Papandayan Mountain, West Java Indonesia.

Papandayan Mountain, Heaven on Earth
Photo and Text by: Barry Kusuma

Enjoying a hike in Papandayan Mountain as well as the view of its natural beauty is a truly amazing experience. Papandayan Mountain is located to the out most south of other mountain expanding in southern area of Bandung city. It is a very popular mountain. Torist who wants to go to the top has two ways up. First, they can go through Pengalengan. And second, they can go through Cisurupan, which is in Garut district.

If we wanted a faster trip, we can use Cisurupan road. This road had already been covered by asphalt, making it possible to use land transportation. But this is only until we have reached uptown of Salada. We are obliged to ask for a guide to lead us to the top.

For those of you who hasn’t had the chance to visit Papandayan Mountain, you will see dried and burned trees and also smokes coming out from the ground and the mountains cracked wall. There are also other natural phenomenon that we usually encounter during the trip such as gas burst. What we should always be caution for is the soil which is very unstable.

After that, we will arrive at the Lake of Colors. This lake has a greenish colors and gives out a strong gas stench. At the top of the mountain, our feelings should be filled with joy and happiness as if we were above the clouds for the moment. This is also one of the places where you can see the rare flower Edelweiss—this flower only grow on certain places and certain height—which most people would call it “the immortal flower” due to its nature which never withered and has its own signature aroma.

The reason for tourists to come here with their families is because you can go from the bottom to the top and then comes back down only within a day. So if you start early in the morning from Bandung, reached the top by mid-day, and then comes back at noon after enjoying yourself. It’s truly a worthed trip for the whole family. Although, you should keep in mind the importance of a guide due to the mountain’s active status. This mountain erupted for sometime, leaving the surrounding nature burnt by the hot steam it emits. The damage made by the eruption turned the view of the surrounding in to a unique and rare to see. So, if you’re happen to be in Bandung or Garut, make sure to stop by, because it’s worthed every effort.

Photo & Text by Barry Kusuma

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The Charm of Ujung Genteng, Banten Indonesia.

The Charm of Ujung Genteng
Photo and Text by: Barry Kusuma

Sukabumi has a lot of beautiful and natural sites. One of them is Ujung Genteng. It’s located 70 kilometer to the south of Sukabumi. Or if we started off from Jakarta, we would have to go on a 250 kilometers journey. It would be a 6 hours journey by land because we have to pass through several small towns like Cicurug and Cibadak which were famous for its quite dense population. After that, we will came across winding roads with beautiful scenery on the side of the road. Ujung Genteng are on the west coast of West Java. One of the well-known beaches here is Pengumbahan Beach, located in Ujung Genteng. This white sandy beach is a favourite place for the Green Turtle to lay their eggs. The beach covers more than 110 hectare (hectare n. metric unit of square measure, 100 ares (2.471 acres or 10,000 square meters).

The beauty of Ujung Genteng beach is not limited to its cleanness and unschated ground, we can also enjoy the view of sunset and sunrise. We can have quality time with families with rest assuring feeling because the wave is not so strong due to natural barier formed out of sea rocks.
This beach is a favourite spot for the Green Turtle—its Latin name is Chelonia Mydas—to lay their eggs. During lay season between Augusts to March, these turtles can lay eggs up to 3-4 times. Due to its location which is near the main street, the beach are full with tourists during this time of the year. They all come to see the turtles lay their eggs in natural habitat.

To reach the location, we must rent a motorcycle-cab and went on 5 kilos of road trip. Why use a motorcycle? It’s because the road is very narrow and only fit for one car. The street is currently not covered by asphalt. Not to mention we have to go through small river which is very slippery when the rain comes. You can rent bikes for 30-50 thousands rupiahs from the local villagers. And ofcourse, all you have to do is sit on their back and let them do all the steering.

If you want to see when the turtles lay their eggs, then you should come during the night. Local villagers will help you as they were assigned to taken care of these turtles’ existence. We will walk along side of the beach trailing down the turtles’ foot prints using a torch. If we are lucky, we can see a turtle slowly walking towards its nest and then lay eggs. Turtles are a very selective when it comes to finding place for them to lay eggs. If they encounter any trash or branches during a dig, then they will stop and move somewhere else. Their eggs have the size of a ping pong ball and loaded with proteins. Therefore many people try to take them by force. Some people capture them to eat their flesh; whilesome people did it for their beautiful and expensive shells.

Turtles laid 100-200 eggs each time. And out 1000 eggs, only 2-5 turtles able to reach its maturity and comes back to lay eggs. It’s an irony for so many people hunt these turtles for money. Their eggs alone are worth 2000-3000 rupiahs each. Others died because they were caught in fishermen’s net or get eaten by their natural predators.

In order to maintain these turtles population in Ujung Genteng, Sukabumi, the regional government has revised regulations concerning taxes for swallow bird, turtle eggs, etc. And so trading of turtles eggs are highly restricted. It seems obvious that to make these turtles conservation works, local resources must be empowered not only to conserve, but also to develop other potentials such as tourism.

Photo & Text by Barry Kusuma

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Traditional Debus, Banten Indonesia.

"Debus Banten"
Photo and Text by: Barry Kusuma

After enchanting the mantra “I forbid you to touch my skin, I forbid you to drink my blood, I forbid you to consume my flesh, strains strong as led, bones as strong as steel, skins of metal, out of my mother’s I was born. I testify that there’s no other God beside Allah!”. At the same time, he pierced a long dagger on to his arms, stomach, thigh, and other parts of his body. He even grab a small child and slashed his neck without leaving any scar that could endanger the child’s life.

The attraction was known as Debus. It was said that the ancient art originated from a certain region called al Madad. The art evolved as time passes and developed through out the people of Banten as a form of entertaintment. The essence of the art still shows a lot of martial art moves as well as the use of weapons. The art of Debus focused more on making a persons body to be unaffected to sharp objects’ attacks.

Debus existed for more than hundred years. It came as Islam’s teaching started to spread in Banten. The art started as a tool to spread out Islam’s teaching, but when the time of invasion of Holland came—also when the Great Sultan Agung Tirtayasa ruled the land—the art was used to rise the people’s sense of patriotism. Due to the lack of weaponry against Holland which was well equipped and fully loaded with guns, the only “weapon” that the people of Banten have was their heritage of Debus. And they used it with their guerilla strategy.

In the Arabic language, Debus has the meaning of metal-based sharp weapon. It has a round-like pointed edge. Using this kind of tools the “player(s)” of Debus are usually being hit numerous time without having any injuries. These are common attraction you can see in a Debus performance: Piercing a person’s stomach using sharp objects or a spear, Slicing a person’s body using a long dagger with or without leaving any scar, literally eating a flaming firewood, piercing long needles through skin, tongue, and between cheeks without staining any blood. More over they slice certain part of their body until they bleed, but instantaneously healed. They also “bathe” themselves with acid leaving their clothes deteriorate, but their skin and body aren’t damaged at all. Sometimes they chomp pieces of glasses and some other razor-sharp objects.

In doing so, player(s) have to fulfill certain terms and conditions. They have to perform a ritual led by their master. Usually they have to do it 1-2 week(s) before the performance. Player(s) must have a strong faith in Islam teaching. There are several forbidden things for them in order to safely perform Debus. They are: Not to drink liquors of any kind, not to gamble, not to submit to lust for women, and not to steal. Player(s) are to act without hesitation. Any form of dishonouring the terms and conditions could bring the player(s) life at stake.
According to history, Debus has a very close connection to Islam’s teaching. The essence is very ample with religious philosophy. If God permit for such thing—unable to be hurt by sharp objects or even by bullet—than anything is possible.

Nowadays, there are many Debus “warrior” live in Walantaka, Keragilan Serang area. It’s unfortunate that their quantities are decreasing through the years due to their youngsters prefer other activities as their source of living. Other causes are the fact that these performances are very dangerous. A lot of the player(s) were injured during a performance due to lack of practice or somebody simply playing a “prank” with them. As time passes, the art became lessen. In the old times, we could watch Debus almost in all areas in Banten, but now we can only see it in certain event. It’s a heritage which has been crushed by the flow of time

Photo & Text by Barry Kusuma

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THE HIGH LAND OF DIENG, Middle Java Indonesia.

THE HIGH LAND OF DIENG

Photo and Text by Barry Kusuma

Dieng is one of the high land plain tourist spot in central Java. One thing that makes this place unique from the other places is that this place is so sloppy and very steep, but it is planted by different kind of trees and vegetables. For a long time a go this place which is located in Wonosobo regency, is famous for its heterogenic trees and vegetables. Despite of its heterogenic trees and vegetables it’s also famous for its weather which is fresh in the morning and we can’t tell exactly when the cloud will be coming that can arouse the mystical atmosphere.

The exotic view of this place is no longer doubtful because there are a lot of landscape objects to be visit, like Telaga warna is one of the best places to visit by the tourist. Over here we can see there are 3 kinds of lake that have different colors which are blue, green, and brown. Further more there are another lake like Merdada Lake, Sumurup Lake and Pengilan Lake.

Despite of its beautiful scenery and colorful lake, we can visit the historical architecture object. Here we can see the site of the historical ruins of Hindustan temple. This temple was built at the same era with the build of Borobudur temple; it was around the 8^th century. It was the center of Hindustan religion development in central java. The Archaeologies believed that the Hindustan community in this place was the beginning of syailendra dynasty. They built the monumental temple in history. Despite of the temple, we can find the ruins of a kingdom that exist in the past. One thing that makes the temples in this area special is that they were named after the 5 famous figures from the Javanese puppets representative. The part of the temple divided into 4 groups. Which are east Dwarawati, Setyaki, Ontorejo, Petruk, Nala Gareng, Nakula Sadewa, Arjuna Semar, Sembodo, Puntha Dewa and Srikandi. Each group of the templelocated on 2.000 metre height from the sea surface and it had been discovered in 1800.

The volcanoes on this high land of Dieng are still active, because they still produce hot sulphur and some are toxin. If you are interested in visiting some of these volcanoes, despite of its amazing scenery they could be dangerous to visit, so it is better that you asked the local people. You should ask them which volcanoes are save enough to be visit. One of the famous volcanos is Candradimuka, which named after the famous Javanese puppets character of “Gatot Kaca” that being melted in this volcano. The way to get to this place is very steep and winding.

There is only one entrance access to get to this place, which is from Wonosobo. If you are from Yogyakarta direction it is better that from Magelang you go directly to Wonosobo. Prepare yourselves to be amaze by the charming and exotic view of Dieng.

Tips and trick:

1. It is better that if you reach this place before the sun rise, because it has a unique weather. Despite of enjoying the sun rise from behind the high land of the mountain, the weather here can change rapidly, might be because of the mountain climate. The fog often goes down in sudden.
2. The weather here is very convenient especially from 6 o’clock until 9 in the morning, so prepared yourselves to go places to tourist spots in 3 hours.
3. The exotic scenery, so you will need a wide angle lenses such as 12-24 mm, 18-70 mm etc. There will be a lot of stunning scenery here.
4. There aren’t plenty of human interest objects here, but just in case it is better that you prepared tele lenses 80-200 mm or 24-120 mm lenses. You can use it to take pictures of the farmer or the human interest at the traditional market.

Photo & Text by Barry Kusuma

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Drini Beach, Yogyakarta Indonesia.

DRINI BEACH, THE VIRGIN BEACH

Photo and Text by Barry Kusuma

The journey from Yogyakarta to Drini beach takes about 3 hours, with the distance around 40 km, which we have to go through by vehicle. The journey feels quite long enough, because to reach this beach we have to tract on winding hills. On the left side of the way we can see the magnificent rock hills scenery, which are huge that form like a natural cave that looks like stalactite cave. We can enjoy the cave by entering it and observe the beautiful, precious and colorful of the coral reef.

The effort of the journey that we had for about 3 hours will feel like a short term, because we can admire the view a long the way. When we already in this place we will feel that we are entering a remote area, because of its location which is between 2 big hills and another small hills.

We will be amaze when we get here, by the magnificent, beautiful, and natural of Drini beach. It’s spread out widely and lightens up by the nature light and the fresh air of the beach. This beach is different from any other beach that located in Java island, like Parang Tritis, Anyer, Ancol etc which are very dirty and not being well taking care of. This beach is very clean with its white beach; the purity of the water so we can see the corals and the algae in the bottom of the sea clearly.

it will feel like we are in remote area which is isolated from the outside life. The rock hills form a magnificent nature architectural that will remain us of the beautiful “Tanah Lot” in Bali. That’s the view that we had in Drini beach. In spite of its beautiful scenery, it is also famous for its sea creature diversity. At this beach we can see clearly the algae among the corals and another sea creature.

One thing that attracts my attention about this place is that there are a lot of children whose having fun by bringing plastic back in their hand, which is use to traps colorful se fishes with their varieties kind. .

The differences this beach with the other beaches in Java and Bali Island, is that this beach is not as hot as any other beaches which are hot because of the sun light. We won’t have to face this kind of condition in Drini beach. The atmosphere here is very fresh with its cool water that you can’t find in other beaches. The fresh air of the beach and the cool sea water will make us comfortable to stay quite long enough and enjoying ourselves at the beach.

The fisherman life is very simple. Their daily activities are catching the fishes in the middle of the sea orderly. This kind of view makes the atmosphere become perfectly serene. The fisherman are very friendly and always welcome the visitors who dropped by. It is a pleasant opportunity to be able to speak with one of them; fortunately I had the chance to speak with one of them. His name was Mr. Wardiman, he told me that the season to catch the fish already passed by. They usually catch the fishes among the coral and we can catch octopus among the corals or catching the sea warm by using a knife that look like a grass knife.

It was already dark without me realizing it. I wish I could see the amazing sunset in Drini beach, but I couldn’t, because of the hills that surrounding the beach block the view of the sunset to this beach.

Because we use vehicle to get to this place, we were afraid because if we went home late from this place, it has lack of light and traffic sign, so it will be a little bit difficult to track on the winding hills especially during the night. However we had to get back to Yogya in the afternoon. I really had a wonderful time because I had the chance to enjoy a healthy life which is without pollution and especially the amazing Drini beach.

Photo & Text by Barry Kusuma

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Bledug Kuwu, Middle Java Indonesia.

BLEDUG KUWU

Photo and Text by Barry Kusuma

The Indonesian natural resources are rich for its diversity in nature and culture. There are a lot of tourist spot; one of them is Bledug kuwu which is located in Purwodadi, central java.

This place is very unique; it is different from any other tourist object, it is named Bledug Kuwu. In United Stated there’s Salt Lake which came from the silting up of the sea and changed into land. In present time this land use as a testing place for the fastest vehicle in the world. It is different from the one that we have in Indonesia. It is also a nature wonder which no other countries have, it is called Bledug Kuwu. It is located in Kluwu village, kradenan district, Grobogan province. It is named Bledug Kuwu because of its sound that periodically make an explosion sound like Bledug (like an explosion of an artillery from the distance), from the mud bubble together with the coming out of the smoke, gases, and salty water. Through that process it became a land which it was from the bottom of the sea and now it became a mainland that reaches 53 meters height from the sea surfaces. The wide is 45 ha with the minimum temperature of 31° Celsius.

To be able to reach this place, we have to travel through the ground way from Semarang through Purwodadi until reaching the Kluwu village. During the journey we can see beautiful and fertile scenery of the nature, the spread of green rice fields and the blue sky. The beautiful view of the hills so fascinating so that the journey to this place won’t be quite boring, despite our eyes will be widely open and amaze by the scenery of the nature that green and amazing.

When we reach this place there’s a distinction view which is opposite with the view that we saw on the way to get this place. During the journey we can see the beautiful view but when we reach to this place it is so fallow and unfertile. But this kind of condition make this place so special because there is two kinds of conditions that opposite from one to another. Meanwhile we enjoy ourselves with the beauty of the nature; we also can see the local people who earn money as a salt farmer. From the source of salty water of Bledug Kuwu the farmer make it into kitchen salt. The quality of the salt from this area is very popular and it is written down in the history of Surakarta Royal Palace. It can be prove by the statement from the local people. In this area there are small mountains which on top of them let out a yellow mud.

Bledug Kuwu has its own specialty, if you see from the geological site, Dr. AJ Panekoek, stated that all lands that consist of Bledug is belong to alluvial plains (sediment soil or silting up soil) together with the explosion of Bledug, smokes, gases and salty water will come out from it. The sound of explosion happened because the coming out of the volcano which form into mud with grey color or dark grey but if this liquid mix with water it will become white. If you silt up this water eventually it will become lime land. It used to be sea that changed into land because of the erosion of the lime mountain, so the land consists of lime.

Photo & Text by Barry Kusuma

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