Love Island Travel

If you have ever been curious about Majapahit Kingdom of Indonesia, you might like to see a show of Gambuh - a ritual theater potrays culture of classical Javanese Hindu court during the age of the Majapahit era (1292-1527) Golden . The costumes are elaborate and majestic and the main characters speak and sing in Kawi is an old literary language. After the rise of Islam, Gambuh was flown to Bali where he survived for over 500 years, completely unchanged. Now the oldest Bali's performance heritage is close to extinction.

Why? I decided to watch a show at Batuan village outside Ubud and I felt as if I had stumbled into another realm; the female performers danced hypnotically their eyes looked away. The musicians played on meditative, low long slope flutes, which are unique to the entire gamelan Gambuh. And male performers loaded energetically across the stage before stopping and pose with their legs straight, like birds. Yet despite feeling delighted with the performance of magic, something did not feel well. Although the two-hour performance was condensed, spectators had slowly disappeared. Almost nobody watched the show at the end.

A complete performance Gambuh lasts for six hours and its history is part of a romantic poem, the Malat, in which the fictional prince Panji separated from his bride Candra and his research for many years. Concerned about the endangered art, the interpreter of Italian dance, Cristina created the Wistari Formaggia Gambuh Pura Desa Set in the Balinese village of Batuan in 1993. "We wanted to create a space where everyone could come and learn Gambuh . in Batuan, as in many other villages, rivalries are the threat of Balinese society and so I did not want to seek the help of a pre-existing group, but instead of creating a business where all people can learn both music and dance, "Cristina said in an interview with Odin Teatret.

I Wayan Bawa in Ur Hamlet

After Cristina died in 08, the artist I Wayan Bawa helped lead the group. Bawa Cristina met in 1985 and they both studied under I Made Djimat, one of the largest Bali dance masters. I had the privilege to meet Bawa in his artist studio in Batuan. As the sunlight filtered through the window, hitting its dreamlike, swirling paintings, I sat down and was treated to a cup of Balinese coffee. I could not guess the age of Bawa - his eyes were bright and his long gray hair shimmered freely down her back. He was incredibly charismatic and when he read passages from the ancient Kawi, I felt like I could remember an old part of the soul that had been locked.

"We had a school for Gambuh for children since 1997. Now, only three districts perform Gambuh in Batuan, Gianyar and Denpasar," said Bawa. It also has concerns about its survival. "Gambuh is a technically and musically challenging performance that requires a lot of learning and originally, it was only done twice a year for the great ceremonies because it is a sacred dance, not commercial. Because of this, the chance to learn Gambuh is limited because we practice and perform only twice a year. Cristina helped us to practice and perform more often to keep dancing and reintroduce the people. In June this year, I will be performing with the children in an art event in Denmark -. The mask of the future "Later in the evening, he showed us a practice gamelan for boys and explained that as they are not ready to understand meditation, the easier songs are played in first to maintain their interest

I learned more about Gambuh in the house of Milvia Terenzi -. a homeopathy practitioner - who was also a good friend of Cristina. After Cristina died, Milvia helped manage the school for two years and organized places and translations. "Cristina was the only European allowed to dance in the temples because it was a temple of dance. This is why she became Balinese Hindu. Dancing was her life, she gave all she had in her dance, "said Milvia." Cristina has traveled almost every night of Ubud until Batuan practice. Now, masks are in a museum in Sicily, after she died, we sent all the family. She was so beautiful masks. "

I wanted to know more about the disappearance of Gambuh." It is too difficult. Firstly because of the language that is Kawi, many people are required for the performance and the instruments are too old, so it's out of fashion. It's too expensive. Everyone forgets. It's a long show - now everyone wants shorter dances, "said Milvia. With these thoughts in mind, we sat down to watch a Ur Hamlet recorded performance.

Gambuh Desa Batuan Ensemble play in Ur Hamlet

Although based on an old European game dated 10 AD, the postmodern Ur Hamlet play Gambuh theater built with many traditional Balinese and Japanese performance. Balinese and Indian songs were combined with very modern settings as mothers pushing baby carriages, carrying plastic bags and men wearing running office clothes around mid-performance stage. The result was incantatory, perhaps one of the deepest theatrical performances I've ever seen.

Gambuh had been brought back to life. Cristina helped this ancient art form to evolve to a modern audience. Ur Hamlet was produced by award-winning director Eugenio Barba who founded Odin Theatre in Denmark, and Eugenio and Cristina have worked closely on the project. Cristina played the character of Orvendil (rule of Jutland and Hamlet's father) and I Wayan Bawa played the character of Fengi (Orvendil brother and uncle of Hamlet). "We performed at Kronborg Castle in Elsinore, Denmark, which was the original castle of Hamlet. For Ur Hamlet we had to learn to keep pace with Gambuh inside even if the music has changed, "said Bawa.

for more than 500 years Gambuh remained unchanged, but perhaps it will lead to his death. that's why performances explorers like Ur Hamlet are so important . "I do not think the collaboration with many styles contaminate or damage the art (of Gambuh). On the contrary, I think it will encourage them to understand the different ways to run and make them more solid in what they already know. I think this multicultural project consolidates the group, economically and gives them the chance to keep the nursing and nurturing care group. To give something of a sense of identity to the group, "said Cristina But my thoughts returned to the solo performance I had seen in Batuan. - If they are not able to see their audience, how will they survive

Read more
MC Formaggia Gambuh (00 ) The Foundation Lontar
Odin Teatret: http: //odinteatret.dk/

Whenever I meet someone on my travels throughout Indonesia as Ferzya, I am filled with great hope for the future of this country. This brilliant young woman was born in Banda Aceh in 190, but at age 10, his parents moved to Jakarta to get a respite from the ongoing civil war, and completed his high school studies Bogor.

Ferzya went to university and graduated in economics in Jogjakarta. She had a desire to return home, and spent a year traveling extensively in Aceh, become familiar with his native country and its variety of cultures. Ferzya recounted his impressions, "I realized very early in my travels that Aceh is nothing as reported in [negative] media. People are naturally friendly, and there are many beautiful places to visit."

Ferzya Farhan

However, on his travels through the forest areas and national parks, Ferzya witnessed a lot of destruction of environment. Unfortunately, the growing threats of both biodiversity and cultural heritage of Aceh are a reality and is happening at a rapid pace.

"Deforestation and illegal wildlife trade Aceh fly its ancient forests and iconic species. I think eco-tourism can help boost the local economy in Aceh and the pride of the people, adding value to the preservation and restoration of its natural and cultural heritage. "

Ferzya decided to do something. "I decided to participate in ecotourism, and be part of the solution, not the problem," she said. Ferzya speaks and acts from the heart. She speaks with great passion about forest preservation , natural resources and wildlife in Aceh. She takes tourists to visit these special places.

I traveled across Aceh in March this year and met Ferzya. We started to Banda Aceh finished in Medan. I knew some of the environmental changes that she spoke first hand, and I know with the passion and drive that smart young woman has, it will contribute to positive change.

There is the hope of Ferzya that people will not listen to the media, which often portrays Aceh in a bad light, but come and experience for themselves what Lonely Planet describes as "one of best kept secrets of the world for the adventurous traveler. "

There are still vast tracts of untouched wilderness, and see it now - before it's completely gone - help raise awareness of the issue and we hope to shed some light on these transform illegal business activities in more sustainable options such as eco-tourism initiatives. If enough pressure can be upgraded to stop commercial activities that threaten the conservation, heritage and shrinking wildlife that exist in national parks, reserves and forest areas changes will happen.

Ferzya has seen many positive changes since 04 Tsunami. The city of Banda Aceh is rebuilt, and the social fabric is being repaired. The Acehnese are positive about their future. In December 2014, the 10th anniversary of the tsunami, hopefully attract visitors. Now is the time for responsible tourism to move forward and if you want to support Ferzya, will support its commitment to responsible tourism with a long term vision, providing true sustainability in the hand by working hand with the local community.

Ferzya can be contacted via http://www.getaceh.com and ferzya.farhan@gmail.com email

“Australians remain wary of Indonesia, "said a headline on the eve of the recent meeting of the Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on the industrial island of Batam to bury the hatchet over a spy row .

Are there serious distrust between the two neighbors? Certainly not between Australians and Indonesians with strong personal and professional relationships. But most people in the two countries do not have such links . Suspicions are often based on ignorance and fueled by politicians and journalists in search of attention to research of a sensational story.

the latest claims of malaise stem from a telephone survey of 1,150 Australians in February. It found that 57% to Indonesia relationship with Australia as friendly, while a "feeling thermometer" measured the Australian heat in Indonesia to 52 degrees on a scale of 0 ° (very cold, unfavorable) to 100 ° (very warm, favorable).

Most Australians know little or nothing about Indonesia. The media told them time to time on terrorism, smugglers unpunished, natural disasters and drug busts. About a third of Australians believe Bali is a separate country. The figure was even higher before the arrest of Schapelle Corby there nearly 10 years

When I say that I am Australian Indonesians, the most common response I get is :. Harry Kewell. He is an Australian football player recently retired, who seems to enjoy a higher profile abroad. Before Harry Kewell, the top answer was Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, and before him, Mick Doohan, a motorcycle racing champion.

At the highest political level, the Indonesia-Australia relationship is prone to occasional crises, which are necessary for the development of a better understanding. Disputes are usually settled amicably without escalating threats of war.

Indonesian ambassadors were recalled in Australia a few times, but this action is more for public consumption to give the impression of a difficult leadership. When Yudhoyono completes his second and final term in October, Australia will lose one of his best friends. He has already forgiven Australia to try to exploit his mobile phone, even if the two countries have yet to formulate a "code of conduct on espionage" promised. The bilateral relationship could become more difficult if the former general Prabowo Subianto is elected president, although he rejected the view of many Indonesian politicians that Australia supported the Papuan separatism and attempts to violate Indonesian sovereignty.

Some Australians are unhappy that the Indonesia is the largest recipient of Australian aid: more than 500 million a $ annually They believe that Indonesia is becoming the richest countries Indonesia has foreign exchange reserves of 105.56 billion.. $, compared to Australia's forex only $ 57.36 billion. in addition, the external debt of Indonesia amounted to $ 276.5 billion in March, while the debt of Australia was $ 1510000000000.

savings "both countries are highly dependent on the exploitation of natural resources. The big difference is in the per capita income, which averaged $ 3,557 in Indonesia in 2012 and $ 67,442 in Australia. The flip side is that the cost of living is much lower in Indonesia, unless you live on wine and imported cheeses.

There are only about 3,500 Australians working legally in Indonesia. Most foreign workers here are China (14 371) and Japan (11,081), South Korea (075), India (6047) and Malaysia (4962). Yet geography makes the relationship with Australia crucial.

Australia and Indonesia will continue to suffer from future crises. Differences of opinion are inevitable, but they can always be discussed with the aim of promoting understanding and friendship.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia (R) shakes hands with Prime Minister Tony Abbott of Australia (L) after a joint statement at the presidential palace in Jakarta on September 30, 2013. Abbott began a visit to Indonesia on September 30 for talks on its policies relating to difficult refugees who angered Jakarta, his government faced criticism on a sinking boat that left dozens of dead or missing

Lowlights & Highlights

April 1942 :. In an early act of solidarity with the Indonesian Workers, Union of Australian sailors went on strike to protest against the treatment of Indonesian sailors who were interned for refusing to work on Dutch vessels for low wages

in September 1945 :. the Australian dockers Federation begins a Dutch ships prevention policy loaded with ammunition and food from Indonesia. Many Australian unions are joining the anti-Dutch blockade in the years to come

July 1947 :. After a certain ambivalence, Australia recognizes the Republic of Indonesia, limited to Java, Madura and Sumatra. Australia is Indonesia to the United Nations

in September 1950 :. Australia co-sponsors of the admission of Indonesia to the United Nations

1959 :. Prime Minister Robert Menzies became the first Australian leader to visit Indonesia despite its concerns about the rise of the Indonesian Communist Party

January 1962. Australia fall in line with America reverses its support for the Dutch administration continues to western New Guinea. Australia had previously hoped that the country would eventually unify with Papua New Guinea

March 1965 :. After initially kept out of the conflict, the Australian troops join Commonwealth forces in Borneo in the fight against the undeclared war of Indonesian Confrontation against Malaysia. Twenty-three Australians killed in the conflict, which ended in 1966 after Suharto overthrew Sukarno

1969 :. Australia has two independence activists in West Papua for eight months to prevent them from protesting at the United Nations against the incorporation of Papua in Indonesia

October 1975 :. Five television journalists based in Australia, were killed by Indonesian troops in Balibo, East Timor, to prevent them from reporting on the invasion of Indonesia's former Portuguese territory. Indonesia claims five were killed inadvertently in against fire. Successive Australian governments support the cover-up, not wanting to risk damaging ties with Indonesia

in September 1981 :. afraid of upsetting Indonesia, the Australian embassy rejects Max Lane aid agent after translating one of the forbidden books of Pramoedya Ananta Toer, Bumi Manusia English

in April 1986. the Sydney Morning Herald publishes a front-page article by its correspondent David Jenkins Indonesia, entitled "After Marcos, Suharto now for billions," exposing corruption linked to Suharto's wife. Indonesia responds by expelling Jenkins suspending visas for Australian journalists and the freezing of diplomatic cultural, and military. A planeload of Australian tourists refused entry into Indonesia. The Indonesian army accuses Australia of seeking to damage the international image of Indonesia

February 1988 :. Australian journalists are allowed to open offices in Indonesia

November 1991, p. Indonesian troops massacre of at least 250 unarmed Timorese in a cemetery in Dili. The carnage galvanize solidarity for the struggle for the independence of East Timor, although the Australian Government continues to support the Indonesian sovereignty over the territory

October 1997. The Australian newspaper upsets Indonesia by publishing a drawing representing Suharto as an orangutan trying to escape forest fires and labeled an "endangered species"

September 1999 :. Australia leads a peacekeeping force mandated by the UN in East Timor in response to killing sprees by Indonesian troops and their proxy militia, after the independence referendum in the territory. Relations reached a low level

October 02 :. The terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah bomb two nightclubs in Bali, killing 202 people, including 88 Australians. The incident led to the anti-terrorism cooperation

March 03 :. Australia joined the US invasion of Iraq, leading to demonstrations outside the Australian embassy in Jakarta. Radical groups are threatening to sweep the Americans and Australians on Indonesia

September 04: .. The Australian Embassy in Jakarta was bombed by terrorists Jemaah Islamiyah, killing nine Indonesians, including the suicide bomber

October 04: Australian Schapelle Corby was arrested in Bali for attempting to smuggle 4.2 kilograms in hydroponically grown marijuana. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison and released on parole in 2014.

January 05: Australia announced a package A $ 1 billion in aid for reconstruction and development Indonesia after the December 04 earthquake and tsunami that killed about 170,000 people in Aceh

April 05 :. An Australian helicopter accidents Navy while providing humanitarian assistance to the earthquake devastated Nias Island, killing nine people. The tragedy brought Indonesia and Australia close

April 05 :. Nine Australians were arrested in Bali for attempting to smuggle 8.3 kilograms of heroin out of Indonesia. They received sentences ranging from 20 years to death

October 05: .. Jemaah Islamiyah bomb three locations in Jimbaran and Kuta, Bali, killing 20 people, including four Australians

March 06: Australia provides protection visas to 42 Papuan asylum seekers who had accused the Indonesian military of genocide. Indonesia requires that they be returned and denies there is a crackdown in Papua. The Rakyat Merdeka operates daily an Australian Prime Minister John Howard caricature representative and Foreign Minister Alexander Downer as copulating dingoes with designs on Papua. The Australian newspaper answers with a cartoon showing President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as a dog copulating with a Papuan. Indonesia recalls ambassador

November 06: .. Australia and Indonesia signed the Treaty of Lombok, cooperation covering security issues and "non-interference in the affairs interior of another "

March 07: Garuda Indonesia Flight 0 crashes at Yogyakarta airport, killing 22 people, including five Australians

July 09 :. Jemaah Islamiyah bomb JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta, killing seven people, including three Australians

June 2011 :. Australia suspends cattle exports to Indonesia after the video TV shows cattle whipped, torn and clumsily slaughtered in Indonesian abattoirs

October 2013 :. Australian media release a document leaked by former US National Security Agency contactor Edward Snowden, showing that Australia in August 09 attempted to monitor telephone calls made by President Yudhoyono and his inner circle. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott refuses to apologize, prompting Indonesia to withdraw its ambassador to Australia. One of the main strategists Abbott likens the Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa to the Filipino porn star. Indonesia freezes military cooperation and intelligence

January 2014 :. Indonesia requires the suspension of the maritime border protection policy in Australia after Australia admits some of its warships made inroads "inadvertently" in Indonesian waters

Offering a Bungkus nasi krawu

There was even noon, but the beautiful scent of garlic and fried dough galangal had already made me hungry. My mother cooked a special dish for Eid al-Fitr asem asem buntut Sapi (oxtail soup sour), chopped and sprinkled confidence chili, onions and salt in the broth without tasting it ( she was still fasting). I could not resist the temptation to taste, but my mother slapped me gently when I tried to spoon the broth.

"The main thing about fasting is to control the mind, so we can control our appetite, lust, temperament and bad habits," she said while crushing abundant amount of melinjo leaves, which, according to her, made a sour taste perfect. "Choose words wisely, and give a good attitude towards others, be patient. They all will mean goodness in life, and the blessings of being God. "

30 days in each Islamic lunar year, all Muslims fast from the global practice, and refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and having marital relations during daylight hours. In this holy month, every Muslim should focus on their spiritual being and focus more on the personal relationship of one with God in order to get more blessing from the Almighty.

The fast ends with a party, also known as Idul Fitri or Eid al-Fitr, a day of victory for those who win the battle with yourself. This year the day falls on July 28 (subject to the observation moon), and this merry Muslim people celebrate with their families. Those living outside will return to their hometown, bringing stories and gifts at home, practicing Eid prayer together in the morning in the mosque of the village or the surrounding fields, visiting other to ask forgiveness, sharing happiness and delicious food.

I'm always looking forward to visiting my parents for the Eid celebrations, and here I am in Gresik, my hometown culinary pilgrimage feel excited as always to my taste buds gastronomic mode Home.

Gresik is a small industrial town northeast of Surabaya. Although most modern factories are now being here in the 15 ^e century, this city served as busy and important commercial center port, and was the first door of Islam to enter Java. Now as famous as kota santri (city of Islamic boarding students), Gresik houses two ancient cemeteries of Sunan Malik Ibrahim and Sunan Giri Islamic personalities played an important role in the spread of Islam in Java, and has become one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Indonesia.

The Grave of Sunan Malik Ibrahim

another charming Gresik is his prolific flat, nasi krawu . There are many different styles of this dish, but I'm a Ibu Tiban devotee. Its activity has been around Gresik since 1985, and its rustic warung , on Jalan KH Abdul Karim (another branch is on Jalan Veteran ), is always busy, even during Ramadan. I bought two Bungkus (delivery); rice - served on a folded newspaper with a humble banana leaf - is topped with silky brown succulent beef and entrails, and three different styles of coconut shreds: soft (orange), savory (brown) and hot ( red), and not to be missed is the pungent shrimp paste sambal ! Irresistibly rich flavor!

When the sun is fierce, the city shows its true spirit. I rode my scooter in the neighborhood of the main market, Pasar Gresik to admire the picturesque old colonial buildings and houses lined the Jalan Nyai Ageng Arem Arem , the living proof of his former glory. On the road, children playing, couples on motorcycles pass, looking for snacks to break their fast, and girls jilbab walk in a group of laughing at each other. He was calm and relaxing and I could feel the romance still missing me; that's how a religious city should be.

carts colored wheels are attached to each section of the main roads of Gresik to accommodate the pause fasting selling affordable takjils (drinks or snacks for breaking the fast ), and homemade food to those who prefer healthy food for loved ones. Do not forget to try legen a, sweet drink made of disorder ental (Lontar palm fruit), sold in kiosks along Veterans Jalan. Travellers staying the city not to be missed Pak Elan grilled boneless milkfish s', or bandeng bakar , served with paste sambal prawns , that offers a sensual culinary treat for those who have been patiently fasting all day.

I like to present the gastronomic pride of my hometown to my friends in Bali and Sari Kelapa on Jalan Sindujoyo, near the market, has everything that need. Pudak (sweet sweet cake, available in three colors - green, brown, smooth - is made from rice flour, sugar and coconut milk, wrapped in 'ope' - betel sheath sheet ) jubung (cake flour black rice sprinkled with sesame seeds, also wrapped in 'ope'), and ayas (colored cake jelly, also made from rice flour ) are oleh favorite -oleh of Gresik.

Jenang Jubung

But if you fall in love with milkfish, otak-otak is perfect to take home. Manufactured by taking any fish meat but leaving the skin, then mixing the meat with spices (turmeric and high dose of pepper and pepper), fish is then refilled and is tight with a bamboo stick before sending it on the stove for grilling. The explosion of flavors gives a real kick, and so far this dish always leaves me speechless.

few months, I tasted another invention of milkfish, Pudak bandeng , a perfect combination of a sweet treat mixed with soft fish meat, tasty. It's amazing how local people like to raise this silver fish in many different culinary fares. Not to mention a great traditional fish market, bandeng pasar which is specially organized on the last three days of Ramadhan on a 3 km stretch of the road to the market. Local farmers sell tons of fresh, best fish and throw auctions for the largest. The sound of music and ringing cries Blare in the background, the smell of fish not a problem at all for visitors. People make their way through the crowd to buy at least 3 kg of milkfish to share with the neighbors in the hope for better next year.In blessings my house, the loud sound of the prayer from the minaret is heard . My father has just arrived with two milkfish 1 meter in his hands, the star of our party tomorrow. Lebaran is coming, everyone can not wait to celebrate.

Choice destinations for the weekend cycling in West Java are often impassable because of access difficulties. Lido, for example, is a very nice recreation area with a beautiful lake, riding trails, paragliding and a resort hotel. However, the only way to get there is long "The Path to Death ', aka Jalan Raya Sukabumi , from the end of the Jagorawi Toll Road. There are many other paths for hot cyclists in western Java, but getting there is a challenge.

Puncak once a nice weekend retreat today is unspeakable six-hour drive to smoggy, stuck -up Cipanas. It's actually more like a mountainside parking, as the weekend will trap you in your vehicle boasting a long view of the tea plantations.

the same goes for the west coast . when you get to Anyer, Carita or Labuan, quite interesting biking areas, while enthusiasm is beaten out of you.

So where to go? My suggestion is enthusiastic Lampung province, the southern tip of Sumatra, but with a key qualification: you must first battle your way West Jakarta, Tangerang through, Balaraja, Serang and Cilegon, Merak industrial and survive a fairly uncomfortable. three hours ferry ride across the Sunda Strait to the port of Bakauheni

once you land in Sumatra, however, the world seems to open up: it is a vast landscape with fierce brute natural size - the less compared to West Java overcrowded.

What I normally do is to rent a small van to transport bikes and riders on the toll road bumpy Kebun Jeruk Terminal Merak Ferry. I can usually pounding drivers to Rp.400,000 for the trip.

Assemble the bicycle or motorbike on the ferry, for a few thousand rupees, and your uncle Bob. The two and a half hour journey across the Sunda Strait is picturesque and uneventful, unless you're enough to be trapped at the end Bahuga Jaya unfortunate, seen here through , as some the sleeping captain ran him in a tanker from an early morning last year and she sank like a stone at the bottom, reducing the population of seven unhappy passengers.

You should know that the Sunda Strait ferries are a favorite of pickpockets and other bands of thieves, who break in and search any vehicle, unless someone stays inside on the watch . Seriously. Keep an eye on your car or bike for the duration of the journey

There are good cycling routes abound in the province of Lampung once you escape the very -. Traveled Bakauheni - road artery Medan. Installed upstream of the terminal through smoke and heavy truck traffic is only for the ultra-hardcore. Better to start your cycling journey in Bandar Lampung, the pleasantly green capital of the province, an hour's drive from the ferry terminal. You can usually rent transport, with patience and haggling

Bandar Lampung worth halt for a night, after considerable struggle to escape the West Java pollution. we used the hotel Hartono, a place of two small stars with a magnificent view of the bay, and a tribe of monkeys that swarm the balcony, asking for food guests.

In Lampung, West on good roads with little traffic, Kota Agung. The cycling journey I describe as a rough quadrangle, combining riding and transportation. Map it out on Google Earth with the four points Bandar Lampung - Kota Agung - Krui -. Kotabumi, and back

Bicycling Bandar Lampung to Kota Agung is fairly flat, but a challenge in hot weather. I normally take the bikes on a local bus :. The driver of the piles just above assorted luggage of other passengers, for an additional Rp.150,000

During this trip to Kota Agung I had a Dahon matrix, a full size folding bike that was perfect for mixed riding and loading the luggage compartment.

Kota Agung is a fishing port on the wide Teluk Semangka (Watermelon Bay) surrounded by the peninsula of Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. Fishing boats come just after dawn with their catch, which is then auctioned on site. There are cheap seafood restaurants along the road; it is better to spend the night in nearby Gisting. energetic cyclists can climb to near Tanggamus Mountain.

From Kota Agung, it is the mountains to the west coast, another bike ride in difficult climb. Traffic is generally light; if you are tired there is always someone with a van that will take you a little further. Traveling through the National Park early in the morning, be surrounded by the shouts of troops siamang (gibbons) -. Their cries are easily moved five kilometers in the quiet of the forest

West Coast is large with sweeping sandy beaches as far as the eye can see. There is a bustling surf camp company in Krui, a fishing village on the coast. Expatriate long Zane Redman short Zandino Hotel, one of a number of economic (under Rp.0,000 / night, with meals) surf lodges. Caution is strongly recommended to Western Waters: while the local people are friendly and helpful, the roads are lightly traveled and reasonably safe, the ocean will kill you. There are strong undertow and you can get beaten along the coral reefs.

We go to Krui is in the direction of Liwa. It is a pleasant ride uphill, through the national park.

An hour north is Danau Ranau , a beautiful lake reminiscent disaster in mountainous areas in Austria. Lake Ranau is surrounded by mountains, with a symmetrical volcano west. Housing is poor - all but starless; as hardy cyclist, you can put up with a pathetic losmen ( "last resort" station) for one night. Hiring a boat across rough, windy black water of the lake is well worth the effort. Good roads riding too.

Then there was a long walk to the east, across the mountains of Bukit Kemuning to Kotabumi, where you catch the motorway axis occupied until Bakauheni. Better to ask the transport of bicycles and save the harp-game for later.

In short

Lampung, South Sumatra

capital Bandar Lampung

Region: 13.659 km2

population: 7,691,000 (2010)

Where to stay:

Hartono Lestari Hotel, Bandar Lampung. Jl.. Kesehatan 7, Bandar Lampung

Telephone: +62 721 262 525

Hotel Mutiara Alam Zandino, Jalan Pantai Harapan, Krui, Lampung

Phone.: . Zane Redman - 081514139201

http://kruisurfcamps.com

What to do:

Cycle and surfing.

In 1994, when the journalist Travel Ron Gluckman observed the Pasola ritual Sumba, all "signs" were good - worms precious Nyale were abundant, suggesting a successful harvest full of blood has been spilled by spear-performance riders. Twenty years after Gluckman of dramatic account of blood, sacrifice and death, I visited the island of Sumba in eastern Indonesia for more info on this animist festival, which occurs each February and March. But in 2014, the signs are not good. The worms did not come and confusion reigned on Sumba.

Now, the old ways of Sumba are changing because of new variables, including the introduction of Islam, tourism, climate change, overfishing, poverty and environmental damage. This had surprising effects on their shamanistic culture, which is closely linked to the dynamics of fragile ecosystems of the island. Sumba is considered one of the poorest islands in Indonesia and economically revenue sources include ikat (fine cloth), tourism, fishing and agriculture.

During my visit to the festival Pasola I stayed at home Jefry Dapamerang, who worked at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of West Sumba. "The function of this department is to promote the potential [ sic ] inside the West Sumba tourism and outside the country. The initiatives to bring tourism to Sumba has opened new possibilities for work Sumbanese, including tour guides, natural trekking guides and manufacture of ikat fabrics, "said Jefry.

On my second day in Waikabubak, I decided to buy ikat and visited the traditional villages of Kampung Kampung Waitabar Tarung and where it is possible to stay overnight for a donation. Among the horses and dogs, the villagers looked at me curiously before showing me their traditional goods. I chose a thick fabric with a white horse motif and a family invited me to their house - a stove was burning they used to make thick coffee. I found the villagers to be open and friendly, but there was also a melancholy strain. They seemed aware that their living standards were "poor" compared to other islands in Indonesia, whereas before they had lived a culturally rich life, full of pride in their bravery they risked their lives to their festivals - now they lost their self esteem. I wanted to see the Pasola and learn more about this culture diminish

Pasola is an ancient animist party where qualified riders hurt (and rarely kill) each other with bamboo spears -. Blood must be spilled to ensure a good harvest.

Jefry's house, near the beach where Pasola festival held each February, I left at dawn, driving to the queue of cars and motorcycles who were already waiting for the beach park. We had the sad-looking people carrying empty buckets who explained that to Nyale did not come. "If there is not Nyale there will be rats," said Esra we looked at the fields near fragile gold. On the beach, the Ratu (shamans) set sadly the sea pending a shaman end to begin the divination by reading the intestines of a sacrificed chicken.

as expected shamans, we heard the boos from the other side of the beach -. the Pasola had started without their signal Confused, we ventured to the men who were already steering their horses in a circle, brandishing their spears tensions were high and a drunken horse man tried to stab another. participant who ran to the sand dunes for safety. the crowd dispersed in a cloud of adrenaline and I discovered later that historically men with grudges wait until the Pasola their chance for revenge.

This afternoon I headed to Kodi in West Sumba for Pasola to Kodi Bawa. Stay the night in a losmen I ventured to the festival, at dawn, but we discovered that the worms were not found there either. Drinking coffee in a makeshift tent was a man with a damaged eye of a Pasola injury. He explained that the lack of worms was because of Iklim (climate change) and fish stocks also declined. In Kodi there were fewer tourists, locals seemed more traditional and many wore ikat - I stuck out like a sore thumb. Some people were drinking alcohol in the early morning as Pasola started and I was breathing in the fumes from the crowd of kretek smoke. As the spears flew, a man was hit, losing close to his eye and wrinkled circle with cheers

Resorts Sumba are essentially selling the "savagery" of Sumba -. An inherent spark that was lost from the CCTV development worlds. But Sumbanese are ready for tourism? Anthropologist Sumbanese culture, Janet Hoskins, said the tourist gaze can be seen as threatening or aggressive to the local population, so how tourism can become more responsible in Sumba?

"Tourists can use traditional clothing Sumba or attributes, use clothes in a polite manner and not consume alcohol in the arena Pasola" suggested Jefry. He believes that "the preservation of tradition and culture of West Sumba is an essential thing" and tourism is a way to generate revenue. However, he admits concerns about the "penetration amoral cultural habits like drugs and alcohol from other cultures to our younger generation."

If tourists are respectful, excellent relationship could be developed to allow people of Sumba to sustainably develop and preserve their culture. "People still have a strong belief in the cultural rituals. It was the first time that the ancients made a wrong prediction, "said Jefry, who later explained that the 2014 harvest was successful

Maybe magic is not stagnant. It must evolve with time since many new factors were added to the ecosystem and nature has become more unpredictable. Hopefully perceptual indicators among them continue to penetrate these mysteries and maintain their magical culture.

Gregg A. Hollomon part in the exhilarating diving, high-current to the Komodo National Park to photograph the great and the small pleasures of this area has to offer.

The archipelago of Komodo is really an adventure trip, but more importantly the people are lovely, and diving is straight out of a Jules Verne episode. My wife and I decided to make a last minute trip to the Komodo National Park, before our final departure of Indonesia as permanent residents. In the planning phase, I quickly found that last minute booking a dive boat is an adventure in itself. My advice is to start at least six months as Komodo is almost as popular with the international crowd Raja Ampat (especially during the high season from September to November).

Fortunately, a newly built airport Labuan Bajo, Flores now serves daily flights that significantly shorten the trip out of Bali and other Indonesian locations. The city has a small port that is loaded with dive operators, light industry, homestays and restaurants. Once you land, it is very easy to move with transport available. Many of the hotels two stars-and-up offer free shuttle into town.

Impact Diving

During our week of diving, I really don 't have a chance to reflect on the beauty, the diversity and excitement of northern waters of Komodo have to offer. Most diving days were followed with a night dive even though we were exhausted by the time of day. It was really a situation where you felt that you did not want to miss experience something exciting just around the corner. During the week, we managed 16 dives, which were all varying in topography, currents, special creatures and large pelagic feeding. The best dive sites (personal opinion) are Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Manta Point, and Batu Bulong (hole in the rock).

Check Dive

Our first dive was a shallow slope and wall off Sebayur Kecil Island. In 2013, a rogue wave hit the beach and waves of six meters destroyed the upper reef mainly large table corals. Below the mark of five meters, life abounds. It was very exciting to see a great locate squid egg which two men (or women?) Spar it out for dominance. Further, we found fish unicorn hunting small sardines while on the upper bommies, thousands of spectacular glass fish fill water. Masked rabbitfish mill around during that show.

After an absolutely amazing sunset we headed down for a night dive at the same site. We descend a sandy slope in search of gannets then directed to another wall is beautiful virgin fly. Purple glowing bioluminescence was everywhere. Jimmy, our guide Flores, is a very good night watcher. Hidden in a crevice of the wall was a large solar nudibranch over 20cm. As if that were not enough, a companion shrimp was lurking on the back of cleaning out parasites. Just up a meter is a green turtle sleeping. As my wife states, the dive was a thousand eyes made of cleaner shrimps, banded boxer shrimp, crab decorator glass shrimps, flatworms and laying of soft corals.

Favourite Dive site

My favorite dive of the week was Crystal Rock, north of Gili Lawa Laut. The top of this rock is the wave-based and can be difficult to spot. The base of the monolith falls over 35 meters, but most of the fish action is at least 27 meters. This site is known for the large currents and must be immersed in soft water, which means that you can get in depth before being swept off site. Jump into the water and descend quickly. water temperatures are from 28 degree centigrade near the surface to 19 degrees of upwelling.

Fantastic fish bowl menagerie, the site offers the giant cod and sweetlips in cleaning stations while huge yellow benches lined surgeonfish sweetlips and allow you to join their ranks.

jacks Surrounding all this action is dispersed, jacks and white tip sharks circling.

Encounter Manta a third type

At Manta Point (Karang Makassar), we jumped in the water and high churn began to drift-rip the along the bottom at 17 meters. Five minutes later, we find a huge manta which later explained Jimmy was a pregnant woman. She was a small cleaning station floating in the stream about 60cm above a small set of rocky coral.

I came upstream and locked my crochet reef on a rock to start the photography session. Before I knew it, it had made further progress in my direction and settled about 30cm right on me. I've never heard of a person who was crushed by a manta but the thought crossed my mind as the game played. After a while, she moved laterally to my relief. More current down we met five mantas with black completely, known as Darth Vader.

Danger Ahead

The scariest dive trip happened to be a simple dive Seiba Kecil Island. Jimmy checks on local conditions, but does not know which direction the current takes us so he jumps into the water to watch the orientation of the fish. After he is satisfied, we descend 18 meters and go with the flow. Almost immediately, we are struck with a very strong current down. All this happened so fast we had no chance of getting a reef hooks outside and were mainly due to small floor rubble that hopefully will not move.

The four of us were first separated by a number of meters and it took some time for each of us to alternately move forward. I had my BCD completely full of air and each time I made a move, I am swept lower. We crawled slowly along the side of the slope hoping the current would give way. Once he did, we moved shallower, then abandoned soon after diving safe stop. This dive has taught me a new level of respect for the unexpected; by the end of this 23-minute shallow dive we were all less than half an air tank.

Caution

Some people say that the Komodo diving is not for the faint hearted. I do not agree with this general statement, but certainly every diver should establish an action plan in case of separation of the guide or diving partner. This plan must be fully discussed and understood by the guide and others in the diving group. In addition, I recommend everyone wear a safety sausage, crochet reef and emergency strobe with you on all dives -. Even "dives beginners" simple

What makes underwater Komodo so vibrant is the current introduction flow in abundant supply of nutrients to allow divers just have to live with it. Live is the key word here

-

In short

Location: Lesser Sunda islands

Size: square 1733 km

How there: Garuda and Air Wings are the main airlines flying to Labuan Bajo now. These flights are non-stop from Jakarta and may have a short stop in Bali and Makassar.

What to bring: Your own scuba diving equipment, or at least bring your own diving watch, sunblock and camera

What to do: diving, snorkelling, visit the Komodo sanctuary on the island of Rinca