Indonesian Explorer

Sadranan Beach: Hidden Paradise in Yogyakarta

arumtri — Sun, 1 Jun 2014 14:43:00 GMT

In the evening after cleaning up from Goa Pindul, we went to Indrayanti beach. The trip took about 1 hour from Goa Pindul. Little experience nausea because I was not accustomed with far enough travel to the winding road. I took a moment after arriving at Indrayanti beach after 1 hour on the road. Beautiful scenery and white sand intercepted by a short strand of wind accompany its natural beauty. Here we could not swim because there are many coral around the beach.

Satisfied with Indrayanti beach, we went to Sadranan beach, still around Indrayanti beach. On Sadranan beach, we can swim because the condition is slightly different from Indrayanti which many corals around. Sadranan beach is not too crowded and there is a place to stay not far from the beach. Sunset on the beach is very beautiful. (Hopefully after this writing, the beach is still maintained continuity)

On the left side, there is a big rock-like beach of small island facing directly into the sea. I am with Jo strolled down the beach and stepped closer to the big rock. We found many sea creatures that came to "visit" this big rock. I do not use footwear and must be careful so as not to feel directly touch them. I took a photo of crab which already dead so I can easily touched and made a photo, hehe. I cannot imagine if the crab was still alive and clamp my hand.

It was so beautiful seeing the whole beach of Sadranan from here. But after the sunset, we had to get back since there is not too many lights nearby the big rock.

Cave and River Tubing: Now or Never?

arumtri — Sun, 1 Jun 2014 13:45:00 GMT

The second day we decided to go to the south of Yogyakarta, Goa Pindul. I was coming with friends from the Netherlands two of them from Yogyakarta. Goa Pindul offers river tubing and cave tubing in Gunung Kidul. Please visit the website directly at goapindul(dot)com. Trip to Goa Pindul from Malioboro (the place we stayed) took almost 1.5 hours. On arrival in Goa Pindul, we went straight to the counter to order package 4 persons.

There are 3 package tours offered, Goa Gelatik can not be visited due to flooding. We chose two other packages that Cave Tubing and River Tubing in Oya River for total cost of 80,000 IDR. Pindul has a length of about 350 m, width up to 5 m, the distance to the water surface of the roof of the cave 4 m, and a water depth of about 5-12 m. Goa has 3 zones i.e. light zone, lit zone, and dark zones. It takes about 45 minutes. Cave Tubing almost the same as rafting. If rafting is the flow of activity along the river by boat, then Cave Tubing is caving activities which we sit by using the inner tubes or tires. Because the flow of water in this cave is quiet then Cave Tubing in Pindul can also be enjoyed by beginners as well as children and even pregnant women. 35,000 IDR tour package including guide services, equipment (tires buoy, life jacket, rubber boots, Head Lamp), and insurance.

Followed by tubing in Oya river with a length of 1500m river and duration 1-2 hours. Along the river there are cliffs which are beautiful and distinctive karst rocks of natural Gunungkidul. There we can enjoy the beauty of the river flow by using tires in Oyo river, as well as in Goa Pindul. Accompanied by a guide and equipment that make us safe and comfortable then do not be afraid to cross the river with a depth of 7-11 meters. We can take a break to enjoy the nature around the river. Visitors are very spoiled with a beautiful view over the river wading. In addition we can also jump from the edge of the cliff (around 5m). Of course, this is for those who have big guts, suitable for who like a challenge. The cost for this is 45,000 IDR.

Before jumping from the cliff around 5m, we can do an exercise around the place. There is big rocks around 2.5m so we can jump from here before the cliff. If you are okay with that then we can try to jump from the cliff. I was okay with that even I left my life jacket when I jumped from this big rocks.

The thing was different when you came to the cliff. I remember until now, I felt like I was gonna die because of nervous then my friend told me, "Now or Never?", then I jumped!

Ramayana Ballet Dance: The Timeless Sacred Love

arumtri — Wed, 21 May 2014 22:36:00 GMT

We arrived at the next destination, towards evening. There was a traditional dance performances, Ramayana Ballet Dance, a story about two lovers, Rama and Shinta, who were destined to be together. Before the show began, we toured around. Another masterpiece in Magelang were always alluring to be visited by domestic and foreign tourists. We enjoyed it from a distance because of the limited time to visit. Well, it was the beauty of Prambanan temple. Beautiful golden luster glowed around the temple were teasing our eyes to always see its beauty.

We were impressed with the beauty of Ramayana Ballet Dance, detailed visualization of Javanese culture legend. Quoting the synopsis from Yogyes(dot)com, Ramayana story presented in this performance was similar to that engraving on Prambanan temple. Ramayana story engraved on the most beautiful Hindu temple was similar to the story in oral tradition in India. The plot which was long and thrilling was summarized in four plays, Shinta abduction, Anoman mission to Alengka, Rahwana or Kumbhakarna death, and reunion of Rama and Shinta.

The whole story was presented in a series of dance movements performed by beautiful dancers and accompanied by gamelan music. We were invited going to the deep of the story and observing each movement of the dancers to know the story. There was no spoken dialogue from the dancers, the only speakers were some Sinden (tradional singer in Java) which portrays the story through the songs in the Java language with a distinctive voice. This show was perfect because not only dance and music were prepared, but also the lighting which was not only a mute light, but was able to describe certain events in the story. Similarly makeup on each dancer, it was able to describe the character and the audience we we could be easily recognizing even though there was no dialogue.

The story began when Prabu Janaka held a contest to determine the companion to Dewi Shinta (his daughter) who eventually be won by Rama Wijaya. It was continued with the trip of Rama, Shinta and Rama's younger brother named Lakshmana in the Dandaka Forest. In the forest, they met Rahwana who wanted to kidnap Shinta because she was considered as an incarnation of Dewi Widowati, a woman who had been sought by him.

To attract the attention of Shinta, Rahwana was changing his followers named Marica into a golden deer. The effort was successful because Shinta was attracted and asked Rama to chase the golden deer. Rama went after the deer. Then, Laksama was looking for Rama who had not get back after a long time while Shinta abandoned and given a magic circle of protection so that Rahwana could not kidnapped. That protection failed after Rahwana successfully transformed himself into Druna, an old beggar.

At the end of the story, Shinta was helped by Hanoman, the monkey as a figure of nimble and powerful. But when brought back, Rama did not trust Shinta anymore. He considered she had been tarnished. To prove the sanctity of herself, Shinta asked to burn her body. Shinta proved her chastity because her body did not burn at all but she also became more beautiful. Rama finally took her back as his wife.

One figure that I like because of his courage to rescue Shinta so he could be reunited with Rama. He is Hanoman. He was caught by a herd of Rahwana. When Rahwana judged the death penalty to Hanoman , Rahwana's younger brother, Wibisana, defended Hanoman so that his sentence was commuted, remembering Hanoman was a messenger. Then Rahwana’s command that Hanoman's tail was burned. Looking at it, Shinta prayed that the fire that burned Hanoman's tail changed into cool. Her prayer was answered. Then Hanoman rebelled and destroyed Brahma Astra that bind her. With tails blazing like a torch, he set fire to the Alengka city. In short moment, Alengka city had became a sea of fire. After he made chaos to the city, he plunged into the sea so the fire on its tail went out.

The heavenly hosts were praising Hanoman’s courage. By bringing the good news, Hanoman came to Rama and told all condition about Shinta. After that, Rama prepared the force to destroy Alengka city. Shinta finally was able to return to Rama, as well as the destruction of Alengka.

Stories inspiring to maintain, sustain, and fight for love despite the obstacles that it is definitely preventing. Keep believing that a miracle will always be there and the timeless sacred love.

Central Java: Funny Moments around Borobudur

arumtri — Fri, 16 May 2014 21:46:00 GMT

We got a good guidance from a local guide. We asked her to accompany during a trip around Borobudur. Lots of history about Borobudur explained. We were asked to wear Batik scarf to cover the bottom of body. Borobudur parties would lended and after the visitors finished, scarf must be returned. The new rule was applied to the tourists who visit Borobudur Temple, both domestic and foreign. Starting February 1, 2010, tourists visiting Borobudur temple, must dress politely. Travelers are prohibited to wear shorts or mini skirts.

We also did not forget to take a lot of moments around Borobudur . There were funny stories that (may) often occurred by some foreigners in Indonesia. There would be a lot of Indonesian people who asked for photos with foreigner. So, get ready to be a celebrity on the crowded places in Indonesia, guys! They did not hesitate to ask, "Can I take a picture with you?" And they were often discussing in Indonesian language with their friends how to pronounce it in English. It could be so annoying when you found groups and they wanted to take photos with you. Funny indeed. Why? Probably because you are a foreigner and different. That was all. We could also hiding somewhere nearby Borobudur and we did it to discuss about the details.

One of my friends was arrested for taking too many photos around Borobudur. Other reason were because he suddenly became a celebrity and disturbing the other. Many people were asking for photos and rowdy atmospher . But wait!!! It was just a joke during the trip at Borobudur. Stayed to ask the security to do so and they would helped to get a funny moment around Borobudur.

Tip : It is recommended to use a sun block, a hat or sunglasses to avoid direct sunlight. Most people are unfamiliar with excessive light or have sensitive skin, and therefore needed some supplies, especially during a visit in the afternoon. I am familiar with forced hot but still had to wear a hat and sunglasses as it is very hot.

Central Java: The story behind the Grandeur of Borobudur

arumtri — Fri, 16 May 2014 17:51:00 GMT

That was the second day, I started to get up early and be ready to the activity with new friends from Germany and Netherlands. The second day was scheduled to visit one of the world heritage sites, Borobudur.

Slightly citing information from wikipedia(dot)org and whc(dot)unesco(dot)org, Borobudur, or Barabudur, is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia, and is about 42 km from Yogyakarta city. The monument consists of six square platforms topped by three circular platforms and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside a perforated stupa. It is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, as well as one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world. Founded by a king of the Saliendra dynasty, it was built to honour the glory of both the Buddha and its founder, a true king Bodhisattva.

The name Borobudur is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit words vihara Buddha uhr, meaning the Buddhist monastery on the hill. The archeological excavation into Borobudur during reconstruction suggests that adherents of Hinduism or a pre-Indic faith had already begun to erect a large structure on Borobudur's hill before the site was appropriated by Buddhists. The foundations are unlike any Hindu or Buddhist shrine structures, and therefore, the initial structure is considered more indigenous Javanese than Hindu or Buddhist.

That day we were accompanied by a local guide who was quite fluent in English. We were introduced and given very detailed information about Borobudur even the ashes around Borobudur as the impact of the Mount Kelud eruption on February 13, 2014. Bit of information that I quoted from the tempo(dot)co, the phenomenal explosive power of Kelud Mount, the burst sand and volcanic ashes was spreading to the region of West Java and this was being the size of this eruption awesomeness. In fact, due to the high intensity of volcanic ashes, some airports on Java Island was forced to cease operations.

Arriving at the main gate, we could already saw Borobudur as a whole. This masterpiece was very beautiful, slowly etched by time and the number of people who came to visit. Its beauty will fade one day may even be lost if not maintained and preserved.

We are also introduced to the drainage system in Borobudur. For info taken from the-marketeers(dot)com on June 11, 2012 the German Government and UNESCO was signing a cooperation agreement in the Ministry office of Education and Culture, which formally marking the continued collaboration of both parties in the conservation project of Borobudur World Heritage Sites. Two international conservation experts from Germany, Prof. Dr. Hans Leisen and Dr. Esther von-Plehwe Leisen who did the deep analysis in parts of the temple for 10 (ten) days and made a recommendation to continue the temple conservation project in order to maintain long-term preservation efforts. The background of the project "Save the Borobudur World Heritage Site" by the eruption of Merapi Mount, which began on October 26, 2010 has resulted in a large number of deaths and severe damage to the infrastructure around the Borobudur Temple. Temple area covered corrosive ashes layer thickness reaches 3 cm, which was threatening conditions temple rocks and drainage systems.

The beauty was not only from the distance but also closeness. The detailed arrangement of rocks as measured adds to the beauty of Borobudur. Detailed carvings has each story. The questions that I always think, "How did they do this? How they resolve so much detail? How many people do that?" So many questions about Borobudur that can only be answered when I (probably) have a time machine to come into the making of Borobudur.

Photos: Yogyakarta Tour 4D3N

arumtri — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 20:48:00 GMT