The exciting city of Jakarta is very much centred around the historical area known as Batavia and features an unusual Dutch past. However, the tourist attractions of today are not all particularly old, with the Ancol Dreamland amusement park being one of the most visited and family-friendly and actually built on land reclaimed from the bay itself in the mid-1990s. Other highlights include stargazing at the Jakarta Planetarium, Sumatran tigers at Ragunan Zoo, and a chance to explore all of the 27 actual provinces of Indonesia in just one place - at the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah.
For more of a taste of local history, there are a number of beautiful mosques and religious buildings spread around Jakarta, such as the simply spectacular Istiqlal Mosque, which is actually South-East Asia's biggest. The Buddhist temple named the Vihara Dharma Bhakti is another impressive sight and dates from the middle of the 17th century, while other sights worth checking out include Jakarta's famed National Monument (Monas) and also its characterful district of Kota, where cobbled streets and the dining opportunities around the Taman Fatahillah plaza await visitors.
Imparting all kinds of information about Indonesia's past and culture, the museums of Jakarta serve to both educate tourists and provide an enjoyable experience. The Jakarta History Museum is amongst the most popular and features an array of important local artefacts, as does the National History Museum, where diorama's showcase the region's rich flora and fauna offerings. For Indonesian art at its best, the city's very own Fine Arts Museum (Balai Seni Rupa) is the place to be, although the contemporary style paintings at the Bentara Budaya may also be of interest.
Just a relatively short day trip from Jakarta are a world of further attractions, with the sunny beaches of Anyer proving to be quite a draw card. The city of Bandung serves as another popular excursion and is actually the capital of West Java, being known for its volcanoes, hot springs and tea plantations. Also close to Jakarta is Bogor city - where the Istana Bogor (Presidential Palace) is located, Puncak - home to a selection of mountain resorts and the Taman Safari Indonesia, and the Ujung Kulon National Park - enjoying a lush rainforest setting and now ranking a World Heritage Site.
Riau province is one of the fastest growing parts of Indonesia in terms of economic, population and tourism. Riau Province occupies the central part of eastern region on Sumatra Island, which straddles between Malacca Straits, South China Sea and Berhala Straits. The Province is a strategic region as it directly faces Malacca Straits and Singapore, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
Riau is one of the richest provinces in Indonesia. This province is rich with natural resources, particularly petroleum and natural gas, rubber, and palm oil. The majority of the province is heavily forested lowland; logging is a major industry in the province.
Geographically
Geographically, Riau Province lies on 445' North Altitude up to 115' South Longitude or 10003' up to 10919' Greenwich and 650' up to 145' West Longitude Jakarta, with natural borders as follows:
North side: North Sumatra Province, Malacca Straits
South side: Jambi Province
West Side: West Sumatra Province
East side: Riau Archipelago
Administratively
Riau Province is administratively divided into 9 Regencies (Bengkalis, Indragiri Hilir, Kampar, Kuantan Singingi, Pelalawan, Rokan Hilir, Rokan Hulu, Siak) and 2 cities (Pekanbaru, Dumai), with Pekanbaru as the capital city.
Climate
This region is dominantly characterized by the sea climate with average temperature of 30°C at day and 23°C at night throughout the year. Rainy season falls on November (sometimes October) up to April while dry season begins in July. Riau has tropical climate and in general is classified into climate type "A" with relatively high rainfall, ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 mm per year in average.
Topography
Most areas in Riau are lowland plain, including alluvial islands scattered along coastal line with average elevation less than 200 m above sea level. In mainland region, there are four big rivers, i.e. Rokan River, Siak River, Kampar River and Indragiri River. These rivers spring from Bukit Barisan mountain range stretching along the border Riau Province and West Sumatra Province, and flow down to Malacca Straits. The rivers play an important role as the means of transportation, sources of irrigation, energy, and clean water as well as fishery resources. Archipelagic region of Riau, on the other hand, is formed of volcanic formation in the form of islands, big and small. The soil is in general of Organosol type (Histosol), containing much organic substance. Wide Area
The territorial size of Riau Province is 329,867.16 km consisting of land area 94,561,61 Km2 and water area 235,306,00 Km2. Riau population is 4,948,000 (2000 census).
Like most of the performing arts of the Orient dance in Indonesia is believed by many scholars to have had its beginning in religious workship. Even today, many dances are considered sacred or can be traced back to their early spiritual associations. Among these are not only the temple dances of Bali, but also such seemingly profane dances, such as the Bedoyo Ketawang of Solo, performed only on such rare occasions that they are in peril of becoming lost for the lack of younger generation dancers able to perform them.
Dance traditions today are as widely diverse as the various ethnic cultures of which they are part. Nurtured to refined perfection in the royal Javanese courts and princely homes the classical dances of Central Java are highly stylized expressions which have probably already attained their basic movements during the height of the Hindu-Javanese culture from the 8th to the 13th century. From the courts, those dances eventually reached the broad strata of the common people who gave them a more spontaneous form of expression.
In the hands of the people, these dances provided a rich source not only for popular dance dramas, but also for social dances which often display clear erotic overtones, such as Tayuban or Ngibing.
The bumbung dance of Bali which incidentally evolved into the beautiful "bumblebee dance" and Tamulilingan, a creation of Bali's late famed maestro of the dance, I Mario.
Other popular folk dances still display strong magic associations, as for instance the "kuda lumping horse dance". Whereas rigid discipline and artistry mark the dance of Java and Bali, those of Sumatra, Maluku and most of the other islands (one exception is the Gending Sriwijaya of South Sumatra) are characterized by their gracefulness and charm, a distinction which is further accentuated by the entirely different, non- gamelan, musical accompaniment.
The old traditions of dance and drama are being preserved in the many dance schools which flourish not only in the courts but also in the modern, government-run or supervised art academies where at the same time the search is continually being conducted for new expressions better adapted to modern times though based on the old traditions. (indonesia-tourism)
South Sumatra Province is situated on the eastern side of Bukit Barisan mountain range South Sumatra province is relatively flat, nevertheless fertile, as numerous rivers crisscross and meander through out the region. Palembang is its capital city and as the gateway to the province, lies right on the banks of the great Musi River, 60 km upstream and navigable by oceangoing vessels. No wonder that most major social and economic activities should center in Palembang and Musi River where the region's pride, Ampera Bridge, is found as well.
Because of its sheer location on the southernmost rim of the South China Sea and close to one of world's busiest sea-lanes linking the Far East with Europe, the region's historical background is undoubtedly rich and colorful. Once the very site of the Buddhist Kingdom of Sriwijaya, it practiced a bustling trade with then ancient China during its era dynasties. Inevitable of course, were the interacting forces of the two different cultures at the time, which nowadays are still noticeable as consequences of the past.
The visitors can easily reach South Sumatra by air through four major airports at Palembang, Pangkal Pinang, Bangka and Belitung islands, all having direct connections with Medan, Batam, Padang, Jakarta, and not long from now with Singapore too. Air-conditioned buses from points North and West of Palembang are regularly available, as well as from cities on Java and Bali.
Geographically
Geographically, South Sumatra province is located between 1o and 4o South Latitude and between 102o and 108o East Longitude. The boundaries of the area is:
North side: South China Sea
West side: Jambi Province and Bengkulu Province
South side: Lampung Province
East side: Java Sea
Administratively
South Sumatra Province is divided among 8 regencies, 2 municipals and 3 administrative towns with Palempang as its capital city.
Temperature
The humidity of south Sumatra province is 78%. The rainfall range is variation between 2,000 - 3,000 mm per year and an average wind velocity of 3.23 km per hour. And the temperature ranges between 21.8o C and 32.2o C.
Demography
A migration flow to this province is supported by the existence of heavy plantation exertion, mining and transmigration program. The population density of this province is 58,8 people per Km2 (1994). Compared to the average national population growth amounted to 2.144% per year, this province was on the lower level with 1.10% per year.
Wide Area
The area of south Sumatra province is 103,688 sq. km width.
(www.indonesia-tourism.com)
This building is dominated by yellow colors. However, do not connect it with the color of a political party. Yellow was the typical color of the Malay. There are family photographs, furnishings, and old weapons inside the building. The Maimoon Palace was the legacy of Deli Sultanate. Maimoon palace was located in Brigjen Katamso Street, Medan. Sultan Deli, Sultan Makmun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah, had established this palace. The designer was an Italia architect, and finished in 1888. Built on a land measuring 2.772 m2 wide the palace building is facing to east, and become the centre of the Deli kingdom. This palace consisted of two floors that were divided into three parts, which is the main building, the left wing, and the right wing. In front, around 100 meters, stood Al-Maksum mosque that are well known as Medan's Great mosque.
The Monument was erected to commemorate the heroic donation of the Acehnese to the central Government of the Republic of Indonesia became independent in 1945, the Dutch intended to reoccupy the country. In the ensuring struggle in 1949, the Republic of Indonesia was badly in need of an airplane to open the blockade of the enemy as much area had been already fallen into their hands. Mr. Soekarno, the president of the Indonesia at that time.
Urgently requested that Aceh people to donate the money for an airplane. A Douglas DC-3 was bought shortly afterwards, and paid for with Acehnese Gold. This very early plane was the precursor of Garuda Indonesia fleet, which nowadays is the biggest airline in Indonesia.
Syiah Kuala grave is another pride of Banda Aceh, which is located about 3 km to the east. It stands near the mouth of Krueng Aceh River, about 2 kilometers from the city. Syiah Kuala was one of Aceh's great Moslem Ulama of the past. He had spent more than 15 years in Mecca for religious learning before he dedicated most of his life to science and society. He had written many books on Islam, social studies, and science. He also had a lot of student coming from Malaysia, West Sumatra and Java. His grave is a shrine for local visitors and Muslims from Indonesia and Malaysia. (Mostly destroyed because of Tsunami)
The house is a replica of the heroine Cut Nyak Dhien House, from the Aceh War. The colonial forces burned down the house but a replica was built later. This house in Lam Pisang, about 6 kilometers from Banda Aceh, now is a museum. The house is located in Lampisang Village, Lhok Nga subdistrict, Greater Aceh district. Although Lhok Nga was the area worst hit by tsunami, the Tjut Nyak Dhien House survived. The daughter of a chieftain, Tjut Nyak Dhien joined the fight against the Dutch invaders in 1875. Her first husband fell in battle, and she remarried. When her second husband also died fighting, she continued the struggle with her children. After six years in the jungle, she was captured by the Dutch and exiled to West Java where she passed away in 1906. Tjut Nyak Dhien is recognized as one of the National Warriors of Indonesia.
Museum Negeri
There is a museum in Banda Aceh located near the Governor's residence. The main building of the Museum is a house built in a traditional style by the Dutch Governor Van Swart in 1914. The museum has 3 floors filled with antique weapons, gold jewelry, ceremonial costumes and household furnishings. The 'Rumah Aceh' is an excellent example of traditional architecture, built completely without nails, being held together by cord and pegs. Among the exhibits is a big clock Cakra Donya, a gift from China Emperor and brought to Aceh by the famed Admiral Cheng Ho in 1414. On the bell can be found a Chinese script, Sing Fang Niat Toeng Juut Kat, no one knows what it really means.
Iboih is a small and friendly village. Its people will happily serve the tourist in any way. In a place where the tourist come one by one, the people here have retained their sense of curiosity towards westerners. Helpful guides are available to accompany the tourists to Iboih and the Sea Garden.
Iboih Recreational Forest is situated adjacent to Rubiah Sea Garden. This forest covers about 1300 hectares area and is also protected as a special nature reserve for Weh Island. This forest is a thick tropical rain forest and although it is dense a difficult to wander trough, visitors are encouraged to explore it. This are is as home to many kinds of animals. See wild monkeys, small and big reptiles and colorful birds, or try our skill at spotting the Nicobar pigeon, not found in any other part of the Indonesian archipelago. At dusk wild boars and swarms of giant fruit bastes are sure sighting. Where the road ends is a great lookout over the Indian Ocean.
Frankly, I visited it only a few times, but I am quite interested and I wish to visit it again in near future. On my picture above with the Laut Tawar Lake background was taken more than one year ago, I came here without any preparation. At the time, I went to Aceh Tengah from Meulaboh with my uncle and lodge in his relative’s house, after I spend one night in his relative’s house and enjoyed the cold night by chatting with the local people, then we slept soundly, in the following day, early in the morning, one of his relatives woke us up and invite us to go around with his car to see Laut Tawar Lake, we did not waste this time, suddenly we agree and went there. Since it was in a rush, we forgot to wear jackets, of course it was a bit cold but this weather did not influence us not to enjoy the atmosphere.
Since we did not have any preparation, we did not bring any snacks and beverages and my uncle’s relative has to work, we have to leave soon. Even it was a very short trip, it was quite impressive and wish to come back here.
Hello guys, have you planned to visit Banda Aceh?? if you have, maybe you are confused where to spend your night, where to lodge in, do not worry, here is the list of the hotels in Banda Aceh,
- Cakra Donya Hotel
Jl. Khairil Anwar No.10
(0651) 33633
(0651) 23879
*
Banda Aceh - Sultan Hotel
Jl. Sultan Hotel No.1
0651-22469
0651-31770
* * *
Peunayong Banda Aceh - Kartika Hotel
Jl. Nyak Adam Kamil IV No.1
(0651) 31205
(0651) 23629
* - Taman Tepi Laut Hotel
Jl. Banda Aceh-Meulaboh
(0651) 44202,
(0651) 44203
*
Km 17,55, Lhoknya
32029 - Medan Hotel
Jl. Jend. Ahmad Yani No. 17
(0651) 33851
(0651) 32256
*
Peunayong Banda Aceh
21501 - Hermes Palace
Jl. Panglima Nyka Makam,
. 0651-755888.
0651-7556999.
(Ex: Swissbelt Hotel)
Banda Aceh, NAD - Griya Indah Pratama Hotel
Jl. Taman Makam Pahlawan II
(0651) 21056
No. 2 Peuniti Banda Aceh - Palembang Hotel
Jl. Chairil Anwar No. 49
(0651) 22044 - Jeumpa Hotel
Jl. Stadion Dhirmutala No.5
(0651) 7411592
SMK I Banda Aceh - Wisata Hotel
Jl. Jend. Ahmad Yani No. 19 � 21
(0651) 21834
Banda Aceh - Parapat Hotel
Jl. Jend. A. Yani No. 19
(0651) 22159
Banda Aceh - Raja Wali Hotel
Jl. Sisinga Mangaraja Lampulo
(0651) 32618
Banda Aceh - Rasa Mala Indah Hotel
Jl. Teuku Umar No. 257
(0651) 41983
Seutui Banda Aceh - Kuala Raja Hotel
Jl. T. Nyak Arif,
0651-29687.
0651-536033
In front of Zainal AbidinHospital , Banda Aceh - Grand Nanggroe Hotel
Jl. Tgl. Imum Lueng Bata,
0651-35788.
0651-35776
Banda Aceh
35779 - Oasis Aceh Hotel
Jl. Tengku Lueng Bata
0651-636999
0651-635333
No. 115. Banda Aceh 23247, Indonesia
Hardly on the international radar of beach scenes, Weh is mellow and unconcerned with tourist dollars. Along the muddy island road are little villages with underwear-only kids playing in the yard, lazy cows tied up to a green patch of grass and scrappy goats looking for garden victims. The shops cater to the locals with communal TVs and coffee instead of souvenir kitsch.
Pulau Weh is shaped roughly like a horseshoe. On the northeastern leg is the port town of Sabang where most of Weh’s population lives. The primary tourist beaches are Gapang and Iboih, which are about 20km away heading towards the northwestern leg.
It’s always a little rainy on Weh, with two monsoon seasons. November to January are the wettest, coolest months but are also the best times to see whale sharks.
Malaria has been reported on the island, so take the proper precautions.The tsunami did give Weh a minor licking, but the island fared better than the mainland. Many of the coastal businesses that were bashed up have since rebuilt and the villagers banded together to repair roads, replant trees and fill in washed-out pockets of the beach.
The linge girls with gayo traditional clothes played the movement of the bines dance, One of the dance to welcome the important guests in the cultural Gayonese tradition. Bines dance was shown during the appointment agenda of the seven house (Umah Pitu Ruang) Linge King's,in the former royal complex of linge,Linge Subdistrict, ACeh Tengah (Middle Aceh) Regency.Photos-Serambi/JALIMIN
According to T Alibasyah Talsya in the Aceh book Kaya Budaya ( rich in Cultural ) (1972) The bines dance was played by several people of the girls. The story of the beginning of the birth of this dance began with the incident that was full of the disgrace. The disgrace struck the Ni Malelang Ode, that was already done made adultery with a young man.
He was afterwards whipped with the whip punishment, because of could not keep this lashing, the Ani Malelang Ode died and made his mother mourn his trip.The mother of the Ni Malelang Ode, really was stricken, in his sorrow that was covered by the sadness and the embarrassed feeling resulting from the conduct of his child, the mother mourned and asked for compassion in front of the crowd while going a step for the sake of a step surrounded his child’s body.The sadness the mother made people around it be touched, then one by one the relative, the neighbours as well as people who took part in being sad in the place. They continued to follow the mother mourned while surrounding the body of the Ni Malelang Ode. According to Talsya, the mother’s lament when surrounding the body of the Ni Malelang Ode the beginning of birth Bines dance.
Started from the incident, the step in the mothers surrounded the body of the Ni Malelang Ode afterwards to a dance that continued developed various changes, the dance that afterwards was named bines. The lament of the mothers was replaced with poems and sadness poems, that contained advices that were useful in the life of the community.
The dance bines was begun denan the Bismillah statement, his dancers put on typical clothes the area that was supplemented with various asesoris, beginning with the form of the bun that was decorated with the flower and various flowers. Dipinggang the dancers were tied cloth like batik cloth. While dancing and being involved in coiling, the dancers continued to write poetry and bersajak. The contents from the poem and the poem this touched on various aspects of the life.
Apart from being played by the women, bines was also was played by the man who was acknowledged as Sining Bines. The movement of the dance sining bines almost completely was the same as the dance bines, that is involved in coiling while writing poetry. With these poems of the spectators was reminded about essence of social life that must submit to the law and the current standard.
In the development bines and sining bines began to be put by other stories in his poem in accordance with the demand of time and the intention showed without changing his original form that has been known by the community.That distinguished bines with sining bines was only in sining bines, the men who danced while being involved in coiling, from time to time together stamping foot to the floor in a varying and rhythmic manner. This stamping as if darkened Lament in his poem; the lament that became the birth origin bines. With stamping foot this as though the dancers reminded the spectator that the sadness must not always be dealt with the tear. (by uranggayo.wordpress)
