The Nature Preserve of Kaget Island

Kaget Island

Kaget Island is one of the tourism destinations located in the forest of Barito Kuala sub-district. The island is a delta close to the mouth of the Barito River. The island is inhabited by kinds of monkey with long nose which are known by the people as the Dutch Monkeys/Bekantan (Nasalis Larvatus). They are known for having long noses, red faces, and big bellies. There are also a number of different types of birds in this area. This area which is 85 Ha wide is established as a nature preserve in 1976 due to the decree of Agricultural Minister No. 788/Kptsum11/1976.

The local government of South Kalimantan enacted the Bekantans as the mascot of the province in 1990 according to the decree of the Governor. The I Provincial Chief Executive of South Kalimantan No. 29, dated on  January 16th,1990 and was agreed upon by (Provincial House of Representative) DPRD I South Kalimantan which is written on the decree of DPRD No. 162/112/DPRD, dated on March 28th, 1990.

The enacting of Bekantans as the mascot of the province results in strategic benefits for the area both as its symbol and as a tourism destination. As a habitation of preserved beasts, the nature preserve of Kaget Island becomes one of a well-known tourism sites for domestic and foreign tourists.

a Bekantan in Kaget Island

Unfortunately,  the existence of illegal lodging and environmental pollution drag the island into critical situation. Rambai Padi (Sonneratia Caseolaris), the main food of Bekantans, is one of the trees which are mostly threatened. It puts the beasts in danger as their numbers are decreasing.

The visitors will see various preserved animals around the destination, Bekantan. The preservation of the beasts is written in the law: The law of prevention to cruelty animals No. 2666 year 1931, the law No. 5 year 1990, the decree of Forestry minister no. 301/Kpts-II/1991, the decree of Forestry Minister No. 882/Kpts-II/1992, and the Government Regulation No. 7 year 1999. These beasts are internationally categorized as vulnerable in IUCN (International Union for conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) Red Data Book and is enclosed in Appendix I of the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna).

Those who visit this place for the first time will be surprised or will spontaneously drag a friend‘s hand when suddenly hear a sound from the leafy trees “nguuk…nguuuuk, nguuuuk….”, which is actually the sound of hundreds of monkeys. The sound of Bekantan will always stuck on thevisitors‘ head. They also will be amazed to witness the beasts which are known to be shy and only be found in Kalimantan, energetically hanging around from one tree to another.

Where Kaget Island Location?

Kaget island is located in the district of Tabunganen, Barito Kuala, South Kalimantan Province. The visitors can reach Kaget Island using speed boat from Banjarmasin which takes around 15 minutes or around 1, 5 hours using kelotok.

Read More

Traditional Ceremony of Accera Kalompoang

Accera Kalompoang

Accera Kalompoang is a traditional ceremony to purify the heirlooms of Gowa Kingdom that are kept in the Balla Lompoa Museum. The core of the ceremony is allangiri kalompoang, purifying and weight measuring of salokoa (pure golden crown) which was made in the 14th century. This crown was worn for the first time by the King of Gowa, I Tumanurunga that was later symbolized in the inauguration of the next Kings of Gowa.

Some of royal objects that are purified are a rattan spear horse tail haired (panyanggaya barangan), an old iron chopping knife (lasippo), a diamond-gold Kris (tatarapang), a sacred weapon as the authorized king attribute (sudanga), a dragon-head gold bracelet (ponto janga-jangaya), a grandeur necklace (kolara),  pure gold earrings (bangkarak ta`roe), and a gold button (kancing gaukang). Besides those heirloom objects, there are imported objects that were kept and purified in the Balla Lompoa Museum as well, such as a necklace from Zulu Kingdom, Philippines, on the 16th century; three gold spears; a long berang manurung (chopping knife); a pure gold plate from British Kingdom in 1814 A.D; and a gold medal from Dutch.    

The washing of those royal objects uses the holly water begun by reading Al-Fatihah by the participants led by an Anrong Gurua (Great Guru). Special for the heirloom weapons like Kris, chopping knife, and spear sharp point, the washing is done differently, being rubbed by perfume, rattan slice, and lime. This ceremony is not only visited by the descendants of Gowa Kingdom, but also by public wearing Makasar traditional dress in that event.

This sacred traditional ceremony for the first time was hold by the first muslim of King of Gowa, I Mangngarrangi Daeng Mangrabbia Karaeng Lakiung Sultan Alauddin on  Jumadil Awal Ninth, 1051 A.D. or  September 20th,1605A.D. This ceremony had not become a tradition for King of Gowa XV, I Mannuntungi Daeng Mattola Karaeng Ujung Karaeng Lakiung Sultan Malikussaid Tumenanga Ri Papambatuna who customized this ceremony every 10 Zulhijjah, after shaala Eid Adha, although King of Gowa XIV had started it. Then, the XVI King of Gowa, I Mallombasi Daeng Mattawang Karaeng Bontomanggape Sultan Hasanuddin Tumenanga Ri Balla Pangkana who was titled the Cock from the east, inserted Islam elements in this ceremony, was sacrificed-animal slaughter.

Since that time, the next Kings of Gowa keep doing the Accera Kalompoang ceremony and recently is still done by their descendants. Since this ceremony needs a lot of expense, around tens millions rupiah, so, every family in Kerukunan Keluarga Salokoa pay this ceremony alternately.

The most interesting of the Accera Kalompoang ceremony is measuring the weight of salokoa (pure gold crown) which is 1,768 grams weight and 30 centimetres diameter, and adorned with 250 diamonds. The measurement is very important for the leader and the people of Gowa because it is the guidelines for human being in the future. The crown is never repaired by adding or subtracting the weight, but when the measurement is being done in this Accera Kalompoang ceremony, the crown weight is changeable, sometimes less and sometimes more. If the crown weight decreases, it is an indication that disaster will be in their country. Once upon a time, the crown weight decreased then landslide occurred in Bawakaraeng which took tens victims. In other hand, if the crown weight increase, it is an indicator of prosperity for Gowa people. One day, the crown that is less than 2 kilograms in weight could not be lifted by anyone, even 4 people who tried to lift it up, but they could not.

Logically, that extraordinary event is unbelievable. But, since it was proven, the descendants of the Kings of Gowa and public had convinced it firmly. Because of that, they support and keep the Accera Kalompoang sacred traditional ceremony continuously.

Where Accera Kalompoang Location?

Accera Kalompoang traditional ceremony is held annually after shaala Eid Al-Adha on  Zulhijjah 10th, Hijriyah, in the Balla Lompoa Museum, on Sultan Hasanudin Street number 48 Sungguminasa, Somba Opu Sub-district, Gowa District, South Sulawesi Province.  

From the central of Makasar City, Karebosi, to the Accera Kalompoang ceremony implementation in Balla Lompoa Museum can be reached by private or public transportations named pete-pete (minibus) for 20 minutes, its cost around Rp. 2,000.00 per person. The visitors who want to see the procession of Accera Kalompoang ceremony are gratis, but with requisite must wear Makasar traditional clothes. If there is a visitor does not wear it, thus the custom official who is in the location will lend the traditional clothes formed special sarong of Makasar people named lipak sabbe (silk sarong). 

Read More

The Beautiful of Sanur Beach in Bali Island

Sanur Beach

Sanur Beach, one of the beautiful beaches in Bali Island, offers a panoramic view since a long time ago. Historically, on an inscription written at the tenure of King Kasari Warmadewa (917 A.D.) in Singhadwala Palace, it is stated that the beauty of Sanur Beach has been discovered at the time. Now you can still find the inscription in the southern direction of Sanur Beach in Blanjong Village.

During the colonial government of Dutch occupied Indonesia, Sanur Beach was functioned as the Dutch‘s harbor where they sent the Dutch fleet admiral to attack Badung Kingdom, which was regarded as mutinous kingdom. A war on November 18th 1906 A.D. which was commonly called Puputan Badung was a war to defend motherland Indonesia from the Dutch without fear, though the death was a choice. The war was historically led by Badung King who was helped by local people at the time.

Based on tourism view, Sanur Beach started to be known by international world by a Belgium painter named A.J. Le Mayeur, who later on resided and built painting workshop there, in 1932 A.D. He got married with a famous legong dancer namely Ni Nyoman Pollok, who was also known as his painting model. By his paintings, Le Mayeur started to introduce Sanur Beach to international world and also built a museum nearby the beach named the Museum of Le Mayeur.

While Kuta Beach offers you with magnificent view of sunset, Sanur Beach gives you a panoramic view of sunrise along the tortuous sandy beach of Sanur. At morning, while delighting in wonderful scenery of sunrise along the coast, seems Nusa Penida Island in the southeastern direction of the beach.

Sunrise in Sanur Beach

Moreover, the scenery of Sanur Beach at evening is just the same as at morning. Since the water is going to ebb, you can brightly see Serangan Island and a group of coral reef in the south. When the wave is not too high, you will be offered with a splendid view of colorful coral reef on the transmarine.

Snorkeling in Sanur Beach

Where Sanur Beach Location?

Sanur Beach is situated in Sanur Village, Denpasar Sub-district, Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia. For you who want to access the location, you can take any accessible public transports from Denpasar City to Sanur for about six km away. Indian taxi can also be your alternatives for you to reach Sanur Beach. Sanur Beach and surrounding areas are on the first priority of tourism development programs of Bali local government. That is why, you can easily find star hotels and restaurants as well. Souvenirs peddlers offering traditional work arts of Bali Island can be alternatives for you who want to eternalize your beautiful moments during the visit to Sanur Beach.

Read More

Lampuuk Beach

Before the tsunami suffered Aceh on December 26th, 2004, Lampuuk Beach was a favourite tourism destination for tourists visiting Nangroe Aceh Darussalam. The surrounding location offered the fresh air and tranquil nature to them who visited the location.

However, after that terrible tragedy, the beach began to deteriorate. Rubbishes were everywhere and casuarinas fell down splashed by the tidal wave of tsunami.

Now, Aceh regional government has been attempting to refurbish the location around Lampuuk Beach to attract many tourists following the Visit Indonesia Year 2008. On weekend, people visit the location for recreation and some other, especially researchers, use the location as an object for certain research as well. Though you are not allowed to swim, you can still do activities such as surfing and sailing. In addition, some peddlers along the coast are ready to serve the best foods and beverages for you.

Nearby the beach is a cement factory which suffered the most horrible damage when tsunami occurred in 2004. Next to the cement factory is an elegant mosque which kept standing firmly when tsunami suffered Aceh. Considering the location is the most terrible location when tsunami suffered Aceh, the local government decided to erect a monument to commemorate tsunami tragedy.

This white sand beach offers you the fresh air atmosphere, special for you who are looking for tranquil holiday ever. You are not allowed to swim there, but surfing and sailing are exceptions. Viewing sunset on evening is an unforgettable moment for those visiting the beach. In addition, there is a green golf field for you loving playing golf.

Lampuuk Beach Location

Lampuuk Beach lies in the western coast of Aceh Province in the northernmost part of Sumatra Island. The destination is located administratively in Lhoknga Sub-district, Aceh Besar District. Since you have just arrived at Banda Aceh City, the capital of Aceh Province, you can reach Lampuuk Beach by taking any public transport. To reach the location, you will spend about 20 minutes trip or about 20 km in distance. In addition, you will spend about 35 minutes to reach the location if you take public transport from Lhoknga. The entrance ticket for enjoying the magnificent nature of Lampuuk Beach was around IDR 1.500 before the tsunami. However, the precise amount of the entrance ticket to the location after the tsunami is under confirmation. Lucky for you having visited Lampuuk beach before the tsunami tragedy occurred in Aceh since the number of cottages could be easily found. However, it is hard to find lodgements or cottages around the location after the tsunami tragedy in 2004 ago

Read More

The City of Watan Soppeng: a City of Bats

Watan Soppeng City

Watan Soppeng is one of the most beautiful sub districts in South Sulawesi. This city is so shady for the many trees growing on each side of the streets. Its air is chilly since it locates on a mountainous are which is 200 meters above the sea level.

Lontara Bugis (the ancient manuscript of the Bugis) notes that Soppeng is historically a city of a prosperous and powerful kingdom. There is a palace of the king (Datu) in this housing complex which was built in 1261 C. E by I Latemmamala who was entitled as Petta Bakkae. There are also a number of buildings in the complex, they were: Bola RidiE (Rumah Kuning) which was for storing the attributes of the Soppeng Kingdom; SalassaE which is the ruin of the palace of the Datu; and Menhir Latammapole which was the place to punish those who broke the law of the adat (the customary law). The Jera LompoE and KalokoE Watu, a cemetery, can also be found here. The Jera LompoE is the cemetery of the Kings (Datu) of Soppeng, Luwu and Sidrap in the 17th century. Meanwhile, the tomb of We Tenri Sui, Arung Palakka`s mother, is at KalokoE Watu.

The Bats Community in Watan Soppeng

The city of Soppeng is so unique that people address it as “Kota Kalong” or “Kota Pekalongan” (it is not the same as Pekalongan city in Central Java). The visitors will directly sense a strong smell as they enter the heart of Watan Soppeng. It is the smell of the bats which are in that area. The smell will be even stronger when people stand exactly under the trees where the bats are hanging.

Those bats will leave the trees during the nights for foods. Thousands of them will fly covering the sky in the darkness from their wings. A sound of thunder from thousands of bats moving their wings alarms the people of Soppeng to begin their daily life as the bats return to the trees when the dawn comes.

Not even a single person in that area is sure when exactly those bats start settling in the trees on the sides of the streets of Watan Soppeng. People only believe that the animals, which look similar to mousse, have been there since hundreds of years ago. People also believe that those bats are “the guardians” of the city of Watan Soppeng. They even believe that the bats are sign to inform the villagers of anything bad or good that will happen in the city. It is believed that a disaster is about to come when the bats leave the city for quite long time. People believe that the burnt of the Soppeng`s Central market in 1990 was because of the cutting down of the trees where the kings and leaders of the bats used to stay. People no longer dare to annoy them since that moment. A ceremony, where a buffalo was slaughtered, was once held to invite the bats to come back to the city. However, it took quite a long time before they finally came and re-settled there.

There is also a myth spread among the villagers that when someone is hit by the dung of the bats, the person will marry a woman or man from the city. Are you curious about the myth? Come to Watan Soppeng and prove it by yourself!.

Where Watan Soppeng Location?

The city of Watan Soppeng is the capital of Soppeng sub district, South Sulawesi province, Indonesia. The city of Watan Sopeng is 150 kilometers northward of Makassar city. It takes four to five hours from Makassar by private cars or public transportations, which costs around Rp. 40.000 per person. There are many facilities available for visitors in Watan Soppeng such as food stalls, restaurants, inns, motels, hotels, and villas. There is also a wonderful Raya Soppeng Mosque in the center of the city which is far from the trees where bats usually hang on.

Read More

Telun Berasap Waterfall

Telun Berasap Waterfall is a nature tourism destination which is located in Kerinci District, Jambi Province. The water flows from Lake Gunung Tujuh, which is situated at an altitude of 50 meters.  The surrounding people call the waterfall “Telun Berasap” (literally means water smoke) since the fast current of water falling down from the crag creating such “water smoke.”

There is a cave nearby the waterfall. However, the local inhabitants are not brave enough to enter the cave. The cave has numerous meandering alleys hence it is difficult to reach. Moreover, the fast current of the waterfall and its escarpment keep the cave isolated from tourists visiting Telun Berasap Waterfall.

Telun Berasap Waterfall offers you with the magnificent scenery of green nature and fresh air of surrounding areas. The water falling down from above sprays soft sprinkle water on the bottom of the waterfall. It is jut like a white smoke called “water smoke”.  The water‘s grains spread beautiful colour when the sun shines brightly. The grains spout shinning light like a rainbow.

Telun Berasap Waterfall Location

Telun Berasap Waterfall can be found in Telun Berasap Village, Kayu Aro Sub-district, Kerinci District, Jambi Province, Indonesia. Telun Berasap Waterfall can be reached through three alternatives ways. First, from Jambi to the Punuh River (500 kilometers) and spends approximately 10 hours by taking public transportation or personal car.

Second, starting from Padang to Tapan, then continue to the Penuh River around 278 kilometers. The trip needs for about seven hours to reach the site by using public transportation, rent car, and personal car.

And the last, from Padang to Muaralabuh then continue to Kersik Tuo for about 211 kilometers. It can be reached for about five to six hours by public transportation. There are many hotels in the Penuh River – the capital of Kerinci District – with the prices range from IDR 15.000 to IDR 100.000,00. Some comfortable hotels are available for you to stay longer in the location. Some food tents ready to offer you some traditional foods and drinks typically Jambi Province such as Beras Payo, Gulai Ikan Semah, Dendeng Beteko, Kacang Tojin, Lemang, Jeruk Polemek, Kopi Kerinci, and Teh Kayu Aro.

Read More

Kembang Island in Barito Kuala District

Welcome Visit to Kembang Island

Kembang Island is a 60 Ha delta that locates on the middle of the Barito River, and is inhabited by monkeys and several different types of birds. It was established as a tourism destination in 1976 by the decree of Agricultural Minister No, 788/Kptsum12/1976.

A story tells that the island was originally a British ship which was smashed by the Bianju people in 1750‘s under the command of Sultan Banjar. Trees grew on and around the ruins of the ship as time went by, and it later turned into an island where a group of monkey inhabited. The people who live around believe that those monkeys are ghosts in disguise of monkeys. The monkeys are led by a very big monkey known as Anggur. The belief makes the island as a place where people come to make vows. Many people come to this place bringing offerings such as bananas, eggs, nasi ketan (sticky rice), mayang-pinang, and different kinds of flowers. Because of the many people who hold ceremonies and spread flowers around it, the island is later on known as Kembang Island (kembang literally means flower).

There is an altar in this site to put the offerings for the “guardians” of Kembang which is symbolized by a white statue in a form of a monkey (Hanoman). The altar notes that the visitors come there not merely to see those monkeys but also to pray, especially Chinese people.

The monkeys in this area are hundreds and even thousands, and are friendly to the visitors (though some of them are beasts). The monkeys usually gather in groups at the harbor as they see the tourist coming to the area, waiting the people to feed them with bananas, nuts, and other foods.

However, here are some suggestions to notice for anyone intends to visit this site since not all of the monkeys are friendly to people:

Prepare snacks such as nuts, bananas, and other foods to give to the monkeys beforehand. Put your things such as bags in a safe and hidden place because the monkeys sometimes would grab things from people and take them away. Be careful when putting things (bags, etc) in the klotok for the monkeys are able to jump into the boat and destroy things in it.

It is suggested for the visitors to prepare small changes (coins) to give to the many beggars around the area. Kembang Island is inhabited by hundreds and even thousands of monkeys and also some various birds. People can have the chance to see one of the monkeys which are the mascot of the beasts of South Kalimantan if they are lucky, Bekantans (Nasalis Larvatus). These monkeys are shy, having reddish brown hair, and long noses. People can also see the monkeys swimming there. The visitors can also interact with them by feeding them with nuts and enjoy the feeling of being crawled by them.

There is a temple in the island where people put their offerings or say their vows.  People relate the island to many mystical kingdoms. Many visitors confess to have mystical experiences such as seeing a bridge that connects Kembang Island with a land, seeing a prince in white riding a horse crossing the bridge, etc.

Where Kembang Island Location?

Kembang Island locates on the middle of the Barito River, Alalak sub-district, in the district of Kuala, South Kalimantan province. Kembang Island which is 60 Ha wide is 1, 5 km from Banjarmasin and can be reached by taking klotok, available for rent that costs around Rp. 200. 000 per hour (people can bargain for cheaper amount). It takes around 10 minutes from Banjarmasin to reach the location. The entrance ticket to Kembang costs Rp 2. 500 per person. There are many peddlers selling drinks and snacks around the area.

Read More