Manado, located at the Bay of Manado in North Sulawesi. Surrounded by a mountainous area, it is the largest city in the region and a key tourist transit point for visitors.Arriving in Sam Ratulangi international Airport of Manado, you will find a lot ecotourism attractions in Manado. Bunaken National Park, for example. It is a very nice place for scuba diving and snorkelling. Or perhaps you prefer city view? Manado has it.
The first thing you should try when arrive in Manado is Bubur Manado or Tinutuan. There is no way you can say you ever been there if you never try this cuisine yet.Bubur Manado (literally means "Manadonese Porridge") is a rice porridge mixed with various vegetables (spinach, kangkung, corn, pumpkin, and cassava or sweet potato. It has became the icon of Manado.
The history of Bubur Manado is starting in 1950's. In that time, Indonesia was being in the middle of war with Holland. While rice (the staple food in Indonesia) was limited, people in Manado started to make porridge for their family. They put anything that possible to eat inside the porridge so everybody can ate : vegetables, corn, fish, and others). Even it is not nice to see, but the taste is good. Since then, it became one of the most favorable cuisine among Indonesia's soldiers.
After the war ended in 1959, people in Manado starting to create Bubur Manado in more attractive appearance and taste. Since then, Bubur Manado become one of the famous cuisine in Manado. Many people who come to Manado will look and try for it.
Eat the porridge while it hot, combining with fried spicy salty fish. Hmmm...very delicious....
Indonesia has many famous things that been well-known thru all over the world for centuries. But it is interesting to know that recently there are a lot of countries claim some of them are belong to theirs. Well…. You should not wonder why. Indonesia has been known as a country which consists of many beauty and exotic cultures. Some of them have been promoted and introduced to worldwide quiet often. I believe some people who ever visit Indonesia felt the culture is suitable for their country. So they took it and claimed them as theirs.
There are lots of interesting, exotic, and fascinating things from Indonesia that has been known (even been claimed by other countries) thru the world. Here are some of them :
BENGAWAN SOLO
Bengawan Solo is a song about SoloRiver, which flows through central and eastern Java, Indonesia, & is the longest river in JavaIsland. By end of 90’s, there are some Asia countries claims this song as theirs. Actually this song was made by Gesang Martohartono, a very well-known Javanese musician . He wrote that song in 1940, using local kroncong style.
Kroncong – pronounced “kronchong” - itself is the name of ukulele-type instrument and it is one of Indonesia musical style. One group of kroncong band typically consist of two ukuleles, a cello, a guitar, a bass, and a lead vocal. Kroncong music has been known since 16th century.
The song describes the legendary Solo River in a poetic and nostalgic way, that it is surrounded by mountains, it sources are near the city of Solo, and the uses of it in the past.This song is very popular (even until today) especially among Japanese during their occupation in Indonesia in 1943 – 1945. They brought the song with them to Japan after returning from the war, and introduced it worldwide. Since then, this song gained a large popularity, especially after been recorded by Japanese singers, such as Toshi Matsuda.
Bengawan Solo became a big hit in Chinese society after Malaysian singer, Ms Poon Sow Keng and Ms Koo Mei, sang it in Mandarin versions in 1957. Since then, this song is on of the best known Chinese oldies.
Many artists have recorded the song, among whom are Waldjinah (The Queen of Kroncong from Indonesia), AnnekeGronloh, Rebecca Pan (Chinese singer), and Frances Yip (Hong Kong’s Cantopop singer).
RASA SAYANGE
Another popular song that once had been claimed by other country is Rasa Sayange. Created by Paulus Pea from Ambon (an Indonesian ethnic group in Maluku, an island group east of Sulawesi, Indonesia). This song was used by Dutch East Indies Government (when they were colonized Indonesia in 1925) when made a tourism promotion. Malaysia use this song as a soundtrack for their movie, Antara Dua Darjat (1960, directed by P. Ramlee), which instantly became a hit. Since then, people believe the song was made by Malaysia composer. This statement became a controversy and became bigger when Malaysian Tourism Board used this song on their advertisement to promote Malaysian tourism industry. On November 2007, Malaysia finally returned claimed the song.
Besides in Malaysia, this song also very popular in Singapore and is often sung at social events or dinner parties.
REOG
In 2008, Malaysia claimed Reog is one of their origin cultures (according to them, this dance came from Batu Pahat Johor and Selangor, Malaysia) and named it as Tari Barongan (Tiger Dance). This claim has raising anger, especially Indonesia art society.
Historically, Reog was created by Ki Ageng Kutu, one of servant of Bhre Kertabhumi, King of Majapahit Kingdom that rules West Java in 15th century. Reog is the name of the big lion mask (known as “Singa Barong” – literally means King of the Jungle) with peacock feather on its head and been arranged like a very big fan. This is the main equipment of the Reog Dance (it is 50 kg weight!!). One person wear the mask and dance, while sometimes wave it. Some dancers wore paper horse and a person wore red face clown mask are the additional.
Recently Reog has been registered officially (No. 026377/11 Feb 2004 in Law and Human Rights Department of Indonesia) as one of the original culture and art from West Java.
BATIK
It is a wax-resist dyeing technique used on textile that been well known and as a trade mark of Indonesia, especially Jogjakarta (one of the biggest city in Indonesia, located in Central Java). Recently, batik patterns can be found easily in several countries such as West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Uganda, and Mali), India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Iran, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Burma.
SONGKET
Literally means “embroidery fabric that made from gold or silver threads”, songket is a hand-woven in silk or cotton. It is intricately patterned with gold or silver threads. In weaving process, the embroiderer inserted metallic threads between the silk or cotton weft threads to create a shimmering effect. Songket is a luxury product traditionally worn during ceremonial occasions. It has been known and produced in SumateraIsland since centuries and spread out to Kalimantan, Bali, Sulawesi, Lombok, and Sumbawa. Recently it also produce in east coast of Malay Peninsula and Brunei.
SILAT / PENCAK SILAT
It is a martial art forms, a combative art of fighting and survival. It usually accompanied with traditional instruments, such as kendang (double headed drum), and sometimes looks like folk dance.
Since 7th century AD, Silat has been a well-known martial art in Minangkabau (an ethnic group in highland of West Sumatera). Silat itself comes from Silek (Minangkabau language). When Islam spread throughout the archipelago in the 14th century, it was taught alongside silat. Silat became a spiritual training as well as being a combat art and folk dance.
In 1948, the term of Silat has been change into “Pencak Silat”. Pencak is the performance aspects of the martial art, while Silat is the essence of the fighting and self-defense.
KECAK DANCE
It is a form of Balinese music drama that performed primarily by men. It is also known as Ramayana Monkey Chant. Usually it performed by a circle of more than 100 performers wearing checked cloth around their waists and percussively chanting “cak” while throwing up their hands. This form of dance has been introduced by I Limbak, a well-known dancer from Bali, and has been performed since 1920.
In 1930, a German painter and musician Walter Spies had a deeply intereted in this dance and recreate it into a drama, based on the Hindu Ramayana’s story. He also adding a dance in it. Spies worked with Wayan Limbak – another well-known Bali dancer – to popularize the dance by traveling throughout the world with their Balinese Performance Groups. It helped Kecak been known and famous throughout the world as today.
SATE
It is a dish consisting of diced or sliced chicken, goat, mutton, beef, pork, or fish, use bamboo skewers, and grilled over a charcoal fire, then served with various spicy seasoning. It was invented by Javanese street vendors in early 19th century. It has been considered as the national dish, since it is easily to find in any city in Indonesia with many variations. Some popular sate variations are Sate Madura (originally from island of Madura, near Java), Sate Padang (from Padang, West Sumatera), Sate Tegal (from Tegal, Central Java), Sate Banjar (from South Kalimantan), Sate Makasar (from Southern Sulawesi), Sate Babi / Pork Sate (in Jakarta), etc.
TEMPE
It is a Javanese traditional food, made by a natural culturing and controlled fermentation process that binds soybeans into a cake form. It made from soybeans which consist of higher content of protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins (compared to tofu, which also made from soybeans). Tempe is often prepared by cutting it into pieces, soaking in brine or salty sauce, and then frying. Cooked tempe can be eaten alone, used chilli, stir frys, soups, salad, or stews. Tempe ha been used worldwide in vegetarian cuisine. Even some consider it to be a meat analogue.
ANGKLUNG
It is a musical instrument made out of two bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame. The tubes are curved so they have a resonant pitch when struck. Angklung is used and played by the Sundanese (an ethnic group native to West Java). Daeng Soetigna, a music maestro from Bandung, West Java, expanded angklung notations to diatonic scale in 1938. Since then, angkung often played together with western music instrument in an orchestra. The very well-known performances of angklung in an orchestra were made during Bandung Conference in 1955.
Angklung has been known not only in Asia, but also its popularity spreads thru America. One of the well-known angklung ensembles is Angklung Buncis Sukahejo, a Sundanese angklung ensemble at The Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington.
WAYANG
Literally means “theater”, Wayang is a kind of traditional puppet show. People believe wayang already exist in Indonesia since the first century CE, before Hinduism came to Southeast Asia. The first record of wayang performance is from an inscription dated 930 CE which say “Si Galigi Mawayang” (Javanese words, means “Sir Galigi played wayang”).
It believes that “Sir Galigi” was an itinerant performer who was requeted to perform a special royal occasion that time.
Most story of wayang was taken from Hindus story, such as the Mahabharata or the Ramayana. The wayang’s player called dalang (mostly played by male. Wayang today is both the most ancient and most popular form of Puppet Theater in the world. UNESCO designated Wayang as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on November 7, 2003.
One of the most inteligent primates is Orangutan and it is the only exclusive Kalimantan's living genus of great ape. The word "orangutan" comes from the Indonesia words (orang = man /people; utan = forest), hence "Man of the Forest". Generally, they are not aggressive and live mostly in solitary life foraging for food. Typically, they have reddish-brown long hair with longer arms than other great apes.
Orangutan height averages from 1 to 1.5 meters, with average weights between 35 - 110 kg or more. They have similar hands with human's hands. They can grasp things with both of their hands and feet. Ficus fruits are their favorite food because it's easier to digest.
Recently, there are two kind of Orangutan's genus that still available : Borneon Orangutan (Pongo pugmaeus) and Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii). According to IUCN Red List of Mammals, both genus are listed as critically endangered animals. The total number of Borneon Orangutan is less than 14% from the recent past. Most of Orangutan were killed because of forest and habitat destruction dueto logging, mining, and forest fires.
A number of organisation are working for the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintroduction of Orangutans. One of the non-profit NGO (Non Governmental Organisation) who has dedicated themselves to the consevation of the endangered Bornean Orangutan is The Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation. Founded by Dr Willie Smits in 1991, this Indonesian company has taking care more than 1,000 orangutans and employing more than a thounsandpeople at a hundred sites in Kalimantan to save orangutan. They operated a lot of large projects, such as Samboja Lestari Forest Rehabilitation Program and Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Program. Both program is managed by Lone Droscher Nielsen. BOS can be considered as the biggest primated conservation NGO worldwide.
Samboja Lestari itself is an area that created intentionally by BOS as tropical rainforest. It located Kutai District, near the city of Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. The aim of this rehabilitation is to providing save haven for rehabilitated orangutan, while at the same time providing a source of income for local people. With 2,000 hectares ofdeforested and degraded land,Samboha has become oneof the biggest rehabilitation area for Orangutan and other endagered species of birds and primates.
If you have interest to know more about Orangutan and other rare birds, you can take eco-tourism that bein held by Tourist Department of East Kalimantan. You will see the exotic part of orangutan and the fresh rainforest.
One of the clasical dance that still live until today in South Kalimantan is Baksa Kembang Dance. It is one of the most precious dance that originally only performed by the princess in front of the King. But now, Baksa Kembang has been performed and being learn by a lot of people in Banjar area.
The Baksa Kembang Dance is a dance to welcoming king's guests, such as kings from other kingdom. But recently, it has been used and performed to welcome Government Official, such as Governor, Minister, or even President.
According to Yurliani Johansyah - the Classical Banjar Dance's expertist - Baksa Kembang Dance has been established more than thousand years. She even recognize this dance has been performed long before the Kingdom of Banjar stand in the 15th century. The main key of this dance is the smoothness of the dancer (Baksa was came from the word of "beksan" which means "smooth" in Banjar's language). Another main key of this dance is the flowers bouquet which become the main property while the dancers performed this dance. The bouquet is the compilation of variant flowers (such as Rose, Jasmine, magnolia, and cananga), and will be presented to the honour guest.
The dance itself tells the story about the princess that playing in the flower park. They pick flowers and make them as a bouquet, then use it as their play-toy. The dancers is wearing a crown called Gajah Gemilang, a silver crown that being decorated using blossom forth. Usually the dancers are in odd-numbers (1, 3, 5, or 7 persons). This dance is accompany with tradisional percussion that played song called Ayakan, Janklong, or Kembang Muni.
This unique dance can be seen in South Kalimantan. So, if you visit there, and have a chance to see this dance, take your time to see it. Because not all the time we have a nopportunity to see this such a beauty dance in South Kalimantan.
Singkawang is not a big city. It only has 50,400 hectares wide, divided into 5 districts and 26 villages. Located near beach and surrounding by beautiful mountain view, Singkawang has become one of the largest tourism object in West Kalimantan.
In the beginning, Singkawang was a small village that became a transit area for gold miner, especially from Monterado. Some of the gold miners were come from China. Besides as a transit area, most of the gold miners were doing the transaction in the city. Because of this, the economy in Singkawang grew. Many of the miners who used to be only stay awhile, finally decided to stay permanently in Singkawang. Based on Government Regulation UU No.12 / 2001, Singkawang has been appointed as an Autonomy District by The President of Republic Indonesia.
There are three ethnics that live in Singkawang : Malayu, Chinese, and Dayak. All of them are living side-by-side in harmony. The combination of their ethnic traditions and cultures, turn Singkawang become a colorful city with the most combination traditions in Indonesia.
WHAT CAN WE SEE IN SINGKAWANG? Singkawang as several fantastic beach that you need to see. The water is blue, the sand is white, and the area is clean. One of the most popular beach is Taman Pasir Panjang Indah. It located 17 kilometers from South Singkawang or 128 kilometers from Pontianak City. The view in this beach is fascinating. You can do most if the beach activities : Banana Boat, kayaking, speedboat, beach volley, flying fox, cycling around the beach... you name it.... If you feel like "Well.... why not stay a night or two in this place?", you don't have to bring your own tend. There are several hotels and motels that available for you to stay.
Another nice beach that been well-known since long time ago is Palm Beach (previously known as Taman Impian Pasir Panjang). It closed to Taman Pasir Panjang Indah and have a wonderful view of beach. Very calm, and very refreshing. Try to stay till sunset. You can see how lovely the place when the sun goes down...
Another place that you should never miss is Sinka Island Park. It located in the Tourist Area of Karang Bay / Ma'jantuh Bay, located about 8 kilometers in South Singkawang, this place offered modern tourist facilities for family. The place is surrounding by the beautiful view of mountain and it consists of many kind of rare animals. They also provide tour-car for you who want to see the whole area.
If you are looking for adventure sight-seeing, try to go to Gunung Poteng (Poteng Mountain). It located at the Raya Pasi Sanctuary, and located about 3 kilometers from Singkawang. Besides its beautiful view,it also consist of many faunas and plants, such as Amorphopallus sp (Carrion Flower), Rhizanthes zepelii (Star Flower), Giant Padma Flower (Rafflessia tuan-mudae), and some variants of orchids.
Or you can visit Bagak Sahwa Mountain which consists of some of rare animals such as Honey Bear, Flying Squirrel and Boar. It located about 15 kilometers East Singkawang.
There are many more to see in Singkawang. So... grab your bags. It's party in Singkawang....!!!
If you went to Banjarmasin (the capital city of South Kalimantan), one thing you should not miss is Sasaringan. It is a traditional motif cloth from Banjar ethnic. Literally, Sasaringan means "straight line" in Banjar dialect. In fact, this cloth is having pictures and colors that made in vertical (from top to bottom) straight line.
Sasaringan has been known since 13th century. In the beginning, this cloth been called Langgundi (yellow weaving cloth) because it usually made in yellow color. The Langgundi cloth had become daily cloth than been wore by people in Banjar when Empu Jatmika become The king of Dipa (Banjarmasin) in 1355 - 1362. At that time, there was a city called Amuntai, that became a central of Langgundi production. Since 1365, people starting to develop Sasaringan. And since then, Langgundi had been replaced by Sasaringan because the the design of Sasaringan weaving is better than Langgundi.
Even not popular anymore, Langgundi is still available until today. Usually it's been used for special healing ritual as wrapper or headband.
The oldest Sasaringan that still available right now is belong to Mrs Ida Fitriah Kusuma, one of the resident of Banjarmasin. She has a 300 years old of Sasaringan which she received from her great-grand mother. On July 24, 1982, Mrs Ida Fitriah Kusuma gathered housewives of Banjarmasin who have intention of Sasaringan, and formed Banawati's Sasaringan Weaver Group (Kelompok Kerja Pembuat kain Sasaringan Banawati). This group has intention to introducing the cloth to younger generations, so the cloth will not extinct and they can keep the cloth as their heritage.
Starting 1985, The Governor of South Kalimantan Ir. HM Said instructed all Governmental officers to wear dress and uniform that made from Sasaringan cloth in every Friday. Until today, the instruction still followed and you still can see all government officers wear Sasaringan cloth uniform in every Friday.
Most tourists that visiting Banjarmasin will look for Sasaringan cloth. Besides the design is nice, you can feel the marvelous softness of this hand-weaving cloth. The cloth is sold widely in a lot of places in Banjarmasin. The price of Sasaringan cloth is depending on the motif and the type of the fabric. The more difficult design that been used, the more expensive the price.
Sasaringan cloth recently has been made in several variants of fabric, such as sateen, silk, cotton, or santung (rough silk cloth). Especially for silk, there are two kinds of it : Grand Silk (second grade silk) and Super Silk (first grade silk). Sasaringan cloth usually sold in pieces. Each piece consist of 2 meters (for top making, such as shirt),3 meters (for pant), 5 meters (for uniform top and bottom), and 7 meters (for complete part of ladies dress). The price of the cloth is between Rp 60,000 to Rp 75,000 / meter (approx. US$ 6,5 - 8 / meter).
But if you have no time to sewn the cloth, you can look for its shirt or dress in well-known mall around Banjarmasin, such as Duta Mall or Citra Sasaringan (near Pasaraya Citra).
If you want to have a long-lasting sasaringan cloth that can kept for years, here are some tips to taking care of this cloth or shirt :
1. Separate Sasaringan cloth from other shirt when you do first time washing, because the color of sasaringan cloth usually faded.
2. Don't dry it in the sun directly.
So...if you visit South Kalimantan, remember to look for Sasaringan. Because if you leave Banjarmasin without it, people won't believe you ever been there. Trust me..... it's true....
If you are one of the Crabs Lover, then Balikpapan is your heaven. Yeah....!!! Balikpapan has well-known for their crabs-dishes. You can find a lot of restaurants that sell crabs as their favorite menu. Each restaurant offer their special recipes you can't resist. Be prepared.... because in this article, I will "torture" you with the information of the most delicious crabs restaurant from Balikpapan.
OYSTER SAUCE'S CRABS
There is no any other place that serves Oyster Sauce's Crabs better than Rumah Makan Kepiting Dandito (Dandito's Crab Restaurant). Located in Marsma Iswahyudi Street, this restaurant serve their famous crabs in oyster sauce. Besides Oyster Sauce, they also have The Super Delicious and Hot Black Pepper Sauce's Crab and Dandito's Sauce Crabs that will thrill everybody's tongue. The taste is hot, but not so strong, Dandito's Sauce is a combination of special ingredients and recipe. Each once, and you will never resist to add more.....!!!Not enough spicy for you? Add their special mix red hot chilli with vinegar into the crabs. Wow..... the hot sensation is very nice but not burning. Very cool for people who love spicy food. Beware.... if you can't hold yourself to this delicious yummy crab dishes, please don't force yourself to eat it. It will turn you into Crab Addict. Really....!!
SWEET AND SOUR CRABS
Enjoying crabs in sweet and sour combination? Perhaps the crabs from Rumah Makan Kepiting Kenari can be your choice. Same area with Dandito, Kepiting Kenari offers a very special menu that you can't refuse : Sweet and Sour Sauce Crabs. Their crabs is in big size and some parts of the crabs have been filled with delicious sauce.
Besides crabs, try to order their famous lobster. Cook with leek, black pepper sauce and their secret ingredients, it will fill you with heavenly passion feeling. Hmmmm..... so sensual.
CRAB FLOSS
If you are looking for remarkable snack to take home, don't forget to look for Crab Floss (Abon Kepiting). It is also one of the most popular local snack that been hunted by the tourists when they visit to Balikpapan. Crab floss was made from real crab's flesh, content high protein, can be eaten directly, or use it as additional or replacement of meat on your sandwich.
So.... what are you waiting for? C'mon... let's hunt the crab's cuisines in Balikpapan.....
The first thing you should try when arrive in Manado is Bubur Manado or Tinutuan. There is no way you can say you ever been there if you never try this cuisine yet.Bubur Manado (literally means "Manadonese Porridge") is a rice porridge mixed with various vegetables (spinach, kangkung, corn, pumpkin, and cassava or sweet potato. It has became the icon of Manado.
