East Java Tourism News

Purwodadi Botanic Garden a place for conservation and research, the garden and for public recreation

Purwodadi Botanic Garden is located at Purwodadi, in the countryside of Pasuruan, East Java and is situated on the main road which connects three cities in East Java; Malang, Surabaya and Pasuruan. It is about 24 km from Malang, 30 km from Pasuruan and 70 km from the capital Surabaya. It covers an area of 85 ha which is at an altitude of about 300 m above sea level. The average annual rainfall is 2366 mm.
Purwodadi Botanic Garden was established in 1939 by Dr D.F. van Slooten, as one of three branches of the Indonesian Botanic Gardens.

Tasks and Functions
The main task of Purwodadi Botanic Garden is to inventory, explore and conserve semi arid lowland plant species of scientific value.

In conducting this task, Purwodadi Botanic Garden has functions such as :
1 To inventory, explore and conserve species which have scientific value, especially the Indonesian flora requiring a relatively dry climate and growing in lowland areas;
2 To provide guidance, research and education facilities;
3 To make the garden available as a place for recreation.

Collections and Facilities
Purwodadi Botanic Garden is used as a place for conservation and research on semi arid lowland plant species. In December 1995, the garden had a collection of 3,323 species, from 940 genera in 149 families. This collection consists of Orchids 525 species, Zingiberaceae 40 species, Dioscoreaceae tuber crops 6 species, Fabaceae 160 species, Moraceae 133 species, ferns 80 species, bananas 3 species and 150 cultivars, and medicinal herbs 300 species. The facilities in the garden include a library, seed collections, nurseries and glass houses.

Besides being a place for conservation and research, the garden is also a place for public recreation. Recreational facilities provided include lawns, seats and shelters which all encourage visitors to sit, relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. Visitors can also jog on the roads while enjoying the fresh air and admiring the diversity of flora in the garden.

A small guest house is available especially for researchers and colleagues. Bookings can be made through the office during work hours at least two days in advance.

Introducing the Garden
The main gate of Purwodadi Botanic Garden was built using the architecture of a Penataran Temple and is specific to East Java. After entering the gate, we are on the main road of the garden. The road divides the garden into two regions, namely Region I (on the right) and Region II (on the left). Species such as Jacaranda obtusifolia H.B.K., Cassia fistula Linn., Ficus lyrata Warb., Bombax ceiba Linn. and Carmona retusa (Vahl.) Mas have been planted as wayside trees and fence plants. From the main road Mt Baung can be seen in the distance.

Palm Area
The Palm Area lies near the main gate, just some metres from the main gate on the right hand side (in Region I). There are 40 genera and 80 species of palms planted in this area. They have potential uses as carbohydrate, oil, sugar and fruit producing plants. Metroxylon sagu Rottb. is a source of carbohydrate which is a food staple in Irian Jaya and the Maluccan Islands. Arenga pinnata (Wurmb) Merr. can be used for many purposes such as flour (from the inner stem), brushes/brooms (from the leaf rachis and fibres), palm sugar (made from the juice from male flowers), and fruit from the female flowers is called “kolang-kaling” commonly eaten in a sweet syrup. Elaeis guineensis Jacq. os one of oil-producing species which is widely cultivated in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss & Vilm., which is native to Java, produces edible fruits. The are also some ornamental palms such as Licuala grandis H.A.Wendl., Veitchia merrillii (Becc.) H.E. Moore and Raphis excelsa (Thunb.) Henry ex Rehd.

Adjacent to the palm area, the are some interesting plants such as the medicinal plant Altonia scholaris (L.) R.Br. or “pule” the bark of which is used as a tonicum; Musa ferrea L. of which the seed oil is used to treat scabies; and the Sapindus rarak DC. or “Klerak” from which the fruit are used to wash batic clothes.

In this area is also the largest flower in the world, Amorphophallus titanum Becc. which reaches1.8-2.0 metres high and about 30-40 cm in diameter. Flowers smell like carrion. Unfortunately this species produces flowers only once every 3-4 years.

On the southern edge of the palm area are planted Syzygium cuminii (L.) Skeels, also known as “Juwet” or “jemblang”. The fruit are edible, but not as popular as other species. There are many “juwet cultivars in the garden including “juwet daging”, “juwet gentong”, “juwet kerikil”, “juwet hitan” and “juwet putih”. The fruit, particularly of “juwet putih” is used to treat diabetes.

Mexican Park
The Mexican Park is in Region II. The park is not far from the main gate, walk a few metres then turn left and pass the sealed road lined with the rare tree species Aegle marmelos (l.) Corr., Limonia acidissima L., Santalum album L. and Manilkara kauki (L.) Dubard. Santalum album L., commonly known as “sandalwood” or “cendana”, is native to Timor and the eastern islands of Indonesia. The oil produced from this species is commercially valuable.

Most species planted in the Mexican Park originate from Mexico, such as cacti and agave. Other genera found in the park include Sansevieria, Ophiopogon, Cereus, Euphorbia, Jatropha and Plumeria. Next to the park there is the “Giant Sengon” (Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Jacq.) Griseb.) which is the biggest tree in the garden with a trunk diameter of 2.60 metre. The wood of this species is used for pulp and the seeds are edible after frying.

Pond Area
Across from the Mexican Park there are 5 ponds in which are various aquatic plant species. “Seroja” or Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., is one of the interesting collections because of its beautiful flowers. The young leaves and seeds can be eaten. Other species include Typha angustifolia Linn., Fimbristylis sp., Neptunia plena (L.) Bth., Sagittaria lancifolia Linn., Thalia geniculata Linn., Echinodorus radicans Engelm and Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn. (swamp fern). In the middle of the pond there is a plant of Stelechocarpus burahol (Bl.) Hook.f. & Th. which is known as “kepel”. The fruit of “kepel” is edible, sweet and fragrant. In the past, “kepel” fruit were popular as a deodorant because of the reduction in body odours which occurrs after eating the fruit. However, at present “kepel” is endangered.

Around the ponds there is a lawn planted with trees and shrubs such as Nicolaia speciosa (Bl.) Horan. or “kecombrang” which has edible flowers; Petrea volubilis Linn. which is a climbing plant and beautiful as a pergola plant; Maniltoa grandiflora Scheff. which has attractive leaves which hang down like a handkerchief, white or pink in colour; Dillenia philippensis Rolfe. which is a medicinal plant; Kigelia africana (Lamk.) Bth. or “sausage tree”; and Barrintonia asiatica (L.) Kurz or “peace tree”. The combination of the trees, shrubs, lawn and ponds make this a favourite area for many people who visit the garden.

Fern Collection
The Fern Collection lies next to the ponds, about 200 metres from the main gate. Here is a shady place created by a mixture of canopy-forming trees such as Terminalia ivorensis A. Chev., Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent, Spathodea campanulata Beauv. and Elaeocarpus grandiflorus J.E. Smith. Beneath the canopy are growing about 80 species of ferns, belonging to 18 families. Asplenium nidus Linn. is well known as the “Bird’s Nest Fern” and grows as an epiphyte. The leaves form a shape similar to a bird’s nest which collects leaf-litter that is used by the plant as a source of nourishment. Cyathea contaminans (Hook.) Copel is a tree fern often used as an ornemental plant, for building materials and media for growing orchids. Because of the high demand for this species it is becoming endangered. Lygodium circinnatum (Burm.f.) Sw. or “string fern” is a climbing fern used for making handicrafts.

Fabaceae Collection
After entering the main gate, pass the Mexican Park and walk to the north side of the garden where the legume (Fabaceae) collection is. Here are planted native and exotic legumes such as Adenanthera pavonina Linn. or “segawe” which produces a red seed often used for decoration; Parkia javanica (Lmk.) Merr. or “kedawung” which is a medicinal plant; Parkia speciosa Hassk. or “pete” the seed of which is eaten as a vegetable; Cynometra cauliflora Linn. or “nam-nam” which is a rare species and has an edible fruit. There are also some climbing legumes such as Derris elliptica (Roxb.) Benth., Lysiphyllum binatum (Blanco) De Wit. and Phanera lingua (DC.) Miq.

Bamboo Collection
The Bamboo Area is not far from the Mexican Park. Some of the species in the collection come from Java, such as Gigantochloa manggong Wijaya (endemic to East Java); G. atroviolaceae Wijaya or “black bamboo”; Dendrocalamus asper (Schult.f.) Backer ex Heyne or “pring petung” the young shoots of which can be eaten as a vegetable; Schizostachyum blumii Ness or “pring wuluh” which is used for making handicrafts and “seruling”, a kind of musical instrument.

Garcinia Lawn
The Garcinia Lawn lies about 300 metres from the main gate. Some Feroniella lucida (Scheff.) Swingle which are well known as “kawisto kerikil”, are planted along the western edge of the lawn. The growth habit of this species is suitable for bonsai. Some interesting trees on the southern edge of the lawn are “mundu” (Garcinia dulcis (Roxb.) Kurz.), a rare species which produces sweet fruit; “jati belanda” (Guazuma ulmifolia Lmk.) which is used to assist weight loss (slimming). On the northern edge of lawn can be seen Crescentia cujete Linn. or “majapahit” which has an historical account in the Majapahit period (an important Kingdom in the past), and it’s wood can be used for making handicrafts. There are also Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Swartz, Hydnocarpus sumatrana (Miq.) Kds., Cerbera manghas Linn. and Acacia leucophloea (Roxb.) Willd. that the Javanese call “pilang” and is a well-known semi-arid lowland species.

Across this lawn there is a stand of teak (Tectona grandis Linn.f.) which lose their leaves during the dry season and grow again during the rain season. Teak wood is high quality, hard and strong, and is very good for construction and furniture.

Bungur Avenue
In the rain season, the Bungur Avenue is very beautiful when the Bungur trees (Lagerstroemia thorelii Garnep.) are flowering. However, in the dry season the leaves fall and the trees are bare. This avenue is about 500 metres from the main gate, on the left side. The avenue also functions as the border between the Lauraceae and Annonaceae collections. Passing the avenue, in the northern part of the garden there are a number of collections from families such as Simaroubaceae, Burseraceae, Rutaceae, Sapindaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae, Clusiaceae, Myristicaceae, Flacourtiaceae, Malpighiaceae and Sterculiaceae.

Orchid Collection and Nurseries
The Orchid Collection is located in three glass houses which are located to the south of the garden’s office. There are 525 species of orchids in the collection, such as Paphiopedilum glaucophyllum J.J.S. which is endemic to East Java and has beautiful flowers in the shape of women’s slippers; Dendrobium phalaenopsis Fitzg.; Ascocentrum miniatum Lindl. which is becoming rare in nature; Phalaenopsis amabilis (L.) Bl. which is the floral symbol “puspa pesona” of Indonesia because of its beautiful flowers; Dendobium rumphianum T. & B. which is often used for breeding stock because of the long-lived flowers (up to 49 days).

There are 2 nurseries in the garden. The first nursery is next to the Orchid Collection and consists of 3 glass houses. If we walk 100 metres to the east from this nursery we will arrive at the Gymnosperm Collection. This collection consists of 11 genera, belonging to 7 families: Juniperus, Cupressus, Araucaria, Agathis, Taxodium, Thuja, Gnetum, Cycas, Podocarpus, Zamia and Dioon. The second nursery is in this area. Around the nursery can be seen the Bromeliad and Agave collection. In this area the Yam Collection of Dioscorea alata L., D. esculenta (Lour.) Burk., D. hispida Dennst., D. pentaphylla L., D. nummularia Lamk and D. bulbifera can also be seen.

Arboretum
If we walk along the main road about 800 metres from the main gate, on the right side we will find an arboretum. We can also reach the arboretum from the second nursery by following the sealed road (in front of the nursery), turn right into the Kenitu Avenue (Chrysophyllum cainito Linn.) and pass a square lawn. Some seeldings from the nurseries are planted in the garden as collections, but the rest are planted in the arboretum. The arboretum is dominated by Swietenia macrophylla King, Piptadenia peregrina Benth., Dalbergia latifolia Roxb., Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken, Millettia xylocarpa Miq. and Lagerstroemia spp. One of the aims of the arboretum is to display natural forest succession.

Just after the arboretum is the Mango Collection. In this collection are 4 species and 37 cultivars of mangoes, Mangifera indica Linn., M. foetida Lour., M. odorata Griff., and M. minor.

To the east of the Mango Collection, is a pond surrounded by species such as Canarium indicum Linn. which produces wood used in construction; Excoecaria cochinchinensis Lour. a medicinal species; Peltophorum pterocarpum (DC.) Back. which produces tannin; and the ornamental species Stifftia chrysantha Mikan, Canna sp., Gardenia jasminoides Ellis and Firmiana malayana Kosterm. The pond is also used to irrigate plants in this area. After enjoying the scenery around the pond, we walk past the Diospyros Avenue. Near this avenue is a collection of Ixora showing the variety of habit, leaf size and flower colour.

Banana Collection
The Banana Collection lies in the north-eastern corner of the garden. To reach the collection, walk along the main road for about 1 km, turn left, and walk past the Acanthaceae, Bignoniaceae and Verbenaceae collections. There are 150 cultivars of banana planted in this collection. Some are native to Java while others have been collected from other islands in Indonesia. Musa acuminata x balbisiana or “pisang kates” is one of the rare and threatened cultivars in the collection.

Opening Times
Purwodadi Botanic Garden is open to the public from 7:00 am until 4:00 pm, Monday - Sunday. The office is open Monday-Thursday from 6:00 am until 3:00 pm and Friday 6:00 am until 10:00 am. Visitors wanting information about the garden, the collections, seed or plant sales, and botanical research are welcome to visit the office during work hours.

There is a small admission charge. Parking is available for motorbikes, cars and buses. Cars are permitted to enter the garden with a special admission fee with the exception of Sunday and public holidays.

Visitor Code
Please help us to take care of the garden during your visit by following the rules.

We request visitors to remember to:
1 Take out all rubbish with you and throw it into the litter bins available.
2 Park only on sealed areas or in parking areas.
3 Drive only on sealed roads.
4 Leave pets and fire arms at home

Please do not:
1 Pick, damage or remove plants.
2 Bring or drink alcoholic beverages.
3 Hunt any animals in the garden.
4 Conduct amoral activities in the garden.
5 Paint or write on stones, plants, seats and other parts of the garden.

Add comment May 31st, 2006

Surabaya Zoo Has 3.500 Animals

Once in Surabaya, you need not to go to other regions in Indonesia to see the specific animals in those areas. The Zoo in Surabaya is not only the biggest in Indonesia but also the biggest in Asia. No less than 3.500 heads of animals from 400 species of mammals, birds and reptiles are being kept there. The Surabaya Zoo was formarlly opened on August 31, 1916 when a group of animal lovers gathered together and decided to open a zoological garden on an area of approximately 16 ha downtown.

Later it was moved to the present site uptown. The Surabaya Zoo’s collection includes animals from Indonesia as well as from many parts of the world.

For instance, you need not go to Irian Jaya to see the bird of paradise. There is the komodo, a giant lizard from the island of komodo in Eastern Indonesia; the jalak (type of parrot) from Bali; the anoa from Sulawesi; the bekantan monkey from kalimantan; the peacock from Ponorogo, East Java and the elephants as well as tigers from Sumatra. From Africa there is the ostrich, recently obtained from an exchange program with the Zoo in Singapore. From an exchange with Poland, there are two Zebra’s, a couple of African deer, four European silverjackals and five South American flamingoes.

Located on the fringe of the city, the skyscrapers in the Zoo are tall trees with their tops swinging softly in the windy air. Here the musical world is represented by the melodious chirps of the birds, the shrieks of the primates and even the roars of the kings of the beasts. In the center of the Zoo is an island, inhabitated by monkeys and birds, and surrounded by a lake. Visitors may take a circular trip by boat on the lake.

A tower provides an opportunity to have an overview on the entire Zoo and its surroundings. An unforgettable experience, particularly for children, is riding on an elephant or camel (Rp.2.000 per person).
The Zoo also has an aquarium and a hall with stuffed animals.
Annually the number of visitors to the Zoo reaches approximately 2 1/2 million. Among the foreign visitors are tourists from Taiwan, Singapore, Hongkong, Thailand, Australia, The Netherlands and Germany.

Facilities and special services offered to visitors include: first aid care, insurance for accidents, service for lost children, restaurants, cafe, ice cream parlor, soft drinks and snacks stands, children’s playground. Outside the Zoo there are a number of eating houses, serving Indonesian food. Visitors, however, are recommended to ask about the price or observe the price list before placing an order to prevent overpricing.
The Zoo is easily to be reached by Taxi or public transportation (buses, bemo, etc). It is daily open from 07.00 - 17.00. The en- trance fee is Rp. 1.500,- per person.
Source: Panorama, January 1996, page 4-5.

Add comment May 31st, 2006

Especially in East Java, Bondowoso as Tourist Destination

In term of promote the tourism in Bondowoso, especially in east java, and also to introduce the tourist destinations to the visitors. So we consider to publish booklet of tourist object in Bondowoso.
This booklet is a brief introdution which consist of information about name and address of tourist object, also another explanation that very important to visitors who come to Bondowoso.
We realize that this booklet is not quite perfect enough but it really mean to give some information to visitor.
Lastly, we would like to offermy thanks to all those who helped to publish this booklet.

Ijen Crater Tourist Object
Ijen Crater is one the tourist destination which has been well known by the foreign and lokal tourist. It located at Sempol village - Sempol. It has the beautiful natural view. The crater is non active anymore. Its temperatur is between 2 to 8 degree celcius and the crater area locates on the hight 2.386 meter above sea level (mdpl) It is decorated by the edelweiss flower and the other plants, like the Casuarina Junghu (cemara gunung) etc. and the various animals, like jungle fowl (ayam hutan) and porcupine (landak) etc. The distance of this place about 68 km from the town center. There are some of facilities here such as : camping ground, shelter and Tourist Information Center (TIC) etc.

Raung Mountain
It is include into the Ijen Plateau range. It located at Sumber Wringin subdistrict. It is completed with very interesting scenery and the land of plant, and the various animals too. This tour is very interesting and gives a good defiance for visitor, especially for people who interested in the mountain climbing activity. The peak of this mountain located on the height 3,332 meter above sea level. The tourist can start climb the mountain from Pos I (Pesanggrahan Sumber Waringin) which provided a number of guides who are ready to give service for us.

Balawan Waterfall
Balawan Waterfall located at Kalianyar village - Sempol subdistrict approximately 52 km from the town center Bondowoso. It is the downstream of the Pahit River (Hilir kali Pahit) and also the drainage of kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater) that full content of sulphur and there are kind of plant here , namely makadamia.
Besides Blawan Waterfall, there is also one of the natural bathing place namely “the hot water spring”that still include into the Blawan Waterfall area. There are some facilities here, such as :Shelter, hotel etc.

The Agro Tourism of arabica Coffee Plantation Kalisat Jampit
The plantation tour is owned and managed by PTP Nusantara XII at the plantation area of Kalisat/Jampit, approximately 57km east of Bondowoso.
The width of this area is about 4000 hectares and located at the height 900 meter above sea level. The guest can watch and enjoy a beautiful panorama. There we can watch the tourist heritage, such as : picking of coffee, selecting coffee at the field and the factory, drying of coffee seeds and the process of milling coffee seeds that produces Arabika instantcoffee that has a special taste and the nice fragrance. Besides enjoying the arabica coffee, the tourist can use several facilities for example : the flower garden of rose and lily, fishing arena, The fire place at the guest house/Jampit I, Arabika homestay/Jampit II, swimming pool, Meeting room, entertainment, coffee break, and equipped by the tennis court. The wide land can be used as the place for the bicycle and car tour arena.

Polo Agung Waterfall
It located at Sukorejo Village - Sumber Wringin subdistrict, about 40 km east of Bondowoso, it is near to the plantation area owned by surrounding society. It is the new tourist object which built and developed in 2003, (Kanparsenibud) Bondowoso regency.
The waterfalls height is about 30 meter and it has natural and beautiful scenery. There we see valley green free mendous not too wide. It is equipped with 3 shelters, that located around this place. The visitor can reach the waterfall area, we have to walk carefully.

Tancak Kembar Waterfall
It located at Andongsari village - Pakem subdistrict, approximately 23 km west of Bondowoso. The waterfalls height is about 77 meter. This place is supported by the center of Arabica Coffee Research. Its width is about 380 hectares, benefit irrigation. Local society trust that the waterfall in left side is taking care of by custodian of Man and right side is taking care of By custodian of woman, and for visitor washing face/face will growing agelessly.

Arak-arak Beautiful
This tourist object located on the road between Surabaya and Bondowoso, actually at the Sumber Canting village - Wringin subdistrict. It is on the height about 345 meter above sea level. The tourist can enjoy fresh air and also can see charming natural panorama. Tourist can visit this object by using common transportation (Bus, MPU)

The Natural Bathing Tasnan
It located at Taman village - Grujugan subdistrict, approximately 8 km south of Bondowoso near to the town center. This bathing tour has comfortable and safety swimming pool for visitors and we can reach there easily by using the public transportation which has been checked its condition before. This place is eguipped with the playing park and other fasilities are available, with : shelter, dress room, small mosque, podium entertainment amusement and place garden rest.

Flower of Lely
Flower of Lely grow and expand in Agrowisata PTPN XII Garden of Kalisat Jampit District of Pakem. This Place also there are homestay, vegetables, flowerbed, carpet crops copy arabica following kibbling process coffee. Tourist also able to buy flower of Lely, flower product
of Lely also marketing to Surabaya and Bali.

The Traditional Art Performance Of Singo Ulung
Singo is the name of a person is coming from Blambangan. Singo Ulung and his wife Nyi Moena and the other persons, like Ki Jasiman were helping and coperating each other to create or to make prosperous life of society. Because of his success, he was chosen by the society as the first chieftain of village. He created an art “ Singo Ulung” which was played by two people. So that it was resembles the true Singo (Lion) and accompanied by the music of gamelan, especially coming from Blimbing village. This art together with Pojian Art, Ojung Art are always showed at the traditional ceremony, namely “Bersih Desa Blimbing” which is always held every (the month of sya’ban/ruwah). Besides in this moment, this art performance can be watched/enjoyed in the annual moment “Hari Jadi Bondowoso”actually at 16 Agustus.

The Ancient Heritage Sarchopagus
Sarchapagus is a part of Situs Megalithicum. It is more well-known as keranda which made of stones or other kind of container, but it has the lid/cover as well. Its function is the same with “the stone grave” dolmen which is used for burying Sarchopagus located at several subdistricts for example one of it at Glinseran village. Wringin subdistrict, approximately 19 km west of the town center Bondowoso.
Bondowoso - Wringin : 17 km by public transportation
Wringin - Location : 2 km by ojek (kind of public transportation)

Gerbong Maut Monument
On 23 November 1947, the history noted by using the gold ink about the heroic struggle of Bondowoso people against the Dutch occupations. One hundred people was carried by using the railway carriages coach from the train station at Bondowoso to the jail at Kalisosok Surabaya at 3 a.m. The incident was known as “Gerbong Maut Incident” and was immortalized as Gerbong Maut Monument that located at the center of Bondowoso. That is became one of the tourist heritage of Bondowoso.

Brass Industry
The handicraft of brass (kuningan) located at Cindogo-Tapen subdistrict, approximately 12 km east of Bondowoso - Situbondo. There are many kinds of them, i.e. : the house properties the equipment for the custom ceremony are colorful (like Bokar and Gayung) and various kind of souvenirs. These items have the beautiful color and not easy to fade out. It has been distributed and exported until foreign countries.

Bendi : Vehicle use Horse
If you pay a visit to town of Bondowoso not yet complete presumably if not yet gone up bendi having interesting and unique form,location of strategic in Aloon-aloon Bondowoso, tourist can go up bendi circle town aloon-aloon of Bondowoso at the same time enjoy existing view.

The Sword Knife
There are all sorts of knives and swords are produced constantly in good quality. These ironwates are produced at Pucang Anom village - Tanaman subdistrict and many entrepreneurs who order and sell them at the other cities.

TAPE : Sweet Food Made from Slightly Fermented Cassavas
As we know that Bondowoso is welknown/famous as the city of Tape (Kota Tape). Tape Bondowoso has special sweet taste and can not be imiteted by the other town. There are many label/merk industries of Tape at Bondowoso, namely : Tape Manis at Wringin village; Tape Manalagi at RE. Martadinata street; Tape 31 and Tape 82 at PB Sudirman street. we can use it as the parcel from Bondowoso. It is modofied into several kind, for example Dodol and Suwar Suwir. The main ingredient of them is fermented cassavas.

The Kind Industry of Klompen (wooden sipper)
Klompen (the slippers are made of mindi wood) is produced constantly appropriate of the orders. Actually, the home industries of them located at Jambe Anom village-Tamanan subdistrict.

The Industry of Embroidery Handycraft
The mos embroidery handycraft is produced at Curahdami subdistrict, approximately 4 km from Bondowoso.
Various clothes are produced here, appopriate the demand of consumer. The product has been sold to Malaysia and Singapore.

Add comment May 31st, 2006

Malang Regency Tourism

Coban Rondo Waterfall, Pujon
A beautiful water fall on the slope of Mount Panderman resort that is about 32 km to the west from Malang, it is very interesting to see and visit.
The height of waterfall is about 60 meter. Visitor can find and enjoy beautiful panorama ore peaceful impression around the waterfall.
Facilities: camping ground, jogging track, fishing or playing with elephants from The Elephants’ School Waykambas Lampung - Sumatra.
The waterfall is located at Pandesari village, Pujon Sub District (about 32 km away to the West from Malang).
 

Wonosari Plantation
Agro Tourism Wonosari, Tea Plantation, Lawang
This plantation pleasure gives a special and peaceful impression, beautiful panorama of tea plantation. The plantation is situated at the area on the slope of mount Arjuno, it belongs to Wonosari - Toyomarto village, Singosari Sub District. In this tourist object, visitors can watch and enjoy the special impression, processing of tea from the leaves taken to the tea ready to drink. The location is reachable, about 30 km away to the North from Malang. Facilities: swimming pool, cottages, jogging tracks area, camping grounds, and I many other.
 
Singosari Temple, Singosari
Singosari temple, also known as kendedes temple, was founded in honor to King Kertanegara, the last king of Singosari dynasty who died in 1292 AD. It was erected in 1300 AD at the same time when the ritual Sradha took place. In the vicinity of the temple there are two gigantic statue called Dwarapala, believed to be the entrance guards to the palace
 
Wendit Natural Swimming Pool, Pakis
As an interesting natural swimming pool, the friendly monkeys that would entertain special attraction to the visitors with their joking action can be find here, it present a special recreational spots in order to regain the new spirit.
According to the local folk tale, the pool offer mystical power. To those who have taken a bath in the pool would remain young for the rest of their life. On the days Idul fitri, the Islamic days (seven days Lebaran) some traditional performances are staged here. The pool is located at Mangliawan village, a village belonging to Pakis Sub District, about 10 km a way to the East from Malang.
Facilities: pool using natural water spring water that never dies in all season (dry or wet season), souvenir shops, and some recreational spots in Wendit’s area. The accessibility is very reachable, public transportation or private.
 

A Pilgrimage Tourist Site, Wonosari
As a pilgrimage tourist village, Wonosari - Gunung Kawi (Mt Kawi) has many beautiful, special and impressive mountainous panorama, which noted as one of the most fascinating villages in the South-Western part of Malang Regency Most people know that this village has a special site where the tomb of grandfather Iman Soedjono, one of the seventy nobleman who took arms againts the Dutch occupation led by Prince Diponegoro in 1825 - 1830. Next to the grave of grandfather Iman Soedjono lied the tomb of grandfather Djoego or Kiai Zakaria II, a local figure who first pioneered a new technology in farming at that time. Usually the visitors that come to visit this place believe that the pilgrimage will bring fortune to their works, the future life, such as: trading, making a health farming, etc. The suggested time to visit the sacred sepulchers is customarily on Thursday evening or “Jum’at Legi” (Javanese Calendar). The tombs themselves have long been equipped with adequate facilities for both pilgrimages and vacationers. The accessibility is reachable, public transportation or not, 30 km a way to the Southwest from Malang.

Jajaghu (Jago) Temple, Tumpang
 Jajaghu or Jagu temple was constructed in 1275 - 1300 AD. It believed as the burial place of King Wisnuwardhana ashes, the fourth king of Singosari kingdom, it is extremely interesting that the temple has ornament similarities to those of Penataran temple in Blitar Regency. It lies at the village of Jago, Tumpang Sub District, the Eastern part of Malang (+ 22 km).
 
Kidal Temple, Tumpang
This temple is located in Rejo Kidal village, Tumpang Sub District, 24 km away to the East from Malang. The Real height of the temple is 17 meters, but now it’s just 12,4 meters. The temple base has a square shape. The door is one the West side. Above the door of the temple. there are ” Kepala Kala ” (Head of Giants) and lions. The temple was decorated using ornaments, which depict Mahabharata story not in sequence.
 
Bromo - Tengger - Semeru National Park
This National Park is one of the most beautiful places of interest in East Java.
The beauties of mountain covered, give a special and characteristic green plants, arousing great interest. Tenggerese traditional farming a/so makes this famous place being more interesting and attractive. In addition, coo/ and breezy wind a/ways blows freshly giving ever visitor special deep impression a unforgettable memories.
The accessibility has no problem and very reachable (via Malang, Pasuruan, Probolinggo or Lumajang).
Surely, different access give different characteristics scenery landscape. The elevation reaches about 2.392 meter sea level above and the temperature varies from 3 up to 20 degrees centigrade.
Facilities: Star Hotels, home-stays, restaurants, and many others that visitors needed, can be found
The people who live in this area are supposed to be descended from Majapahit Kingdom about six hundred years ago. The belonged to Tenggerese Hinduism with old traditional. That tradition still survives up to now. Every year, they always carry out the traditional and religious ceremonies, and the most popular ones is Yadnya Kasada, an offering ceremony held at the edge of the crater on the top of mount Bromo.

The Story of Offering Ceremony Kasada
Hundreds years ago, during the reign of the last king of Majapahit, Brawijaya, the situation was so uncertain due to the expanding new religion, Islam. At the time, the queen gave birth a baby girl and named her Roro Anteng, later the princess married Joko Seger, a Brahma Caste.

Since the influences of the new religion was so strong that it created chaos. The king and his followers were forced to back off to the east, some of them reached Bali and some of them reached a volcano.

The new married couple, Roro Anteng and Joko Seger were also found among the fugitives who went to the volcano. Later they ruled the volcano area and named it Tengger. The word Tengger was derived from Roro Anteng and Joko Seger. Then he surnamed himself the riffle of Purba Wasesa Mangkurat Ing Tengger which means the righteous ruler of Tengger.

Years after year as the region flourished in prosperity, the King and . - Queen felt un happy for they had no children to succeed their throne. On their desperation, they decided to climb the top of the volcano to pray and beseech before God, the Almighty. Deeply impressed by the faith of their meditation affected the murmuring sound of the crater lifted up miraculously followed by a golden lightning that made the surrounding locked so scintillating. Their prayer were heard the God would give them children but they should sacrifice their last child as return. It was a promising future that could not be denied.

Not long after, the first baby boy was born and Roro Anteng named him Tumenggung Klewung. Child after child was born during the years and it reached 25 in number to whom she gave the named Kesuma for the last child.

Roro Anteng and Joko Seger were very happy ever since, love and affection were imparted among their children. Happiness lingered on years after years, but a dull and sad feeling still haunted them for their promise would be claimed one day. They realized that they could not run from the fact, a bitter disappointment of losing a child shot through their brains. The day came, the God reminded them of their promise which could not be avoided.

As they felt how cruel it was to sacrifice their beloved child, they decided to break their promise by not offering him to the God. They brought away their children in order to save their last child from the offering. They tried to find a place to hide, however, they could not find away.

All of by sudden, the dreadful eruption of the volcano followed to where they went and miraculously Kesuma, the last beloved child was swallowed into the crater. At the same time when Kesuma disappeared from their sight, turbulent brawl diminished and strange silence for a while but a sudden voice echoed: Hi, my beloved brothers and sisters. It was sacrificed to appear before God Hyang Widi Wasa to save all of you. And what I expect be in a peace and live prosperously. Don’t forget to set mutual assistance among you and to worship God constantly to arrange an offering ceremony annually on 14th of Kasada (the twelfth month of Tenggerese calendar) by full moon. For the sake of your God. Hyang Widi Wasa.

Kesuma’s Brothers and sisters held the offering ceremony annually just like what Kesuma advised and it was held from generation to generation up to now.
 
Coban Pelangi Water fall, Gubuk Klakah
A beautiful water fall located about 32 km away to the East Malang. It has natural, coo/, and clean water that gives a peaceful impression. This waterfall can be reached on the way to Mount Bromo via Malang.

Find a lovely mountain resort, beautiful panorama, impressive view of apple fruits and 5 vegetables. The Water fall site is in the village named Gubuk Klakah, the one belonging to Poncokusumo Sub District.
 
Poncokusumo Tourist Village, Poncokusumo
A special kind of tourist village (+ 686.2509 ha) lies on the Western slope of mt. Semeru (the highest, mountain in Java) or at the Southern border of Bromo-Tengger -Semeru National Park.

The height of the village is about 926 meter from sea level, temperature 22 - 26 degree Celsius, located about 30 km from Malang to the East.

This village has many beautiful and impressive panorama, which noted as one of the most fascinating villages in the Eastern part of Malang Regency. Visitors who come to visit Poncokusumo, surely can enjoy impressive panorama apple plantation, around the garden from quarter to quarter, reflecting the village quarters agro tourism. Without any doubt, it’s just nice place to stay gaining the new spirit and healthy
 
Karangkates Dam Recreational Park
This tourist object is not quite different from the recreational parks at other places that Malang Regency has. In this place, however. the visitors can also get peaceful impression by fishing, boating, skiing or just enjoy the beautiful panorama around the lake.
Facilities: golf and tennis court, camping ground, and many others. The accessibility is reachable, located at Karangkates village, Sumberpucung Sub District, about 40 km to South-Western part from Malang (only one drive hour).
 
Semeru Agro Tourism
A mountainous pleasure on the slope of the highest mountain in Java, beautiful and attractive panorama or special atmosphere can be found here beside the coo/ air that it has. It this area we find a good place for Para-gliding and the Dutch Colonial Remnant.
This object lies on Argo Yuwono village Ampelgading Sub District, + 7 km to the North from Ampelgading.
 
Ngliyep Beach, Donomulyo
Ngliyep, a beautiful rocky beach at the Southern part of Malang Regency, where gigantic waves meet core/ reef. In addition, it has an isle with a lush green tropical shore-forest giving more enchantment to the beach. This beach is provided with some facilities such as: stalls, Souvenir shop, inns, etc.

Annually the traditional ceremony Labuhan Mulud (offering ceremony) is held here. The beach lies at Kedungsalam village, Donomulyo Sub District, about 62 km a way to the South from Malang
 
Balekambang Beach, Bantur
The beach possessing three isles with a distance of about one hundred meters each, two of which have been connected with one meter-wide bridge to the shore, Balekambang offers a different atmosphere of beach resorts in the Southern part of Malang. One of the three isles called Ismoyo isle has a Hindu temple, established by local Hinduists.

Annually, the ritual and traditional ceremonies Jalanidhipuja (Hindu ceremony) and Suran (Javanese New Year ceremony) are held here every year. The parking lots, stalls, inns, souvenir shops, etc., for the visitors are no problem here. This beautiful beach is located at Srigonco village, Bantur Sub District, about 57 km away to the South from Malang and accessible by public transportation.
 

Sendangbiru Beach, Sumbermanjing Wetan
Sendangbiru is one of beach resorts in the Southern part of Malang Regency, which free from tumulous waves of Indian Ocean due to the existence of wild life Sempu Island, about 300 meters offshore.

At the other side of the beach is now utilize ‘ as Fishing Harbor and Center of Fishes Disembarkation PPI where fisherman disembark their catches in which both are under theAuthority of the Fishery Service and managed by KUD (Village Cooperation Unit), ” Mina Jaya Pondok Dadap ”

Officially, the beach of Sendangbiru is managed by the State-owned Forestay Company which has so far provided the beach with inns, guest house, stalls, guard houses, boats, etc.

To reach Sendangbiru, visitor can take an accessible public transportation named “Mikrolet” for Gadang - Turen - Sendangbiru, Sendangbiru is about 70 km away to the South from Malang at Tambakrejo village 4 Sumbermanjing Wetan Sub District.

www.eastjava.com

2 comments May 30th, 2006

Malang City Tour

BALAI KOTA (CITY HALL)
Balai Kota (City Hall) on Jalan Tugu is an old-Dutch-building, tha charming Aloon-aloon bunder in front of it, is used to be JP. Zoen Coen Park. Tugu statue decorated with the water-lily pool surrounding with the giant-shady Trembesi trees.

Monument Juang ‘45  
Monument Juang ‘45 (Struggling Statue) on Jalan Kertanegara, right in front of Malang Train Statin. This monument figured a giant killed by the people power that reflected the independence war in 1945.
 
Bird & Flower Market  
Bird and Flower Market on jalan Brawijaya colleds various kinds of Indonesian birds and flowers. Several birds and animals are sold here as well as plants and flowers. Here not only local bird are sold; some imported ones can also be found in the market. Cages, bird food are also available. Truly a paradise for bird’s lovers. plants and flowerssold in this market are those which have become the favorite of flowers lovers.Various kinds of orchids, roses, and other beautiful flowers are easy to find here as well as gardening equipment. Along the alley, small store sell colorful cages and pots.

Senaputra park  
Taman Senaputra ( Senaputra park) on Jalan Belakang RSUD Syaiful Anwar is the recreational area of the city with the playground for children, traditional art performance like “Jaran Kepang and mask Dance” held continously. nal art performance like “Jaran Kepang and Mask Dance” held freguently.

Kayu Tangan Complex  
Kayu Tangan Complex along Jalan Basuki Rachmad is one of Shopping Center for clothes, batik, electronics and souvenirs. There also bank, cinema, church, Telkom, travel agent, tourist information center, restaurant and maney changer.

Aloon-aloon (City Square)  
Aloon - aloon Kota (City Square) on jalam Merdeka is a pretty city park to enjoy the evening. its surrounded by old building like Jami’ mosqoe and Church. Hundres dove live here, and in the midle, there is a charming pool.

Klenteng (Chinese Temple)  
Klenteng (Chinese Temple) on Jalan laks. Martadinata id a unuque and colorful temple belong to the three faiths; budhism;mConfucianism and Taoism. This old temple is one of the most important tourism icon in Malang.

Taman Krida Budaya Jawa Timur  
Taman Krida Budaya (The East Java Cultural Building) on jalan Soekarno-Hatta is the center of art performing and company exibishing of Malang and Java.
 
Mpu Purwa Building   
Mpu Purwa Building is a special building to save and maintain some items which have historical, cultural and instrinsic value, especally that related to the growth on Malang since VIII century until 1950s.
 
Gajayana Stadium   
Gajayana Stadium on Jalan Semeru is a sport, many facilities like Swimming Pool. soccer years, basket ball, tennis court, volleyball and gymnasium.
 
Ijen Boulevard  
Ijen Boulevard decorated with bougenville flowers and palm trees with the background of old-fashioned-Dutch architecture houses. Brawijaya Army Museum located in this boulevard with its old weapons used in independence war. Beside that, Immanuel Church and the Public Library also located across the road, it has thousands of literatures.
 
Ceramics Center & Onyx Shop  
Ceramics Center on Jalan MT. Haryono and jalan Mayjen Panjaitan are the workshop of ceramics, the visitors can see the making process of ceramics.

Onyx Shop at Tlogomas selling various kind of souvenir made from onyx stone.

Tlogomas Park  
Tlogomas Park at Tlogomas provides playground and swimming pool to spend the weeken onyx shop at Tlogomas selling various kind of souvenir made from onyx stone with the family.
 
Sunday Market  
Sunday Market. most poeple visit this market to find souvenir, handicraft and traditional food. These market held every Sunday at gajayana Stadium and Velodrom Sawojajar start on 05.00 to 10.00.

www.eastjava.com

1 comment May 30th, 2006

Majapahit grew to be a great kingdom and famous on all the seas of the Archipelago

Among the many ancient kingdoms that rise and fall in the territory of modern Indonesia, none are acknowledged to be greater or more powerful by the Javanese (the largest ethnic group in modern Indonesia) and other Indonesians, than the kingdom of Majapahit.

The kingdom of Majapahit, with its capital in East Java, flourished at the end of what is known as Indonesia’s “classical age”. This was a period in which the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism were predominant cultural influences. Beginning with the first appearance of Indianised kingdoms in the Malay Archipelago in the 5th century AD, this classical age was to last for more than a millennium, until the final collapse of Majapahit in the late 15th century and the establishing of Java’s first Islamic sultanate at Demak.

Rajasa Dynasty
• 1293-1309: Raden Wijaya (Kertarajasa Jayawardhana)
• 1309-1328: Jayanagara
• 1328-1350: Tribhuwanatunggadewi Jayawishnuwardhani (Queen) (Bhre Kahuripan)
• 1350-1389: Rajasanagara (Hayam Wuruk)
• 1389-1429: Wikramawardhana (Bhre Lasem Sang Alemu)
• 1429-1447: Suhita (Queen) (Prabustri)
• 1447-1451: Wijayaparakramawardhana Sri Kertawijaya (Bhre Tumapel, converted to Islam)
Girindrawardhana Dynasty:
• 1451-1453: Rajasawardhana (Bhre Pamotan Sang Singanagara)
• 1453-1456: throne vacant
• 1456-1466: Giripatiprasuta Dyah/Hyang Purwawisesa (Bhre Wengker)
• 1466-1474: Suraprabhawa/Singhawikramawardhana (Bhre Pandan Salas). In 1468, a court rebellion by Bhre Kertabhumi forced him to move his court to the city of Daha, Kediri.
• 1468-1478: Bhre Kertabhumi
• 1478-1519: Ranawijaya (Bhre Prabu Girindrawardhana). He is Suraprabhawa’s son and managed to regain the Majapahit throne lost to Kertabhumi. In 1486, he moves the capital to Kediri.
• 1519- c.1527: Prabhu Udara
Source : www.ancientsites.com/aw/Places

Add comment May 29th, 2006

Mount Semeru in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Indonesia

Also called Mahameru or “Great Mountain”, Mt. Semeru is one of the world’s most beautiful peaks and at 3.676 meters the highest mountain on Java……..
History - Before declared as a national Park, mountainous highland of Bromo Tengger Semeru is a forest area with many function like Strict Nature Reserve, Recreation Forest, Protection Forest and Production Forest.

Declaration of Bromo Tengger Semeru area as a National Park is based on some considerations, i.e : rare and endemic flora, habitat of migrant wildlife, unique ecosystem, active volcano, scenery of nature, cultural and traditional lives of local people, as a catchment’s area for water resources around the area, etc.
 

Day 1
After a horrible night sleep Romy, our guide, and Justin, an English guy, picked us up at 6 in the morning from our hotel to go to Tumpang to get some food for on our way. This was also the meeting point for other hikers to climb mnt. Semeru. A small truck picked us (about 10 men and our luggage) up and drove us to GubugKlakah where we had to check in at the office to tell that we were going to climb mnt. Semeru. From here we went to Ranu Pani, the last village to the top, by truck, at least tried to. We faced a small problem underway. The steering wheel got stuck and drove us right into the bush. We were really lucky because if it would happen a bit later there would be no bush anymore just the abyss. After fixing the problem we drove on and we could see mnt. Semeru in the distance. From here it was the first time I saw the ash eruption of the volcano. I was amazed… I knew that the volcano was still active but that I would see the ash eruption for real I could never image.
 
At Ranu Pani we would get some food, pick up our 2nd tent and start walking. But another problem occurred. The tent was not really a tent anymore, it was in a too bad condition to still call it a tent. So now we had only one tent with us for the four of us. We started to walk and just out of Ranu Pani we saw this sign and in the very distance Semeru. Ranu Kumbolo would be our next stop. This is a 14 Ha. crater lake and this would be our point to spent the night. The walk to the crater lake was not hard and not steep but with sometimes amazing views. We arrived at 4 pm at the lake. Here we filled our bottles of water (the lake didn’t look clean enough to drink out of but Romy told us we could). We only had 6 small bottles of water for the four of us because Romy told us we didn’t need more, but already from Ranu Pani to Ranu Kumbolo we found out it was not enough and this was the easiest part of the track.
 
Romy gave us the option to walk further because it was still daylight and to try to get all the way to Arcopodo the last stop before the top. This could save us a day and use this day to walk thru the sea of sands to mnt. Bromo. This sounded great and we were not tired at all yet so we moved on. The first part was ok, it was not really steep and it was not dark yet. We had a small stop at Kalimati to refill our bottles with water and have some food but moved on quickly because it was already dark. Now the hard part came. We only had 2 small flashlights with us to see where to put our feet and  the track got quite hard. It was really steep now and hard to follow the track. Romy was getting really tired and we as well but he stopped almost every 5 minutes to rest. At 10 in the evening we arrived totally exhausted at the last stop, Arcopodo. It was freezing here and we did not feel like setting up the one tent we had. Romy throw some braches on the ground and told us that this was our sleeping place. I got in my sleeping bag with all my cloths on and I was still freezing but somehow I fall a sleep. 
 
Day 2
At 3 in the morning Romy woke us up again to get to the top. We started as the first group but because we felt our legs big time from the day before, unlike everybody else who took 2 days to get to Arcopodo, other people passed us. We arrived soon at the last trees and from this point on it was just ash we walked on and we still had only 2 flashlights to see where we were walking. This was the heaviest part. Every step you took you sink away most of it in the ash. It was hard to climb and we had almost no water what made it even worse. The small ash stones got all the time in your shoe what was hurting big time and made you almost stop every 5 minutes to empty it. It was me most of the time who hold up the group. I was totally exhausted and feeling sick but I could not stand with the idea of missing the amazing view with sunrise so somehow I got myself together and moved on.
 
When I finally arrived at the top the only thing I could do was lay down. I was not feeling good at all, but this stopped soon when I felt the mountain shaking. I jumped up and ran towards the crater rim and there it was! The ash eruption just in front of my eyes. This feeling was amazing and I did not feel the pain in my legs anymore. The 2 hours being on the top was indescribable.
 
Being this high above the clouds standing on an eruption volcano overlooking the sea of sands and in the distance mnt. Bromo seeing the sunrise…… no words can describe this.
It was freezing as hell up here but when the sun comes up it can get really warm also because of the ash so it’s not possible to stay on the top too long.
 
These pictures just can give you an idea of what I have seen and experience and the fact that it was so hard to get on the top makes the great feeling even better. We also realised that the idea of walking all the way to mnt. Bromo was not an option anymore. Once more I had overestimate myself again.
 
Going down was much easier. It was more like gliding down on the ash and the only problem was the dust that comes of the ash when you glide. Another problem is finding the right way down. When we were at the tree line Romy told us that we were at the wrong place and had to go up again to get on the right track. At this moment we all felt like hurting him big time but he was luckily for him not in our range! Going up again and with hardly any water…. But we found our way finally back and we walked to Ranu Kumbolo where we sat up the tent and tried to get some sleep.
 
Day 3
We only had to walk back to Ranu Pani but this was already hard. We all three were totally exhausted and could only set one foot in front of the other and find our way back to Ranu Pani. In Ranu Pani we got picked up by a truck to get to Tumpang from where a van brought us to our hotel were we got our deserved rest and sleep.
Source : www.backpackingforlife.com

Add comment May 29th, 2006

Java’s Sulphur Miners of Kawah Ijen

The path meandered through tall grass skirted by thick bushes and young saplings, dew glistened on delicate flowers overhung by branches of pink Hibiscus. The day was fresh and bright, resounding to the morning hum of bees and hover-flies; bowing crickets sang invisibly amongst the foliage as courting butterflies flirted turbulently above. Behind, plantations of coffee stretched away in corrugated shades of jade overseen by a ridge of equatorial forest. It was an idyllic scene, peaceful and beautiful. Yet something was not quite right.

A strange mist flowed between the trees like a ghost river; barely visible but ever present. It looked like the sort of mist you’d expect to see in a rainforest; pierced with gently stirring rods of light that dappled the ground. But looks can be deceptive—for this mist smelt terrible. Silently, it drifted around me, embracing me with its malign sour breath as the path became a lip on the gaping mouth of Kawah Ijen—The Lone Crater.

Volcanoes are much like people, they come in all shapes and sizes. Some, like Mayon in the Philippines and Mount Fuji in Japan, are quintessentially the shape a volcano ought to be, the shape I remember drawing them as a small boy; circular, with sweeping slopes curving up to a conical vent that trailed smoke off into the sunset.

Many volcanoes however, are not so easily seen or recognised, oddly shaped and often cloaked in wooded shrouds they hide their true identities, sometimes for thousands of years.

Nestled on the eastern tip of Java, Kawah Ijen had grown amongst a host of sibling peaks, clustered atop an ancient caldera—a crater so big, that most people don’t even know it’s there. Concealed by a dense blanket of green, Kawah Ijen was difficult to see, which made my first glimpse of the crater all the more breathtaking. Ringed in vegetation, the fluted silvery rocks swept down to a copper-green lake that shimmered at its heart. Sepia steam poured from the lake’s edge, wheeling out of the rocks in an expanding mass that lifted in the hot air. It was as if I had found a lost world, forgotten and undiscovered, until that moment.

I was often drawn to solitary places; hidden spots, secluded and thick with the air of child-spun mystery. Rocky crags, dark pine woods, holly fringed dells, tunnels of tangled roots and a thousand other pages held within the covers of my life—I loved them all, especially the secret ones that were mine, and mine alone. But solitude on a volcano was a mixed blessing; the adventure is always laced with hesitation and unease. For a volcano can never truly be known or trusted—they are, and always will be, essentially omnipotent. Many had died on Kawah Ijen, overcome by the gasses that issued from within. In Indonesia they call volcanoes Gunung Api, which literally means fire mountain, and I had come to explore them, to try and understand them, to feel insignificant and humbled—but I was not prepared to become another statistic. Or perhaps I was?

A gleaming torrent of yellow-white steam tumbled up the crater wall and loomed towards me. My first instinct was to avoid the cloud altogether, but I was not about to turn tail and run, not yet. I could hold my breath or perhaps even breathe the stuff or. . . . But there was little point in guessing what best to do.

The hot sun vanished behind a cloak of acidic fog, as removed from the dawn mists back home as it was possible to be. A cocktail of sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide and other, equally unpleasant gasses, all mixed as only nature knows how. I sampled the air to see if I could breathe, then rushed to take my T-shirt off and stuff it in my mouth as a makeshift filter. I did all this with my eyes tightly closed, only blinking them open momentarily to see if the alien atmosphere had passed.

A few moments later the toxic shroud folded away as quickly as it had found me, revealing stunted vegetation, tangled and wiry, and covered with a yellowish frosting of sublimed sulphur. Soft, grey rock rutted with narrow gullies radiated from the gaping hole amidst sharp tephra pinnacles and bladed crests. Ahead, the path cut through this miniature canyon-land and disappeared into the void.

A miner sat sheltering in one of these clefts, rolling a cigarette. He smiled as our eyes met, and for a time we sat together talking as-best-we-could, ribbons of smoke peeling from his cigarette as steam peeled from the crater below. Our conversation was as rocky as our surroundings, but it was enough for him to learn something of me and I of him. His face on the other hand, spoke volumes; the sweat on his brow, the tiredness in his eyes, and the same gentle resignation I had seen in others along the way. His baskets were brimming with hunks of sulphur, some oddly shaped like slender stalactites of dripped wax, other pieces dappled with ashen tephra. Some bits were more orange than yellow including a fist sized lump that he handed to me. It was slightly translucent and—my brain clicked with realisation—hot. I had assumed the sulphur mined here was from old deposits, built up over the months and years. It hadn?t occurred to me that it flowing out of the rock as fast as it could be gathered.

Sitting there in the lap of a volcano, I was at once reminded of a schooldays chemistry lesson from twenty years before. We had been given some sulphur in a test-tube, to heat over a Bunsen burner—the room with its dark wooden benches and green vinyl floor seemed so clear, as if it were yesterday. Some things have a habit of rekindling old memories; little things, insignificant for some yet meaningful to others; a smell, a few bars of music, a line of verse, whispered words, a taste, or even a lump of rock. I had marvelled at the colours deepening to blood-orange as the element melted in the flame, and re-solidified, brightening back to its familiar pale lemon yellow, just as the nugget I now cupped was doing from moment to moment. It looked good enough to eat, so—as a joke—I pretended to nibble a corner. “No problem” he said, biting a small chunk from another lump and crushing it between his tobacco stained teeth. I should have known better than to be surprised, but my chin fell open nonetheless, much to my new friend’s amusement.

For all their dangerous efforts of collecting, packing and carrying the sulphur out of the crater and down the volcano, the miners only get the equivalent to a few dollars. So I had no qualms about paying him something for the lump, and he had none about taking the money. The deal struck and farewells said, I continued on, carrying the little lump back from whence it had come, not long before.

Tinny shards of sulphur dotted the ground, reminding me of the wild primroses that had splashed the wooded paths of my childhood—magic paths, fringed with fairytale fungus; crimson fly-Agaruc, puff-balls and dripping, shaggy ink caps hidden amongst dark musty woods and secret glades. Paths that had enchanted me from the first, I had been compelled to discover them and they in turn had led me, through time, to the path I now followed into the mouth of an active volcano.

Another miner sat slumped on some lava further down the trail; immersed in fumes he seemed totally overcome and exhausted; topless with head bowed, he weighted motionless for the air to clear. The lost world I had discovered was a harsh one, inhospitable, and full of uncertainty. That anyone would choose to work here was a measure of their need; these men had to work, for food, for shelter, to survive. It was their living.

A slow-motion cascade of acrid steam drifted menacingly up to greet me—then a second wave, and a third. If I lost my footing now I would fall from the foot-worn rock that was little more than a series of ledges, exposed and precarious. Dizzied and feeling sick—my eyes ran with tears, as I struggled to breathe through my T-shirt.

More men emerged from the haze, slowly pacing their way up the cliff, each laden with a heavy load balanced on their shoulders. Jagged lumps of sulphur—some stuffed and bound into sacks, some heaped to overflowing in plaited baskets—but always in pairs, and always betwixt a slender yoke that flexed in rhythm to the bearers strides. I stood to one side as they passed, not wanting to break their focussed effort. They paused just long enough to offer me some sulphur—moving on with a silent smile as they saw the lump I had already bought.

The path ended at a small, flat wooden bridge where I emerged into the sun crunching on a grey carpet strewn with vivid stones and grit. Gleaming yellow coated everything else in a textured crust, bouncing the noon sun painfully onto my skin and into my squinted eyes. Sections of rusty pipe stood on end, as if on guard, and dozens more stretched, end to end, up the rock face spewing with steam. Liquid sulphur trickled from their encrusted mouths, cooling into orange icicles and twisting blades that fed in turn into miniature rivulets and waxy pools. I had seen sulphur stained fumaroles on other volcanoes; smelly holes and cracks lined with delicate crystals of daffodil coloured filigree, but never in large quantities, and never molten. A warm breeze combed the expanding vapours back up the crater face, blanketing the iron pipes as they clasped the rocky slope like so many knuckle-jointed fingers. A moment later the same breeze span around flinging a wall of gas against me, piercing my eyes and stinging my throat. I was choking and suffocating, and could do nothing but crouch and wait while others laboured on nearby.

Several men armed with steel rods, jabbed and teased at the hardening sulphur, prising it from the ground in large irregular chunks. As the steam lifted I spat acid from my mouth. It was basic chemistry—water in contact with sulphur dioxide makes sulphuric acid—simple, and painful too, if the moisture happened to be in your lungs and throat.

The miners had no more protection than I did—faces wrapped swathed in cloth, wearing long sleeved tops and baggy trousers flecked with yellow, and on their feet they wore rubber boots or sandals over tattered, toeless socks. One man even wore a yellow, colour-coordinated, cap. I watched, as he walked up to the hissing mouth of a pipe and delicately snap-off several stakes of sulphur, somehow avoiding the searing gasses that roared inches from his fingertips. He carried them carefully to his baskets balanced on two broken pipes, wedging them down the sides of his already packed load. He vanished amongst the dense vapour like a ghost, as fleeting and ephemeral as the steam itself. He appeared moments later with a bucket of of water in one hand, and in the other what looked like—a bicycle pump. Intrigued, I followed, as he began climbing the steep rock next to the pipes. Carefully he picked his mark and with a slow swing, drew back the bucket and hurled the water onto the rusting lengths. Steam erupted from the baking metal, chilling it, I presumed, to help the condensation of the sulphur within. A minute later he stood at the base of the pipes squirting yet more water at them, this time using the pump. With the stance of a rifleman, one duct after another was showered with a spray of glinting drops, shot twenty metres or more with pin-point accuracy.

There was no machinery here and few tools, not even a shovel; just the odd length of rusty steel clasped between firm hands and supported by strong backs. Kawah Ijen’s sulphur is continuous and reliable, but it is modest in comparison to other sources, supporting so many miners gathering one or two loads a day, and no more. Mining other natural resources such as coal or oil is essentially a matter of how to get at the stuff and nearly always involves expensive, heavy equipment. But at Kawah Ijen it was not so much a question of how you get at the sulphur—as how the sulphur gets to you, and not only along the pipes. Sulphur seeped from the rock itself—like pillars of calcite formed in a limestone cave. Stalagmites and stalactites with all the fiery hue of lava grew second by second, and were shattered just as quickly.

Beyond the pipes the yellowed crater wall rose high above the fumaroles in a broad pleated curtain streaked with grey and set against a deep, cloudless and peculiarly purple-tinted sky. Kawah Ijen’s crater lake was just as exceptional in its colour, and in other ways too. Turquoise-green and edged in parts by a thin hazy blanket of brown gas, gathered into tinny coves by the wind. Nothing about this lake was run-of-the-mill, least of all—the water itself. To begin with, the water was not actually water at all, it was sulphuric acid; insidiously corrosive, and very, very dangerous. The lake was as deep as the rim was high, run through with a hot, turbulent, and often discoloured plume, rising from Ijen?s submerged vent. Concealing, and impenetrable from above, the lake remained all too vulnerable from below, and on occasions, with an earth rumbling, phreatic cough, shaking the ground and belching forth a surge of ash and gas and hot acid—the volcano has erupted.

The gasses alone are of far greater risk. Silently they emerge from the rocks and the lake, drifting invisibly they haunt the crater, seizing the unwary who drop to their knees—the world spinning then lost in blackness—unconscious before they know what’s hit them. If you work here long enough something is bound to go wrong eventually. I wondered how long a person?s lungs could take the corrosive gas before permanent damage was done. Most had lost colleagues and friends, sometimes witnessing them collapse and die before their eyes. I watched as faint wisps of steam twisted out of the acid, dancing with one another as they ran across the surface and faded into the air. But there were no poisonous bubbles that I could see—not today anyway.

Sometimes the crater has been so full of fumes that even passing birds have been gassed in mid-air; shining wings honed to perfection and reduced in seconds to a tumbling ball of dissolving, limp feathers. In fact the lake is so acidic that the rock itself is slowly being eaten away, so that little by little the crater walls are growing thinner. Eventually Ijen’s natural ramparts will be breached, releasing the lake onto the land and people below.

The smooth grey lava that I sat on later that day, had been sculpted by a rushing, foaming stream that overflowed from Kawah Ijen. If the crater did give way, this is the direction the lake would come and everything, including me, would be swept away. Naturally the river was yellow acid rather than water, and in the little hollows where the liquid pooled, the air was full of biting, corrosive gasses. The climb out of the crater had been excruciating, with scarcely any reprieve from the fumes or my head, that had felt on the point of erupting itself. Yet the miners I had passed carried more than I weighed on their backs, a feat that seemed impossible.

Kawah Ijen means the Lone Crater, but it is scarcely that, for few volcanoes have such a continuous flow of human traffic. As with so many aspects of these fire mountains, the gifts they offer us—the fertile soil, the hard stone for building, or the native sulphur itself, used for refining sugar and making explosives—are all taken with some risk. I had come to Kawah Ijen because I’d heard it was an extraordinary place, and it was. I had been moved by its beauty, its many dangers, its contradictions, the shear precariousness of life here, but most of all, I had been moved by the people. Ijen’s men of sulphur.
Source : www.volcanicimages.com

Add comment May 29th, 2006

Coban Rondo Water Fall, Pujon

A beautiful water fall on the slope of Mount Panderman resort that is about 32 km to the west from Malang, it is very interesting to see and visit.

The height of waterfall is about 60 meter. Visitor can find and enjoy beautiful panorama or a peaceful impression around the waterfall.

Facilities : Camping ground, Jogging track, fishing or playing with elephants from the Elephant’s school Waykambas Lampung-Sumatra.

The waterfall is located at Pandesari village, Pujon Sub District (about 32 km away to the west feom Malang).

www.eastjava.com

Add comment May 26th, 2006

Coban Pelangi Water fall, Gubuk Klakah

A beautiful water fall located about 32 km away to the East malang. It has natural, cool, and clean water that gives a peaceful impression.
This  Waterfall can be reached on the way to Mount Bromo via Malang.

Find a lovely mountain resort, beautiful panorama, impressive view of apple fruits and vegetables. The Water fall site is in the village named Gubuk Klakah, the one belonging to Poncokusumo Sub District.

www.eastjava.com

Add comment May 26th, 2006