Archive for October 16th, 2006
Near the village of Sapeh, district of Lumbang, about 33 km to the north east of Probolinggo, there is a spectacular waterfall known as Madakaripura. It is hidden in the dense forest of the mountain range of Tengger.
It is very inspiring and adds the excitement of your visit to Mt. Bromo. This waterfall is believed to be the sacred waterfall since it was right here that the Great Prime Minister of Majapahit, Gajah Mada, spent the rest of his life and practiced asceticism by meditating under this waterfall. Paying a visit to this object and enjoying the lush mountain greenery would be an unforgettable experience. Words cannot describe the magnificent Madakaripura adequately.
This object, with a height of 620 m above the sea level, is on a gentle slope with a friendly atmosphere. You can feel the roar as the water falls from a height of 200 m creating an awe-inspiring waterfall. It is more likely a happening of something that takes place in a fairy land.
The best time to see the falls is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun is high enough to light up the valley’s bottom. One may bathe in the falls’ pure natural water, which, it is said, cures rheumatism and all kinds of disorders besides preserving youth and vigor.
During the rainy season, visitors will have to be careful as overflowing may occur occasionally. Attention should be paid to notes of warning.
This waterfall, which is quite easy to be visited, is just 6 km from Sukapura, the gateway of Mt. Bromo.
source : www.petra.ac.id
October 16th, 2006
Mount Penanjakan is located next to Mount Bromo. The top of this mountain offers a Clear and splendid view of Bromo’s Sand Sea, as well as an incomparable vista of rising sun.
The route to Mount Penanjakan passes through the village of Wonokitri, inhabited by Tenggerese Hinduists The community’s place of worship, the well-tended vegetable gardens, and the people themselves, are worthy of a visit.
HOW TO REACH MT. PENANJAKAN
Surabaya - Pasuruan(60Km): bus
Pasuruan - Kejayan - Tosari(41Km): car (4 wheel drive)
Tosari - Wonokitri(3Km): car (4 wheel drive)
Wonokitri - Simpang Dingklik (5Km): car (4 wheel drive)
Simpang Dingklik - Penanjakan (7Km): car (4 wheel drive)
source : www.baliblog.com
October 16th, 2006
This temple is located in Tuban Regency, the city lying in the north coast of East Java. It is also easy to reach by public transport such as bus or car since its strategic position close to the Surabaya and Jakarta main road, or take only a short.
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walk about two hundred metres from the Tuban bus terminal. The worship place of Kwan Sing Bio temple is predicted to have been built in the seventh century and its was also believed to have high supernatural quality, therefore lots of Hindu pilgrims visite there daily, especially on holidays of Chinese calender Imlek and the birthday of Kwan Ping thai Tjoe, Kwan Sing Tee Koen, and Tjoe Djong Tiang Koen.
The temple faces northward to the seashore. The Indonesian Chinese communities believe that God will easily grant every prayer spelt in this direction. One of its uniqueness is the giant crab standing on the gateway, and such a kind of thus is away from the custom since most of the temples have symbol of dragon and peacock.
The story of building up the temple is quite unique, as there was a mystical thing happened before starting work. Once, some Buddhists wanted to move the statue of Kwan Kong located at Tambakrejo village to somewhere in Surabaya by sea. The ship, however, suddenly span and therefore she could not continue her trip. They prayed together and got an inspiration that the statue did not want to move to another place. Finally, they went back to Tambakrejo village and built a temple there. The statue is believed to have existed there during the 13th century, the time when the Mongolian troops attacked Indonesia.
source : www.baliblog.com
October 16th, 2006
The Watu Dodol Tourist Forest is a quite potential tourist destination in the Banyuwangi Regency of East Java. It is about 14 km from Banyuwangi. This tourist forest is located within the protected forest at block 66B, RPH Selogiri, BKPH Ketapang Ketapang, KPH of North Banyuwangi, at an altitude of 10 to 50 meters about the sea level. Administratively, it is governed as part of the Pasir Putih Village, of the Wongsorejo Sub-District, within the Banyuwangi Regency.
This place is very precious. The combinations of hill, forest and beach make the beautiful scenery. Its beauty is more completed by a giant stone with a plant stands up in the middle of highway to Surabaya. The romantic panorama provides a good place for jogging track, cross country as well as enjoying the beauty of Bali strait in distance.
To the east of this tourist forest, and bordering the beach, a large boulder is standing 3 to 4 meters tall. A tree trunk is proturding from the south side of the boulder. At a glance, it seems that the branches are growing out of the solid rocks. While the larger boulder itself appears to rest on some other rocks. This is the characteristic that marks the Watu Dodol Tourist Forest.
A few meters east of the boulder; there is a platform that resembles a place of worship. At certain days the floor of this platform will be full of flower offerings, even small change.
Across the road, in the west, there is a cement stairways that leads to the mountains. About 10 meters to the right of this footpath is an ancient grave. It is at this ancient grave that visitors often meditate.
The Majapahit Soldiers
According to the local people, and believed up till today, there are many stories that relate to the large boulder and the ancient grave. When Banyuwangi (in the past was called Blambangan), ruled by Minak Jinggo, was attacked by the Majapahit soldiers, many of the Blambangan soldiers fled, some to the north tracing the beaches along the Bali strait.
One of the Blambangan officers who ran off, was carrying supplies in the form of jadah (dodol in Javanese, a sweet sticky rice cake). Because he was so tired, the jadah or dodol was unintentionally left behind on the beach, after resting out on his way to safety. The story goes that a solid standing boulder was formed out of the dodol left by the soldier. Even when the Japanese government widened the road, they did not succeed in blasting the boulder. Even the ship chains used to tumble it over, broke off. Today, the boulder still appears strong, and is even preserved as a tourist destination.
From the ancient grave, if you keep on climbing to the left, you will arrive at a rocky mountain. You can see far out into the Bali Straits. That is why it would not be redundant if the Watu Dodol Tourist Forest is claimed as the ideal place to enjoy the beauty of the straits that lead to the Island of The Gods.
On this mountain there is an observation cave left by the Japanese Soldiers from World War II. It is said that from this cave the Japanese Soldiers could watch freely the traffic of foreign vessels coming in and out of the Bali Strait from the north. Now the cave is hidden by the mountain and is covered up by bushes. From this Japanese cave, if you continue to the south, after about 500 meters you will arrive ata athreeway intersection. If you keep left and descend, you will arrive at a resting place, equipped with a children’s palyground and an umbrella shaped permanent building. For relaxation with the family this place does well. The air around is fresh and tha place shaded off by the dense ketapang (k.o. almond) and other trees. And in the south, a spacious parking area is available.
And that’s not all. East of Watu Dodol there is an umbrella shaped building that houses the restrooms and lockers for those wanting to change and bathe in the Bali Straits.
Sea Shells
A bit to the north, there is a resting house complete with a seating arrangements. It is located exactly on therock that hangs over the Bali Straits. The natural scenery from here is really fascinating. Further to the north are stretches of coconut plantation. The leave wae with the wind, while there is a lot of sea creatures, in particular sea shells. It is quite infatuating to visit the Watu Dodol Tourist Park. And if you look in the direction of the island of Bali (to the east), the Menjanagan and Tabuhan Islands at the edge of Bali Island are visible. So, when will you be visiting this tourist forest.
source : www.baliblog.com
October 16th, 2006
Alas Purwo (”alas” means forest or jungle, and “purwo” means the first or the beginning of everything), another name given to the Blambangan Peninsula. It is 42,000 hectare square. In former times the region was covered in mixed monsoon forest, but recently extensive teak plantations have begun to encroach on the landward side.
A comparatively dry climate has made the area an ideal location for production of the wood. Climbing a strategically placed observation tower, you will have a perfect view of the area, which is a popular feeding ground  for the animals in the mornings and late afternoons. Aside from a large number of bulls, you can see deers, pigs and a few peacocks. The existence of peacocks indicates that there are no tigers in the vicinity. The bulls usually keep their distance and at first it seemed that photographing is going to be a problem. However, it  is suggested that one of you venture out into the open with a guide and attempt to approach the animals.
Climbing over the boundary fence, you will cautiously and some what nervously head towards a large bull, which appeares to be grazing peacefully. You can approach them confidently with arms held high to resemble horns, a not entirely convincing disguise. If the bull suddenly lifts its head and looks straight at you, it means you have gone far enough. It is reachable by many kinds of vehicles about 76 km away from Banyuwangi.
source : www.petra.co.id
October 16th, 2006
Open-air recreation can be done in many places, such as: in forests, mountains, lakes, beaches, or combination of them. Grajagan is one of the Banyuwangi beaches that shows the combination of the rolling ocean waves on one side and the dense forest on the other one. In this place, we will be able to see the beautiful panorama of the Grajagan fishing village.
Because of that, there are many tourists visit this place. It is located about 52 km from Banyuwangi. Here, you can find an old cave which was restricted by Japanese soldiers. If you want to stay, there are also available cottage, cafe, and playing area for chlidren.
LOCATION
This recreation place is in the region of KPH South Banyuwangi, BKPH Curahjati. It is 314 ha located about 0-20 m from the sea level. It is included in Grajagan, Purwoharjo, Banyuwangi. Its topography is plain with small hills. Its temperature is 20-28 degree from November until May, and its climate is dry during June until September with average rainfall about 1, 300 mm/year.
INTERESTING OBJECT
A natural interesting object is a beautiful Indian Ocean completed with sand and ocean waves. Here, there are many traditional fishermen’s boats at night. PETURON is a beach where fishermen bring down their fish. It is always crowded by people everyday. Here, tourists can go shopping fresh fish directly from the fishermen. From a shelter on top of the hill, there is a beautiful ocean view completed with beautiful hills which can also be seen from 3 caves made by the Japanese. Boats which are located along the beach bring a special fun. Here, we can go sailing and fishing along the beach to Pelungkung which is famous for the ski water and Alas Purwo Reservation. Besides, there are also other recreational places, such as: SUKAMADE, PANCER, ROWOBAYU which are located less than 65 km from this place or Bali island. Some ritual/cultural activities, like:
- Gandrung
- Seblang
- Hadrah
- Barong
- Jangger
- Suro-an
- Qiwa Ratri
FACILITIES
This recreational place provides many facilities, such as: a gate with a special characteristic, a large parking area, guardhouses, a suspension bridge, public toilets, a motel with 10 rooms, a cafetaria, a playing ground for children, a paved road for about 1, 400 m, a footpath for about 1, 700 m, a Mosque, and electricities.
TRANSPORTATION
To reach this recreational place, you can use either water (unsuggested) or land transportations by cars, buses, or motorcycles with paved road. From Banyuwangi to Benculuk, it is about 28 km, and from Benculuk to Grajagan, it is about 12 km.
KINDS OF TREES
This recreational place is unique because this area is overgrown with:
- Teak (Tectona Grandis)
- Sonokeling (Dalbergia Latifolia)
- Fikus (Ficus Sop)
- Walikukun (Shoutenia Ofata)
- Lamtoro Gung (Leucocephala)
- Natural Silk-Cotton Tree (Bombax Mallabarica)
- Bamboo (Mabosa Sop)
- Ketangi, Bungur (Langerstrome Spesiosa)
source : www.petra.ac.id
October 16th, 2006