Chitika

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Sukuh Temple - Solo - Visit Indonesia

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.

Johnson, the resident of Surakarta, first discovered the temple in 1815 in a very poor condition during the period of Raffles government. The first study in 1842 had done under the leadership of Dr. Van de Vlis, Hoepermans and was studied by Verbeek in 1889, and finally by Knebel in 1910. _In 1917 there had been an effort to secure and rescue by the office of prehistoric sites of the Netherlands East Indian Government. Then in 1989 the restoration was resumed by the Restoration and Maintenance of Prehistoric and Historic Project in Central Java. The view surrounding the temple is alluring. The road to this temple with impressive grandeur is surfaced all the way. The structure and the mood of Lawu Temple are different from other temples in Java, it is built like a Maya stepped pyramid, and so it is worth seeing.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Sosrowijayan, a Tourist Kampong in the City Center of Yogyakarta - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia

Walking about 200 meters southwards from Tugu railway station, along Malioboro Street, you will find Sosrowijayan kampong. A plank at the corner of the small street with the same name on it leads you to the area. Connecting Dagen Street and Malioboro Street, Sosrowijayan is split into two areas, namely East Sosrowijayan and West Sosrowijayan. Later, East Sosrowijayan is known as the second famous tourist kampong in Yogyakarta after Prawirotaman.

Arriving at the T-junction of the street named after the past authority of the area (Sosrowijoyo), you will be greeted friendly by pedicab drivers. Usually, they will assist you to get lodgings or take a mini tour along Malioboro Street or to get bakpia (the special snack of this city) at Pathok area by riding their pedicab. Many guides will readily assist you to get lodgings, for example. They will tell you many things about places of interests in Yogyakarta, too.

Entering Sosrowijayan area, you will see an old building functioning as a lodging, namely Aziatic Hotel. The building that was built during the Dutch colonization has typical European architecture. The building has white wall with three doors and some supporting pillars on the front side, while the name of the hotel is directly embossed to the wall in black color. Once, this hotel was used as the shooting location of 'Daun di Atas Bantal (The Leaf on A Pillow)' film that was shown in Cannes Film Festival.

Entering the first alley, there are two bookshops. Most of the works sold there are novels in English; some of them are in Indonesian language. You can freely select or just take a quick reading of the content since they are all unwrapped. Even though most of them are used ones, physical quality of the books is preserved so well that they are worth collecting. The prices vary but they are definitely cheaper than those in bookshops.

If you want to be able to make batik, you can take a course offered by a lodging in the second alley. Close to the lodging, there is a batik studio managed by a local inhabitant. The style of the batik in this studio is painting batik, just like the ones you find in Taman kampong, near Tamansari Water Castle. The superiority of painting batik lies of its colors and temporary design.

As a kampong for tourists, there must be many guesthouses there. Different from the ones in Prawirotaman, the guesthouses and lodgings in this kampong are among local people's houses since most of them are in the alleys of the kampong. If you want to stay in more a private lodging, you can choose one among many hotels alongside Sosrowijayan Street. The tariff of the lodgings in this kampong that is located to the south of Pasar Kembang area is not different from that in Prawirotaman.

In the afternoon, while relaxing after wandering about Yogyakarta, you can enjoy the life of local children. Usually, girls will play rope jump or other traditional children games and boys gather in a certain place to have a chat. Meanwhile, the young people play guitar while singing Indonesian hit songs. They are members of Maliboro Art Community that in certain occasions they perform on stages.

Tour travels are also available in Sosrowijayan. Moneychanger, internet connection, telecommunication booth, motorcycle and car rental are all available for your convenience. When you are hungry, you can just go to dining places opened by local inhabitants. At the end of the first alley, for example, there is a simple dining place yet many foreign tourists come to have meals. Traditional cuisine such as fried noodle, stir-fried vegetables with chili and other delicious dishes are served. Some restaurants serve steak and other menus at affordable prices.

In the evening time, Sosrowijayan gets more vivid. Many young people gather at the street sides while some cafes tune live music as an alternative amusement. In combination with the nightlife of Malioboro Street, Sosrowijayan becomes vivid. A small warong under an orange tent that local people call angkringan is a nice place to have a talk. While chatting, you can enjoy tea, ginger beverage, or the other delicious menus at very cheap prices.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Prawirotaman, a World-known Kampong of Batik and Lodging - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia

Prawirotaman, an area located about five kilometers from the center of Yogyakarta city can be an alternative when you find difficulties to get lodgings. There are not only unique lodgings at affordable prices in this area, but also art shops, cafes, book shops, a traditional market, and a stone inscription that can be an alternative tour as well.

Prawirotaman as a kampong began to be known in the ninth century, when a servant of the kingdom named Prawirotomo was granted a piece of land. Since the beginning, this kampong has been playing quite big role for Yogyakarta. In pre-independence era, this kampong functioned as strugglers' concentration point. In the post-independence era, 1960s to be exact, this kampong was famous for its printed batik that was managed by the descendents of Prawirotomo. Since 1970s, however, when batik business began to slack, the descendants of Prawirotomo clan switched their business to lodging services and, hence, Prawirotaman was known as a tourist kampong.

Entering Prawirotaman area, you will be greeted by nuance of the kampong in a city center with vehicles passes to and fro of the street and warm welcome by local inhabitants that most of them at least speak English. A chain of hotels with unique architecture, from classic Java to modern design, is available. The rates are around 50,000 to 300,000 Indonesian Rupiah. Even though there are several hotels of which management have been done by other people, most of the hotels are managed by the descendents of Werdoyoprawiro, Suroprawiro, and Mangunprawiro big families.

The area of Prawirotaman I or usually is called Prawirotaman is the most popular area. In addition to lodging, there are other facilities in this area such as travel agents, internet connection and telecommunication booth, café, restaurant and bookshop. Cafes and restaurants serve both Javanese cuisine and European cuisine or blend of them. The bookshop provides good books at cheaper prices. Imported books that normally cost hundreds thousand can be obtained only at 35,000 to 60,000 Indonesian Rupiah. Sometimes, foreigners exchange their book collection.

Some art shops sell unique, artistic works. There are tables made of bamboo, batik cloth, cupboard made of whole log and antique things such as decoration lamp and old kris. One of saleable antique things is batik mould. This mould is used as decoration, air ventilation or a collection of high historical value. Once, a German bought 1,000 batik moulds from a batik factory that does not operate anymore.

To the south of Prawirotaman I area is Prawirotaman II that directly borders on a traditional market. Walking through the tradition market in the morning is an alternative of an interesting tour. While looking at the busy people who buy daily needs, you can try traditional snacks. If you go further to the south, you will come to Prawirotaman III area. This place mainly functions as a dwelling place of local people.

Even though the real name of the areas to the south of Prawirotaman is Prawirotaman II and Prawirotaman III, the area is known as Jalan Gerilya. According to story, the area was the headquarter of Prajurit Hantu Maut (the Deadly Ghost Soldiers) as the Indonesian independence strugglers lead by Mr. Tulus. At the corner of a street, there is a stone inscription made to commemorate the struggle of the troop. The other troop in the area was Prawirotomo soldier.

You do not have to worry for the transportation for your tour. Some motorcycle and car rentals, even pick up service are available. If you have not set up your itinerary, some travel agents have sufficient reference of interesting tourism objects, ranging from cultural tourism such as temples and Sultan Palace to adventure tourism such as tracking.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Kasongan Village Antique Handicraft - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia

In the Dutch colonial time, in one of the areas at the southern part of Yogyakarta there was a shocking and even threatening occurrence with the finding of a dead horse owned by a Dutch detective on a rice field of a villager. Being afraid of punishment, the villager gave up his land ownership and did not acknowledge his land anymore. This was followed by other villagers. This given up land was then possessed by people of other village. Having no more fields to cultivate, the local people ended up with becoming ceramics craftsmen to make toys and kitchen sets until now. This was revealed in an interview by Prof. Gustami at all with local elders in 1980s. It is that area that we know it as Kasongan until present time; a village in Kajen hamlet that is situated in low mountains with limestone soil. It takes 15-20 minutes drive from the city center.

Kasongan village is the dwelling place of kundis, which means earthenware jugs and later refers to people who make any earthenware jug-like as kitchen tools and ornaments.
"Beginning from our ancestor's habit to knead clay that turns out not to break when it is united, and begin to make some functions for kid toys and kitchen tools. The habit was then descended to current generation," said Giman, one of the workers in Loro Blonyo workshop.

Visiting Kasongan village, the tourists will be welcomed warmly by local inhabitants. They may have a look the showroom crowded with ceramic handicrafts. If they are interested in seeing the ceramics making, tourists can visit some ceramic galleries that produce the special handicrafts at site. The processes are material kneading, shaping, drying that takes 2-4 days and burning before finally being finished using wall paint or roof-tile paint.

Working collectively, a gallery is usually a family business run from generation to the next generation. Even though ceramics making is now involving neighbors of surrounding dwelling place of the gallery owner, the family is still responsible for material selection and production monitoring.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Bedhoyo Angron Akung Dance - Yogyakarta Classical Dance - Visit Indonesia


Yogyakarta – boisterous public meeting or in part outside the Palace of Yogyakarta Pura Paku Alaman. Typically, the crowd just outside or centered on the Square in the palace that night filled with stalls lesehan. Enough with the glass of coffee or hot ginger, where people can survive for hours chatting. Drinking, chatting and eating rice cat. All three are privileged to enjoy a blend of Yogyakarta.

That night Pura Paku Alaman was performing classical dance style of Yogyakarta. Obviously! Reference this show comes from the standard procedure in the court. Meanwhile, in the afternoon, a number of folk art exhibited in the courtyard palace is often referred to as the Square Sewandanan. Similarly, the event was held for three consecutive days. Department of Culture held in cooperation with two of Yogyakarta palace in Yogyakarta, the Sultanate and Paku Alaman.

Classical repertoire on the first day of the Dance Srimpi Renggawati. Dancers danced by five men, one of which acts as a Goddess Renggawati. Once, the goddess found a white meliwis none other than the incarnation of King Angling Darma. The Goddess Renggawati itself is basically the incarnation Setyawati – consort of King. As a result, encounter both serene feel of a sweep. Not to mention the pulsating dance accompaniment with a slow tempo. Overall the feel of a mind that is very touching.

On the second day, the composition shown is the dance drama titled Banjaransari and backgrounds Ramayana puppet people. At first glance impression on the second day is a colossal elements. Appearing in the show dancers both male and female senior and young young. In closing on the third day, which is displayed is Bedhaya Angron Akung Dance, performed by seven female dancers. It is as reinforce its position as the highest caste in this type of Javanese dance, the repertoire comes with accompaniment and an impressive all-round fashion.

Observed one at a dance-dance classic Yogyakarta style, slowly starting to look a difference with the Surakarta style that I saw a while ago. In the case of hand movements, classical dance style of the dominant Yogyakarta by folding the thumb and four fingers leaving the other open meetings. Meanwhile, the other fingers will be sealed between the forefinger with the thumb to form a coil that looks manicured hands. Movement is present in this type of dance and dance daughter’s son. At first glance the impression that can not only slender but firmly. A combination of strength and softness.

In terms of costumes, classical dance performances Yogyakarta style looks more simple, no indulgence in colorful fabric sheen and luster of gold jewelry. The layman can definitely see the difference between classical dance dress in costume “Javanese wayang” commonly appears on television. There is a similarity of forms, but the detail and variety of different dressing.

See what comes either from the movement as well as clothes, dance classic Yogyakarta style comes with a certain identity between Javanese dance in general. Looking back, it is highly unusual given the birth of the palace itself, which is a fraction of the previous Islamic Mataram dynasty centered in Surakarta. Like a younger brother that make up the identity, of course not the same as his elder brother. See it in the present era, or perhaps later, the feel of softness, strength, and simplicity that appear in classical dance performances like the hope that these elements are always there in the Yogyakarta special.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Bedhaya Harjuna Wijaya Dance - Yogyakarta Classical Dance - Visit Indonesia


“Harjuna Wijaya” Bedhaya Dance, is the third creation of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwana X. His debut in 2007 entitled “Arjuna Wiwaha”. In 2004, coincides with the celebration of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwana IX as the national hero created “Amurwo Bumi” is a form of respect for his father (Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwana IX). Helped by R Riya Kusumaningrat (RAy Sri Kadaryati) as senior stylist dance received orders from Sri Sultan for this Bedaya Dance. Motion search process begins with translating synopsis of the story directly by Sri Sultan.

By Sri Sultan “Harjuna Wijaya” Bedhaya Dance, is about Harjuna figures – not a figure who frequently change partners, but he is a true warrior as well as a real human being that led to the perfect level, a man who know the events that had happened and deserve to be role models for the knights and humans.

Harjuna is a true Warrior, a perfect example of people who live their lives with a focus on three things: Tirta Martini; springs of human life, “banyu penguripan” became the core of water resources in the human body (sperm). Tirta Kamandanu; Container of the sperm (ovary) human beings, the principle of sperm and ovaries fulfilled at the time of husband and wife make sexual intercourse. The last, Tirta Prawita Sari; when tirta martani and tirta kamandanu blends in wife’s body, will grow the strength charisma radiated light. From the beginning that people always have to remember to know and evaluate each event so that people will get lessons that mankind would become world light.

If bedhaya dance embodied in the life of an individual may be interpreted as a symbol of wind direction, the position of planets in the life of the universe, and symbol nine air holes in the human body as the completeness of life. Hole in the both eyes, two nostrils, one mouth, two ears, one male/female sex, and one hole in backside.

According to Javanese society, the nine elements of air holes that have in the control of human life and can cause many problems if not maintained and controlled. Received message, that human beings are expected to surrender, and always doing introspection through reflection, meditation and dialogue with God.

Motion of Bedhaya Dance which is laden with symbolic values and philosophy of krawuh dance Mataram, draw conclusions on the lives of the world will link, and more oriented toward self-understanding, self-reflection among human beings as individual persons with the gods. Life must be seen as a struggle not only done without meaning.

Dance Bedhaya guide us in determining the choice of good or bad, should curb appetite humble, honest in word and action. Toward the human level though not as perfect as perfect Harjuna figures.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Bedhaya Sang Amurwabhumi Dance - Yogyakarta Classical Dance - Visit Indonesia


One type of classical dance style created by the Sultan of Yogyakarta, Hamengku Buwana X. This dance is a legitimate work of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwana X to the Sultan Hamengku Buwana IX), which have a philosophical concept, which is faithful to the promise, steadfast character, sturdy, tolerant, always doing good and socially, the concept and the basic idea of this dance from Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwana X. While the choreography by K.R.T. Sasmintadipura.

Bedhaya Sang Amurwabhumi first staged in Ward Kencono at the time of appointment and conferment of National Hero title to the lane IX in 1990.

The Amurwabhumi Bedhaya danced by nine women (dancers) and a duration of two and a half (2.5) hours, accompanied by a dramatic rhythm of tenderness as a symbol depicting the most essential for each king always have their own expressions and concepts in each of devotion to his people with trying to build leadership good, through the mindset to nurture and welfare of the people.

The Bedhaya Sang Amurwabhumi as with others in accordance with the tradition still refer to the standard benchmark bedhaya dance. Basic story is taken from the fiber or the Book of the Queen Pararaton Tumapel and Majapahit, which finished on Saturday Pahing bertepetan. The central Bedhaya Amurwabhumi take on the marriage Amurwabhumi (Ken Arok) with Prajnaparamita (Ken Dedes) symbol of the spirit of patriotism and leadership philosophy.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Bedhaya Sumreg Dance - Yogyakarta Classical Dance - Visit Indonesia

Bedhaya Sumreg Dance is one of the “dance inheritance” property of the Jogjakarta Keraton Palace. Classical dance is not merely a composition of gestures that are created into a single entity serving the whole spectacle. But behind the dance classic, stored on a story or a very high philosophical meaning is conveyed as a message for the human life. Bedhaya Sumreg has meaning as an angel who danced to the accompaniment of gending Ageng Ladrang and Ketawang.

Bedhaya Sumreg first appeared in the Sri Susuhunan Pakubowono I. After breaking into Kasuhunan Mataram Sultanate of Surakarta and Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono I compile again Bedhaya Sumreg along with the establishment of Sultanate of Yogyakarta. When Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono I run on the beach Parangkusuma Labuh ceremony, he was greeted with Bedhaya Sumreg who danced by the dancers from the South Coast.This Dance show about the attitude and the way taken by the leader in addressing shared problems of his era. Bedhaya messages conveyed by this is that human life on earth back to mutual respect and respect for all forms of differences with relationships based on kinship, cultural, and religious.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Yogyakarta Classical Dance - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia

As a cultural center, the Palace Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat noble civilization has a variety of cultural wealth has high artistic value. One is the classical dance of Java, Yogyakarta-Mataraman style very many kinds and amounts due to start there when courts stand up and still exist to preserve and grow even now onwards along with the existence of the palace itself.

Sultanate Palace Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat have dances that are very sacred heritage, namely Bedhaya Semang, which is the parent of all styles of dance daughter of Yogyakarta. Another Dance-old is old enough and Bedhaya Beksan Lawung Ageng Sumreg. Both were created by Sultan HB I. In addition there are several types of classical dance is very well known among others Bedhaya (Bedhaya Kuwung-Kuwung, Bedhaya Tunjung Anom, Bedhaya sinom, etc.), Guntur Segaran, Srimpi (Srimpi Renyep-Renggowati, Srimpi Pandhelori, etc.), Beksa Klana (Klana King , Klana Mask, Klana Alush), Beksa Golek Menak, etc..

Classical dance is not merely a composition of gestures that are created into a single entity serving the whole spectacle. But behind the dance classic, stored on a story or a very high philosophical meaning is conveyed as a message for the human life.

Some of the classical dance styles-Mataraman Yogyakarta, which among others also become cultural treasures Sultanate Palace Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat I can find the documentation.:

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Silver Handmade Kotagede - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia


The presence of silver craftsmen appear along with the birth of Mataram Kingdom, Kotagede is an area where the former capital of Mataram Kingdom which was founded by Panembahan Senopati. The development of silver Kotagede not be separated also from the Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC) that go to Yogyakarta around the 16th century. At that time, many traders are ordering VOC household appliances from gold, silver, copper and brass to a population of approximately Kotagede. Until now, people in the region Kotagede still many who work as craftsmen. Some of them work as craftsmen of gold, silver, copper, brass, horns and many others. Over time, silver became the most sought after product so many craftsmen who choose to become a silversmith and silver in its development characterizes the area Kotagede.

Silver craft and shop in the town can be easily met along the road. Generaly, the craftman have a show room to display their silver products. One of the center showroom located on the main street Kotagede.There are about 40 showrooms or stores of silver on a small scale, medium and large. Not just along the road Packaging showroom you can visit alone, as many silver craftsmen are located within the township one of them is in Basen village. It has many tourist village silver smith with a diversity of silver and of course if you buy the product directly to the artisans, a more economical price can be found. Basen Tourism Village is located in RW 04, sub Purbayan, Kotagede.

Types of silver are sold in the region Kotagede diverse, mostly selling silver type the numbers 925 means 925 indicates the percentage content of silver in it. 925 means 92.5% silver + 7.5% copper, because if you made 100% pure silver is too soft. Copper as a mixture of materials that could be more robust silver metal is processed into jewelry. Silver has a pure silver levels ranging from 999, 925, 850, 835, 825, and 800. For silver with 800 purity levels will be faster black (oxidized) than the silver with 925 purity tigkat. That's why rarely found silver jewelry stamped with 800.

The silver is purely made by hand, without relying on the machine. From the beginning to the end of the process done by hand. Craft is what is the origin of the silver industry in the town of Yogyakarta and even silver even today in the town is still dominated handmade crafts (handmade).

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Yogyakarta Batik - Visit Indonesia


Yogyakarta Batik is the typical handicrafts and souvenirs which are much sought after tourists. In 15th-century art of batik has Yogyakarta Batik is the typical handicrafts and souvenirs which are much sought after tourists. In 15th-century art of batik has started to progress and develop. When it gets batik art from the influence of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam against the existing style of batik. In this Age of the batik were made only in an environment favored by the daughter of the Palace and the Palace.Batik has a variety of motives. Not only from within the country, batik there originated from foreign countries, like Russia.


In Indonesia, batik is also varied, including Batik Yogyakarta and Solo batik. Although both use ukel-cement and cement, but in fact these two different batik. The difference is in color. Jogja Batik is white with black shades, while the Solo batik yellow with no white complexion.

Use of this batik cloth also vary. In the Kraton Jogja, there are rules about the use of batik cloth grip of this. For a wedding, batik fabrics used must be patterned Sidomukti, Sidoluhur, Sidoasih, Taruntum, or Grompol. While for Mitoni event, which may be imposed batik cloth is batik-patterned cloth picis Ceplok Garudo, Parang Mangkoro, or Gringsing Mangkoro. Some examples of classical motifs such Yogyakarta: Parang, Geometry, latticework, ivy, Motive Water plants, flowers, animals in life and others. Use of Batik today not only as a fabric, but also as apparel, Bed Cover, Pillow and others.



Currently batik has become a new trend in society. Not only clothing that uses batik as a fabric material. Pillowcases, gordyn, and bed sheets have also been using batik cloth. This is a good beginning for the preservation of batik art. Initially have to love first, then comes a sense andarbeni (a) and end-uri nguri (preserve).
This awareness has begun and continues to be encouraged. Batik Kraton Tamanan was formed to specifically Kraton Jogja batik motifs.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Tamansari Water Castel - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia


Taman Sari also known as Tamansari Water Castle is a site of a former royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta built by portugese's invisible hand in 18th century. It is located about 2 km south within the grounds of the Kraton Yogyakarta. The Taman Sari had multiple functions, such as a resting area, a workshop, a meditation area, a defense area, and a hiding place

It has a big pool inside and high tower at the north and south. Arch windows set on the wall of the tower. There are 2 big teakwood doors, at the west and east, both exits to Tamansari Kampong. In the past, the bath building is surrounded by beautiful wide scale park, being a favorite place for royal family to get a walk in morning and evening. Actually, the bath is one of the buildings on the complex; you also find a retreat place for Sultan and royal family near the water castle.

In the north of water castle, there are several buildings: Pulau Cemeti (Cemeti Island), Sumur Gumuling (Gumuling Well) and tens of secret tunnels. You can see Pulau Cemeti if you walk to the south of Pasar Ngasem (Ngasem Market). By stepped chairs, you can see landscape of the city at the top of the building. It used to scout enemy. Sumur Gumuling is a circular building, it has circular chair inside, like a well. It has 6 arch voids. The yellow sunlight comes to the open skylight; it's beautiful in the morning. Historian says, Sumur Gumuling also used to be a mosque, but identified by scientist, it also been a big water catchment well to protect the complex from flood.


The remaining mysteries are tens of secret tunnels, the point of the tunnel find near Sumur Gumuling, it has no end journey inside. People say some men tried to solve the mystery several years ago, but they have disappeared after enter the tunnel. In the past, the tunnel used to escape by royal family, to the south. At the surface, the Tamansari looks like a wide park, but in the lower ground looks like a strong underground fortress with complex circulation. Tamansari was built in the Sultan Hamengku Buwono I era by Raden Ronggo Prawirosentiko, the regent of Madiun Regency as the architect and Demang Tegis, a Portuguese man as the constructor. So, probably this Portuguese man gave his touch to the design.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Merapi Volcano - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia


Merapi Volcano is the youngest in a group of volcanoes in the southern region of Java. It is situated at a subduction zone, where the Indo-Australian Plate is sliding beneath the Eurasian Plate. It is one of at least 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire – a section of the fault lines stretching from the Western Hemisphere through Japan and South East Asia. Stratigraphic analysis reveals that eruptions in the Merapi area began about 395,000 years ago, and from then until about 10,000 years ago, eruptions were typically effusive, and the outflowing lava emitted was basaltic. Merapi Volcano can be very destructive in nature.Since then, eruptions have become much more explosive, with viscous andesitic lavas often generating lava domes. Dome collapse's have often generated pyroclastic flows, and larger explosions, which have resulted in eruption columns, have also generated pyroclastic flows through column collapse.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Mendut Temple - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia


Built for worship, Mendut Temple is dedicated to Buddha Sakyamuni with a pantheon of bodhisattva. Mendut is the oldest of the three temples including Pawon and Borobudur. The Karang Tengah inscription, the temple was built and finished during the reign of King Indra of Sailendra dynasty. The inscription dated 824 AD mentioned that King Indra of Sailendra has built a sacred building named Venuvana which means ''bamboo forest''. Dutch archaeologist JG de Casparis has connected the temple mentioned in Karang Tengah inscription with Mendut temple.

The temple located about three kilometres east from Borobudur. Mendut, Borobudur and Pawon all of which are Buddhist temples, are located in one straight line. There is a mutual religious relationship between the three temples. Today, during the full moon in May or June, Buddhists in Indonesia observe Vesak annual ritual by walking from Mendut passing through Pawon and ends at Borobudur.


In the chamber, you can see three big statues enclosed in the square-shaped temple: Sakyamuni (Sitting in cross legged pose with dharma cakra mudra position ; turning the wheel of dharma hand gesture), Awalokiteswara (A bodhi satwa as a human helper), and Maitreya (The savior of humans for the future).

Mendut Temple is located some 45 minutes northeast of Yogyakarta. It sits on a hill in the town of Muntilan in the Magelang District. Most travel agents in Yogyakarta offer the day-trip excursion to this temple as part of the tour to Candi Borobudur located nearby.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Malioboro - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia


Jalan Malioboro (English: Malioboro Street) is a major shopping street in Yogyakarta, Indonesia; the name is also used more generally for the neighborhood around the street. It lies north in the line between Yogyakarta Kraton and Mount Merapi. This is in itself is significant to many of the local population, the north south orientation between the palace and the volcano being of importance. The street is the centre of Yogyakarta's largest tourist district surrounded with many hotels and restaurants nearby. Sidewalks on both sides of the street are crowded with small stalls selling a variety of goods. In the evening several open-air streetside restaurants, called lesehan, operate along the street. Less obvious to the tourist, but more for the local population, side streets, lanes and structures that lead on to Malioboro are as important as the street itself.

The street was for many years two-way, but by the 1980s had become one way only, from the railway line (where it starts) to the south - to Beringharjo markets, where it ends. The largest, oldest Dutch era hotel, Hotel Garuda, is located on the street's northern end, on the eastern side adjacent to the railway line. It has the former Dutch era Prime Minister's complex, the kepatihan, on the eastern side.

For many years in the 1980s and later, a cigarette advertisement was placed on the first building south of the railway line - or effectively the last building on Malioboro, which advertised Marlboro cigarettes, no doubt appealing to locals and foreigners who would see a pun with name of the street with a foreign product being advertised.

It does not reach the walls or grounds of the Yogyakarta palace, as Malioboro ceases in name adjacent to the very large market Beringharjo (on the eastern side as well). From this point the street changes name to Jalan Ahmad Yani (Ahmad Yani Street) and has the former Governors residence on the western side, and the old Dutch Fort Vredeburg on the eastern side.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Yogyakarta Palace - Visit Indonesia


Kraton or the Palace where Sultan and his family of Yogyakarta live is located in the center of the axis stretching from the north to the south, and in the secondary axis from the east to the west. It is encircled by row of the mountains called the Horizon as the border of the universe.

Keraton Kasultanan Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat or now better known by the name of Yogyakarta Palace is the center of Javanese culture living museum that is in the Special Region Yogykarta (Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta). Not just becomes the place to live for the king and his family, the palace is also a main direction of cultural development of Java, as well as the flame guard of the culture. At this place tourists can learn and see directly on how the Javanese culture continues to live and be preserved. Yogyakarta Palace was built by Pangeran Mangkubumi (Prince Mangkubumi )in 1755, several months after the signing of the Perjanjian Giyanti (the Agreement Giyanti). Banyan forest (Hutan Beringin) was chosen as the place for building the palace because the land was between two rivers that were considered good and protected from possible flooding. Although already hundreds of years old and were damaged by the massive earthquake in 1867, Yogyakarta Palace buildings still stand firmly and well maintained.

Visiting Yogyakarta Palace will provide both valuable and memorable experience. The palace that became the center of an imaginary line connecting Parangtritis Beach and Mount Merapi has 2 booth doors. The first in Tepas Keprajuritan (in front of Alun-Alun Utara), and in Tepas Tourism (Regol Keben). If entering from Tepas Keprajuritan, visitors can only enter Bangsal Pagelaran and Siti Hinggil and see a collection of some palace carriages, if entering from Tepas Pariwisata, then you can enter Sri Manganti complex and Kedhaton where there is Bangsal Kencono (Kencono Ward) that is the main hall of the kingdom. The distance between the first and second booth door was not far, just by walking down Jalan Rotowijayan, visitors can walk or ride a rickshaw.

There are many things that can be seen at Yogyakarta Palace, ranging from the activity of servants in the palace who are doing the job or to see properties collection of the palace. Collections are kept in glass boxes that are spread various rooms ranging from ceramics and glassware, weapons, photographs, miniatures and replicas, to various kinds of batik and its deorama of the making process. Furthermore, tourists can also enjoy the art performances with different schedules each day. The show starts from the human puppet, macapat, puppet show, shadow puppets, and dances. To enjoy art performances, tourists do not need to pay additional costs. If you come on Tuesday Wage, you can watch Jemparingan or archery competition in Mataraman style in Kemandhungan Kidul (South Kemandhungan). Jemparingan is conducted for the heritage of Sri Sultan HB X. The uniqueness of this jemparingan is that every participant must wear Javanese traditional clothing and archery in a sitting position.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Prambanan Temple - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia

The Prambanan temple is the biggest and a most beautiful Hindu temple about 20 minutes from Yogyakarta city. This magnificent Shivaite temple derives its name from the village where it is located. Locally known as the Loro Jongrang temple, or the temple of the "Slender Virgin" it is reputed to be the biggest and most beautiful Hindu Temple in Indonesia.

17 kilometers east of Yogyakarta, the temple is believed to have been built by King Balitung Maha Sambu in the middle of the ninth century.

Its parapets are adorned with a bas-reliefs depicting the famous Ramayana story. It has eight shrines, of which the three main ones are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma (all are manifestations of God in Hindu). The main temple of Shiva rises to a high of 130 feet and houses the magnificent statue of Shiva's consort, Durga.

Prambanan Temple is beautiful temple, in fact, it is a group of temples. The biggest temple dedicated to Shiva (one of manifestation of God) with two other smaller ones, on its right and on its left, dedicated to Brahma and Wisnhu (manifestation of God) respectively. Reliefs decorating the walls of the temple depict the story of Ramayana. There is a legend that Javanese people always tell about this temple. As the story tells, there was a man named Bandung Bondowoso who loved Roro Jonggrang. To refuse his love, Jonggrang asked Bondowoso to make her a temple with 1,000 statues only in one-night time. The request was nearly fulfilled when Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and to set a fire in order to look like morning had broken. Feeling to be cheated, Bondowoso who only completed 999 statues cursed Jonggrang to be the thousandth statue.

Prambanan temple has three main temples in the primary yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva temples. Those three temples are symbols of Trimurti in Hindu belief. All of them face to the east. Each main temple has accompanying temple facing to the west, namely Nandini for Shiva, Angsa for Brahma, and Garuda for Vishnu. Besides, there are 2 flank temples, 4 kelir temples and 4 corner temples. In the second area, there are 224 temples.

Entering Shiva temple, the highest temple and is located in the middle, you will find four rooms. One main room contains Shiva statue, while the other three rooms contain the statues of Durga (Shiva's wife), Agastya (Shiva's teacher), and Ganesha (Shiva's son). Durga statue is said to be the statue of Roro Jonggrang in the above legend.

In Vishnu temple, to the north of Shiva temple, you will find only one room with Vishnu statue in it. In Brahma temple, to the south of Shiva temple, you find only room as well with Brahma statue in it.

Quite attractive accompanying temple is Garuda temple that is located close to Vishnu temple. This temple keeps a story of half-bird human being named Garuda. Garuda is a mystical bird in Hindu mythology. The figure is of golden body, white face, red wings, with the beak and wings similar to eagle's. It is assumed that the figure is Hindu adaptation of Bennu (means 'rises' or 'shines') that is associated with the god of the Sun or Re in Old Egypt mythology or Phoenix in Old Greek mythology. Garuda succeeded in saving his mother from the curse of Aruna (Garuda's handicapped brother) by stealing Tirta Amerta (the sacred water of the gods).

Its ability to save her mother made many people admire it to the present time and it is used for various purposes. Indonesia uses the bird as the symbol of the country. Other country using the same symbol is Thailand, with the same reason but different form adaptation and appearance. In Thailand, Garuda is known as Krut or Pha Krut.



Prambanan also has panels of relief describing the story of Ramayana. Experts say that the relief is similar to the story of Ramayana that is told orally from generation to generation. Another interesting relief is Kalpataru tree that - in Hindu - the tree is considered tree of life, eternity and environment harmony. In Prambanan, relief of Kalpataru tree is described as flanking a lion. The presence of this tree makes experts consider that Javanese society in the ninth century had wisdom to manage its environment.

Just like Garuda, Kalpataru tree is also used for various purposes. In Indonesia, Kalpataru is used as the logo of Indonesian Environment Institution. Some intellectuals in Bali even develop "Tri Hita Karana" concept for environment conservation by seeing Kalpataru relief in this temple. This tree of life is also seen in the gunungan (the puppet used as an opening of traditional puppet show or wayang kulit). This proves that relief panels in Prambanan have been widely known throughout the world.

If you see the relief in detail, you will see many birds on them; they are real birds as we can see on the earth right now. Relief panels of such birds are so natural that biologists can identify their genus. One of them is the relief of the Yellow-Crest Parrot (Cacatua sulphurea) that cites unanswered question. The reason is that the bird only exists in Masakambing Island, an island in the middle of Java Sea. Then, did the bird exist in Yogyakarta? No body has succeeded in revealing the mystery.

You can discover many more things in Prambanan. You can see relief of Wiracarita Ramayana based on oral tradition. If you feel tired of enjoying the relief, you can take a rest in the beautiful garden in the complex. Since 18 September 2006, you can enter zone 1 area of Prambanan temple. The damage caused by the earthquake on 27 May 2006 is being reconstructed. Please come and enjoy Prambanan temple.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia


Yogyakarta Special Region (Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, DIY) is officially one of Indonesia's 32 provinces. Yogyakarta is one of the foremost cultural centers of Java. This region is located at the foot of the active Merapi volcano, Yogyakarta was in the 16th and 17th centuries the seat of the mighty Javanese empire of Mataram from which present day Yogyakarta has the best inherited of traditions. The city itself has a special charm, which seldom fails to captivate the visitor.

This province is one of the most densely populated areas of Indonesia. The city came into being in 1755, after the Mataram division into the Sultanates of Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo). Gamelan, classical and contemporary Javanese dances, wayang kulit (leather puppet), theater and other expressions of traditional art will keep the visitor spellbound. Local craftsmen excel in arts such batiks, silver and leather works. Next to the traditional, contemporary art has found fertile soil in Yogya's culture oriented society. ASRI, the Academy of Fine Arts is the center of arts and Yogyakarta itself has given its name to an important school of modern painting in Indonesia, perhaps best personified by the famed Indonesian impressionist, the late Affandi.
The culture Yogyakarta province with its status as a special region lies in the Southern part of Central Java, in the heartland of Javanese culture. As the former capital and the center of several kingdoms in the past, this region and its people are very rich in a variety of cultures. It is widely known from to historical records that the civilization, art and culture had developed well in the center of those kingdoms respectively in the Ancient Mataram Kingdom (8th - 10th Century) era, the second Mataram Kingdom (17th - 18th Century) and Sultanate Ngayogyokarto from the mid of 18th Century up today.
It should be noted that the cultural heritage from the past includes the magnificent temples, the ruins of palaces and monasteries, the various kind of traditions, cultural events, traditional folk and performing arts, architecture and other traditional activities. It is important to note that this is all part of the living culture of Yogyakarta, color of daily activities of live and the local inhabitants behavior, particularly the Javanese community with its traditional way of life and customs. Therefore, because of its culture richness and heritage, Yogyakarta has long been known as the cradle of Javanese culture.



The other legendary name for Yogyakarta City, among the elders as well as the youth generation that is the City of Art and Culture. Traditional and modern exhibition are held almost every day and night about the art of theater, pantomime, music, classic and contemporary dances, poems, etc. Those are flow in the heart of the city. Even more, there are abundant of cultural ceremony, such as Sekaten, Gunungan, Labuhan, Malioboro Fair, etc, which make the city has high value of tradition, art, and culture.

Diving and Surfing - Bali Island - Visit Indonesia

Bali, as an island, is surrounded by sea. All year-long, sunshine gives you a chance to enjoy many offshore attractions.

Diving and snorkeling are among major attractions in Bali. Divers can view various marine creatures, such as colorful tropical fish and coral reefs. The best time for diving here is in the dry season that lasts from April to October, when warmer temperatures invite more fish and the objects can be clearly viewed.

Bali offers a lot of sites for beginners and professional divers, with some of them adjacent to the shore with abundant colorful hard and soft corals. Once you start diving, a wide variety of marine life, such as dolphins, rays, turtle, sea snakes and moray eels will greet you.

The locations for diving and snorkeling in Bali spread out along Bali's sea. The popular sites are located on the southern part: Sanur and Nusa Island (Lembongan and Nusa Penida); in the western part are Labuan Lalang, Menjangan Island, an uninhabited island with some of the best diving in Bali; in the north of the island is Lovina that will undoubtedly satisfy your diving needs. On the east coast are Amed where virgin nature can be enjoyed, Tulamben, Candidasa and Padang Bay also.
Surfing can be done everyday in Bali. Bali's magnificent surfing was introduced by Australian surfers at the end of 60's, and since then, Bali has become a paradise for surfers. Not just because of various choices for beaches and breaks, but surfing in Bali can be done everyday! Perfect wave to ride on are always available somewhere on this island. Kuta and Ulawatu are recognized for their magnificent surfing waves.

Out-standing reef breaks are found in Kuta and Sanur. Sanur reef is a real pleasure because, here you will find a tube-forming wave that will carry you back to the seashore and in this way, it is unnecessary for you to paddle like a madman.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Adventure Parks - Bali Island - Visit Indonesia


Bali offers not just various customs but also various "adrenalin pump" parks. Many exciting amusements are available in Bali, with something new opening all time. The number of offshore and inland attraction are on the rise because many tourists want them.

After white water rafting that has gained popularity in Bali, comes offshore rafting or ocean rafting. The more adventurous sort of amusement has now become an alternative sport for tourists. Just try it. Your heart will beat faster, especially when your boat hits two meter-high waves at high speed but even so, just like any other adventure sport, safety is the first priority. Meanwhile white water rafting is still a popular activity with trips on the Ayung, Telaga Waja, Unda rivers, etc. You can refresh your mind by watching beautiful scenery along the route.

If you do not want to push your heart so hard, paradigling is a good choice and an exciting way to see Bali from the air. If wind conditions are right, you can view Bali from a very different perspective. If you are a beginner, a professional instructor will accompany you to ride in tandem. So, there is nothing to worry about.

For people with strong confidence and no heart problems, a must is bungy jumping and slingshot. Slingshot will shoot you up skyward so you can feel like a bullet. Bungy jumping offers you a chance to take the plunge. You can choose your view, wanna Kuta's view (in Kuta) or natural waterfal's view in Gianyar.

For your entire family, Waterbom Park is an excellent day out for adult and children. It offers five different water slides and a lazy river. You can relax by the pool that has underwater music and swim-to bar.

If you want to experience "war in paradise" Fantasy Bali Splat Mas-Jungle Skirmish is the place for you. It is a war game, where the point is to capture your opposing team's flag and kill the enemy with paintballs.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Ngaben in Bali - Death & Cremation - Bali Island - Visit Indonesia

There are ceremonies for every stage of Balinese life but often the last ceremony-cremation-is the biggest. A Balinese cremation can be an amazing, spectacular, colorful, noisy and exciting event. In fact it often takes so long to organize a cremation that years have passed since the death. During that time the body is temporarily buried. Of course an auspicious day must be chosen for the cremation and since a big cremation can be very expensive business many less wealthy people may take the opportunity of joining in at a larger cremation and sending their own dead on their way at the same time. Brahmans, however, must be cremated immediately. Apart from being yet another occasion for Balinese noise and confusion it's a fine opportunity to observe the incredible energy the Balinese put into creating real works of art which are totally ephemeral. A lot more than a body gets burnt at the cremation. The body is carried from the burial ground (or from the deceased's home if it's an 'immediate' cremation) to the cremation ground in a high, multi-tiered tower made of bamboo, paper, string, tinsel, silk, cloth, mirrors, flowers and anything else bright and colorful you can think of. The tower is carried on the shoulders of a group of men, the size of the group depending on the importance of the deceased and hence the size of the tower. The funeral of a former rajah high priest may require hundreds of men to tote the tower.
A long the way to the cremation ground certain precautions must be taken to ensure that the deceased's spirit does not find its way back home. Loose spirits around the house can be a real nuisance. To ensure this doesn't happen requires getting the spirits confused as to their whereabouts, which you do by shaking the tower, running it around in circles, spinning it around, throwing water at it, generally making the trip to the cremation ground anything but a stately funeral crawl. Meanwhile, there's likely to be a priest halfway up to tower, hanging on grimly as it sways back and forth, and doing his best to soak bystanders with holy water. A gamelan sprints along behind, providing a suitably exciting musical accompaniment. Camera-toting tourists get all but run down and once again the Balinese prove that ceremonies and religion are there to be enjoyed. At the cremation ground the body is transferred to a funeral sarcophagus, this should be in the shape of a bull for a Brahmana, a winged lion for a Satria and a sort of elephant-fish for a Sudra. These days, however, almost anybody from the higher castes will use a bull. Finally up it all goes in flames funeral tower, sarcophagus, body, the lot. The eldest son does his duty by poking through the ashes to ensure that there are no bits of body left unburned. And where does your soul go after your cremation? Why, to a heaven which is just like Bali!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

The Welcome Dance - Balinese Dance - Visit Indonesia

The Panyembrama is probably the most popular Balinese social dance. In keeping with its meaning in the Balinese Language, Panymebrama is frequently staged to welcome guests of honour who are making a visit to this islands of the Gods.

Four or eight young girls bearing a bokor, a heavily engraved bowl made from silver or aluminium, laden with flowers, dance expressively to the accompaniment of vibrant gamelan music.

During the dance, the flowers are scattered over the guest or audience as an expression of welcome. The Panymebrama has taken many of its movements from temple dances, such as the Rejang Dance, Pendet and Gabor, which are considered sacred and performed exclusively for God. There is an analogy between the secular Panymebrama and the religious temple dances, as all these dances are welcoming dances, the difference being in the place in which they are stage.

The Tari Panymebrama comes under the Balinese classification of Legong (individual dances), because it has no connection with other dances, has no story and was specifically created for welcoming and entertainment purposes.

The hospitality and friendliness conveyed through the smiles of the Panymebrama girls, charms the audience and so is very fitting as an opening for a show, etc.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

The Ramayana - Bali Island - Visit Indonesia

The story of the Ramayana greatly inspires the Balinese. Many of their dances are based on this great story which is often depicted in a ballet.

The Balinese version differs from the Indian Version. It is told that Rama, as the first son in a family, was the heir to the Ayodya kingdom but the king's second wife, through her treachery forced the king to crown her own son as the King of Ayodya and asked him to send Rama and his wife into exile.

Because he respected his father, Rama went with his wife called Sita and his beloved younger brother, Laksmana into a forest called Dandaka. Usually the first act of the ballet depicts Rama and entourage in the heart of the Dandaka forest.
Rahwana, the evil King of Alengka, enchanted by the beauty of Sita, wanted to have her as his concubine. He sent one of his knights, Marica, to temp Sita by transforming himself into a golden deer. Sita, captivated by her curiosity, asked her husband to catch the golden deer.

The next act explains how Rama succeeds in hunting the golden deer but as his arrow struck the golden deer it transformed back into Marica. Meanwhile Sita heard a distant cry for help. Laksmana, who had been asked by his brother to look after his sister-in-law, tried to explain to her that the cry sounds very suspicious. But nevertheless, Sita was convinced that someone was in need of help. So she sent Laksmana to look for this person and to help whoever it is. In his desperate attempt, Laksmana asked Sita, no matter what would happen, to stay inside the guarding circle that he created.
Rahwana, knowing that Sita was protected by the circle transforms himself into an old priest. He approaches Sita and asks her for a drink. Sita, without hesitation, extends her hands beyond the circle to hand him the water. Rahwana takes the advantage, snatches her hand and takes her to his palace in Alengka.

On the way, Rahwana encounters a mighty eagle Jatayu. By every means possible, Jatayu tries to rescue Sita from the evil king but fails and is killed by Rahwana.

Rama and Laksmana find the dying Jatayu who tells them the whole story of what had happened to Sita.

In his attempt to release his wife, Rama seeks the help from Hanoman and his monkey soldiers. Hanoman finds Sita in the palace's garden. She had been asked by Rahwana to marry him but she would rather die. Hanoman convinces Sita that he is Rama's messenger and talks of a plan.

Rahwana catches Hanoman and burns his tail but in so doing, set fire to the palace's' gardens. The pyrotechnics can be very impressive.

In the last act, Rama and his troops are depicted attacking Rakhwana's palace. Finally Rama manages to kill Rahwana and therefore takes his wife back to his country.
The abridged version ends here but if you see paintings in Kamasan style based on the Ramayana story, you would notice that in the last of serialised paintings, Sita had to prove she was still pure, and had not been tainted by Rahwana, by plunging herself into a fire. Because of her faith in her husband, God saved her from the fire and she lived happily ever after with Rama.

The Indian version reveals a very different ending with Sita saved by Mother Earth, never returning to her husband.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Bunut Bolong, Unique Tree - Bali Island - Visit Indonesia

Bunut Bolong is a sacred and unique tree that has a hole on the body and it's located right on the road. The name Bunut Bolong is given due to the unique characteristic of this tree. The word "bunut" is Balinese name for a species of fig family which has similar characteristic with banyan tree, and the word "bolong" means "hole", so the word "Bunut Bolong" means a bunut tree which has a hole in it. As a matter fact, this sacred tree has a big hole in the bottom of it, so big that a road can through it and the diameter of the hole can accommodate two cars side by side. Bunut Bolong also have a strong magical aura that believed by all people who live near the tree area.

Bunut Bolong is located in Manggisari Village, Subdistrict of Pekutatan, Jembrana Regency. It's about 11 km to the north from the main Denpasar - Gilimanuk road, 86 km from Denpasar. The sacred tree is situated on the ridge of a hill flanked on east sides by clove plantation and on the west side gorge with excellent lush green tropical forest.The location is able to reach by car or motorcycle as well.

There was a shrine on the side of the road. The set of shrines that accompany this sacred tree is known as Pujangga Sakti Temple that is established to honor the great sage Dang Hyang Sidhi Mantra who happened to pass this area hundreds years ago. In the west there are also forest expanse stretching from south to north is very fascinating to be enjoyed. If standing around Bunut Bolong, we will be able to see pimento plantation.

Bunut bolong as one of tourism destination was still located in a very natural condition. There is no parking area, toilet, restaurant, and souvenir shop. Fresh air and quiet condition of Bunut Bolong will make all tourist who visit it feel relax and peaceful. For this time, Bunut bolong commonly visited by domestic tourist, but foreign tourist also visit this time sometime but not as much as domestic tourist. Bunut Bolong is a great place for those of you who want to visit the tour destination that are still natural and away from the crowds.