Tenun Cagcag is weaved using traditional loom and in some areas like in Jembrana, yarns are dyed using natural colors. Plain fabric can be finished 7-10 days while for songket weaving can finish 4 weeks. Other areas that still has cag cag weaving makers are in : Banjar Jentiyis-Sukawati, Banjar Waliang-Karangasem, Jembrana, Pupuan-Tabanan.

Tenun Rangrang can be found in Seraya Timur and Nusa Penida area. The typical of rangrang weaving is geometric zigzag design with vibrant colors inspired by hills and mountains. Rangrang derived from Balinese which means “have holes” or “transparent” as the fabric is slightly transparent which symbolizes Balinese that are open and straightforward. Rangrang woman now is made using manual loom price ranges from 100,000 till 1,200,000 depends on the fabric size.

Tenun Endek is Bali official traditional textile. Endek derives from Bali language, gendekan or ngendek which mean does not change color. There are some endek women available in market from sarong, long fabric and also scarf. Endek is rich of motifs, some motifs are used for traditional ritual and some motifs may only be worn by kings and royals. Floral motifs and animal motifs usually can be worn daily. Manual looms are used to create endek weavings and can be found in Karangasem, Klungkung, Buleleng and Jembrana Regency. Endek beauty has captured the attention of Dior to use this unique fabric to design their collections.

Gringsing is women fabric uses double ikat technique and to make one piece of gringsing can take until 1 year. We can find this only in Tenganan Pegringsingan village.

Poleng is woven fabric worn by Kecak dancers as costume. Poleng design is square of white and black as symbol of two contradictive characters: Rwa and Bhineda. Poleng also used to cover big trees, statues to mark that there is a spirit/ butha that protect the area.

TENUN BADUY (WEAVING) is special woven fabric made by Baduy Tribe in Banten situated in western of Java. Baduy Tribe consists of Baduy Luar (outside) and Baduy Dalam (inside), and they have practice making woven fabric since around 2 BC till 8th Century.

BATIK can be found all over Java easily. Each areas has their batik motifs design that are hand painted (tulis), hand stampmed (cap) and also printed. Classical batik with philosophy can be found in Solo and Yogyakarta, while more decorative design can be found at the North coast of Java, such as Lasem, Cirebon, Pekalongan, Surabaya, etc. Batik at the coastal area are affected by Dutch and Chinese for the design and color.

TENUN GEDOG TUBAN is very special weaving made by Kerek village crafter that has been making weaving fabric for centuries. They use cotton yarn to make woven fabric and then make batik out of the fabric using natural dyes or chemical dyes. My favorite woman is the one made out of brown cotton. Now after revitalization, the crafter make some unique motifs for the woven fabric, such as cacah gori, kembang jati, etc. They are so perfect for home decoration items.

LURIK is wastra from Java and made out of low grade yarn that the price is cheap. It was used by low palace officials in the past. Lurik design is a stripe design with some variations. Lurik derives from Javanese , lorek means lines/stripe , a symbol of humbleness. New lurik designs are more colorful using chemical dyes. Now Indonesian designers using lurik for their designs that it is getting more popular among young generations.

WASTRA FROM KAPUAS HULU BORNEO

Kapuas Hulu Regency of Borneo is situated in the border of Indonesia-Malaysia.

According to Dayak culture, Dayak Iban weave for special events, yet as more demands from outside the tribe, they make weaving for wider markets, such as for collectors, fashion or traditional textile enthusiasts.

To make ikat weaving size 1 m X 2 m, it takes at least 2 month and sometimes it takes more if the maker has other works to do. Before making the Dayak motives, women must hold rituals and prayer. If the motifs are owned by other maker, they must ask permission first. The motifs owner usually tell the condition such as making offering or earthenware’s or plates.  If one does not ask permission, they believe that it will bring illness, disaster to the copier. And the worst thing, death can also happen. And even one has been granted with permission, they must consider about dream and the age of the maker as it is related to the safety of the maker and the society.

To make ikat weaving, they must dream first. If they dreams bad dreams , this means they must cancel to weave the motif. And if it is bad dream, they can continue working on the loom as planned. And if family member died, they may not weave and if they break this, one family could fall ill.

If they weave of a motif of a creature which has teeth, they must finish the teeth part before they stop or rest. If they are in weaving process and they have bad dream, they must stop and dismantle the weaving. Weaving is related to spiritual being of the person, sometimes can be “dangerous” that for young weaver, they are only allowed to weave floral motif, leaf, fruit, ocean, mountain or beautiful nature. To make weaving motif of animals such as chicken, lion, crocodile or other animals in mythology, women must be 30-50 years old.

The most dangerous motif in Dayak Iban weaving culture is human motif. For instance when they weave the human head part, must finish the head part, before rest or stop to avoid disaster.

Thera are 4 kinds of Dayak Iban weaving:

KEBAT WEAVING usually has brown as the base color and this is the simplest weaving type. They can finish 2 pieces of Kebat Weaving in one month. This technique involves tying the vertical yarn and then dye them.

SIDAN WEAVING technique by weaving and then the weaved yarns are lifted by nylon yarn and tied to wood or stick.

PILEH WEAVING technique is weaving vertical yarn before weave to horizontal yarn. This technique takes so much patience and now no young generation can weave pileh, and maybe only one, someone that I know.

SUNGKIT WEAVING is tying motif yarn to vertical yarn

I personally love beaches that has pool, to enjoy the water and the scenery while soaking in the lagoon and no need to worry about waves. And the lagoons and the beaches are perfect for instagram picture. Very tropical. Lombok as some beaches with natural lagoon where you can rejuvenate and unwind. The natural lagoons are formed by rocks situated at the beach. Some lagoons visible only when tide is low, however some lagoons are there to be enjoyed even when the tide is high.

TANJUNG BONGOQ is located in Mandalika area, Central Lombok, just behind Merese Hill. It takes 1,5 hours drive from Mataram or about 55 km. The sand are fine white grains with short coast line and flanked by hills. The water here is calm and at the vicinity of hills are more waves. Lagoon appears when tide is low, the water is crystal clear and perfect to swim.

BATU DAGONG Beach is situated in East Lombok. It is situated about 70 km from Mataram and can be reached by 2.5 hours drive. The water is beautiful turquoise, and the sand super fine like flour. The long beach line give a perfect background for your photo. However the lagoon can only be seen when it is low tide. The lagoon is large and about 3 meters deep, and not only swimming, you can also jumping to the water.

EBUAK Beach is situated in Kuta, Central Lombok. It is about 60 km from Mataram and can be reached about 1,5 hours to 2 hours drive. The beach is surrounded by towering hills, and the beach line is relatively not long. The sands are fine brown grains. When tide is low the lagoons appears from the beach edge. There are several lagoons with various sizes where you can enjoy jacuzzi in nature.

JAGOG DALEM BEACH is situated in Central Lombok, about 60 km and can be reached by 1.5 hours drive. The beach is decorated with hills and rocks, short beach line and wave is relatively strong that it is not recommended to swim here. The lagoon is sufficient to swim and rejuvenate, its depth is about 1 meters.

TUNTING UNTING BEACH is surrounded by hills and unique rock formations. It is situated 55 Km from Mataram or about 1,5 hours drive from Mataram. To reach the lagoon we must climb a big rock under hill and the lagoon is located just behind the rock. The lagoon is higher than the sea surface that it is very safe to swim here. The Lagoon is 1,5 meters deep and size is large enough.

UJUNG BATU BEACH is also situated in Central Lombok, about 65 km from Mataram or about 2 hours drive. The beach stretches behind a hill, it has long line of beach with rocks can be found here. The Lagoon is perfect to soak and swim, its depth ranges from 1-3 meters.

Ketambe is administratively situated in South East Aceh Regency, and the area is part of Bukit Barisan Mountain Range, where the large and majestic Gunung Leuser National Park located. There are plethora of wildlife and where Alas River streams a challenging rapids for white water rafting activity.

Ketambe is where the research of Sumatran orangutan and Rankong or hornbill study center situated. The area can be accessed by 30 minutes drive from the city centre while if you access from Medan it will take approximately 6-7 hours drive.

During the trip to Ketambe we will be passing green beautiful scenery. The road is already developed even though it is narrow. And actually riding motorbike to Ketambe is super fun.

TROPICAL RAINFOREST : The lush green forest is a rich ecosystem where you can enjoy fresh air.

WHITE WATER RAFTING is one of the most interesting things to do in this jungle. Alas River has challenging 50 km rapids that can be sailed for about 3 hours. It divides Gunung Leuser National Park and runs through some regions that enables you to see mesmerizing view enroute.

WILDLIFE OBSERVATION definitely can be conducted here. The jungle is the home of the endemic Sumatran Orangutan. Orangutan will be seen easily here, and especially when fruit season comes. Ketambe is also where you can see other animals roam, such as deer’s, monkeys, and if you are lucky you can meet Sumatran tigers during the night time.

HOT SPRING is situated along the river. There are cold and hot water that flow that can be differentiated by the stones colors. The hot water streams through brick color stones.

Other activities can be done here are: bird watching, rain forest trekking, and night trekking.

BATIK SOGAN
Is classic batik type with dominant color of brown/ brownish. It was named as sogan type batik as in the beginning the dying process used natural dye from soga tingi tree (Ceriops tagal). This batik type can be found in Yogyakarta and Solo and it has classic standard motifs. Yogyakarta sogan batik textile are dominated by color of dark brown, black and white. While Solo sogan batik are dominated by brown orange-ish color, brown or black.

BATIK TIGA NEGERI
Is the typical batik from Lasem, which is located on the northern coast of Java. Tiga Negeri means three regions as this batik is influenced by motives from Dutch, Javanese and Chinese. The motifs depicts animals, plants, flower, butterflies and the colors are very colorful.

BATIK TUJUH RUPA
can be found in Pekalongan located at the north coast of Java. As coastal area it is affected by traders arrived in the area in the 19th Century and that its batik motifs are influenced by Chinese culture. The colors are vibrant with floral, animals, butterflies , birds motives.

BATIK GENTONGAN
Is originally from Tanjung Bumi village of Madura. Gentong is a big jar made out of clay. It is called Batik Gentongan because the dying process use gentong. The natural dye is added to water in gentong and then sealed, batik maker will put the fabric in the gentong and let it for 24 hours and then repeated again for months and sometimes for a year. The color is very vibrant and because of this dying process the color lasts forever.

BATIK MEGA MENDUNG
is originally from Cirebon, a region on the north coast of Java. The motives are influenced by Chinese culture as Chinese traders came to the area. Chinese culture mixed with Cirebon culture by acculturation and one of examples is marriage of Islam ullema who married Chinese woman in the 15-16th Century. The motif is picture of cloud and now comes with various colors and motifs.

BATIK KRATON
Is classic motifs which has philosophy derives from Hindu-Java belief and in the past could only be worn by Javanese royals in the palace (kraton) of Yogyakarta and Surakarta.

BATIK SIMBUT
Is originally from Banten and it is created by Baduy Tribe and then spread across Banten region. The motif is alocasia leaf in colorful soft color.

BATIK PRING SEDAPUR
is batik from Magetan region in East Java.Magetan is situated on slope of Mount Lawu that is rich of bamboo , or locally called as pring. The philosophy of this batik motif is that human must be useful to the earth and others like bamboo trees.

BATIK PARANG
Can be found in Yogyakarta and Solo. According to history this motif was created when Mataram Kingdom reigned that parang is one of the oldest batik motifs. Parang derives from pereng means slope. Now parang motif can be found also in various regions with different accents.

BATIK KAWUNG
is also one of the oldest motif of Batik. It is originally from Yogyakarta. The classic kawung often used by designer to give accent in their designs.

BATIK GARUTAN
Is the typical batik from Garut in West Java. The motives are inspired by nature, and mountain life such as vegetables, mangosteen, birds. The color are vibrant with diagonal motives.

BATIK GEDHOG
Is very special batik from Tuban, East Java, Indonesia. The fabric is weaved manually from cotton yarn and then painted like how batik normally processed. All of Batik Gedhog are handprinted, and they now use natural dye for batik color.

The gigantic flower of Raflessia arnoldii bloomed for the first time outside its indigenous habitat at Bogor Botanical Garden in West Java. The flower is allowed to be observed by visitors. And even though the diameter is not more than 60 cm, yet this plant is definitely Raflesia arnoldii, said researcher of Bogor Botanical Garden, Sofi Mursidawari (Kompas.com 14/9/2022)

The location where Raflessia bloomed was at climber plant area at Kenari Street Dua. Visitors may not trespass the fence to see the flower. The researcher said that this will keep the flower bloom naturally. The flower is watched and researched for 124 hours and a guide is ready on the spot to give visitors information about the flower and as well guard it. A big screen to see the flower is also provided for visitors.

Conservation of the flower outside the original habitat in Sumatra has been conducted since 1818 and yet no success. In 2006, researchers planted the seed of Raflessia from Bengkulu at the climber plants area. One of the climber plants was seven species of tetrastigma, the host plant of Raflessia. After 16 years of planting, early September 2022 appeared several flower-to-be bulb and one of the bloomed in 12 September 2022.

The flower was first discovered by a guide worked for Dr. Joseph Arnold who joined Thomas Stamford Raffles. The flower name derives from Raffles and Arnold, Rafflesia arnoldii. The flower has 33 species in the world and 14 of them grow in Indonesia and 11 species is Sumatran endemic plant.

Located about less than 1 hour drive or only 20 Km from Bukit Lawang, this place is just something else. Batu Katak is actually a hamlet situated next to Berkail River and it is circled by Gunung Leuser National Park. It is not touristic like its neighboring area or Bukit Lawang. Domestic tourists come here usually only on weekend, and on weekday this place is very quiet.

Batu Katak forest is the home of siamang, gibbons and also orangutan beside some other animals. And the famous vegetation here are Titan arum flower and Raflessia arnoldii flower. The forest karst is important to the environment, and there are some caves can be explored here. You can either do daytrip from Bukit Lawang or stay overnight in Batu Katak to explore the area.

Here are things you can do in Batu Katak:

RAFLESSIA ARNOLDII / TITAN ARUM TREK are available for daytrip from Bukit Lawang. Raflessia Trek can take up to 2.5 hours depends on where the flower booms. While Titan Arum trek ranges from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. Raflessia blooms once a year, and usually from August to December. While Titan arum available all year long. Along the trek you might spot wildlife here, such as siamang, gibbons of Sumatran Orangutan.

WILDLIFE TREK in Batu Katak will take you to primary forest and you will see completely wild animals here: siamang, gibbons and wild orangutan. You will also see the indigenous vegetations. During the trek you will be passing palm plantation and then jump to river with rubber and enjoy streaming down while enjoying the jungle view on the river banks.

CAVING TRIP will include jungle trekking, wildlife trekking and also rafting. To reach the cave mouth, you will need to walk about 1 to 1.5 hours. And then explore the cave for about 1 to 1.5 hours through the cave to see the stalactites, rock formations, bats, insects, and other animals in the cave. You will be walking through water as deep as ankle. The trek will then lead you to farm and plantation and after another 30 minutes walk you will reach the river and jump to rubber raft to relax and enjoy and observe the jungle along the river banks.

Sumba Island lies just very close by Bali and Komodo Island and yet it is less heard than both places. It is Indonesia secret destination. And it actually has two airports on the East and West Sumba which are accessible from Bali or Jakarta.

There plethora of reasons to spend holiday in Sumba. The rolling waves for surfers, the beautiful idyllic beaches. The turquoise blue water, the white sand and rock formations in Sumba beaches are somethings else. And this island has distinct culture than other island in this big archipelago country. It has local indigenous belief called Marapu. Locals preserve their centuries years of thatched roof house architecture and women makes the authentic natural dyed tenun ikat using traditional loom.

And if that is not enough reason to fly to Sumba, this island has large megalithic tombs that are clustered in the villages. It is like you are going back to many centuries ago. And those tombs are not just the remnants and only the past, Sumbanese live with the same tradition to burry the dead.

If you are nature lover, Sumba is the place for you. It has vast savannah, hills, rice fields, so many fairy-tales like waterfalls, forest and even a lagoon.

WAIKURI LAGOON is a salt water lake and its source of water is from the adjacent sea separated by rock. The color of the lagoon is beautiful blue hues and you can paddle to see the coral beneath or you can swim on the deeper side of the lake. Situated just 45 minutes away from Tambolaka Airport, you can visit this lake if you here just for short time. Spending late afternoon here when sunsets illuminating the water can be added in your itinerary.

RATENGGARO HAMLET offers a journey to past, where megalithic culture thrives. The house of this hamlet has grass roof that is dramatically high, can reach up to 15 cm. As this hamlet is located at the coast, you can walk to the pristine beach approximately 500 meters through the megalithic sites from thousand years ago.

PRAIJING HAMLET is a traditional hamlet in Sumba that offers picturesque landscape. The view of the thatched roof traditional houses surrounded by lush vegetation can be captured from from house above. And just like other traditional hamlet in Sumba, you can also observe the megalithic tombs and also learning the traditional ikat weaving process.

TARUNG VILLAGE is situated about 15 minutes drive from Waikabubak and it is a compound of several hamlets. Tarung Village megalithic sites consists of dolmen, menhir (standing stone) and statues. The houses with grass roof are built circling the hill peak. There is a field in the middle of the village where there are altar-like megalithic tombs located.

WAIMARANG WATERFALL is 2 hours drive from Waingapu. This waterfall is not powerful or high, the water streams from 2 meters high through rock and cascades into the refreshing azure water pool. The pool is surrounded by rock and along the 1 km trek to to waterfall you will be passing green vegetations. It is just a perfect place to unwind.

MATAYANGU WATERFALL is situated inside Manupeu National Park which takes about 1 hour trekking through the lush forest. During the trek occasionally you will be interrupted by leech. This is a hidden piece of paradise on the Island of Sumba. You might the only on there, no single soul visiting this waterfall only the roar of the water that streams to the turquoise pool.

LAPOPU WATERFALL is 90 meters tiered waterfall known as the highest waterfall in Sumba Island. It nestles in MaTaLaWa National Park that the surrounding is pristine and secluded. The waterfall streamed down from a cave and streamed down though stairs and then spread into fan and segmented into a pool. Bamboo bridge is available to reach the waterfall.

TANGGEDU WATERFALL is situated in the midst of Sumba Savannah that make it an oasis. The view of the waterfall location is in canyon with beautiful cliff and rock formations. The water color is tosca during the dry season. You can enjoy playing with the fresh water or swim in it and then sipping fresh coconut water right from the pod.

WALAKIRI BEACH  does not only have crystal clear azure water and white playful sand yet it has also the exotic dancing mangrove trees. Anytime of the day the beach is just stunning, during day time or during sunset time. Yet during sunset the silhouette of the dancing trees are just mesmerizing and magical.

MANDORAK BEACH is place to enjoy sunset and sunrise and also sunbathing in day time. The beach has unique rock formations and fringes with white sands.

WAIRINDING SAVANNAH is a vast grassland engraved by hills as far as the eyes can see. On wet season it is the color of fresh green, in the dry season it is the color of brown gold and still evergreen trees creating beautiful accent to the landscape. You can take photo with the famous Sumba Horse here.

TANARARA HILL is another vast savannah in Sumba Island where you can see a beautiful sunset. During the daytime it will be filled with sun heat. The best spot is from a flat rim peak that is easily accessed.

TENAU HILL offers wide meadow landscape and it is just located 15 kilometers from Waingapu. Rice fields, river and ocean can be seen also from here. Sometimes you can see plane fly lower and lower to land at airport.

MAULIRU HILL is a view point to watch savannah with small hills. Sunset from the back of Sasar Cape changes the sky color from blue into orange. Mauliru rice fields down below can be seen from here. And from the hill peak the rice fields are side by side very tidy decorated by lontar and coconut trees.

HILIWUKU HILL lies 35 KM from Waingapu and not difficult to find as it is not far from the main road. This hill is more quiet than other hill view point that makes your visit more relax.

LEDONGARA HILL is situated in Southwest Sumba, and the view here is best to be seen any season of the year. Green or gold vast savannah are just exotic to look at. Here buffaloes and Sumbanese Horses roam free.

NDAPYAMI HILL is where you can see savannah mix with limestone hills. Ndampami means ‘do not let go” located in East Sumba, 32 km from Waingapu. The subtle horizontal lines on the hills and sun illuminated the savannah during late afternoon till sunset are just breathtaking.

Matayangu Waterfall
The Blue Waterfall or Matayangu Waterfall is situated in Manupeu Tanadaru National Park. It is a piece of paradise situated in the middle of forest, that can be reached by trekking for 2 km through relatively steep trail. And you will enjoy the walk, through the jungle which is overgrown with trees of Wulumanu, Manera, Aikaka, Waiwai, Kapulut, Quru and Delu. Matayangu is indeed a secret waterfall.
The waterfall cascades through rock and then stream into a turquoise natural pool that invites you to rejuvenate. And actually, there are Matayangu waterfalls. The first waterfall is 75 meters high waterfall which streams from river in cave. While the second is 130 meters high waterfall and it water source is from river and this waterfall only streams in wet season that make the best time to visit is during the wet season from March-June and October-December.

Lapopu Waterfall
This waterfall is also located in Manupeu Tanadaru National Park and Mata Lawa National Park, it is a tiered waterfall slides through rock surface and creates segmented-fan cascade which ends to a tosca water pool. Entering the Hatikuloku Village located in the proximity of the waterfall, high emerald trees welcome the travellers. Only by walking 15 minutes you can reach the waterfall, not difficult. There are bamboo bridge built for visitors along the river. Just be prepared with your wet suite and water friendly footwear.

Tanggedu Waterfall
Named after the village where it is located, Tanggedu Waterfall is another oasis in Sumba. It is located in a canyon with beautiful rock formation. This multi-step waterfall is best visited during the dry season when the water is clear turquoise. Be prepare with stamina as to reach the waterfall takes walking through villages, savannah, and creek for about 2.5 km.

Wai Marang Waterfall
Even though it is not high or powerful, Wai Marang Waterfall is a place to regain energy. Only 1 km walk to reach the waterfall and enjoy the pool surrounded by cliff. Visitors can jump and swim at the green tosca pool and enjoy sipping coconut water sold by locals. The waterfall was discovered by a boy named Erik when he was hunting pig, but found a waterfall instead.

Air Terjun Kolam Jodoh Lewa
The locals call this waterfall Pandjilu Watu which means water crock / water jar. The waterfall is multistep waterfall with one big natural pool surrounded by green vegetation that reminds you of a fairy tales. The tosca water pool water under shades is so inviting to jump in. There are skulls-like flowers can be found in this waterfall location.