Klewer market solo

Off the west gate of Karaton's North Square, this old market selling all kinds of fabrics, predominantly batik. Other traditional fabrics are lurik (hand-woven striped cotton cloth) and tenun ikat. There are hundreds of shops jammed along narrow passageways. The visitors must be prepared to bargain. Batik cloths and garments, hand-woven fabrics, traditional and local jewelry, leather puppets, basketry, tortoise-shell accessories, trinkets, brassware and other decorative items, and all kinds of antiques are local specialties. Souvenir and art objects are available in all major towns of Central Java, mostly in the downtown areas and popular market places or shopping centers.

Ambarawa Railway Museum

Ambarawa is famous nationwide by the credo Palagan Ambarawa. Small city that forgotten nowadays but became one of the important base camp of National heroes during Dutch occupancy in World War II. A small city in the junction of national road between Yogyakarta to Semarang and accessible to several small cities nearby like Salatiga, Magelang and Bandungan. Fifty km south of Semarang, Ambarawa has locomotives of various types and ages, and it is still possible to ride on a cog railway between Ambarawa and Bedono, a village nearby. Ambarawa Railway Museum 50 km south of Semarang, Ambarawa is the home of Java's antique locomotives, housed in a museum. Prior arrangements should be made for groups. Also of interest are a collection of antique telephones and other instrument used for railway communication.

The museum was established in the 1970s primarily to preserve a wide selection of the steam locomotives, which were then coming to the end of their useful lives on the 3ft 6in (1067mm) gauge railways of the Indonesian State Railway (the Perusahaan Negara Kereta Api, PNKA). These are parked in the open air next to the original station, originally a transhipment point between the 4ft 8 in gauge branch from Kedungjati to the northeast and the 3ft 6in gauge line onward towards Yogyakarta via Magelang to the south. It is still possible to see that the two sides of the station were built to accommodate different size trains. Ambarawa lays some way above sea level and was an administrative centre for the Dutch colonialists. Now the provincial Government of Central Java is increasingly taking an interest from the point of view of its heritage significance and its potential as a tourist attraction. Non-Governmental bodies like the Semarang Heritage Society are also acting to assist and there is also an unofficial overseas group 'The Friends of Ambarawa Railway Museum'.

gajahmungkur Dam

This Gigantic picturesque dam is located about 3 km from the town of Wonogiri. The water supply of the dam is from Bengawan Solo River, the longest river in Java. Its construction was in 1975 until 1981. The lake of the dam covers an area of 8.800 ha and has capacity to irrigate 23.600 ha of rice fields in the regencies of Klaten, Sukoharjo, Karanganyar and Sragen. It supplies the drinking water for Wonogiri and electrical turbine with capacity of 12,4 M.W. This is also a beautiful place for water recreation. There is a pier for boots to take people around the lake and also available facilities for water skiing, fishing and floating restaurant. The hand-gliding sport can be enjoyed here.

There, we can find Sendang recreation park that located at the bank of Gajah Mungkur dam, about 6 km from the town center of Wonogiri town to the South. The visitor can enjoy boating, fishing, water skiing, swimming or engage in hang gliding sport which starts from a hill near the dam.

sukuh temple

Sukuh temple is located in Berjo Village, Argoyoso district, in the slope of mount Lawu 35 Km east of Solo at a height about 910 m above sea level. The temple stretches from the east to the west with the main gate in the west. Sukuh Temple is decorated with wayang stone carvings of Hindu origin, the only erotic temple in Java. The stepped pyramid is like the ones in South America of the Maya culture. The temples are distinctive compared with other ancient temples in Central Java such as Borobudur and Prambanan, and its uniqueness lies in the landscaping, statuettes, and relief. The temples occupy an 11,000m2 area and consist of three terraces, each connected with an ascending alley. The most influential part is the last terrace, at the very back of the compound. At this very sacred area, once erected a homogenous phallic statue, which is now displayed at the National Museum, Jakarta. Another interesting and controversial factor of this historical site is the artistic relief on its floor, which depict male and female organs symbolizing the birth of life. This kind of construction is common in prehistoric time, especially in the megalithic era of pundan berundak (terrace grave). The temple consist of three terraces, the first terrace is the lowest level, followed by the second and the third above it. The terrace are connected with stairs to each other, each of it has an entrance gate. The temple has believed to be constructed in the 15th century during the declining years of Majapahit Empire. The relief found beside the first gate are believed had mean (sengkalan) reads Gapura Buta Aban Wong and Gapura Buta Anahut Bubut, meaning the year of 1359 saka or 1437 AD.

srabi solo

Try srabi, rice puddings on crispy pancakes with bananas, chocolate or jackfruit; or nasi liwet (rice with chicken and coconut milk). Solo’s chicken satay on Slamet Riyadi Street is renowned. Enjoy well-priced local dishes at Ahmad Dahlan Street and Jalan Dr Muwardi, or tasty seafood hotplates at Tio Ciu restaurant. Try Sun City Restaurant for Chinese food; or Adem Ayem and Wong Solo for Indonesian cuisine. Pasar Klewer (Klewer Market) is Java’s largest batik centre; while for antiques, visit Pasar Triwindu. Head to Kota Gede in Yogyakarta for handmade silver. Or for one stop shopping, visit Solo Grand Mall.
http://www.silkair.com/mbe/en_UK/content/destinations/id_solo_buy.jsp

Classical Court Dance

Bedaya Ketawang is the most sacred dance in the Palace of Surakarta Hadiningrat, it is the mother of other court dances. Officially, Bedaya Ketawang is only performed once a year in the karaton compound to commemorate the coronation of Sri Susuhunan Pakoe Boewono, as the King of Surakarta.

This dance is depicting the very special relation between the first ruler of Mataram, Panembahan Senopati with Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, the Goddess of the South Sea – the Queen Kencanasari. She vowed to protect every King of Mataram, the direct descendants of Panembahan Senopati as well as the country and its people.

For the karaton Surakarta, Kanjeng Ratu Kidul is its protector in the South, other protectors are:

In the East : Sunan Lawu (Mt. Lawu)
In the West : Kanjeng Ratu Kedaton (Mt. Merapi)
In the North : Kalayuwati (Krendawahana) and Kyai Prabayeksa (Java Sea)

The lyrics of the Ketawang song was so amorous, and also of other Bedayas, as Bedaya Dorodasih, a creation of King Pakoe Boewono IV when he was a Crown – Prince, depicting his affectionate love with R.A. Handaya.

The BedayaThe Bedaya are girls – employees of the Sunan / Sri Susuhunan / King, with main duty to perform rituals of the palace. The bedaya must have a high ability to dance, to make batik, to converse in a proper Javanese language, to know literature, to prepare herbal traditional medicine etc.

The bedaya dance in the karaton is performed by 9 girls, wearing same make-up and costume like a bride. The nine could mean 9 human orifices to control human lust or illustrating the constellations of stars, as Ketawang means sky in old Javanese.

The bedaya Ketawang is very special, it is focusing to the love scene between P. Senopati and K.R. Kidul, the other seven dancers move attractively in seated position. The sound of music, which are involving of five instruments and a choir of female sindens (singers) is very simple.

The dance formation could be changed to represent war movements, such as Garuda Nglayang (flying Eagle) and Supit Urang (Lobster’s Claws). The dancers enter onto the stage led by a chaperone, Ms. Ibu Menggung Tari, carrying incense burner. Firstly they are obliged to solemnly making circle movement around the king, who is seated on his throne.

Wathing the performanceDuring the one hour long dance performance, neither the king nor the audience are permitted to smoke, drink or eat. It is a strong traditional belief of the sacred of Bedaya Ketawang. It is regarded as fertility rite and symbol of union between the king and people and between the Creator and the Creatures, as said in Javanese Manunggaling Kawulo Gusti.

The bedaya dancers have to strictly follow some ceremonies and rules before performing the dance. The preparation is just following exactly the same manner as one about to marry. The night before the performance, all dancers have to sleep in the palace, secluded in Panti Satriya, the most sacred area of karaton, where the power objects are stored.

Bedaya PangkurThe bedaya dance exercises are held only every Tuesday Kliwon (Hanggoro Kasih), once in every 35 days, and usually intensive training started 10 days prior to the ceremony. The other bedaya which are famous in karaton Surakarta are a.o:

Bedaya Daradasih (from King P.B. IX)
Bedaya Sukaharjo (from King P.B. IX)
Bedaya Pangkur (from P.B. IV and VIII)

SrimpiSrimpi dance is the other dance which is also considered as basic dance in karaton Surakarta. The lyrics of its song reflecting moral lesson. The Srimpi Gondokusumo and Srimpi Sangupati (from King P.B. IX) are amongst the popular dance.

Other court dances also learnt and performed in karaton. As a rule all Princes and Princesses have to know how to dance. Sri Susuhunan Pakoe Boewono X had set a special time for his children to learn to dance.

The dances of Petilan or fragment from the epics of Ramayana, Mahabarata and East Java Kingdoms, such as Lawung, Garuda Yeksa, Klono Topeng (masked Solo Dance) Sancaya Kusumowicitro from King Pakoe Boewono V depicting human emotion, are favorite.

The present Sinuwun, King Pakoe Boewono XII was famous as Gusti/Prince Gatotkaca, because several times he danced as Gatotkaca. He has an easy-going personality, since his young age, he joined the court employees for dance training.

The dance exercises in karaton Surakarta held regularly at:

Sundays :
9.00 a.m. – 11.00 am for beginners
1.30 p.m. – 04.00 p.m. for senior students

Wednesdays :
02.00 p.m. – 04.00 p.m.

Saturdays :
02.00 p.m. – 04.00 p.m.

The Javanese court dance in karaton Surakarta shall always be preserved, maintained and developed in the best way, as it is also considered as Pusoko/Heirloom and high valuable heritage from their noble ancestors.

Joglosemar Online is grateful to Princess G.R.Ay. Koes Moertiyah Wirobhumi for the interview and photos.

(Suryo S. Negoro)

Best of the Best: Kopi Luwak Coffee

by Chris Cornell

Like many prized items, some coffees are rare. There are many factors affecting the limited availability of certain types of coffee beans. They include geographical factors, climate changes and in one particular case, the method of processing. Kopi Luwak coffee is unique and like no other. It is labeled as the most expensive coffee in the world due to its highly controversial method of production as well as the rarity of the beans. Sourced from Sumatran region of Indonesia, many coffee connoisseurs claim that this is a must-try.

The beans are in fact deposits from a type of animal called palm civet. Among others, civets enjoy consuming red coffee cherries. They are careful to select only the ripest, reddest cherries. In the process of consumption, the inner seed of the berries are not consumed. However, the action of stomach enzyme on the seed gives it a bitter, complex taste. When defecated, locals will collect the beans for washing. The beans are then roasted lightly to significantly reduce its bitterness and retain the complex flavors. The beans are safe for consumption as they have undergone thorough processing prior to packing.

A sip of this drink will leave you intrigued. It is rich and exotic in flavor. It also possesses a musty, earthy taste with a slight hint of syrupy smoothness. The fact that the beans originate from an animal is a unique factor to consider. Many experts agree that this gives it an unidentifiable taste that's unique to Kopi Luwak coffee alone. It is a rare offering and often not available in local coffee shops. However, for those curious enough, you will be able to purchase them from reputable coffee company online or specialized local gourmet coffee shops.

Though perceived to be highly overpriced by some, there is no other way to justify this drink other than to try it out. It is an experience like no other.

Bali Indonesia Vacation

by Winston Jenkins

Indulge in the Balinese locales, culture and lifestyle on a holiday and experience an ideal Bali Indonesia vacation. Being the largest tourist destination in Indonesia, Bali is renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance , sculpture, painting and music. So, a Bali Indonesian vacation is sure to captivate the creative artist in you.

Bali Indonesia Vacation: Nature and Culture

Enthralling locales are a must see on a Bali Indonesia vacation. You will find coral reefs surrounding the island, white sand beaches in the south and black sand beaches towards the west and north of Bali. Bali's wildlife includes several species of barking deer, monkeys and civets. Bali boasts 300 species of birds, including the unique Balinese Starling. Mountain treks are a great way to have a closer look at the active volcanic activity in the region.

The Balinese culture is heavily inspired from both the Indian and Chinese cultures. To experience its real feel, visit various temples, palaces and monuments. The truly rare and recommended ones are:

Puri Agung Karangasem Palace: An old palace where the previous Raja reigned. Taman Ujung Water Palace: If you thought old ruins are not worth visiting, think again because this one located in Amplapura is worth it. Goa Gajah cave temple: Exploring this 11th century cave temple will take you back into a mythological mode. It features demon heads that flank the entrance, an elephant headed Hindu god, Ganesha and six enthralling statues of beautiful nymphs who hold water spouts.

Enjoy Ultimate Luxury on a Bali Indonesia Vacation

Head towards the sandy beaches and add adventure to your Bali Indonesian vacation. Enjoy water-related activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and fishing. The spas attached to the resorts offer traditional massages and various other spa treatments, including sauna and steam baths, skin and hair treatments. The traditional Balinese massages use natural local ingredients, which are known to be wonderfully relaxing. A luxurious villa or a resort in Bali will make your Bali Indonesia vacation truly worthwhile and unforgettable. Bali is renowned for its luxury resorts or villas, set along long beaches and the clear blue seas. Most Bali villas are located in Canggu, Jimbaran, Kerobokan, Seminyak, Sanur and Ubud area. To enjoy total luxury and deluxe style, spice up your stay by visiting www.karmajimbaran.com.

Exotic Travel & Tours - Asia Takes the Spotlight as Cradle of Ancient Civilizations

by Basic Bruce


For people bent on enjoying exotic travel & tours, Asia beckons. Secret or unfamiliar destinations in Asia can make most travelers feel giddy with excitement.

Some of the amazing and beautiful places in Asia that keep travelers hankering for more are the awe-inspiring cradles of culture in China, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, to name some. Try to include some or all of these countries when planning your exotic travel & tours. Asia offers cities which may have transformed its heritage into chic & trendy tourist spots, but the way modernity melds with the old has commanded attention and lured people in droves.

One such destination which fuses dynamism with antiquity and is recognized as many people as among the best destinations in Asia is Beijing, China. When the city played host to the Olympic Games in 2008, hotels lost no time in renovating and building new elegant structures to entice people to keep coming back. Beijing's hotels feature the harmonious fusion of old & new. One hotel, for instance, features contemporary and sleek furnishings but its façade and roof are classically Chinese. Another hotel houses striking antiques yet features an updated collection of modern Chinese art on its walls. China actually has a splendid mix of upscale as well as budget hotels to suit traveler requirements. Sanya is one example of a jewel tucked in one of China's tropical island provinces which has become home to both luxury hotels and budget accommodations with well-appointed facilities. The beautiful island paradise of Sanya offers visitors pristine white sandy beaches, majestic mountains, rain forests mangrove reserves and year-round sunshine.

Another favorite destination, especially of backpackers, is Cambodia, where the breathtaking three-tiered pyramid Angkor Wat may be found. The vast Angkor temple complex - with its many treasures - never fails to excite the senses of tourists seeking a few hours of heavenly respite. Those who want to experience the one-of-a-kind thrill and mystique of Cambodia on limited resources can check in at budget hotels with stylish amenities. There are also lodges on the outskirts of Siam Reap offering great value, where individuals can recharge energies after a full day of sightseeing.

Exotic travel & tours Asia operators likewise highly recommend other interesting destinations like Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Try booking at the hotel located within Borobudur Archeological Park. `Surreal' - that's how travelers describe the experience of viewing the ancient temple complex of Borobudur from the hotel located in the temple compound. There are several budget hotels as well as restored old Javanese houses blending ancient character with modern amenities like the internet service and international television. These discount hotels are strategically located to be near major points of interest and offer a peaceful, comfortably pleasant stay.

If you've planned your Asian tour between the months of March to August, it may well be worth your time to choose Vietnam's heart and soul - Hue. This place used to be the royal capital during the Nguyen Dynasty. Temples, palaces, royal tombs and other reminders of Vietnam's glorious past may be seen there. At the center of the mysterious city are hotels with spacious rooms packed with amenities, and which offer a nice view of the scenery. Discover the hidden gems of Asia and see for yourself why people keep raving about and craving to return to them, for business and/or pleasure.

Which types of Balinese gamelan are rarely seen or heard?

by Vaughan Hatch

In Bali, there are in fact around thirty-five different types of gamelan which could be considered rare. Among the very rarely seen or heard is the sweet-sounding seven tone semara pagulingan (see www.balimusicanddance.com/about-us/gamelan), a remnant of the court era. According to a number of researchers, there are perhaps only a handful of original sets left in Bali and perhaps only two or three which can be seen in any state of activity. As with most ancient Balinese gamelan, the semara pagulingan has seven tones and its repertoire is made up of dreamy melodies which modulate between up to seven five tone scales. This type of gamelan was played while king was sleeping, said to have to power to induce deep slumber. Today, the original court repertoires are either desperately endangered or, in many cases, extinct.

The selonding is another rare gamelan which can be found in a number of villages in Bali, particularly in the east and in the north. Identified as pre-Majapahit music, the Bali Aga village of Tenganan in Karangasem is famous for its energetic selonding style. Here, the group is active and play only for special rituals, notably rejang and perang pandan. Tenganan's three selonding sets are considered so sacred that no outsiders are allowed to see or touch them, and there are also a number of pieces in the repertoire which may not be recorded. Selonding is also seven tone but most sets are made of iron, rather than the more common bronze used for other types of gamelan.

Gambang is also an endangered type of gamelan ensemble, so archaic that it is found in some of the Central Javanese Prambanan reliefs. A gambang set, played by six players, is made up of both thick-keyed squat bronze metallophones and large, low-pitched bamboo xylophones. Perhaps the most intellectual type of Balinese gamelan, you can hear the ancient melodies and rhythms of gambang at large cremation ceremonies all over Bali, as well as at certain temple ceremonies in the eastern villages.

Copyright © Vaughan Hatch 2009

For further articles about Balinese gamelan and dance, see www.balimusic.org

Legends Of Yogyakarta!

by James C.Cameer

Yogyakarta province is one of the most densely populated areas of Indonesia. The city came into being in 1755, after the division of Mataram into the Sultanates of Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo). Gamelan, classical and contemporary Javanese dances, the wayang kulit leather puppet theater and other expressions of traditional art will keep the visitor spellbound. Local craftsmen excel in the arts of batiks, silver and leather work.

In the middle of south Central Java lies the magical region of Yogyakarta, the cradle of Javanese culture and tradition. In the north the volatile, Mount Merapi - the Fire Mountain with captivating physical beauty stands vigorously guarding the surrounding nature.

This gigantic volcano, sometimes dangerous with its eruption and lava spitted from its crater, but at the same time gives tremendous fertility to the land. That's the reason why the farmers - inhabitants living in its slope do not want to leave their ancestor's place of birth. They have a mystical relation with Merapi to live in harmony with 'the rulers' of the mountain to keep them safe and peaceful. It disclosed that the name Jogja, instead of Yogyakarta or Yogya, is used as a promotion to market Yogyakarta since Y is a difficult alphabetical start for most international audiences -both reading and spelling. While Jogja is easily pronounced as JOG-ja, even JOG could be used as nickname.

Yogyakarta is known for its silver work, leather puppets used for shadow plays (wayang kulit), and a unique style of making batik dyed fabric. It is also known for its vivid contemporary art scene. Yogyakarta is also known for its gamelan music, including the unique style Gamelan Yogyakarta, which developed in the courts.

Water Castle

Built in 1758 by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I just west of the kraton, part of this pleasure garden and castle is at present no more than an intriguing collection of ruins, pools, arches and underground passages enclosed by massive walls, however, the central courtyard with the nymph-baths has been restored.

The Water Castle is located in the older part of the city within walking distance from the Bird Market. A number of batik workshops line the avenue leading to the pleasure garden's entrance.

Imogiri

Imogiri is the official cemetery of the royal descendants from Yogyakarta and Surakarta. The royal graveyard is located on a hilltop, reachable by 345 stone steps leading to it.

Imogiri is about 17 kms southeast of Yogyakarta and easily accessible by bus or car. The tombs are built within three main courtyards.

Entry into the smaller courtyards housing the tombs of the princes is allowed only on Monday 09.00 - 12.00 or Friday 13.00 - 16.00. Traditional Javanese dress has to be worn, which however can be hired on the spot at a modest fee. The cemetery is closed during the Moslem month of Ramadhan.