Kangean Islands

Kangean Island is the name of an island among the many islands that are stretched out east of Madura Island, of East Java.
From the government administration point of view; the island is divided into two; West Kangean, which is included in the Arjasa Sub-District, and East Kangean, which is included in the Sapeken Sub-District. Both Sub-districts are part of the Sumenep Regency.
Geographically, on the topographic map, Kangean Island is located closer to Bali Island, as compared to Lombok Island. To Bali Island in West Nusa Tenggara, it is a 4 hours sea journey by speedboat.
This island, which is 30,000 hectares in size, apparently holds a tourism potential that is feasible to be offered. In particular for adventure tourism, in free nature. The attraction of Kangean Island can be felt, starting with the journey from West Kangean to East Kangean. All along the route, a combination of natural forests with the captivating beaches of the Java Sea, are stretched out.
If you would like to buy souvenirs, in Arjasa of West Kangean, there are wood handicrafts of bahar and sentaki roots. It is said that a cane of such wood has certain virtues for the user. Apart from that, the area is also known for its jungle fowls that have melodious crows, and are excellent studs for cross breeds. It is not too difficult to obtain these jungle fowls, because there is a breeding farm in Arjasa, managed by H. Ansoruddin.
The other tourist attractions are found more in East Kangean. Between Tembayang Bay Harbour and Sepanjang Island, a little island south east of Kangean Island, a natural mangrove forestry is lined up. It even has a still intact habitat. Various animals, like monkeys, komodos and snakes, are still found here, in abundance. Hence, the mangrove forestry that functions as the transition between the marine and land eco-systems, can still be found on Kangean Island.
Because of its genuinity the Perum Perhutani Unit II of East Java, which manages this area, has determined this area as one of the tourist locations that has a mangrove forestry, and a still intact eco-system,as its main presentation. Permits can be obtained at the Perhutani Station in Tembayangan Bay. Or further information can be obtained from the Perhutani KPH Madura Office at jalan Joko Tole No. 190, Pamekasan. Phone (62-324) 22549.
In between the stretches of mangrove forestry, that from little islands, is the marine park with its variety of coral reefs, complete with colorful decorative fish.
To experience the beauty of the marine park on the mangrove forestry, no spy glasses or supporting equipment is needed, because it is fenced off by the rather dense mangrove forestry. The sea is clear blue, because of its remote location far away from pollution. A boat can be rented for Rp. 150,000,- a day to travel along this marine park.
Not far from the stretches of mangrove forestry and only around 5 minutes by speed boat, there is a pearl oyster farm. Here, tourists can watch loosely how these valuable pearl-oysters are bred. How these are harvested from the sea beds to be polished into a range of jewelry.
Compared to other tourist’s destinations, the eco-tourism potential on Kangean Island indeed has not been fully developed yet. Everything appears still genuine and natural. But, it is actually this naturality that has become the attraction to visit the island.
Source Info: petra.ac.id

Samalona Island

Samalona Island is one of a group island from 11 islands which has a 2,34 hectare round Shape Island. Located near Makasar city, known as Ujung Pandang the capital of South Sulawesi, there is a small resort. It is situated at about 6,8km from Makasar shore.

This island is much known as a snorkeling and diving site which is overlain by sparkling clear, warm tropical water. The coral are spread out surrounding islands built the great scenic of a marine park. Samalona has about 20m shallow reef Surrounding Island which makes this place as a favorite area for scuba divers and snorkelers. Sunrise and sunset are a great moment to be left when you you’re enjoying the holiday on this island.
There are two ideal diving locations surround this island, one in the east side of island and the others in north side of island. Nearly everything can be found at Samalona. Ray fish, giant sea turtles, sea snakes, napoleon fish and other small colorful fishes.
Near Samalona Island in 30m depth, there is a sunken bomber ship, Lancaster Bomber, which already turned to be a coral as a new habitat for a thousand small fishes. Samalona territorial waters are remains as a World War II Location.
Samalona is barely a degree above the equator and thus tropical. The "Rainy Season" from October to mid April, brings frequent rains, sometimes in storms lasting for several days, which make the air nice and cool but also reduce visibility or sometimes make rough waves. The "Dry Season" from May to October, when temperatures climb to 35° and visibility reaches a maximum.
Samalona Island can be reached by a rental boat from POPSA quay and it takes only 20 to 30 minutes. The rental rates of boats around Rp. 250.000 to Rp. 750.000 for daily charter and depend on the deal with the boat owners.

by Reni Anggreaini
Picture by fedroza

Ramayana Ballet

Yogyakarta (also Jogjakarta in pre-1972 spelling or Jogja) is a city and province on the island of Java, Indonesia. It is the only province in Indonesia that is still formally governed by a precolonial Sultanate, the Sultanate of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat. The city is known as a center of classical Javanese fine art and culture such as batik, ballet, drama, music, poetry and puppet shows. It is also famous as a center for Indonesian higher education. The official name of the Yogyakarta province is Special Region of Yogyakarta.
Haunted by spiralling population, economic and political problems, the most populous island in South East Asia is a land of contrasts with an uncertain future.
Java is an island of striking natural beauty, rich in cultural history. But it's getting harder to recognise it.
At Yogyakarta's center is the kraton, or Sultan's palace. Surrounding the kraton is a densely-populated residential neighborhood that occupies land that was formerly the Sultan's sole domain; evidence of this former use remains in the form of old walls and the ruined Water Castle (Tamansari), built in 1758 as a pleasure garden no longer used by the sultan, the garden had been largely abandoned, and was used for housing by palace employees and descendants. Reconstruction efforts began in 2004, and an effort to renew the neighborhood around the kraton has begun. The site is a developing tourist attraction.
The Ramayana ballet is worth attending even if you're not a fan of traditional Asian stage performances. 50,000rp gets you a 90-minute show with a talented dance troupe and full gamelan orchestra. It's a casual, well-organised atmosphere and you can meet the performers and even dance with them on the stage!
The Cirebon Restaurant, also on Jalan Malioboro attracts a steady stream of locals and foreigners with its (mainly) vegetarian specialties and convivial atmosphere -- all at good prices.
Honestly, there are no other cities in Indonesia that have equally popular different names like this one. And, frankly speaking, none of the hundreds of names of areas in this country have been abbreviated in so many ways by its name like Yogyakarta.
On the streets, people - including government officials and university students - prefer to call this sultanate province Yogya or Jogja, despite its official name Yogyakarta.

By Daniel J. Fox