Mabissu Dance

The word “mabissu” is derived from “bissu” with a prefix addition of “ma“ that means “to perform bissu dance.” “Bissu” in “Bissu Dance” can be meant as clean and pure from menstruation, and invulnerable to any dagger. Likewise, amongst the Bugis people, “bissu” is the name of people performing Mabissu Dance.

Mabissu Dance, some call it Magirri Dance, is commonly performed by six male of bissus who are led by a bissu chair. Bissus performing the dance are dressed in female dresses.

Frequent beatings of tambourine are the dance`s overture. Soon after that, mystical mantras are recited in To Rilangi language (ancient language of the Bugis people) and just keep reciting them during the performance. The bissus begin to dance unconsciously; they start moving around Arajangnge, a sacred thing in which the spirits of deceased Bugis`s ancestors are taking a rest within. In addition, Arajangnge is also the space to put ritual offerings such as Bugis traditional cakes, fruits, and buffalo`s head.

Mabissu or Maggiri dance, as well as other Indonesia`s traditional dances, bears mystical values as well. When tambourine`s beatings gradually played faster, the bissus decelerate their movements to perform Maggiri.

Maggiri is a stage when bissus perform their invulnerabilities to any daggers. It seems out of normal sense but all are real. Bissus perform those all unconsciously since the spirits of deceased Bugis`s ancestors unite in their bodies. Daggers that are slipped on bissus` waists are stuck into other bissus` bodies, especially on their hands, bellies, and mouths.

Such an action is aimed at examining whether the bissus are suit to the spirits of deceased Bugis`s ancestors obsessing their bodies. Supposing the bissus and the spirits are suit each other, the Bugis believe it gives a blessing to all people.

The pinnacle of Mabissu Dance is nagiri`i. It is a stage when bissus point locally traditional weapons to their bodies. You will be amazed watching this invulnerability show. You will not see blood spouting from their bodies even though weapons point human bodies frequently.

To some extent, some people ask for blessing from the spirits of deceased Bugis ancestors obsessing the bissus` bodies. For you believing in such a mystical belief, you may expect favour from the bissus. For Muslims, however, expecting favour from another Allah is forbidden.

Mabissu Dance Location

Mabissu Dance is commonly held in Assaurajang Village, Segeri Sub-district, Pengkajene Islands District, South Sulawesi Province. You can take public transport from Makassar City leading to Sigeri Sub-district in approximately two to three hours. You have to succeed the trip to watch Mabissu dance by taking public vehicles for about 20 minutes.

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Parangtritis Beach

Speaking of beach tourism in Yogyakarta, Parangtritis Beach will be the first to pop in our mind. The beach in the southern coastal area of Java Island is indeed popular. Most tourists spend their time at Parangtritis during their visit in Yogyakarta. No wonder that this beach becomes the tourism icon of Special Region of Yogyakarta.

The name Parangtritis itself has an interesting history. Once, it was said that a fugitive of Majapahit Empire named Dipokusumo meditated in this area. In his meditation he saw water dropping (in Javanese language called tumaritis) from fissures of rocks (in Javanese language rock is also called parang). Then he named the area Parangtritis which means water dropping from rocks.

Parangtritis Beach maybe not as beautiful as the other beaches in Bali or Gunungkidul. But this does not trouble tourists. Every weekend or holiday season, Parangtritis is crowded with visitors.

People believe that Parangtritis Beach belongs to the territory of the Queen of the South Sea or better known as Nyai Roro Kidul. According to the local belief, Nyai Roro Kidul likes green color, thus, it is suggested that tourists who visit Parangtritis avoid wearing green clothes.
In addition to the mysterious story of Nyai Roro Kidul, Parangtritis Beach is also believed to be the meeting point of Panembahan Senopati (the first king of Islamic Mataram) and Sunan Kalijaga (one of the nine-saints of Islam) after Panembahan Senopati finished his meditation. Even, local people believe that Parangtritis Beach, Yogyakarta Palace and Mount Merapi are the manifestations of the inseparable trinity.

Particles of soft sands blown by the wind welcome you as soon as you set you set foot in this slightly slope beach. Rows of rocky hills and cliffs stretch on the westernmost of the beach. On the east side there are Parangkusumo Beach, sand dunes, Opak River estuary, Depok Beach and rows of other beaches. They are the bonus when you visit Parangtritis Beach.

Those who are adventurous should try hang-gliding from above the western cliff. Flying high above the blue sea is another enchantment to enjoy. In addition, you can also try another extreme sport like rock climbing. Rows of Parangndog cliffs offer an exciting climbing sensation and beautiful view of blue ocean as you reach the top.

When you wish for a peaceful atmosphere, enjoy playing with the wave and making sand castle. You can also enjoy the special snack called peyek jingking (ant-lion fritters) sold by the hawkers. One thing you should remember is that you must not go too far toward the sea because Parangtritis big wave is pretty dangerous.Walking along the coast westwards you will find exotic view of sand dunes which resemble the desert in the Middle East. Or else, rent a bendi (two-wheeled horse carriage) and feel another sensation of traveling along the coast.

At dusk, the beach view is getting more beautiful. The blue sky turns gradually into golden orange or glowing red. The sun is extinguishing as it is setting down and finally disappears. Dusk is the moment that tourists and photographer wait to take pictures.

Parangtritis Beach is not only a tourism destination but also a place to perform customary rituals. Every Friday and Tuesday Kliwon (the 5th day of the five-day week) there are always fishermen or visitors who throw offerings and flowers of various kinds to the sea. This ritual is often called as Labuhan and people believe that the offerings go to Nyai Roro Kidul. Through this ritual, people wish for safety and blessing from God. The royal family of Yogyakarta Palace also performs this ritual at Parangtritis Beach.

Parangtritis Beach Location

Administratively, Parangtritis Beach is situated at Parangtritis Subdistrict, Kretek District, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indoneia. Parangtritis Beach is accessible 27 km south of Yogyakarta downtown. There are two routes you can take to get to this beach. The first route is Yogyakarta –Parangtritis Street – Kretek – Parangtritis. This is the main route most tourists take.

The second route is Yogyakarta – Imogiri – Siluk – Parangtritis. This route is relatively longer than the first one but it offers more scenic panorama. Along the way, as far as your eyes can see are the green ricefield, fine rivers and rows of karstic hill. In addition, you will pass the Graveyard of Mataram Imogiri Kings.

All kinds of public transportations are possible to reach Parangtritis. If you do not drive your personal vehicle, take the Jogja – Parangtritis bus from Giwangan bus station and you are required to pay only Rp 10.000 (March, 2010). Another advantage you get if you take a public transportation is that you are free of entrance ticket.

Bicycle is another transportation alternative. The road to Parangtritis is level with less bend which is convenient for bikers. However, considering that it is 27 kilomenters long, make sure that you prepare yourselves with good stamina before cycling to Parangtritis.

Parangtritis Beach has adequately complete accommodations and facilities to meet tourists needs. Some of them are the inns, restaurants, food stalls on the sea shore, place of worship, parking lot, public conveniences, souvenir market, health clinic, lifeguard post equipped with watchtower and SAR team. In addition, there are also bendi (two-wheeled horse carriage) rentals whose tariff rate you can bargain.

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