Asia World Indonesia News Bulletin Magazine - June 2017

NEWS BULLETIN ASIA WORLD INDONESIA

#ConnectingAsiaToTheWorld Issue #18 | June 2017

Eid Al Fitr

Celebration in Indonesia

EASIER THAN EVER !

We revamped our B2B system.

Get the info here.

WAE REBO TREKKING TOUR OF THE MONTH

10 16

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CONTENTS HOTEL One of the top 25 hotels for

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romance in the world Simply a unique and

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quintessential experience Feel the calming atmosphere

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reminiscent of a rural Sasak village Borobudur temple at your doorstep and legendary Monoreh Hills as your backdrop

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42 CONTENTS AWI INFO

48

HR News

20

Asia World Indonesia finalized

28

it’s revamped B2B system Virtuoso Travel Week on tour

34

show in Australia & New Zealand Traditional Indonesian Recipe

46

SPECIAL NEWS TOUR OF THE MONTH Wae Rebo Trekking

48

The 39th annual Bali art festival

22

Tribal people of Indonesia -

30

The Osing Eid Al Fitr Day in Indonesia

36

Tumpek Kandang

40

Pandan Fight “Mekare - Kare”

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General Manager’s

M E S S AG E Dear valued partners Welcome into the month of June.

We are also showcasing new hotels and hotel

This month in Indonesia we celebrate the end

updates so please check out our Hotels section

of Ramadan with the Idul Fitri celebrations on

to find out more.

June 25th until June 29th. More in this News

And this month I would like to introduce you to

Bulletin.

the Osing people, an ethnic local tribe from

Further in Bali we have the unique Mekare-Kare

East Java. More details in this News Bulletin.

in the Village of Tenganan, the famous pandan

And I am also continuing to introduce our Teams

fight. More in this News Bulletin.

to you. This month I would like to introduce our

And we also have the 39th edition of the Bali

Finance & Accounting Manager Mr. Maruli H.

Arts Festival from June 10th until July 8th. More

Hutauruk.

in this News Bulletin.

And last but not least this months “Marcel’s

And on June 24th we celebrate the Tumpek

favorite Indonesian recipe for you to cook at

Kandang, a day where the Balinese honor and

home”…….Terong Balado an easy vegetarian

bless their livestock. More in this News Bulletin.

recipe. Bon appetite.

I have just returned from the Virtuoso Travel

I hope you enjoy reading our latest News

Week on Tour Show in Australia and New

Bulletin.

Zealand. Some impressions in this News Bulletin.

Kind regards,

Marcel Barmettler General Manager

CEO Renato Domini|renato@asiaworldindonesia.com General Manager Marcel Barmettler|marcel@asiaworldindonesia.com

Business Development Manager Slava Dyugaev|slava@asiaworldindonesia.com Customer Service Manager Benjamin Pigneguy |benjamin@asiaworldindonesia.com Finance and Accounting Manager Maruli H. Hutauruk|maruli@asiaworldindonesia.com MICE Manager Wahyu Listyo Adi|wahyu@asiaworldindonesia.com IT Manager Paulus Wirya Adhi S|wirya@asiaworldindonesia.com

Logistics Manager I Gusti A.A. Sunu|sunu@asiaworldindonesia.com Manager Travel Designer & Reservations Africa and Europe Welly Jayapranatha|Welly@asiaworldindonesia.com Team Leader Americas, Australia & Virtuoso Ira Sukma Utami|ira@asiaworldindonesia.com Manager Travel Design & Reservations Asia / Middle East Ribut Dwi Santoso|ribut@asiaworldindonesia.com Manager Travel Design & Reservations France Rudi Sulistyawan| rudi@asiaworldindonesia.com

Market Manager India Nisha Shrivastva|nisha@asiaworldindonesia.com Market Manager France Geoffrey Berdal|geoffrey@asiaworldindonesia.com Representative for Australia,New Zealand and Virtuoso Scott Cammell|scot@asiaworldindonesia.com The Americas Representative Douglas Vogl|doug@asiaworldindonesia.com Germany Representative Andrea Beyreuther|andrea@asiaworldindonesia.com

Questions & Feedback Phone: +62 361 722 188 Fax: +62 361 722 187 E-mail: info@asiaworldindonesia.com Address: Panorama Building 4th Floor, Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 620, Denpasar, Bali, 80228 - Indonesia

Member of:

Work Travel Save Repeat

ONE OF THE

Top 25 Hotels

for Romance in the World

T

he Kayon Resort is set

down

to

river

in 50 are of unfertile and five river edge stone hills accessed

by

“

easy

decorative

steps

with

Ramayana

private

pool

villas

with thatched roofs, each

enhanced

No.15th from Top 25 Hotels for

series relief on stone wall

by its infinity pool

Romance in the World and

along the path, provides

overlooking to river

No.1st from Top 25 Hotels for

abundance

�

Service in Indonesia

- Tripadvisor Travellers Choice 2017.

spots

to below.

capture the every holiday moment.

Nestled

The resort gardens is design to preserve the

deep

in

Balinese rare flowers and

hearth of Ubud rain forest fruits used as element of preserve,

surrounded

the Balinese Hindu ritual

with the historical Petanu ceremony. Some existing River and stunning jungle

trees are preserve, ylang-

landscape, the Kayon has

ylang, jackfruit, coconuts,

a

and durian. In addition

healing

atmosphere

and romantic ambiance.

The

resort

features

added

six flower,

the

Balinese

Jempiring,

Soka,

valley deluxe rooms with Frangipani, Areca nut as jungles view on the two well as the Balinese herbs, storey north wing, twelve Lemongrass, Kayon river suites in three Galangal, floor south wing with view

10

others.

Turmeric, Ginger

and

Location Since being discovered, the

nature and culture.

area of Ubud has always been

Kepitu

highly regarded by the Balinese

minutes

for its immense spiritual powers.

center, an exotic destination for

Even the term Ubud is derived

heritage, spiritual healing and

from the term Ubad, meaning

culture

medicine in reference to the

Kepitu village has wealth of

traditional healing properties

historical heritage and ancient

of the array of plants that

temples. Telaga Waja temple is

randomly grow here.

one of the temple in this village

Village

is

drive

only

from

holiday

ten Ubud

experience.

Ubud is remarkable spiritual

was built in 10th century the

town in the heart of Bali, a

Meditation place of Buddha

retreat for those seeking peace

Kasogatan and the followers,

of mind clarity of thought and

and now become the place for

inspiration in the arts, culture,

purify ritual and blessing those

dance and music. Healing,

who doesn’t have children

comfort, nature and inspiration

after marriage. The strict rule

create Ubud sanctuary. Ubud

of Purify bath ritual is without

is a romantic setting for an

wearing clothes.

intimate Honeymoon entire The Rooms

Resort Features

Our Rooms are designed in

KE-PI-TU Restaurant

contemporary

style

KEPITU is taken from the Banjar

using local stone, bamboo, white

next to the resort, The Restaurant

washed

decorated

is set in the eficentrum of the

with woven rattan to blend with

resort with 180 degrees view over

nature and create classic yet

the pool and jungle landscape.

romantic impression. Features

Designed with Kayon shaped

bamboo ceiling, comfortable

using iron wood, bamboo and

bed

Alang-Alang Grass roof creates

with

Balinese

furniture

soft

cotton

linen,

mosquito net, classic Balinese

a Truly Ubud atmosphere.

Kamasan

The Serayu Spa

Ramayana

series

painting and recycled arts work.

The Serayu Spa at the Kayon

Private balcony or terrace and

resort is perched on the 20

spacious bath with shower and

meters high river cliff

the Kayon signature terrazzo

with two treatment rooms and

bath tub overlook to jungles.

one beauty room.

For more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm_87CLJ00Q 11

Simply a UNIQUE and QUINTESSENTIAL Experience

T

his first and iconic L Hotel Seminyak was unveiled in late September 2012.

The contemporary chic 30-Suite room hotel

is a contemporary and chic property which will see progressive expansion in Asia Pacific. Its unique feature is in service personalization and designer led experiences, providing the discerning traveler a refreshing, intimate and engaging perspective of new age hospitality.

The L Collection seeks to accentuate the tradition of a destination by combining modern aesthetics to create an exclusive, private, unique small luxury property.

Future L Hotel plans include establishing similar L Hotels in the Indonesian market and around the region.

The Group is open to collaboration in joint ventures, partnerships and management contracts.

L Hotels & Resorts’s affiliate, The Shanti Collection started in Bali some five years ago, has a wide range of fine residences located in Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Tabanan, North Canggu and Ubud. The Group also has a strategic investment in Minahasa Lagoon, based in Manado, a premier diving resort. The Shanti Collection is primarily all about esteemed private villa living in Bali and features the award winning Shanti Residences, in Nusa Dua and Four On Drupadi in Seminyak.

Check out www.shanticollection.com

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UNIQUE SELLING FEATURES Award-winning Hotel Refreshing welcome experience Located in Bali’s trendiest spot Seminyak Personalized Butler Service Quintessential Chic interior Design Kiehl’s designer amenities Pillow & Soap Menus Magnificent views of the sea and paddy fields around Jimbaran and Seminyak Luna Roof bar Kitono Teppanyaki Grohe Rain Shower Premium Tea Supply (in-Suite) Gentlemen’s High Tea Contemporary Indonesian Cuisine LEISURE

Indian Tapas by Momo L

At L Hotel Seminyak, Personalization is Key. To

Vegetarian Cuisine Available

relax and unwind, there’s L’SPA just beside the hotel. Rejuvenate with massages and facials using Pevonia, Clarins products or Langly, L’s very own line of spa products.

Guests can enjoy the personalized fitness studio with a personal trainer, on indoor lap pool, in-room dining, free shuttle to L’s Private beach. personalized cooking classes, cultural attractions, to Ayurvedic massage, and much more.

For more informations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxnfH5ZV35g

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14

Feel The Calming Atmosphere Reminiscent of a Rural Sasak village

J

eeva Klui reflects shades of

“lagoon” perfect for snorkeling or a

traditional Lombok architecture

leisurely swim.

to create a peaceful and

Jeeva Klui’s total 35 suites and villas

calming atmosphere reminiscent of

include 18 one and two story beach

a rural Sasak village. Great care was

front suites, eight two story garden

taken to conceptualize a resort that

suites with partial ocean views, five

is both socially and environmentally

pool villas and four two story one

responsible through sensitive design

bedroom villas with partial ocean

and green practices. Wood and

views and a private pool. All villas

stone pathways lead through the

are stocked with a complimentary

resort to the beach, garden and

selection of soft drinks and juices

pool villas and suites spread across

and have tea and coffee making

the

The

facilities and sound docks. The

Waroeng restaurant and Wallace

Deluxe Pool Villas and Amra Pool

common room fronting the beach

Villas have marbled stone bathtubs

front infinity pool and tiered wooden

in a private bathroom garden.All

decks provide a gracious common

villas and suites have a large terrace

area for meeting with friends or

with an oversized daybed and are

enjoying the spectacular sea views.

equipped with wi-fi, LCD cable

Jeeva Klui melds an appreciation

televisions, DVD players, bathrobes,

of local architecture and tradition

in room safes and hairdryers.

with the look and feel of a Robinson

Klui Beach is located on the West

Crusoe idyll. Built using sustainable

coast

local materials, such as handmade

five kilometers north of the Senggigi

terracotta tiles, bamboo weaves,

Beach turist area. Jeeva Klui Resort

stone and recycled timber, each

is about an hour drive through rice

suite and villa exudes an air of

paddies and along a picturesque

authentic sophistication. Located at

coastal road from the new Lombok

the edge of the Wallace Line, Jeeva

airport . The departure point to

Klui’s magnificent 170 meter beach

the Gili Islands and the main dock

front commands views across the

for the fast boat service to Bali is

Indian Ocean to the islands of

approximately a 15 minute drive

Bali and Nusa Penida . The beach

up the coast from the Resort. Jeeva

at Jeeva Klui is protected by an

Klui is the only hotel located on Klui

offshore reef immediately in front

Beach.

two

hectare

grounds.

of

Lombok

approximately

of the resort that creates a calm 15

Borobudur Temple at Your Doorstep and Legendary Menoreh Hills as Your Backdrop Don’t miss the attractions of the neighbouring city of Magelang, including several historical sites from the Dutch colonial era. The resort’s picturesque location also makes it a great base for outdoor adventures.

Surrounded

by

lush

teak

forests, Plataran Borobudur Resort

&

Spa

transports

guests to another time and place, where days gently unfold against the backdrop of magnificent Borobudur Temple and the picturesque Menoreh Hills.

16

A

mid this unbelievably beautiful and

and colonial buildings, and be awed by the

atmospheric setting, experience

feeling that wherever you stand, “Borobudur

the utmost peace and privacy

Follows” - an experience unique to Plataran

within traditional Javanese villas, spacious

Borobudur.

havens of supreme comfort with a private

Get off the beaten path and discover

pool. Indulge in sublime, soul-soothing spa

the real Indonesia with tailored destination

pampering, and exquisite gastronomy with

activities, enjoyed in the gaze of one of

an unparalleled view of Borobudur Temple

the most awe-inspiring ancient wonders

at every turn. Walk the long corridor that

of the world. Mystical, magical, and

stretches between Patio restaurant’s Joglo

unforgettable.

Location Plataran is

located

Magelang

Borobudur in

the

Regency

Head of

to

the

nearby

Setumbu

top

Punthuk

hill

for

a

in the heart of Central

spectacular

Java, surrounded by a

view of this magnificent

spellbinding landscape

monument, and visit its

of

and

sister temples, Mendut

peaks.

and Pawon. The region

Borobudur Temple, the

is also home to the awe-

largest and most iconic

inspiring

Buddhist temple in the

Hindu temple complex,

world, remains one of

worthy

Indonesia’s most visited

trip,

destinations.

stunning scenery.

rolling

volcanic

hills

sunrise

Prambanan of

driving

a

day

through

For more informations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp0aI2oFJlQ

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Campuhan Hills, Ubud - Bali 18

19

MARULI H. HUTAURUK

Finance & Accounting Manager We proudly introduce you to one of our manager, Mr. Maruli H. Hutauruk. Born 46 years ago in Buntok, South Barito, Central Borneo, this gentleman started his career as auditor in public accountant office. He joins Asia World Indonesia seven years ago as Internal Auditor and starting December 2016, he began his new role as the Finance and Accounting Manager of Asia World Indonesia.

With more than 19 years of experience in the field, he manage his team to establish financial status by developing and implementing and reporting information as well as providing financial guidance and support to clients and colleagues.

Although he deals with numbers and figures in his daily life, he didn’t forget to spend some of his time to watch movies and do sports such as soccer, jogging and table tennis when he is on his free time.

Feel free to contact Maruli at: maruli@asiaworldindonesia.com

HR NEWS

systems for collecting, analyzing, verifying

Kelimutu Three Colour Lakes - Flores 21

THE 39TH ANNUAL BALI ARTS FESTIVAL

T

he Bali Arts Festival is a cultural treat for lucky visitors who are in Bali until mid July.

The festival traditionally starts on the second Saturday of June and runs through the month of July. It is the perfect moment to witness Bali’s wealth of performing arts together with various cultural highlights from other islands in Indonesia. As one of the main highlights in Bali’s calendar of events, the annual celebration features various artworks and cultural achievements, inviting locals and international visitors to the Taman Werdhi Budaya Arts Centre in Denpasar where most of the daily exhibitions and art performances are focused.

Karma Taman Kandara Nusa - Bali Resort - Indonesia Bali 22

On regular days, a visit to the

coconut leaf decorations and

Denpasar Art Centre is a small tour

banners. Crowds gather in front

to admire magnificent sculptures

of its open stages, auditoriums

and

and outdoor pavilions to witness

Balinese

architectural

features as well as a venue of

a

variety

of

traditional

choice for photo shoots with exotic

contemporary dances, shadow

backdrops. But throughout the

puppetry,

Bali Arts Festival in June and July,

and youth competitions that fill

the complex becomes alive with

the festival agenda.

music

and

compositions

colourful traditional bamboo and

The Indonesia Arts Institute (ISI) of Denpasar. On the following days up to July 8, the various stages and different to and of Hundreds of artisans from

July 8.

the Denpasar municipality,

The

life

venues with

come

the

colourful

wide variety

performances

from

different art groups from Bali

Arts

Festival

all over the island and

Bali’s eight provinces, other

traditionally kicks off with an

Indonesia.

neighbouring islands and

opening parade in front of

long festival offers you the

even

from

the Bajra Sandhi monument

best showcase of Balinese

and

in Denpasar. At the Ardha

and Indonesian arts and

showcase their talents. Now

Chandra stage of the Bali

culture in the entire year!

in its 39th year, the Bali Arts

Arts Centre, witness a series

Festival returns June 10 to

of stage performances by

art

abroad

troupes

participate

The

month-

23

Enjoy

traditional

music

and

gamelan recitals at the Ayodya and Angsoka stages, as well as evening

Balinese

documentary

film screenings at the Ksirarnawa auditorium.

Gong

Balinese

Kebyar

children’s

gamelan

jam

sessions at the Ardha Candra amphitheatre is also a unique highlight, with vocal, musical and dance collaborations by troupes from Denpasar and the Tabanan regency. painting,

Also

find

handicraft,

sculpture

exhibitions

and traditional culinary bazaars featuring favourite Balinese dishes.

The Bali Arts Festival customarily closes with a lively ceremony with an evening traditional ballet known as ‘sendratari’, held at the Ardha Candra open stage from 20:00.

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25

Ba

Isl

26

ali

d n a l 27

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Osing THE

TRIBAL PEOPLE OF INDONESIA

The Osing people are a community living in the eastern salient of Java, Indonesia in the easternmost part of East Java. They are the descendants of the people of the ancient Kingdom of Blambangan, whose rulers remained Hindus until they were forced to convert to Islam by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in 1770. Their population of approximately 400,000 is centered in the province of East Java in the Banyuwangi Regency. The Osings speak the Osing dialect, which shows influences from both the Javanese and Balinese.

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The

Osings

are

mostly

adherents of the abangan Islam,

although

there

are

some who follow Hinduism.

Elements of animism can be seen in their religion too. The Osings share a similar culture and spirit with the Balinese, and

the

Hindus

celebrate

ceremonies like Nyepi. It is not uncommon to see mosques and puras (Hindu temples) to be built nearby to each other in Banyuwangi. About 2-3,000 of them are Christians, who also mix some Hindu or Muslim beliefs into their religion. The Osing people are also known for the popular version of Gandrung

–

a

traditional

dance.

31

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Travel makes you realize that no matter how much you know, there’s always more to learn.

Batukaru Temple - Tabanan, Bali - Indonesia 33

VIRTUOSO TRAVEL WEEK ON TOUR SHO

34

OW IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Tanah Lot Temple , Tabanan - Bali 35

EID AL FITR DAY E

id ul-Fitr, also called Hari Raya Puasa or Hari Raya Aidilfitri in South-east Asia is the first day of Shawwal in Islamic

Lebaran Celebration in Indonesia

calendar. It is celebrated as Lebaran in

During Ramadan, ‘bedug’ drums a

Indonesia. It refers to a process of spiritual

used to announce the time for ‘buka

rebirth or becoming pious again. It marks the

breaking of the fast. Similarly, drum

end of Ramadan, and is a joyous celebration

street ceremonies which have beco

that involves prayers, congregations, social

the celebration, start a few days ahea

gatherings and family reunions. Food and

Parades and fireworks on the eve of Le

festivity go hand in hand with gifting, and

attractions.

giving to charity (zakat al-fitr). Listening to a

Just as the month of Ramazan subject

khutba (sermon), attending congregational

to a tough regimen of fasting from sun

prayers, celebrating with family members, and

the celebration is equally intense and o

distributing gifts and sweets are old traditions

Typically, Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated by d

that still hold as important social and religious

traditional attire and headgear attend

practices of the day. While the energy level

in the mosque or streets in the neigh

create

Indonesia, women wear ‘mukena’ a

an

invigorated

atmosphere,

the

collective pride and belongingness is distinctly

‘shirt and sarong’ sets. Children can be

evident.

attired and taking in the festive spirit.

36

at sunset are puasa’ or the

m-beating and

ome a part of

ad of Eid-ul-Fitr.

ebaran are big

ts the followers

Shopping and gifting

appliances to items for personal

nrise to sunset,

On this great occasion of Eid ul

use. People rush to buy the best

overpowering.

Fitri, the local markets in Indonesia

they can to deck up for the festival.

dressing up in

offer great choices for shopping

Invariably, the markets and stores

ds mass prayers

and gifting. They offer the best in

showering huge discounts and

hbourhood. In

fashion clothing and accessories,

deals take on the proportions of a

and men wear

often a special collection for

suburban retail phenomenon.

e seen gaudily

the occasion. Gifts vary from decorative

stuff

to

household 37

Social practices during Lebaran In Indonesia, people visit relatives and friends in the neighbourhood, greeting them “Minal Aidin Wal Fa Idzin”. They donate money to children from poor households. A family get together at the eldest relative’s house is the norm while people also choose to visit local relatives, friends and business associates over a period of time. “Mohon Maaf Lahir Batin” is an eloquent phrase used for asking forgiveness from older relatives. Lebaran cookies, appetisers and meals are shared which make for fond family moments. Some people visit recreational areas. People also visit grave of their ancestors.

Food is an elaborate affair with a spread that prominently involves meat dishes in a stewed preparation and rice. Ketupat which refers to aromatic steamed rice is traditionally served.

Meat preparation such as ‘Rendang’, ‘brongkos’ and ‘Semur’, and rice dishes such as ‘Opor Ayam’ and ‘Nasi Liwet’ are delicacies made during Lebaran that derive much from Javanese cuisine.

‘Goreng ati’ which is a chilli paste is served as an accompaniment to the main course meal. Some other native dishes are also prepared and shared with friends, relatives and neighbours.

After the festive day of Lebaran is over, Halal bihalal which are formal gatherings held to ask forgiveness from with friends, colleagues and employees.

In the light of the broad range of practices, Eid ul Fitr or Lebaran intertwines common practical realities of life with empowering spiritual wisdom and practices. As such, zakat al-fitr to the needy, visiting graves of ancestors and asking forgiveness from the elderly relations are insightful and deeply inspiring.

38

Lebaran Holidays in 2017 People employed in offices and workplaces are entitled to a considerable bonus for the celebration. People use the money to buy gifts, clothes and other items for relatives back home. Banks, private offices and government departments and institutions remain closed for almost one week. It is warranted by the exodus of people returning to their hometowns to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr. The exodus is called ‘mudik’. A multitude of people are seen as part of this mass exodus a few days in advance, as lakhs of people embark on a spatial and spiritual journey in this holy month to be with their family and bring in the important day of Lebaran in all its glory.

39

TUMPEK KANDANG

A day to honor household animals

H

ousehold animals in Bali will receive special honor when local Hindus celebrate Tumpek Kandang Day, a

ceremony dedicated to Sang Hyang RareAngon, master of all cattle and livestock.

This year’s Tumpek Kandang Day will fall on December 15. The rituals will be held at every farm and family compound.

Tumpek Kandang, which is sometimes called Tumpek Andang, falls on the Saturday of Uye, in the 22nd week of the pawukon cycle. The name of Tumpek Kandang is derived from

Cows in Bali receive better

two words, “Tumpek” meaning Saturday

treatment

and “Kandang”, the Balinese word for the

because they assist farmers when

household animals such as cows, pigs,

plowing the rice field. The cows are

chickens, ducks, dogs, and birds - all of which

washed and dressed-up in clothes

are highly valued by the Balinese. Tumpek

fit for humans and special cone

Kandang is a day to worship Sang Hyang

shaped spiral of coconut leaves is

Rare-Angon (God of animals).

placed on their horns.

Banyan Tree Ungasan Bali 40

than

other

animals

The pigs are usually decorated with a white cloth wrapping their bellies. The animals are then fed with special foods, sprinkled with rice and holy water and prayers are offered.

41

PANDAN FIGHT

G

eret Pandan Tenganan Village is one of the ancient village with a native Balinese. This village has a wide area

of approximately 1,500 hectares. Houses and customs were retained as the original. This is because society of Tenganan has customary village rules are very powerful, which they call the awig-awig. In addition, the offspring is also maintained by mating’s between fellow villagers. Walled villages like fortress. Lawangan or village entrance in the four corners. Tenganan Pegringsingan people call the village of spatial concepts as Jaga Satru (guard from an enemy attack).

So far this kind of battle demonstration Relating to the origin of the village and its people there are myth still alive among the residents. Any way such myth has the same nature with almost all ethnic or tribe’s claim to their ancestor’s divine origin. Scientific research at the present stage could give us only at a level of theoretical understanding about the origin of people, and their existence.

The Perang Pandan is one of the famous tradition which has listed in Indonesian Tourism Annual Event. The humanity of a society is not just measured by how people treat their friends but how they care for their enemies. Held in the range of June until Tenganan village has a precious custom on a based community forest.

This village has maintained their forest and all its contents for centuries. Their ancestors know the meaning of a forest for their sustainability life.

40

“Geret Pandan or Mekare Kare ”

Geret Pandan

T

he mekare-kare is an annual theatrical fight between the young men of the village, utilizing prickly pandanus leaf whips! Each

dual is staged to the intense martial sounds of ‘gamelan selonding’ music, and lasts only a few seconds, accompanied by much merriment and laughter. The attacks are warded off with tightly woven ‘ata’ vine shields; there are no winners and no losers because the objective is to draw blood as an offering to the gods. After the battles, the combatants’ wounds are treated with a stinging mixture of alcohol and turmeric, leaving no scars.

D

uring festivals such as this, the women of the village wear the famous handwoven double ikat textiles, known as ‘Geringsing’. Tenganan is the only place in Indonesia where this double weaving technique is practised and

the ritually significant, magic cloth haas the power to protect the wearer from sickness and evil vibrations. On the first day of the mekare-kare, the unmarried maidens of the village ride creaky wooden ferris wheels, which are manually operated by the men.

The turning symbolizes the descent of the sun to the earth. Mekare-kare takes place in Tenganan every year in June or July as part of the Usaba Sambah festival. Visitors, however, are welcomed to the fortress-like village at any time of year during daylight hours; many of the houses function as shops and workshops where expert craftsmen and women perform their centuries-old skills. This living museum is well worth a visit!

41

Rafting at TelagaVillage Waja River Bena Traditional - East Nusa Tenggara

Traditional Indonesian Recipe

Ingredients • 4 eggplants (about 750 gram) • 8 tablespoon cooking oil • 50 gram palm sugar (Indonesian: gula Jawa) • 20 gram tamarind pulp, dissolve with 2 cups of warm water Grind the following into spice paste • 40 gram red chilies, seeded (optional) • 10 shallots • 5 cloves garlic • 2 teaspoon salt

Instructions 1. Quarter eggplants lengthwise and cut into bite size pieces. Soak in cold water that has been sprinkled with plenty of salt to prevent eggplant flesh from turning into brown color.

2. Heat cooking oil in a wok on high heat. Drain eggplants and fry for about 2 minutes to bring out the color, drain and set aside.

3. Remove the oil from the wok and leave about 1 tablespoon of oil. Heat the oil and stir fry the spice paste until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Pour the tamarind juice and add the palm sugar. Boil for about 2-3 minutes.

5. Toss in the eggplants and boil again for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and serve with steamed white rice.

Tour of The Month

Transfer from Labuhan Bajo to Denge

T

he remarkable Manggarai village of Wae Rebonestles in the cloud forests of Western

Flores at 1,200 meters above sea level. The village’s seven coneshaped traditional houses, which are built of bamboo, wood and grass, are remarkable pieces of Flores’ living history. The village offers visitors a unique opportunity to see authentic Manggarai housing and to experience the everyday life of the local community.

Wae Rebo is the only place in Flores where you can still see the Manggarai

traditional

housing

style, well preserved by the 18th generation of the original village elders. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to hike from the lowlands to reach Manggarai village. The hike is worth the effort as the dense rainforest along the narrow path to Wae Rebo is one of a stunning biological

diversity.

The

warm

welcome from the villagers, their true hospitality, the area’s stunning vistas, and the experience of being part of the village life make this trip an unforgettable experience.

48

Activities village Trek to Wae Rebo village Meet the indigenous people of Wae Rebo Eat local traditional food Learn about the culture and lifestyle of he indigenous people of Wae Rebo Stay in a Mbaru NiangMbaru Niang traditional

circular

cone-shaped

house Visit Batu Cermin cave near Labuhan Bajo

Highlights Spectacular

panorama

of

Wae

Rebo village and its mountainous surroundings 1 night stay in a Mbaru Niang traditional

circular

cone-shaped

house Socialize and dine with the Wae Rebo community

WAE REBO TREKKING Flores Island 47

Solo, Central Java Full day tour (8 - 9 hours)

SOLO ROUND AND ABOUT Overview Solo has preserved much of its Javanese character and was a former royal city, home to two royal enclaves; Kasunanan Kingdom and the Mangkunegaran Principality. It is today a bustling economic centre in close proximity to Prambanan Temple. Solo is also the centre of art and education and famous for its batik.

In-Details Pick up at your Yogyakarta hotel at 08.00 hrs by our Asia World Indonesia Representative and commence a full day of discovering the historical cultural city of Solo.

Surakarta or Solo is the second city of the Javanese cultural heartland. Although, smaller than Jogjakarta, Solo is a centre of the arts and home to two Kraton (royal palaces), Kasunanan & Mangkunegaran. Kasunanan, is a large and fascinating complex which easily deserves a half day visit and Mangkunegaran, a more intimate complex blending European elegance with Javanese architecture and with a fascinating display of goldplated dance ornaments, jewelry and wooden masks.

Next browse the Triwindu flea market and Kampung Laweyan the region of batik since the time of the kingdom in 1546 AD, with its exotic grandeur of art that influenced traditional Javanese architecture. In the afternoon direct to Sukuh Erotic Temple, it more resembles the architecture of the Incas Transfer to hotel or to airport for departure.

Fast Facts   

  

Suitable for Individual Travelers or Small Groups Operates daily Pick up at 08.00 hrs, return at 17:00 hrs from Yogyakarta Advance booking required minimum 48hours Private basis only ( no seat in coach Recommended to bring hat and sunscreen, casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes recommended.

Selling Points A fascinating discovery of this charming typically Javanese royal city steeped in culture and tradition.

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