Independence day games

At August 17, We celebrate our indepenence day. Many event will be held before that day and few more after. These are list of unique event that only held at independence day.

1. Balap Karung
Balap karung means race using sack. This event is the most popular. When you put your foot inside sack, you will have difficullties while running, probably you fall a couple times along race track. This make the race exciting.









2. Sarong soccer
Not like regular soccer, at sarong soccer, the player must using sarong. This limitation used to limit shooting power so there no need large place to held this game.

3. Panjat pinang/ areca nut tree climb
If you see areca nut tree full of oil and prize climbed by many people, you already seen Panjat pinang. The price hanging at top of the tree.




















4. Sepeda lambat (Bicycle race)
Your feet cannot touch the ground, and your bicycle must touch the finish line. The winner not the first, but the last one. The slowest one is the winner.










5. Coin colecting

6. Eat kerupuk














7. Insert spike/nail to bottle














8. Water bag blow

9. Running with marble
A marble put on spoon and the contestant must run till finish line without dropping the marble












10. Sandal race

Balinese Girl

As viewer, what do you think about this picture? What the most interesting part. The cloth, the girl, or the photografer?

Pura Ulu Danau, Bali

Pura Ulu Danau was built in the 17th century on highland Lake Bratan. This gemlike temple is half on the mainland, half on a tiny island. The complex is dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver, in his guise as Dewi Danu, who protects all living creatures. Small and charming, it comments on the spirit of place without leaving a big footprint. A peaceful, shimmering vision.

The serenity which pervades in the cold, misty lake of Bratan belies the violent temperament of the Batur volcano where it sits. In 1917, a strong eruption devastated the village of Batur but the lava miraculously stopped at the foot at the temple. The next eruption in 1926 was not so kind and buried the entire temple except the highest shrine. Soon after, the surviving shrines were taken to higher ground and rebuilt in its present location.

Tanah Lot, amazing temple at Bali

Tanah Lot is one of the famous temple in Bali. Sunset is the favorite time to visit this isolated temple on the West coast.

Tanah Lot means 'Land in the Middle of the Sea' in Balinese language. Located about 20 km from Denpasar, the temple sits on a huge offshore rock which has been shaped continously over the years by the ocean tide.

Tanah Lot is said to be the work of the 16th century priest Niratha. The story goes that during his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts. Niratha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.

The Tanah Lot temple was then built and has been an important part of Balinese mythological history for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. It was said that each of the sea temples was to be within eyesight of the next so that they formed a chain along the south-western coast.

At the base of the rocky island, poisonous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. There is said to be one giant snake which also protects the temple. It is believed that this snake was created from Niratha’s scarf when he established the island.

Paddy field

I haven't story right now, but i got nice paddy field pics in Bali, Indonesia. Here they are :

Paddy field at Tabanan, Bali.
This picture create by DanielKhC. I found this pic at my friend computer. Lovely isn't? Daniel's skill is incredible. Paddy field can be so beautiful.

























This one is not belong to daniel, but still nice to see

Prambanan Temple

The Candi/temple names derived from the village where it is located. Also known as Loro Jonggrang temple, Prambanan temple is the biggest and the most beautiful hindu temple in Indonesia. The temple complex of Prambanan lies among green fields and villages. It has eight shrines, of which the three main ones are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.

The first open-air theater on the southern side of the temple was built in 1960 and the new theater on the western side of the temple in 1988. During full moon evenings in the month from May to October, the Ramayana ballet is performed right here.

This temple is easy to visit. Only 17 Kilometers from Yogyakarta, you can reach it using taxy, bus, or minibus. Cause so near with Yogyakarta, you don't need to rent hotel room. Less than an hour from Yogyakarta, stay there for a while, and than back to Yogyakarta. 5 hours trip will be enough if you don't have any other interesting place around to visit.

Antique Stuff and Unique Stuff Hunter

Visit Indonesia can be very exiting if you have spesific purpose, for instance, as an antique stuff hunter. In Indonesia, antique stuff is not so valuable. My grandma have very antique lamp, but it only stored at warehouse. If it restored carefully, it can be lot of money. Antique radio or antique telephone spread waiting to be found by people who recognize it's value.

In indonesia, people who sell antique stuff are many and most of them haven't permanent shop. At Yogyakarta (well known as Jogja) there's a 'klithikan' where these seller show and sell their stuff. Klithikan is named to some sidewalk area where people sell their old stuff. At klitikan you can buy antique lamp, old motorcycle accessory, many used stuff, tv remote (the tv tipe propably extinct cause of age), and many other stuff which impossible to found at regular store.

Klithikan also known as sarthir or pasar senthir ( Market which used wax, candle, or cerosine lamp). So, if you don't want to be cheated by the seller, bring your own lamp, the bright one.

At Yogyakarta you can find these stuff at modern shop too. Just visit mirota batik at Ahmad Yani street. A big antique store face to face with Beringharjo Traditional Market. No need to bargain. They sell at fixed price.

How if you need some stuff and don't have time to come here? Just send your message here [promotion mode : ON ^_^], i'll contact you and find what you need.

I Love Indonesia

When i decided to make a blog, i wanna inform my reader all about indonesia. This blog is not only about tourism cause many people come to indonesia and they visit indonesia with their own purpose, not only for vacation. I think getting information about people and the culture are important so visitors aware what should and what shouln't do. It will make everything easier for both of us, visitor and host.

Most indonesian are moslem, and unfortunetely, some foreigners think that moslem are dangerous. Its not like that. Living in peace country full of plurality, indonesian have learn how to respect another. Without tolerancy capability from its citizen, this country will ended like serbia-bosnia or maybe worse.

Prophet Mohammad said that moslem must respect their guest whatever they are. Moslem must protect guest's property just like protect their own. Thats the basic.

Sometime, i feel that i'm too excited on promoting Indonesia. I just don't know. I'm poor, just like another indonesian. I'm suffer because of economic pressure. But all of that not make my love for my country fading away. Having $1, i can eat 3 times a day. If i don't, seem that any plant can be eat. No extreem temperature so i don't need expensive jacket. Thin t-shirt will be enough. I don't need to be rich to make me happy. Standar $100 a month already a pleasure. I'm proud being an indonesian. I have no reason not to promoting my country intensively. Thats what i feel.Do you feel the same for your country?

Jenglot, Tiny Living Mummy

If you visit indonesia, you probably want to explore furter information about this. Have you heard about Jenglot? Jenglot named to tiny mummies which only have not more than 12 inch tall. Having sharp teeth, long hair, and human-like body, Jenglot look like wheird human miniature or creepy doll.

Jenglot phenomena already investigated scientifically to prove it's exixtance as a living creature, but the result still become controvertion. Mummy, however, is dead already, but Jenglot has it's own uniqueness. It has long hair and long nails that still grow slowly. Jenglot's hair is longer that its body.

dr Budi Sampurna DSF, Dr Surya Djaja, phd, and another expert have made some test to prove it's phenomena but not succesfully made unified decission about the result. From DNA test, Jenglot like any other primate, but phisically, it has no bones. This evidence cannot prove Jenglot is live even they don't denied that this creature probably ever live thousand years ago.

Jenglot are rare. Only few people have it and they don't (or rarely) sell it. If it available to be sold, the price is extreemely high. I ever heard the lowest price ever sold was $150,000.00. That price not only caused by its rareness, but caused by its magical power too. Magic? Are you believe it? Probably not. If i have it, i have because of its rareness, not because of its magic. I dont believe in magic anyway.

Terrorism, the next chapter

Terrorism in whatever explanation, made us suffer. Terrorrism is caused by hatred which mobilize as an organization. If terror done only by 1 or 2 person without organization, we simply call it criminalism. Hatred not growing from nothing. It come to the hearth and growing because some reason. Just guest what. Sometime we must wisely see from the top, investigating in general.

Indonesia is one of many country which have suffered because of terrorism. Life, economy, politic, and many other else have got it influece. Blaming is not making anything better. Indonesian goverment already made an act. Terrorist are behind bars now, waiting death penalty. Is it satisfied enough? Probably not.

Terrorism in this decade coming from 1 source, conflict between middle east vs USA. Middle east coutries don't have much political power which can be used to make a global influence. But USA does. I think it all depend on USA. Seeing from middle east people perspective, there's nothing to be hold by people which pressed & suffered by condition, only religion they have left. Blaming their religion isn't wise i think. It isn't about religion, its about condition that made them act illogically.

Bali is still suffered because of terrorism. Hope this year, that paradise will shine brighter than previous. So sad looking such a beautiful land ignored cause of little unresponsible full hatred people.

Becak, The real King

Many city in Indonesia still allow becak to operate. Traditional becak have no engine, it cheaps, slow, and become king of transportation because another street user have to aware of becak since it can entering street suddenly & silently from crowd without warning.

Speeding its passengers home before an impending tropical downpour, these are the beautiful sensuous lines of the 'Becaks' of Jogjakarta, Central Java. With a small petite hood, fulsome rounded fenders, their proportions rather remind me of a curvaceous large-hipped woman.
These machines would otherwise glide silently past but for a piece of gut stretched tight beneath their carriage. It produces a distinctive pretty modulated buzzing sound to alert pedestrians of the Becak's presence. There is also usually an old bolt tied to the handle bar with an elastic band. The driver uses this device to demand a clear passage in crowded conditions. The resulting metallic 'clackety, clack clack' sound resonates around the frame of the Becak. The Becaks of Solo use large gongs to forge their way in traffic.

There are many different designs of Becak in Java which vary from region to region. Some of them are elaborately painted works of art on wheels.

Indonesia and internet

If you visit Indonesia and want to comunicate or share your story with friends and family, you can connect to the net. Every distric already have internet cafe where you can upload your story. With Rp 3000.00 or US$0.4, you can access internet for 1 hour. If you bring your own laptop, you can connect to the net by selfphone or dial up connection. Each cellular provider has its own procedure, but if you use dial up, you can use telkomnet instant using 080989999, user : telkomnet instan, password : telkom. Its tariff about Rp 150/minutes.

At big cities, you can connect using your laptop which has wifi supported. Most Hotels, cafe, and university have free hotspot area. If you don't bring your own laptop, some cafe provide laptop for rent.

There're many ways on accessing internet in Indonesia. So if you visit Indonesia, you still easily connect with your friends and family.

Smoker Heaven

Are you smoker? If yes, visiting Indonesia just like visiting heaven. Not so many country in the world allow marlboro to be sold for only $1.00/pack

Indonesian cigarrettes factory spread everywhere, mainly at east java. Smoking like a ritual. It's already become a culture. Here, you can even buy cigarrettes stick by stick. 1 pack is not a must.

Marlboro, Gudang Garam, Djarum, Amild, and Dji Sam Soe are most famous cigarrettes here. After Philip Morris buy all Sampoerna's stock, Sampoerna (dji sam soe and Amild) become most profitable indonesian cigarrettes company. From 3th, Sampoerna become no 1, beat Gudang Garam.

Few weeks ago, Marlboro's new product already available at the market. With Mix 9 clove cigarrettes, Marlboro trying to beat Gudang Garam and Djarum. Wanna see this new Marlboro? Here it is :

Malioboro Street, Traditional trade center

Enjoying shopping experience, hunting exclusive souvenirs of Jogja, you may walk on foot along the arcades of Malioboro Street. There are many vendors selling their merchandises, ranging from such local handicrafts as batik, rattan ornament, leather puppet, bamboo handicrafts (key holder, ornament lamp, and others) as well as blangkon (Javanese / Jogjanese traditional cap) and silver goods to general little things that you may find in other trading places. Along the arcade, you will not only enjoy shopping peacefully on sunny or rainy days but they also enjoy bargaining prices. If they are good at bargaining and have good luck, they will end up buying at third quarter or even half of the prices offered.

Please make sure that you are not cheated by the offered prices. Usually, the vendors will increase the prices for tourists. But be wise too. Buy if the price make sense to you, cause high price for indonesian probably still very low for you.

Pure with Jilbab

Dominated by moslem, Girls using jilbab are everywhere. Using jilbab not make girls look bad. These girls for example. They still pretty with their jilbab isn't?

Their beauty is not sell for low price, they priceless. If you like them, love them, want them to be your bride, you must ask their parent.

Indonesian people are kind. Introduce yourself and make litl' chat. They are happy having new friends from other countries with different religion.

Villages, uniqueness of Indonesia

If you visit Indonesia and don't visit it's villages, you probably miss the uniqueness of indonesia. Indonesian origin villages are going to dissapear. Many villagers moving, leave their hometown just because of economic pressure.

If you visit indonesia, please give your time visiting villages, to Indonesian hamlets. If you ask your guide, they'll not refuse. Probably they don't familiar with villages and cannot tell you much, but this kind of trip is the real trip. Real journey to another part of earth. If you wanna see other impresive pictures, click Here, best pic of paddy field

Tanah Lot, Bali

Tanah Lot is beautiful temple which build at 16C. I couldn't tell you much right now, maybe i'll post the story later. By now, look at the picture first. Picture can paint a thousand word, isn't it?

Tourist and My Father

When my parent build their new house, they met a tourist from Australia. I cannot imagine that an Australian have time to visit Karanganyar, a district at central Java.

My parent house- my house too- is a small house at the center of rice farm. Indonesian farms interesting in different perspective. Harvesting, seeing green padi (rice plant) grows, and another interesting events related to farming make indonesian villages unique.

My parent cannot speak english. He only recognize a word from the tourist. Beautiful. I guess the tourist only gave him that word too, beautiful, repetitively, hopes my father understood what he said.

Tourist Story

Few years ago, i became guide for tourist from Germany. I was not alone since i cannot speak english fluently. My grammar so bad that people cannot clearly understood what i wanna explain.

The tourist was so happy. He spend his time to visit Indonesia regularly, mostly at Yogyakarta. Yogyakartanese and central javanese people recognice as gentle people. Talk smoothly, do smoothly (event sometime can be mean 'slowly',:p), thats makes he loves Yogyakarta/Jogja.

After a while, he falling in love with a Jogja's hotel staff, and they married. I recognice his lady. Her name Ambar. I don't know much about them now, but i hope they happy with their marriage.

Bride, just get it

Since indonesian celebs which married with foreigner exposed continuosly, its fenomena become common. Want to know these couples? Here they are :

Kiki Fatmala and her husband (Austrian). I heard they'll devorce. Married at December 2003.















Paramitha Rusadi & Nenad. Their baby born just few month ago








Maudy Koesnadi, Eric, and their baby. Happy couple isn't?
















Visiting indonesia not just got beautiful scene and culture, but also beautiful girls.
Want to know more? Just after this..

Visit Indonesia

Climate
Rainy season : October-April
Dry season : Mey-September
Temperature : 21C - 33C

Curency
Rupiah (Rp)
1.00 US$ is about Rp 9000.00
Rupiah denomination are :
100,000|50,000|20,000|10,000|5,000|1,000
500 (coin)|200 (coin)|100 (coin)|50 (rare)|25 (very rare)

Airport
Passengers departing on international and domestic flights have to pay Rp. 50,000 and Rp. 11,000 airport tax respectively.

On entry to Indonesia, each adult is allowed to bring in tax-free a maximum of one liter of alcoholic beverages and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco.

Cameras, video cameras, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipment are admitted provided they are taken out of the country on departure. They must be declared to Customs. Prohibited are firearms, narcotics, pornography, Chinese printing and medicines, transceivers and cordless telephones. Films, pre-recorded video tapes and laser disks must be screened by the Censor Board.

There is no restriction on the movement of foreign currencies or travellers checks in and out of the country. However, the import and export of Indonesian hard currency exceeding Rp. 5 million is prohibited.

Communications
Long-distance telephone calls within Indonesia are by direct dialing. International Direct Dialing (IDD) is available in all 26 provincial capitals and in more than 320 cities throughout the country. For the business travellers, facsimile, telex and email services are available in most hotels and at service outlets.

Visitor can use selfphone too. These are the product list :
Simpati, starter pack : 1.5$
Mentari, starter pack : 1$
XL Bebas, starter pack : below 1$
IM 3, starter pack : 1$
As, starter pack: 1$
Jempol, starter pack : below 1$
Fren (CDMA), starter pack : 1$
Three, starter pack : 1$

Simpati still the best for coverage and quality. Another slighly below it. You can find cellular store everywhere.

Electricity
220 Volt
Be careful. Your electronic equipment maybe use 110 volt.

Borobudur

Just because indonesian people don't have any information about new 7 wonder, this temple not listed there. If you come here and visit this temple, you can judge yourself this temple good enough to be listed or not. It build around 8C, considering age and the difficulties of build huge 123x123 metersqure of building full of statue and artistic stone, its not too much to say that Borobudur is one of the most wonderfull building in the world.



Click the picture to enlarge.

Just for addition. It's not common that great building exist at south east asia, right? It's not a center of ancient culture, science, or anything. It just build by javanese.

Indonesian Girls

Plurality of etnic have made indonesian girls having their own beauty. Each region have their own culture, skin, hair, and more. You can find girl like this if you visit Indonesia.



If you like Indonesian Girl ( picture only, i'm not a pimp ^_^), please ask. I will find another soon, regularly.