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STUDENT TRAVELER:

LET’S EXPLORE INDONESIA

Penulis:
Adhe Dwi Kurnianto ● Ahmad Mushoffal Anam Satriawan
● Akhdan Ziyad ● Aleena Chalondra Sianturi ● Andhika Shintya Ayu
Maharani ● Andi Ghiyas Aqeel ● Angeline Andita Saragih Luntungan
● Areta Tria Bestari ● Aryyo Pangestu ● Benaya Wira Purba
● Benita Bernadine Indrawati ● Cahaya Maria Damayanti ● Denok
Dewi Sekar Sari ● Fahrian Ariel Risyanda ● Fata Dhiwa Agsari
● Fazha Raditya Sunandar ● Fikri Firdaus Amin ● Firmansyah
Malawat ● Grenatha Harimurti Wibawa ● Haycal Hidayatullah
● Putu Sanya ● Immanuel A. T. ● Kenza Radhifa Al Makkah
● Miranda Olivia D. W. Panjaitan ● Muhammad Akmal ● Nabila
Talitha Sari ● Naomy Retnoandhini Riyanto ● Naufal Alantika Azhar
● Nita Pasaribu ● Nu’man Abel Gaudi ● Nurudin Gibran William
Setiawan ● Raykesya Abdian Nandini ● Rifaldo Davin Murtaja
● Selena Ayudiya Aurellia ● Sintong Hasudungan Simanjutak
● Syams Shaka Mahardika ● Talitha Salsabila ● Tsabita Indi Sahasika
● Zahra Kasya Putri Dardiri ● Zaki Fathurrahman ● Zhafirah Naura
Nurulrahmah

Editor:
Diki Riswandi
Laksananing Mukti
Rizky Anwari

PENERBIT CV.EUREKA MEDIA AKSARA

i
STUDENT TRAVELER :
LET’S EXPLORE INDONESIA

Penulis : Adhe Dwi Kurnianto ● Ahmad Mushoffal Anam


Satriawan ● Akhdan Ziyad ● Aleena Chalondra
Sianturi ● Andhika Shintya Ayu Maharani ● Andi
Ghiyas Aqeel ● Angeline Andita Saragih Luntungan
● Areta Tria Bestari ● Aryyo Pangestu ● Benaya Wira
Purba ● Benita Bernadine Indrawati ● Cahaya Maria
Damayanti ● Denok Dewi Sekar Sari ● Fahrian Ariel
Risyanda ● Fata Dhiwa Agsari ● Fazha Raditya
Sunandar ● Fikri Firdaus Amin ● Firmansyah
Malawat ● Grenatha Harimurti Wibawa ● Haycal
Hidayatullah ● Putu Sanya ● Immanuel A. T. ●
Kenza Radhifa Al Makkah ● Miranda Olivia D. W.
Panjaitan ● Muhammad Akmal ● Nabila Talitha Sari
● Naomy Retnoandhini Riyanto ● Naufal Alantika
Azhar ● Nita Pasaribu ● Nu’man Abel Gaudi ●
Nurudin Gibran William Setiawan ● Raykesya
Abdian Nandini ● Rifaldo Davin Murtaja ● Selena
Ayudiya Aurellia ● Sintong Hasudungan Simanjutak
● Syams Shaka Mahardika ● Talitha Salsabila ●
Tsabita Indi Sahasika ● Zahra Kasya Putri Dardiri ●
Zaki Fathurrahman ● Zhafirah Naura Nurulrahmah

Editor : Diki Riswandi


Laksananing Mukti
Rizky Anwari
Desain Sampul : Eri Setiawan
Tata Letak : Hikmah Millenia Saputri
ISBN : 978-623-487-021-3
Diterbitkan oleh : EUREKA MEDIA AKSARA, JUNI 2022
ANGGOTA IKAPI JAWA TENGAH
NO. 225/JTE/2021
Redaksi:
Jalan Banjaran, Desa Banjaran RT 20 RW 10 Kecamatan Bojongsari
Kabupaten Purbalingga Telp. 0858-5343-1992

ii
Surel : eurekamediaaksara@gmail.com

Cetakan Pertama : 2022

All right reserved

Hak Cipta dilindungi undang-undang


Dilarang memperbanyak atau memindahkan sebagian atau seluruh isi
buku ini dalam bentuk apapun dan dengan cara apapun, termasuk
memfotokopi, merekam, atau dengan teknik perekaman lainnya tanpa
seizin tertulis dari penerbit.

iii
REMARKS

Learning English is a must-have skill, particularly for the


millennial generation, which will compete globally with people from
all over the world. Mastering English is no longer a choice; it is an
unavoidable must. Language, particularly English, serves as a portal to
the rest of the world. Reading and writing are essential skills for all
students, especially as they strive to become more insightful students
who will be fully useful and knowledgeable human beings in the
future. As a result, students will have the insight and knowledge
necessary to construct and govern this country as future leaders.
Writing, in addition to reading, is a requirement for
demonstrating students’ linguistic competence. Writing is one of our
methods for ensuring the survival and continuance of our information.
This book chapter includes information that will help everyone to
travel either all around Indonesia or the world.
I want to thank and congratulate all the students and teachers
who contributed to the creation of this Book Chapter. May the
Almighty God be always with us.

Mayor Jenderal TNI (Purn) Tono Suratman, S.I.P.

Principal

iv
CONTENT

REMARKS ................................................................................................ iv
CONTENT ................................................................................................. v
PREFACE .................................................................................................. ix
ACKNOWLEDGE .................................................................................... x
40 MINUTES FROM YOGYAKARTA, ENJOY MANY FAMILY
ATTRACTIONS IN ONE PLACE
By Adhe Dwi Kurnianto .............................................................................. 1
SEE THE SPLENDOR OF ONE OF THE WORLD'S WONDERS— MY
STORY IS IN MAGELANG, CENTRAL JAVA.
By Ahmad Mushoffal Anam Satriawan ........................................................ 7
VISITING PADANG, WEST SUMATERA— MY JOURNEY INTO
MINANGKABAU'S HOUSE.
By Akhdan Ziyad ....................................................................................... 13
THE BEAUTY OF LAKE TOBA By Aleena Chalondra Sianturi ............. 19
THE MAJESTIC OF BALI ISLAND, INDONESIA.
By Andhika Shintya Ayu Maharani ........................................................... 24
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN TORAJA — MY VACATION ACROSS
SULAWESI
By Andi Ghiyas Aqeel ................................................................................ 31
BORNEO’S HIDDEN PARADISE
By Angeline Andita Saragih Luntungan .................................................... 37
VISITING KEBUMEN — MY JOURNEY INTO THE CITY OF
LAWET
By Areta Tria Bestari ................................................................................. 44
AN ISLAND NEAR SIBOLGA — A JOURNEY TO KALIMANTUNG
NA MENEK
By Aryyo Pangestu .................................................................................... 49

v
VISITING MEDAN— MY JOURNEY INTO THE BIGGEST CITY IN
NORTH SUMATRA
By Benaya Wira Purba ............................................................................... 55
IS IT TRUE THAT IT’S KNOWN AS “CITY OF THOUSAND
RIVERS''? — SOUTH KALIMANTAN
By Benita Bernadine Indrawati .................................................................. 59
SURROUNDED BY STALACTITES — MY TRIP TO PINDUL CAVE
IN GUNUNGKIDUL By Cahaya Maria Damayanti ................................ 64
PARADISE FROM THE TOP OF PADAR ISLAND IN LABUAN
BAJO, EAST NUSA TENGGARA
By Denok Dewi Sekar Sari ......................................................................... 70
MY TRAVELING IN YOGYAKARTA WITH MY FAMILY
by Fahrian Ariel Risyanda.......................................................................... 79
VISITING EAST JAVA— MY TRIP TO MOUNT BROMO
By Fata Dhiwa Agsari ................................................................................ 84
BALI AS ONE OF INDONESIA’S GEMS
By Fazha Raditya Sunandar ....................................................................... 89
OUR TRIP TO BALIKPAPAN – A FIRST GLIMPSE FROM THE CITY
ON BORNEO’S EAST COASTLINE
By Fikri Firdaus Amin ............................................................................... 98
UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY TO CITY OF PHILOSOPHY-
VISITING YOGYAKARTA
By Firmansyah Malawat .......................................................................... 105
VISITING LABUAN BAJO, EAST NUSA TENGGARA — MY
JOURNEY INTO THE CITY OF A THOUSAND SUNSET
By Grenatha Harimurti Wibawa .............................................................. 110
WONDERFUL INDONESIA — MY JOURNEY AT SOLO
By Haycal Hidayatullah ........................................................................... 116
MAGNIFICENT INDONESIA’S CAPITAL CITY, JAKARTA
By Putu Sanya ......................................................................................... 121

vi
TOURING IN BUKITTINGGI — HOLIDAY THROUGH THE
FOREST AND MOUNTAIN ROAD
By Immanuel A. T. ................................................................................... 128
TO THE TOP OF THE HILL — CONQUER MOUNT SIKUNIR,
DIENG, WONOSOBO, CENTRAL JAVA
By Kenza Radhifa Al Makkah ................................................................... 134
KNOW MORE ABOUT BALI — MY JOURNEY TO KLUNGKUNG
REGENCY
By Miranda Olivia D. W. Panjaitan ........................................................ 141
FIRST EVER HOLIDAY I PLANNED MYSELF, MY TRIP TO
SURABAYA
By Muhammad Akmal ............................................................................. 146
VISITING BALI— MY JOURNEY TO THE ISLAND OF THE GODS
By Nabila Talitha Sari .............................................................................. 154
SIGER CITY — MY BEAUTIFUL FATE IN KRUI
By Naomy Retnoandhini Riyanto ............................................................. 164
THE BUSIEST METROPOLITAN IN INDONESIA
By Naufal Alantika Azhar ........................................................................ 169
INCREDIBLE TRIP TO MAGELANG WHILE EXPLORING
CENTRAL JAVA
By Nita Pasaribu ...................................................................................... 175
BALI TRIP WITH HIGH SCHOOL CLASSMATES
By Nu’man Abel Gaudi ............................................................................ 183
MOUNT KERINCI — EXPLORE KERINCI WITH MY FAMILY
By Nurudin Gibran William Setiawan ..................................................... 188
VISITING YOGYAKARTA – STUDY TOUR DURING MY SECOND
YEAR IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
By Raykesya Abdian Nandini ................................................................... 193
VISITING DIENG — MY JOURNEY INTO THE LAND ABOVE THE
CLOUDS
By Rifaldo Davin Murtaja ........................................................................ 203

vii
SPENDING MY EID MUBARAK IN WONOSOBO, CENTRAL JAVA,
INDONESIA — MY JOURNEY INTO CENTRAL JAVA TOURISM
CITY
By Selena Ayudiya Aurellia ..................................................................... 208
VISITING BENGKULU, INDONESIA— MY TRIP TO THE "LAND
OF RAFFLESIA"
By Sintong Hasudungan Simanjutak ....................................................... 213
ADVENTURE IN THE CITY OF STUDENTS, YOGYAKARTA —
THIS IS MY JOURNEY TO A PLACE WITH ALL THE PRIVILEGES.
By Syams Shaka Mahardika ..................................................................... 218
BALI, THE ISLAND OF PARADISE
By Talitha Salsabila .................................................................................. 224
VISITING BANDUNG — MY JOURNEY INTO THE PARIS VAN
JAVA
By Tsabita Indi Sahasika .......................................................................... 230
EXPLORING THE PARIS OF JAVA — MY TRIP TO BANDUNG By
Zahra Kasya Putri Dardiri ....................................................................... 235
SOUTH SUMATERA TOUR — TRAVEL TO AMPERA BRIDGE,
PALEMBANG
By Zaki Fathurrahman ............................................................................. 240
TANJUNG LESUNG
By Zhafirah Naura Nurulrahmah............................................................. 245

viii
PREFACE

This work entitles “Student Traveler: Let’s Explore Indonesia”.


Exploring the richness of Indonesia could be more than exciting for the
students because they can observe the diverse lives of people in
different region in Indonesia. This wonderful encounter inspired the
students to write down their remarkable experience in this book
chapter. The memory they produced while traveling throughout
Indonesia could serve as inspiration for other students, allowing them
to experience what the authors accomplished.
The students wrote chapters on their experiences to compile this
book. Every chapter they wrote began with an explanation of how to
get to the place they wished to visit.
Following that, students explain an object that they could see
during their visit. They described their experience being at that location
and the moment they spend with the one they love in this section. The
writer's description allows the reader to sense the nuance of the location
visited by the students.
In Addition, they also express their feeling about people, the
local, as Indonesia has a very rich and various culture. They described
how beautiful people they meet were. Reading this book is expected
giving you an insight about the beauty of the wonderful Indonesia.

ix
ACKNOWLEDGE

Having this book chapter completed is a pleasure and a gift for


us as teachers. We appreciate everyone who contributed to this book
chapter. Thank you to the students who contributed to this book
chapter. You toiled away at this book chapter for a long time. This book
chapter demonstrates that every student is gifted and has great
potential in their own unique way. Being able to complete and compile
this book is a source of pride for us as educators. The children did an
excellent job finishing this chapter of the book.
The firth point we want to make is that we recognize that nothing
in this world is perfect, including what we have. Any suggestions for
improving this book chapter would be much appreciated.

Magelang, 2022

Diki Riswandi
Tsalits Muhammad Nugroho
Rizky Anwary

x
40 MINUTES FROM YOGYAKARTA,
ENJOY MANY FAMILY ATTRACTIONS IN ONE
PLACE
By Adhe Dwi Kurnianto

Indonesia, the world's largest archipelagic country, offers many


tourism and recreational attractions that must be visited due to its
diverse natural resources and local expertise. Purworejo, a city on the
outskirts of Yogyakarta, is one of them. Purworejo is well-known for
having the largest square in Central Java. This square has existed since
the establishment of the Mataram kingdom. And that is ideal for
recreational purposes. This object has a lot of historical worth, from the
history of the tree to places of worship to other notable buildings near
it.

Gambar 1. Purworejo Square from height

1
The square is a big open field that is normally located in front of
the palace or the regent's office. It is grassy and surrounded by roads,
and it can be utilized for a variety of community activities.

Easy Way to Purworejo


We don't have to worry about files when we go to Purworejo. If
you are an international visitor, all you need is a passport. Purworejo is
located on Central Java's southern shore, just west of the Special Region
of Yogyakarta. The city is bounded to the north by the South Serayu
mountain range, to the east by the Menoreh Mountains, to the west by
the Kebumen Regency, and to the south by the Indian Ocean. And it's
surrounded by notable landmarks like Borobudur, Malioboro, and
Parangtritis.
There are numerous methods to get to this district. You can fly
into NYIA Airport (New International Yogyakarta Airport in Kulon
Progo, DIY), which is located 27.3 kilometers southeast of Purworejo
city center. And it only takes 43 minutes to get there via land.

Gambar 2. Distance from Yogyakarta International Airport to Purworejo


Square

Purworejo is a region traversed by National Road III, the


principal connecting road between provinces administered by the
central government. As a result, it is quite strategic and frequently
serves as a transit point for both automobiles and tourists.

2
There's a Lot of Story Behind it All
Purworejo square was established when the city of Purworejo
was founded in 1830 as the capital of a new district after the Sultanate
of Yogyakarta was ordered to hand over sovereignty of the Duchy of
Bagelen to the Dutch East Indies as a result of the earlier Diponegoro
conflict. This square was formerly an open field for military training.
The practice of planting two banyan trees in the center of the square as
part of the Mataram area continues. The seeds are sourced from the
Yogyakarta square.
Previously, this square was filthy and neglected. There are
numerous street vendors selling their wares around the field's edge.
However, everything changed after the makeover. The situation
became quite nice and sanitary, with the street merchants segregated
and then placed on one side of the square, where they grew into an
alternative tourist attraction.

The Reason Why You Should Go to This Location?


Almost every corner and side of Purworejo Square has
something intriguing to offer. Every few meters, a significant object or
monument can be found.
Let's start in the front of the square, on the south side. The purple
color reflects the mangosteen fruit, which is a common fruit of this
Regency, and is the sign and characteristic of Purworejo. The Purworejo
regent's office is seen from this gate. A pair of historic old banyan trees
and Mount Semeru's towering height may be seen in the photo to the
north.
A clear sign with Purworejo's name can be found a little distance
to the east or southeast of the square. There is a fountain, a garden, with
tourist seating all around it. The square is the hub of Purworejo,
according to this artifact.
On the southwest side, there is a building that is no less
remarkable, namely an open-air performance stage with seats and a
large row of musical notes as a symbol. It represents the Purworejo
Regency's slogan, BERIRAMA / Rhythm (bersih indah, rapi, aman,
nyaman, dan makmur). Residents frequently use this period to
preserve culture.

3
A calm resting area and children's playground may be found in
front of the Great Mosque, if you move a bit to the west. Every day, the
west side is teeming with residents. In the afternoon, the presence of
slides, boosters, photo locations, and mangosteen huts adds to the
population. Many bikers usually stop here to pray before resting in the
square.

Gambar 3. Purworejo Square Playground

The existence of the Peace Gong is equally intriguing from this


perspective. One of the classic gamelan musical instruments is facing
west, with stickers depicting a wide range of tribes, faiths, races, and
inter-groups. This gong indicates that the Purworejo community's links
of brotherhood and harmony are particularly strong.

Gambar 4. The Peace Gong

4
A monument to one of Purworejo's traditional meals, Clorot,
may be found to the northwest. Clorot is a traditional Bagelen snack
consisting of rice flour wrapped in coconut leaves or young coconut
leaves and shaped like an ice cream cone. Clorot tastes sweet and has a
chewy texture. It tastes delicious and should be manufactured by
tourists who have to buy it.
Rows of inscriptions from the development of the Purworejo
square can be found to the northeast. These inscribed stones are seven
in number and stand at a slight slant facing the road. One of them
explains the origins of this location.
Finally, on the east side, there are various sets of gym equipment
available to the public. The goal is to improve the health and fitness of
the Purworejo community, or to use it as a method of therapy.

Alternative Tourist Attraction


Purworejo Square is bordered by five significant buildings:
1. Regent's Office
This location is directly in front of the square, or to put it
another way, it is south of the square. Used to lead Purworejo as the
regent's office.
2. Regent Hall (north)
It is a structure that is distinguished by a joglo home. It serves
as a meeting space for the regent and the community, as well as a
venue for socializing and cultural activities.
3. Darul Mutaqin Grand Mosque (west)
This historic mosque relic of the Mataram Sultanate includes
a nearly two-meter-long drum. And touted to be the world's largest
drum. Many people come to this
Prasasti-Prasasti mosquePurworejo
Alun-Alun to worship or simply to
observe the bedhug.
4. GPIB (East)
At first look, the existence of the Protestant Church in
Western Indonesia (GPIB) of the Griya Mulya Congregation in
Purworejo appears to be unremarkable. However, following more
investigation, it was discovered that the 137-year-old structure
contains numerous stories. The Dutch East Indies colonial

5
government constructed this temple of worship. And it is still
operating today.
5. Tosan Aji Museum (North)
This museum is next to the Purworejo Pavilion, the Exhibition
Building, and the deer park. This museum houses vestiges of pre-
literate civilization and Javanese culture, including kris and
Majapahit history.
6. Culinary Romance (South)

Gambar 5. Culinary Romance

We can tell what's in it just by glancing at the name. There are


a variety of cuisines accessible here, ranging from traditional to
modern. Everything is tidy and spotless. Almost all square visitors
must have gone to Romansa Culinary.

6
SEE THE SPLENDOR OF ONE OF THE WORLD'S
WONDERS— MY STORY IS IN MAGELANG,
CENTRAL JAVA.
By Ahmad Mushoffal Anam Satriawan

Hello and welcome to this page, everyone. The city of Magelang,


also known as "the earth of knights," is what I'd like to tell you about in
this section. This is a city that is well-known for being a military one. A
military education center, which is also known as a military academy,
can be found nearby. Despite the numerous recommendations you
receive on this site, I frequently visit with my family and friends. If you
are looking for a destination that is different and unusual, then you
should consider Magelang as one of your top tourist destinations in
Indonesia.

My story in Magelang
The city of Magelang is one of the places that I always visit on
weekends or during long family vacations with my family. A number
of factors influenced my decision to choose Magelang as one of my
favorite tourist destinations; aside from its proximity to my home,
another factor was the abundance of tourist attractions that are
available in Magelang, which are easy to reach and at an affordable
price. I'll tell you about my travels and experiences in Magelang in this
section.

How to get there


In order to get to this city, we have a plethora of options for
transportation, including land and air transportation, because getting
to this city is simple and straightforward. For those of you who are from
the island of Java, I recommend that you take the land route rather than
the air route because it is less expensive and more efficient. However,
you can also take the air route to get to this one city because you will
be extremely well served by the Adisutjipto International airport.

7
For land travel, it is relatively simple to access a variety of modes
of transportation depending on your preferences. You can take public
transportation such as buses, taxis, online motorcycle taxis, gojek, and
grabs, or traditional modes of transportation such as trishaws and
dokars, depending on your preferences.
If your residence is outside the island, you should consider using
air transportation instead of high water because there is an airport on
the island, Adisucipto, which makes movement easier, and it is also the
fastest and most efficient mode of transportation. To get to Magelang,
the most convenient mode of transportation is by plane.
While in Magelang City, you will most likely choose to stay at
the Artos hotel because it will be very convenient for you to get to the
city center, and because you will be provided with the best facilities at
a reasonably reasonable price.

Gambar 6. Magelang Square

First thoughts
The first impression I had of Magelang was that it was a polluted
city with traffic jams similar to those found in other major cities, that
things were expensive, and that people didn't socialize much.
However, after visiting the city, I realized that it is a clean city with
clean airIn fact, despite the fact that we are in a city, it turns out that the
environment here is just as beautiful as if we were in a rural area, and
we were awarded the Adipura award for it.

8
The traffic in the Magelang area is relatively smooth, despite the
large number of vehicles passing through on a daily basis. This may be
due to the fact that the people of Magelang are respectful and courteous
to other road users.
Yes, you can get food for only 5000 Rupiahs here, and you can
get a complete serving of rice and side dishes to fill your stomach. With
that, you can get 1 complete serving of rice and side dishes that will fill
your stomach. This price can be obtained at a number of restaurants in
Magelang.
I was taken aback by the number of locals who continue to
practice and uphold their culture. I assumed they were preoccupied
with their own businesses and jobs, but it appears that was not the case.
There are still people who are dedicated to preserving their cultures,
which include gamelan, barong, dances, and many others. These, as
well as many others, can be found at the Borobudur Conservation
Center and other cultural preservation centers managed by the
government of the country.

What can you see?


Along the way, you will pass by numerous tourist attractions,
historical sites, and other well-known locations that will take your
breath away. You'll need to get your camera ready in order to capture
the story of your journey here.
Our tour took us past a variety of visually appealing sights, including
the following:
• Borobudur temple
• Sudirman Museum
• Diponegoro Museum
• Mendut Temple
• Pawon Temple
• Military Academy
• Taruna Nusantara High School
• Awang-Awang Sky View
• Linggar Teak Joglo
• etc

9
Each of the places on this list offers a unique and memorable
experience in its own right, and each one has a fascinating backstory to
tell. Are you becoming more and more interested in visiting us?

Taruna Nusantara High School


The first thing that struck me about SMA Taruna Nusantara was
the grandeur of the very large hall, which is built in the shape of a
pentagon. This is a sacred space that is used for large events such as
visits by national figures, the beginning and ending of education,
alumni prasetiya, and many other activities.
Second, the environment of the archipelago cadets is extremely
clean; I haven't even been able to find trash as small as a cigarette butt
here, and this is entirely due to the high level of concern that the
school's residents have for environmental preservation.
The third characteristic is that, when moving to a new location, the
cadets of the archipelago always line up neatly, and this is one of the
characteristics that distinguish SMA Taruna Nusantara from other
schools.
This is a boarding school in the city of Magelang, in the province
of Central Java. All of the students have traveled from all corners of the
archipelago to attend this program. We can see a sense of community
among them, despite the fact that they are from different ethnic,
religious, racial, and social backgrounds. Their daily lives demonstrate
the unity that exists between different cultures, cultures, and religions.
Before they can enroll as Taruna Nusantara High School
students, they must first pass through PDK, which is the most difficult
period for three months, before completing the Education Closure,
where they are awarded the prestigious coat and beret of Taruna
Nusantara High School, among other things.
After going through all of that, they embark on a boarding life in
which they put into practice everything they have learned during PDK.
They live as students who are disciplined, responsible, and possess
strong leadership qualities. They will have to live apart from their
parents in order to study and provide the best possible service to their
parents' society as well as their country, state, and the world.

10
Gambar 7. Pancasila Hall at Taruna Nusantara High School

Borobudur temple
My journey continued with a visit to the Borobudur temple,
which is a well-known tourist attraction in Indonesia. Yes, this is a
Buddhist temple heritage site that includes one of the largest Buddhist
monuments in the world, as well as other Buddhist temples and
shrines.
This monument, which is considered to be one of the seven
wonders of the world, is made up of six square terraces on which there
are three circular courtyards; the walls are decorated with 2,672 relief
panels, and there were originally 504 Buddha statues.
It is only necessary to purchase a ticket, which costs Rp. 50.000
for adults and Rp. 25.000 for children, in order to gain entry. Following
your arrival at the Borobudur temple, you will be greeted by the
magnificence of the temple buildings, as well as breathtaking natural
panoramas that are still lush and green.
The first thing you should do is park your car a long distance
away from the temple complex. Immediately after parking your
vehicle, you can purchase food and beverages, which are all reasonably
priced. A flurry of activity occurs here as traders rush to the attention

11
of visitors with food and beverages that, according to them, are not
permitted to be sold in the temple area.
The garden surrounding the Borobudur Temple is quite large
and sprawling. You can ride an elephant or a horse for entertainment
purposes in this park, but you must pay to do so. Upon exiting through
the park, visitors must ascend a flight of stairs to reach the temple's food
court.
To get to the top of the temple, you'll have to put up a good fight.
There are temple reliefs that tell the story of Gautama Buddha that can
be found while ascending the stairs at the base of the temple, which are
quite long, and around the temple to the top in the opposite direction
of the clock.
The fog will vanish as soon as you reach the top of the temple,
where you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the
surrounding mountains and forests, as well as a giant stupa, which will
be visible from here.

Gambar 8. Borobudur temple

Those are some of the memorable experiences that I had during


my visit to Magelang; there were many more, but for the time being, I
will focus on the ones listed above. Please stay tuned for the next book
episode, and thank you for your patience.

12
VISITING PADANG, WEST SUMATERA—
MY JOURNEY INTO MINANGKABAU'S
HOUSE.
By Akhdan Ziyad

Padang is the capital of the province of West Sumatra which is a


village for the Minangkabau people, with abundant natural and
cultural wealth, this city is recommended as a visiting destination for
tourists and locals alike. I went there with my extended family in
August 2018 for "Back to my hometown". If you crave thousands of
natural beauty, cultural uniqueness, and delicious and unique food,
then consider Padang City, Here are some insights from my experience
visiting Padang City or Minangkabau's Village

How to get there


Padang is the capital of the province of West Sumatra, which was
formerly a settlement for the Minangkabau people. Because of the
abundance of natural and cultural resources in the area, this city is
highly recommended as a destination for both visitors and residents. In
August 2018, I traveled there with my extended family for a trip called
"Back to my homeland." You should consider visiting Padang City if
you are looking for thousands of acres of natural beauty, cultural
diversity, and tasty and distinctive food. Here are some thoughts from
my experience visiting Padang City or Minangkabau's Village.

First thoughts
When I originally decided to take my family to Padang, I
imagined it to be a traditional hamlet, full of ancient and less
contemporary indigenous tribes. That was my assumption when I first
intended to take my family there. I was surprised when I arrived in this
Minangkabau land because, contrary to what I had expected, Padang is
still heavily laden with customs, but there are also changes that point
the way to the modern world; Padang is no different from other cities

13
in that there are no Indomaret and Alfamart (supermarkets) in this
corner of the city, whereas in other cities supermarkets are located all
over the right and left of the road, with the goal of advancing the
economy and supporting business.

Gambar 9. Me and my family at Sianok Gorge

What can you see?


The city of Padang is one of the most beautiful places in the
world, so if you're looking for a truly unique and unforgettable
experience, I recommend that you hire a local tour guide to show you
around, he will find various beautiful tourist attractions in the Padang.
During our trip, we visited various unique and very beautiful
tourist spots as examples of some of the destinations we visited such
as:
1. Sianok Gorge
It is located on the outskirts of Bukittinggi, District IV Koto,
Agam Regency, West Sumatra, and is a steep valley (ravine) with a
waterfall. Located between the southern gorge of Koto Gadang and
the settlement of Sianok Anam Suku, this valley serves as the city
boundary line until it reaches Pelupuh sub-district at the end. A
prominent tourist site in the province of West is the Sianok Gorge,

14
which boasts a breathtaking perspective and is known for its
gorgeous scenery.

Gambar 10. Me and my sister at Sianok Gorge

2. Clock Tower
Jam Gadang is an Indonesian clock tower that acts as a
landmark in the city of Bukittinggi and the province of West
Sumatra. It was built in the late 1800s and is the tallest structure in
the city. Aside from having a tale to convey, this West Sumatra sign
or emblem also has a unique quality in that it has been there for
decades. It was given the name Jam gadang by the Minangkabau
people because it has a clock that is "gadang" or "large clock" (jam
gadang = huge clock; "gadang" means big in the Minangkabau
language). The clock tower building is located in the center of the
city.
Japanese Hole, It is one of the historical tourist sites in West
Sumatra Province, and it is known as the Japanese hole. The
Japanese occupation force constructed this Japanese hole as a
defensive structure in 1942. The Ngarai Sianok tourism complex,
which includes this historical tourist site, is located on Jalan
Panorama in Bukit Cangang Kayu Ramang, Bukittinggi City, West
Sumatra, in the Bukittinggi City district.

15
3. Air Manis Beach
Air Manis Beach, Air Manis Beach is around 15 kilometers
from the heart of Padang City. Passengers may reach Air Manis by
traveling through Padang City and the Minangkabau International
Airport. Tourists may take use of public transportation on the
Padang-Bungus route, which runs from the center of the city. A
popular tourist site for both local and international visitors, this
beach is known for its low-wave conditions as well as its stunning
views of Mount Padang. The Malin Kundang stone, which is a local
landmark, is also found on this beach. It is said that the stone from
the story of Malin Kundang may be located on this beach, which is
a well-known folklore from West Sumatra.
4. Pagaruyung Palace
The Basa Palace, also known as the Pagaruyung Palace, is a
palace in the Tanjung Emas sub-district of Batusangkar city in the
Tanah Datar region of West Sumatra. It was built in the 16th century.
The Pagaruyung Palace is located roughly 5 kilometers from the
heart of Batusangkar's city center.

Gambar 11. Pagaruyung Palace

This location has its own distinctiveness, which is both beautiful


and meaningful, and there is a philosophy embedded in each of its
distinctive characteristics.

16
The life of a local
A common feature shared by most individuals in Indonesia is
their rough and strong nature. They dislike being drawn out in
conversation, which is a principle shared by the Padang (minang)
people, who comprise the majority of the country's population.
Speaking plainly, if you look at it objectively, you can see how it is
developed via the life process of a person who has the heart; the Padang
people have a habit of living and working hard, as seen by the success
of the renowned Padang people as successful traders. As evidenced by
the government's policy banning Indomaret and Alfamaret, Padang
people are traders who are well-known for their bargaining skills. They
are also proud of their free customs and have a desire to preserve their
culture by continuing with the previous culture; the Padang people
want the previous culture to be the Padang people themselves. We may
get a better deal at the merchant there by bidding up to more than half
the price, and the inhabitants of the desert are one-of-a-kind folks.

Gambar 12. Me and my siblings

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My tips for traveling to Padang
My recommendation is that you bring a high-quality camera,
and if you are a first-time visitor to Padang, I recommend that you hire
a tour guide who will show you around the city and show you what
you can see and do so that your visit will not be in vain. I also
recommend bringing a camera because there are many beautiful places
that can be turned into an Instagrammable photo spot.
Be nice to the people, respect and respect the indigenous people
(minang) who live there; the Minang people are renowned for being
stern, so maintain excellent ties with the local population.

18
THE BEAUTY OF LAKE TOBA
By Aleena Chalondra Sianturi

Located on the island of Sumatra, Lake Toba is the largest lake in


Southeast Asia. Its beauty cannot be compared to any other. I have
traveled to Toba many times, as my ancestors originally came from a
region surrounding the lake, Muara. As I am writing this, I promised
to write it as objectively and truthfully as possible, albeit from my point
of view.

How to Get There


Despite the fact that I have been to Toba repeatedly and often, I
would always remember the first time I arrived. It was around four
years ago, the first time I arrived. I was only 12 years old. I took a plane
from Kualanamu, Medan to Silangit. It took an hour to land at Silangit
Airport.
A plane from Kuala Namu to Silangit costs almost 2 million
rupiah per ticket. It might be too costly if you’re on budget. But there
are also alternatives, you could take your car by land for an estimated
3-hour drive, and enjoy the view of the many cities along with forests
that went by.

First Thoughts
The first step I took out of the plane, the wind was blowing very
harshly. The air was unusually cold, even if the sky was very clear and
the sun was beneath me. That was until I realized I was on a hill. I
learned that Lake Toba is actually surrounded by hills and valleys.
People who saw Lake Toba for the first time, would always think
that it was the sea. It is that big.
It would never be as what you would expect. I must admit,
before I have ever gone to Lake Toba, I had a conception of this medium
sized boring lake. But when I arrived, I was astonished.

19
Gambar 13. A view of the Lake Toba

The picture above (A) is only a small part of Lake Toba’s view.
The lake is surrounded by 8 regencies, Karo, Simalungun, Toba
Samosir, Tapanuli Utara, Humbang Hasundutan, Samosir, Pakpak
Bharat, and Dairi.

What can you see?


Going far to Lake Toba is not merely looking at the lake. You
might get bored easily just by doing that. The journey alone, by land, is
tiring. If you’re a nature person, you’d like to see the gorgeous view of
the lake. But, a touch of the local culture is what makes it awesome.
There are a few local tourist attractions that you may be
interested in,
1. Tomok Village, if you’re looking to tune into the local culture, this
village will give you a taste of it.
2. TB Silalahi Center Museum, another part of local culture, this
museum collects and tells the history of Bataknese people.
3. Tele Tower, from a height, you could see an astonishing view. Here
you could also enjoy the view with snacks that are sold around.
4. Gibeon hill, perfect for nature lovers.
One of my personal experiences was jet skiing on Lake Toba. It
was distinctly amusing for my family, yet be cautious when it is windy
or overcast, you might fall over from the jet ski. Even if you do, be sure
to wear the safety jacket thoroughly.

20
Gambar 14. Tele Tower

Other than sightseeing, Lake Toba is actually a long way from


Medan, North Sumatra’s capital. Therefore, you might like to stay at
places near Toba. There are actually a lot of resorts around Lake Toba,
even some are on the hills surrounding the lake. If you would like
cheaper choices, there are inns in the cities, but the quality won’t be as
good as the resorts do. These are the places that I would recommend
staying,
1. The Kaldera Nomadic Escape, if you would like to do glamping,
then this place is perfect for you. Located in Sigapiton, this resort is
located on the hill. There you can see the unbelievable view of Lake
Toba from above. Just for your information, Indonesia’s president,
Mr. Joko Widodo has visited this place too.
2. Taman Simalem Resort, also located on top of the hill, is located in
Karo. It also has a gorgeous view of Lake Toba. This place may be
delightful for yoga enthusiasts. Just a note, the resort is surely chilly.
3. Samosir Cottage Resort, a cheaper alternative, is located on Samosir
island. Literally means an island on the lake. The cottage has a great
view of the lake too.

21
Gambar 15. Me and my cousin at Taman Simalem Resort

The life of a local


It is no secret that most Indonesians perceive Bataknese as harsh,
loud, and sometimes rude. We are actually some of the nicest people
on earth. The native language may sound harsh, as it is the language
accent that they’ve been using for centuries.
Bataknese people use the patrilineal system. Each and every
Bataknese people has their own ‘marga’, which basically translates to
family name. In the culture, they take their marga extremely serious.
There are many different kinds of Bataknese tribes. Which
includes the Toba people, Karo people, Angkola people, Simalungun
people, Mandailing people, and the Pakpak people.
In Bataknese culture, there are 3 main colors. Black, red, and
white. White represents the heavens of gods. Whilst red represents our
present life, and black represents our afterlife.

22
Gambar 16. Toba head with his family, circa 1900.

Tips for traveling to Lake Toba, North Sumatra


From all of my experiences visiting Lake Toba and the regions
surrounding, one word comes into my mind, rural.
I would dare say even the cities surrounding Lake Toba are quite
rural. It’s modern, but the term modern cannot be compared to big
cities like Medan or Jakarta.
For foreign travelers, prepare cash with local (Rupiah) currency.
I haven’t seen any money changers around, even in the main cities. You
may use debit or credit cards, but it might be a little limited.
For travelers who would like to enjoy a car ride, or to travel with
a car. Please keep in mind to bring an experienced driver. The roads
leading are quite surprising, some are good and smooth, however some
others might be rocky. And the roads also have very sharp turns, just
to be careful.
Always keep in mind to respect the locals’ boundaries and
cultures. And to be careful wherever you’re around.

23
THE MAJESTIC OF BALI ISLAND,
INDONESIA.
By Andhika Shintya Ayu Maharani

This is one of the most beautiful islands in Indonesia and even in


the world, this place is also one of the tourist destinations favored by
foreign and local tourists. Bali is famous with many names such as the
god island, a thousand temple island, and heaven island. Many people
call Bali Island the heaven island for no reason. Bali has extraordinary
natural beauty such as a volcano that looks near and big; expansive rice
fields that give a sense of peace and tranquility; as well as grains of sand
beaches in Bali and the beauty of the sea is very tempting. Bali has
dramatic dances, various traditional ceremonies, as well as the
adorable arts and handicrafts. I decided to go there with my family in
2008 and 2017. Here are just a few insights from my experience in the
great "dewata island.”

How to get there


One memorable experience when my family and I vacationed in
Bali, we went to Bali by land by riding a tourism bus.We departed in
the afternoon because it was estimated that we would arrive at the
island of the gods in the morning after we rested on our night journey.
In the morning we arrived at Gilimanuk port to quickly cross. In
the morning around 10 am we arrived at the hotel for a short rest and
clean up after that we will continue our journey to tourist attractions
that are already in the rounddown of our tour.The first thing we visited
was Garuda Wisnu Kencana or better known as GWK, this place is a
cultural park with an area of 240 hectares located in Badung Bali. In this
GWK there is a very tall statue of the god Vishnu and there is also a
Balinese Kecak dance served on the theater stage which has been
provided for tourists visiting there. In GWK there are also places of
worship of all religions in Indonesia.

24
After GWK we continued our journey to the shopping center in
Joger, there we started looking for souvenirs ranging from hats, t-shirts,
sandals and jackets which are Balinese souvenirs with very unique and
original word factories. Even this Joger does not open a branch
elsewhere, so if you want this souvenir then we have to come to Joger
directly, after that we return to the hotel to rest.In the morning after we
had breakfast, we headed to Uluwatu, ulu watu is a tourist attraction
on a rock cliff, where there are many temples and we can see the sea
view from the top of the cliff directly adjacent to the sea, a truly
amazing sight for us tourists. We could see directly the vast expanse of
the Indian Ocean and the waves could directly hit the foot of the hill
where we were standing, the blowing wind was able to make us fall
asleep with the beauty of the Creator's truly perfect creation.
From Uluwatu we had lunch and took a short break and then we
had to continue our journey to the Sukawati traditional market, we
were treated to a variety of really beautiful works of art, such as
wooden knick-knacks, shells and what really caught our attention were
the paintings made by the artist. which is as if the painting is alive. We
bought a painting with a very charming yellow frangipani flower
object.We also bought clothes for us to go to Kuta beach to see the
sunset. Our next trip was to Kuta beach. We deliberately chose the
afternoon to prepare to see the sunset. The Indian Ocean waves that
alternately make the mood more comfortable. We also noticed many
foreign tourists sunbathing along the beach. We enjoyed the waves
accompanied by fresh young coconut water which really made the
atmosphere on the beach more complete. After a while we sat on the
beach, finally the sunset we were waiting for began to appear with
signs of the sun starting to slip at the west end, the charm of the twilight
violet with a red tinge in the sky was very beautiful and we captured it
by taking photos of the natural beauty. Second by second we followed
the entry of the sun which started its way into its path. The scenery is
very beautiful, a combination of the pounding of the vast ocean, the
beautiful painting of the sunset and the sun starting to slowly enter the
pool. Truly the creator of the perfect universe, all praise and thanks be
to the presence of the Almighty Creator.

25
After the night before we returned to the hotel where we rested
tonight, because in the morning we had to continue our next
adventure.Our next tour agenda is to the Kintamani tourist spot which
is a lake in the middle of which there is a temple, on the way to
Kintamani we had to pass a winding road up and down, on the right
and left of the road we were on we saw monkeys waiting for food from
we. It was a very pleasant trip for us tourists. After a while we traveled
and we arrived at Kintamani.
We saw a lake that was quite beautiful. We could play on a small
boat to surround the lake which was quite beautiful. The weather there
was very cool. After we were satisfied, we circled the lake and we also
enjoyed the beautiful natural scenery on the edge of the lake by eating
snacks and enjoying the beautiful view of the lake.
Our tour was quite beautiful and memorable, we were able to
enjoy all the moments of togetherness traveling with our family, we
were able to visit many beautiful and quite impressive sights.It was our
travel experience to the island of the gods Bali.

Gambar 17. One of the beauty places in Bali- Pura Ulun Danu Bratan,
Bedugul

First thoughts
In some ways the place exceeded my expectations, and in others,
it left me leaving with more questions than I arrived with. I was

26
expecting to see poverty and oppression everywhere, but that wasn’t
the case, at-least in Bali. I am very excited because I can go there.
The journey started. In the morning we arrived at Gilimanuk
port to quickly cross. In the morning around 10 am we arrived at the
hotel for a short rest and clean up after that we will continue our
journey to tourist attractions that are already in the rounddown of our
tour.The first thing we visited was Garuda Wisnu Kencana or better
known as GWK, this place is a cultural park with an area of 240 hectares
located in Badung Bali. In this GWK there is a very tall statue of the god
Vishnu and there is also a Balinese Kecak dance served on the theater
stage which has been provided for tourists visiting there. In GWK there
are also places of worship of all religions in Indonesia.

Gambar 18. The beauty of GWK now.

What can you see?


Our trip was according to what was planned because we used a
tour guide. We can also choose the places to be visited, the food and the
things we will do. We can also ask the tour guide to do a photo session.
We also visited some highly recommended tourist attractions,
Pandawa Beach, Tanah Lot, GWK, Joger and a souvenir center there.

27
Gambar 19. Photo of my trip to Bali in 2008- uluwatu

Gambar 20.Hotel in Sanur

28
The life of a local
The locals are very friendly. Many locals were smiling and
waving at tourists. They often initiate conversations by the tourists.
They also master foreign languages so that foreign tourists stay
comfortable there. The people there are friendly and kind when there
are tourists who are in trouble and confused. They usually help. The
people there are very in love with the culture and advantages that their
area has so I am very amazed by the people living there
When you are in Bali you will be greeted in a friendly and kind
manner by the local people. In addition, we can also enjoy the beautiful
natural scenery in the middle of the dense island. However, we must
remain vigilant because there are many pickpockets there. We can also
see various kinds of famous arts, one of which is the Kecak dance.

My tips for traveling to Bali Island


Some tips that I recommend for you while on vacation to Bali are
don't forget to bring a camera to take pictures of the natural beauty that
is there, don't miss the tourist destinations that are there, don't forget
to buy Balinese souvenirs such as Dhian milk pie because it is very
famous for its deliciousness. , don't forget to bring extra clothes so you
can play in the water on the beach, stay careful and alert because many
foreign and local tourists are vacationing there.

Gambar 21. Tanjung Benoa

29
Gambar 22. Pantai Kuta

30
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN TORAJA —
MY VACATION ACROSS SULAWESI
By Andi Ghiyas Aqeel

Toraja is located in South Sulawesi Province. It is located about a


12 hours land journey from Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi
Province. Toraja is divided into two regencies, Tana Toraja and North
Toraja Regency. Indonesia’s Ministry of Education and-Culture has
named Tana Toraja as the second tourist destination after Bali. Toraja
is best known for its rich indigenous culture, especially its very unique
and expensive funeral tradition.

2019 New Year Holiday


My family went on this vacation during the holiday of 2019 New
Year. The vacation actually started when me, my mother, and my
siblings went from Makassar, South Sulawesi to Palu, Central Sulawesi
to visit my father who works there.
After we arrived at Mutiara SIS Al-Jufrie Airport in Palu, my
father was already waiting there to pick us up. The first land journey
begins. We went through a cool seafront road, to a mountain view road.
Three hours later, we finally arrived at my father’s house and stayed
there.
After about a week there, we continued our land journey back to
Makassar, and Toraja as the main vacation destination while also
heading home. And after a total of approximately 15 hours from
Pasangkayu, we finally arrived at Tana Toraja. We arrived in the
evening, and almost every hotel and homestay we visited was already
full. After searching around for a while, we finally found a hotel to rest
in for a night.

31
“Negeri di Atas Awan”
On the way to Tana Toraja, we have been searching for
interesting sites to visit. One of them is “Negeri di Atas Awan” or
“Land above the clouds” in Lolai Village. It is located on the North
Toraja regency. There, we can see clouds below us. And that’s perhaps
why it was named Land above the clouds.
On the first day, we took too much time preparing, so when we
were on the way to Lolai Village over the mountain route, it was
already congested. We arrived at the Lolai Village too late; the sun had
already begun to rise. We decided to head to Lolai Village the next
morning and stopped at another location first. On the second day, we
went earlier in the morning and we arrived there before sunrise. The
view was amazing. We can see all the clouds, houses, and hills below
us. We also took some photos there.

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Londa Cave
The next site we visit is Londa. It is a natural cave intended for
special corpse storage for Toraja ancestors and their descendants. This
cave is located on the side of a tall steep rock hill.
In the past, the locals had a belief inherited from their ancestors
that underlies the traditional rituals and traditions of the Toraja people.
Even until now, some Toraja people still come to visit their ancestor’s
coffins, or even place their family’s coffins here.
When we arrived at Londa Cave, we met a tour guide that
explained to us many things about the cave. In Londa Cave, the coffins
are not buried, just placed in the cave. But there were no smells, despite
the scattered skulls and coffins that were hundreds of years old placed
across the cave. There are even some new coffins with their own story.
One of the stories that I remembered is about one of the latest
coffins. There were two coffins that were placed together. He said that
not long ago, there were two couples that wanted to have a further
relationship through marriage. But they didn’t get approval from their
parents. Long story short, they ended up ending their lives together,
and their coffins were placed together in the cave.

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Kete Kesu
After we went to Londa, we went to Kete Kesu. Kete Kesu is a
cultural heritage village. It is one of the central cultural areas of Toraja,
so a lot of rituals and ceremonies were held here. Its main area is the
Tongkonan houses, the traditional house of Toraja. Now, Tongkonan
has lost its function as the main place to live, because most people just
build houses with modern style to live in. But it is still used when there
are ceremonies or rituals.
Talking about the ceremony of Toraja, there is one famous
ceremony, and it’s Rambu Solo. Rambu Solo is a funeral ceremony
tradition. Rambu Solo is intended to deliver the spirit of someone who
has died to the spirit realm. The Toraja people considered the person to
have really died if all of the Rambu Solo ceremony procession were
done. If not, then the deceased person will still be in the house, treated
like a sick person. So food, drink, and bed must be provided.
A part of the ceremony is sacrificing Buffalos. The amount is
various, starting from 24 to 100 buffalos, according to the family’s social
status. The ceremony is so expensive that the family of the dead person
usually needs months or even years to finish the ceremony. This is why
Toraja is known as one of the most expensive places to die.

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Jesus Buntu Burake Statue
The last place we went before continuing our way home is The
Jesus Statue. “Patung Yesus Memberkati” or The Statue of Jesus
Blessing is located in Tana Toraja, on the top of Buntu Burake hill, about
1.700 m above the sea level. The statue itself is 40 meters tall, which is
2 meters taller than the famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil.
This enormous statue was initiated by the Governor of South
Sulawesi at the time, to improve Toraja in the tourism sector. Since it
was inaugurated in 2015, Jesus Buntu Burake Statue became one of the
tallest Jesus statues in the world and became the icon of Toraja. The
statue of Jesus Blessing inauguration inscription was also signed by
Indonesian President Joko Widodo on 23 December 2018 at the Tana
Toraja Oikumene Christmas Celebration.
And that was it, my story about my family vacation in Toraja. It
was one of my most memorable vacations. I also learned a lot about the
culture and the history of Toraja and its people which is very
interesting. From Toraja, we went back to our home in Makassar by
land for 10 more hours.

35
My tips for traveling to Toraja
For now, the fastest way to go to Toraja is through its Airport.
The problem is the last time I checked, the airport only has Balikpapan
and Makassar city as the Departure/Arrival cities. The alternative
option is to fly to Makassar, and carry on to Toraja via land. By land,
you can use a car, or take a travel bus.
Book a room ahead of time or on the way for a guaranteed spot
to sleep, especially during the holidays. And search for interesting sites
and the way there. So you don’t miss the iconic sites of Toraja, or get
lost while searching for them.
Bring a camera or phone to take photos. There are a lot of
interesting and unique things that you may want to see again through
photos.
Last, please be polite to the people, also be careful while visiting
a place especially the older antique stuff and important sites.

36
BORNEO’S HIDDEN PARADISE
By Angeline Andita Saragih Luntungan

The Berau region in East Kalimantan is one of Indonesia's most


beautiful places. It provides a stunning view, particularly of the beach.
I've been to that location twice. First, with my family and the extended
family of my cousin, and then with a close friend's family from church.
If you're curious about Berau, I'd like to tell you a bit about my
experience there.

How to get there


To get to Berau, we have two options. The first by air, and the
second on the land.
If you take a plane, you'll be there in two hours. This time
around, I decided to travel by ground instead of air. From Balikpapan,
it took us almost a whole day to go to Berau. However, it was
exhausting yet enjoyable.
If you intend to travel to Berau by land, as I did, it is
recommended that you begin your journey late at night, around 8 p.m.,
to avoid traffic congestion. You will spend the first eight hours of your
journey driving to Bontang. Always remember to keep a full tank of gas
in your car, as well as plenty of extra food and beverages.
At around 3 a.m., you'll likely arrive in Bontang. You'll need to
take a short sleep before you can resume the journey at 7 a.m. and
spend the remaining 8 to 9 hours traveling to Berau, Indonesia.
With my family and my cousin's family, I visited Derawan Island
on the first trip to Berau that I had made. Our journey to Derawan
Island begins after we arrive at the harbor. On the boat, you may watch
the fish swim and take in the fresh air and breathtaking views of the
ocean. We can easily see the state of the sea because the water is so clean
and pure.
We started looking for a place to stay as soon as we arrived.
There are numerous options for lodging, including hotels, hostels, and
bed and breakfasts. At the last minute, we chose to stay at a beachfront

37
inn. We selected to stay there because the beach was directly next to our
inn, making it easy to go swimming and having some fun.
In general, the cost of lodging is not prohibitively high, ranging
between Rp 300.000,00 and Rp 750.000,00 for an inn and between Rp
150.000,00 and Rp 250.000,00 for hotels , hostels and dorm rooms.

Gambar 23. Derawan port

First thoughts
If you asked me what I thought about Derawan when my parents
informed me we were going to spend three days and two nights there,
I would have said its stunning coastline and beaches, which are similar
to those seen in Bali and Raja Ampat.
I was beyond excited about going on this trip. My parents
informed me that we would be traveling by car and would be on the
road for approximately 16 hours or more. This is the first time I've ever
gone on a "road trip" for an extended period of time.
You might think that spending 16 hours in a car is monotonous
and boring but trust me, it isn't. You can sleep, talk to your family, listen
to music, eat, and do other things.

38
My expectations were exceeded when I reached Derawan
Island, which was every bit as stunning as Bali and Raja Ampat.

Gambar 24. Derawan’s seaview

What can you see and do?


It's impossible to visit Derawan without taking in the ocean
scenery. Derawan is home to Indonesia's and the world's third-highest
concentration of coral reef biodiversity, after Raja Ampat.
Many sea species, such as sea turtles, fish, jellyfish, starfish, and
sharks, will be seen.
Shopping for souvenirs on Derawan Island isn't the only option.
When I was a kid, my family and I used bicycles and motorbikes to get
around Derawan Island. Even at sunset, it's a picture-perfect location.
Because Derawan Island isn't particularly large, getting around on foot,
bike, or motorbike should be enough.
Lots of merchants are set up along the street selling everything
from accessories to clothing to hats to glasses and everything in
between. You can also participate in water activities such as

39
1. Banana boat

A banana boat is a type of inflatable boat that is shaped like a


banana and is used for recreational reasons. It does not have an
engine and is not powered. It is possible for banana boats to go by
being pulled by motorized boats.
2. Diving
Diving is an activity that dive into the deeper part of the sea.
You’ll need an oxygen tube, Mask-fins-snorkel,ballast, waterproof
flashlight, and etc for diving.
3. Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a swimming or diving activity in which a diving
mask and snorkel are worn. In addition, divers often wear mobility
aids in the shape of frog legs (diving fins) to boost leg propulsion.
You can also do other activities like
• Island hopping
• Visiting the Turtle Hatchery
• Culinary tour
• Enjoying the sun
Using or booking services like a travel agent to organize your
time on Derawan Island is also an option. Your vacation will be

40
precisely organized by a Travel Agent, who will arrange everything
from the tickets to the meals and beverages to the lodging and
modes of transportation. All you have to do is pay the travel agent,
pack your bags, and you're on your way.
During my cousin's and my family's trip to Derawan, we
spent the entire day at the beach. We jumped into the sea as soon as
we finished our meal and changed into swimsuits. It's easy to see
the ocean's condition while swimming in the clear waters. The sea
was still high enough when we woke up in the morning to have
water up to our inn's door. I was astonished when I first saw it. I
was afraid a tsunami was on its way.
We were able to see the fish swimming right next to us, so we
swam with them. We don't exactly "played" with them, but rather
"caught" them ourselves. We don't catch them to eat; rather, we do
it for our own amusement.
My family and I rode our bikes around Derawan Island one
time. While it's time-consuming and costly, it's worth it. In that area,
turtle shell jewelry is in high demand. Derawan's iconic selling
point, if you will. A variety of bracelets, necklaces, and earrings are
available for purchase. I bought a necklace with my initials there, a
"A" necklace. It's a beautiful piece of jewelry. Prices for accessories
range from Rp. 30,000.00 to Rp. 50,000.00 at the local store.

The Locals there


The locals are nice, welcoming, and really welcoming. They're
happy to have visitors and are eager to show them around.
Approximately 30% of the people in Derawan speak with Berau Malay
accents. Bahasa is the primary language of the remaining locals, who
number around 70% of the population.
When it comes to winning over tourists, the locals are the best.
They also had a convincing argument. Suppose you walk by a store and
they tempt you to buy their product by enticing or seducing you. After
hearing the seller's statements, you were tempted to buy it even if you
didn't want it at first. You'll regret it later if you don't get them.
Because Derawan Island is separated from Berau, one of the
villagers' motivations for staying there is to welcome tourists, act as

41
their tour guide, sell items and food and drink as well as rent out rooms
in hotels and motels.

My tips for traveling to Derawan


• March to October is the best season to visit the Derawan Islands.
• Bring a quality and waterproof camera or just a camera. If you don’t
have a camera that’s fine you can use your phone.
• Bring mosquito repellent, a flashlight, and a raincoat just in case
you’ll need it there.
• I recommend you don’t bring laptops or USB devices. Just bring
your phone + charger and camera (opsional)
• Bring your powerbank and sleepers.
• You will not spot any bank at derawan that’s why bring enough
cash.
• Last but not least don’t forget to make a mini vlog

Conclusion
Derawan is a must-visit destination for everyone. There are
numerous new things you'll see and new experiences you'll have.

Gambar 25. The atmosphere in Kotagede, Yogyakarta

42
Tricks when in Yogyakarta
You can take photos according to your heart for memories when
you are in Yogyakarta. Maybe there's some no-taking rule somewhere.
You can take photos using the camera or using your
smartphone/mobile phone.
I suggest taking photos from the moment you board the ship and
it is not recommended for the plane because maybe the rules listed on
the plane. You can take photos of the ocean with the reflection of the
moonlight, take photos of rare animals that appear on the water's
surface, take photos of the harbor at night, and much more.
When you visit Borobudur Temple or Prambanan Temple, you
can buy an entrance ticket and see historical objects there. You might
be able to take some photos there. If you are not good at taking photos,
you can hire a photo service. Or, if you want a natural bath, you can
visit Blue Lagoon, Sleman. In addition to the natural and beautiful
nuances, you can soak there. You can also take some photos to keep as
memories in your travel book. you might make that book?.
Don't forget to visit several restaurants in Yogyakarta such as
Canting Restaurant Galleria Mall, Mediterranea Restaurant By Kamil,
and many more. Don't forget to try special foods from Yogyakarta, such
as Gudeg, Sate Klatak, Tengkleng Gajah, and others. You will be more
curious about the typical food in Yogyakarta.
Don't forget to rest after visiting a place you like because energy
needs to be replenished. Have a good time.

43
VISITING KEBUMEN —
MY JOURNEY INTO THE CITY OF LAWET
By Areta Tria Bestari

Kebumen is one of the regencies in the Central Java province,


and it is situated on the island of Java's southern shore. Kebumen is a
popular tourist resort with a variety of attractive tourism destinations.
The beach is the most major tourist destination. Because of its diverse
variety of savory and sweet gastronomic delights, Kebumen is also
known as the City of Lawet.

How to get there

Gambar 26. South Java-regional Toll Road


Source : liputan6.com

Kebumen is easily accessible; you can take public transit, such as


buses or trains, or hire a private automobile. The roads in Kebumen are
likewise up to par, and there is a gas station within walking distance.
The distance from where I reside, Wonosobo, in the east of Kebumen,
is roughly 70.6 kilometers and takes about 2 and a half hours. The road

44
from Wonosobo to Kebumen passes through rice fields and forests,
providing an interesting natural landscape.
First thoughts
When I arrived in Kebumen, the first thing I noticed was the
heated air. This is because I've been living in the highlands, where the
average temperature is 23 degrees Celsius, whereas the average
temperature in Kebumen, a lowland on the island of Java's southern
shore, is roughly 29 degrees Celsius. To enjoy the holidays, it needs
time to adjust to the temperature and air in Kebumen.
Kebumen's streetscape is nearly identical to that of other
Indonesian development regions. There are a number of parks, stores,
and schools in the area. The public transit system is very well-known.

What can you see?


Caves, beaches, waterfalls, medieval forts, and reservoirs are just
a few of the attractions in Kebumen. Meganti Beach, Petruk Cave, and
Van Der Wijk Fort were among the sights I visited.

Van Der Wijk Fort


The fort of Van Der Wijk appears to be superb. When you see it,
you feel as if you are in a colonial setting. The hue of this fort is quite
striking because it was made with red bricks. As is customary in
Indonesia, this fort is larger than the buildings. The fort also has a little
train that may be utilized to go around.

Gambar 27. Van Der Wijk Fort


Source : kompas.com

45
This fort dates back to the Dutch colonial period. During the war,
this fort served as a supplies center for the Dutch troops. Then, in the
Dutch East Indies at the time, it was converted into a military school for
European youngsters. There are soldier barracks, chambers, and jails
within this fort. The prison, which appears darker than other places, is
the place that I believe is the most dreadful. The fort's lanes are similarly
shaped like a cave passageway, which is circular, giving it a traditional
appearance.
There's a story about a trip my family and I took to the fort. My
sister had gone missing for approximately an hour at the time, and it
came out that she had become lost among the alleys. My sister said she
observed several white soldiers in traditional army uniforms standing
watch at the prison's front entrance. Although I have my doubts about
the claim, it does demonstrate that this location was formerly a military
school.
The building has not been modified and is currently well kept,
making this a really impressive location. We can learn about history by
visiting the fort of van der Wijk. The van der Wijk fort construction has
a lot of cultural and historical value.

Petruk Cave

Gambar 28. Petruk Cave


Source : reddoorz.com

46
The name Petruk Cave comes from a stone that used to be in the
shape of a typical Petruk's nose, a puppet character with a long, pointed
nose. The nose, however, was fractured as a result of Dutch mining and
is now missing.
There are three sections to this cave. The first section is a bat-
infested area with a peculiar odor from their droppings that forces them
to flee into deeper areas. The gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites in the
amazing Petruk Cave will then astound you. You come to Sendang
Frog, where legend has it that washing your face will help you find a
mate quickly.
Then go to Goa Semar to find the Semar stone, which is shaped
like Semar's plump figure. The Tiger Stone, Gajar Stone, and even the
Pocong Stone will provide various sorts of assistance as you progress
deeper into the cave.
Menganti Beach

Gambar 29. Menganti Beach


Source : travel.okexonecom

Menganti Beach lies in the Ayah district's Karangduwur hamlet.


This beach is one of the most popular and appealing places in the row

47
of beaches south of Kebumen. Greetings on the way to the beach; there
are plenty of hills to keep you entertained. Apart from that, we must
pass through an uphill road in the midst of the hill to go to the beach.
When we reach the top, we will be treated to a beautiful sea vista, as
well as views of the hills and corals. Rentals of hot air balloons and
hanging bicycles are also available.

The life of a local


The accent language used in Kebumen differs slightly from the
accent language used in Wonosobo. The accent in Kebumen, whether
it's Javanese or Indonesian, is more "sloppy" than in my birthplace.

My tips for traveling to Kebumen


Carefully organize your strategy. To use Google Maps, make
sure your phone's battery and signal are sufficient. To avoid
overheating, bring sunscreen and light-weight clothing. Always try to
stroll in a group, or at least with other people, when visiting Fort
Vander Wijk to avoid getting lost.
When in crowded situations, be cautious and vigilant against
theft. Don't forget to use your camera to capture the beauty of nature at
tourist spots or even on the road.

48
AN ISLAND NEAR SIBOLGA —
A JOURNEY TO KALIMANTUNG NA MENEK
By Aryyo Pangestu

Kalimantung Island, also known as Kalimantung Na Menek


Island, is an island off the coast of Sibolga. Na Menek means "little" in
the native language. Because Kalimantung Island is uninhabited, its
natural beauty has remained undisturbed by humans. By the North
West of Kalimantung Island exist Mursala Island, or perhaps better
known as "Skull Island.”

North Sumatra, I’m Coming!


When the class promotion holiday arrived, my father
unexpectedly recommended that we travel to North Sumatra. So,
within hours, we were already making plans to travel to North
Sumatra. When the sun rises again, we immediately embark on a road
trip. Despite the fact that we have the option of flying to our location,
our family prefers not to, because we enjoy our time seeing the beauty
of Indonesia. From Pekanbaru we passed through Petapahan, Tandun,
Pasir Pangaraian, Dalu – Dalu, Sibuhuan, Gunung Tua. When the sun
sets, we had already arrived at Padang Sidempuan. A city in North
Sumatra Province. We stop by for a pilgrimage to the tomb of my
mother’s family ancestor. We stayed at a distant relative’s house who
was still quite close by the nights.

49
Gambar 30. *Padang Sidempuan"

My Dad’s Idea
My father unexpectedly asked whether we wanted to go to
Sibolga in the evening. I told him that I didn't want to leave the house.
I just wanted to stay at Padang Sidempuan and to to the usual place.
Every time we went to Padang Sidempuan, we didn’t forget to go to
Aek Sijornih. Although now it wasn’t like it used to be. I get up at 5 a.m.
merely to take a bath because I'm used to getting up at that time. It feels
as if you just dropped a chilly drink from the freezer all over your body.
We went to Sibolga as soon as the short hour hand reached 6. It took
2.5 hours to get there. My siblings and I fell asleep on the journey since
we had slept late the night before after playing games like ludo with
our relatives until the wee hours of the morning. My father woke us up
when we landed in Sibolga, telling us if we wanted to go to an island.
When I asked what island it was, my father said, "Skull Island."

50
Gambar 31. Aek Sijorni (now)

Going To the Island


We arrived at the coast at 9 a.m., and my father immediately
began looking for someone who could transport us to the island. We
board a boat after 30 minutes of searching for the correct person,
leaving the car parked near the coast. At first, it appears to be a typical
sea cruise aboard a local motorboat. The motor boat, on the other hand,
isn't what you're imagining; it's more like a local boat with a motor
attached to the back. I'm bored after approximately half an hour on the
sea because there is nothing else to view but sea. As a result, I simply
sleep on the way. I was startled awake by the sea water splash as we
approached the halfway point of the journey. Because the waves were
so large in the middle of the sea, I chose to sit near the boat's tip rather
than in the center. It makes me feel pumped up. When I’m going to
walk to the tip, the boat’s moving back and forth, left and right. That
thing scares me and excite me at the same time. After 3 hours of sailing,
I finally see a land.

Skull Island
I asked my dad if that is our destination. He said yes, and he
asked me if I found myself familiar with the island. I'm confused,
because I've never been here or seen this island anywhere. He asked if

51
I have ever watched kingkong before. He asked again if I knew about
“Skull Island”. I said yes, and he said that this is ``Skull Island”, the
island’s name is “Mursala Island”. I was surprised, I never thought that
an unknown island would be an international movie filming place. By
the time I was surprised, I’m proud. Because even the western people
have been bewitched the magnificence of Indonesia. I went to the
waterfall of that island but didn’t take a photo because I used to hate
being photographed. After that we went to the island’s coast for about
an hour, because by the time we’re playing on the beach my dad felt
that it would soon rain heavily. How did my father know? By instinct.

Gambar 32. Mursala Island’s waterfall

Undisturbed by Humans
We were in a hurry of going back, but suddenly my dad
suggested for us to go to another island. I asked to my father why
should we go there. He said that there exists another island not far from
here more beautiful than this island. Me, my mother and my siblings
refused to go because it’s starting to get windy. My father keeps
insisting us to go to that island. So, we have no choice but to follow him

52
to go there. The trip took about 30 minutes. I thought the island we’re
going to is another medium sized island near mursala island. But when
we went past the medium sized island, I saw a smaller island emerged
from the back of the island. The first word that came from my head is
“Beautiful”. We only spent a little time here because of what my father
said. Even though I only stop by this island for a while, I felt happy and
I even took a photo with my family with the help of the boat drivers.
After we took a photo, we left with a hurry to Sibolga, ending this trip.
Surprisingly, after about an our of going back it is starting to rain
heavily. Luckily, the rain started to stop when we were about 3 km
away to Sibolga’s coast.

Gambar 33. Kalimantung Island

To Be Continued
It is very unfortunate that the trip to the island was a very quick
trip. Even so, I enjoy the time I spent with my family there. I hope
someday I still have the chance to go back there, but at that time I wish
to go with my close friend. This holiday was a great one unlike others.
I learned something new, a thing or two that I didn't know existed. The
beauty of Indonesia is the same as described in one of the Koes Plus’

53
songs “Kolam Susu”. Just like heaven exist on earth is the word that’s
perfect to describe the island.

54
VISITING MEDAN— MY JOURNEY INTO
THE BIGGEST CITY IN NORTH SUMATRA
By Benaya Wira Purba

Interestingly, this city is the first in Indonesian history to be


served by a train that connects directly to the airport.The city is the most
populated city in Sumatra's northern region. Because of its closeness to
the Strait of Malacca, it has developed into a significant trade,
industrial, and business center in Indonesia.Medan is the name of the
city. Guru Patimpus created the first village in Medan's history at the
junction of the Deli and Barbara rivers, which is still in use
today.Medan celebrated its 150th anniversary on July 1, 1590, which
was the first day of July. It was in 1632 when Medan was designated as
the capital of the Delhi sultanate, which was a Malay kingdom that had
previously been headquartered at Delhi.

How To Get There


By car, it takes me around 10 hours to get to Medan, but by plane,
it only takes an hour.The majority of the time, when we go to the field,
I bring the car with me.We usually make a pit stop in Pematangsiantar
on the way to Medan to visit my grandma, who still lives there.From
this point on, my vacation has begun in earnest. Before flying to Medan,
I had spent several vacations at Pematangsiantar.On our route to
Medan, we'll first pass via Tebing tinggi, a city noted for its indigenous
cuisine, particularly lemang pulut. The Karo tribe's regional capital,
kabanjahe, will also be a stop for our news crews.If we want to get to
Medan in a shorter amount of time, we can take the toll road that runs
after the city of Tebing tinggi.We will arrive in Medan immediately
after crossing over the toll road.In Indonesia's western half, this city
acts as a gateway to the rest of the country.

55
First thoughts
When I initially arrived in Medan, the first thing that sprang to
me was that the city was both large and densely populated.Unlike my
homeland, where traveling by car is relatively smooth and there are no
traffic jams when we go someplace, here there are traffic jams.
When I initially arrived at the field, it took about two hours to
get there because of traffic bottlenecks, which made it difficult to go
around.My automobile came to a complete halt at a red light. This is a
question that has remained on my mind even after all these years.
However, when I began to tour the metropolis, I saw that it
already had a large number of buildings, many of which were high-rise
structures that were technologically quite sophisticatedIn Medan, I had
one more inquiry, which was why the city was called Medan City when
I arrived.
I quickly inquired of my aunt, who informed me that Medan was
originally a little town before growing into the large city that it is
nowMedan Putri is a hamlet located near the confluence of the Babura
and Deli rivers in the northern part of the country. It serves as the
location of a small schoolIt has been suggested that the word Medan
comes from the name of the settlement of Medan Putri, according to
Mohammad Said (1997)Following the discovery of the solution to that
query, a strong desire to become acquainted with the city emerged.

What can you see?


I was immediately drawn to Podomoro City, a new shopping
mall that had just opened in Medan City Center. It was the first thing
that struck my attention.The mall was also the first mall I visited in
Medan, and it is also the mall with the most comprehensive selection
of items in the city.You will not be disappointed if you go to the field
for the first time.
There are also various fascinating things to see and do in Medan,
such as: 1. There is a Maimun Palace, which is the most visited site in
Medan, with over a million tourists every year. 2. There is a shop in the
center of the building.

56
By visiting this location, you will notice a shift in your sense of
taste. What was first disappointing and angry will convert into
something quite delightful and satisfying.

The life of a local


It is quite simple to smile and be nice when you are among the
Medan people since the Medan people have a stronger position in
society than the Batak people.Batak people are really interested in
getting to know those they do not already know.
He will always inquire about new objects that are in the
possession of someone he knows.This is referred to as "traditional
speech" in the Batak language.When speaking to someone of any age,
whether older or younger, it is essential to use appropriate language.
Because the Batak people's accent is so strong, some people
worry that they will be screamed at when they talk, yet the underlying
meaning in their words demonstrates that they are saying something
extremely positive about individuals they want to get to know.
Batak people are also known for their efforts, hard labor, and
strict adherence to a strict code of conduct.The sense of family that the
Batak people have is quite important in their speech, and because they
have a strong and straightforward voice, they are typically very good
singers due to their accent.

57
If you want to understand more about the Batak people, you
must approach them directly and ask them frank questions about their
culture. Due to the fact that the Batak people are incredibly nice and
like assisting others, they will service you very promptly.

My tips for traveling to North Korea


As a first and foremost consideration, we should take delight in
the fact that Medan is a wonderful city with several architecturally
significant structures.However, the weather is mostly scorching across
the city, which is unusual for this time of year. As a result, in Medan,
air conditioning is often necessary for this reason in most cases.
After having a wonderful time, the members of the media should
consider what the benefits of the information gathered during the field
trip are and write those benefits down on paper.
In any case, I have gotten some information from the city of
Medan, namely in the application of technology as well as the
traditional origins of the city.

Conclusion
Last but not least, a visit to Medan will provide you with a
deeper knowledge of the Batak people as well as the circumstances that
led to Medan being named as the capital of North Sumatra in the first
instance.

58
IS IT TRUE THAT IT’S KNOWN AS “CITY OF
THOUSAND RIVERS''? —
SOUTH KALIMANTAN
By Benita Bernadine Indrawati

Banjarmasin is located a few millimeters below sea level. This


city is separated by the flow of the Martapura River and it’s located on
the river’s bank. As a result, this city is surrounded by dozens of rivers.
Apart from the existing road, one of the distinctive features of
Banjarmasin City is the abundance of tributaries utilized by the locals
as a mode of transportation. However, with this occasion I will offer
my unique experience of visiting another location. Going to Martapura,
the capital of Banjar Regency, is one example. Let’s get started!

How to get there


I traveled to Banjarmasin since my father was working at Astra
Agro Lestari and couldn’t go home at the time. So, my father told me
and my mom to accompany him to Banjarmasin. For your knowledge,
Astra Argo Lestari is a corporation that manages the plantation
resources, such as, palm oil, rubber, tea, cocoa, and cooking oil. The
corporation, which was founded on October 3 1988, is Indonesia’s
largest palm oil producer.
I boarded a plane for Banjarmasin. At the time I flew with Lion
Air. This is my first aboard an aircraft, I believe. Because I was still in
elementary school at the time.
My home is in Tuban and the nearest airport is in Surabaya. So I
had to travel to Surabaya first in order to get a flight to Banjarmasin. I
traveled to Surabaya by car with a driver. This trip was exclusively for
my mother and me. So, after dropping us off, the driver returned to
Tuban.
We boarded the plane 30 minutes before it was supposed to
depart. The airport officials will inspect all of our bags and our

59
boarding pass before we enter. It takes around one hour to go from
Juanda airport to Syamsudin Noor airport in Banjarmasin. From above,
I can view mountains, the sea, and houses while traveling. I'm looking
forward to my first trip by plane.
When I landed at Syamsudin Noor airport, my mother made
sure to photograph my arrival at the airport. She believes that
childhood memories should be preserved in order to be passed onto
future generations. After that we waited in line to pick up our baggage
and then my father arrived with the driver to bring us up. We were
then brought to the hotel.

Gambar 34. Syamsudin Noor Airport

First thoughts
In some aspects, it met my expectations, while in others, it left
me with more questions than when I came. I was expected to see rivers
all over the place, but that wasn’t the case. I still can see a large expanse
of the country. I could also see several buildings in the city. The river, I
believe, will be the first thing I notice when I arrive. But, it turns out
that my little girl’s reasoning was incorrect. That’s not all about the
river. However, Banjarmasin is still an industrial city, there are
buildings everywhere.
The most amusing aspect is that Banjarmasin is a city
surrounded by forest. In fact, though, I rarely see the forest. For several
days in Banjarmasin and the surrounding area, all I saw were houses

60
and automobiles going by on the roads. Perhaps I’m traveling through
places devoid of woods.
It was constantly raining when I arrived. That’s because I visited
Banjarmasin during the rainy season. This makes the atmosphere
cooler. The best part is that I can enjoy the rain while watching folks go
about their business. Warm human interactions make me joyful and
grin.

What can you try?


In fact, there are dozens of rivers in Banjarmasin. But, at that time
I didn’t have the opportunity to see the river. I spent three days in
Banjarmasin by trying Banjarmasin specialties. One of them is Soto
Banjarmasin. To be honest, the taste of soto Banjarmasin is delicious.
But the soto broth is crystal clear. However, this has no effect on the
flavor of Soto Banjarmasin.

Gambar 35. Breakfast at Hotel

Besides that, I also tried the typical crackers from Banjarmasin.


These crackers are known as Amplang. Cork fish or mackerel fish are
used to make these crackers. This dish has a savory taste. And has a
high nutritional value.

61
In Banjarmasin, there is a fruit similar to durian. The name of the
fruit is Lai Fruit. Lai is a fruit plant that is still related to durian. This
type is also known by several names, such as yellow durian and each
other. The color of this Lai Fruit is slightly different from the color of
the durian fruit. Its color is orange.
Although I didn’t go to see the rivers in Banjarmasin, I went to
the Martapura Diamond Market. Martapura is the capital of the Banjar
Regency in South Kalimantan Province. It is located close to the city of
Banjarbaru and it consists of three districts within the Regency-
Martapura, West Martapura, East Martapura. This town is often visited
by tourists because of its diamond industry center and the main
diamond polishing in Kalimantan and provides many jewelry
handicrafts.

Gambar 36. Shopping at Martapura Diamond Market

The location of the Martapura Diamond Market is on Jalan


Ahmad Yani. When visiting there, you will find a two-story building
that is always crowded on weekend sales. In the market there are more
than 80 shops consisting of selling jewelry and for jewelry making
workshops.

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The stones sold in the market are traditionally mined by the local
community. Generally, they work in groups, from eight to ten people.
The workers suck up the rocks at the bottom of the river with a pump,
then clean it with water and put it in a container called a linggang,
which looks like a farmer’s hat. Linggang then shook to find diamonds
manually.

The life of a local


The Banjarmasin people are warm, friendly, and very hospitable.
Likes to talk (talkative) as seen from the habit of “mawarung”.
Mawarung is part of the socialization process carried out by the
majority of the local community, the Banjar tribe of South Kalimantan.
Mawarung is a social interaction that residents have built from
generation to generation to spend time together.
Banjarmasin’s people like to tease and joke with others, as is the
habit of ‘bahuhulutan’ and ‘mahalaibu’. Also have a family character
that stands out in social life. Banjar people are generally people who are
obedient in carrying out Islamic religious worship and become great
scholars.

On the way home


I returned home after three days in Banjarmasin. My father
dropped us at the airport. There was one thing that made me sad at that
time. My father couldn’t come back home. It takes around one hour to
go from Syamsudin Noor airport to Juanda airport. My mother and I
were picked up from Juanda airport and driven back home.
I was a child at that time, but I have so many wonderful
memories from that period. Even though I can’t visit all the places I can
visit, this is the reason for me to return to Banjarmasin later. Thank you.

63
SURROUNDED BY STALACTITES —
MY TRIP TO PINDUL CAVE IN
GUNUNGKIDUL
By Cahaya Maria Damayanti

Pindul Cave, one of Yogyakarta's most famous attractions, is


home to the world's fourth largest stalactites. You can see how big they
are underground, accompanied by a river running through it. To enjoy
exploring this cave, some professionals will provide us with a life jacket
and a tube. We will wade throughout the river for 45 to 60 minutes
using the tube. This activity is called cave-tubing.

How to get there


If you start your journey in Yogyakarta, it will take you about
two hours to reach Pindul Cave. Simply stay on the road to Kids Fun
until you reach Tlesh Forest. Continue straight through the woodland
to Pathuk and Wonosari.
You will see many flyers about Pindul Cave once you arrive in
Wonosari, Gunung Kidul's city center. Glued to power poles, trees, and
even roadside stalls. The majority of those flyers say things like,
“The secret way to Pindul Cave, only 15 minutes from here!”
“Alternative road to Pindul Cave, go this way,”
“Contact this person for a guide to Pindul Cave,”
Not only are flyers directing us to Pindul Cave, but many
residents are also offering to transport us there. They can be found in
the middle of the road, sometimes near flyers or signs telling the
direction to Pindul Cave.
However, I recommend you not to follow neither the
flyers/signs nor the citizens. My mother said that they were mistrustful
because some of them would lead us to a further way to Pindul Cave.
These roads are mostly guarded by locals who will unofficially ask us
to pay them a little for visiting Pindul Cave.

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Since my mom was born and raised in Wonosari, she knows
exactly how to get to Pindul Cave. With this, I am saying that it will be
ideal if you bring a trusted local to accompany you to Pindul Cave. The
last time I went there with my uncle, he showed my family a shortcut,
then we got to enter the area without paying the government
retribution.
Aside from the secret routes from the flyers and locals, the most
common way of going to Pindul Cave is by making one’s way to the
Siyono roundabout which has a water fountain in the middle. After
passing through the roundabout, continue straight ahead to a large
crossroads, then turn left to Bejiharjo village. There lies Pindul Cave,
and you are welcomed to feel the actual journey of exploring the cave
in darkness.
On arrival, you will be required to spend Rp10.000,- for the
government retribution. If you want to go cave tubing, you will need
to spend Rp50.000,- or Rp90.000,- if you are an international visitor.

First blush, Oyo River?


Pindul Cave was first mentioned to me in elementary school.
Back then, my father suggested my family visit Pindul Cave, yet my
mother told us that none of us would be brave enough to get inside.
She went on to say that we would not be able to see our hands by the
time we entered the cave. With this, my sisters and I were daunted and
we ended up not going there.
When I was in junior high school, I felt compelled to check
Pindul Cave out. Thus, my family went there together with a little
assistance from my uncle. He took us there using his ‘secret’ roads.
Though we were going on underrated ways, we still encountered the
locals who offered themselves to take us to Pindul Cave. Neglecting all
of them, we made it to the area.
At first, I assumed the cave would be the first thing I saw. To get
to the zone, we visitors were expected to ride in the locals' vehicles,
either a truck or a pickup van. It takes about ten minutes to get there.
All of us were put down in the middle of the street, then we
needed to walk for a while. How stunned I was when my uncle
exclaimed “We’re here!” despite the fact that I couldn't see any entrance

65
to a cave. He led us to a river and said that it was a waste not to stop by
the Oyo River whilst in Bejiharjo village.

Gambar 37. Rafting at the Oyo River

You can either use a tube or a raft to enjoy the river. My family
and I ended up rafting in the river. Since it had just rained, the water
was so harsh that it gave us the thrills. My sister almost fell out of the
raft while attempting to get out of her seat. Even now, she has refused
to visit the Oyo River because of her unpleasant experience there.
I guess it proved how hard the stream was that day until
someone dropped their phone. The waterway, on the other hand, was
not always running hard. There were times when the river was calm
and quiet that we could stop and take a break, probably eating snacks
on the raft.
At this point I agree with my uncle, go drop by Oyo River if you
are going to Pindul Cave, a memorable experience it will give you, I
promise.

Beautiful decorations
After receiving the tube, you must carry it all the way from the
rental location to the entrance of the cave. Typically, the price of the
tubes and other props is different from one another at each rental place.
There will be one tour guide along with you to explore the cave. The

66
soothing flow of the river underground gets everyone to be fond of
staying still in the tube.
Pindul Cave has three zones; the light zone, dim zone, and
eternal dark zone. You can still see your loved ones’ faces in the light
zone, getting into the dim zone, the tour guide will turn on the
flashlight or a headlamp. It is impossible to see our hands as we enter
the eternal dark zone. By the way, you can ask the tour guide to turn
on or off the lights they've been carrying whenever you please.
While cave tubing, you can ask your tour guide about the
history, myths, and everything else related to Pindul Cave and its
surroundings. So you won't be able to explore the cave in complete
silence. You can learn about some beautiful ornaments found
throughout the cave, including stalactites, stalagmites, and abstract
motives curved within the cave's walls.

https://tempatasik.com/wisata/goa-pindul/
One unique part of the cave, there is this called the “curtain
rock.” It's a rock on the roof that looks like a curtain or a shawl. If you
shine a light on the rock, it will reveal
Curtain rocka crystal silhouette and, on
occasion, will be colorful. Not only do stalactites cover the top of the
cave's wall, but there are also bats hanging from some of its walls. Be
careful, they can glide down anywhere; just don't be too startled or
you'll fall out of your tube.

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The light from heaven
My favorite part of this cave is the light from heaven that can be
seen in the middle of it. There will be a massive room with a hole
connecting the underground to the outside. Because it resembles an
upside-down well, the locals have dubbed this room the "upside-down
well."
Visitors are allowed to jump off the tube and swim around in this
large pool near the cave's exit. A large vertical crevice next to this pool
serves as a sign for us to say our goodbyes to the cave.
When you return to the outside world, you will notice a pool that
is not very deep but quite wide. You can relax and dive into the water
safely here. Remember to make a 'cannonball'!

https://www.wisatagoapinduljogja.com/paket-wisata-goa-
pindul-jogja-2019/

Some tips
The best time to visit Pindul Cave is during the dry season. The
water usually turns brown and muddy after rain. Furthermore, if it
does not rain, the flow will be calm and quiet. It would be preferable if
you did not come here on weekends or during the holiday season.
Otherwise, it will be extremely crowded, and you will not be able to
enjoy any of your time there.

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Come here between 10:00 and 12:00 A.M. to catch a glimpse of
the light from heaven. I recommend not bringing too many items with
you because it will be a pain to keep your eyes after them while cave
tubing for an hour. Remember to take pictures, but keep your
phone/camera inside a plastic case so it doesn't get wet, and keep a
good grip on it!
Be careful on your step around the cave because it is slippery. Do
not be afraid to ride the tube or raft, either at the cave or the Oyo River.
Follow the operators’ instructions as they are professionals you should
rely on when it comes to safety.
Since the area is a natural place with a good atmosphere in a
remote village, keep in mind not to litter the area. Have fun being
surrounded by the stalactites!

69
PARADISE FROM THE TOP OF PADAR
ISLAND IN LABUAN BAJO, EAST NUSA
TENGGARA
By Denok Dewi Sekar Sari

Padar Island is part of the Komodo National Park and is located


in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara. Padar Island is the third biggest
island after Komodo and Rinca Island. When viewed from the top of
Padar’s highest hill, there are four little islands with breathtaking
views. Padar Island is 14.09 𝑘𝑚2 in size. In addition to being habitat for
Komodo Dragons, this Island is also a place for other wildlife. Because
this place was one for wild dragons to be discarded, it would be nice to
ask for the assistance of a tour guide officer to guide you on Padar
Island, so that your trip will be more comfortable. In 1999, UNESCO
listed this site as a world historic site. Padar Island has a really lovely-
romantic atmosphere, especially in the afternoon when the sunset
happens.

How to get there


We will require transportation to reach this island. A special boat
journey from Labuan Bajo, Bali, or Lombok is possible.

Gambar 38. Komodo International Airport

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In my experience, I took a plane from Jakarta’s Soekarno Hatta
International Airport to Komodo International Airport in East Nusa
Tenggara. It takes approximately three hours to get there. I took Garuda
Indonesia Airlines, which provided excellent service. During the flight,
I spent my time eating the airline’s appetizers.
I took a boat trip to Padar Island after I arrived. But, I didn’t
travel straight to Padar Island. Instead, I previously visited Komodo
Island, Pink Beach Island, and Manta Point. However, this depends on
the trip organizer you hire. I recommend visiting another destination
first before going there. The trip organizer usually has already planned
the order of the destinations to be visited. Padar Island is often listed in
the middle because it is kind of far away from Labuan Bajo’s harbor.

Look at the view! It’s so pretty, isn’t it?


The view I saw from the window of the plane I took in is
incredibly fantastic. I didn’t even sleep on the trip to Komodo
International Airport because I was too busy staring at the spectacular
scenery that East Nusa Tenggara had presented to me and my family.

71
All I see and appreciate is God’s wonderful creations; the corals that
build up the island, the small uninhabited island, and the dark-blue-
colored vast ocean.
Those green hills and cliffs, as well as vast ocean, soothe me and
succeed in making me fall in love with them at the first sight. As I
arrived at the airport, it was raining heavily, leaving the air quite
freezing! ‘Grrrr—’ I was shivering. Anyway, it improves the
circumstances to enhance my mood while on a trip in Labuan Bajo
seeing how I really love the vibe created when it’s raining. We entered
the airport while waiting for the rain to stop and waiting for my family
to be contacted by the trip organizer we hired.

First thoughts

Gambar 39. Beautiful sky scenery from the boat; around 6 p.m.

After the rain stopped in the airport, the sky was so blue and
dazzling. ‘What lovely scenery!’ I mumbled. This was my very first
impression. It was around 6 p.m., right on the time before the sunset.
The sunset was stunning and I viewed it from the boat I was in. The
next day, I went straight to Padar Island. It exceeded all my
expectations and all I had seen in social media!
Before starting the journey to the East Nusa Tenggara sea
destinations, I spent the night in the ship I was in, floating on the ocean.

72
The ship I was staying in stopped near Kalong Island. “Kalong” means
“bat”, so Kalong Island is an island full of thousands of bats. These bats
are flying every evening, resulting in a very beautiful sight. When the
night came, it was very dark and the ship shook a little because of the
wind and the small waves. The next day, I continued my journey to the
first destination on the list; Kalong Island.

Hi! it’s me on the boat!


On another day, I went to Padar Island. The view and the fact
that I could see four little islands from top of Padar Island is so exciting.
Anyway, before I could get to the top of the island, I had to climb for
about 45 minutes straight. First and primarily, I was exhausted when I
climbed the island because it felt too heavy. Sunset, the huge ocean, and
the people below us seemed so small.

73
Gambar 40. I really love the atmosphere on the top of Padar Island!

I always feel like I really want to go back to Padar Island again


soon. I really felt a source of calmness and happiness there. The
atmosphere, the vibe, and how the soft winds from the sea touched my
skin. Padar Island is one of the best destinations I’ve visited in my
whole life. It represents everything, astonishing and breathtaking
views that we—as the nature lover deserves. From this current
perspective, I can even be more grateful for God’s marvelous creation.
Do you want to know something funny? When I saw those views from
the summit, I sobbed and cried! Haha, I am not trying to be overstated
but, it was truly wonderful!
The blue ocean makes me always have a dream to swim in that
blue every time I get opportunities. Furthermore, the tour guide and
tour organizer i hire was so friendly! Every seconds felt like a dream to
me. I wish i could go back to Padar Island one time, to see the beautiful
scenery again as soon as possible!

What can you see?


Starting from Padar Island, you can go to other destinations such
as Komodo Island to see Komodo Dragons in their habitat, Pink Beach
Island to see beautiful-pink-sand beach and colorful corals, also La
Cecile to chill, order foods and beverages while enjoying the stunning

74
sunsets panorama over the hill and harbor. You can go to Rangko Cave
to see a pretty 4 meters deep blue pool inside.
Manta Point, one of my favorite sites, is an ocean zone where
there are lots of stingrays. ‘Manta’ means stingrays, and we will swim
on the ocean with snorkeling equipment to view Manta rays on the
seafloor. At first, I was afraid to get off the ship and float in such a vast
ocean, especially when I glanced down and saw nothing but sea with
no bottom.

Gambar 41. Hypnotizing scenery

However, as I saw the beautiful corals and unique fishes swim


around me, all of my fears disappeared. If you enjoy snorkeling, Manta
Point will be the best choice for you. Snorkeling in Manta Point will
make your experience more memorable. Anyway, Can you look at the
bright-blue skies surrounding the hills? Who wouldn’t be impressed by
the natural beauty of this location? Everyone will fall in love with this
destination at first glance.
There is also an exotic place such as Rangko Cave, a cave that has
a beautiful blue-pool inside with a high salt level and is approximately
4 meters deep. This place is particularly beautiful especially when the
sunlight enters and shines inside the cave and brightens the pool. There
are also several interesting rocks outside Rangko Cave, including this
mushroom-shaped stone. Make sure you bring unwear clothes because

75
it’s impossible that you won’t swim there. Be careful, the stones could
make you slip!

The life of a local

Gambar 42. Local tour guide, me, and my family in Komodo Island

East Nusa Tenggara locals were very friendly and embracing.


They welcomed us with a smile and a friendly greeting. They were
always willing and able to guide us, especially the tour guide and the
tour organizer who accompanied me and my family on our vacation.
Instead of being accustomed to receiving both local and tourist visitors,
they also have a depth of knowledge about the destinations we planned
to go to. They were also responsible for our safety and security. The
local community provided us with the greatest infrastructure so that
we may enjoy our time in Labuan Bajo to the fullest. I always felt the
calm and warm atmosphere at that time.
Anyway, before you go home after visiting such destinations
here, you should go to a souvenir shop near Rangko Cave. They sell a
lot of pretty and unique souvenirs that make this place more
memorable when we are already home. The seller was so kind to us,
they recommend us best things to buy, and even give us special prices!
Even the souvenirs are kind of pricey, but they are so worth to buy
because they’re mostly East Nusa Tenggara’s local handmade. I bought
souvenirs from my friends and family in Jakarta and they said that
these souvenirs were so pretty!

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My tips for traveling to Padar Island
You will be presented with a gorgeous and astounding
panorama on Padar Island, therefore I suggest you wear your best
outfits for the occasion. It’s good to bring such outfits that have earth
tones colors; green and brown, or blue is also a good idea! If you are
still clueless about what to wear, you can seek inspiration on an
application called ‘pinterest’ or any internet site. Find your most
matched outfit! I am sure you will look very fine and gorgeous!

Gambar 43. In La Cecile with sunset gaze

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You don’t need to pack lots of unimportant things, the point is
just bring your best outfits but the simple and basic one because you’ll
likely get drenched from the splashes of the sea. Bring your bath
equipment, sunscreen with high SPF and body lotion too. It would be
so hot in the afternoon there so don’t forget to apply and re-apply your
sunscreen! Black sunglasses will be good if you wear it to take a photo,
so bring it!
Don’t forget to bring a nice camera and if it’s possible, bring a
camcorder to make vlogs and videos. Remember, every second is
valuable, don’t miss a secs! I suggest you clear up your phone or camera
storage first before going here. Trust me, you will take a lot of photos
there seeing the wonderfulness these destinations give to you.
When you are going to hike Padar Island to the summit, I suggest
you bring mineral water, at least 1 bottle because it would be so tiring
to reach the top. If you are a person who easily gets sweaty, bring a
small towel on your shoulder to wipe your sweat. I hope you will visit
here soon to see one of Indonesia beautiful scenery!

78
MY TRAVELING IN YOGYAKARTA
WITH MY FAMILY
by Fahrian Ariel Risyanda

Who hasn't heard of Yogyakarta, the capital of the Indonesian


province of Yogyakarta? When you visit this city, you will be able to
hear a variety of fascinating stories. Of course, before deciding on
Yogyakarta as a vacation location, I had to decide which city we would
visit, and Yogyakarta was chosen as our destination for Eid yesterday.
I traveled to yogya with my family, and of course, everything
had to be well planned. Starting with our mode of departure, housing,
return transportation, and, of course, the destinations we will visit. We
arranged this vacation well ahead of time, or before Eid, because Eid
tickets have already been ordered by those who want to return home.
We spent three days and two nights in Yogyakarta on our vacation.
We traveled to Yogya on Thursday by train, which we had pre-
booked online. We left Tulungagung station at 21.45 and arrived at
06.00. We found the trip to be tedious because we could only sleep in a
sitting position, which made us quite uncomfortable. It's pointless to
look out the train window at night because it's dark.
We exited at the Yogyakarta Monument station because it was
the closest to Jalan Malioboro at the time. We then went straight to have
breakfast, walking from the station to Jalan Malioboro. When you get
in Yogya, you'll see a sign that says "Jalan Malioboro." It's nice to be
confused. This is a well-known road in Yogyakarta. We had intended
to take pictures on the street, but due to the long line and the fact that
our bellies were growling, we proceeded straight down Malioboro
street. And when we got to one of the angkringan, I bought two packs
of rice with fried tofu intestine, which I drank with warm milk. I was a
little grumpy after finishing my meal.
Our first objective after breakfast was to visit the Prambanan
temple. Why don't we just head directly to the hotel, where check-in is

79
just at 12.00? Following that, we take the Transjogja Busway number
A1 from Malioboro Street to Prambanan Temple, which costs only Rp.
3,500.
Because the roads are highly crowded and congested, the travel
from Malioboro Street to Prambanan Temple takes around an hour.
Then we arrived at Prambanan temple, where we purchased tickets for
75,000 for the Prambanan temple and Ratu Boko package. We entered
the Prambanan temple, which was extremely crowded yet beautiful.
We visited the Ratu Boko temple after touring the Prambanan
temple. We were given a trip car to go to Ratu Boko Temple because
we purchased tickets with the Ratu Boko Prambanan package, which
was fairly far from Prambanan Temple.
We can view the heights around Ratu Boko Temple because the
region above the hill creates its own beauty for those who visit the
temple, especially if you visit in the afternoon and before sunset, when
the beauty is at its peak.
They didn't realize it was growing late because their bodies were
exhausted and sluggish from not sleeping. We decided to return to the
hotel around 2:00 p.m. We returned to the original location, Prambanan
Temple, via the journey bus from Ratu Boko Temple, and then
proceeded to the exit. Outside the Prambanan temple area, there are
numerous souvenir vendors; we stopped there for a moment to take a
look at the start. We are enticed to buy souvenirs such as hangers
(priced in the thousands), batik pants, yogya t-shirts, and special yogya
dishes such as bakpia because the price is low.
We were allowed to return home to the hotel at 3 o'clock because
we didn't know the time. We took Transyogya back to Malioboro Street
from Prambanan Temple because our accommodation is on Dagen
Street, which is extremely close to Malioboro. We arrived at the hotel
around half past 6 p.m. due to traffic congestion. We cleaned up and
cleaned up as soon as we arrived. We decided to sleep first because we
hadn't gotten any sleep, and then we went to the Yogyakarta palace at
8 p.m. to continue our search for dinner.

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Gambar 44. Malioboro Yogyakarta

We left the hotel at 8 p.m. and walked down Malioboro Street. It


was really busy and certainly amazing. There are most likely a large
number of other travelers and foreign tourists in Yogyakarta on
vacation. In addition, there are numerous pejual vendors selling both
food and apparel. We didn't realize we were walking to the Kraton
Kidul, Yogyakarta, from Malioboro Street. Our first priority is to find
nourishment because our tummies are empty.
We sought to find a gudeg food dealer because gudeg is
Yogyakarta's traditional meal. We encountered warm bu Hj Rini after
searching on Instagram. It's also conveniently located near the Yogya
Palace, on Jalan Wijilan. There are a lot of people selling gudeg on this
wijilan street because it is a particular street dedicated to the sale of
gudeg, Yogyakarta's traditional meal. This gudeg Bu Hj Rini not only
tastes delicious and isn't overly sweet, but it's also inexpensive. I paid
Rp. 13,000 for one portion of gudeg with egg and tempe, plus Rp. 5,000
for sweet iced tea.
We went to the Yogyakarta palace once we were full, which is
known for its twin banyan trees. I've attempted to pass it. Yogyakarta

81
has a lot of interesting things to offer, and I'm glad I came to see it. This
city, in my opinion, is very unique.
The tourism complex of the Kotagede King's Tomb is where we'll
be headed. This tomb is fascinating because it is built in the style of the
ancient Mataram kingdom, with red bricks and intricate carvings and
arrangements. Everyone must change into a batik jarik for women and
a surjan for males before entering the tomb. In addition, a local guard
must accompany the entry. When there are events relating to
Yogyakarta's customs and festivals, the Sultan and his family
frequently visit the Mataram Royal Tomb Complex. It's no surprise that
Kotagede Yogyakarta tourism is often busy.
We were able to witness the Sendang Kakung and Putri, a bath
for royal staff that is still in use today, in addition to entering the tomb
area. Examine the fort walls that are still surviving to have a better
understanding of the Mataram royal complex.
We decided to take a walk around Yogyakarta before heading
home because it was still midday and there was still time. Finally, the
four of us decided to visit Yogyakarta's north square. We parked our
car to the south of the alun-alun, which is immediately east of the
Yogyakarta palace, when we arrived at the alun-alun. In that area, there
are also a number of food stalls and ice cendol vendors. Finally, we
purchased four glasses of fresh ice cendol, which we will pair with Nasi
Kucing and some fried items we purchased earlier in the day. With the
weather being a little gloomy and a beautiful wind blowing gently, all
of the tiredness from walking all day is washed away.
We decided to hurry home after buying es cendol and cat rice in
Yogyakarta's central square. On our way home, we stopped at Bakpia
Djava to give gifts; it's illegal to visit Jogja without purchasing local
souvenirs, such as bakpia. Then, because the trip from Yogyakarta to
Trenggalek took 6 hours, we immediately returned to continue our
journey home. We were not bored at all on the way because the scenery
was a mountainous atmosphere, which was very pleasing to the eye.
We arrived in Trenggalek city at 2:00 a.m. The journey was exhausting
but memorable for us because we were able to make the most of it.

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My tips for traveling to Yogyakarta
1. Pick a tourist attraction that is close to each other so that travel time
is not wasted. For example, the first day is dedicated to Gunung
Kidul, the second day is dedicated to the Sleman area, the third day
is dedicated to Yogyakarta, and so on
2. If you use trick number one, you must choose a location in the
middle to stay. Cheap lodging is available in areas that are not near
tourist attractions.
3. Always bargain for a third of the price when shopping in Malioboro.
If you are able to communicate in Javanese, shop in Javanese
because the prices are usually lower.
4. If you're looking for food souvenirs, go to the official store because
authenticity is guaranteed and the price is more reasonable. When
it comes to purchasing goods, you must be a skilled negotiator. If
you're not good at haggling and don't want to be duped by high
prices, shop at a store with a price tag.
5. If you can visit tourist attractions outside of holidays and weekends,
because some tourist attractions in Jogja raise the price of entrance
tickets during these times.
6. Some tourist attractions in Jogja are closed on Mondays rather than
Sundays, so plan accordingly.
Perhaps this is the only story I have to tell. We had a great time
on our vacation. This city will be remembered for its beauty and
friendliness of its inhabitants.

83
VISITING EAST JAVA—
MY TRIP TO MOUNT BROMO
By Fata Dhiwa Agsari

Mount Bromo, also known as the Tengger Caldera and spelled


"Brama" in the Tengger language, is an active volcano in East Java,
Indonesia. My family and I went there for a year-end vacation about
four years ago. It was one of the most memorable holidays I've ever
had, and it's one I'll never forget.

How to get there


Because I live outside the island of Java, I used a plane to go
there, previously transiting to Surabaya and continuing on to Malang.
The journey that I went through was very extreme and very challenging
for adrenaline because the road to the villa near Mount Bromo had to
go through a steep and winding road, so this trip was very exciting.

Gambar 45. The first photo I took when I first set foot on Mount Bromo's
plains.

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First thoughts

Gambar 46. Whispering sand area

After a long journey, we arrived at the villa late at night, where


it was very cold and everyone was wearing thick jackets and gloves. I
was surprised to see a seller wearing only thin clothes and a sarong; he
said he was used to it. When we were looking for food, the food stalls
were extremely crowded. Because of the cold air, the average people
there bought warm food and drinks, as did my family and I. There, we
took a lot of pictures. When we finished eating, we began making plans
to visit Mount Bromo from the villa. We planned to leave at 2 a.m., so
my parents advised me to go to bed early so I wouldn't be late. My
mouth emitted a lot of smoke in the colder mornings than in the
evenings, which surprised and awed me. We traveled by jeep with an
experienced driver while it was still dark. When passing through the
rocky terrain on the way to Bromo, the journey felt more extreme than
before, with the atmosphere still dark. I was a little worried when the
jeep driver drove me so quickly to my destination, but I believe he can
and is very capable.

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Gambar 47. Luhur Poten Temple, the Gods' Palace in the Middle of the
Sand Sea

When we arrived at our destination, we immediately got out of


the jeep and saw a beautiful mountain view, a long line of jeeps, and
numerous places to rent horses. Why are horses present? because the
journey to Mount Bromo's crater is relatively long. Horseback riding is
an excellent alternative when accompanied by a guide. When you get
closer to the crater, you'll notice a temple called Pura Luhur Poten, also
known as Sanggar Agung Poten, which is located beneath Mount
Bromo. Tengger Hindus come to this temple to worship.This temple is
unique in that it is located in a sand sea.

What can you see?


There not only see a beautiful mountain, but there are several
other destinations such as:
• Savanna meadow
• Whispering sand
• Teletubbies Hill
• Horse Riding
• Take a jeep
• Crates
• etc.

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All of these places are very good places and I recommend them
to you, interesting isn't it?

The life of a local

Gambar 48. The Tengger tribe, which lives on Mount Bromo's plains

All the people there are all thickly dressed, and the average
livelihood there is as a jeep carrier, itinerant sellers, sellers of warm
food, and sellers of warm clothes such as gloves and sebos, and they
also work to distribute horse riding services to the stairs and sell a lot
of souvenirs there. The people there are very friendly with the
newcomers, they welcome the newcomers who come from Java and
those from outside Java are very friendly. But I'm a little confused with
the language there because I'm not from Java. the person who drove
my jeep was a person around there, he took us to the place we wanted
to go with pleasure, willing to talk to and certainly very fun to talk
about.
On the plains of Mount Bromo, a tribe known as the Tenggerese
Tribe lives. The Tengger tribe is an indigenous people of Mount
Bromo's plains, which include the East Java regencies of Lumajang,
Probolinggo, Malang, and Pasuruan. The Tengger tribe's people are
commonly referred to as "Tenggerese”. Tenggerese cultural identity
and customs are not widely known. The Majapahit kingdom is the
ancestor of this tribe. The majority of the people are Hindus. They have

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been living with their own customs and traditions for a long time and
have not been affected by the modernization of the times.
The following are some interesting facts about the Tengger Tribe:
1. Tenggerese people speak the ancient Jawi language. During the
Majapahit Kingdom, the language is thought to have been a dialect.
2. Karo is the most important holiday celebrated by the Tengger tribe.
Karo, which is usually held after Nyepi.
3. In addition to protecting oneself from the cold of the mountains, the
sarong is thought to control people's behavior and speech.

My tip for traveling to Mount Bromo

Gambar 49. Me and my family while horseback riding

Bring a good camera so that it becomes a memory when the


holidays are over. don't forget to bring thick clothes such as jackets and
gloves because the air is very cold there.
Order the villa first before coming, because it is usually full when
you order directly there. Take care when in the mountain area, because
there are rules that apply.
As much as possible take photos while there because the spot is
very good

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BALI AS ONE OF INDONESIA’S GEMS
By Fazha Raditya Sunandar

People from all over the world visit and love Bali as a vacation
and tourism destination. – Welcome to Bali, Indonesian. The
westernmost of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands, Bali is a province of
that nation. On the eastern coast and west of Lombok, Bali and a few
other adjacent islands make up the province. The province is home to
the island of Bali, as well as many smaller islands. Located in the Lesser
Sunda Islands province of Bali, Denpasar is the country's second-
largest city and the most populous in eastern Indonesia.

How to get there


I must first tell you how to get there before I can tell you about
my experience. A photocopy of your ID card (if you previously had
one) and a photocopy of your Birth Certificate (if you don't have an ID
card) are required for admission into Bali's airports. Once the machine

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ticket has been paid for, don't forget to pay the petrol capitalist for your
car if you are driving alone. Before you buy tickets, I'll tell you how to
get to the event location. Air travel and land-and-ocean travel are the
two main modes of transportation. In addition to that, you'll need to
purchase a boat or airline ticket to get there. Both online and in person
are available options for purchasing these tickets. I'd recommend
staying at a beachfront hotel or renting a hall, and my top pick is The
Villas North Bali - Luxury in North Bali. Finally, you'll need to pack
your clothing and other necessities to get there.
Do not forget to disarm and check your personal belongings and
the necessary conditions for a trip to Bali before you set out. Because of
the large number of visitors and sightseers from all over the world that
come to Bali to take in the scenery and enjoy the fall colors. In addition
to the above, learning to speak English is a requirement. My family
consists of six English speakers. You must be prepared to pack food on
the road in order to avoid exhaustion. Please remember to lock the
home when you go because we will be gone for a long time and we
need to keep the place secure.
In the midst of a long journey, my family and I have arrived at
Ketapang Harbor. My father has purchased a ticket to travel by sea to
the Indonesian island of Bali. Remember to verify the arrival time of the
boat, our family, and our friends to Bali after purchasing a ticket.
Motorcars descend in turn to inspect entry conditions into Bali after
boarding. Relax at the hotel or fall of your choice after arriving.

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Gambar 50. Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi

Problem and konflik


We had originally planned to stay on the island because we were
exhausted or because it would have been inconvenient. As a family, we
didn't want to go on vacation at the moment; instead, we wanted to
spend quality time together at home.
A relative in Bali also informed the family that at the time, there
was a promotion to take a boat to the island of Bali. It was only after a
phone call from a little sister in Bali that my father replied, "Thank you
for the information little sister, we all haven't thought about traveling
there later; if so, I'll contact you again". "Yes, brother, please let me
know if you want to go to Bali, thank you, brother," remarked my
father's younger sister. In the wake of her younger sister's phone call,
my father decided to meet the family to discuss how to plan a holiday
in Bali. Everyone in the household gave it some thought. So, because a
relative has gotten unwell, and because Pasuruan is hosting a family
celebration for the second half of the holidays.
After a lengthy period of contemplation, they all remained
adamant that they would not travel. Afterwards, one of my brothers

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said, "We should go there because we haven't been there before and
because of the promotion." My brother suggested that we visit the
Indonesian island of Bali for a holiday. Afterward, the entire family
discussed the possibility of vacationing on Bali's island. We ultimately
agreed to take a holiday to the island of Bali after much deliberation.

First thoughts
When I initially arrived in the city, I was awestruck. When I first
arrived, I was surprised to find that the area was genuinely clean and
that the temperature was chilly. Walking around for a while I noticed
that all the people were Caucasian. Expect to run into Caucasians on
every trip. I was perplexed by the lack of Indonesians in Bali and
wondered why there were no Indonesians in the populace. It turns out
that Bali is a popular destination for tourists from throughout the
world, and citizens of other countries often suggest it as a holiday
option.
My aunt took me on this trip with my family because she wanted
me to experience Bali with my family for the first time as a whole
family, and she showed me that there are a lot of unique and distinctive
things to see and do in the island. On my first day in Bali, my family
and I toured the Kuta region, including some of Bali's most popular
beaches. Many new items have been found in the Bali region, including
offerings in every corner of the structure, many dogs in every home,
and numerous minor pretenders in every section of Bali. Balinese are
mostly Hindu, whilst Caucasians are predominantly Christian.
I learned something new from my experiences in Bali, which is
to never litter and to report you notice it. Every event or worship at the
temple is respected since there are many holy sites and touching
offerings, and it isn't viewed to receive offerings on every street. Bali
introduced me to something completely fresh, and I'm glad it did.

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Gambar 51. Nusa Dua Beach, Bali
What can you see?
The people of Bali are kind and welcoming, but the island also
provides a wealth of attractions for visitors. To put it simply, there are
a plethora of fascinating tourist attractions in and around here. While
there are a large number of beaches, there are also several spiritual and
amusement destinations to choose from.
There are tourist attractions that may be enjoyed by anybody,
regardless of their financial status. There are many different types of
tourist activities, ranging from those that are calming and soothing, like
spa treatments, sunbathing, or yoga, to those that require self-control,
like showing respect to the locals and refusing their gifts, to those that
bring us joy, like gourmet tours.
Visited by my family and I were the following places:
• Ulun Danu Temple Beratan Bedugul
• Tanah Lot Beach
• Kuta Beach
• Pandawa Beach
• Bali Safari Marine Park
• Garuda Wisnu Cultural Park
• West Bali National Park
• Bali Botanical Garden

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Gambar 52. Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Bali

Here are also the culinary places that my family and I visited:
• Naughty nuri’s Warung
• Warung Bebek Tepi Sawah
• Bebek Bengil Nusa Dua
• Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku
All of the places listed are great experiences in their respective
places, and there is a story behind each one, but we won't go into that
for now. And, of course, don't forget to stop by this gourmet
destination.

view from the hotel

Gambar 53. Tanah Lot Beach, Bali

view from the hotel


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The life of a local
People here are generally kind and hospitable to visitors, and
they're not afraid to approach you. Also, remember to be kind to the
tourists that come to Bali. Assuming that the majority of the island's
visitors speak English, much of Bali is likely to be a popular tourist
destination, so brush up on your language skills before you go.
Tourists and locals alike are treated with respect by the majority
of the population. Bali has some terrible individuals even with the
friendliest natives who can create a favorable impression on visitors.
Despite this, we had a great time on our trip. Be cautious who you put
your confidence in, since the evil ones may do a lot of awful things.

Gambar 54. Traditional Market Residents, Bali

Traditional cuisine, such as duck, chicken, and pig, is quite


popular and available even to visitors in this area. Though they may be
found in other places, it's wonderful to know that people in Bali don't
only eat the way outsiders do, they really urge visitors to taste their
traditional meal.

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Gambar 55. Tourist Resident in Village, Bali

My tips for traveling to Bali


There are a number of things you can do to make your trip to Bali
even more enjoyable. You may improve your trip experience by
following these tips:
• Take a high-quality camera to record your adventures, or all of you
to film on each of your journeys, but don't bring a camera that is too
huge to fit in your backpack.
• Make sure all of your electronic devices are in compliance with
aviation regulations before flying.
• Don't be frightened to try new things and broaden your mind. Try
to locate someone or phone the emergency number if you become
lost. Don't panic if you get lost. As a bonus, it may test your English
proficiency.
• The less clothing you bring, the better. If you're going to be picking
up a few mementos, they might be a pain to pack.
• Going to interesting and difficult locations. Try to strike up
conversations with the locals as often as possible so that you might
meet new people.
• Last but not least, don't forget to dress coolly. Remember to pack a
lot of cash as well.

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Gambar 56. Uluwatu, Bali

97
OUR TRIP TO BALIKPAPAN –
A FIRST GLIMPSE FROM THE CITY ON
BORNEO’S EAST COASTLINE
By Fikri Firdaus Amin

This is a city known for its oil production. Furthermore, there are
numerous tourist destinations to choose from. In 2019, I visited this
place with a group of amazing students who had made my hometown
proud. For that, I will offer my experience of vacationing in Balikpapan,
a city rich in natural charms. Here are a few takeaways from my time
in Balikpapan

My Background Traveling There


I traveled there in order to carry out a study tour from my local
government. There are about tens of students and student assistants
who participate in this study tour. In this group, there are students from
junior high school and elementary school. So that in this trip, there are
more impressions to be obtained.
The city of Balikpapan is not only known as an oil producer but
is also famous for its natural beauty. Many tourist attractions that can
be visited by tourists. Therefore, this city became a sturdy tour place for
us. We got a lot of experience from this city.

How to get there


I spent a lot of time preparing. Prior to it, a technical meeting was
conducted to discuss a variety of issues, as well as the first meeting of
students and advisors.
On the day of departure, I begin by going through the security
check. Then you must wait in the waiting room. I was there with six of
my junior high pals.
To get to Balikpapan from my area, you have to transit to
Makassar city which takes an hour. Arriving at the transit city, we

98
waited 3 hours to continue the flight. Of course it's very boring, but it
pays off with the magnificent airport in the city of Makassar
On arrival it was already evening. The view of Balikpapan city
from above is very beautiful. This long journey paid off with a beautiful
view of the city of Balikpapan.
Upon arrival in Balikpapan city, we were immediately picked up
by bus and taken to a place to eat for dinner. We are under a restaurant
that serves very delicious seafood, the restaurant is called Rumah
Makan Torani. This restaurant is very famous in the city of Balikpapan
because of its delicious food. In addition, a very comfortable and
attractive atmosphere is also applied
When in the Balikpapan, you will likely stay at the Adika Hotel
Bahtera. Located on the south coast of Balikpapan, this simple hotel is
a 7-minute walk from Bekapai Park and 2.4 km from Kemala Beach.
The hotel is 4.3 km from the ferry terminal.
The hotel has simple rooms and suites with cable TV and mini-
fridges. All rooms have high-speed Internet and suites have a sitting
area. Room service is available 24 hours.
The hotel features a lively bar with local DJs, a cozy cafe and an
elegant restaurant serving Chinese cuisine. There is also a business
center.

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Gambar 57. The lobby of the hotel

First thoughts
Balikpapan was simply another city to me, but I was wrong. In
fact, Balikpapan is the largest city on the island of Kalimantan.
Furthermore, the first time I visited this exceptionally clean city, I
discovered that it had earned an honor for being the cleanest city in
ASEAN, the most livable city, and the city with the most Adipura. Of
course, I am awestruck by this city.

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Gambar 58. The Adipura in Balikpapan

The life of a local


Balikpapan as a metropolitan city is one of the cities in Indonesia
that has a high level of activity in the morning, but does not necessarily
make this city sleep at night, a city that continues to be active when the
moon moves towards right in the middle of this city or after, reminds
us of the mascot used by this city, namely the figure of a sun bear who
is active at night, this is what makes the city of Balikpapan have its own
tone for its nightlife atmosphere.
It can be seen from the various jobs in this city, by distributing
night shifts or overtime hours, some companies can continue to operate
24 hours non-stop, making the nightlife continue to be filled with less
activity than some of the people who work in the field with oil tanks or
offices. with the operation of their computers, as well as the rows of
street vendors that adorn the streets of this city, these workers are also
part of the nightlife that constantly makes this city unable to close its
eyes.
Apart from the things mentioned above, the nightlife of
Balikpapan is also filled with people who want to do something
refreshing, most of whom come from young executives, professionals
and tourists. Even though the nightlife has become a public secret in
the city of Balikpapan, among them there are still some of these
refreshing actors who are involved in the nightlife not to do negative
things, but just want to entertain themselves to relax their nerves and

101
mind, after from morning to evening. busy with daily work. Because of
that busy life, you barely have time to reduce stress during the day,
taking a break to find entertainment at night is an alternative.

What can you see?


Along our tour, we visited many places including:
• Beruang Madu
• Obyek Wisata Penangkaran Buaya Teritip Balikpapan
• Wisata Belanja Pasar Kebun Sayur Balikpapan
• Tempat Wisata Belanja BSB (Balikpapan Super Blok)
• In addition we visited several schools including:
• Junior High School 1 Balikpapan
• Elementary School 30 Balikpapan

Culinary delights

Gambar 59. Balikpapan’s culinary highlight

The typical food of Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, mostly uses


seafood ingredients, including the culinary places. There are many
delicious seafood stalls in Balikpapan, from crabs, fish, shrimp, squid,
and various other marine biota. One of the most famous, popular,
delicious, and recommended Balikpapan cuisines to visit is RM Torani.
If you are traveling to the city of Balikpapan, East Kalimantan,
then you want to find a good place to eat in the city of Balikpapan, one
of the recommendations is RM Torani Balikpapan.
The address for Torani Balikpapan Restaurant is at Jalan Jenderal
Sudirman Number 73, Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia 76112.
The location is right on the side of the highway, so it won't be difficult
to find it.

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The appearance of the restaurant from the outside is ordinary,
not too special, but because of the delicious taste of the food and the
food menu which is said to have more than 50 menus, this restaurant
in Balikpapan is very crowded with visitors.

My tips for traveling to Balikpapan


When traveling, of course there are several things that we must
prepare. Necessary needs include money and documents for
unexpected purposes
Prepare a travel bag for all the equipment. If your vacation is
only for a few days, you better use a backpack. If you are going to be
carrying a lot of bulky equipment such as a camera, a duffel bag is your
choice. But, if you want a long vacation that requires a lot of clothes and
so on, it's better to use a wheeled suitcase.
Take a camera to capture beautiful moments, and if you don't
have one then use a camera from a smartphoneTake a few packets of
Chinese cigarettes. It’s a popular gift to give and they’ll earn some favor
if you inadvertently upset anyone.
Prepare a headset because you need music to accompany you.
this really helps to overcome boredom while on the plane

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Gambar 60. The View of Balikpapan

Those were some of the many uniqueness and pride stored in the
city which has the motto Clean, Beautiful, Safe and Comfortable. A city
that holds many stories, a city filled with various ethnicities, tribes,
languages, religions, and cultures. A very peaceful city, comfortable,
not crowded. Anyone who loves this City will definitely come back
again to spend his old age in this Beloved City.

104
UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY TO CITY OF
PHILOSOPHY-VISITING YOGYAKARTA
By Firmansyah Malawat

One of the historical cities in Indonesia, this city is rich in


specialties that have kept the town prosperous until this day, from
culture to its natural beauty, which is quite attractive to the sight.
Yogyakarta is the place where you can find yourself. a city located in
the middle of the island of Java is very special, the city which is dubbed
as a city of culture has a very concentrated Javanese culture, why? In
ancient times Yogyakarta was a kingdom that had a high position on
the island of Java, the power of the Javanese palace made Yogyakarta
one of the glorious regions at that time, the sultans of the Yogyakarta
palace who were very good at regulating politics and economy of the
local people made the life of the people prosperous. Javanese culture in
the city of Yogyakarta is very thick, ranging from norms to habits
embedded in the people of Yogyakarta.

How to get there


Besides being famous for a city that is rich in culture, Yogyakarta
is one of the cities that has a low cost of living, therefore if you want to
visit the city of Yogyakarta, you don't have to worry about daily food.
If you are an Indonesian citizen who lives on the island of Java, you are
lucky because you can visit Yogyakarta only by car.
In addition to driving, you can take the train to get to the city of
Yogyakarta, which has the advantage of being significantly faster than
driving. You can also enjoy a breathtaking view of rice fields while on
the train line.
You will also find it extremely convenient to continue your
journey to your next destination thanks to the Yogyakarta station,
which is located right in the heart of the city center of Yogyakarta. If
you are traveling from a location other than Java, you can take the

105
airline route. It is not necessary to be concerned of traveling without a
tour guide if you are in the city of Yogyakarta because there are so
many different professional tour guides to choose from. In addition, the
Yogyakarta International Airport offers a wide range of services,
including taxis and trains that go directly into the city center.

Gambar 61. Yogyakarta station

To go to your hotel or lodging after arriving at the Yogyakarta


train station, you don't have to worry about finding transportation; all
you have to do is arrange a ride online and the vehicle will arrive and
take you there.

First thoughts
Some of us have probably been to a location and found that what
we expected from it was not what we got. However, unlike Yogyakarta,
this city has a magical quality that surpasses my expectations. From the
moment I stepped foot in the city of Yogyakarta, I was taken aback by
the beauty of the city's architecture, which continued to astonish me
throughout my stay. During the trip, which lasted roughly five days
and Four nights, we encountered several magical, extraordinary, and
surprising experiences. Yogyakarta is a wonderful town that stands
apart from the rest of Indonesia.

106
The city is litter-free, and its location is well-maintained and
easily accessible. At the time, I was shocked by the volume of city
traffic, as several stretches of the highway were too narrow to
accommodate many automobiles. In the beginning, you could feel a bit
befuddled by the traffic lanes due to the sheer number of highways that
can only be traveled through using one lane, and not the other.
It's also known as the culinary capital of Indonesia because of the
abundance of Javanese delicacies, and you may eat for a week on Rp.
100,000, or less, if you'd like. "lesehan UGM," a street food stall in
Yogyakarta, is my favorite place to eat.
What I find fascinating about Yogyakarta is the large number of
students that come from all around Indonesia to study there, which is
why it is known as the "city of students." I frequently come with pupils
that happen to be from the same geographical location as me. This is
what distinguishes Yogyakarta from other cities.

Gambar 62. Malioboro street

What can you see?


I had a wonderful time on a five-day trip. Visit a variety of
natural landmarks, such as:
• Parangrtritis beach
• Prambanan temple
• Heha skyview
• Obelix hills
Including visits to historical sites in the city of Yogyakarta, among
other places;
• Vrederburg bull museum
yogyakarta
107
• Kraton Yogyakarta
• Yogyakarta monument.
• Bringharjo traditional market
• Malioboro street
These are the most popular destinations for newcomers and
tourists, both in the United States and abroad. These locations also have
their own ideologies and meanings, which are extremely important to
the people of Yogyakarta and may be found in these places.
As a historical site and as a monument to the efforts of the
Yogyakarta Palace in aiding Indonesia's resistance during the Dutch
colonial era, the Vredenburg bull is one of the most notable examples
of Dutch colonial architecture in Indonesia. As for the Beringharjo
Traditional Market in Yogyakarta's center, it is one of the city's most
well-known landmarks because of its low prices on goods compared to
other markets in the city. Its location along Jl Malioboro Street makes
this market a Yogyakarta Icon.

The life of a local


The people of Yogyakarta are quite welcoming, especially to
newbies and visitors who have only recently arrived in the city or
visited the surrounding area. They don't hesitate to assist us while we
are in distress. Yogyakarta natives are extremely distinct; there are
several characteristics that distinguish Yogyakarta residents from other
local residents, including the fact that the majority of Yogyakarta
natives speak the regional language (Javanese, particularly Javanese
smooth) in everyday life, the use of regional languages being very
common, and the inability of some residents to communicate
effectively in Indonesian.
Another one-of-a-kind feature that can only be found in the
Yogyakarta area is that if you ask for the direction of a road, they will
not point to the right or left, but rather to the west, south, or east. These
are only a few of the characteristics that distinguish Yogyakarta from
other cities.

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Gambar 63. Yogyakarta local people

My tips for traveling to Yogyakarta


The Yogyakarta area is home to a small number of people who
are unable to communicate effectively in Indonesian. If you have
friends or family who live in the area, it is advisable to accompany them
on a trip to ensure that they do not get lost. Having friends or family
nearby makes it easier for us to communicate with the people who live
in the neighborhood. Furthermore, if you have friends or relatives who
live in the area, it will be easier for you to purchase at local markets
such as the Bringharejo market since you will be able to acquire a good
deal at a low price.
That may be a hint from me, and also the end of my story.
Pictureresourcess ;
• https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-
s/11/83/9d/08/yogyakarta-station.jpg
• https://asset.kompas.com/crops/aQ-
o4WXhRzYOnn4r7WsEcfT4UGc=/0x0:972x648/750x500/data/ph
oto/2021/12/26/61c813b14760e.png
• https://www.pegipegi.com/travel/wp-
content/uploads/2017/07/orang-jogja-ramah.jpg

109
VISITING LABUAN BAJO, EAST NUSA
TENGGARA — MY JOURNEY INTO THE
CITY OF A THOUSAND SUNSET
By Grenatha Harimurti Wibawa

The province of East Nusa Tenggara is Indonesia's


southernmost. Labuan Bajo is a well-known city in the region. Labuan
Bajo is well-known for its Komodo Island, stunning snorkeling
locations, and magnificent seas and islands. Its present focus is on
growing the tourist industry. This lovely location has been visited by a
large number of foreign tourists. I traveled with my family in December
2020, when the intensity of the rain was great and storms were frequent.
Here are a few highlights from my time in Labuan Bajo.

The Origins of Labuan Bajo


Linguistically, Labuan Bajo refers to the location where the Bajo
tribe is moored. Because this ethnic group is a nomadic ethnic group in
the water, it is not strange that many refer to it as the Sea Gypsy. They
are descendants of people who moved hundreds of years ago from the
Philippines' Sulu Archipelago to Sabah and other parts of the world,
including the Madagascar Islands.
Many customs have been adopted to different tribes by the Bajo
tribe in Indonesia. Most are no longer nomadic, instead settling on the
shore and building basic homes. The Bajo tribe are Indonesian fish-
men. Their bodies miraculously transformed into 50% bigger spleens.
They can swim for 13 minutes at depths of up to 60 meters without
using any help due to their larger-than-average size.
Labuan Bajo has penetrated the domain of numerous Sulawesi
Island Islamic sultanates, one of which being the Kingdom of Gowa
Tallo. Since then, numerous indigenous Bugis people have moved to
Labuan Bajo. Unsurprisingly, numerous traditional Bugis and Bajo
dwellings can now be found adjacent to one another in this area.

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In 1795, Labuan Bajo became the headquarters for the Bajo
Tribe's most famous pirates. The Illano, Sulu, Bajo, and Tobelo pirates
invaded Manggarai's northern shore in 1823. They then established a
base on Laut Island, South Kalimantan. An extremely critical region for
intercepting ships traveling in Makassar.

Welcome to East Nusa Tenggara


My father had discussed taking a trip with me and my family
before the New Year's holiday in 2020. My family was on Christmas
and New Year's vacation at the time. We had initially agreed to visit
Bali. But the next day, after additional deliberation, we decided to
travel to Labuan Bajo. We selected Labuan Bajo because it is a
spectacular location and it was a new destination for us.
We packed our stuff. Because Labuan Bajo is a hot location, I had
to carry a thermos, plenty of shirts and shorts, and sunscreen. I also
packed one of the most critical items: swimming goggles. There were
two weeks till our leaving date. We couldn't wait to see Labuan Bajo.
On 9 December 2020 we flew to Komodo International Airport,
Labuan Bajo City from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta.
Flight time from Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to
Labuan Bajo was around 3 hours and 20 minutes. The weather in the
skies of Labuan Bajo was particularly nasty at the time, and as a result,
the plane we boarded encountered some pretty severe turbulence. But,
thankfully, we arrived safely at Komodo International Airport at 1.30
PM.

What can you find there?


After we got out from the airport, we went straight to a small
port, to board our Phinisi Ship. Phinisi Ship is a traditional designed
ship that is a really famous ship to rent while traveling in Labuan Bajo.
Phinisi is like a hotel, but in the form of a ship, so we stayed on that
ship for 2 and a half days.
Our first destination was Kelor Island. We boarded the ship in
the evening, and set off to Kelor Island, to see the sunset there. We
arrived at Kelor Island around 4 PM. We still had time to climb to the

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top of Kelor Island, and took a photo there. After that, we got back
down, drank coconut water while watching the sunset.

Gambar 64. On the Phinisi Ship

We spent the night aboard the boat after a hard first day. The
night at Labuan Bajo was bitterly cold, with a piercing wind. We were
already on our way to Padar Island the next morning when I awoke.
The island is stunning. Padar Island is one of the most popular tourist
locations in Labuan Bajo due to the stunning views of the island, the
beach, and the ocean.
After snapping photos on Padar Island, we went to the ship to
prepare for our major destination, Komodo Island. The home of the
Komodo dragon, which has become an emblem of Labuan Bajo. As I
reached the island, I had conflicting sensations. On the one hand, there
is immense impatience and delight, while on the other side, there is
concern and dread. When you arrive, you can notice the state of the
forest, which is still gorgeous and green, and the beach, which is still
clear.
We had to pay tickets in advance before accessing the tourist
area. There are two sorts of tickets available for purchase. The first is a
ticket that includes a short track escorted by numerous expert tour
guides. The second sort of ticket is one with a lengthy track that
explores the lives of wild Komodo dragons on the island without a tour
guide and simply a map. We picked the short track package ticket
because it was our first visit to Komodo National Park. We observed

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numerous baby Komodo dragons running around us before entering
the tourist area, but that was no concern, according to the tour guide.
We couldn't find, and even spotted, a komodo dragon as we
arrived via a gate. We went a little deeper, perhaps 200 meters. A big
komodo dragon emerged out of nowhere from behind a tree trunk that
had been severed. Except for the tour leader, we were all stunned. It
was my first encounter with one of Indonesia's few remaining ancient
species, the komodo dragon. When I saw these archaic animals, I was
really taken aback. Shaped like a lizard, with a large tongue and thick
skin in a dark black hue.
We took the opportunity to photograph some of these prehistoric
species. Even though we were roughly 10 meters away from the
Komodo dragon, experienced photographers can shoot images as if we
were close behind it. On the island, there are not only Komodo dragons,
but also little yellow-crested cockatoos, dugongs, kingfisher prawns,
hawksbill turtles, and other unusual wildlife. We completed exploring
Komodo Island and taking photographs with the creatures there
around 1 p.m., when the heat was already blazing. We returned to the
boat for lunch after purchasing some Komodo island souvenirs.

Gambar 65. Komodo Island, Labuan Bajo

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The following day was our third in Labuan Bajo. Today was our
last day in Labuan Bajo. We had planned to snorkel at Kanawa Island
that day. Kanawa Island is one of the top snorkeling and diving places
in Labuan Bajo. We had breakfast on the boat and then proceeded
directly to one of Kanawa Island's beaches. Our snorkeling location is
around 20-30 meters from the beach. After a briefing, we donned our
snorkeling gear and began snorkeling.
The view of the Kanawa sea was quite attractive to the eye. The
ideal blend of coral reefs, rocks, and marine life, with the sea still clear
and bright blue. However, because the water current was extremely
strong, we had to swim in groups and were not permitted to swim
alone. We were blown away by the grandeur of Kanawa Island's
underwater life and thoroughly loved the experience. We washed up
after snorkeling on Kanawa Island, ate lunch, and then flew back to
Jakarta.

My tips for traveling to Labuan Bajo


Employ the services of a competent tour guide. Traveling alone
without a travel guide is difficult for first-timers, thus you will require
a tour guide when visiting Labuan Bajo. Bring a camera, a power bank,
and, of course, your cellphone. You will also require a little backpack
to carry your belongings without having to bother with your
belongings.
Bring plenty of clothing. Because Labuan Bajo is quite hot, even
a short stroll will make you sweat. Bring a swimming suit, as well as
swimming goggles. Remember to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and any
medications you may require. Last, but not least, you might need to
pack food and beverages because you'll become weary quickly there,
and snacks or drinks can help replenish your energy and lift your
spirits.

My Impression About Labuan Bajo


On my way back home, I had a flashback to Labuan Bajo. Such a
memorable vacation. Labuan Bajo was a fantastic destination for me. A
lovely, pristine environment, like heaven on Earth. There are several
amazing isles, lovely blue waters, and various unusual wildlife like

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komodo, manta ray, and others. The folks were quite kind and treated
us with respect.
I hope Labuan Bajo continues to flourish so that it may become a
popular international tourist destination known for its natural beauty.
Of course, I hope that the preservation and purity of Labuan Bajo's
nature will be preserved, since this is the key to Labuan Bajo's beauty.

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WONDERFUL INDONESIA —
MY JOURNEY AT SOLO
By Haycal Hidayatullah

It’s a city full of culture, batik is everywhere and is a pioneer of


batik in Indonesia, in Central Java, the name is Surakarta, more familiar
with the name Solo. I traveled there with my mother mid-2016. If you’re
seeking a city full of pedestrian smiles, and low cost of living, the
answer is Solo.

How To Go There
Going to Solo is very easy, because Solo is located in Central Java.
If you travel by Airplane, you can choose to go to Adisumarmo Airport.
But if you choose the plain traffic, you can use a train, bus or maybe
private vehicle.

First Experience in Solo


When I was in fifth class me and my mom went to Solo. We used
a Garuda Indonesia airplane from Padang, and our first destination
was Yogyakarta International Airport because no one route goes
straight to Solo. So after I arrived at Yogyakarta, My mom searched for
a restaurant, I was so hungry, on the airplane we were not given a
portion of food. So, I ate at a Padang restaurant at the airport. After that,
We went to Solo with Bluebird Taxi. I arrived there after a 2 hours trip.
We stayed overnight at my grandma’s house.

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Gambar 66. Yogyakarta International Airport

First Day at Solo


The first thing that I had realized, when I woke up at Solo, was
that it was the morning earlier than Padang. In Padang the sun rises at
06.00 am but in Solo sun rises at 05.15 am. I woke up at 05.30 am, I went
outside the house, I saw pedestrians. Cars or motorcycles did not exist
in the morning, but when 7 o'clock worked, there were a lot of vehicles.
My grandma offered me a “nasi kucing”. I thought nasi kucing is rice
with a slice of cat meat, but my mom told me to try first, before
commenting. After a few minutes, my grandma gave me a paper bag,
after I had opened it, I saw rice with fish and sambal. The portion is too
small. My grandma said “This is the name of Nasi Kucing ''. I still did
not believe it, and I asked how much the price of nasi kucing. My
grandma said that nasi kucing is Rp. 3000,- and why the name is nasi
kucing because the portion is small, just like the portion of a cat.
After eating breakfast, my mom and I walked around the street.
I saw that Java culture is very attached to people there, they were full
of smiles, politeness, and beautiful words out of their mouths. Who was
there, will feel warmth when you walk around there.

She
The day after. My mom said we must go home. I still did not
believe that the trip around Solo must end, it goes by so fast. Because I
didn't want it to end. I walked around there with my cousin, Jeremia.
l
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She came to my grandma’s house in the morning. When I first saw her,
she was so beau-. We walked and saw the beauty of buildings and
structures with Javanese characteristics that are still attached. Because
we walked too long, my feet were cramping, then she massaged my
feet, while massaging she said my feet smell. I was embarrassed and
could only laugh. It was an exciting experience.

Go Home
My mother told me to get ready for the airport when I got home.
After that, my mother and I got into the car. We said our goodbyes in
the car to Jeremia, my grandmother, and others. I didn't feel any tears
running down my cheeks as we drove to the airport. I sobbed. My
mother asked if I was crying because of Jeremia. I said no, I just want
to live in Solo for a long time and enjoy the city's atmosphere. That is
something I miss. In my mind, I wondered when I would be able to
travel alone again.

What can you see?


Solo is well-known for its batik, but the tourist destination is
equally intriguing. This tourist attraction is also a symbol of the city of
Solo.
In Solo, you can walk around the city and visit tourist attractions.
There are a few recommended places to visit in Solo:
1. The Heritage Place
2. The Lawu Park
3. Pandawa Water World
4. Danar Hadi Batik Museum
5. Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat
6. Grojogan Sewu
7. Ponten Ngerubah Solo
8. Pasar Gede
9. And the place that I have to hear every time
10. Bengawan Solo
Each of these locations offers its own unique fun and experience.
The most important thing is that each location has its own story, which
may surprise you and make you appreciate the culture.

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Java Culture
We are all familiar with Solo, which, like Jogja, is recognized for
its culture; in every aspect of life, you will see something related to that
tradition. As you stroll throughout the city, you will see a batik market
every 10 meters and Java architecture such as bending buildings. The
presence of Javanese tones in every beat of the city's everyday activity
is not eliminated by complete city infrastructure.
• These are lists for you, so you can feel the Solo culture
• Solo Batik Carnival
• 1 Suro Night Carnival
• Grebeg Sudiro
• Jenang Solo Festival

Gambar 67. Jenang Solo Festival

My Tips When Adventuring in Solo


First, maybe it does not apply to everyone, but I recommend
going to Solo not on national holidays, why? Because at national
holidays everyone will return to their own village using the vehicle, it
doesn’t matter if they return to their own village, but when they use
vehicles pedestrians will be rarely found, Solo is famous because it is
pedestrians, you will rarely find their smile and their warmth. I
recommend the tips because I will smile when others smile at me

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Second, you must bring a camera. The beautiful views and
architecture of Solo are hard to find in big cities. So to remember its
beauty you can immortalize it through photos.
Third, don't criticize the culture.
Fourth, you can walk around Solo. Enjoying the culture of Solo
can remove your stress, and seeing someone smile can light your life
load.
Fifth, you can buy Solo culinary instead of buying snacks at the
minimarket. Solo culinary has a distinctive taste that you always
remember Solo
Six, follow every carnival or festival at Solo, that will make you
know more about this city
Last, enjoy your journey.

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MAGNIFICENT INDONESIA’S CAPITAL
CITY, JAKARTA
By Putu Sanya

Referred to as a metropolitan city, the capital city of Indonesia


has a variety of functions and roles. The entire development and
governing system are centralized here. As the center of business,
politics, and cultural hub , Jakarta is home to the headquarters of state-
owned enterprises, private companies, and foreign corporations.
Although Jakarta is a big and bustling city, there are still many well-
known and appealing leisure locations. Here I’ll be sharing some of my
experiences and information about many fascinating sites in Jakarta.

Visiting Monas
The first location that I want to tell you about is Monas. Monas
is a historical Indonesian monument in the heart of Jakarta, specifically
in the Medan Merdeka field. This 132-meter memorial monument was
built to honor the Indonesian people’s resistance and fight to gain
independence from the Dutch East Indies’ Colonial tyranny.
The construction of this monument began on August 17 1961,
under the orders of President Soekarno and opened to the public on
July 12 1975. This construction is divided into three phases. Began with
the installation of concrete pegs as the foundation of the building. At
this point, the monument wall was also constructed. The second phase
of construction lasted from 1966 until 1968. The last stage was
completed by adding a three-dimensional diorama to the historical
museum.
This Monument’s concept comes from ordinary folks whose
names were never acknowledged or even engraved in inscriptions. An
ordinary Indonesian citizen, a private employee, a basic Jakarta
resident. He is Sarwoko Martokoesoemo.

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When I first arrived at Monas, I was blown away by its grandeur.
I strolled around this phenomenal monument, admiring the dioramas
and the reliefs depicting the history of Indonesian independence on the
monument’s wall. That amazed me. It made me feel our heroes' tenacity
and struggle to fight for our nation's independence. Although this place
is well-known for its history, this place is also immensely suitable for
recreation.

Gambar 68. View of Indonesia’s national monument at night

Having Fun In DUFAN


Dufan is an amusement park located in Taman Impian Jaya
Ancol . Dufan is an abbreviation for Dunia Fantasi which means A
Fantasy World. On August 29 1985, The park was inaugurated and
opened to the public. “Dunia keajaiban dan kegembiraan keluarga,”
which translates as “The world of miracles and family joy,” is Dufan
tagline. From the slogan, we can see that Dufan is indeed designed in
such a way as to be a dreamland that can be enjoyed by children,
families, or even friends. Dufan is a fantastic place for us to spend time
with our wonderful family, and the best thing is that we don’t have to
worry about the time , because it's open everyday from 10 am to 5pm.
So, what are some of the things you can do in Dufan? Well , there are
about 30 rides in Dufan, some of them are:

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• Kereta Misteri, A roller coaster with a 19th-century American vibe.
• Baling-Baling, A swinging ride could spin up to 160 degrees.
• Paralayang, Feel the thrill of flight!
• Turbo Drop, A tower-based amusement ride.
• Zig-Zag, The bumper car.
• Kolibri, Fly in a 360-degree circle with up and down movements.
• Karavel, Experience the ocean’s surging sensation!
• Ontang-Anting, The wave swinger.
• Halilintar, Put your adrenaline to the limit!
• Kora-Kora, A giant boat that sways back and forth.
• Kicir-Kicir, An Italian amusement ride called Power Surge.
• Niagara-Gara, Splash! get ready to get wet.
• Tornado, It gives you the sensation of swirling in the air.
• Istana Boneka, An amusement ride with 600 animatronic dolls.
• Bianglala, An enormous Ferris wheel with a 30 m height.
• Rumah Jahil, Try to escape the mirror maze chamber!
Among all of the rides described above, the Ferris wheel, also
known as Bianglala, Tornado, and Halilintar are the top three rides that
people look forward to the most. How about you? Which ride do you
think will be your favorite? Every ride here is really amusing and fun!
You may experience all of the rides mentioned above at a very
affordable price. Here I will give you the ticket price details :
• The Regular ticket for weekdays : Rp.150.000
• The Regular ticket for weekend : Rp.165.000
• The Bundling Dufan+Gondola for weekdays : Rp.180.000
• The Bundling Dufan+Gondola for weekend : Rp.207.000
• The Six Month Pass Dufan for weekdays : Rp.250.000
• The Six Month Pass Dufan for weekend : Rp.250.000
• The Annual Pass Dufan ticket for weekdays : Rp.290.000
• The Annual Pass Dufan ticket for weekend : Rp.290.000

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Gambar 69. Dufan’s Entrance View

If you bring a personal vehicle to Dufan, you must pay a vehicle


ticket of Rp. 15,000.00 for two-wheeled vehicles and Rp. 25,000.00 for
four-wheeled vehicles. So, that's all I can share about Dufan. I hope it
helps those of you who wish to visit and have a good time in Dufan!

National Library of the Republic of Indonesia


I’m sure some of you are bibliophiles. Well, I believe this one is
perfect for you. It is Indonesia’s national library, as well as the largest
library in the country. The National Library of the Republic of
Indonesia is a non-ministerial government institution that carries out
government duties in the field of libraries that functions as a building
library, reference library, deposit library, research library, preservation
library, and library network center. Furthermore, with all of the current
amenities, this national library may be used for learning, working, and
recreation. Young people can Dufan
relax and delight themselves by reading
entrance
novels, folklore books, and fairy tales that are available.
This national library service building is located at Jalan Medan
Merdeka Selatan No.11 while most of the offices are on Jalan Salemba
Raya No.28, Jakarta. The National Library is under the president's
responsibility. President Joko Widodo inaugurated the new National

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Library Service Facility Building on September, 14 2017. With a height
of 126.3 meters and 24 floors, it is the world’s tallest National Library.

Gambar 70. Front view of the national library

Another interesting fact about this National Library is that it was


originally founded by Bataviaasch Genootschap on April 24, 1778. This
was the forerunner of the National Library and was only disbanded in
1950. From this information, we could learn about the history of the
national library.
Initially, since its establishment in May 1980 by the Minister of
Education and Culture, the National Library of Indonesia has been an
embodiment of the execution and growth of a complete and integrated
national library system. Although the National Library was legally
founded in the mid-1980s, the complete physical integration could not
take place until January 1891. Then, in 1987 The National Library of
Indonesia was still housed in three different locations, until the late
Mrs. Tien Suharto, through the Harapan Kita Foundation she founded,
donated 16,000 m2 of land to the National Library. Therefore, a new
National Library was constructed, and the three separate libraries are
now in a single building. This National Library of Indonesia has always
experienced progress and development, and has now become a
national library in the truest sense, namely an institution that not only
serves members of particular scientific associations, but also members
of society from all walks of life and groups.

125
The National Library has experienced development in size and
sophistication, as seen by the rising number and more advance of its
facilities. There are a lot of fascinating facilities here. Aside from the
substantial book collection, there are also additional amenities such as
a reading culture area, data center, theater room, and many more. All
of the facilities are located on each of the National Library of
Indonesia's 24 floors.
Starting from the first floor, there is a spacious and spectacular
main lobby. On the second floor, we’ll find many special rooms,
including Library Membership Service Room, Information Search, and
Auditorium Room. Next, the third floor is the reading Culture
Promotion Zone. The National Library also has The Exhibition Room
and Canteen that are located on the fourth floor, and the offices are
located on the fifth floor. Following that, on the sixth floor, there is a
data center and prayer room, while services for children, the eldery,
and people with disabilities are available on the seventh floor.
Audiovisual services are provided on the 8th floor and Indonesian
script services are provided on the 9th floor. Entering the 10th to 11th
floors , we will find a big collection of closed monographs. While Floors
12-12A house the Closed Monograph Collection Reading Room.
Furthermore, there are numerous book collection services are available
from the 14th to the 24th floors; here are the details:
14th Floor : Rare Book Collection Services
15th Floor : Reference Services, Online Collections, Library Science
16th Floor : Photo Collection Services, Map, and Paintings
17th Floor : Indonesian Academy Of Science Office (1)
18th Floor : Indonesian Academy Of Science Office (2)
19th Floor : Multimedia Service
20th Floor : Up-to-date & International Periodic Collection Services
21th Floor : Open Monograph Collection Service (Class 000-499)
22th Floor : Open Monograph Collection Service (Class 500-999)
23th Floor : Bind Magazine Collection Services
24th Floor : Archipelago Cultural Collection Service,
Executive Lounge and International Reception Room

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This National Library provides remarkable services. With such
comprehensive facilities, it is hoped that Indonesian people’s interest
in reading and literacy will increase. For those of you who wish to visit
the library, admission to the national library is free. So what are you
waiting for? Let’s go to the library and read together!

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TOURING IN BUKITTINGGI — HOLIDAY
THROUGH THE FOREST AND MOUNTAIN
ROAD
By Immanuel A. T.

Bukittinggi is the city with the 2nd largest economic growth in


the Indonesian region of Western Sumatra. During the Crisis
Constitution of the Republic in Indonesia in 1948, this city functioned
as the urban center. My dad took me there during the school holidays
for a vacation. This location contains valuable Minang culture and
history from the Dutch colonization of Indonesia, which can be used as
a tourist destination. Now, I'm gonna tell you about my journey
through this book.

How to get there


If you want to spend your holiday in Bukittinggi City, you must
prepare ahead of schedule. After landing at Minangkabau Airport in
Padang, the journey to Bukittinggi would take between seven and eight
hours. You will drive on a curvy road that is up and down, leaving your
stomach uncomfortable and giving you a headache.
With a distance of around 115 kilometers, you can understand
how tiring the journey will be. The Padang - Bukittinggi route, on the
other hand, is a wonderful solution to boredom. That's because the
atmosphere is magnificent.
The Bukit Barisan mountain range stretches for miles on both
sides of the road, and Mount Singgalang and Marapi will enchant the
eyes as you reach Bukittinggi City. There are several tourist
destinations along the West Sumatran route that you can visit. It's right
on the mainline, so getting there won't take long.

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Gambar 71. Travel route from Padang to Bukittingi.

First thoughts
Bukittinggi, I had previously envisioned, had a high
temperature, superior technology, and a dirty environment. My
assumption was inaccurate, which attracted my interest even further
inside the establishment. When I first started exploring this area, I
learned that Bukittinggi is a lovely city with a warm climate.
Something else shocked me even more. My father once asked me
to get bread for breakfast. I was confused when I left the hotel because
there was no Indomaret or Alfamart.
Finally, I went to the supermarket and bought it. When I
returned to the hotel, I told my father about it, and he laughed. He
stated there's no Indomaret or Alfamart in this area. This is related to
Bukittinggi's goal to boost their population's economic growth.

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Gambar 72. Views of Bukittinggi in the evening.

What can you see?


There are several tourist attractions in Bukittinggi that you may
visit, but I would recommend two in this book. The first would be
Menara Jam Gadang, while the second is the Japanese Hole. Visiting
these two places will present you with a one-of-a-kind experience.
You should start with a trip to Menara Jam Gadang, which is an
iconic landmark in Bukittinggi. The Gadang Clock Tower was built
around 1926 as a present from the Queen of the Netherlands to Rook
Maker, secretary of Fort de Kock (now Kota Bukittinggi) during the
Dutch East Indies era. Yazid Rajo Mangkuto designed the clock tower's
architecture.
The Jam Gadang cost nearly 3,000 Gulden to build, which was a
huge sum for the period. As a result, since its construction and opening,
this clock tower has become the focus of everyone's attention. The
Clock Tower was also employed as a marker or landmark, as well as
the zero point of Bukittinggi City, as a result of this.
This location is ideal for those of you who wish to shoot images
or videos for Instagram. This location may also be a nice destination for
you and your family to spend your vacation time. If you are hungry
after seeing Jam Gadang, you may get food nearby. There are martabak,

130
fried bananas, and hamburgers to choose from. In my perspective, the
greatest time to see Gadang's Clock Tower is in the evening.

Gambar 73. The condition of the Clock Tower Of Gadang in the afternoon

You can go to Lobang Jepang the next day. This location contains
a rich history from the Japanese colonial era in Indonesia. If you like
history, you must go there at least once. Here's a tale from the Japanese
Hole.
The Japanese army designed the Lobang Jepang as a defensive
structure. Having said that, this Japanese hole can withstand the impact
of a 500-kilogram bomb. There are around 21 tiny tunnels with their
functions inside the Lobang Jepang.
Some of the halls were used for a variety of purposes, including
ammo storage, conference rooms, escape rooms, ambush rooms, and
prisons. In addition, there is a passageway that serves as a kitchen. It is
also reported that this location was used to mutilate deceased captives
to make it easier to hurl them into the water hole below.
When I entered the Lobang Jepang, I felt something quite
distinct, which piqued my interest even further. "Here we are not
permitted to scrawl on walls, take photographs, or say harsh things,"
my father warned as I went down the stairs.

131
I recommend that you follow these principles as well so that
undesirable events do not occur. You can go during the day if you want
to capture better shots at the gate, but if you want an endorphin rush,
go in the afternoon.
The Lobang Jepang is located at Panorama Park, which gives a
stunning view of the Gorge. Tourists wishing to enter the Japanese Hole
must purchase a ticket for IDR 15,000 per person. The manager, on the
other hand, offers guiding services for an additional fee. Later, visitors
will enter the Lobang Jepang from one end and leave from the other.

Gambar 74. Lobang Jepang

My tips for traveling to Bukittinggi


At the end of my book, I will end the story by giving some tips
on a trip to Bukittinggi. Here are some tips from me :
• Bring extra food and water for the duration of your journey.
• Make a long playlist of songs to accompany your long journey.

132
• Don't forget to pack anti-nausea medication in case of an emergency
• To be effective, plan your trip to Bukittinggi first.
• The last one, don't forget to follow my advice, good luck.

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TO THE TOP OF THE HILL —
CONQUER MOUNT SIKUNIR, DIENG,
WONOSOBO, CENTRAL JAVA
By Kenza Radhifa Al Makkah

What is Dieng?
It’s a plateau called Dieng. It’s a location where events take place
in Banjarnegara and Wonosobo, respectively. It’s derived from the term
"Dihyang '' that the name Dieng derives its meaning. "Di" is short for
"location", and "Hyang" is short for "ancestor" or "god”. As a result,
"Dihyang" literally translates as "place of the ancestors or gods”. The
ancient Javanese thought that gods or ancestors resided in lofty regions,
such as mountains.

How to get there


If you're looking to get to Dieng, there are numerous routes you
can take. My preferred mode of transportation is by vehicle. To get to
Dieng, there are two ways. Those from Wonosobo and Banjarnegara,
respectively, make up the first pair. Tourists are more likely to use the
first path because it is shorter and has fewer turns. Wonosobo, on the
other hand, is only accessible via land travel.
I took a vehicle from Pekalongan to Batang, then took the toll
road to Semarang, where I stayed for a few days. After that, leave the
toll road and go through Weleri Market on your way to Sukorejo. And
then they proceeded via Muntung before arriving at Wonosobo, where
we stayed the night. From Wonosobo, I made my way to Dieng,
skipping the hilly road and going around Mount Sikunir instead.

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Gambar 75. Picture from “Puncak Sikunir”

First thoughts
"Cold" sprung into my head as soon as I arrived. At an elevation
of 2.060 meters above sea level, Dieng's air is very frigid.
Dieng has a lot of tourist attractions and intriguing things to
offer, which is different from what I expected. "Telaga Warna" is one of
the names of the place in question. Due to a high concentration of sulfur
in the water, Telaga Warna Lake's water changes color. This results in
a vibrant appearance of the water when exposed to sunshine.
Because the locals are accustomed to the cold, many of them
merely dress in a tee-shirt and shorts. The fact that it was there
astonished me because I had to wear a double jacket in order to be
warm.

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Gambar 76. sunrise from foot of a mountain

What can you see?


As previously said, there are several tourist attractions and
intriguing things to see and do in Dieng. Telaga Warna, Puncak Sikunir,
Kawah Sikidang, Arjuna Temple, and other sites may be found here.
Puncak Sikunir is the most popular tourist destination.
Tourists are attracted to the area because of the frigid temperature and
the gorgeous surroundings.
To go to Puncak Sikunir, you must first walk to the foot of the
hill, which takes some time. You have the option of walking or taking
a motorbike taxi to the top of the hill, where you will then follow the
path that has been laid out for you. A large number of booths and
residential occupants may be found at the foot of the slope. There are

many different sorts of food available,


view including both modern and
from the hotel
traditional Dieng cuisine.
Dieng is also home to the Arjuna Temple, which is a historical
landmark. The structure was constructed during the reign of the
Sanjaya dynasty of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom. Because of the
finding of an inscription written in 808 AD, it is believed that Arjuna
Temple is the oldest temple in Java, but not the world.
The Arjuna Temple structure has one hectare of land, and in
addition to the Arjuna Temple, there are four more temples to see.

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Temples such as Semar Temple, Srikandi Temple, Puntadewa Temple,
and Sembrada Temple are among the many in the area.

Gambar 77. Candi Arjuna complex

The life of a local


Like the life of the mountain community in general, the people
live in harmony. Some of the people choose a livelihood in the
agricultural and plantation sectors, of course, because of its strategic
location in highlands.
Some residents of Dieng also make a living by selling sulfur at
tourist spots. This is due to the existence of Kawah Sikidang, which is
a sulfur-rich formation in Dieng.
The thing that surprises me the most is the clothing they wear
on a regular basis. For most of their daily activities, they merely dress
in t-shirts and shorts. Despite the fact that the air in Dieng is extremely
cold for me.

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Gambar 78. the path to the top of “Puncak Sikunir”

My tips for traveling to Dieng


The first thing to remember is that you'll want to carry a high-
quality camera to capture the stunning views from Puncak Sikunir and
Candi Arjuna. Another must-have item is a warm coat, as Dieng is
extremely cold.
If you want to make it to Puncak Sikunir, you must leave early
in the morning to avoid traffic congestion. As a result, you will be able
to observe the dawn from the top instead of just the crowd.
If it rained the night before, the fog will be dense enough that
you won't be able to see anything from the top of the mountain. As a
result, going in the dry season is preferable. Because the distance from
Puncak Sikunir to the other destination is so great that you'll be worn
out by the time you reach it, I recommend returning to the inn and
continuing your adventure the following day.
If you have time the next day, you can consider visiting Arjuna
Temple, Kawah Sikidang, and Telaga Warna in that order, because they

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are all within easy driving distance. Of course your stomach will growl
after viewing all of these tourist attractions. But don’t worry, many of
Dieng’s culinary restaurants are affordable and tasty. “Mie Ongklok
Pak Muhadi'' is one of the must-visit restaurants. One of the sensations
that you must experience when visiting Dieng is eating warm Ongklok
Noodles in the middle of the cold Dieng’s air.
While you are there, you will see and feel things you’ve never
seen and felt before. Start with the routines of the local, moving on to
tourist spots, and culinary delights. If you go to Dieng after reading
about my trip, don’t forget to tell others about it! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Gambar 79. Bonus photo when i’m in “Kawah Sikidang”

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Gambar 80. Bonus photo when i become indie kid at the top of Puncak
Sikunir

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KNOW MORE ABOUT BALI — MY JOURNEY
TO KLUNGKUNG REGENCY
By Miranda Olivia D. W. Panjaitan

Bali is well-known as one of the most beautiful islands in


Indonesia, it has many attractions that attract people all over the world.
Bali blends spectacular sheer physical beauty of looming volcanes,
gorgeous beaches, rich terraced grain areas that exude harmony and
tranquility, and also a warm and friendly people. There are numerous
ways to appreciate the beauty of the island of Bali, one of which is to
visit the district of Klungkung Regency.
With a population of just under 200.000 people, Klungkung is the
smallest of Bali’s eight regencies. Klungkung has historical and cultural
significance that can’t be overstated. Semapura, the capital of
Klungkung Regency is a vibrant town where locals live, work, study,
but once outside the center.
Klungkung Regency, like other regencies on the island of Bali has
a plethora of interesting tourists for you to explore. There are many
holiday activities and culinary specialties to choose from. This made
my Family and I want to find and know more about Klungkung Bali.
And this is my journey to know more about the beauty of heaven of
Klungkung Regency in Bali.

How to get there


For my experience, this journey started when My Family and I
took a flight at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Denpasar Bali Airport. We arrived
at Denpasar, Bali after a two-hour flight. The place that I will find out
about the beauty of heaven that it has. My journey to Klungkung
Regency continues. My Family and I traveled by land and the car that
we were driving took about 1-2 hours to get to our destination.
On arrival in Klungkung Regency, you will find plenty of
lodging options. My family and I decided to stay at The Cozy Villa

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Lembongan. In addition to being a beautiful place, the location of this
hotel is also quite strategic and provides many choices of tourist objects
around. As a result, it is unsurprising that this hotel, The Cozy Villa
Lembongan, is highly regarded by many tourists.

Gambar 81. I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali

First thoughts
• The history of Klungkung Regency
As we know, Indonesia has a lot of history in each region that
is truly unique and diverse. Bali is one of the various kinds of history
in Indonesia which is very interesting to explore. Klungkung has
figured prominently in Bali's history. After I did a lot of searching
about Klungkung regency, I figured that It was also the seat of rule
for Bali's most powerful raja dynasty, Dewa Agung, who united the
island during a glorious period of rich cultural influence. Gajah
Mada, Majapahit's ruler, pacified and united Bali at the end of the
13th century, incorporating the island into the Majapahit Empire.
He established King Kepakisan as the first Dewa Agung "Great
Deity." To rule over the island from his court at Samprangan, near
Klungkung today. This seat of power was relocated to nearby Gelgel
several generations later, where it established much authority and

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prestige under the fourth succeeding Dewa Agung. Knowing a little
about the history of the Klungkung Regency district piques our
interest even more, right? This also happened to me after doing
research and hearing the tour guide’s explanation about a little bit
of the History of Klungkung.
• Klungkung & Surrounds

What can you see? view from the hotel


The tourist attractions and recreation areas of Bali are
dispersed throughout the Regency, however, a number of areas have
distinct characteristics, and each offers something worth-seeing.
Klungkung Regency, too, has a number of interesting places to visit
while on vacation with family or friends. It has natural assets and
recreational areas to make it a must-see tourist destination in Bali. Not
only natural assets, but the food’s culture is also the highlight for this
vacation. This location’s food culture is also distinctive, piquing the
interest of many tourists.
Klungkung Regency has a relatively small area, making this
place easy to access. The existence of the islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa
Lembongan, and Ceningan, which are separated from the mainland of
Klungkung, have become tourism centers and vacation destinations
that are quite appealing.

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This time I will tell you all a little about Kerta Gosa, one of the
most beautiful and historic places in Bali’s Klungkung district. Kerta
Gosa is part of the Puri Semarapura complex, which was built by Dewa
Agung Jambe in 1686. It is one of a kind structure that has become one
of the most popular tourist destinations in Bali. Gili Kerta Gosa was the
previous name for this place.
The Kerta Gosa tourism object is made up of two buildings
(bale), namely Bale Kertagosa and Bale Kambang. The educational
function of the two buildings is closely related to wayang paintings, the
story of which is presented on the building’s ceiling. The painting’s
story is about Tantri, followed by the story of Bima Swarga that depicts
many morals about the law of Kharma Phala, as well as stories about
birth return to the world because of his actions and sins.
So what dominates the story on the roof of the bale in Kerta Gosa
is kharma nutmeg's actions, which resulted in this bale being used for
court during the kingdom's reign. The chair from the royal era is no less
interesting; it has been renovated and is still neatly arranged as it was
during the royal era, the place or position during the trial.
The Kerta Gosa Klungkung tourist center is notable for its
wayang paintings on the building's ceiling, which depict stories about
daily liSo what dominates the story on the roof of the bale in Kerta Gosa
is kharma nutmeg's actions, which resulted in this bale being used for
court during the kingdom's reign. The chair from the royal era is no less
interesting; it has been renovated and is still neatly arranged as it was
during the royal era, the place or position during the trial. The Kerta
Gosa Klungkung tourist center is notable for its wayang paintings on
the building's ceiling, which depict stories about daily life,
advice/advice, the law of karma phala, earthquake predictions, and life
philosophy, advice/advice, the law of karma phala, earthquake
predictions, and life philosophy

The life of a local


Explain the Identity of the residents of Klungkung Bali which is
simple, warm, full of calm and friendliness. At first, we seem shy,
pondering whether to approach them or not. Many will stare, be very
outgoing, after all, their interactions with foreigners are surveyed.

144
Locals in Bali widely regarded as some of the friendliest hosts in
Asia, even in the world, amazing right?. Most Balinese will welcome us
with open arms and want us to feel Bali as at ease on their islands as
they do. As a result, most expats in Bali quickly adjust to their new way
of life.

My tips for traveling to Bali


First, before planning a trip to Bali or the Klungkung regency, we
should learn more about the place, including tourist attractions,
lodging, and culinary options. When planning a trip to Bali, you can
use my experience as a guide, or you can look up other tourist
attractions on the internet or social media. Second, don’t forget to bring
a camera or handphone with a lot of memory, because the beauty of
Bali is not enough to be remembered in our memories, we must also
capture it.
Third, don't forget to bring a lot of money. Who doesn't bring a
lot of money when going on a vacation? I know this sounds very cliche,
however, this is an important suggestion from me because of the many
souvenirs that Bali has. Fourth, remember to bring and use your
sunscreen, especially if you’re going out to the beach, it’s to protect
your skin from UV rays. The very valuable experience we have had not
only entertained the void of time we have but also added insight about
a place we are exploring.

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FIRST EVER HOLIDAY I PLANNED
MYSELF, MY TRIP TO SURABAYA
By Muhammad Akmal

Throughout my life, I’ve always wanted to plan things


myself. Since elementary, I had made a lot of imaginary plans, until
that day in October 2018. My father went to Surabaya to attend an
annual meeting. After coming home, he said that he wanted us to
spend the holiday there. Seeing the opportunity, I immediately
asked for permission to plan the trip. Surprisingly, my parents
allowed me to plan this whole family trip myself. That was actually
impressive, realizing that at that time I had just graduated from
elementary school and hadn’t had any experience.
Without any hesitation, I immediately went to search for
everything needed to go to Surabaya. After a lot of unnecessary
research, I finally came up with an “absolute perfect” plan and
schedule. My parents, my sister, and I would go for three days, two
and a night trip to Surabaya and Madura Island. We would go to
three main destinations: a park, a museum, and a restaurant.

First Day: The Journey


We started our journey on 23rd December morning. As the sun
was starting to rise, we were having breakfast while our stuff had
set up in the car before, ready to go. I was excited yet not nervous,
even though during the journey I always shakingly held my plan in
range in case I needed it. Finally, after almost three hours watching
boring roads, we passed the toll road gate and entered Surabaya.
It didn’t take a long time to arrive and check-in at the hotel.
We were impressed that we arrived earlier than expected. But most
importantly, we were disappointed that our room was smaller than
expected. Well, I think I took the responsibility for that. Anyway, we
didn’t waste time and had lunch, and then took a rest for a while.

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Gambar 82. Even though the building was tall, the hotel room was small
Source: trivago.co.id

Afternoon—The Flora Park


What’s more exciting than taking an afternoon stroll in the
park? Knowing the condition well, my plan was successful as I
suggested my family go to The Flora Park, one of many parks
Surabaya has. It’s one of the government's programs to reduce the
temperature and make the city more cool. Additionally, Surabaya is
famous for its innovation to beautify the city with parks and trees.
This park would be very good if you want to relax and tranquilize
yourself from the crowded and busy modern world.
As expected, only 15 minutes needed to go there. When we
arrived, my sister and I explored the whole park right away. Well,
curiosity was a major thing back then. Soon, we knew everything
about that place. It’s a park with trails winding through lush
vegetation, playgrounds, caged birds & herds of deer.

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Gambar 83. Main street of the park given a cool sensation
Source: islamireligius.blogspot.com

My sister was so excited with the last, so we came to the deer


cage and observed them. The deer are friendly and tame, my sister
even had a chance to feed one of them. On the other side of the park,
we also saw a bird cage. As the day ended, we went back to the hotel
and got ready for dinner. That was a fun and entertaining
experience.

Gambar 84. Some of the deer we took photo of

148
Evening—Transmart Rungkut
When we were going to find a restaurant for dinner, my
mother noticed that our hotel was behind the transmart, one of the
famous hypermarkets. Without hesitation anymore, my father
turned the car there. Even though this was out of plan, I agreed with
my family. After all, I’ve never visited such a huge hypermart with
a cinema and a playground inside it.
And as expected, we spent a lot of money there. It’s obvious.
That thing has boutiques, bookstores, restaurants, and plentiful
snacks and frozen food. The only thing that made us stop was my
sister’s yawn, which made my mother realize how late it was. It was
time to rest and roam another day.

Gambar 85. TransStudio Mini, one of the facilities Transmart had

Second Day: The Heroes Monument


Well, everyone knows we’re not visiting Surabaya if we don't
visit this historical place. Like Jakarta with Monas, Surabaya has its
own monument none other than The Heroes Monument (Tugu
Pahlawan). As you know, this monument was built as a tribute to
the warriors who fought in the Battle of Surabaya several months
after the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence. That historical
event has a lot of influence for Indonesia. Because of that, 10
November was celebrated as Heroes Day and Surabaya now called
the Heroes City.

149
Not like the other day, our journey today was much further
than before. To get there, we must spend more than a half hour in
the car. But our journey was worth it, as you arrived you wouldn't
be disappointed. The monument stands up as if honoring the sky
with its white color shone in the sunlight, giving a great dashing and
heroic vibes. No wonder why this monument is so famous.
At the main gate, a majestic statue of President Soekarno and
Vice President Moh. Hatta welcomed us, surrounded by pillars
while we could see an open lawn and the Heroes Monument behind
it. A park is placed around the monument with a lot of decoration.
To go to the museum, we went through a pavement at the perimeter.
There, we found smaller heroes statues with their own small park.

Gambar 86. The main gate to the Tugu Pahlawan with statues of
President and Vice President
Source: thephrase.id

The 10 November Museum stands proudly behind the


monument. Three glass pyramids indicate the main building,
imitating the Louvre Museum in France, with a moat surrounding
it, giving an impression of drowning. The entrance and the exit of
the museum are located on the left and the right of the site
respectively, several tens of meters away.

150
Gambar 87. The pyramid building of the museum behind the monument
Source: blog.tiket.com

Apparently, the entrance ticket was cheap as we just charged


Rp 5.000/person. Inside the museum, we explored a lot about
Indonesian history, especially the Battle of Surabaya. The place was
clean and easy to navigate. The layout was arranged so well that we
even felt it was larger than it looks outside. Sadly, the collection
wasn't a match for other well-known museums such as Bank
Indonesia Museum or Angkut Museum.

Bebek Sinjay—Madura Island Culinary


Realizing it’s almost lunch time, we soon prepared to our last
destination, Bebek Sinjay Restaurant on Madura Island. To go to
Madura Island, we must went through the Suramadu Bridge, one of
Surabaya's icon. The bridge was narrower than I expected, but it
makes sense considering the fact that this bridge connects a city with
a small island. The traffic was not busy though, and we arrived on
time at the Bebek Sinjay Restaurant.

151
Gambar 88. The traffic on the Suramadu Bridge was not busy

Far different from the traffic, the restaurant was entirely


crowded. The parkzone was full and we even could barely have a
seat inside. But, the worst part is the queue. To just order four
dishes, we had to wait almost an hour. I had absolutely not
calculated this before. Luckily, the taste was worth it when we felt
the deliciousness. After all, the restaurant was famous for a reason.

Gambar 89. The queue in this restaurant was execrable

Things I Got
The lunch at Bebek Sinjay was the last destination in our trip.
The following day, we checked out of the hotel and left Surabaya. A
lot of experience we got during the trip, and lessons too. We thought
this trip was a success although there were several variables I didn’t
guess before.
Surabaya was a beautiful city. It was clean, cool, green, and
had such a good city layout. Every street we passed laid out with
trees, without exception. Parks were available everywhere, and
other facilities were complete. Traffic was solved even in the holiday

152
season showing how the city really cares about its citizens. Surabaya
really showed the atmosphere of a rural but modern city. No
wonder why my father wanted us to go there in the first place.
If you go to Surabaya, I recommend you to visit its park.
Don’t forget to see the icon, Heroes Monument and Suramadu
Bridge as well. And if you don’t mind, come to see Tanjung Perak
Harbour or Surabaya North Quay. Remember to always crosscheck
famous public places like restaurants or malls to make sure it’s not
insanely crowded, or you’ll make the same mistake as I did. I’ll
always hope to see you plan your trip. Goodbye!

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VISITING BALI— MY JOURNEY TO THE
ISLAND OF THE GODS

By Nabila Talitha Sari

Bali Island is an island in Indonesia. The capital city of Bali is


Denpasar City. The majority of Balinese people are Hindus. In the
world, Bali is well-known as a tourism destination with its natural
beauty appeal. In addition, the thing that becomes an attraction for
tourists until Bali is finally the World's Best Destination version of
Tripadvisor which is a travel company site based in the United
States (US) is the uniqueness of its various artistic and cultural
products which are still very well preserved. Bali is also known as
the Island of the Gods and the Island of a Thousand Temples. I've
been to Bali in 2018 with my family. Here are some of the
experiences I had when I visited the island of Bali that were very
impressive to me.

How to get there


Going to the island of Bali is certainly very easy, especially for
domestic tourists like me. I just took a plane with a travel time of
about 1 hour 30 minutes from the nearest airport from my house,
namely Adisutjipto Airport to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali.
The names of these two airports are taken from the name of the hero
who contributed to the independence of Indonesia who came from
the area where the airport was located. For example Adisutjipto is
an Indonesian national hero from Yogyakarta. Meanwhile, I Gusti
Ngurah Rai was an active military during the independence period,
he was instrumental in the Battle of Puputan Margarana which took
place in Marga village, Tabanan Regency, Central Bali on November
20, 1945. Colonel I Gusti Ngurah Rai who was 29 years old, led the
way troops from eastern Bali to carry out attacks to the death on
heavily armed Dutch troops. All members of the Balinese battalion

154
were killed and made it the last Balinese military resistance. Even
though Indonesia lost the battle, the services of all the heroes
involved, including I Gusti Ngurah Rai, deserve to be remembered
to this day for showing the identity of the Indonesian people who
never give up and are brave. Therefore, in honor of his services, his
name was enshrined in the airport located in Badung Regency, Bali.
After arriving at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali, we don't
need to be confused about our transportation while in Bali, even
though we don't travel with a tour agent. That's because currently
there are online modes of transportation that will make it very easy
for us or we also have a second option by renting a vehicle for us to
travel while in Bali, even at the same time with the services of a
friendly driver because Bali is known for its beautiful tourist
destinations and friendly people.
After traveling about 30 minutes from the airport, I finally
arrived at the hotel where my family and I were staying. This hotel
is located in Badung Regency. There are also many foreign tourists
staying at this hotel. This is proof that Bali is a tourist spot for all the
people of the world who are interested in nature and culture.

155
Gambar 90. The backyard of the hotel.

First thoughts
Even though it wasn't my first time going to Bali. However,
Bali was really beyond my expectations. Bali is truly more beautiful
than what I often see on social media. It's not wrong if the Balinese
are labeled as friendly residents. All the residents are very friendly
and will always help the tourists if we encounter difficulties. Many
tourist destinations in Bali are also more developed compared to the
last time I visited Bali in 2015. Lots of positive changes have
occurred, tourist attractions have become more organized, local
residents are increasingly taking part in tourism there, as well as
places to visit. The potential for tourist attractions is also
increasingly being explored, many new tourist attractions have also

156
been opened after several repairs and developments have been
carried out. Bali also always has a special place in the hearts of its
visitors, this is because the thick culture and customs of the Hindu
religion and its amazing nature will make anyone who comes will
feel calm in themselves.

What can you see?


While on vacation in Bali, there are lots of things we can do.
There are many interesting tourist attractions to visit, one of which
is Kuta Beach which offers the experience of watching the sunset on
this beautiful beach in the middle of the city. Kuta Beach is one of
the places that must be visited when we go to Bali. Many people say
if you haven't been to Bali if you haven't been to Kuta Beach. In

157
addition, there is also Uluwatu Temple which is located at the
southwest tip of the island of Bali on a steep and high rock platform
jutting into the sea. This is the Sad Kayangan Temple which is
believed by Hindus to be a buffer from the 9 winds. At Uluwatu
Temple, we can also watch a very beautiful sunset while watching
the performances of the Ramayana dance and the Kecak dance
performed by the natives of Bali.
Uluwatu Temple has also become famous because right
below it is Pecatu beach which is often used as a place for surfing
sports, even international events are often held here. The waves of
this beach are known to be very suitable to be used as a surfing spot
in addition to the natural beauty of Bali which is indeed very
beautiful. Therefore, Bali is often called the paradise of surfers
because there are so many beaches in Bali that have very good
waves for surfing. In Bali, tourists can also visit the Bali Safari and
Marine Park, which is located in Gianyar Regency. At the Bali Safari
and Marine Park, we can see various animals directly. We will later
get on the bus and see the animals in person. We can also watch
performances of attractions by animals that have been specially
trained.
In Bali, we can also visit the Ubud area which has a lot of
tourist destinations. One of them is the Mandala Suci Wenara Wana.
Mandala Suci Wenara Wana or also known as Monkey Forest Ubud
is a nature reserve and temple complex located in the village of
Padangtegal Ubud, Bali. In this place there are approximately 749
long-tailed monkeys. Interesting activities that can be done here
include taking a walk while enjoying the view of the forest, taking
pictures around the temple, and also tips on how to feed the
monkeys that are here. Around the area there is a spa area, then an
art shop location and much more.
Known as the art center in Bali, Ubud has several places that
are famous for their art markets. How not, if we look at its history,
the construction of the Ubud palace was assisted by a world artist
named Walter Spiers and after the construction of the palace was
completed, he chose to stay in Ubud and many other artists followed
him to settle, so it is not surprising that Ubud is known as the center

158
of art. The Ubud art market is a mandatory place visited by many
tourists both from domestic and foreign to hunt for souvenirs
typical of Balinese culture and art to give to their families and
relatives. The traditional art market is located on Jalan Raya Ubud
No.35 – Ubud, Bali. Ubud traditional art market opening hours are
from 04.00 to 18.00. Visitors will not be charged (free) to enter the
Ubud Market Art. Visitors are free to explore the market area to just
look around and buy artworks because all the artworks are clearly
displayed on the street. Meanwhile, the best time to visit the Ubud
Art Market is in the morning. That's because, if we visit the art
market in the morning, we will not be too jostling with other visitors
because the atmosphere is still quiet and will be more flexible to
choose goods compared to the atmosphere during the day which is
full of visitors so it will be difficult for us to choose the items to be
purchased. we buy. In this market there are two regions, the western
region and the eastern region. The eastern region contains more that
sells staples and basic necessities, while the western region sells
more handicrafts and art works which are very interesting to
explore.
In Bali there is also a tourist destination called Garuda Wisnu
Kencana Cultural Park, or often referred to as GWK which is a
cultural tourism park in the southern part of the island of Bali. This
tourist park is located in Ungasan Village, South Kuta District,
Badung Regency, about 40 kilometers south of Denpasar, the capital
city of Bali province. Here stands a majestic landmark or mascot of
Bali, namely the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue depicting the figure
of Lord Vishnu riding his mount, Garuda, as high as 121 meters. In
comparison, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue beats the Statue of
Liberty's height which reaches 93 meters. This makes the Garuda
Wisnu Kencana statue included in the list of the tallest statues in the
world. This Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue depicts Lord Vishnu
riding a Garuda. In Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu is seen as the
protector of the universe. He is accompanied by Garuda which
symbolizes loyalty and selfless devotion. While the gold is gold,
meaning that both are decorated with a crown of gold mosaic.
Garuda is also the symbol of the Indonesian state and symbolizes

159
independence. The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park area is
located at an altitude of 146 meters above ground level or 263 meters
above sea level.
Vacation in Bali, it's not complete if you haven't visited
Penglipuran Village. This tourist village, located in Bangli Regency,
has even been named the cleanest village in the world. When
entering this village, we will be greeted with rows of green plants
and the air and scenery that feels cool and beautiful with views of
the hedgerows that adorn the entire village area. When we go
around this village, it is forbidden to use a motorized vehicle, yes!
This is done to keep the Penglipuran Village environment free from
pollution. So, we can explore this village on foot. There is also a trash
can every 30 meters, so we have no reason to litter. For those who
are on vacation to Penglipuran Bangli village for the first time, they
will certainly be surprised to see the shape of each resident's house
is almost the same. The similarity of each house can be seen in the
gate of the house, the roof of the house and the walls of the house
using bamboo, the width of the gate that only fits one adult. In
Balinese society, this type of door is called angkul-angkul. The
division of each house layout is also the same, such as the bedroom
and kitchen.
The grouping culture of village spatial planning is very
visible here. In the north and located higher than the residents'
houses, there is a village temple called the Penataran Temple. In the
center of the village, which is located below the temple, is a
residential zone. Currently the village is inhabited by 226 families
and for daily living the villagers work as farmers, woven bamboo
craftsmen and raise livestock. The last or third zone is called setra or
grave. Although the villagers of Penglipuran Bali embraced
Hinduism, the villagers of Penglipuran Bangli did not know the
cremation ceremony, so the bodies were immediately buried.
The experience of visiting Penglipuran Village will certainly
be an unforgettable experience because this village is very different
from most villages in Indonesia. We like getting a new calm and
positive energy after visiting this village.

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The life of a local
Balinese people are people who are very friendly, kind,
warm, and very happy to help tourists. In addition, they also have
a very large sense of tolerance. Therefore, as tourists, we must also
be kind, respect them, and always increase tolerance for the culture
and customs of the local community. The people of Bali have been
known for their hospitality from the past by tourists from within
and outside the country. Foreign tourists are also happy because
there are many Balinese residents, especially those who make a
living as traders, tour guides, and residents around tourist
attractions who can speak English. This is certainly very helpful for
foreign tourists so that they have no difficulty communicating or
transacting with local sellers.
The friendliness of the residents and their warmth certainly
makes Bali have a different atmosphere compared to some other

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tourist attractions that I have visited. This makes almost all tourists
who have visited Bali will always want to come back to this Island
of the Gods because of its natural beauty, cultural richness, and the
friendliness of its residents.

My tips for traveling to Bali


When visiting Bali, make sure we bring a camera or gadget
with a quality camera to capture every moment we do in Bali. This
is of course very necessary because there will be many activities
carried out in the open, such as at the beach, mountains, forests, rice
fields, and in the midst of a crowd of people.
We also have to maintain decency when we act in Bali. I
recommend that, before visiting Bali we have to find out on the
internet about the things that can and should not be done on this
Island of the Gods. For example, when in Bali, we will see a lot of
offerings in every corner of the place, we cannot take this offering

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or throw it away, it is a form of respecting the culture and customs
of the local community. Some temples which are tourist attractions
in Bali also have several regulations such as rooms that are
prohibited for visitors to enter, chairs that are prohibited from being
occupied by visitors, or even heirloom objects that are forbidden to
be touched by visitors. Of course, as tourists, we must obey these
rules as a form of respect for the local Balinese people. The rules are
also of course made with the right reasons that have been
considered by them.
My next suggestion is, if you want to visit Bali, we should also
master English because there we will interact a lot with foreign
tourists intentionally or unintentionally. So by mastering English of
course it will make it easier for us.

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SIGER CITY —
MY BEAUTIFUL FATE IN KRUI
By Naomy Retnoandhini Riyanto

One of the provinces of the island of Sumatra's southernmost


part, a magnificent nuanced place known as the Elephant Province
— this is Lampung. I traveled with my extended family on
November 16, 2019. Lampung is the greatest destination to visit if
you're seeking a holiday spot, because Lampung is full with
references to holiday destinations. Not only because of its location,
and also because you may have a sensation of being in paradise
when journeying to a vacation spot. In this text, I will tell you about
my holiday experience in Lampung, Pesisir Barat, Krui.

How to get there


I traveled to Lampung with my extended family to attend my
uncle's wedding. My hometown is Karawang, and my extended
family is in Tangerang, Java Island.
So I'll suggest a trip to Lampung Province from Java Island.
At 9 p.m., I moved from Karawang City to Tangerang City, where I
rested while waiting for my whole extended family to arrive. After
everyone had arrived, we all moved to Merak Harbor at Pulo
Merak, Cilegon City, Banten. When we arrived to Merak Harbor my
Father paid the Port's access card, My Grandpa and Uncle handled
all payment and ticket transactions, so after getting our admittance
tickets, we just stayed in the car.
After we finished paying, we moved to the cars queue area to
wait in line to access the ship's parking lot. Cars have slowly begun
to enter the ship's parking lot, which is accessible by an iron bridge
underneath the ship. My father parked the car once it entered the
ship's parking area, following the directions of the ship's officer. We

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walked from the parking spot to the inside of the ship, which was
above, using the stairs after parking was done.
Officers quickly guided us to the resting area, which was
comfy and cool. My parents and my extended family's elderly rested
there, but my cousin and I went for a walk on the boat. We explored
the toilets section, the discussion room with many artworks, the
canteen to buy noodles, and other places. We ate noodles at the boat
canteen after buying it. The ship's canteen feels luxury that's because
the atmosphere is dominated by white and yellow lights, much the
same as a restaurant.
We landed at Bakauheni Port in South Lampung at 4 a.m.
after a one-and-a-half to two-hour sea journey. Then we all went
back to the parking lot to get off the ship and continue our journey
to Lampung, Pesisir Barat.
The journey from Bakauheni, South Lampung to Lampung,
Krui, Pesisir Barat is lengthy. We drive for around seven to eight
hours, and this may be the most dull part. But don't worry,
Lampung is rich with exoticism. On our road trip, we traveled
through a rather long protected forest, which makes me feel like I'm
in paradise. Lampung has a wonderful and rich forest with trees and
plants, cool air, and gorgeous view, which is excellent to relieve
anxiety on the trip.

Gambar 91. View on sea trip

First thoughts
I often think that the area outside of Java is only forest and
settlements that are far from the modern level of Java Island. In fact
it is not true, Lampung City is, on the other hand, a highly active

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and hip town. Everything is nearly identical to what it is on the
island of Java, excluding the daily language, which is the Lampung
regional language.
When we arrived in Krui, I expected we'd be given a
communal house to stay in for a few days. But there, we were given
four separate homes on stilts right next to the beach. The
atmosphere at Krui is just heavenly.
Krui is a beachside town, thus they have a wonderful beach
with pristine white sand. Krui Beach is not overrun with people, the
beach is like a homepage in the city, and at the time, the beach was
like my family's personal space. Everything is excellent and
sufficient, with no defects.

Gambar 92. Krui white sand beach in front of the inn

What can you see?


According to what had been expected, the trip to Krui was
very enjoyable.
We received excellent things during the holidays, namely:
• Siger Tower
• Bukit Barisan Selatan Protected Forest
• White Sand Krui Beach
• The Monument of Muli Batin Sekala Bekhak

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• Stage Traditional House Settlement
When exploring Lampung, all of these locations leave a great
impression. Keep in mind that there are many great seafood dishes
in Lampung. A taste that you will only get in Lampung.

The life of a local


Lampung people are very warm and kind, they always
welcome and smile at others. I noticed the beauty of mutual
cooperation in the success of this traditional ceremony during my
uncle's wedding. Their men worked together to construct a
traditional Lampung wedding stage, while the ladies all cooked
traditional foods in the back, followed by joyous chatter and
laughing.
I can't imagine how amazing it would be to live in such a
wonderful location and be raised in such a welcoming environment.
Krui has given us its natural beauty and its people's warmth,
consequently, maintaining ethics must be prioritized. In order to
create a good relationship, we must be able to give the same
feedback. Krui has become a home that many people long to return
again.

Gambar 93. Residents and children in krui

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My tips for traveling to Krui
If you can just bring a camera, carry a cellphone with a great
camera.
Bring a lot of cash because there is a lot of nice food and
beverages there.
Bring appropriate beach wear because the beach view is
breathtaking.
Don't forget to bring a music box, listening to songs on the
beach will create a really relaxing atmosphere. You should bring a
lot of planning for a holiday to Krui, since you will bring a lot of
enjoyment!!!

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THE BUSIEST METROPOLITAN IN
INDONESIA
By Naufal Alantika Azhar

The capital of Indonesia, the Special Capital Region of Jakarta


or DKI Jakarta is the most populated city in Southeast Asia.
Located on the northwest coast of Java Island, Jakarta serves
as a central place for the country’s government and economics.
Besides government management and market economies,
Jakarta is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in
Indonesia.

Gambar 94. Jakarta’s skyscrapers


Source: wikipedia

How to get there


Thanks to Jakarta’s modern development of transportation
and routes, getting into Jakarta is easy if you follow the procedures.
There are many transportations and routes that you can take
to enter Jakarta, but the most common way is by land. If you take
the sea route, you will be closer to North Jakarta than Central
Jakarta.

169
From my journey, I traveled by plane to Soekarno-Hatta
Airport. If you’re from foreign countries, you’ll need a passport and
some documents. Once I grabbed my luggage, I took a cab straight
to Central Jakarta. The ride took around 30 minutes.
Once I reached Central Jakarta, I went to the nearest hotel
called Merlynn Park Hotel. I booked a room and went straight
outside to explore Jakarta.

Gambar 95. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport


Source: Jakartaairportonline.com

First thoughts
Arriving in Jakarta, the most conspicuous thing is the
skyscrapers. Tall, soaring high buildings of glass and concrete. High
and tall skyscrapers decorate every corner of the city. This is why
Jakarta is nicknamed “The City of Skyscrapers”.
Busy roads are never-ending. Cars and bikes always pass
with their noisy engines and horns honking. No wonder the city is
the busiest in Indonesia.
Not just skyscrapers, Jakarta’s architecture is very modern
and pleasing to the eye.
diverse public facilities. starting from pedestrian paths,
bicycle paths, and chairs to rest is clean, and well maintained.

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The public facilities and paths are regularly cleaned by official
cleaners paid by the government called “pasukan oranye”

Gambar 96. Jakarta’s Roads


Source: cekaja

What can you see?


If you want to take a break and relax on a vacation, Jakarta
isn’t the best place to go. Jakarta is mostly filled with government
buildings and huge corporate buildings.
Despite all that, Jakarta still offers a lot of recreational options.
Jakarta has hundreds of malls and stores all around that you can
shop at.
I visited Grand Indonesia, one of the biggest malls in
Indonesia. Inside, you will be greeted with friendly workers and
great hospitality.
The mall is filled with tons of diverse things. Starting from big
designer brands, delicious restaurants, and recreational spots like
arcades and playgrounds.
I think if I stay here longer, my wallet’s going to cry. All these
big brands offer their products at a very high price.
I recommend going on a walk at a park and buying stuff from
street vendors. They offer delicious, unique foods at a very
affordable price. And while you’re enjoying the food, you can also
take in the beauty of Jakarta by going on a walk.

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Other than malls, big buildings, or parks, Jakarta offers much
more than that. Behind all corporate and business purposed places,
Jakarta plays a big role in Indonesia’s history, therefore historical
buildings such as dutch heritages are everywhere.
Kota Tua is one of the many dutch heritages left in Jakarta.
Jakarta has historical monuments such as Monumen Nasional
(Monas) and Monumen Pancasila Sakti.
Jakarta also has tons of museums explaining the history of
Indonesia that happened in Jakarta. So while you’re on a vacation,
you can also study history.
Those are some of the many places that you can visit in
Jakarta. More places are waiting to be explored

Gambar 97. Jakarta’s Kota Tua


Source: liputan6

The life of a local


Jakarta’s residents are mostly immigrants from provinces and
cities all over Indonesia. That’s why Jakarta has a diverse culture,
therefore living in Jakarta unites its residents even stronger.
Most Jakartan residents are very busy with work and their
jobs. men with suits, and formal uniforms are everywhere. fancy
cars, and busy roads indicate that Jakartans are hard workers and
diligent with their jobs.

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Jakarta’s residents are always warm and welcome to
everyone that comes to Jakarta. When I was buying food from one
of the street vendors, they welcomed me and treated me like their
own family. They started talking about their life and their stories
with other people.

Gambar 98. Jakarta’s Residents


Source: tempo.co

My tips for traveling to Jakarta


If you want to visit Jakarta, I recommend bringing enough
money to purchase things, because most things in Jakarta are
expensive, but not everything is. If you are clever and know the ins’
and outs of Jakarta, you can live here with a low budget.
If you want to explore around Jakarta, I recommend going
everywhere with public transport. with public transport, you are
supporting the government and the environment by creating less
pollution. The public transport in Jakarta now is modern,
comfortable and easy to use. The transport usually isn’t very
crowded.
A camera is also necessary to document your visit. There are
tons of photo spots that you shouldn't miss out on. Jakarta's
architecture is a hotspot for aesthetic photography. For example,
this is a bus stop near Gelora Bung Karno, located in North Jakarta.

173
Gambar 99. Gelora Bung Karno Bus Stop
Source: Line Today

174
INCREDIBLE TRIP TO MAGELANG WHILE
EXPLORING CENTRAL JAVA
By Nita Pasaribu

Famous as the launching point for visits to the sacred 8th-


century Borobudur Temple, Magelang is located in a scenic location
between Mount Merbabu and Mount Sumbing in Central Java. This
beautiful small town also has a strategic position, as it is on the main
route Semarang-Yogyakarta. Magelang has a long and illustrious
history as a military post during Indonesia's struggle for
independence from Dutch rule. As you drive deeper into Central
Java, Magelang becomes more interesting.

How to get there


There are so many ways to get to Magelang, whether by
airway or land route. First and foremost, Magelang can be accessed
by driving with family or friends. Then there are transit routes to
consider. One of the bus stations is Tidar Terminal, a bus terminal
type A, located on Soekarno-Hatta Street, Tidar Utara, South
Magelang.
Unfortunately, for various reasons, all of the railroad stations
are closed. You can still get to Magelang from Yogyakarta's train
station because the distance between the two cities is short; it takes
around an hour to drive from Yogyakarta to Magelang. Tugu
Station is one of the train stations in Yogyakarta that you can use.
If you're coming from afar or from another country, you can
fly to Magelang. Because Magelang does not have an airport, you
must fly to the nearest airport to Magelang, such as Adisutjipto
Airport, Yogyakarta International Airport, Ahmad Yani
International Airport, and others are all close to Magelang.

175
Gambar 100. The Yogyakarta International Airport.

What can you see?


Commonly, if you travel to Magelang, you’ll find many
temples. As a tourist, you can follow some trip planners from the
tourism agency. Along the tour, we got to see many of the tourist
highlights including :
1. Borobudur Temple

Gambar 101. The Borobudur Temple.

The magnificent Borobudur temple is the world’s biggest


Buddhist monument that was built in the 8th and 9th centuries
during the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty. The area is
surrounded by beautiful scenery of Central Java’s nature that
you can only find there.

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The building pattern is a Javanese religious structure
which combines the Indonesian indigenous religion of ancestor
worship and the Buddhist concept of attaining Nirvana. This
temple presents the influences of Gupta art that reflect India’s
effect on this area, yet there are enough native pictures and
components incorporated to create Borobudur uniquely
Indonesian.
Throughout 10 centuries of abandonment, the temple has
remained sturdy. Borobudur is one of Indonesia's most valuable
antiquities, and its restoration took eight years.
The temple is enriched with bas-relief stone carvings
depicting scenes from Buddha's life. Commentators claim that
this is the world's greatest and most comprehensive collection of
Buddhist reliefs, with no equal in terms of artistic excellence.
2. Mendut temple

Gambar 102. The Mendut Temple.

The period of May will be an interesting time for making


a trip to Magelang. You can observe the famous festival of the
Buddhist holiest day, known as Vesak 2561/2562 which falls on
May 11th. The date is set in like manner to the hour of the most
brilliant full moon that shows up on the long stretch of May or
known as the Purnama Sidhi.
Here in Indonesia, the parade is yearly held around the
area of the Mendut temple. The temple is the oldest of two

177
Buddhist temples and was built in the 9th century. Mendut is a
rectangular structure with a height of 26.4 meters.
This temple not just has turned into the focal point of
Buddhism practices and customs, yet additionally accepted by
nearby Javanese Kejawen as the spot to contemplate. It is shown
by a stone cut picture of Hariti as the image of richness and
parenthood, which are well known among local people as the
asking site for couples who yearn to have youngsters.

3. Punthuk Setumbu

Gambar 103. The View in Punthuk Setumbu.

Are you a sunrise or sunset person? No matter, if you’re


one of them, then you must visit The Punthuk Setumbu. Punthuk
Setumbu is a hill located in the Menoreh hill group, this hill has
a height of 400 meters above sea level. The hill, which is a favorite
spot to enjoy the sunrise around Borobudur, is perfect for all of
you who feel bored with the hustle and bustle of the city, the
fresh air typical of the hills coupled with stunning views will
make all of you feel at home in this place.
Punthuk Setumbu was originally an ordinary plantation
area. To summarize, a photographer who captures the natural
beauty of the area is part of the very beautiful panorama of
Magelang. Finally, the photographer's camera shots were spread
on social media. In the end, many tourists visit came to Punthuk
Setumbu, even foreign tourists.

178
Punthuk Setumbu is still in the Borobudur Temple area,
precisely on Jalan Borobudur Ngadiharjo KM4, Kurahan,
Karangrejo Village. The route is the same when going to
Borobudur Temple. Its uphill position made several Punthuk
Setumbu officers stand guard on the roadside. From the main
road, this tourist spot is not too far away and can be accessed
using four-wheeled vehicles.
4. Selogriyo Temple

Gambar 104. The Selogriyo Temple.

Candi Selogriyo refers to "stone home" since it contains a


statue that represents the god. The temple is about 35 kilometers
from Borobudur Temple in Bukit Sukorini, East Sumbing.
Because of the beautiful scenery, many foreign and domestic
tourists visit this temple. The view of the mountains and rice
fields along the way is breathtaking. Besides its interesting
structure, the temple and its surroundings disclose a very rich
historical and cultural past.
Selogriyo temple stands 15 meters tall and covers around
300 m². This cultural and architectural treasure is a relic from
Java's Hindu era. The building faces east, and the roof structure
is shaped like an amakala, a local fruit. It's a frequent feature on
classic Indonesian buildings that have been Indianized.
Five niches with statues of Hindu deities could be found
on the temple's four sides: north is Durga, west is Ganesha, south
is Agastya, and east is Nandiswara and Mahakala. The temple,

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located at 740 meters on the summit of Mt Sumbing, is flanked
by the Giyanti, Condong, and Malang mountains.
5. Pawon Temple

Gambar 105. The Pawon Temple.

A captivating temple resides in Borobudur Sub-District,


The Pawon Temple is also known as Bajranalan. In terms of
name, “Pawon” means kitchen. According to local guides, it is
likely the name derives from the word “Pa-awu-an”, which
means a place to store ashes. Well, no one knows the exact
history and meaning of the name, though. What tourists know is
only the attractive architecture of the temple and the comfy
nuance of the site. No wonder, the popularity is considered
excellent.
Since the temple is surrounded by plants and trees, the
atmosphere is serene. The primary structure is located on the
stairwell and a large patio. It has a lot of carvings and
embellishments despite its modest size. Apart from that, the
environment is clean, making visitors feel at ease while visiting
the area.
The excellent thing is that visitors are free to explore
Pawon Temple. This, in certain ways, makes for a fun adventure.
The temple's main entrance is on the west side, and the doorway
is adorned with Kalamakara decoration. In fact, the chamber
used to house the famed Bodhisattva Statue! Unfortunately,
tourists will no longer be able to see it.

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6. Ancient Umbul Temple Hot Spring

Gambar 106. The Ancient Umbul Temple Hot Spring.

When on vacation in Central Java, spend some time in


Magelang and bathe in Umbul Temple, an archaic hot spring
bathing pool with enticing natural beauty that is thought to have
been built around the 9th century. Around the lake, a collection
of stone ruins portrays numerous reliefs of plants, animals, and
the Borobudur Temple. The pool is still used for bathing today,
and it is fed with water from a local spring.
In this Umbul Temple, there are two different pools. The
first is sulfur-infused hot tubs, whereas the second is a cold-
water pool. The entire pond is surrounded by andesite stone,
giving the sense of being ancient.
A garden surrounds the pools, as well as numerous stones,
including some shaped like ‘lingga’ and ‘yoni’. A 20-meter-long
original wall can be found 20 meters east of the bathing pool.
Various artifacts have been found at Umbul, including religious
sculptures. Statues found include two of Ganesha, two of Durga,
and one of Agastya. N.J. Krom noted in a 1923 inventory that a
garuda containing a human body had also been discovered.

181
The life of a local
People who live in Central Java are friendly and warm. At
first, they seem shy, wondering whether to approach you or not.
Many of them will stare then smile and wave at you. Sometimes
they will start a short conversation with you since they’re really
outgoing. That way, all you need is just to answer them nicely.
Most of the locals in Magelang speak great Javanese. They
will greet you with warm encouragement. Don’t hesitate to ask
them if you need some information about your traveling. The
Central Java people are very proud and passionate about their
traditions, therefore I found it best to just listen and learn about their
culture instead.

My tips for traveling to Central Java


Bring a quality camera with you, since you’ll see many
magnificent views in Magelang. You can also use your phone if you
want it to be simple.
I would recommend you bring a polaroid camera. Usually, I
use this camera to take aesthetic photos.
Buy some ‘Tahu Gundul’ as a small gift for your friends or
family and a miniature of the temple will be a good souvenir.
Take a nice backpacker with you, I suggest you the Eiger one.
It will make it easier to bring all of your things.
Last, always wear your mask on and never forget to take hand
sanitizer everywhere you go. Also, never leave your tour guide
alone or you’ll get in trouble.

182
BALI TRIP WITH HIGH SCHOOL
CLASSMATES
By Nu’man Abel Gaudi

Bali is an Indonesian province whose capital is Denpasar. On


August 14, 1959, the Island of the Gods was founded. The Hindu
religion is practiced by the vast majority of the population. Because
of the uniqueness of various artistic and cultural products, foreign
tourists regard Bali as the tourism prima donna.The city, which is
well-known for its tourist attractions, is included in the list of the
best islands in the world

Trip to Bali
So at that time I went to Bali with my junior high school
friends or it was called a study tour. We went to bali by bus. We left
at 9 am. We went to Bali through several toll roads. Coincidentally
at that time it was Friday so at 12 o'clock we stopped at the mosque
to pray and have lunch at a restaurant near the mosque. After that,
we continued our journey back. We passed the Paiton PLTU in
Probolinggo, which is one of the largest PLTU in Indonesia. We took
another break at 6 p.m. to pray and eat. After finishing, we
continued our journey back, arriving at the port of ketapang at 12
p.m., taking a ferry for an hour, and arriving at the port of gilimanuk
at 1 a.m. Following that, we continued our journey to the rest and
breakfast stop. After arriving at the breakfast location at 2 a.m., all
students showered and changed clothes before resting on the bus
while waiting for dawn and breakfast.

First day in Bali


We continued our journey after breakfast to the first
destination, Lake Beratan Bedugul, where we visited Ulun Danu
Temple, took a speed boat, and took pictures on the lake's edge.

183
According to locals, Lake Bedugul is best visited at 5 a.m. because it
is still foggy and you can see the sunrise. The second location is
Joger Bali. Joger, known for its word factory, has locations in Kuta
and Luwus Bedugul Village in Bali. Every visitor who enters this
Joger souvenir will be greeted warmly and given a sticker as a sign
of VVIP entry, after which scanning will take place. There is a special
room inside the Joger gallery for displaying T-shirt collections, as
well as a special room for souvenirs such as mugs, slippers, key
chains, and so on. Furthermore, there is a unique room for those of
you looking for children's T-shirts because you must enter through
a door that is only 1.5 meters high. Of course, it's understandable
given that it's for children. Joger Bali is the only place in Indonesia
that sells reverse clocks, which are the Joger Bali trademark. There
is also a room in the corner that sells souvenirs such as jars and other
trinkets. Panglipuran Village is our third stop. Panglipuran Village
is one of the world's cleanest villages. Panglipuran Village is an
environmentally friendly residential complex with neatly arranged
buildings built on the same land area, the main door (angku-angkul)
that is the same and symmetrical, and a unique and beautiful village
atmosphere. loloh cemcem is a traditional drink that has been
around since the colonial era. Panglipuran traditional village is well-
known among both domestic and international tourists. During
school vacations, it is not uncommon for students to make
Panglipuran village a mandatory tourist destination as part of their
study tour activities.

Gambar 107. The streets in the village of Panglipuran

We had dinner at Krishna's restaurant in the evening. We


went to the hotel to rest after dinner.

184
Second day in Bali
The Bajra Sandhi Monument was our first stop on the second
day. The Bajra Sandhi Monument is a tourist attraction located in
the Renon district of Denpasar. This monument was later built and
dedicated to the struggle of the people of Bali. Bajra Sandi is a
combination of the words Bajra and Sandhi. Sandhi means holy and
Bajra means Genta. The shape of the monument building resembles
the Holy Bell used by Hindu priests when chanting mantras in
prayer ceremonies. Aside from the museum, there is a library, a fish
pond, handicrafts, and, of course, toilets for visitors at Bajra Sandhi.
Then, on the inside of the building, there are four steps. Which stairs
can you use to get to the 2nd floor?
There is also a museum on the second floor of the monument
that tells the story of the Balinese people's struggle. The struggle
began in prehistoric times and continued through the development
of Balinese civilization, the history of the Balinese kingdom, and the
era of the Balinese people's struggle for independence.
In 33 dioramas, the story of the Balinese people's struggle is
told. As a result, this monument is also known as the Bajra Sandhi
museum.

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Gambar 108. Bajra Sandhi monument entrance

Kuta Beach is the second destination. Kuta Beach in Bali,


located to the south of the gods' island, offers views of the Indian
Ocean. Furthermore, Kuta tourist attractions are one of the most
interesting tourist attractions in Bali, which is the primary
destination for holiday tourists visiting the island of Bali. The third
location, namely We had to take a boat from Tanjung Benoa Beach
to get to Turtle Island. The boat used is not an ordinary boat, but
rather a Glass Bottom Boat, with a floor made of translucent glass.
When we arrive at Turtle Island, we can see how rare turtles are
protected. Aside from turtles, other protected wildlife includes
pythons, bats, Javanese eagles, crocodiles, and a variety of other
animals. There are also many local handicraft vendors on Turtle
Island. Garuda Wisnu Kencana is the fourth destination. I nyoman
Nuarta, a local sculptor, created Garuda Wisnu Kencana. The statue
depicts Lord Vishnu (God of Preservation) riding Garuda, telling
the story of the Garuda bird's devotion and sacrifice to save his
mother from slavery, and how he was ultimately protected by Lord
Vishnu. Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is known as a tourist
park located in the south of the island of Bali. The Garuda Wisnu

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Kencana statue has a height of 121 m. There we watched the Kecak
dance performance at night. The show was magnificent and
amazing.
After that we have dinner at Jimbaran beach. There we are
served a variety of delicious grilled seafood while watching the
waves on the beach.

Third day in Bali


The third day was our last day in bali. Our last destination is
Tanah Lot. Typical icon on this beach is a temple that stands
majestically on a rock. Tanah Lot Temple is also still active as a place
of worship for Hindus in Bali. The sacredness of this holy place can
be seen from the tourists who are not allowed to enter the temple.
On Tanah Lot Beach there is also a sacred snake in the temple. It is
said that this snake is believed to be the savior of Tanah Lot from
evil attacks. We are allowed to touch this snake, but of course
accompanied by the handler. Our activity in Tanah Lot is the
appearance of slogans for each class. After the activity ended, we
headed back home.

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MOUNT KERINCI — EXPLORE KERINCI
WITH MY FAMILY
By Nurudin Gibran William Setiawan

About Kerinci
Kerinci Regency is a tourism destination in Jambi Province.
Mount Kerinci, which stands at a height of 3,805 meters above sea
level. Mount Kerinci is Sumatra's tallest peak and one of Indonesia's
most popular climbing destinations. We can see the entire vista from
its height. Jambi, Padang, Bengkulu, and even the Indian Ocean are
all places worth visiting. The biggest expanse of tea plantations in
the world, creating Kayu Aro tea estates located at the foot of Mount
Kerinci, are among the many tourist attractions known to foreign
countries in Kerinci Regency. As a result, you've become one of the
outcomes. The earth is sold to England and is a favorite tea of Queen
Elizabeth (Kingdom of England).
Its stunning natural beauty enchants every visitor that visits
it, with the exception of my family and myself, who chose it as our
vacation destination at the end of 2019.

Our trip
My brother, Parents, and I fled Jambi city around 3 a.m. on
December 30th, 2019. Our journey through several settlements
surrounded by cliffs, mountains, and beautiful woods was made
even more enjoyable by the fresh and cool air. We arrived in Full
River, the capital of the Kerinci municipality, at 1 p.m., where there
is a lake surrounded by restaurants; we also had lunch by the lake
while admiring its natural beauty, and the afternoon trip was
completed by visiting the Semerup hot springs, which are not far
from where I had lunch, to relieve stress.
The the above day, December 31st, the last day of 2019, we
awoke to a tea plantation atmosphere with cold and foggy air,

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stretching out as far as the eye could see, the view of the tea gardens
was amazing, and after breakfast we toured the plantations around
the inn with Take a walk while breathing in the fresh air that is
distinct with the scent of tea known as Kayu Aro Tea.
Following that, we returned to our tea plantation home,
where we stayed for the night and enjoyed a family BBQ with
processed roasts provided by the inn.
With that, we drove on to Mud Village, which is located in
Lake Kaco's Kerinci Seblat National Park. This tourist site on Lake
Kaco is unique in that the water in the lake is very clear, azure like
glass. Despite the fact that it is far distant and needs trekking, Lake
Kaco is one of Indonesia's cleanest lakes from top to bottom.
The water in the lake is crystal clear and transparent, with a
bluish-green color. Lake Kaco is one of Indonesia's cleanest lakes
from top to bottom, despite its remote location and the necessity for
walking. It was a long journey through the woods, but it was all
worth it when you arrived at your objective. Underground is where
the subway system is located.

Gambar 109. View of Kerinci mount

We hurried from Lake Kaco to the campsite, where my family


and I had planned to spend New Year's Eve doing something
unusual: camping. Bukit Kayangan, near the hamlet of Sungai
Penuh, was our choice for a camping trip.
With a height of 2000 meters above sea level, the trip to the
heavenly hills, which are 2000 meters above sea level, allowed us to
travel over hills and winding roads, making Khayangan Hill a

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beautiful site to visit. The initial draw of Khayangan Hill is the
sensation of heaven tourism, or tourism above the clouds. The
fascination of Khayangan Hill's beauty has made it one of the most
popular tourist destinations in Full River City among millennials.
The clock struck 11.59, supported by the sound of trumpets,
firecrackers, and the explosion of colorful fireworks, adorning the
expanse of the sky that was witnessed full of excitement and
happiness, it didn't feel like the turn of the year had arrived, the
happiness and excitement this time felt different because they were
in the wild, the clock struck 11.59, accompanied by the sound of
trumpets, firecrackers, and the explosion of colorful fireworks,
adorning the expanse of the sky that.
The end of the year looks to be the finish point when the days
are packed with problems. While wishing everyone a happy and
successful new year. All tourists are welcome to rent them.

What can you see?


It may take a long time to describe each item one by one. We
can view a lot of things because there are so many attractions to visit.
I'd like to highlight a few sites that can be visited, despite the fact
that I may not be able to include all of them:
1. Mount Kerinci
2. Kaco lake
3. Smoky Telun waterfall
4. Tea garden
5. Seven mountains
6. Lingkat lake
7. Kerinci lake
8. Talang Kemulun Waterfall
9. Semurup hot water

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Gambar 110. Kaco lake

Kerinci tribe and their tradition


The Kerinci tribe, as well as other Sumatra tribes, such as the
Austronesian-speaking Southern Mongoloid race. The Kerinci tribe
is classified as Malay by language and culture, and is related to the
Minangkabau and Jambi Malays. The Kerinci language is spoken by
the majority of the Kerinci tribe, and it contains several dialects that
vary greatly from place to place within the Kerinci Regency. To
communicate with immigrants, whether Minangkabau or
Indonesian.
The practice of holding traditional harvest feasts is one of the
customs that is still practiced by diverse ethnic groups. The fuaton
traditional ritual in East Nusa Tenggara, the aruh mahnyari
traditional ceremonial for the Dayak tribe, the practice of denying
reinforcements as thanks after a bountiful harvest in South
Sulawesi, and so on, are examples of this. These customs are meant
to express gratitude for the community's harvests as well as to pray
for blessings for better harvest outcomes in the future season. The
residents of Jambi Province, namely Kerinci Regency, experienced
the same event. They are referred to as the "Old Malays''. The Old
Malays are still familiar with the sorts of rituals or traditional
harvest feasts known as sko kenduri. The Titian Terrace Batu Ber

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Tangga traditional celebration includes Kenduri sko, the largest
traditional ceremony in the Kerinci district. The traditional rituals in
Kerinci, according to Daud , may be divided into three categories:
Titian Traditional Ceremony, Terrace of Stone; Cupak Gantang
Traditional Ceremony of Working Closely; and Traditional
Romance Ceremony. The Kenduri sko event in Kerinci, like many
traditional ceremonies in every civilization, has a significant
importance for the local community. The Kerinci culture culminates
with the Kenduri sko ritual. To put it another way, it's a typical
Kerinci community function with specific goals and objectives.
Kenduri sko ceremonies are only held in traditional alliance villages
or among indigenous peoples from hamlets in villages with a
history of traditional elders from depati ninik mamak and
heirlooms.

Gambar 111. Smoky Telun Waterfall

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VISITING YOGYAKARTA – STUDY TOUR
DURING MY SECOND YEAR IN MIDDLE
SCHOOL
By Raykesya Abdian Nandini

The only Indonesian royal city still ruled by a monarchy --


Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (Special District of Yogyakarta).
Yogyakarta is regarded as an important center for classical Javanese
fine arts and culture such as ballet, batik textiles, drama, literature,
music, poetry, silversmithing, visual arts, and wayang puppetry.
When I was still a middle school student, I traveled there during my
education trip (study tour). It was such a great experience.

Education Trip
The Edu Trip starts on Monday, October 28, 2019. My
school—Smart Insani Junior High School, is located in Yukum Jaya,
Central Lampung. At that time, I went by bus and then traveled by
ship. We leave from school in the morning and arrive at the port in
the afternoon. I departed from Bakauheni Harbor to Merak Harbor
in Cilegon City, Banten. The trip only lasts for about 2 hours.

The day before traveling to Yogyakarta


We went straight to Kediri City by bus after arriving on the
Java Island. On Tuesday night, we visited the Simpang Lima Gumul
Monument in Kediri. On Wednesday morning, we visited
Kampung Inggris, Pare. We joined the English course there. We
were learning while playing. I studied a lot from there.
There’s this thing called Tongue Twister. It was my first time
hearing about it. I remember having a hard time trying to say “The
big black bug bit the big black bear, but the big black bear bit the big
black bug back.” in a casual way. The teacher challenged us to say
it fastly yet smoothly. I kept saying something like “debik blek blak

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bidebik blek bir”, well, it’s harder than it looks. It’s pretty fun,
though. I was having a good time with my classmates back then.
In the evening, we took a walk around Kampung Inggris. We
were divided into groups. We were given a task about making a
vlog while shopping in Pare. From a whole lot of things there, I just
bought Empek Empek— Palembang’s traditional food. I don’t
exactly remember why, maybe I was craving it back then. My group
mates helped record me when having a conversation with the seller.
Of course, I asked for permission from her before we recorded our
conversation.
Empek Empek is delicious. The seller told me that she’s
originally from Palembang. She said that she can’t speak English
really well. My school teachers told us that even the sellers used
English in Kampung Inggris. Actually, those sellers worked for the
course institute. The remaining places are filled with sellers from
outside. She is one of them.
After I finished, I took turns recording my teammates having
a conversation with sellers from another stall. We departed from
Pare at half past seven. On Thursday morning, we arrived in
Yogyakarta.

Keraton Yogyakarta
Our first destination is Keraton Yogyakarta. It was really hot
back then. The bus parked near ‘Alun-Alun Utara’. A green square
called Alun-alun Lor or the north square is set to be the front side of
Keraton Yogyakarta, with large banyan trees guarding its center,
named Kyai Dewandaru and Kyai Wijayandaru.

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Gambar 112. Keraton Yogyakarta - Pics from study tour

Yogyakarta palace tours can pass through 2 main doors. The


first is through the front door to the south of the north square, where
you will enter the performance hall which is the Yogyakarta palace
building seen from Malioboro Street. The second is through off
tourism/Regol Keben.
I suggest entering through the performance hall in front so
that you can see the complete collection of the Yogyakarta Palace.
If you go through the performance hall, you will be greeted
by a collection of royal clothes, starting from the clothes of kings,
princes, relatives, soldiers, to palace servants. You will see statues
of palace guards and carved pictures on the walls that describe the
history of the formation of the Ngayogyakarta palace.
There is a building where you can see documentaries about
Yogyakarta in a cinema style setting. Out of the front complex, the
tour continues by entering the Regol Keben which is the second
door.
At Regol Keben, in the middle of the field you can see the
Bangsal Ponconiti. Which in the past was used as a place of justice
to punish those who committed crimes, court hearings were
presided over by the Sultan. In addition, the Bangsal Ponconiti is
used for traditional activities such as Garebeg Sekaten. When it is

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open for tourists, usually, you can see various arts typical of the
Sultan's palace displayed in the Bangsal Ponconiti.
When you travel to Keraton Yogyakarta, you can find palace
servants on guard in traditional Yogyakarta palace clothes, which
makes this palace complex quite interesting. Which makes it even
more unique, the land in Keraton Yogyakarta is sand taken directly
from the south coast.

Malioboro
Many foreign tourists identify Malioboro Street as Jogja, so
it's not complete to visit Jogja without visiting Malioboro Street,
Jogja. Malioboro Street as a whole consists of Margo Utomo Street,
Malioboro Street, and MargoMulyo Street. The location of Jalan
Malioboro is in the center of the city of Jogja so it is very easy to
access by both domestic and foreign tourists.
Tourists can use the city bus line 4 or the Trans Jogja bus with
routes 3A and 3B, besides that tourists can also use the train mode
of transportation and then get off at Tugu Jogja Station. Taxis and
Gojek are also there which are always available at all times. Tourists
can also use traditional transportation services such as Becak and
Andong.
Malioboro as a legendary tourist attraction in Jogja offers
shopping tours consisting of traditional shopping tours and modern
tours. Various types of souvenirs are sold by traders lining
Malioboro street such as T-shirts, Batik, Key Chains, Bags, and
various handicrafts made of wood, silver, leather, and many others.
Tourists can also shop at shops that line the Malioboro area.
We went around Malioboro from noon to 4 pm. It was very
refreshing because we had walked from Keraton Yogyakarta when
the weather was very hot. After that, we went to Hotel for check-in.
I was very happy about the thought of sleeping in bed. It’s because
we slept on the bus for the previous three nights.

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Mount Merapi

Gambar 113. Mount Merapi - Pics from study tour

Mount Merapi (Gunung Merapi) is an active stratovolcano


located on the border between the province of Central Java and the
Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is the most active
volcano in Indonesia and has erupted regularly since 1548. It is
located approximately 28 kilometers (17 miles) north of Yogyakarta
city which has a population of 2.4 million, and thousands of people
live on the flanks of the volcano, with villages as high as 1,700
meters (5,577 ft) above sea level.
There are many historical objects that can be found at Mount
Merapi. Some places that I visited were :

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1. Kaliadem Bunker

Gambar 114. Kaliadem Bunker - Pic from study tour

The area on the slopes of Mount Merapi is a dangerous


zone. There are hundreds of thousands of residents who cannot
escape the threat of an eruption of one of the most active
volcanoes in the world. Therefore, several bunkers were built
which were intended for residents who could not escape.
However, the function of the existence of these bunkers
was questioned again after the eruption of Mount Merapi which
occurred in 2006, a month after the 27 May earthquake
devastated Yogyakarta. The eruption of Merapi that year did
only take a few victims and there was nothing from the eruption
of Merapi four years ago.
However, there were two victims whose lives were lost
when they took shelter in one of the shelters, the Kaliadem
Bunker, to protect themselves from the slide of Merapi's
"Wedhus Gembel".

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2. Mini Museum, `Sisa Hartaku’

Gambar 115. Kaliadem Bunker - Pic from study tour

This museum is very unique, but also gives a very deep


impression. For some visitors, this museum will also cause
emotions of sadness.
As the name suggests, this museum stores the remains of
the victims of the ferocity of the hot clouds of Mount Merapi in
2010. The existence of this museum proves that there is a sad
story of the effects given by the gallant eruption of Mount
Merapi. Even though they are only remnants, they are still
valuable for remembering and understanding how nature
worked.
The Sisa Hartaku Museum is not big, that's why it is also
known as a mini museum. The location is in the house that used
to belong to Mr. Riyanto and his family. Starting from an effort
to collect items left over from the eruption of Merapi, finally it
occurred to make it a museum so that the incident would not be
forgotten.

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3. Alien Stone

Gambar 116. Alien Stone - alodiatour.com

There are many recommended and promising tourist


destinations due to the eruption of Mount Merapi. One of them
is the Cangkringan Alien Hill with a unique and artistic alien
stone. This one big rock has a strange shape, so it is called an
alien stone. Actually, the shape of this rock changed due to being
dragged by hot lava when Mount Merapi erupted.
The eruption of Mount Merapi is indeed a disaster, but
after its anger it will definitely bring blessings to the land, nature,
community patterns and tourism.

Borobudur Temple
The splendor of Borobudur Temple has been recognized by
the world. No wonder then that this historical relic has become the
seven wonders of the world, even though it is protected. This largest
temple has a story that makes it more respected by many people.
Tourists from home and abroad don't stop coming to see the relics
firsthand.
The place was so vast, I almost got lost back then. The stairs
that are climbed to reach the top of the temple are also very many.

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We were given the task of interviewing tourists from abroad.
I interviewed tourists from Spain whom I met there. He said that he
wanted to see the sunset from there.

Gambar 117. Borobudur Temple - Pic from study tour

Tips
First and foremost, something you need to bring when going
on a trip– camera! Keeping precious memories in your mind is good.
If you can keep them in physical form such as pictures, why not?
Nowadays, you could just bring a smartphone. It’s easier to
take pictures and videos. You don’t have to take pictures all the
time. Just make sure you don’t miss a good opportunity to take some
pictures. Making a vlog during a trip is also kind of fun. A vlog
doesn’t necessarily have to be perfect. If it contains precious
memories, then it is a good vlog.
Secondly, don’t forget to bring sunscreen. Protect your skin,
travelers! Too much heat from the sun isn’t a good thing, right? It is
really important, especially if you’re visiting Keraton or Malioboro
in the afternoon. You can also bring a cap, or just buy it there. Back
then, I bought a nice cap with a pretty low price.
When you’re traveling with other people, remember, do not
separate from the group. If you do, you might get lost. I experienced
getting lost on a family trip. I suggest you to not hesitate asking
directions when getting lost. Avoid running out of battery, you

201
could bring a power bank. Lastly, make sure you won’t run out of
quota too.

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VISITING DIENG — MY JOURNEY INTO
THE LAND ABOVE THE CLOUDS
By Rifaldo Davin Murtaja

Dieng is one of the Indonesian cities that sits at a height over


2100 meters above sea level. This is the reason why Dieng has a cold
temperature, around 14 degrees Celsius on average. Every Eid Al
Fitr, I go to Dieng because my family is there, so I got quite a lot of
stories about Dieng, and its beauty.

On Our Way There


My family and I got there by car. Usually, we leave our house
in the morning on the last day of Ramadhan. This is because we will
celebrate Eid Al Fitr there. From Solo to Dieng can take around 7-9
hours, depending on the level of traffic jams. But usually, it’s a little
crowded at some places, so it takes about 8 hours for us.
On our way there, we always found something interesting,
for example, we will meet many tourist destinations. “Cengklik”
reservoir is one of them. It is located in Salatiga. Sometimes we stop
at one of those places to either rest, eat, or even just to refresh
ourselves.
We also often stop by a restaurant called “Soto Seger Hj.
Fatimah”. It is a restaurant with a Joglo House model. Foods that are
served there are really delicious. One of them is Soto Ayam Soup.
Combined with lime juice, and sweet soy sauce, this soup tastes 4
times better. There are also side dishes, like mendoan, fried tempeh,
fried tofu, eggs, lentho, and others.
When you get to Purwaceng, you’ll meet a giant statue of
Carica fruit. This statue is the symbol of one of the most popular
souvenirs from Dieng, Carica fruit. Carica still has the same
classification as papaya. The difference is this fruit is smaller

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because of the cold temperature where it grows. You can also find
their trees planted on the edge of the road from Purwaceng to Dieng.

Gambar 118. The Carica Fruit Statue in Purwaceng, Wonosobo.

After we meet this statue, we will ride up and down around


the Sindoro-Sumbing Mountain. This is the part where I usually
decided to sleep because it takes a long time, and it could make me
feel nauseous. After the long way around the mountain, we will see
a huge letter on a wall that said “Dieng”. This is the sign that we
have arrived in Dieng.

My thoughts on Dieng
Everytime I went to Dieng, I felt so happy and nostalgic. It’s
like I have been given another chance to see Dieng again. And since
there are a lot of tourist attractions in Dieng, I will never get bored
of this place. Also, the locals are very nice people.
One of the best places I ever went to is “Batu Pandang
Ratapan Angin” and Merdada Lake. These two places are right next
to each other, which is like every other tourist places in Dieng. The
view of this place is no doubt. The view of lake Merdada to be exact.
This place is very instagrammable.
I also took a photo with an owl there. It was really fun that we
could interact with an animal that is rare to see like an owl.

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Gambar 119. My photo with the owl

What’s there?
Flowers everywhere, and many kinds of them, roses, asters,
hortensias, chrysanthemums, and others. I also saw a lot of Devil’s
Trumpet flowers, and a lot of carica trees on the edge of the road.
Also, there are fields of cabbages, potatoes, scallions, celeries, and
carrots. And of course, because I was on a plateau, I saw mountains
filled with lots of trees.
There aren’t many mosquitos there, unlike in a lot of places. I
actually never met one there.

The life of a local


A lot of people in Dieng are really nice. They do talk really
fast though, with the “Ngapak” language. Because of that,
sometimes I don’t understand what they say to me. My uncle once
said to me that their language is the same language as the language
that people in Suriname spoke.
They are usually great at cooking, because they make a lot of
delicious foods like fried potatoes, desserts, and snacks. One of them
is klathak chips, one of my favorite snacks ever. Its taste is savory

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and a little spicy because of the dried chili. If I go to Dieng , I’ll
always look for it.
When I was there, I slept in my father’s family house there. It
was in Batur, a place located 30 minutes from Dieng. The night there
wasn’t as cold as Dieng, but it’s still really cold. Because of that,
usually people there have a place to warm themselves. They usually
make this place a kitchen too, because they need fire to warm
themselves.
So, my family also has it. In that place, we usually warm
ourselves and chat with each other. I usually just sit there and go
along where the conversation goes. But the chemistry I got with my
family there will be forever in my heart
Heater, is a common item that you will find in their
bathrooms too. Since it’s cold, there’s no way that people take
showers with ice cold water. So they usually have a heater. In my
family’s house, I usually take a shower with it too. It’s so warm and
it made me feel comfortable, making me never want to end my
shower. But it’s dangerous to stay like that for so long, so I decided
to end my shower and quickly put my clothes on because it is really
cold after you take a shower.

Gambar 120. Me and my sister

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My tips for traveling to Dieng
Take a good-quality camera. The view there are really
gorgeous. You’ll never want to not take a picture of the views. But
be careful when you take pictures. There are a lot of places that has
really really narrow cliffs, you better watch out to not fall in one of
those cliffs.
The Internet in Dieng is really unstable. So, if you want to use
the internet in some places, you might not.
If you want to go there to see frost dews, you might want to
go there from July to August. They only form frost dews in these
months. However, they only appear early in the morning.
But if you want to go there, but you don’t want the night to
be really cold. You can go there in the rainy season. In the rainy
season, the temperature at night is much warmer than in the dry
season
Bring items to survive in the cold, like cold jackets, socks,
thick blankets, gloves, and maybe bring some instant coffees or
gingers to heat yourself at night.
Because there aren’t many mosquitos there, you don’t really
need to bring anti-mosquito products like baygon or autan.
If you have a tour guide, you better follow their instructions
for your safety.

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SPENDING MY EID MUBARAK IN WONOSOBO,
CENTRAL JAVA, INDONESIA —
MY JOURNEY INTO CENTRAL JAVA TOURISM
CITY
By Selena Ayudiya Aurellia

Wonosobo is known as a district with beautiful mountain


views that is flanked by two young mountains, Mount Sindoro and
Mount Sumbing with a height of more than 3000 meters above sea
level. Its strategic location and being in a mountainous area makes
Wonosobo a district with enormous economic, tourism, and
agricultural potential with fertile and well-maintained land. It has a
complete tourism potential such as natural, religious, cultural,
culinary, artificial tourism to special interest tourism.
Scan in 1 second
Eid Mubarak in Wonosobo
Since there are no airplanes and trains in the city, my family
and I travel there by car. It takes only three hours from Semarang to
Wonosobo. When we arrived in Wonosobo, especially in the
morning or at night. We saw lots of fog in some areas around the
road. This is because Wonosobo is considered a high land and the
weather there is very cold. Besides the fog, we saw a beautiful
mountain view there. The city is surrounded by two mountains
which are Sindoro and Sumbing.

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Gambar 121. The view of Mount Sumbing

During the trip, we decided to rest at an outdoor cafe there. It


has a beautiful mountain view and is surrounded by a tobacco
garden. Wonosobo is known as one of the most famous tobacco
producers in central java. Since the land is good for farming. So we
saw lots of tobacco gardens around the road. And when day time
people dry their tobacco leaves in a field. So they sell dry tobacco
leaves.

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Gambar 122. The view of Mount Sindoro surrounded by a tobacco
garden

Gambar 123. local people drying the tobacco leaves

Since my grandparents are local people there, when my


family and I arrived we stayed at my grandparent's house. There are

210
rare hotels there, so usually, people rent their houses for tourism. In
there local people don’t have any air conditioner because it’s cold
already. In my grandparent's area, there are mostly local people
there and it's not a tourism district and it's about thirty minutes from
the city. So we barely saw a tourist there whether our city is known
as a tourism city. At night before the eid, there was a “takbir” sound
everywhere from night until the day of the eid. During the eid
Mubarak, their local people pray at the mosque or in a field, this
time my family and I pray in a field in an elementary school near
my grandparent's houses.

Local People
After praying the road was empty. And the eid vibes are quite
strong there, not like in a big city. Since it was a small city, they don’t
have any modern restaurants or junk food restaurants like in a big
city. Most of them are traditional foods there. There is no mall also
there or even a university.Wonobo’s welcoming
But the meal there gate
is a lot cheaper than in
a big city. And it has a lot of delicious traditional foods there such
as megono, tempe kemul, etc. My grandparents usually buy
megono for breakfast and tempe kemul for breakfast. One meal
usually only costs around five thousand rupiahs.

Gambar 124. The road during Eid Mubarak in Kertek, Wonosobo

Telaga Bedakah
After the eid was over we decided to go to Telaga Bedakah. It
was a local tourism destination. It was called a local tourism place
because it was not famous among other tourists outside the city
itself. To get there my family and I decided to go by car but it is

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recommended to go there by motorcycle due to the small road. In
Telaga Bedakah it was charged by each person and there was a
famous tea factory there. There we rode a duck boat in the “telaga”.

Gambar 125. Telaga Bedakah

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VISITING BENGKULU, INDONESIA— MY
TRIP TO THE "LAND OF RAFFLESIA"
By Sintong Hasudungan Simanjutak

Hello, everyone and welcome to this page. I'd like to talk


about holidays in Bengkulu, also known as "the land of Rafflesia,"
and the beauty that can be found there. The city extends to the
southwest of Sumatra and is located directly west of the Indian
Ocean. No wonder this city has a vast tropical forest and is home to
flora and fauna that are endemic to this city. One of them is the
Rafflesia Arnoldi flower and the Sumatran tiger. In Bengkulu, there
are also many beaches, one of which is a long beach with a fairly
long coastline.

How to get there


On the way to Bengkulu city
There are a few ways to get to Bengkulu if you want to visit
it: B. By land, air, or sea. This time, I traveled by land to a tourist
attraction in Bengkulu. Just Saturday morning, I visited the city of
Bengkulu with my family. I have just started my journey by car. I
didn't have to prepare much for the snack and the camera. The first
dad was full at the next gas station. The people we met were very
friendly, as is often the case with Indonesians. Some residents speak
Bengkulu, Rejang, and other indigenous languages. This proves that
Indonesia is rich in culture. I stopped by a fishing tackle shop not
far from the gas station. When we arrived at the first tourist
attraction, Pantai Panjang, it turned out that my dad wanted to take
me fishing.

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Then Dad started taking us to the first tourist destination.
First thoughts

Gambar 126. Pantai Panjang

The first tourist attraction in Bengkulu is "Pantai Panjang".


The length of the line is 7km and the width of the beach is 500m, so
it is no wonder that this beach is called "Pantai Panjang". When we
were almost there, mom asked dad to slow down so that we could
see the beautiful view of the blue sea. On the side of the road, some
vendors were selling various goods and handicrafts. There are also
many young coconut vendors here, and you'll quickly get thirsty.
15 minutes
After driving, I finally arrived at the tourist spot "Pantai
Panjang". Then my dad asked me to buy coconut ice cream. It was
sold not far from where we were. The two seemed to merge while
drinking coconut ice cream and gazing out at the beautiful expanse
of blue sea and clear sky.
Then I saw a crowd looking at some elephants. My father took
me to meet him and rode an elephant. I was scared at first, but after
my dad was convinced and accompanied me on horseback, I finally
got on the elephant for the first time. While riding the elephant, I
went around the beach route led by the elephant zookeeper. I am
very happy. After riding the elephant, I took a picture with a white
elephant statue like a temple. After that, my dad took me fishing at
the estuary. But at that time, I found that I was more interested in
swimming around shallow estuaries. My mother and dad

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accompanied me while fishing and looking at me. The muzzle was
very beautiful.
After a satisfying play in the water, I went to the next tourist
attraction, the British colonial fortress "Fort Marlborough".

Gambar 127. Fort Marlborough

Not far from our first tourist destination, as Fort Marlborough


was built around the coast as a British fort. When we entered the
fort, it was as if it had been carried during the colonial era. Both
buildings, the war equipment contained in this fort, and some
prisons make the fort's aura very strong in a colonial atmosphere.
The fort also houses the prison where the first president of
Indonesia, Ir, was once held. Sukarno was taken prisoner. The fort
has sculptures on each building, the remains of war equipment such
as cannons, rifles, grenades, and cannon shells, as well as weapons
and offices on the tombs of several British officers. Seen from above,
this fortress looks like a turtle. The fort also has a prison room with
additional information about the British occupation of Bengkulu.
Due to the frequent visits of tourists to this fort, the Bengkulu City
Government has established Benteng Marlborough as a historic
tourist attraction in Bengkulu. Some merchants in the fort sell goods
and handicrafts that are mostly made of wood. In the end, I bought
a wooden mask and a miniature wooden ontel bike.

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After visiting Fort Marlborough, I went to the center of town
to buy merchandise and souvenirs, but before that, I spent some
time visiting the tombs of Thomas Parr and the tombs of England. I
also visited a historic place, Ir's house. Sukarno, then we drove to
the city center. In the center of the city is the center of Bengkulu,
called "Simpang Lima Ratu samban", where the monument and
statue of Fatmawati's mother are located. I finally returned to the
inn late in the afternoon.
Day 2 ...
After touring the city of Bengkulu yesterday, my father is
now inviting us to visit a rare flower, the Rafflesia Arnoldi flower
habitat in Curup, Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu. We drove to the place
on Sunday morning at just 7 o'clock. This time, I was more prepared
than ever. From the city center, it took about 2 hours to get to Rejang
Lebong Province. Then my father drove us to the village of Dukuul
in Curup to see the rare flower, Rafflesia Arnoldi.

Gambar 128. Rafflesia Arnoldi

When we got there, we were taken by a guide to see the


flowers of Rafflesia Arnoldi. I also had to go through some steep

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roads and enter a little forest with flowers. After 3 minutes by car,
you can finally see one of the largest flowers in the world, the flower
of Rafflesia Arnoldi. However, it smells bad when it arrives. Then
the guide said that the unpleasant odor came from the flowers of
Rafflesia Arnoldi. Flowers give off an unpleasant odor, attracting
and pollinating insects. I also took pictures around the flowers, but
it was a forgotten memory.

The life of a local


Before we returned to Bengkulu, my dad took us to his
friend's house near the village. I respect the people of the village.
They are all friendly and always greet each other. I saw people there
doing community service to clean the environment and rice fields. I
was also invited to eat at a local inhabitant's house. It turned out that
they offered Bengkulu dishes such as tempoyak, pendap, and
catfish curry. I enjoyed staying in this village for just a few hours.
After that, I said goodbye to the villagers and returned to Bengkulu.
Before we left, the village mayor gave us a bag of cassava and sweet
potatoes. We are also very grateful to the villagers.

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ADVENTURE IN THE CITY OF STUDENTS,
YOGYAKARTA — THIS IS MY JOURNEY
TO A PLACE WITH ALL THE PRIVILEGES.
By Syams Shaka Mahardika

Welcome to Yogyakarta, the capital and administrative heart


of Indonesia's Special Region. This is a large city that still adheres to
traditional Javanese values and culture. Sultan Hamengkubuwana
and the Duke of Paku Alam are both from Yogyakarta. Yogyakarta
is one of Indonesia's major cities and the fourth most populous city
in the southern section of the island of Java. In 1946, Yogyakarta
served as the capital of the Republic of Indonesia.

Brief introduction
Hello everyone, first of all, my name is Syams Shaka
Mahardika from tenth grade MIPA eleven SMA Taruna Nusantara
Magelang, Central Java. As a student, of course, I need free time to
vacation inside and outside the city. There is one interesting place
that I have visited so far, namely the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
Yogyakarta has been integrated with a number of adjacent
areas, resulting in a lack of administrative borders. A secretariat was
created with Kartamantul (Yogyakarta, Sleman, and Bantul) to take
care of all problems connected to the Yogyakarta agglomeration
region and the buffer areas in order to ensure the area's long-term
growth (Depok, Mlati, Gamping, Kasihan, Sewon, and
Banguntapan)
This region covers a huge area and is rich in both natural and
cultural resources. This is where Indonesian artists, visitors, and
influential personalities live. Between 1575 to 1640, one of
Yogyakarta's sub-districts, Kotagede, served as the capital of the
Mataram Sultanate.

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The palaces (palaces) that are still functioning in the true
sense are the Ngayogyakarta Palace and Puro Paku Alaman, which
are fragments of the Mataram Sultanate. During the revolution,
Yogyakarta was also the capital of Indonesia between 1946 and 1950.

Gambar 129. Original pict : Plengkung Nirbaya Gading

First thoughts
As one of the busiest tourist destinations, Yogyakarta
certainly has a mainstay place that is often used as an icon and a
trading center. The most memorable place I visited in Yogyakarta
was Jalan Malioboro. This road connects Tugu Yogyakarta to the
Yogyakarta Palace complex. This road ends at Beringharjo Market
(on the east side). From this point the name of the street changed to
Jalan Achmad Yani. Here are the former residences of the governor
of the Dutch East Indies on the west side and Fort Vredeburg on the
east side.
On Malioboro Street, it is the center of trade and livelihood of
local residents. Starting from culinary tourism, business and many
other things found in this place.
Rickshaws, buggies, cars, and motorbikes pass by on this
street. The bustling atmosphere will not make you bored here,
because of its busyness, Malioboro will always be crowded even late
at night and early in the morning. With a wide variety of culinary

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types and cheap ones, I still have a lot of money haha. In addition to
culinary tourism, Malioboro is also famous for its creative street
artists, some of which are famous even abroad, the accompaniment
of acoustic, traditional and other music accompanying my
exploration.

Gambar 130. Original pict : Malioboro

What can you see?


If you are going on vacation to Malioboro Yogyakarta, you
will find uniqueness and new things that you may not have seen
before. These are some of the things that can be found in Malioboro:
⮚ Jogja Monument
Tugu Jogja is a monument erected by Sri Sultan
Hamengkubuwono I which has now become an icon of
Yogyakarta and tourists are advised and obliged to visit this
monument
⮚ Beringharjo Market
In this market you can find various kinds of souvenirs
from Jogja and other things
⮚ Fort Vredeburg
This is a Dutch heritage fort that is now used as a tourist
attraction and in it there are artistic works of art.

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⮚ Smart Park
As a student city, Yogya has a park devoted to education
for students with modern facilities
⮚ Keraton Yogyakarta
Here you can learn the historical value of the Yogyakarta
Hadiningrat Sultanate by looking at the buildings and heirlooms
inside
⮚ Kilometer Zero Point
If you want to take pictures with a beautiful city
atmosphere, this place is for you
⮚ Street artist
Street artists along the streets color your journey around
the special area of Yogyakarta, from music, dance, to painting.
⮚ Jogja Culinary
As a place that is rich in culture, in Yogyakarta there are
many culinary tours that make you hungry at low prices
⮚ Pedicab, Andong, and others.
If you are tired of driving a car or motorbike, you can try
to ride a rickshaw or carriage with a different atmosphere.

Yogyakarta is full of culture


Yogyakarta is an area where the majority are Javanese with a
very long history starting from Ancient Mataram, Islamic Mataram
to being the capital of the republic of Indonesia. Yogyakarta has
been a special area since August 15, 1950, the Law of the Republic
of Indonesia confirms that Yogyakarta is a special area equivalent to
a province. This privilege is not only given but with a long historical
story, resulting in an absolute decision.
Here are some of Yogyakarta's cultures:
1. Sekatenan
Sekatenan is an annual event held at the Ngayogyakarta
Hadiningrat Palace to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet
Muhammad on the 5th of Rabiul Awal in the Islamic Calendar.

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2. Wayang Kulit
It is an original Javanese art with a puppeteer as the
driving force for "wayang" and accompanied by gamelan music
by niyaga and other supporting actors.
3. Karawitan
Karawitan is an art that is done by many people with
using gamelan as an instrument and human voices in harmony
with pelog or slendro.

Gambar 131. Original Pict : Jogja Monument

Things you need to pay attention to when on vacation to


Yogyakarta
Bring enough money, because the souvenirs and culinary
here are quite cheap and don't cost too much money.
Bring a camera or a good documentation tool, because if you
don't want to lose precious moments you have to bring a camera
and the like.
Invite friends and relatives to make your vacation more
meaningful and establish a relationship.
Prepare medicines and other medical devices to prevent
unwanted things.

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Put all the things in the bag so that they don't fall or are left
behind during the trip, because the hectic crowd makes it possible
for the things we carry to be lost. Book hotel tickets on time so as not
to be preceded by others. Bring enough food for the ride in the
vehicle

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BALI, THE ISLAND OF PARADISE
By Talitha Salsabila

Tanjung Continent Beach is one of Bali’s most popular


beaches for water sports. This abstinence features white sand and
quiet seas, making it one of the top vacation spots. This location is
especially ideal for individuals who enjoy water activities. In 2020, I
went on a tour with my pals and visited this beach. I'll go over
Tanjung Benoa Beach in further depth here.

How to get there


Bali is a strategically important island, therefore we can travel
there by land, sea, or air. We traveled by bus for around 14 hours to
get to the island of the goals. If you want to go to Bali, take a bus
that travels a considerable distance and leaves during the day,
arriving in the early hours of the morning.
Since this is a school visit, the prerequisites are not a lot, just
compensation for the transports, inns, and visits which have been
commonly settled upon. We paid around 950.000 for every
individual.
If you're a tourist, though, you’ll need to get a visit visa and
show proof of health insurance, as well as fill out a customs
reporting form and register an IMEI number.
Gilimanuk Port, which links the islands of Java and Bali, is
the only way to go from Java to Bali. We boarded a ship early in the
morning and were off the harbor in about 30 minutes, heading for
the continent after a voyage of around 3 hours 45 minutes.
However, whether you’re traveling alone or with a family, a
vehicle rental service may be used to avoid traffic congestion on the
approach to Tanjung Continental Beach. Because it’s estimated to
use an automobile for 14 hours in a day, your transformation price
will be lower.

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You have the option of staying in a hotel or taking a tour
when you arrive in Bali.

Gambar 132. Gilimanuk Harbor View.

First thoughts
My initial response after hearing that there will be a tour in
Bali was that I would be really glad and delighted to hear that
because I already believed Bali was a very lovely island with all of
its tours. On the other hand, I'm terrified because I have heard
stories of what happens if I tread on an offering. But everything I
was afraid about turned out to be a mistake.
When I arrived in Bali, I was shocked to find how many
excursions there are; this was my first visit to Bali, and the tour
guide gave us an overview of the island. I was amazed by the fact
that each tour guide has a unique delivery style.
It turned out to be much more lovely when I arrived at the
continent’s tip. The air is cool, there are great mountain vistas, and
many people visit. The initial impression I had of Bali was that it
was a lovely location. It's only natural that Bali attracts visitors from
all over the world. The environment is clean, and the people are
kind. I am ecstatic to be able to return.

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Gambar 133. Tanjung Benua.

What can you see?


First, if you go to the Tanjung continent’s shore, you’ll see a
variety of watersports games, including :
● Parasailing Adventure
● Donut Boat
● Jet Ski
● Banana Boat
● Fly Fish
● Diving
● Sea Walker
● Fly Board
● Glass Bottom and turtle island
● Wakeboarding

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Gambar 134. Watersports.

The major purpose of most visitors to Tanjung Benoa, Bali, is


to participate in continental watersports activities. As a result, if
you’re familiar with Tanjung Benoa’s marine waters, you’re aware
that it’s highly active with watersports activities.
Second, on Turtle island, you may watch green turtles
reproducing. If you want to go to Turtle Island, you’ll need to take
a glass-bottom boat. There is transparent glass in the bottom of the
boat that allows you to view the seafloor from the boat. You’ll also
get a loaf of bread to feed the fish on the boat.
Green turtles ranging in size from large to little may be seen
in the turtle island region. You may also photograph the green turtle
while holding it. Birds, snakes, and lizards are among the other
creatures.
Third, Tanjung Benoa’s attractiveness is not limited to the
beach. A mangrove forest may be found to the west of Tanjung
Benoa. If you want to see the mangrove forest, you’ll need to rent a
jet ski or a speed boat.

227
The life of a local
The people of Bali are noted for their friendliness and
kindness. They are not only joyful, but they also greet visitors to
Bali. The majority of them desire a large number of tourists to visit.
Because it will help to boost Bali’s economy.
Many people volunteer to become tour guides, sometimes
known as bli, and they do it for free. These bli will provide
information on tourism in Bali, so that visitors will have a better
understanding of the areas to visit and the bli hope that visitors will
return in the future.
Despite the fact that Bali is a popular tourist destination for
visitors from all over the word, Balinese people do not take their
traditions and culture for granted. This is also a benefit of the
Balinese people, who value their traditions and culture.

Gambar 135. Balinese people.

My tips for traveling to Bali


If you wish to travel to Bali, I recommend using a plane
because it’s faster than driving or taking the bus and bringing only
what you require. Booking accommodations based on personal
preferences and strategic considerations. While in Bali, decide on a
holiday destination and make plans to visit it.
Visit Bali in a few days so that you may participate in
additional tours. To avoid being burnt by the scorching sun, try to
wear closed clothing and utilize body protection. I recommend

228
taking a waterproof camera to capture the beauty of Bali’s island. if
you don't have one, a cell phone would suffice.

Gambar 136. Return trip.

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VISITING BANDUNG — MY JOURNEY
INTO THE PARIS VAN JAVA
By Tsabita Indi Sahasika

“And Bandung for me is not just a geographical problem,


more than that, that it involves feelings, which are with me when
I’m lonely.” –Pidi Baiq —Welcome to The Flower City, Bandung,
West Java. Bandung is even known as the Paris of Indoensia. For
me, Bandung has its own charm and beauty. Make every corner of
the city there is a beautiful memory.
Bandung is one of Indonesia's most important tourist
destinations. Bandung is the capital of West Java province. Bandung
is also famous for its nickname 'Paris Van Java' by the Dutch colonial
government. The issue was that, at the time, Bandung resembled the
city of Paris, particularly in the atmosphere of Jalan Braga in the
1920s. Every year, millions of visitors flock to Bandung. According
to the mayor, Ridwan Kamil, nearly 7 million tourists visit West
Java's largest city each year.
One of the attractive factors for tourists is the number of
tourist destinations in Bandung. From culinary tourism destinations
to natural attractions to tours in the heart of Bandung, there's
something for everyone. Bandung is located in the highlands, which
has a high population density. As a result, the air is very cool in this
city. Particularly if you move to a higher elevation, such as the
Lembang or Cikole areas of northern Bandung or the Ciwidey area
of southern Bandung. The air can then become cooler and cooler.

How to get there


The city of Bandung is located in a highland area, accessible
by train or the Cipularang toll road from Jakarta. I recommend that
you take the train because we can see beautiful city views from the
train. Furthermore, if you want to arrive in Bandung on time and

230
with ease, you can take the train. Especially if you want to avoid
traffic on the Cipularang Toll Road, which is notorious for being
congested. It takes three hours to travel by train from Jakarta to
Bandung with a distance 600 kilometers away from Jakarta.
Bandung has two main train stations, which are:
1. Bandung Station (BD) is a train station that serves business and
executive class passengers on routes from Jakarta, Semarang,
Surabaya, and Yogyakarta.
2. Kiaracondong Station is a train station that serves the same route
for economy class (except for Jakarta).

Gambar 137. Bandung Railway Station

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First thoughts

Gambar 138. Asia-Africa Road Tunnel

A trip to Bandung may be considered normal for most people.


Especially for Jakarta residents who may travel back and forth every
weekend to unwind. Naturally, Bandung is the closest city, with
many tourist attractions to visit and many hotels with reasonable
stay rates. It is also simple to find low-cost hotel rooms in Bandung.
Those who go on vacation to Bandung on a regular basis, on the
other hand, will usually ask themselves, "What are you going to
do?" Don't worry, Bandung is never boring! Bandung is a very
creative city that will not bore you even if you visit a million times!
At the very least, the cool air of Bandung will feel refreshing. The
culinary delights are not to be missed and always leave you wanting
to eat.

What can you see?


Bandung has a plethora of tourist attractions to offer, ranging
from its enticing natural beauty, delectable culinary offerings,
cultural and historical tours, to exciting rides and entertainment.
For me, the white crater of Ciwidey is one of the most
memorable places in Bandung. This is not my first visit there, but
the beauty of the white crater never ceases to amaze me.

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Ciwidey White Crater, located at an elevation of 2430 masl,
was opened to the public in 1987. Before this crater was discovered
by a botanist from the Netherlands, the local community considered
the Ciwidey White Crater area to be haunted, and no one dared to
touch or go there. Every bird that flies over Ciwidey's White Crater
is said to die instantly.
The sulfur smell is so strong that it makes the White Crater of
Ciwidey appear haunted. I didn't see any birds or animals near the
crater even though I was there. Even for humans, it is not
recommended to linger in this place. As you enter the crater, you'll
notice a small forest of Cantigi Trees (Vaccinium varingiaefolium)
scattered around. These trees are strewn about the crater, as if they
were decorations for the Ciwidey White Crater area.

Gambar 139. Kawah Putih Ciwidey Bandung (Ciwidey White Crater)

My tips for travelling to Bandung


1. Avoid taking long vacations.
As a guide, the first tip for a vacation to Bandung is to try
to avoid going on vacation to Paris van Java on holidays.
Especially during long vacations. Why is this the case? Almost
certainly, the city of Bandung will be crowded with visitors and
tourists who arrive at the same time (during holidays). Tourist

233
destinations will be very crowded, and you may not be able to
enjoy your vacation because of the crowds.
2. Make an itinerary
Yes, the following guide is a vacation tip to Bandung that
involves creating a simple schedule or itinerary. What is the
purpose of a schedule? The itinerary you create will serve as a
simple guideline for your time in Bandung. You can specify
which tourist attractions you intend to visit. This simple itinerary
will serve as your only useful reminder during your visit to
Bandung.
3. Begin Activities Since the morning
Do you want to spend more time in Bandung? Try to begin
your activities as early as possible in the morning. This is one of
the Bandung vacation tips to make your trip more memorable.
Why start activities earlier? In Bandung, the air feels cooler in the
morning than it does later in the day after a hot afternoon.
Furthermore, the traffic flow in Bandung is still much friendlier
in the morning. You can enjoy the atmosphere when the streets
of Bandung are quiet in the morning.
4. Prepare Appropriate Outfits
After you've decided on a theme and a tourist destination,
you can choose clothes that match your holiday theme. If you
decide on the theme of nature tourism in a cold location, you can
bring more warm clothes. If you choose a tourist theme to enjoy
the atmosphere in the middle of the city, you can carry casual
and casual clothes.
5. Bring Photo Equipment
Of course, when you're on vacation, you'll take photos or
videos of many memorable moments. You can, however,
prepare specialized equipment to better capture your vacation
memories. For example, if you need to bring an extra camera,
pack one as well as other equipment like a tripod and a battery
charger. If you're only bringing a smartphone to photograph it,
make sure it has enough memory and storage space.

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EXPLORING THE PARIS OF JAVA — MY
TRIP TO BANDUNG
By Zahra Kasya Putri Dardiri

Indonesia is a huge and wonderful country home to diverse


landscapes. Yet, most tourists make a beeline for Bali which is
noticeably Indonesia’s world-famous tropical paradise. In fact,
Indonesia is so much more than just Bali. There are many other
tourist destinations beyond Bali. Let me tell you in more detail. It is
known as the fourth most populous city in Indonesia and famous
for its natural beauty – welcome to Bandung, Indonesia. Known as
the capital of the West Province, Bandung has a cooler climate
surrounded by mountains and tea plantations, a perfect getaway for
spending weekends from our hectic schedules. Given the nickname
Paris of Java, Paris was a resort destination for wealthy Dutch
colonists and became a center for fashion in Java. I traveled there
with my family in 2018. If you’re seeking tourist destinations other
than exotic beaches, then you consider Bandung. Here are just a few
insights from my experience in The Paris of Java.

How to get there


To get to Bandung is really easy. There are many ways to get
there depending on where you are. You can take public
transportation such as train, bus, plane or use your own private
vehicles. Don’t worry, Bandung also has a small airport named
Husein Sastranegara International Airport that is connected to
major Indonesian and neighboring countries, such as Singapore and
Malaysia by budget airlines. You can buy tickets online through
your mobile app anywhere and anytime.
Once you get your ticket, you can go to the station or airport
based on the date of travel. Make sure to come earlier, so you won’t
miss your public transportation. We traveled by train to Bandung

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from Probolinggo, it took approximately 12 hours to Bandung from
Probolinggo. Since it is such a long trip, make sure to prepare all the
things you need, such as snacks, medicines, and cash.
Most visitors reach Bandung by car, which leads to long-hour
traffic jams and packed stress. From Jakarta, it can take only two
hours by car thanks to a new highway. In addition, there are a lot of
shuttle minibus services at various points across Jakarta that will
take you directly to Bandung.
In Bandung, there are many accommodations ranging from
cheap to luxury ones. Besides, Bandung also offers a lot of villas in
Lembang that will put you closer to tourist places. I have relatives
in Bandung, so I prefer staying at their house to staying in the hotel.
It is free and ensures our safety.

Gambar 140. Bandung Train Station

First thoughts
Bandung exceeded my expectations, it is full of great food,
shopping, panoramic views of nature and adventures. Differing
from Jakarta and Surabaya, Bandung has a quaint atmosphere with
all of its hustle and bustle. Bandung is a fantasy version of the
capital, where tower blocks are replaced by art-deco delights and
there isn’t any traffic problem.
The trip was filled with moments of happiness, wonder, and
fun. Bandung was truly unlike other capital cities nearby. The
people were polite and friendly. I was also amazed with the streets
in Bandung. Take for example Jalan Braga, all along these popular

236
streets were preserved Art Deco buildings that harken back to the
city’s colonial past. We could see plenty of European-style cafes,
restaurants, boutiques and ornaments. It gave the city continental
look, no wonder it is called Paris of Java to this day.
The locals were very nice, I was surprised to see thousands of
cars stopped when I was crossing the street. Everyone also smiled,
laughed and it was so genuine. Although it is atypical Indonesian, I
was still amazed with the conditions such as walking around freely,
walking to work, playing with their kids, and riding bikes. The
Bandung locals were caring and considerate.

What can you see?


Since it was a short trip. Barely, could my family and I see all
the tourist attractions in Bandung. Yet, we still visited some places.
Along our trip, we got to see some of the tourist highlights
including:
Farm house, hobbit houses, Dutch mill and colorful garden,
mini zoo, and many others.
Floating market (incredible views), we strolled around the
floating market, took pictures, and bought souvenirs.
Railway Miniature Park that intended to give cultural
experiences from different countries outside Indonesia.

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Great Asia Africa with representatives of each building from
different countries.
All these places were incredible and we were having fun
there.

Things to Do in Bandung
Bandung is known for its beautiful landscapes that resemble
Paris City and the European atmosphere. Some things that you can’t
miss visiting Bandung include:
a. Visit beautiful landscapes
Bandung is surrounded by volcanoes. The most famous
volcano is Tangkuban Perahu, it is an active volcano that last
erupted in 1983. You can also reward yourself with a scenic view
of the sunrise from the peak of Tebing Gunung Hawu Mountain.
It is a perfect thing to start your morning. Other places that you
can visit are Kawah Putih, Cimahi Waterfall, Tea Plantations.
b. Go shopping
Bandung is known as a fashionable city. So, you cannot
miss out on having a shopping experience. You can get
affordable prices and high-quality things. There are many
factory outlets on Jalan Riau and Dago where you can get brand
new famous branded clothes at half the price.
c. Eating out
When you go to another city. It is a must to try its local
food. For a memorable experience, you can try eating out at a
floating resto. It will be a totally new experience for you. Those
who want to try unique dining experiences can head to themed
cafes and restaurants, such as Hummingbird eatery, Royal Stag
Bistro, The Valley. There is also a floating market which is a great
place both for photography and to try local food.

My tips for traveling to Bandung


Take a camera with you. You need this thing to take a lot of
pictures since Bandung has a lot of beautiful landscapes.
I recommend you don’t bring a lot of stuff since you will bring
souvenirs back home.

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Visit Bandung in dry seasons around June till September.
Going in the wet seasons isn’t good because Bandung attractions are
mostly outdoors.
Make sure to bargain when you are buying something.
Bargaining is typical in the local market.
Prepare some cash. You wouldn’t definitely want to miss
shopping time.
If you don’t use private vehicles, you can take public
transportation. It is cheaper and the transportation is quite well
developed.

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SOUTH SUMATERA TOUR — TRAVEL TO
AMPERA BRIDGE, PALEMBANG
By Zaki Fathurrahman

Palembang is the capital and largest city in the Indonesian


province of South Sumatera. Palembang is also Sumatra's most
populated city and the second biggest after Medan . I traveled to
Palembang City with my family for vacation towards the end of
2017. There are several lovely tourist sites to explore in Palembang
City . One of them is the Ampera Bridge, a popular tourist
destination, as well as the renowned City of Palembang. Here are
some observations I made while crossing the Ampera Bridge.

How to get there


I went with my family from Bengkulu City to Palembang City
by car. The journey starts at 06.00 am. The route to Palembang City
is through Curup, Lubuklinggau, and Sekayu. The road from
Bengkulu to Curup passes via Kepahiang Regency, and if we're
lucky, we could see Rafflesia Flowers blooming on the causeway
connecting Bengkulu City and Kepahiang Regency. When we arrive
at Curup City, we will notice a highland area where horticultural
crops are grown. When you drive along this road, you get a breath
of fresh air. On the right side there are many settlements and a very
beautiful row of hills. We arrived at Lubuklinggau, South Sumatera,
after a 6-hour journey. Lubuklinggau borders Bengkulu Province.
We arrived in Palembang City about 17.30 after an 11-hour journey
covering a distance of roughly 442 kilometers between Bengkulu
and Palembang. We decided to take a break and worship Maghrib
in the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Grand Mosque, which is not far
from the Ampera Bridge. After that my family and I headed to the
Ampera Bridge.

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Gambar 141. Ampera Bridge at Night

First thoughts
When I first saw The Ampera Bridge with a night
atmosphere, I felt the beauty of this iconic city of Palembang. With
packed automobiles and tourists, as well as the bright night time
weather. Ampera Bridge is one of the tourist sites I recommend
seeing with friends or family. Ampera Bridge, in my opinion, is an
excellent location for spending time with family while on vacation.
Many Palembang-specific cuisine excursions may be found around
the Ampera Bridge. I believe that the area around the Ampera
Bridge is a favorable location for vendors selling souvenirs and
traditional Palembang gastronomic delights. That way the Ampera
Bridge provides many advantages for tourists and local residents.
With the beauty of the Ampera Bridge that makes visitors or tourists
not be disappointed when visiting it.

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Gambar 142. The view from the restaurant

What can you see?


When we are on the Ampera Bridge, we can observe a variety
of sights, including:
o Musi River flowing under the bridge
o lights that are lit on the two large wires holding the left and right
sides and two wall posts above the bridge.
o the reflection of light from the Ampera Bridge Lights on the Musi
River which adds to the beauty of the bridge
o a small lamp above the Musi River to light the ship at night
o Kuto Besak Fort which is about 800 meters from the left sides of
the bridge

o Light Rail Transit ( LRT ) ,from


View which is right next to the Ampera
the restaurant
Bridge
The Ampera Bridge is distinguished by its two towers
painted brilliant red and its 1960s design. the words “AMPERA”,
which are plainly visible from the roadway, and the large clock on
the bridge’s top appear to constitute the bridge’s identity.
There is also a neat-looking walkway with garden seats set up
along the Ampera Bridge’s edge. This promenade is popular with
visitors and tourists looking to capture a moment on the Ampera
Bridge. At night, the promenade is decked with yellow garden lights

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and multicolored bridge lights, which adds to the beautiful
impression for people who visit it.
The Ampera Bridge is reported to be 1.177 meters long and 22
meters wide. The Bridge’s height over the water level is around 11,5
meters, while the Tower’s height from the ground is 63 meters , with
a distance of 75 meters between the two towers.

The life of a local


Most of the people around the Ampera Bridge work as
traders , because it is a strategic place to trade either souvenirs or
culinary specialties from the city of Palembang. Some also work as
boat drivers or small boats for tourists. The people around the
Ampera Bridge have a friendly nature to tourists or visitors. So
when visiting the Ampera Bridge, don't hesitate to ask local
residents. The people of this area do not only come from Sumatra ,
from the island of Java, many also migrate to the city of Empek-
Empek.

Gambar 143. When the sun shines on the Ampera Bridge

My tips for traveling to Palembang City


It is not difficult to spend a holiday in Palembang. We may
have a holiday in Palembang at a reasonable price. The most
essential thing is that we have time for vacation. If necessary,
establish a vacation plan to ensure that everything goes well. There

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are several more stunning tourist sites in Palembang that are ideal
for a trip with family or friends. Palembang’s culinary delicacies are
equally intriguing. Don’t forget to sample it, because your holiday
will be incomplete if you don’t experience Palembang’s delectable
culinary delights.
I hope you are interested in my ideas. Remember to take care
of your health while on vacation in order to have a great holiday .
Thank you , and I’II see you later.

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TANJUNG LESUNG
By Zhafirah Naura Nurulrahmah

Tanjung Lesung is a well-known tourist destination in Banten


Province's Pandeglang City. Tanjung Lesung Tourism is a terrain
that juts out into the sea in the shape of a dimple. boasts a lovely
view of a stretch of white sand that is still natural in appearance. I
went there with my extended family towards the end of 2018. There
is no reason to dispute its attractiveness. The reason for this is
because this beach has white sand all along it. And it's stocked with
crystal-clear sea water to welcome visitors.

How to get there


The initial idea was for me to go to Tanjung Lesung since
every year at the end of the year, my extended family staged a
celebration to welcome in the new year. Aside from the new year,
our family is also taking a break from work, school, and other
obligations. To go to Tanjung Lesung, we originally planned to use
the air route, which would take us from Palembang to Jakarta.
However, because it was a last-minute trip and a year-end holiday,
the aircraft tickets bought were completely sold out. After
considerable deliberation, we decided to go by vehicle to our
destination.On Saturday, December 22nd, about 4 a.m., we left the
home. Then we were trapped in traffic halfway through. We were
taken aback at first because this is a peaceful highway with seldom
traffic congestion; yet, we resumed our drive without hesitation. At
9 p.m., we landed at the Bakauheni port in Lampung. Then we were
warned, along with everyone else, that there was going to be
another large wave. We learned about the news via news reports
that circulated on the internet. We proceed on our journey as usual.
We boarded the boat about 12 p.m. and arrived at 3 a.m. We then

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proceeded to the location of the cottage where we planned to spend
our vacation. Then, around 5:00 a.mWe arrived at the villa.

Gambar 144. Villa tanjung lesung

When it arrives

Arriving at the house at 5 a.m. We were taken aback by how


chaotic it was, all of the stuff was strewn about, the chair tables were
all strewn about, there was a lot of wood scattered, and the home
was filthy. The most shocking thing was that there were numerous

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fish strewn on the mainland, as well as a lot of waste, but we did not
think negatively at the moment and continued our holiday.
However, we inquired of the villa's employees, who also happened
to be the villa's owner, who paid us another visit. Then we inquired
as to why the villa's contents, including wood, rubbish, and several
fish, had been spread and many objects had been destroyed. The
crew and owner of the property then responded, citing the strong
waves on the beach, which had wrecked numerous products and
left many dead fish on the mainland. We continue to remain
optimistic since it is true that strong waves have been observed in
BMKG. The report of the huge waves came as a result of Mount
Anak Krakatau's volcanic activity. It happened about 21.27 WIB on
Saturday night, December 22nd, 2018. It was most likely triggered
by an undersea landslide produced by Mount Anak Krakatau's
eruption, as well as tidal waves generated by the full moon. The
combination of the two events resulted in a tsunami that smashed
the shore. Regarding the news, we learnt of the news with the status
that it was masi "high waves" rather than a tsunami, and we decided
to continue our holiday. Our error is that we continue to enjoy our
vacation without considering the long-term consequences, and we
do not disregard warning signs such as the quantity of dead fish
strewn across the beach.

What can you see?


Tanjung Lesung Beach is a great place to see the sunset or
dawn. The panoramic splendor of Tanjung Lesung Beach is
enhanced by the beauty of white sand and crystal blue sea water
that reaches. We took a break about 6 p.m., gazing out the window
at the ocean. The beach was just stunning. Despite the fact that many
objects were damaged on the beach and dead fish were spread, the
gorgeous beach panorama remained unaffected. The beach is in
front of the villa I reside in, and approximately 800 meters distant
from the beach is a little island. As a result, I have a gorgeous beach
as well as a view of the island right in front of my room. After
breakfast, I plan to swim at the beach. The circumstances were ideal
at the moment. On the beach, my brother and sister and I had a great

247
time. At 1:00 p.m., our family decided to go snorkeling on a nearby
island. We could see other views while swimming at the beach, and
we had planned to visit the next beach not far from the villa we were
staying in before snorkeling, but the plan didn't work out because
we spent so much time swimming on the beach in front of the villa,
I also made a video, took a photo, and then posted it on Instagram,
it's not a normal thing not if we expose it on social media. We didn't
notice until we were sitting on the beach that the beach water in
front of us was starting to recede, that there were a lot of dogs
wandering the beach, and that there were a lot of dead fish to be
seen. and, inexplicably, we continue to swim on the beach.

When a tsunami occurs


Then, at around 10 a.m. We chose to swim in the villa's pool.
While having breakfast and sipping milk, we observed a lovely and
elegant view, magnificent scenery, then it began to rain, at first
lightly, then heavily, where we remained comfortable and had a
great meal. Shortly later, while still swimming in the villa's pool, we
saw that the waves on the beach had suddenly become fairly high;
at first, we assumed it was a rain effect, but we decided to have a
shower and rest while we waited for time to travel to the infested
beach not far from the property. When we returned to our room
after a shower, we heard ambulances strolling and the sound of the
ambulance continued to be quite crowded, in addition to a lot of
automobile and motorbike sounds that came and went. Out of
curiosity, we turned on the television to watch the news. When we
saw on the news that the waves on the Dimple Headland were not
high waves, but tsunamis,we were warned by the villa staff to leave
the villa immediately, because the waves were already high across
the island, and with the heavy rain, the waves were getting higher,
so we as a family and all visitors in the villa panicked, and we
quickly cleaned up all our belongings, the little children went to a
rather high place, but me and my parents stayed in the villa. When
leaving the villa, the streets are completely deserted; everyone has
gone to a safe place; however, many ambulances carrying corpses
from the villa next door are affected; the villa next door is the villa

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beach hotel tanjung lesung, which is the venue for pln company
gathering events, seventeen when again gigs.Walking, we
encountered TNI members who assisted residents in getting to a
safe location, as well as many open cars or pick-up cars behind us
that transported people to higher and safer locations. We were
relieved when we almost reached the pandeglang area, but there
were many ambulances pacing, really a lot, and there was also a
traffic jam, which lasted from 12 to 17 o'clock in western Indonesia
time. Because many inhabitants flee to a safe location in the event of
an aftershock tsunami, there are no further fatalities. However, we
elected to continue our voyage since returning home would be more
perilous because it would pass via a sea passage, notably the Sunda
Strait, which had been depleted by a tsunami that killed at least 426
people, wounded 7,202 others, and left 23 people missing. We chose
to continue our vacation as a result of this incident, fearing
aftershocks and big waves. We decided to drive to Bandung, and we
drove straight to Bandung, arriving about 1 p.m. When I arrived in
Bandung, I was still thinking about the incident from earlier in the
day as if it were not real.

Gambar 145. After the tsunami

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Tips for travelling to Tanjung Lesung
I'll give you two suggestions at the end of my story: one on
beach vacations and the other on how to save if a tsunami strikes.
Check the weather conditions before going to the most important
beach; if the weather is terrible again, there must be a prohibition
and a bad weather appeal from BMKG. If there is a weather warning
from BMKG, it is best not to take it for granted, based on past
experience. So, only go to the beach when the weather is pleasant.
Because the waves and water level will be extremely dangerous if
the weather is bad. In addition, when a tsunami strikes, it's
important to keep an eye on the newest information from the
authorities. Remember, the information about the condition is not
to be taken lightly. Second, if you're near the shore, it's best to get
away as soon as possible and to higher ground, and third, don't
panic. Please keep in mind that tsunamis can happen more than
once, so if there are any warnings, such as the presence of mountain
eruptions in the water or earthquakes, get out of there right away.
Do not be alarmed. It's vital to remember that tsunamis don't
happen once, so if there's a warning for a mountain eruption in the
sea or an earthquake, act quickly. distance from the shoreline If you
want to go on vacation, always keep an eye out for the sea or the
shore. condition Because it has a significant impact.

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