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
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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
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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
17
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
28
29
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. 30
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.
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32
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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