East Kalimantan

As a major producer of oil and timber, East Kalimantan is currently the most advanced industrial provinces in Indonesia. Oil, mining, and timber brought prosperity to the province.

The travelers who have a lot to go places they can find adventure here to be visited various awesome place. If you want comfort then this is where you will feel at home because this area is already developed modern.

East Kalimantan Province is one of four provinces in Kalimantan. The province borders with Malaysia, namely the State of Sabah and Sarawak, East Malaysia.

East Kalimantan has diverse attractions, both natural tourism, ecotourism, cultural tourism. Nature in this area which include the beauty of the sea and the mountains of the sprawling, rivers, dense tropical jungle tours, with flaora species diversity and wild fauna, such as those found in Kutai National Park.

In East Kalimantan grew about 1000-189.000 plant species include the black orchid flowers can reach the price per-Rp500,000 - 1,000,000.

ENTRANCE

Balikpapan is the entrance to East Kalimantan. Balikpapan can be reached by direct flights from Jakarta, Manado, Surabaya and Tarakan.

HISTORY

Before the entry of the tribes of Sarawak tribes and immigrants from outside the island, the area is very sparsely populated. Before the arrival of the Dutch, there are several kingdoms in East Kalimantan, among which are the Kutai Kingdom (Hindu), Sultanate Kutai ing Martadipura, Sand Sultanate, the Sultanate of Bulungan.

Kutai kingdom is patterned Hindu kingdom of India established since the 4th century. The kingdom was then converted to Islam and became the empire. Mid 19th century, the Dutch managed to colonize East Kalimantan, which followed the uprising and protests from local residents.

Mid 20th century, the Dutch handed over power to the Japanese, and formed a political party. When Japan was defeated in World War II, the Netherlands seeks to create puppet states, one of which is located in East Kalimantan. In 1950, the people managed to repel the Netherlands.

Previous East Kalimantan is one of the residency of Kalimantan. In accordance with the aspirations of the people, since 1956 the region divided into three provinces, namely East Kalimantan, South Kalimantan and West Kalimantan.

CULINARY

The seafood is worth to taste when you are here. Because the majority of the population are Muslims so many restaurants here offer halal food.

A variety of Chinese food can be enjoyed at an affordable price.

SOCIETY AND CULTURE

Native of East Kalimantan consists of three major parts: Dayaks, Kutai and Banjar. In addition there are also ethnic outsiders, such as Bugis, Javanese, and Makassar. Javanese and Bugis language are two of many regional languages ​​used by the people of East Kalimantan. Bugis many inhabit Borneo, Samarinda, Sengata and Bontang. While many tribes inhabiting Java Samarinda and Balikpapan.

Dayak tribe or mountain people, the They want to be known by names such as Iban tribe, Funan and Banuaq. These tribes lived in longhouses in a large family called Lamin or Limaq Daru.

Regional languages ​​in East Kalimantan is an Austronesian language of the Malayo-Polynesian clump. Among these are Tidung language, Bahasa Banjar, Berau English, Bahasa Kutai, and Lun Bawang language.

tourist agency

Jl. Sudirman No 22

No. Phone (0541) 736850.747241

Fax: (0514) 748895, 736 866

Email: disbudparkaltim@gmail.com

Official Website: disbudpar.kaltimprov.go.id and www.pariwisatakaltim.com

BANTEN

Historically Banten used to be a strong maritime town rival kingdom of Mataram and now this area is a fishing village where you will still get a reflection of his past. The capital of Banten province is Serang. Banten is one of the first famous historic place, is just 10 km from the city of Serang. In this place, you will see a lot of the legacy of empire founded the 16th and 18th centuries.

Banten You will find the traces of the Islamic empire. The most famous being the Great Mosque and the ruins keratonnya. Banten Great Mosque was built the 16th century and still exists to this day that characterizes the early Islamic architecture.

Ujung Kulon National Park is one of the national parks and nature conservation site in Indonesia yan gdapat you kunjingi in Banten. At this location, you can see the beauty of tropical forests and one-horned rhino (Rhino sondaicus) which form the main tourist attraction.

There is also Pulau Umang located in the tourist area of ​​Pandeglang coast, adjacent to the tourist area of ​​Tanjung Lesung. This tourist resort is managed by a private company that provides a variety of recreational and entertainment facilities are attractive. On this island, there is a resort styled with a natural artistic flair, equipped with meeting rooms, cafe, spa, business center, sunset lounge, beach club, swimming pool and so on. In addition, the available water sports and leisure facilities, a jogging track, cross country, tennis courts, karaoke, and others. You can go to this island with relative ease. Because the district management company provides a car rental from Jakarta to the island or can also be reached from Ujung Kulon.

There is also a nature reserve Swamp Lake (Rawadano) located in Serang district within 101 km from Jakarta. This area is an area other than the swamp area there is also a lake. The area is about 2,500 ha are covered by various types of trees. The island became a nesting place for various kinds of animals such as reptiles, such as snakes and crocodiles.

Do not forget also in Banten you can visit Mount Krakatau, located in the waters of the Sunda Strait. Region's beautiful natural attractions easily you kujungi of Anyer-Carita beach about one hour by motor boat. At this location you can camp, hike, fishing, and of course enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and charming sea.

Mount Krakatau is one of the most famous mountains in the world, because of the devastating eruption in 1883. The eruption voice audible to the Australian continent region, even heat clouds blanketed some areas of Europe during the week. A huge explosion of Krakatoa volcano mountain children then formed what is now known as Anak Krakatau, came to the surface in 1928 and has remained active.

ENTRANCE

Soekarno Hatta International Airport is the main access to Banten. You also reach Banten by car or motorcycle through the Jakarta-Serang. There is also a bus in 4 Pakupatan terminals, Terminal, Terminal Porisplawad, Labuan Terminal and Terminal Merak.

HISTORY

Banten in the illustrious history as a port city that is very crowded with people who open and prosperous. 5th century Banten is part of the Kingdom Tarumanagara.

During the reign of Sultan Agung (1651-1683) Banten experienced its golden period. Unfortunately after Banten decline and then the Dutch took over.

Early 17th century AD, Banten is one of the important commercial centers in the path of international commerce in Asia. His territory includes what is now the province of Lampung. When the Dutch arrived in Banten for the first time, the Portuguese have long entered into Banten. Later the British set up lodges in Banten, and then followed by the Netherlands.

In addition, the people of France and Denmark has ever come in Banten. In the competition between European traders, the Dutch emerged as the winner. The Portuguese fled from Banten (1601) after their fleet was destroyed by the Dutch fleet in the waters of Banten. The English are also excluded from Batavia (1619) and Banten (1684).

After the independence of Banten initially was part of West Java province, but separated since 2000 by the decision of the Law No. 23 of 2000. The headquarters is located in the city of Serang. Banten region has many industries are also some sea port developed in anticipation to capture the excess capacity of sea ports in Jakarta, and is intended also to be an alternative to the port of Singapore.

Sunda Strait makes Banten is one lane of traffic due to strategic sea impassable large vessels connecting Australia and New Zealand with the Southeast Asian region. In addition, Banten is the link between Java and Sumatra.

CULINARY

Try milkfish satay offerings, one of the specialties of Banten. These fish without spines which included meat fish into the fish skin that has been mixed with spices and finally burned. Sate milkfish is resistant beberpa day. It was sweet, savory and delicious. Therefore, you do not miss a bite.

SOCIETY AND CULTURE

Banten is Sundanese community religious though sometimes still believes in the old traditions and customs.

Among others who still adhere to the tradition is the Bedouins or those Kanekes (Urang Cibeo) that inhabit the foot of the mountains in the village Kendeng Kanekes, Leuwidamar subdistrict, Lebak-Rangkasbitung, located about 40 km from the town of Rangkasbitung. People Kanekes 'in' do not know the culture board, so that the customs, beliefs, and stories of ancestors is only stored in the speech orally.

Kanekes community trust called Sunda Wiwitanyang rooted in the worship of ancestral spirits (animism) which then further influenced by Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. The core belief is absolute customary provisions adopted in everyday life. Essential content 'pikukuh' (compliance) Kanekes is the concept of "without any change", or change as little as possible. For some people, indigenous beliefs held Kanekes reflect the religious beliefs of the Sundanese people in general before the advent of Islam.

Tourist Agency

Regional Government Center Banten (KP3B)

Syech road Nawawi, PALIMA - Serang

Tel. 0254.267060

Fax. 0254.267070

Email: disbudparprovinsibanten@yahoo.co.id

Website: www.bantenculturetourism.com

The Surreal Madakaripura Waterfall, vestige of the great Majapahit Kingdom

Overview
Leaving misty Mount Bromo behind and descending into the Probolinggo Regency, one will find a spectacular sight secluded within the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park: this is the enchanting Madakaripura Waterfall.

Believed to be the final meditation place of military Commander-in-Chief, Gajah Mada, of the great Javanese kingdom of Majapahit in East Java, the towering waterfall is fondly dubbed the eternal waterfall, since its waters never cease to pour down an endless rain of blessings on those fortunate enough to walk underneath it.

Located not too far from Mount Bromo near the village of Sapih, in the Lombang district, Madakaripura Waterfall is about three hours’ drive from the capital of East Java, Surabaya. The spectacular waterfall lies hidden at the end of a deep valley in the foothills of the Tengger mountain range. To reach this, visitors must trek about 20 minutes crossing rivers and a rocky path, set amongst beautiful sceneries along the way, before reaching the entrance. Here a statue of Majapahit‘s great Commander, Gajah Mada, in the seated position of deep meditation greets visitors before they continue further on foot.

An atmosphere of natural grandeur radiates around as the waterfall comes into view. As the rumbling sounds of water grows louder, a spellbinding feature of water curtains cover the path, that will not only please the eyes but also freshen body and soul. Here, nature gracefully pours her endless refreshing gifts, making getting wet quite inevitable. While it may be best to be ready with raincoats or umbrellas, stalls along the trekking path will offer umbrella rentals and plastic bags to protect valuables, such as cameras.

The path ends in a surreal tube-like valley where the staggering 200 meters gallant waterfall highlights the scene. Decorated with a cave on the wall which was believed to be the exact location where Commander in Chief Gajah Mada performed his last meditation, Madakaripura Waterfall is even dubbed as the tallest waterfall in Javaand the second tallest waterfall in Indonesia after Sigura-gura Waterfall near Lake Toba, North Sumatra. While the waterfall’s sheer height is by itself already a wonder, the ambience around the area is truly something that needs to be experienced first-hand to be believed.

Surrounded by outstandingly high walls, the Fall flows down into an almost mystical natural chamber. Inside the 200 meters “chamber”, the reflected sunlight shining through onto the wet green moss on the rocky wall accompanied by the ever rumbling sounds of water creates a spectacle unlikely found elsewhere. Decorated with huge boulders, endlessly falling water, and sparkling moss, one only needs to gaze up to the distant sky and immerse oneself in the spellbinding beauty of nature. While the fascinating scene can be captured on camera, the true sensation of being in one of the most outstanding places on earth can only be felt by being there.             

According to ancient Javanese 14^th century epic poem, Negarakretagama, Madakaripura was a piece of land given to Commander Gajah Mada by the Majapahit King Hayam Wuruk. Gajah Mada himself is the most celebrated military commander in the history of the great Javanese Majapahit Kingdom that thrived between 1293 to 1500AD.  Its commander is recognized as the main figure who succeeded in unifying the entire Indonesian Archipelago then under the huge Majapahit empire (that at the time was said to stretch until Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Southern Thailand , the Philippines and East Timor) under his famous oath the “Sumpah Palapa”.

It is said that the source of his overwhelming power and abilities lie within the cave of the Madakaripura Waterfall, where Gajah Mada frequently came to meditate. The great commander eventually chose the place as his last place for mediation before he was believed to have been –what ancient Javanese believed- “Muksha” -  or vanished spiritually and physically from the face of the earth, rather than just dying  physically.  To honor this legacy, many people still visit the Falls to meditate or perform rituals, especially on the eve of 1 Suro, the Javanese New Year.

As a place that is historically significant, culturally sacred, and naturally spellbinding, Madakaripura is simply a must, when you visit East Java.

Get There

The best way to get to Madakaripura Waterfall is to rent a car from Surabaya or Malang, or include it in the tour package along with Mount Bromo. From Surabaya, capital of East Java, the trip will take a little over three hours, by taking the intercity route to Sidoarjo-Porong-Pasuruan-Probolinggo. Upon reaching Tongas, there will be a sign directing to both Mount Bromo and Madakaripura Waterfall to the right. The intersection is marked by a small monument in the center of the road. Follow the road for about 20-30 minutes until you reach another sign pointing to Madakaripura Waterfall to the right. From there the road is a bit narrow, but the view will be most pleasing. Follow the road until you reach the entrance to the Madakaripura Waterfall.

To Stay

Its close proximity to Mount Bromo means that there are plenty of accommodation options around Mount Bromo that can also serve as staging point to the Madakaripura Waterfall. You can refer to our to stay and find a hotel in Mount Bromo to see the accommodation options around Mount Bromo. Other accommodations available within the regency of Probolinggo are:

Bromo Home Stay

Jl. Ngadisari Probolinggo

Phone : +62 335 541022

Cemara Indah

Cemorolawang, Ngadisari Probolinggo

Phone +62-335 541019

Sakura

Jl. Panglima Sudirman, Kraksaan

Phone +62-335 841257

Sang Dimur

Ds. Ngepung – Sukapura – Probolinggo

Phone +62-335 581193

Saragih

Jl. Raya Paiton Probolinggo

Phone +62-335 843020

Dhimas

Jl. Raya Dringu 55 Probolinggo

Phone +62-335 425357

Lava View

Cemorolawang, Ngadisari Sukapura

Phone +62-335 541009,541020

New Panorama

Jl. Raya Lemah Kembar Probolinggo

Phone +62-335 421517

Paiton Asri

Jl. Raya Binor 147 Paiton Probolinggo

Sukapura Permai

Desa Sukapura Probolinggo

Phone +62-335 581067

Ucik Tengger

Ds.Wonotoro – Ngadisari

Phone +62-335 541014 , 428306

Fax. +62-335 431491

Yochis

Ds. Krajan Wonokerto 01

Ngadisari Probolinggo

Phone +62-335 541018

Sukapura Hotel

Jl. Raya Bromo 135 Sukapura Probolinggo

Phone +62-335 561067

Kota Gede: Home of The Silversmiths

Overview

Kota Gede was the original site where Panembahan Senopati, founder of the new Mataram kingdom established his palace in 1575. The new Mataram kingdom claims direct descent from the ancient Mataram rulers who built the mighty Borobudur and Prambanan temples.   In the year 1680 Kota Gede was ransacked by troops from Madura, and the palace of Mataram  shifted east, first to Kartasura, then to its present location on the banks of the Solo river,at Surakarta (Solo). 

Today, Kota Gede is a suburb of the city of Yogyakarta.  The town is a maze of narrow streets, lined with tiny, traditional silversmith shops and mosaic-tiled houses, once the homes of the aristocracy and royal merchants.  Kota Gede is a great place to come and take a slow wander round. For those who like to shop, come here and browse (or maybe buy) some handcrafted silver. Take in the surrounds of the quaint buildings that years ago, were the homes of wealthy Arab and Dutch merchants. Find out whether you can visit one of these houses and be transported back in time. 

This precinct is now most famous as the centre of Yogya’s silver industry.  There are a number of workshops where visitors can stop by and watch silversmiths at work and see the remarkable way they can transform a piece of silver into a beautiful work of art.

Yogya silver distinguishes itself by its embossment and contrasting black on white silver. The best are made of sterling silver. Kota Gede produces beautiful silver tea sets, bracelets and necklaces and fine filigree brooches.  

The Royal Cemetery of Kota Gede, is a site of ancient grandeur and reflects the cultural heritage of this region. Javanese dress is required to enter the cemetery and can be hired at the registration post. As there are Mataram kings buried here this is a holy site and pilgrims from all over Java still come here to pay their respects, burn incense and ask for blessings. 

Get There
Kota Gede can be easily reached by bus, taxi or car. If you prefer traditional modes of transport, try an ‘andong’ – four wheeled horse drawn cart that are common on the streets of Yogya.