Archive for November 30th, 2006
The Ijen Plateau lies in the centre of the Ijen-Merapi Maelang Reserve, which extends over much of the mountainous region directly west of Banyuwangi and borders on the Baluran National Park in the north east. As at Mt. Bromo , the caldera is best viewed from the air.
Fortunately, almost all commercial flights operating between Denpasar - Surabaya, Yogyakarta or Jakarta usually fly, if not directly over, then close by Ijen plateau, where the seemingly luminous blue/green crater lake forms an unmistakable landmark. It is a beautiful scenery and located about 32 km to the north west of Banyuwangi.
The principal attraction at Ijen is the large, sulphureous crater lake which lies hidden between sheer walls of deeply furrowed rock at more than 200 meters. The Ijen crater itself lies at approximately 2,300 meters above sea level. It forms a twin volcano with the now extinct Mount Merapi. The enormous crater lake, which is 200 meters deep and covers an area of more than meters, a million square meters, contains about 36 million cubic meters of steaming, acid water.
Ijen crater shows a special type of volcanic feature common to Indonesia, about 1 kilometer in diameter and 175 meters deep. The floor is covered completely by a warm lake, milky blue green in colours held back by a dam built many years ago by the Dutch, in order to keep the hot, mineral laden water from raining the crop lands below.
The crater can be reached from either the east or the west by any kinds of vehicles, but the second part of the trip covers distance 3 km on foot (jungle track). However, the latter is more popular approach, since the climb from the road’s end to the edge of the lake is only one and a half hours. And a walk around the lake takes a full day.
The temperature drops at night, near the crater rim it can fall to about 5ﾃつｰ Celcius. The road ends at Jampit, where very basic shelter is available. It is also possible to sleep in the old vulcanology station further up the hill, now used by sulphur collectors, but permission must be obtained in advance.
The sulphur is transported entirely on foot. In the past, horses were used but they were found to be less practical on the hazardous terrain. Today, the mine yields nine to twelve tons of sulphur per day.
Individual loads of up to 70 kg are carried by men, often barefooted, up to the rim of crater and then 17 km down the mountainside to a factory near Banyuwangi. The porters are paid by weight. The most important advice if you are travelling to Ijen is: “If you lose your way, just look out for the sulphur trail”. The meaning was clear, since a continuous flow of two way traffic,carrying the sulphur down the mountainside from the lake and trudging up again to re-load, had left a yellow trail on the well worn path. The best time for seeing Ijen Crater is at 8 to 9 am.
| How to reach Ijen Crater |
| Surabaya - Bondowoso |
:by bus [191 km] |
| Bondowoso - Sempol |
:by bus [165 km] |
| Sempol - Banyuapit |
:by bus [14 km] |
| Banyuapit - Paltuding |
:by minibus, or car [4 km] |
| Paltuding - Ijen Crater |
:on foot [4 km] |
| . |
|
| Denpasar [Bali] - Banyuwangi |
:by bus and ferry [140 km] |
| Banyuwangi - Jambu |
:by minibus [18 km] |
| Jambu - Ijen Crater |
:on foot [21 km] |
|
source : www.petra.ac.id
November 30th, 2006
General
The Meru Betiri National Park lies at the south coast of east Java and is 50,000 ha. It was named after the highest mountain in the area: the Gunung Betiri (1,223 m).
The park consists of one of the last extensive areas of lowland rainforest on Java, as well as mangrove, lowland swamp forest and beach formations. Rumour says that here the last Javan Tigers have their domicile. Other endemics in the park are the plants Rafflesia zollingeriana and Balanphora fungosa. On the southern beaches, near Sukamade, five species of sea turtle lay their eggs.
Access
Meru Betiri National Park can be reached from Banyuwangi. Take a bus to Pesanggaran and from there continue with a minibus to Sarongan or a truck to Sukamade. From Sukamade trucks ride to Rajagwesi. Permits and guides are available at the PHPA office in Sarongan.
Accomodation
Rajagwesi PHPA Guesthouse Sukamade Wisma Sukamade
Trekking
The PHPA office organizes walks through the park.
Sarongan - Bandealit 3 days Sukamade - Turtle Bay 1 hour
Fauna
Rhizophora spp., Avicennia spp., Bruguiera spp., Sonneratia spp.. Endemic species: Rafflesia zollingeriana, Balanphora fungosa.
Fauna
Animals
Javan Tiger?? (Panthera tigris sondaicus), Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Banteng, Leopard, Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor), Javan Leaf Monkey, Long-tailed Macaque, Pangolin, Silvered Leaf Monkey, Black Giant Squirrel, Reticulated Python, Water Monitor, Green Turtle, Leatherback Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Large Flying Fox.
Birds
Green Peafowl, Black-banded Barbet, Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus), Asian Pied Hornbill, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Javan Coucal, Spotted Kestrel (Falco moluccensis), Rufous-bellied Eagle (Hieraaetus kienerii), Black Eagle, Collared Scops-Owl (Otus lempiji), Javan Owlet (Glaucidium castanopterum), Osprey, Banded Pitta, Red-breasted Parakeet, Crested Serpent-eagle, Blyth’s Hawk-eagle (Spizaetus alboniger), Changeable Hawk-Eagle, White-bellied Sea-Eagle.
November 30th, 2006
I. INTRODUCTION
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Parks is a technical field authority unit under Directorate General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation -Department of Forestry declared by Decision Letter of Ministry of Forestry number 1049/Kpts-II/1992, dated November 12, 1992.
Before declared as a national Park, mountainous highland of Bromo Tengger Semeru is a forest area with many function like Strict Nature Reserve, Recreation Forest, Protection Forest and Production Forest.
Declaration of Bromo Tengger Semeru area as a National Park is bassed on some considerations, i.e : rare and endemic flora, habitat of migrant wildlife, unique ecosystem, active volcano, scenery of nature, cultural and traditional lives of local people, as a catchment area for waterresources around the area, etc.
II. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The area of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park covers 50,273.30 hectares of mountainous highland and vertile valley, between 1,000 - 3,676 M above sea level. Beside the area is dominated by mountainous, there are also 4 lakes inside, namely : Ranu Pani (4 Ha), Ranu Regulo (0,75 Ha), Ranu Kumbolo (14 Ha), and Ranu Darungan (0,50 Ha). Geografically the area lies between 7ﾃつｰ54ﾃ｢竄ｬ邃｢ - 8ﾃつｰ13ﾃ｢竄ｬ邃｢ South Latitude and 112ﾃつｰ51ﾃ｢竄ｬ邃｢ - 113ﾃつｰ4ﾃ｢竄ｬ邃｢ East Longitude on the globe. Administratively is situated in four regencies, i.e : Probolinggo, Pasuruan, Malang and Lumajang - East Java Province.
According to Schmidt and Ferguson there are four climate types, i.e : A, B, C, and D. The monsoon showers fall from late October through the end of April when the dry season commences. The temperature ranges from 3 degrees to 20 degrees average with frequent intense heat waves that cause bush - fire in the June - August period and stifling humidity of 80 % can be felt during the wet season. ﾃつ The activities of Bromo Tengger Semeru sometimes have great effects in the freak weather. ﾃつ Winds with the velocity of up to 60 km can become intolerably cold.
III. FLORA AND FAUNA
FLORA
The vegetation of the park area consists of four main vegetation types : Highland Forest, Alvin Forest, Casuarina Forest and Grassland.
It is predicted about 600 species of flora in the park. ﾃつ The common species are : Casuarina junghuhniana, Vaccinium varingaefolium, Albitzia lomphata, Acasia decurens, Anaphalis javanica, Anethum graviolens. ﾃつ At southernpart of Mt. Semeru there are about 157 species of orchids. ﾃつ There are also endemic species in the park like : Melastoma zollingerii, Begonia laciniata, Carpesium cermum, Epilobium cinereum, Genarium homeanum, Rumex brownii, Stellaria vestiva, Tylophora adnata, Oplismenus undulatifolius, Styphelia pungeus.
FAUNA
Little information of wildlife in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is recorded. ﾃつ There are only about 16 species of mammals and 70 species of birds. ﾃつ The mammals are : wild pig (Sus scrofa), timor deer (Cervus timorensis), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), panther (Panthera pardus), silver leaf monkey (Presbytis cristata), common porcupine (Hystrix brachyura) etc.
The common birds are Hornbill (Rhycticeros undulatus), banded pitta (Pitta guajana), crested spent eagle (Spilornis cheela), and Australian grey duck (Anas superciliosa) at Ranu Pani and Ranu Kumbolo.
IV. LEGEND
When the Majapahit Kingdom was at decline, the Hindu-Budhist sect moved east ward and reached the vicinity of the volcanoes. ﾃつ The consort of King Brawijaya gave birth to dougther, Roro Anteng, who was later married to Joko Seger of a Brahmin caste. ﾃつ When they became rightful rulers, they gave themselves the title”PURBAWASESO MANGKURAT ING TENGGER“.
The word TENGGER deriving from the coining of the last syllable of their name this TENG-GER, from the word ‘ Tenggering Budi Luhur” which symbolises High Morality and Piece. ﾃつ The Tenggeresse people until now live in the area around mountainous of Tengger i.e : Ngadisari, Wonokitri, Ngadas, Argosari, ranu Pani, Ledok Ombo and Wonokerso.
V. ﾃつ TOURIST ATTRACTION
A. CEMOROLAWANG
The area is one of the entrance gate to the park from Probolinggo. Some activities can be done here and it’s surrounding i.e : camping, shopping and enjoying the nature scenery of Mt. Bromo and sea of sand, farmland, wild foliage and sturdy trunks plunge to wards the gleamy sand, etc.
B. THE SEA OF SAND AND Mt. BROMO
The sea of sand area was declared as a strict Nature Reserve in 1919 for the purpose of protecting the extraordinary Sea of Sand which forms the floor of caldera with diameter 8-10 km. There are several mountains inside the caldera, namely : Mt. Bromo (2,392 m a.s.l), Mt. Batok (2,470 m a.s.l), Mt. Kursi (2,581 m a.s.l), Mt. Watangan (2,6610 m a.s.l), and Mt. Widodaren (2,650 m a.s.l).
Walking on the Sea of Sand. stepping up on the 249 steps to the rim, enjoying the unique crater in a crater,watching the dawn at Bromo are the main attractionsin the area.
C. PEAK OF Mt. PENANJAKAN
From the peak of Mt. Penanjakan (2,770 m a.s.l) you will get a very good view to the area of Sea of Sand with the mount Bromo, Batok and Semeru in the background.
From the look out point at Mt. Penanjakan you can enjoy the sunrise between 4.30 a.m - 5.30 a.m while sunset is 4.30 p.m - 5.30 p.m. To watch the dawn of the day at Mt. Penanjakan you have to be ready on the spot at about 4.00 a.m.
D. RANU PANI, RANU REGULO,
RANU KUMBOLO AND PEAK OF Mt. SEMERU
Ranu pani and Ranu Regulo are two beautiful crater lakes on the upland of about 3 km beyond the southern rim of caldera. ﾃつ Ranu Pani/Ranu Regulo mostly passed by climbers who want to climb the Mt. Semeru. ﾃつ Ranu Pani about 1 Ha and Ranu Regulo about 0.75 Ha, are located nearby.
Ranu Kumbolo with about 14 Ha is located between Ranu Pani and Mt. Semeru. Walking a long the slopes of the lake Kumbolo, getting yours shoes stuck in the soft mud, smelling the fragance of pines and patches of miniature flowers, this is the idyllic solitude of the Kumbolo lake (Ranu Kumbolo).
For travelling to peak of Mt. Semeru from Ranu Pani, hikers have to take a rest at Kalimati or Arcopodo and then continue the travelling early in the morning (03.00 a.m).
On the peak of Mt. Semeru/Mahameru, hikers are adviced to avoid to visit the crater of Jonggring Saloko and southern part of the area due to the toxic gasses and lava path.
E. RANU DARUNGAN
Ranu Darungan is another small crater thet located in southern flanks of Mt. Semeru with area about 0.5 Ha. The lake is surrounded by tropical rain forest with many speciesof orchids. Some activities can be done here i.e : camping, fishing, education and research.
VI. ACCESSIBILITY AND TRANSPORTATION
Bromo Tengger Semeru national Park can be reached through the capital city or Regency as follows :
A. MALANG
Malang is the city where the office of Bromo Tengger semeru National Park located. From Malang to the park visitors can travel through the route as follows :
| No. |
Route |
Distance
(Km) |
Travel Time |
| Vehicle |
On Foot |
| MALANG-G. SEMERU |
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. |
Malang - Tumpang
Tumpang - Gubugklakah
Gubugklakah - Ranu Pani
Ranu Pani - Watu Rejeng
Watu Rejeng - R. Kumbolo
R. Kumbolo - Kalimati
Kalimati - Arcopodo
Arcopodo - P. Semeru |
18
12
17
5
4,5
4,9
1
1,5 |
30 Minutes
45 Minutes
2 Minutes
-
-
-
-
- |
-
-
4 Hours
1,5 Hours
1,5 Hours
2 Hours
1 Hours
3 Hours |
| MALANG - G. BROMO |
1.
2.
3.
4. |
Malang - Tumpang
Tumpang - Gubugklakah
Gubugklakah - Jemplang
Jemplang - G. Bromo |
18
12
17
6 |
30 Minutes
45 Minutes
90 Minutes
30 Minutes |
-
-
3 Hours
1,5 Hours |
| MALANG - PENANJAKAN |
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. |
Malang - Purwodadi
Purwodadi - Nongkojajar
Nongkojajar - Tosari
Tosari - Wonokitri
Wonokitri - Penanjakan |
32
14
20
3
14 |
30 Minutes
30 Minutes
45 Minutes
10 Minutes
30 Minutes |
-
-
-
-
- |
B. PASURUAN
Route from Pasuruan are as follows :
| No. |
Route |
Distance
(Km) |
Travel Time |
| Vehicle |
On Foot |
| PASURUAN - PURWODADI |
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. |
Pasuruan - Purwodadi
Purwodadi - Nongkojajar
Nongkojajar - Tosari
Tosari - Wonokitri
Wonokitri - Penanjakan
Wonokitri - G. Bromo |
32
14
20
3
14
14 |
30 Minutes
30 Minutes
45 Minutes
10 Minutes
30 Minutes
30 Minutes |
-
-
-
-
-
- |
| PASURUAN - WARUNG DOWO |
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. |
Pasuruan - Warung Dowo
Warung Dowo - Tosari
Tosari - Wonokitri
Wonokitri - Penanjakan
Wonokitri - G. Bromo |
4
36
3
14
14 |
15 Minutes
50 Minutes
10 Minutes
30 Minutes
30 Minutes |
-
-
-
-
- |
C. PROBOLINGGO
Route from Probolinggo are as follows :
| No. |
Route |
Distance
(Km) |
Travel Time |
| Vehicle |
On Foot |
| PROBOLINGGO - TONGAS |
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. |
Probolinggo - Tongas
Tongas - Lumbang
Lumbang - Sukapura
Sukapura - Ngadisari
Ngadisari - Cemorolawang
Cemorolawang - G. Bromo |
30
8
8
15
2,5
2 |
20 Minutes
20 Minutes
20 Minutes
20 Minutes
15 Minutes
10 Minutes |
-
-
-
-
-
30 Minutes |
| PROBOLINGGO - SUKAPURA |
1.
2.
3.
4. |
Probolinggo - Sukapura
Sukapura - Ngadisari
Ngadisari - Cemorolawang
Cemorolawang - G. Bromo |
25
15
2,5
2 |
30 Minutes
20 Minutes
15 Minutes
10 Minutes |
-
-
-
30 Minutes |
D. LUMAJANG
Route from Lumajang are as follows :
| No. |
Route |
Distance
(Km) |
Travel Time |
| Vehicle |
On Foot |
| LUMAJANG - G. BROMO |
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. |
Lumajang - Senduro
Senduro - Burno
Burno - Ranu Pani
Ranu Pani - Jemplang
Jemplang - G. Bromo |
25
14
29
8
8 |
1 Hours
50 Minutes
3 Hours
1 Hours
40 Minutes |
-
-
-
3 Hours
1,5 Hours |
| LUMAJANG - G. SEMERU |
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. |
Lumajang - Senduro
Senduro - Burno
Burno - Ranu Pani
Ranu Pani - Watu Rejeng
Watu Rejeng- R. Kumbolo
Ranu Kumbolo - Kalimati
Kalimati - Arcopodo
Arcopodo - Puncak Semeru |
25
14
29
7
6
11,5
1
2,5 |
1 Hours
50 Minutes
3 Hours
-
-
-
-
- |
-
-
-
1,5hours
1,5 Hours
3 Hours
1 Hours
3 Hours |
VII. RESTRICTIONS AND REGULATIONS
Visitors of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park are requested to respect the following regulations and guidelines :
- Visitors for recreation can come to the park directly through one of the four entrance gate (Cemorolawang-Sukapura/Probolinggo, Wonokitri-Tosari/ Pasuruan, Ngadas-Poncokusumo/Malang, Burno-Senduro/Lumajang).
Before entering the park, visitors have to buy the entrance ticket at the nearest entrance fee collection post.
- Visitors who want to climb Mt. Mahameru beside have entrance ticket also have to ask permit letter for hiking to the Office of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Jl. Raden Intan No. 6 Malang.
- Foreign researcher must have permit letter issued by Directorate General Forest Protection and Nature Conservation-Department of Forestry in Jakarta. For domestic researcher permit letter issued by the Office of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in Malang.
- Come suitably prepared and provisional especially if you want to stay overnight.
- It is advisable to be accompanied by staff member/guard/special guide of the park when travelling the area.
- Keep the park clean by taking all your rubbish out of the park with you (plastics, bottles, cans, etc).
- Don’t take anything inside the park except photo, don’t leave anything except your foot-print.
- Don’t travel the park through outside of avaliable tracks.
November 30th, 2006
Pohsarang Church is a catholicﾃつ church in Kediri, Indonesia built by H. Mclaine Pont in the 1930’s, located right at the slope of mount Wilis. The church is unique, in every way.
Entering Pohsarang, like entering a temple complex, with many stones. The area around this church complex is indeed the producer of building stones, which is having long, round shape. This was likely the thing inspired the Dutch architect who has an awareness of local architecture and culture context, also to the potential of the surrounding area.
The journey inside the Pohsarang Church complex was welcomed by the unique church, with church bells and all catholic stuff, including statues.
The unique thing about the church was; the ‘down to earth feeling’ which is amazing, humble in a language we could use. Not big, tall and typical catholic churches, this church embrace all the potential and context of the area, including the use of gamelan (traditional Javanese music instrument) for the church music.
We can not show many photos, due to some limitations when visiting the place, but we are sure, you can find many literature that will make you want to visit the site. But we suggest, if you go to East Java, don’t forget to visit the church to add your spatial experience.ﾃつ
Inside, there are dioramas in size bigger than human picturing ‘the road of the Cross’ (sorry if we’re wrong to translate this) which is a very interesting object to appreciate, aside of whatever religion (or atheism) you have. This diorama show the meaning of what the Catholic people believe. The whole area is actually ‘a theme park’ of catholic spiritualism.ﾃつ
source : http://www.astudio.id.or.id/
November 30th, 2006
Kangean Island is the name of an island among the many islands that are stretched out east of Madura Island, of East Java.
From the government administration point of view; the island is divided into two; West Kangean, which is included in the Arjasa Sub-District, and East Kangean, which is included in the Sapeken Sub-District. Both Sub-District are part of the Sumenep Regency.
Geographically, on the topographic map, Kangean Island is located closer to Bali Island, as compared to Lombok Island. To Bali Island in West Nusa Tenggara, it is a 4 hours sea journey by speedboat.
This island, which is 30,000 hectares in size, apparently holdsa tourism potential that is feasible to be offered. In particular for adventuretourism, in free nature. The attraction of Kangean Island can be felt, starting with the journey from West Kangean to East Kangean. All along the route, a combination of natural forests with the captivatingbeaches of the Java Sea, are stretched out. If you would like to buy souvenirs, in Arjasa of West Kangean, there are wood handicrafts of bahar and sentaki roots. It is said that a cane of such wood has certain virtues for the user. Apart from that, the area is also known for its jungle fowls that have melodious crows, and are excellent studs for cross breeds. It is not too difficult to obtain these jungle fowls, because there is a breeding farm in Arjasa, managed by H. Ansoruddin.
The other tourist attractions are found more in East Kangean. Between Tembayang Bay Harbour and Sepanjang Island, a little island south east of Kangean Island, a natural mangrove forestry is lined up. It even has a still intact habitat. Various animals, like monkeys, komodos and snakes, are still found here, in abundance. Hence, the mangrove forestry that functions as the transition between the marine and land eco-systems, can still be found on Kangean Island.
Because of its genuinity the Perum Perhutani Unit II of East Java, which manages this area, has determined this area as one of the tourist locations that has a mangrove forestry, and a still intact eco-system,as its main presentation. Permits can be obtained at the Perhutani Station in Tembayangan Bay. Or further information can be obtained from the Perhutani KPH Madura Office at jalan Joko Tole No. 190, Pamekasan. Phone (62-324) 22549.
In between the stretches of mangrove forestry, that from little islands, is the marine park with its variety of coral reefs, complete with colorful decorative fish.
To experience the beauty of the marine park on the mangrove forestry, no spy glasses or supporting equipment is needed, because it is fenced off by the rather dense mangrove forestry. The sea is clear blue, because of its remote location far away from pollution. A boat can be rented for Rp. 75,000,- a day to travel along this marine park.
Not far from the stretches of mangrove forestry and only around 5 minutes by speed boat, there is a pearl oyster farm. Here, tourists can watch losely how these valuable pearl-oysters are bred. How these are harvested from the sea bedsm to be polished into a range of jewelry.
Compared to other tourists destinations, the eco-tourism potential on Kngean Island indeed has not been fully developed yet. Everything appears still genuine and natural. But, it is actually this naturality that has become the attraction to visit the island.
Source Info: http://www.petra.ac.id
November 30th, 2006
The sea ﾃつﾃつ crossing fromﾃつﾃつ East Java’s mainland to the small island of Madura takes just half an hour. A regular ferry service transports cars and passengers across the narrow strait between Surabaya’s harbour of Tanjung Perak and Kamal on Madura’s south west coast.
Measuring some 160 km in length and about 40 across at its widest point, Madura supports a population of close to 2.3 million inhabitants, most of whom are farmers or fishermen.
Although the island is a part of the province of East Java, it is home to a completely separate ethnic group, which has its own language and customs. Renowned over the centuries for their sailing prowess, the Madurese are a tough, high spirited people, whose character appears well suited to the harsh climate and dry landscape.
Madura’s most famous attraction is the annual bull racing (kerapan sapi), which takes place during the dry season in August and September. These exciting and colourful tournaments consist of a race between two pairs of bulls, each team pulling a rider and sled. Following a series of heats, which take place in different parts of the island for some weeks, the highlight of the season occurs when the finals are held in Pamekasan, Madura’s capital. Recently a new bull racing stadium has been built in Bangkalan with the object of attracting more tourists to the island.
Madura is not so large and it is possible to travel the whole way round it in a couple of days. However, there is quite alot to see and more time is needed to explore even the major places of interest.
Starting at Kamal and moving along the southern coast, the first stop is the town of Sampang, near to which lies Camplong Beach. The best time to be here is shortly after sunrise or at dusk, when the blue sailed Madurese fishing boats (prahu) are either arriving or setting off. The air is clearer at these times and from the beach there is a good view of the mountain ranges on the mainland to the south.
Just over 30 km beyond Sampang is the capital city of Pamekasan. There is not much for the visitor to see here unless it is bull racing season. The town of Sumenep on the north eastern end of the island, while smaller than Pamekasan, is more vibrant and has some interesting historical sites as well as some good beaches nearby. The city’s old palace (kraton) and museum are worth visiting, as is the large Jamiq mosque with its green tiered roof. Above the town is the royal mausoleum called Asta Tinggi, from where there are good views of the town and coast beyond.
The two main beaches near Sumenep are Slopeng and Lombang. The former, which lies on the north coast some 21 km from the town, is a beautiful location with tall palm trees shading the edge of the beach. At weekends and on holidays Slopeng is popular with families from Sumenep, but otherwise it is quite deserted. A few of the local village people have set up stalls and offer fresh young coconuts and Siwalan fruit, taken directly from the surrounding trees, to passing travellers.
At Lombang, on Madura’s north eastern point, a long and narrow stretch of white sand is backed by short cemara trees. Aside from the occasional fisherman the beach is deserted, making it the perfect place for ‘getting away from it all’.
A narrow but good road runs the whole way down Madura’s attractive north coast, from Slopeng to Bangkalan. There are many small villages and quiet beaches to stop at on the way, in particular the fishing communities of Pasongsongan and Pasean, where narrow estuaries are packed solid with colourful sailing boats.
Before arriving at Bangkalan, which is the last major town before Kamal, it is well worth visiting the Aermata tomb of Ratu Ibu, who was the consort of Prince Cakraningrat I of Madura and a descendant of Sunan Giri, one of the famed Wali Songo, or ‘nine saints’, who originally propagated the Muslim religion in Java. The tomb, which is set on a hill about 4 km inland from the town of Arosbaya and approached by a long flight of steps, dates back to the mid 17th century.
Madura is also a well known center for batik production and has its own unique style. In the performing arts, the island is famous for its topeng dalang, a mask dance/theatre, which at one time was only seen within the royal palace.
source : www.petra.ac.id
November 30th, 2006