Backpacking in Singapore : How-To & Travel Budget

Posting tamu oleh : Wenny Rosliana

Singapore!
Photo credit : sxc.hu

Notes ini gw persembahkan untuk teman-temenku yang pengen coba-coba keluar negeri juga tapi blom punya pengalaman sama sekali (just like me before) hehehehehe...

Hal yang perlu dilakukan antara lain:

1. Bikin Passport
Bikin passport bisa melalui travel agent atau bisa juga ngurus sendiri. Normalnya passport jadi sekitar 2 minggu. Kalo ngurus sendiri biayanya sekitar 250ribuan, tapi harus bolak-balik ke kantor Imigrasi minimal 3 kali, dan antrinya lama. Kalo pake travel agent (gw pake Panorama Tours di Pacific Place) biayanya 470ribuan, cukup sekali doang ke kantor Imigrasi untuk foto+wawancara+ttd passport. Gw pilih agent karena agentnya buka sampe jam 7 malem jadi gw bisa ngurus passportnya pas pulang kerja.

Dokumen yg perlu disiapin untuk bikin passport: fotokopi ktp + fotokopi kartu keluarga + fotokopi akte kelahiran + fotokopi surat nikah (jika ada) + fotokopi ijazah terakhir + surat sponsor asli dari kantor (untuk karyawan) atau dari kampus (untuk mahasiswa). Contoh surat sponsornya gw punya kok, kalo ada yang butuh just contact me aja, ntar gw kirim via email yach :)

2. Bikin NPWP
Penting banget nih punya NPWP buat keluar negeri. Karena dengan menunjukan kartu NPWP bisa gratis fiskal. Kalo ga punya, mesti bayar 2,6juta. Tapi 1 rumah cuma butuh 1 NPWP kok, jadi kalo ngga punya NPWP tapi orang tua punya, bisa pake NPWP orang tua + kartu keluarga. Tapi kalo mau bikin caranya gampang kok. Buka aja www.pajak.go.id nanti diajarin cara bikin NPWP disitu.

3. Booking Tiket Pesawat
Untuk tiket pesawat murah jagoannya ya Airasia. Rajin-rajin aja pantau websitenya Airasia biar dapet tiket promonya hehehehe... Kalo mau pake maskapai luar negeri, bisa diintip websitenya Jetstar. Kadang-kadang ada promo Jkt-S'pore-Jkt cuma 500ribu PP. Jetstar ini anaknya Qantas Airways (Australia) Selama ini gw booking Airasia pake kartu kredit, gw ga ngerti pake kartu debit bisa apa ngga. Tp kalo yg ga punya kartu kredit bisa beli tiket Airasia di Carrefour yang ada counter Airasia-nya, cuma harganya lebih mahal dari yg di website dan kena fee 25ribu.

4. Booking hotel / hostel
Booking hotel kalo untuk diluar negeri bisa dilakukan via online. Lagi2 dibutuhkan kartu kredit dsini. Buat yg pengen cari penginapan murah bisa buka www.hostelworld.com atau kalo yg gw pake itu website go holiday airasia.

Stepnya gini:
Buka airasia.com -> pilih negara (indonesia) dan bahasa (bahasa indonesia). Trus kita masuk ke halaman home-nya. Di sebelah kiri ada kotak yg bertuliskan penerbangan + hotel. Klik di situ -> maka kita masuk ke home-nya Go holiday Airasia.

Di bagian atas berderet ada tulisan (home - hotel - activities - car - medic - hostel - tools - help - info) untuk yg pengen booking hotel minimal bintang 3, silahkan klik "hotel", tapi buat yang pengen penginapan murah, kita klik "hostel" -> lalu kita masuk ke property search. Masukin data sesuai ama kebutuhan kita. Tujuan Country, City, Tanggal kedatangan (arrival date), jumlah malam nginepnya, mata uang yg digunakan, dan jumlah orang yg akan nginep dsana.

Untuk hostel perhitungan harganya adalah per orang bukan per kamar. Kalo lo mau jalannya rame-rame gpp langsung tulis total orangnya aja, ntar urusan bagi-bagi kamar bisa diatur di halaman website selanjutnya. Setelah data terisi lengkap klik search dan kita akan masuk ke halaman property search. Di sana akan ada banyak hostel dengan keterangan singkat dan harga termurahnya. Untuk ngeliat harga dan jenis kamarnya, klik "book now" aja.

Ada beberapa istilah yg perlu dipahami di sini:
- private = maksudnya kamar yg kita sewa akan dihuni sama kita aja
- dorm = kita akan tidur di kamar bareng2 sama tamu yg lainnya. Dan biasanya kasurnya bertingkat kyk di barak gt. Mostly isinya 6 - 8 kasur per kamar.
- mixed dorm = maksudnya kamar itu bisa dihuni cewe dan cowo bareng2.... ada lagi female dorm yang khusus buat cewe aja tp tetep tidur rame2 dengan tamu yg lain.
- ensuite = maksudnya kamar mandi tersedia di setiap kamar
- shared bathroom = dari namanya juga ketauan kalo ini 1 hotel kamar mandinya rame-rame.

Jadi waktu booking hostel, selain cari harga yg murah, perhatiin juga istilah-istilahnya. Kalo udah ktemu hostel yg cocok di hati tinggal masukin jumlah kamar dan jumlah orangnya trus klik "book now". Di sini kita cuma perlu bayar 10%nya aja kok. Nanti pelunasannya pas udah sampe di hostelnya. Trus bukti bookingnya akan dikirim via email.

5. Check-in di Bandara SoeTa
Passport udah punya, NPWP udah ada, tiket udah dibeli, kamar udah dibooking. Sekarang saatnya tiba untuk berangkat jalan-jalan. Hal yg pertama dilakukan saat masuk ke bandara adalah menuju check-in counter pesawat lo. Trus nanti di sana lo serahin tiket dan tunjukin passport, lalu mereka akan ngasih print out boarding pass. Untuk bandara SoeTa kita mesti bayar airport tax Rp 150.000,- dan dibelakang boarding pass nya akan ditempelin sticker airport tax nya. Kalo yg bawa koper gede dan pengen dimasukin ke bagasi pesawat di counter ini juga tempat nyerahin koper nya.

Selesai dari check-in, kita menuju ke konter pembebasan fiskal. Cukup tunjukin npwp + passport + boarding pass nanti ditempelin sticker bebas fiskal dibelakang boarding pass. Abis itu kita masuk ke imigrasi untuk di stempel passport kita dan kita ngisi form imigrasi gt. Trus menuju ke boarding gate. Di boarding gate nanti disensor isi tas kita. Ga boleh bawa cairan diatas 100ml ya? Kalo ketahuan disita sama mereka. Selesai deh urusan di bandara, tinggal nunggu pesawatnya dateng aja trus terbang.

6. Check Out di Bandara Tujuan
Pas nyampe di bandara tujuan, yang tasnya di titip di bagasi ya ngantri ngambil bagasi dulu. Ini bisa makan waktu 1 jam. Trus ke bagian imigrasi negara sana untuk dapet stempel juga. Di sini bakalan ditanyain kita nginep dmana, tujuan ke sana ngapain, bla-bla-bla... yaaa banyak2 senyum aja lah biar aman, hehehehe...

Nah cerita setelah itu tinggal baca notes gw "Lost In Singapore: Trilogy" aja. Semuanya udah gw ceritain di sana. Hehehehehe...

Owkay sekarang kita bicara masalah budget.
Biaya yang akan terjadi untuk pergi ke luar negeri antara lain:
1. Pembuatan passport: 470.000 rupiah
2. Tiket pesawat: tergantung dari tiket yg lo beli
3. Airport tax: 150.000 rupiah
4. Damri PP: 40.000 rupiah
5. Penginapan selama di Singapore: tergantung harga hostel yg lo pilih. Tp waktu gw ksana nginepnya di Frankel Hostel, harganya S$25/orang/malam. Gw pilih kamar twin private ensuite
6. Tourist Pass (untuk naik MRT & Bus unlimited): S$8/orang/hari. Hitungannya 1 hari itu dari jam 12 malam sampe jam 12 malam lagi, bukan 24 jam. Artinya kalo kita beli tourist pass nya jam 5 sore pada hari itu, jadinya cuma berlaku sampe jam 12 malem hari itu aja, bukannya jam 5 sore hari berikutnya. Tourist pass bisa dibeli di MRT Ticket Office di Terminal 2 Changi Airport.
7. Biaya makan: di sini makanan mahal. Mau makan di pinggir jalan atau di McD harganya ga beda jauh. Sekitar S$ 6 - 7 sekali makan (sekitar 50ribu rupiah). Dan air putih di sini mahal banget. AQUA ukuran 600ml harganya S$1,2 (Rp.8.400)
8. Biaya lain-lain: yaa tergantung khilafnya lo pake duit aja hehehehe... Kalo buat oleh-oleh ngirit, S$50 udah cukup kok. Atau kalo lo mau coba naek wahana-wahana dengan teknologi canggih di Sentosa Island, budgetnya bisa lebih gede lagi.

Gw nukerin duit rupiah ke Dollar Singapore Rp.1,5 juta jadinya dapet S$220. Pas gw balik masih ada sisa kok duitnya.

Hayooo coba dikeluarkan kalkulatornya masing-masing, sambil buka-buka website kira-kira mau ngapain aja di Singapore, hihihihihi...

Met jalan-jalan yach, guys ^o^

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Profil Kontributor
Wenny, kini bekerja di sebuah lembaga pemerintahan di Jakarta. Hobi jalan-jalan dengan budget minim dan sudah berencana untuk jalan-jalan lagi dalam waktu dekat. :)

[ Ingin turut menyumbang catatan perjalanan, artikel traveling, atau foto? ]
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Butterfly Kingdom in Bantimurung

Blonde Karst Regions Bantimurung as The Kingdom Of Butterfly or moth kingdom, is being threatened with extinction. Because the activity of hunting and catching the winged animals were thin and elegant, the increase along with increasing population activity in the tourism area which is berhawa cool.
Entering Bantimurung tourism located in Maros regency, about 40 kilometers from the city of Makassar, has become a hallmark will be greeted by dozens of species of butterflies are moving around since visitors enter the gates of the tourist area.
No wonder, if the animal carcasses into a beautiful print is also one of the souvenir to take home or give to friends. Business carcasses butterfly wings lovely, have started to bloom since the 1980s. Animal species of insects were framed in plastic and sold to decorate the walls. Some sellers claim that the business had been theirs for generations.
Decorative butterflies sometimes combined with some types of insects such as centipedes, beetles and so on, seen everywhere: in the restaurant, on the porch, until the overhang the road.
As a sweetener decor, butterfly display packaging was very interesting. Moreover, the selling price is relatively cheap, depending on how many patterns and colors of butterflies in the frame. For one tail butterfly color pattern mediocre, generally offered from Rp 2,000 to Rp 5,000. But there is also the price could get millions, if the display is the butterfly wings that have a very beautiful style.
Butterfly business for local residents is very tempting. How not, begin the process of arrest, until the matter preservation assemble cardboard or plywood and a sheet of plastic does not require great expense, can memberihan However the fairly decent income. Difficult, perhaps just looking for a butterfly species that have a beautiful style. That's it.
Business due to the butterfly, the butterfly population in Bantimurung even from year to year increasingly shrinking, both in terms of quantity and species. Estimated, butterfly species that survive in the tourist area which has a waterfall, now only reach the 135.
Whereas previously, zoologist Alfred Russel Wallace from the UK (1856) after doing research in the area, found about 270 species of butterflies, or about 10.8 percent of butterfly species in Indonesia at that time. No wonder if he called Bantimurung as The Kingdom of Butterfly, because in this region there are various types and species of butterflies.
In fact, Bantimurung also known as the Butterfly Park in the world's most complete. But the title as The Kingdom of Butterfly is now a distant memory, because the fair-bodied species of insects that began in danger of extinction.

Preserve
In response to the threat of extinction of this fauna, the government (Pemkab) Maros struggle trying to tread a tricky people aware of the importance of conservation of the butterfly is one of the chain of the ecosystem in tourist areas Bantimurung.
For local governments, the issue of butterflies packaged into a dilemma. Because, on the one hand, to preserve animal habitats that half the number of species extinction has been a great experience, but on the other hand, if the business community prohibits the butterfly it means limiting the additional income that most people are farmers.
However, maintaining natural ecosystems is a necessity that should not be negotiable. As a first step, a butterfly exhibit was built as a container biakannya developer. One tangkar space, usually containing three to five pairs of butterfly species was considered nearly extinct.
At least, from the hundreds of species of butterflies in the region Bantimurung, there are five types that are considered truly rare, so determined to protect. All five species of butterfly that is Troides Hypolitus, Troides Helena, Troides Halipron, Papilio Adamanthis, and Chetosia Myrana.
From the information developed in the field, known types of Papilio and Atlas also includes rare butterflies can still be found in a wide area Bantimurung approximately 118 hectares, although very difficult to find. The characteristics of Papilio butterfly wings filled the colors very charming. While the Atlas moth has a very wide wings. The locals called the Atlas of butterflies in the butterfly bat, because its wings wide and dark.
Butterfly main options which include rare, in a wire cage and the big bear bred by the Center of Natural Resources Conservation (BKSDA) and South Sulawesi Tourism Office Maros. Breeding system was later introduced to the public in the environment and surrounding Pattunuang Cave, so no longer do hunting. Furthermore, as the responsibility of the local community were also asked breed butterflies in tourist areas are also protected forest areas.
For the community, which no longer ditangkar butterfly species are rare, but are considered to attract visitors to buy. So no longer do the butterfly hunt alone as done in previous years.

Approximately 80 percent of the number of butterflies from the captive that was preserved for subsequent sale to tourists in the region Bantimurung bath. While the other 20 percent is released into the habitat of origin.

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Perjalanan 3 Negara : Singapore - Phuket - Hat Yai - KL (Part-1)

Posting tamu oleh : Arlinda Wibiayu

Acknowledgement
Kalo artson bilang ”petualangan di mulai dari ketika kita merencanakan perjalanan” saya ngerasain sekali benernya ketika nyusun rencana perjalanan kali ini. But it’s fun.

Bermula dari ngilernya saya membaca cerita perjalanan orang di blog mereka (Asep, Bang Ikman, etc, thanks anyway for all the information).

Rencana
Makanya mulai deh saya browsing segala hal yang berbau backpacking sampe beli buku mulai "Travellers Tale", "Naked Traveller", "Merencanakan Sendiri Jalan-Jalan Keliling Dunia", "Ciao Italia" sampe terakhir "6 bulan di Eropa dengan 1000 USD" (mungkin harusnya saya beli "Lonely Planet South-East Asia on the Shoestring", abis di jalan banyak para backpacker yang bawa-bawa buku ini).

Sebenernya rada khawatir juga sih, secara belum ada berita kapan akan ada Prajab (nasib CPNS) Tapi kalo gak segera beli tiket, bisa-bisa tambah mahal deh ongkos jalan-jalannya. Makanya pas bulan September saya dan temen mutusin untuk beli dulu tiket Jakarta-Batam dengan Mandala. Saat itu yang jelas mau ikutan lagi-lagi cuma 3 orang, saya, Denik dan Sekar.

Sampe bulan Desember belum ada juga gosip-gosip soal prajab, ya udah deh akhirnya saya membulatkan tekad untuk tetap berangkat bulan Januari 2009.

Walau itenary sempet ganti-ganti, akhirnya keputusannya jadi seperti ini :
Jakarta > Batam > Singapura > Phuket > Hat Yai > Kuala Lumpur > Jakarta,
dengan satu selipan kota Johor Bahru dengan alasan kami harus ambil tiket kereta KTMB di Malaysia.

Penginapan pun sudah dipesan dengan modal kartu kredit teman kantor (makasih ya Bu Sandhy).

First Day
Penerbangan Mandala ke Hang Nadim yang tadinya jam 09.30 dimajuin jadi 08.10, rada aneh juga sih, biasanya kan delayed tapi ini dimajuin. Tapi bersyukur juga karena jadi bisa rada santai perjalanannya. Kenapa kita pilih ke Batam dulu, ya karena menurut informasi lebih murah. Lagian gak dapet tiket lain yang lebih murah, lagian kan fiskalnya lebih murah. Tapi ternyata bisa bebas fiskal euy... :)

Sampe di Hang Nadim kita sempet lihat-lihat bandara sebentar. Ternyata ada agen ferry di bandara yang katanya lebih murah dibanding kalo beli di seaport. Kami juga sempet tanya-tanya di pusat informasi turis di Bandara kalo mau wisata di Batam apa aja. Langsung dijelasin dan dikasih buku informasi wisata yang bagus banget, tapi sayang sama sekali nggak handy kan jadi males bawanya. Tapi teteup di bawa dengan niat buat promosi wisata Indonesia alias dikasih ke bule yang ketemu deh (dan akhirnya kesampean juga) :D

Harga ferry beda dengan informasi dari blogwalking, udah naek kali ya. Untuk ferry Penguin one-way udah 16 SGD (beda 1 SGD dengan beli di seaport) sedangkan PP-nya 18 SGD. Karena cuma butuh one way ya saya beli yang one way aja lah (kalo beli PP tanggalnya open kok, so don’t worry). Udah dapet tiket saya langsung cari taksi untuk ke Batam Center (70 ribu bisa di bagi 3, lumayan).

Berhubung perut sudah lapar, saya n yang lain mutusin untuk makan dulu di Batam Center. Yang langsung dicari pastinya tempat penitipan tas dong (berat euy). Ternyata ada di lantai satu deket Es Teler 77. Tas udah dititipin langsung makan, karena males cari-cari lagi, kami langsung makan di sebelah penitipan tas (maksudnya ya di Es Teler 77)

Perut udah kenyang kami langsung ambil tas n ke seaport. Nah di sini mulailah berurusan dengan imigrasi.

Pertama langsung ke counter Penguin untuk semacam check-in gitu deh. Ternyata selain tiket, seaport tax juga naek, jadi 7 SGD (berasa dirampok, mahal amat sih tax aja). Kedua, adalah counter-nya imigrasi. Saya sudah siapin fotokopi passport n NPWP. Alhamdulillah langsung lanjut tuh... gak ada bayar fiskal (ternyata bener-bener bebas fiskal). Ketiga, ke atas untuk pemeriksaan terakhir, trus tinggal nunggu untuk ferry Penguin selanjutnya. Kami dapet ferry yang jam 2, sempet ngobrol sama seorang bapak keturunan tionghoa yang juga mengeluh tentang harga tiket penyeberangan yang sekarang mahal menurut dia (beli di seaport PP 41 SGD, ih mahal amat ya)

Kami sampai si Harbourfront jam 4 waktu Singapura yang lebih cepet satu jam dari Jakarta, perjalanannya sendiri cuma makan waktu 1 jam. Waa pelabuhannya jauh lebih bagus dari yang di Batam Center (apalagi dari pelabuhan Merak dan Bakauheni). Urusan imigrasinya lancar-lancar aja tuh.

Sebelum lanjut naek MRT kami sempet ke luar untuk lihat-lihat. Ternyata kompleks mall Harbourfront ini sebelahan sama Vivo City (mall juga sih, tapi rada lebih baru aja).

Di MRT sempet bingung apa langsung beli EZ Link aja, tapi kita tanya sama petugasnya katanya kalo cuma 2 ato 3 hari gak usah beli karena sayang. Ya udah kita beli tiket untuk ke stasiun kembangan yang paling deket sama hostel kita.

Frankel Hostel tempat kami nginep gak terlalu susah dicari sih, tapi pintunya rada saru, alias gak terlalu jelas kalo di sana ada hostel. Secara cuma ditempelin tulisan di pintunya aja. Kami harus naek tangga ke lantai 3 dimana hostel itu berada. Kami sebelumnya pesen triple bed yang ada di GAS 81, tapi karena katanya penuh kami dipindahkan ke Frankel ini deh. Kamarnya kecil, kasurnya tipis, lumayan lah buat istirahat aja tapi ada satu komputer yang bisa dipake browsing n telpon yang bisa dipinjem kok (O ya disini kami harus self check in, alias gak ada host or sejenis resepsionis gitu, ngambil kunci dari deposit box yang kodenya udah dikasih tau via email)

Setelah bersih-bersih kami telpon Lee (Frankel Hostel person in charge, istilahnya) untuk bayar and cari info-info. Kami putusin ke Chinatown yang katanya bakalan rame karena ada festival Chinese New Year. Yup it was very crowded.

Perut udah mulai laper nih kami cari makanan yang ada tulisan halal-nya. Ketemu di Mosque St, restoran campuran gitu tapi ada booth yang berlabel halal. Kami pesen Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis dan roti prata untuk dimakan bertiga (cukup kenyang kok) ditambah teh tarik. Selese makan kami jalan-jalan lagi untuk sekedar lihat-lihat. Karena sudah cukup malam kami memutuskan untuk pulang ke hostel.

Sebelum pulang kami sepakat untuk beli EZ Link card dulu biar kalo jalan-jalan gak repot mikir ongkos. EZ Link ini bisa dibeli dengan harga 15 SGD. Maksudnya kita beli kartu 5 dolar trus depositnya 10 dolar dan bisa balik kalo masih sisa. Dan kalo mau abis kita tinggal top-up aja deh.

Sampe di hostel kami sempet coba internet sebentar trus istirahat biar besok siap untuk jalan...(bersambung, mudah2an saya gak males ya)

Bersambung ke Perjalanan 3 Negara : Singapore - Phuket - Hat Yai - KL (Part-2)

Sumber foto : dreamstime.

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Profil Kontributor
Ayu, kini bekerja di sebuah lembaga pemerintah dengan latar belakang bidang farmasi. Gaya backpackingnya adalah mengunjungi beberapa tempat sekaligus dan (tampaknya) sudah berencana untuk backpacking lagi dalam waktu dekat. :) Tulisan Ayu lainnya dapat ditengok di Arlinda's Site.

[ Ingin turut menyumbang catatan perjalanan, artikel traveling, atau foto? ]
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15 Rumah Teraneh di Dunia

The Crooked House, Polandia.
Sumber foto : brocha

Saya baru menemukan artikel tentang 15 rumah teraneh di dunia. Lucu! :D

Salah satunya adalah The Crooked House di Polandia, rumah ini dibangun secara distorsi sehingga terlihat seperti bayangan dari carnival mirrors. Ada rumah yang dibangun terbalik, dengan atap di bawah dan lantai di atas. Ada lagi rumah yang dipahat dari batu alam yang terletak di Turki, namanya Fairy Chimney Houses (mengingatkan saya akan proyek GWK di Bali, yang semua bangunannya rata-rata dipahat langsung dari gunung kapur alami).

Artikel selengkapnya dapat dibaca di sini:
15 Strangest Houses From Around the Globe

Menarik. Bisa menjadi tema backpacking yang seru nih. :)

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Photo(s) : Ronald McDonald at Khaosan Road

Foto oleh : Herajeng Gustiayu

ขอบคุณ

"Khop kun ka" = thank you. :)
Foto (c) Herajeng Gustiayu, 2009

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Why Should I Travelling?

Posting tamu oleh : Wenny Rosliana

Foto oleh sxc.hu

Who am I?

Hanya seorang mbak-mbak kantoran dengan gaji yang standar. Dan bukan anak orang kaya pula. Dan salahnya nasib gw bersekolah di SMP & SMA yang siswanya mostly anak-anak orang kaya.

Waktu sekolah hal itu ga jadi masalah, malah seneng. Bisa nebeng naek mercy, nginep di rumah mewah di Kemang, kalo ada makrab subsidinya banyak jadi kita-kita temen dengan tingkat ekonomi rata-rata ini patungannya jadi lebih murah. Ya Alhamdulillah. Hehehe...

Tapi sejak ada situs jejaring sosial dari Friendster, Multiply sampe Facebook. Gw jadi update kabar temen-temen gw yang setelah lulus SMA pada mencar kuliahnya. Yang paling bikin iri yaaa yang bisa kuliah di luar negeri. How lucky they're born in rich families... Gw cuma bisa mupeng aja liat foto-foto mereka.

But what can I say... Bersyukur aja deh, walaupun ga kuliah di luar negeri at least gw kuliah di kampusnya pemerintah. Do my best, be the best. Thatz it.

Setelah menyelesaikan diploma 3, masuklah gw ke dunia kerja. Masukin lamaran sana-sini, beberapa bulan gw nganggur di saat temen-temen yang laen udah pada mulai dapet kerja. Sambil terus berusaha & berdoa. Alhamdulillah akhirnya gw dapet kerja juga di perusahaan plat merah.

Setahun dua tahun kerja, mulai keliatan deh jalan hidup kita masing-masing berbeda-beda. Temen-temen kuliah yang dulu senasib sepenanggungan sekarang mereka udah pada jalan-jalan ke luar negeri dari kantornya. Ada yang ke Kuala Lumpur, ke Singapore, ke Thailand. Trus apa kabar ama kantor gw?? Bisa jalan-jalan ke Bandung aja udah sukur banget.

Trus haruskah gw menyerah pada nasib selamanya?? It has to be solved... Hmm, apa gw pindah kerja aja ya? Bisa dapet jalan ke luar negeri gratis. Tp ngebuang gaji 20x setahun + tunjangan kesehatan full cover? I dont think so. Lagipula gw betah kerja di sini...

Sambil ngelanjutin kuliah S-1 gw msh mupeng ngeliat temen2 gw.
Sabar Wen Sabar... Your day will come...

Dan kesempatan datang di saat yang tak terduga.
Saking tak terduganya, sampe gw ga mempersiapkan apa-apa...

Jadi begini ceritanya...

Waktu itu pak dirut diundang untuk menghadiri investor gathering di Bangkok. Tapi sayangnya di tanggal itu pak dirut lagi ada acara laen. Di disposisikan lah itu surat ke boss gw. Dan tau ga boss gw bilang apa "Saya males nich dateng ke acara basa-basi gini. Kalian kalo ada yg mau pergi, pergi ajah."

Semua staff-nya boss yg berjumlah 3 orang cuma bisa speechless doang. Si boss wondering and asked what happen...

Kami cuma bisa jawab lemezz...
"Kami ga ada yg punya passport, Pak."

Dan itu undangan untuk 2 hari ke depan. There's no way kita bikin passport dalam waktu sesingkat itu. Secepet-cepetnya 3 hari baru bisa jadi. Aaaarrgghhh... Ilang deh tuh kesempatan jalan-jalan gratis ke luar negeri. Akhirnya si boss yang berangkat ksana.

Lesson learned from this:
Kalo pengen aer, siapin gelas kosongnya.

Ga mau kehilangan kesempatan lagi. Pas dapet uang THR gw alokasikan untuk bikin passport. Gw ga tau kapan akan gw pake, yang penting punya aja dulu.

Ehh ternyata pemerintah jg membantu dgn kebijakan sunset policy & yg punya NPWP bisa bebas fiskal. Asiiiik... Segera deh lapor ke bagian yg ngurusin pajak di kantor untuk dibikinin NPWP. Horeee passport ada, NPWP ada. I'm getting closer to my dream ^o^

Setelah melalui pergantian tahun, dan kuliah sarjana gw pun selesai. Waktunya mengumpulkan pundi-pundi uang lagi stelah menjalankan tight money policy selama kuliah. Wkwkwkwk...

Hampir tiap minggu gw cek website Airasia, cari-cari tiket murah plus ngitung-ngitung budgetnya. Setelah berbulan-bulan cuma ngitung-ngitung doang, akhirnya kesempatan itu datang lagi...

Airasia ada promo 1 juta tiket gratis!
Waahhh segerraaa...

Dalam hitungan menit cepet banget kursi gratisnya sold out. Udah mana websitenya crowded bgt jadi kadang-kadang suka putus server.

Dan gw masih belum tau pengen pergi ama siapa. Waduuhh... Dalam tempo sesingkat-singkatnya gw harus cari korban untuk temenin gw nich. Wkwkwkwk...

Dengan berbagai tolakan dari temen-temen karena mendadak dll, akhirnya jam 10 pagi gw dapet 3 orang lagi untuk bertualang ke negeri orang dengan tiket gratis! Senangnyaaaa... ^o^

Jam 12 siang adek gw baru ngabarin kalo dia minat juga. And you know what... It's sold out!

My point is... Ga ada yg special dari diri gw, (tapi) gw bisa keluar negeri mewujudkan impian gw... And you can do it too... Beneraaann...

Maybe it took years to achieve it,
but in the end you can say out loud:
YES I CAN. YES WE CAN.

See you at the top. :)

---

Profil Kontributor
Wenny, kini bekerja di sebuah lembaga pemerintahan di Jakarta. Hobi jalan-jalan dengan budget minim dan sudah berencana untuk jalan-jalan lagi dalam waktu dekat. :)

[ Ingin turut menyumbang catatan perjalanan, artikel traveling, atau foto? ]
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The Secret Beyond Teh Beuty of Kalimutu Lake

Indonesia has a variety of charm. one of them is Lake Kelimutu located on the top Kelimutu Ende Flores regency of East Nusa Tenggara. Kelimutu high reached approximately 1600 meters above sea level. In 1886, Kelimutu and had erupted from the eruption, the crater formed 3 fruit that looks like a lake. Color of the lake there is a red, blue, and white.

All three lakes are separated by a wall composed of the lake by the rocks. The third lake was later known as the Lake Kelimutu. In the local language, Flores has a meaning. It looks mean mountain while the quality of means to boil. When Flores Volcano began to show its activities, the lake Flores sometimes change color. Let's say, when a mountain out of gas, even when the temperature changes at the top of the mountain, lake color-changing, too.

Begins journey to Lake Flores, starting from the town of Maumere, Sikka district, East Nusa Tenggara. By using public or private vehicle running time approximately 3 hours when using public transport, can use the travel services, with the use of a rental car to Maumere Flores and back to Maumere. The rent, ranging from 600 thousand dollars for one day.

The trip to Lake Kelimutu winding meanders. Ravines and cliffs visible during the journey. From the town of Maumere, to Koanara village, district Wolowaru, Ende district.

From Village Koanara approximately 13 miles longer is the entrance to Lake Kelimutu. From here, visitors must walk up Kelimutu, by crossing the path. To facilitate the trip, travelers can ask for help in Koanara population as a guide.

After a mile across the path, arrived at Lake Kelimutu. Here, the color of the lake can be seen emerging from the crater Kelimutu. Change the color of the lake is not as easy Kelimutu what we want.

To prove it, you should find out what color the next day Kelimutu Lake. Unfortunately. visitors are not allowed to set up tents around the Sea of Flores. Visitors must return to the village to look for lodging Koanara already available in the village and the next day Koanara Kelimutu back up

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The Largest Lake

Lake Toba is a volcanic lake of 100km x 30km in North Sumatra, Sumatra, Indonesia. In the middle there is a volcanic island called Samosir Island.

Lake Toba has long become an important tourist destination in North Sumatra, Bukit Lawang addition and Nias, attract domestic and foreign tourists.

It is estimated that Lake Toba explosion occurred at about 73000-75000 years ago and is the eruption Supervolcano (super volcano) the most recent. Bill Rose and Craig Chesner of Michigan Technological University estimate that the materials are thrown volcanic mountain of 2800km3, with ignimbrit rock 800km3 and 2000km3 estimated volcanic ash blown into the west for 2 weeks.

This incident caused mass death and in some species was also followed by extinction. According to some DNA evidence, this eruption also reduced the number to about a thousand men only.

After the eruption, the caldera formed which then fills with water and became what is now

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The Uniqueness of Funeral in Toraja

Each area has a tradition to respect death. If in Bali we are familiar with the term Ngaben, in North Sumatra, Sarimatua, then in Tana Toraja Rambu ceremony known as Solo '. Equation of the three: the ritual ceremonies of death and burial. In Tana Toraja itself has two major traditional ceremonies are Rambu Solo 'and Rambu Tuka. Signs Solo 'is a funeral, while signs Tuka, is a housewarming ceremonies of the new custom, or who had just completed renovated. Here I will tell you about the ceremony deaths in Tana Toraja.

Signs Solo 'is a show very festive tradition in Tana Toraja, because it takes days to celebrate. The ceremony is usually held during the day, when the sun began leaning to the west and usually takes 2-3 days. Even up to two weeks for the aristocracy. Her own grave is made at the top of the cliff at the height of the rock.

Because according to the trust Aluk To Dolo (Tana Toraja people's confidence first, before the entry of Christianity and Islam) among the people of Tana Toraja, the higher the body was placed, so the sooner his soul to paradise.

This ceremony is for each community group must be different. When the nobleman who died, then the number of buffalo that will be cut for the purpose of the event was far more than for those who are not royal. For the royal family, the number of buffalo may range from 24 to 100 buffalos. While middle-class residents are required to slaughtering buffalos 8 plus 50 pigs, and long ceremony about 3 days.

But, before the amount was insufficient, the body should not be buried in the cliffs or in high places. Hence, the body often stored for years in Tongkonan (Toraja traditional house) until finally the family of the late / deceased can prepare the sacrificial animals. But for adherents of Christianity and Islam today, the body can be buried in the ground first, then dug up after the family is ready to perform this ceremony.

For people Tana Toraja, the dead person does not in itself a degree of the dead. For them before the ceremony Rambu Solo 'then the person who died was regarded as a sick man. Because the status is still 'sick', then the man who died had to be admitted and treated like people who are still alive, like with her, providing food, beverages and tobacco or betel. Things that are usually done by a ghost, must continue to run as usual.

The body was moved from the funeral home to the first tongkonan (tongkonan tammuon), which is tongkonan where he came from. There is slaughter of buffalos 1 as a sacrifice or in the language Torajanya Ma'tinggoro Tedong, which is typical of the way Toraja slaughter, cutting buffalo with a machete with a single blow alone. Buffalo to be slaughtered was moored at a rock called Stone Simbuang. After that, the buffalo had been cut and the meat distributed to those present.

The body was in the first tongkonan (tongkonan tammuon) just a day, then the next day the body will be moved again to be somewhat tongkonan up again, namely tongkonan barebatu, and even here, the procession together with the first tongkonan, the slaughter of the buffalo and the meat will distributed to the people around tongkonan it.

Signs show the entire procession Solo 'is always done during the day. That afternoon at around 11:30 Central Indonesian Time (Wita), we all arrived at tongkonan barebatu, because today is the day of the transfer of bodies from tongkonan barebatu to Rante (the field where the event took place).

The body was carried using duba-duba (bier typical Toraja). In front there duba-duba-Lamba Lamba (long red cloth, usually located in front of the coffin the corpse, and in the procession pengarakan, the fabric is pulled by the women in the family).

The procession of the body pengarakan tongkonan Rante barebatu to do after church and lunch. It was only the spirits come close family carrying the coffin. The men who raised the coffin, while an attractive woman-Lamba Lamba.

In pengarakan sequences are to be carried out, in the first place we would see people carrying a huge gong, and then followed by tompi saratu (or what we usually familiar with the banners), and right behind a row of saratu tompi tedong (buffalo) followed by Lamba Lamba-final and then duba-duba.

The body will be interred in Rante (special field where the procession took place), there was standing loud (temporary houses made of bamboo and wood) that have been given a number. Loud itself serves as the home of relatives who came later. Because during the event they all did not return to their homes but staying in a loud voice that has been provided by the grieving families.

Funeral procession finally reached the Rante which will be placed in lakkien (tower where the corpse during the procession disemayamkannya progress). The tower is the tallest building in the loud-loud in Rante. Lakkien made of bamboo trees in the Toraja traditional house forms. The body was laid on top before lakkien will be buried. Rante ready in two water buffaloes to be slashed.

After the body arrived at the lakkien, the next event is the reception area, the relatives who came from around the country. In the afternoon after the procession finished reception, followed by entertainment for the family and invited guests who came, by exposing ma'pasilaga tedong (buffalo race). What a crowded audience, because during the ceremony Rambu Solo ', ruminant animal contest is an event that is eagerly awaited.

Over the next few days and the reception of buffalo race is the agenda of the next event, held the reception continues until all the guests are in the space provided is loud in the Rante. In the afternoon contest was always held buffalo, this is a mainstream entertainment by the people of Tana Toraja up until the day of burial. Whether it is buried in the cliffs or in patane '(tombs of traditional wooden house)

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Fresh Water in Malino Waterfall

Being in an area with altitude of 1500 meters above sea level, must berhawa cool. That the Malino. Mountains of southern Makassar also has many privileges. Pine forests, waterfalls, fresh vegetables, and passion fruit.

Object Location
Malino is situated on the western slopes of Mount Bawakaraeng. Precisely in District Tinggimoncong, Gowa regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Located approximately 90 kilometers southeast of Makassar.

Overview
Malino in South Sulawesi was developed. The beauty towards Malino was even halfway there. Winding road, the view that Bilibili Dam water to millions of hectares of rice fields and gardens, valleys, and lay a layer of green hills in front of the eyes.The higher, the more beautiful stretch of scenery. Pine forest with a unique sound fauna greet everyone who comes. The higher the travel, the more cool air. The fresh air flows freely through the nose and throat into the chest cavity.In Malino many attractions. Takapala Waterfall, Waterfall Lembanna, Forest Tourism expanse of pine trees, and bathing water Blue Valley is very cool. Visitors also can rent horses to ride to the Takapala waterfall.

In the jungle tour, a variety of animal life. Beautiful singing parrot, black monkeys jumping, valor starlings, birds gelatik, and the king prawns, all can be seen there. While the living flora in addition to pine include acacia, Jabon, banyan, eucalyptus, flowers edelweis, turi flower, rattan, ylang, and some types of shrubs.

In the higher regions, visible expanse of vegetable crops are green. Farmers grow cabbage in Malino, vetsai, leek, potatoes, and tomatoes. All can be enjoyed with the local price. While Pattapang area, there is a green carpet of tea gardens. Wow, incredible beauty.

There is one special in Malino, the passion fruit plantations. Malino passion fruit taste was unique, combination of sweet and sour that fit. Fresh. In the market, visitors can enjoy direct ripe passion fruit, or buy the local processing of syrup and jam.

If you want to spend the night and enjoy the beauty of the Malino for a few days, there are lodging facilities. There are villas, lodging, and hotel complete with restaurants and sports and entertainment facilities.

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Borobudur as the Biggest Buddhist Temple

Who does not know Candi Borobudur? This Buddhist temple has 1460 relief panels and 504 Buddha effigies in the complex. Millions of people longing to visit the buildings included in this World Wonder Heritages. Not surprisingly, since architecturally and functionally, as a place of worship, Borobudur is attractive.

Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of Old Mataram Kingdom, Sailendra descendants. Based on Kayumwungan inscription, an Indonesian named Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur is a place of worship which was completed May 26 824, nearly a hundred years since the early days was built. The name of Borobudur itself according to some people means a mountain having terraces (budhara), while the other says that Borobudur means monastery on the high places.

Borobudur-shaped building berundak punden consists of 10 levels. Height 42 meters before being renovated and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest level was used as a drag. Six lowest level and square in the upper three floors and a circular highest level of Buddhist stupa facing to the west. Each level represents the stage of human life. In accordance with of Buddha Mahayana, anyone who wants to reach the level of Buddha must go through each of those life stages.

The base of Borobudur, called Kamadhatu, symbolizing human beings that are still bound by lust. Four levels mentioned above represents Rupadhatu humans who have set themselves free from lust but still tied to appearance and shape. At these levels, a statue of Buddha placed in open space. Meanwhile, three levels above where the Buddhist stupa placed in the holes is called Arupadhatu, symbolizing human beings that have been freed from lust, appearance, and shape. The top part is called Arupa symbolizes nirvana, where Buddha is residing.

Each terrace has beautiful relief panels showing how skillful. Relief that will be read by coherently when you walk in a clockwise direction (toward the left of the entrance of the temple). The relief panels tell the legendary story of Ramayana. In addition, there are relief panels describing the condition of society at that time. For example, relief of farmers' activity reflecting the advance of agriculture system and relief of sailing boat representing the advance of the time the cruise was centered in Bergotta (Semarang).

All relief panels in Borobudur temple reflect the teachings of the Buddha. Hence, this temple functions as educating the media for people who want to learn Buddhism. YogYES invites you to walk through each narrow passage in Borobudur in order to understand the philosophy of Buddhism. Atisha, a Buddhist from India in the 10th century, had visited the temple that was built 3 centuries before Angkor Wat in Cambodia and 4 centuries before the Grand Cathedrals in Europe.

Thanks to visiting Borobudur and having Buddhist manuscripts from Serlingpa (King of Sriwijaya), Atisha was able to develop Buddhism. He became head of Vikramasila monastery and taught Tibetans of practicing Dharma. Six scripts from any Serlingpa reduced to a core doctrine called "The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment" or better known by the name Bodhipathapradipa.

One of the questions are as yet unresolved about Borobudur is how the condition around the temple was built and why the temple was found in a buried state. Some say Borobudur initially stood surrounded by a swamp and buried because of the eruption of Merapi. Essentially Calcutta inscription reads 'Amawa' means sea of milk. The word is then interpreted as Merapi lava. Some other says that Borobudur buried in the cold lava of Merapi.

With all the grandeur and mystery that is, only natural that many people from all enter the world penjru Borobudur as a place to visit in his life. Besides enjoying the temple, you can walk around to the villages around Borobudur, such as Karanganyar and Wanurejo to see people making craft activity. You also can go to the top watu Kendil to view the panorama from the top of Borobudur. Wait what? No need to worry earthquake May 27, 2006, because of Borobudur is not affected at all.

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Tangkuban Perahu Mountain

Tangkuban Perahu, is one of an active volcano in West Java, precisely in Lembang, about 30 km north of Bandung with a height of 2084 meter above sea level. For how to get there takes approximately 30 minutes by motor vehicle. Boat Tangkuban name was attached to a legendary land of the most famous Sundanese, which is Sangkuriang.

Tangkuban boat from a distance looked like a boat upside down, allegedly caused by the power of Sangkuriang that failed to complete its task in making an overnight boat to marry Dayang Sumbi that none other than his own mother. Because so upset it could not complete the boat, the boat finally Sangkuriang kicked it unfinished. Diataslah legend who became closely related in naming Tangkuban Perahu mountain.

Mountain last erupted in 1910, has 9 craters are still active until now. A large eruption that occurred in the latter 1.5-century cause many craters - the crater at Mount Tangkuban Perahu. These craters are craters Queen, Upas, Domas, New, Jurig, Rhino, Jurian, the Demon and Pangguyungan Rhino. Among these craters, Crater Queen is the largest crater, followed by Upas Crater which lies adjacent to the crater Queen. Some craters out sulfurous smoke, there is even a crater which is forbidden to descend, because the smell of toxic smoke.

Tangkuban Perahu mountain charm is so adorable, even when the weather clears, the curve of land on the crater walls can be seen clearly, not only that, but primary craters can we enjoy the amazing beauty. Natural beauty is what makes Tangkuban Perahu become one of the mainstay of natural tourist attractions of West Java Province, particularly Bandung. Every weekend, Tangkuban Perahu area is always packed with visitors who want to see the beautiful panorama of mountain Tangkuban Perahu. In fact, the atmosphere of a long holiday, pangunjung who come to this tourist sites can reach thousands each day.

Taken from here

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Tangkuban Perahu Crater

Tangkuban Perahu Crater is one of the attractions located in the southern region Kab. Subang, located at an altitude of 2084 m above sea level. Of natural beauty with a row of craters that stretch and cool mountain air and the expanse of the typical mountain other surrounding high-rise and the number of collections of plants and plants typical of tropical forests that flourished around the crater, making the boat Tangkuban as an attractive tourist destination in Subang regency.
Viewed from the city of Bandung, the mountain Tangkuban Parahu has a unique shape like a boat upside down (Bahasa Sunda: Tangkuban = reverse, Parahu = Boat). Unique form is believed to have a very close relationship with Sangkuriang legend.

Enjoying the view from the crater Tangkuban Queen Boat, like seeing a giant bowl of very large and deep. When the weather clears, the curve of land on the crater wall of the crater base as well as can be seen quite clearly that it can provide a spectacular panoramic view. Glory craters so wide and deep, at least be able to force the viewer to pause and wonder for a moment the greatness of God's work.

Facilities and Tariff Entry

Gift Shop, Cafeteria and information center (TIC), souvenir shops, homestay, camping ground, outbound area, parking area, the area on horseback. The tariffs went into Tangkubanparahu attractions location of Rp 9000.

Accessibility

To go to these attractions, visitors can use either private vehicles or 2 wheels or 4 wheels of public transport. The travel time to Sari Ater attractions, namely the town of Subang with travel time approximately 40 minutes to the south of Bandung, while around 50 minutes and from Jakarta via toll SADANG with travel time approximately 3 hours while the hot water attractions with travel time Ciater 15 minutes.
Condition of the road to this area, both from Subang and Bandung is very good. However, keep in mind about the condition of the vehicle, due to the location from Bandung and Subang will go through a pretty tough climb.

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Plaosan, Beautiful Twins Temple

You do not need to rush back to the inn after a visit to the Prambanan temple, because not far from the most beautiful Hindu temple in the world that you will also see other temples are just as entertaining. Headed north as far as 1 km, you will see Plaosan Temple, a temple constructed by Rakai Pikatan for the Empress, Pramudyawardani. Located in the Village District Bugisan Prambanan temple architecture is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist.

Plaosan complex is divided into 2 groups, the Temple and the Temple Lor Plaosan Plaosan South. Second temple has a square-shaped terrace surrounded by a wall, which shaped meditation on the west side ticket booth and the stupa at the other side. Because of that similarity, the appearance Lor Temple and South Plaosan was almost similar when viewed from a distance so that the Temple Plaosan far too often called the twin temples.

Plaosan Candi Lor Building has a central courtyard surrounded by a wall with the entrance on the west. In the middle of the page there are marquee measuring 21.62 mx 19 m. In the eastern part of the pavilion there are 3 pieces of the altar, the altar of the north, east and south. Preview Amitbha, Ratnasambhava, Vairochana, and there at the altar Aksobya east. Samantabadhara stupa and figures on the altar Ksitigarbha north, whereas the picture there at the altar Manjusri west.

South Plaosan temple also has a pavilion in the center surrounded by 8 small temples are divided into 2 levels and each level consists of 4 temples. There is also a picture Amitbha Tathagata, vajra Vajrapani with attributes of Prajnaparamita Utpala and considered as "mother of all Buddhas'. Some other pictures can still be found but not at the original place. Manujri figure which according to a Dutch scientist named Krom is significant also found.

Part Bas reliefs of this temple has a unique picture of men and women. There is a man who depicted sitting cross-legged with their hands and the figure of a man worshiping with vara mudra hand and a vase at the foot of a man surrounded by six smaller ones. A woman is depicted standing with his hands vara mudra, while all around there are books, pallets and vase. Krom argued that the figures he was the picture of the woman patron supporter of the two temples.

The entire temple complex has 116 Plaosan perwara stupas and temples perwara 50. Perwara stupa can be seen on all sides of the main temple, as well as temples perwara smaller. When you walk into the north, you can see the building open Mandapa called. Two prasati also be found, the inscription on the gold coins in the north of the main temple and the inscriptions written on stone in the temple Perwara first row.

One of the particularities of Plaosan Temple Terrace is a smooth surface. Krom argued terrace of this temple is different from other temple terrace built in the same period. According to him, it was related to the function of the temple at the time suspected to save the canonical texts of Buddhist monks. Other allegations came from Dutch scientists, if the number of priests in the area a bit so maybe it was used as the terrace of a temple (Buddhist temple).

If you look around the temple, you will know that the temple is actually Plaosan vast temple complex. It can be seen from the fence along 460 m from north to south and 290 m from west to east, also interior fence consisting of a ditch along 440 m from north to south and 270 m from west to east. Trenches that make up the interior of the fence can be seen by walking toward the east through the middle of this historic building.

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Prambanan, The most beautiful Temple

Prambanan temple is incredibly beautiful building built in the 10th century during the reigns of two kings, and Rakai Rakai Pikatan Balitung. Rose as high as 47 feet (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple), the establishment of this temple has fulfilled the desire maker, shows the triumph of Hinduism in Java. This temple is located 17 kilometers from the city center, in the middle of the area that is now a beautiful park.

There is a legend that Javanese people always tell about this temple. Once, a man named Bandung Bondowoso loved Roro Jonggrang. Because no love, Jonggrang asked Bondowoso make 1000 temples with statues in one night. The request was nearly fulfilled before Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and make a big fire that created an atmosphere like the morning. New Bondowoso can make 999 statues cursed Jonggrang into the statue in 1000 because he felt cheated.

Prambanan temple has 3 main temples in the main yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva. These three temples are symbols of Trimurti in Hindu belief. All of them face east. Each main temple has accompanying temple facing to the west, namely Nandini for Shiva, Swan to Brahma, and Garuda for Vishnu. In addition, there are still squeeze 2 temple, the temple curtain 4, and 4 corner temples. Meanwhile, the second page had 224 temples.

Entering the Shiva temple located in the middle and the highest building, you will find a room 4. One main room contains a statue of Shiva, while the other 3 rooms each containing a statue of Durga (Shiva's wife), Agastya (Shiva's teacher), and Ganesha (Shiva's son). Durga is mentioned as the statue of Roro Jonggrang described in the legend above.

In the Vishnu temple is located in the north of Shiva temple, you will only see one room containing a statue of Vishnu. Similarly, the Brahma temple located on the south side of Shiva temple, you will only find one room with a statue of Brahma.

Accompanying temple is Garuda temple lure is located near the Vishnu temple. This temple save the story of a half-bird figure named Garuda. Garuda is a mystical bird in Hindu mythology, who was gold, white-faced, red-winged, beaked and winged like an eagle. Estimated, the figure is Hindu adaptation of Bennu figure (means 'rises' or 'shine', usually associated with the god Re) in ancient Egyptian mythology or Phoenix in Old Greek mythology. Garuda can save his mother from the curse of Aruna (Garuda's brother who was born handicapped) by stealing Tirta Amrita (holy water of the gods).

The ability to save was admired by many people until now and used for various purposes. Indonesia used it to sign the state. That said, the creator of the emblem of Garuda Pancasila find inspiration in this temple. Other countries also use it to sign the country is Thailand, with the same reason but adaptation forms and different appearance. In Thailand, Garuda is known as Pha recruited or recruited.

Prambanan temple also has a load relief Ramayana story. According to experts, the relief was similar to the Ramayana story is revealed through oral traditions. Another interesting relief is Kalpataru tree that the Hindu religion is considered as a tree of life, sustainability and environmental compatibility. In Prambanan, relief of Kalpataru tree is described lions flanking the center. The existence of this tree makes experts consider that the 9th century have wisdom in managing the environment.

Just as the figure of Garuda, Kalpataru is now also used for various purposes. In Indonesia, Kalpataru became a symbol of the Earth (WALHI). In fact, some scientists in Bali to develop the concept of Tri Hita Karana for environmental conservation by seeing Kalpataru relief in this temple. Tree of life also can be found in the mountains that used to open the puppet arts. A proof that the relief panels in Prambanan has worldwide.

If careful, you can also see various birds relief, this time a real bird. Bird reliefs at Prambanan so natural that biologists can identify them even to genus level. One was relief of the Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea) that invite questions. Why, the bird is only found in Masakambing Island, an island in the Java Sea. Then, whether the species was once numerous in Yogyakarta? Please find out the answer myself. Because, until now no one who can solve the mystery.

Well, there are many more to be unearthed at Prambanan. You must not tire of course. If it was finally exhausted, you can rest in the garden around the temple. Interested? Come immediately. Since September 18, 2006, you can enter the zone 1 Prambanan not even get into the temple. Some of the damage caused by the earthquake May 27, 2006 and is now being repaired.

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PROFILE

Indonesia Tourism

The tittle word above may can't really describe or exacly represent the meaning for this blog. Why, because the content of this blog is telling more about something or some place showing the uniqueness of Indonesia. Something special also that may different from other blog is that we try to show certain story as the hystorical bacground from some interesting place inside this blog. So, What we get not only the wonderfull view that pamper our eyes but also value of hystory, knowledge, and many other uniquess one that we may not be able to find them in other places. So keep update this blog to see interesting panorama that we provide and make this blog your first reference, you will be the first one knowing an update information from us...

 
Thanks,



 
FRESH PANORAMA..BLOGSPOT.COM

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Ayo ke Pulau!

Posting tamu oleh : Listya Reina Karyadi

Akhir minggu kemarin, akhirnya jadi juga jalan-jalan ke Kepulauan Seribu-nya. Walaupun maju-mundur-kiri-kanan dari bulan April, yang penting terjadi dan senang. SENANG!

Perjalanan saya dimulai dari pinggir Danau Sunter, alias tempat dijemput Riris yang sudah bersama dengan Tir. Perjalanan kemudian dilanjutkan ke Tangerang untuk menjemput Oom yang kerjanya lembur & sampling mulu.

Dalam perjalanan ke Tomang, kami pun nyasar berkali-kali. Ada yang karena kebodohan saya, salah naek fly-over, dan petunjuk rambu yang salah. Quote from Tir, “Belok kiri blok m, hahaha, ga mungkin kita ke kiri”. Padahal kita emang mesti ke kiri kalo mo masuk underpass Tomang.

Panjang kata, tibalah kita di Karawaci --eh belom dink-- Kita mampir dulu di semacam toserba untuk beli ransum sementara si Siti mengisi bensin. Seplastik besar lho. 2 botol air mineral, 1 botol teh bermadu, sekantong besar keripik rasa keju bakar, sekantong kecil coklat, dan biskuit bikin kuat, serta tak lupa teh favorit saya dalam kotak. Ditambah 2 pak bika ambon dan minuman Tir, sepertinya persediaan kita oke juga kan.

Perjalanan dilanjutkan menjemput Oom yang udah bingung kenapa keponakannya ga muncul-muncul, terus anter ke tempat kaka Oom untuk taro motor, lalu masuk jalan-jalan yang saya ga inget lagi. Tanyalah pada Siti yang berjiwa kesopiran. Gue cuma inget, kalo dari Jakarta lewat tol bandara aja sampe ujung ntar bakal ketemu jalannya. DENG... Setelah itu kemudian kita tiba di pelabuhan kita bersama, Tanjung Pasir.

Aktivitas Tanjung Pasir.
Membuat iri saja ketenangannya...
Foto (c) Listya Reina Karyadi, 2008.

Masuk sana, pertama kita harus bayar. 2500 per-orang dan 50o0 per-mobil. Lumayan murah dibanding pelabuhan sebelah sana yang masuknya 10.000 per-orang dan 10.000 per-mobil. Tidak lama, ada yang menawarkan carter perahu, Rp300.000,-. Karena bingung akhirnya kami bilang mau ke Untung Jawa saja, tidak mau carter. Katanya Rp20.000,- per-orang PP. Oke...

Kami pun melaut.

Udah di tengah laut, ditawarin lagi. Mau ngga ke Onrust sekalian, dll, dll. Si pemilik perahu kayanya marketer yang baik ya. Tawarkan pada konsumen, bila mereka masih ragu, berikan waktu sejenak, berikan mereka pengalaman, kemudian tawarkan lagi. Karena ekspektasi yang tinggi, (baru pertama kali naik perahu macam ini, mungkin + efek Antimo, dan norak khas pegawai kantoran sang budak kapitalis depresi) akhirnya kami mau. Bagian nego-nego masalah si Oom sih.

Akhirnya deal dengan Rp 200.000,- seharian, dan rute pun berubah. Dari hanya 1 pulau ke terserah-kami-berapa-pulau-pokoknya-sampe-sore.

Dan inilah awal kebangkrutan finansial kami yang sok punya duit.

Mega Laut J16 no. 242, tumpangan kami seharian.
Foto (c) Listya Reina Karyadi, 2008.

Tujuan pertama berubah, akhirnya kami ke Pulau Rambut dahulu. Kaga ngartilah, gue sih iya-iya aja. Secara ga tau juga komponen Kepulauan Seribu apa aja. Cuma tau mau ke Untung Jawa kok.

Di pulau ini, kita bayar 2500 per-orang . Bukan begitu? Atau 2000? Ternyata pulau ini cagar alam sekaligus suaka margasatwa. Lalu kita naik ke menara pengawas. Sepanjang perjalanan ga berani nengok, naro sweater diatas kepala. Takut pas nengok ketemu ular atau biawak juga takut kena durian runtuh dari burung kowak. Ternyata burung kowak gak cuma ada di depan itb teman-teman dan ternyata kita ga usah nengok, karena biawaknya nyebrang jalan aja di depan gue. Huhuhu...

(kiri) Tiba di Pulau Rambut, Cagar Alam sekaligus Suaka Margasatwa;
(kanan) Pemandangan dari menara pengawas.
Foto (c) Listya Reina Karyadi, 2008.

Dari menara pengawas, keren lho, keliatan banyak burung-burung yang sedang duduk-duduk di atas pohon. Ada elang dan lain-lain (maaf saya bukan ahli perburungan). Pokoknya suasananya nyaman dan riuh rendah, mereka saling mengobrol dan saling menambah anak (katanya ada yang jauh-jauh dr Ostrali, bikin anak trus pulang lagi).

Lanjut, kali ini kita melanjutkan ke Pulau Onrust. Agak jauh juga ternyata, sekitar sejam dari Pulau Rambut ke Pulau Onrust. Dalam perjalanan agak-agak bete karena kok di tengah laut banyak sampah, seolah membawa berita tentang apa makanan yang sedang trend. Mau dipungut juga di tengah laut. Pasrah aja sambil berjanji, pokonya sampah kita ga boleh dibuang ke laut.

(kiri) Sisa-sisa Benteng Onrust; (kanan) Asrama Haji.
Foto (c) Listya Reina Karyadi, 2008.

Di pulau Onrust ini, kita bayar 2000 per-orang. Di sini banyak cerita sejarahnya. Ada museum arkeologi yang dulunya tempat tinggal dokter, ada bekas asrama haji, ada sisa-sisa benteng. Onrust itu dibangun berkali-kali dan hancur berkali-kali. Ada yang karena diserang, ada yang karena letusan krakatau. Onrust juga merupakan kompleks pertahanan yang beranggotakan Onrust, Cipir (kayangan kecil), Bidadari, dan Kelor. Untuk berhenti di pulau ini ternyata ada biaya sandar, Rp25.000,-

Perut mulai lapar (untung gue belom) tapi kaki masih gatal, jadilah kita mampir di pulau yang terlihat indah di foto, dan memang indah kok aslinya. Tolong disambut, PULAU KELOR. Horeee..

(kiri) Pulau Kelor dari kejauhan; (kanan) Dermaga Pulau Kelor, pasirnya keren...
Foto (c) Listya Reina Karyadi, 2008.

Pengen beli pulau ini deh.. Pasirnya putih, warna airnya kehijauan. Mirip pantai di kawah putih tapi dengan suhu tropis. Di sini ada sisa benteng yang kayanya bagus untuk foto prewed (dan ternyata sudah ada orang yang melakukannya, ada setangkai bangkai bunga disana). Model-model pun beraksi dan berpose, salah satunya si Angelina Jolie. Huu... kalo gue ikutan naik, pasti ga ada foto itu. Thanks to me lah jol..

Benteng Kelor.
Foto (c) Listya Reina Karyadi, 2008.

Tidak ada kehidupan di pulau ini yang terlihat, kecuali seekor kucing. Darimanakah dia berasal?

Hari semakin siang, kulit semakin terbakar, perutpun semakin melapar. Akhirnya kami meninggalkan Pulau Kelor menuju Pulau Untung Jawa untuk makan ikan bakar. Dalam perjalanan semua sudah lelah, angin kencang, perahu bergoyang. Saya pun tidur-tiduran di perahu.

Tir sempat menunjuk, “List, kantong kita mau terbang”.
Saya menengok, “Hmm... mudah-mudahan engga”.
Respon orang cape.

Tidak berapa lama Tir berkata, kantong kita terbang! Tapi saya ga denger. Tiba-tiba... Dass, dan ketenangan muncul. Mesin kapalnya mati sodara-sodara...

Tir bilang, jangan-jangan karena kantong kita terbang kemudian menyangkut di baling-baling. Detik ini saya baru sadar kalo kantong kita terbang. Huhuhu, saya jadi merasa bersalah karena menambah sampah di tengah laut. Coba kalo tadi ga hmm trus tidur lagi.

Tapi terus saya bilang, engga kok, itu kantongnya...
Dia beneran terbang, huhuhu...

Di detik lainnya saya malah ketawa-ketawa, abis lucu reaksi Tir & Oom Andi siy...

Tapi, tentu saja ga cuma 1 mesin dikapal itu. Dengan mesin lain, akhirnya kami pun tiba di Untung Jawa. Huaa senangnya melihat tenda warna-warni.

(kiri) Warna-warni Untung Jawa; (kanan) Silakan dipilih ikannya...
Foto (c) Listya Reina Karyadi, 2008.

Di sini, masing-masing bayar 3000. Ikan bakar di atas tikar dengan ada yang bayar... 2 paket, ikan Baronang dan ikan Kerapu, ditambah 4 teh dalam botol yang kemudian menjadi masalah sepulau. Ckk ckk.

Disini kami menghitung uang dan pengeluaran.
Hahaha.. kami baru sadar...

Kami bangkrut.

Untung masih ada uang untuk bayar kapal. Setelah teman-teman sholat, kami pun pergi meninggalkan pulau. Meninggalkan warna-warni Untung Jawa untuk kembali ke dunia nyata. Ditemani senja, tiba-tiba si Oom disapa. Ternyata uangnya minta ditamba(h).

Senja menjemput, saatnya kembali ke kehidupan nyata.
Foto (c) Listya Reina Karyadi, 2008.

Ya sudahlah akhirnya kami mengalah. Dengan sisa-sisa kemampuan finansial yang ada kami pun merogoh dompet lagi. Dan hasilnya dari 4 orang... hanya Siti yang masih punya 50 ribu.

Saya, Tir, dan Oom Andi habis-sehabis-habisnya. Seribu pun tak ada. Untung Siti mau mengantar kami ke rumah masing-masing. Terimakasih Siti...

Huaa.. saya ingin kesini lagi.

Tadinya pengen ke Pulau Pramuka, tapi setelah saya lihat di peta ternyata jauh ya. Jadi rute berikut sepertinya akan Tanjung Pasir-Pulau Onrust-Cipir-Kelor-Untung Jawa-Pulau Rambut-Tanjung Pasir.

Ada yang berminat barengan?

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Profil Kontributor
Listya adalah seorang karyawan di sebuah industri farmasi, lulusan sebuah institut di Indonesia, dan berpikir bahwa dirinya tidak ambisius tapi sering memiliki banyak keinginan. Mempunyai hobi fotografi dan jalan-jalan. Ini adalah catatan perjalanannya saat ke Kepulauan Seribu bulan Mei 2008 lalu (rute : Tanjung Pasir, Pulau Rambut, Pulau Onrust, Pulau Kelor, dan Pulau Untung Jawa). Tulisan Lis lainnya dapat dibaca di another list's journey.

[ Ingin turut menyumbang catatan perjalanan, artikel traveling, atau foto? ]
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Merayakan Imlek di Pecinan

Kemarin (13 Februari 2010), saya dan teman-teman mengikuti acara Komunitas Jelajah Budaya: Malam Tahun Baru Cina di Pecinan (Glodok, Jakarta Barat). Acaranya jam 5 sore hingga tengah malam, titik temu awalnya di Museum Bank Mandiri, dengan biaya pendaftaran Rp80.000,- per-orang.

Berangkat dari rumah sekitar jam 4 sore, saya kira waktu 1 jam dari Cipete akan mencukupi untuk sampai di Kota jam 5 sore. Ternyataaa... karena bus TransJakarta-nya penuh banget, kami baru sampai di Kota nyaris telat 1 jam! Untung saja, ternyata sistem dari Komunitas Jelajah Budaya amat praktis, mereka membagi grup jalan-jalan (sekitar 30 orang per-grup) sesuai dengan waktu kedatangan, hehehe jadilah kita grup terakhir. Grup dibagi dan dibedakan dengan warna pin, kami sendiri mendapat pin HIJAU (grup paling telaaattt, hehehe).

Grup Pin Hijau! Siap berangkat ke Pecinan, Glodok.
Foto (c) Ayudya Novinier, 2010.

Acaranya:
- Mengelilingi Museum Bank Mandiri,
- Makan malam & nonton film jadul,
- Atraksi Barongsai, daaann...
- Berputar-putar di Pecinan, Glodok

Rute yang kami lalui di Pecinan: ... Maaf, sejujurnya saya tidak terlalu menangkap apa yang dijelaskan oleh guide, hehehe... Sayangnya walaupun sudah menggunakan toa, suara guide tetap terdengar sayup-sayup. (Maap mbak! Huhuhu...)

Kami juga sempat melewati Gereja Santa Maria de Fatima. Gereja ini unik, karena berada di kawasan Pecinan, jadi desain gereja ini bernuansa Cina. Katanya, dinamakan Fatima karena ada yang melihat penampakan Bunda Maria di pegunungan Fatima, Spanyol.

Suasana Imlek di Pecinan.
Foto (c) Herajeng Gustiayu, 2010.

Sayangnya kami tidak sempat ikut acara ini sampai selesai, tapi secara keseluruhan, seru kok... Ketemu banyak orang baru yang suka jalan-jalan juga. :)

Kalo tertarik ikutan acara Komunitas Jelajah Budaya berikutnya, ini flyernya ya (klik untuk memperbesar):


Sampai jumpa di acara berikutnya. :)

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