 26th, 2008 |
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Some Good Reasons to Visit Pekanbaru: Riau, Sumatra
There are some stunning and interesting places in Sumatra and none more so than Pekanbaru in the Riau Islands. It is the capital city of the Riau province and has an estimated population of around 800,000 people. Pekanbaru was once a small city port located on the Siak River and now, it is a bustling trade centre with its proximity to Singapore and Malaysia. The city is divided into two by this magnificent river with the shops, hotels and banks located on the north side and on the south, most of the government buildings and offices. It is here you will also find the main bus terminal. Because Pekanbaru is a major gateway into Indonesia from Singapore, the city has become a favourite stop for travellers go further inland in Sumatra and of course the rest of Indonesia. Pekanbaru is one of the cleanest big cities in Indonesia and noted for its wide streets, which are in the city’s main centre. The city is connected by road to an oil refining and exporting port at Dumai and there are numerous facilities including an airport, three stadiums and a swimming pool.
Date: August 21st, 2008 |
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National Parks in Sulawesi
Across Indonesia there are several national parks that are not only beautiful and surreal to a certain aspect some are also a great attraction for divers and lovers of the oceans. The parks themselves are a hive of activity with an immense array of flora and fauna unlike any other in the world on display for the enthusiast. The island of Sulawesi is a nature-lovers delight in every facet. Its wildlife is found nowhere else in the world and it’s no wonder Alfred Wallace declared this island so fascinating. The combination of lush tropical rainforests caressing the golden sands of its beaches and the high mountainous areas make the national parks of Sulawesi a definite part of your visit there. In Indonesian national parks are threatened by the economics of the country. The biggest threat to parks is the encroachment of mankind in the pursuit of land to grow palm oil or to reap the forests of their wood. Fortunately there are conservation ‘watchdog’ groups like WAHLI and WWF to maintain the status quo.
Date: August 14th, 2008 |
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Komodo Dragon on the Verge of Extinction: East Nusa Tenggara
If you travel to East Nusa Tenggara then a visit to Komodo island is a must even if only to experience the other fauna and flora in the Komodo National Park. The residents of Komodo island are naturally the Komodo Dragon, the largest of all known lizards, and of course the park rangers live there too. These magnificent creatures (the dragons, not the rangers!) are also found in the nearby island of Rinca. The island of Komodo was declared a world heritage site in 1986 by UNESCO and at that …
Date: August 9th, 2008 |
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