Lore Lindu National Park is administratively situated in southern region of  Donggala Regency, and western region of Poso Regency of Central Sulawesi. The area consists of mountain ranges. On the western fringe is Sarasina Fossa Valley, while on the eastern fringe is Tawaelia Valley. the height of mountain here range from 200 meters till 2,610 meters above sea level. The temperature in this national park ranges from 26 to 32 deg C. On the north rainfall is 2000 to 3000 mm annually. While at the southern region can reach up to 4000 mm annually. The southern region is the watershed of three major rivers : Lariang River, Palu River and Gumbasa River. The ecosystems here are varies from lowland forest, mountaun forest, swamp, sabana and river ecosystem.

Lowland forest with height less than 100 meters where rattan, rainbow eucalyptus, enau, ficus,and many more. Higher altitude, grow orchids, staghorn ferns, ferns, resin tree, Elmerrillia ovalis Dandy and many more. In secondary forest grow wanga, leda and pine.

Lore Lindu National Park is habitat to some endemic animals from Sulawesi such as babirusa, tarsier, sulawesi pelanger, Sulawesi monkey, anoa, civet, and many more.

There are many birds here such as Maleo bird, Sulawesi Eagle, Enggang Bird. More than 21 big lizards species and reptiles here.

There are three zones in Lore Lindu National Park :  Suaka Margasatwa Lore Kalamanta, Suaka Margasatwa Sopu Gumbasa, and Hutan Wisata Danau Lindu. And here are the uniqeness of Lore Lindu National Park.

Megalithic Statues are the most interesting thing to be observed in Lore Lindu National Park. They have been existed for thousand years and it scattered  in Napu Valley, Bada Valley and Besoa Valley. They are known as best stone monuments in Indonesia. The statues are classified in 5 categories: first, Statue with human shape yet only one body part, be it shoulder, head, or genital. Second, is called as kalamba which is a jar that is estimated to be used to collect water or to place dead bodies in burial ritual. The third is tutu’na, stone plates which is estimated to be functioned as Kalamba cover. Forth is dakon shape with flat or convex shape. The fifth is other statues not in the 4 categories mentioned previously, they can be in the shape of house pillars, mortar and etc.

Lake Tambing is situated in Sedoa Village in North Lore distict, Poso Regency. To reach the lake must trek and this lake lies in the altitude of 1700 meters. The Lake area is bird haven and there are 260 bird species and even 30 percent of them are endemic. Some birds can be foudn here are: Sulawesi Fantail, Maroon-backed whistler, Blue-backed parrot, knobbed hornbill, yello-chested cacatua, snakebird. The lake is definitely perfect for birdwatching.

Maleo Bird Conservation is situated in Saluki village in Gumbasa District, Sigi Regency. This place is visited for travelers and also researchers.

If you plan to visit Lore Lindu National Park please let us know. There are many activities can be done here, bird-watching tour, trekking tour at Lake Tambing, Archaeological Tour, or research trip. You can also combine Lore Lindu National Park with other atraction in Sulawesi or Indonesia.

Well this city of shrimp is definitely very interesting to visit. It is the center of Batik, center of religious activity, important city during Dutch East Indies period and Cirebon has also some natural beauty to be explored.

KASEPUHAN PALACE AND KANOMAN PALACE
Both palaces are situated in the city of Cirebon. Kasepuhan Palace was the center of government in the past. The building architecture is a mix of Hindu, Javanese, Chinese and European architecture. In Kanoman palace you can see the old horse cart in display.

GOA SUNYARAGI
Was a royal garden for where king’s family spend time. The garden material is predominantly coral shipped from Gunungkidul Area. The philosophy behind this was that life is tough and hard until what it looks soft and easy, just like corals when they are taken from water. The corals then attached using white egg to make Mega Mendung batik design, the special batik design from Cirebon.

MUSEUM BATIK: TRUPARK
Is where you will learn about Batik of Cirebon with its special design called Mega Mendung local words for Cloud. You can also take photo with some interesting batik background.

NILEM BLUE LAKE
Is actually situated administratively in Kuningan, yet is accessible from Cirebon, which is only 24 KM away from Cirebon city. The lake has crystal clear water that we can see the bottom. Colorful school of fish swim freely in the lake and when we take picture will make the photo dramatic. Activities that we can do here is swimming, photo taking. Not far from Nilem Lake, situated another lake called Remis Lake.

SITU SEDONG
Is a water retention that was built to keep water in rainy season and used as irrigation during dry season. It can be accessed from Cirebon by 45 minutes drive. This 65 hectares water area offers various activities from boating to fishing, and you can see Ciremai Mountain from here.

PALIAMAN NAUTRAL HOTSPRING
This hotspring is situated about 20 km from Cirebon City and can be reached by 40 minutes drive. The water is clear blue and contains sulfur. The hotspring was discovered accidentally in 2008 when PT Indocement was drilling for water source.

PLANGON MONKEY FOREST
This forest offers tropical rainforest atmosphere with grey monkeys. This area also has two tombs of important persons in Cirebon :Prince Panjungan and Prince Kejaksan. To reach the hill peak , we must walk through hundreds of steps which takes about 20 minutes.

BATU LAWANG
Is where you can observe rock formation. Batu means rock while Lawang means door. Visitors can walk between the big rock formation and take photo along the exploration. The location is not that far from Cirebon and only about 40 minutes drive.

SETU PATOK LAKE
This lake is actually a water retention which function as water storage. Visitors can boat at the lake and each the island in the middle of the lake. On dry season, the water surface is low. This place has been one of favorite place for locals to spend weekend at.

KASIH SAYANG MANGROVE
Is a 7 hectares mangrove forest where visitors can walk along the forest on a jetty. It just takes 30 minutes drive from city to Mangrove Forest.

Kedung Sipingit is situated in Pekalongan regency that offers natural water attraction. Kedung in Javanese means natural pool. Sipingit derives from singit, local word for scary as in the past this place felt and looked scary. Yet lately this has draw youngsters and visitors to visit this place and became popular. The pool flows from Welo river that is fresh and crystal clear that it is suitable for tubing. The cliff on the river is black that it is also called as black canyon.

During dry season the kedung depth is about 3,5 meters while on rainy season it can be 5-7 meters depth. Located in Petungkriyo mountain area, this place is surrounded by lush vegetation. It takes approximatey 2 hours drive from Pekalongan city to reach this oasis. The entrance gate is surrounded by emerald green hills and rice fields and you can also sip hot coffee enjoying the view.

Activities that can be done here are: river tubing, body rafting, swimming and also if you are lucky you will meet Jawan owa. River Tubing duration along Welo River is about 4 hours through some challenging rapids.

Located in Banten Province, Ujung Kulon is one of the most interesting destinations to visit on the western part of Java. It is located few hours drive from the capital, Jakarta and usually if travelers have several days they can also visit Krakatau volcano as well.

Here are some of the must-visit places in Ujungkulon National Park:

PEUCANG ISLAND has beautiful underwater garden that it is perfect for snorkeling and diving activity. The Island is also home for deer’s and long tailed monkeys. Lodge is available on the island. If you are into hiking, you can definitely hike to the north part of the island Karang Copong where you can see sunset overlooking vast ocean.

CIDAON SAVANNAH can be accessed by boat from Peucang Island, and just walking about 250 meters you can observe banteng grassing there. Best time to see banteng is from 6-7 am and from afternoon at 16.30. Travelers can enjoy the wildlife observation from view point tower using binocular. Sometimes we can see peacocks and Gallus gallus in the savannah. Sunset time nearby the beach is another option to do here.

CIBUNAR SAVANNAH from Cidaon Savannah can be a perfect trail for trekking enthusiast in Ujung Kulon National Park. where you will be passing coastal forest and low land forest. Along the trail you can observe various birds and Badak diet vegetation. Cibunar is also home to banteng.

SANGHYANG SIRAH CAVE is destination for pilgrimage. The cave is related to raden Kiansantang, a prince who lived in the period of Padjajaran Kingdom when King Siliwangi reigned.

HANDEULEUM ISLANDS consists of Handeuleum Besar, Handeuleu Tengah and Handeuleum Kecil. Three islands is rich of wildlife and vegetations : birds, reptile and swam ecosystem. The most interesting thing to do here is cruising along river, ar Cigenter River where you will also visit waterfalls.

PANAITAN ISLAND is popular for its diving spots such as Legon Lentah and Legon Kadam which is situated at the north coast. While at the south coast : Legon Samadang and Karang Ajar spot. This island is also suitable for surfing, especially at Kasuaris Bay. There is one point popular among surfers, calles as One Palm Point, which has big swell to ride on.

CIBIUK HOTSPRING is a place to rejuvenate after enjoying various activities in the national park. Locals visit this hotspring , and they believe that hot bath here help them cure some illness.

CURUG CIKACANG is the home of Javan owa. The area is circled by primary and secondary forest. This forest is where researchers , priate observation, bird watching, and herb research take place.

SOUTHERN COAST (PANTAI SELATAN) stretches from Cegog till Cibunar. It takes 8 hours trekking to enjoy the vegetation, view and wildlife along the trail. Travelers can stay overnight at Cegog, a village on the border of southern coast.

If you want to visit Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon or Ujung Kulon National Park, please do let us know. We can pick up at Jakarta or Banten. The tour to Ujung Kulon National Park can be combined with Krakatau volcano tour.

1. ANDUNG (TREE OF LIFE) is symbol of place to hang human head arrival from war which means glory and victory
2. ANA TAU (HUMAN) depicts as human mix with animal which means that human must keep the environment, side by side with animals that the local wisdom can be conserved for generations. In Marapu belief, this also means sincere. Ana tau with human hand opens means there is nothing to hide before God.
3. BUANDA is symbol of brotherhood ties created by ikat weaving maker artist, Titus K Limu in 2017.
4. FLOWER is symbol of human life and that humans needs one another as symbol of beauty
5. RAU AU (BAMBOO LEAF) is symbol of natural dyes that are used from generation to generation and also means unconditional actions.
6. WALLA WATAR (CORN FLOWER). Corn is the stable food of Sumbanese, ans the corn flower is the symbol of prosperity.
7. PATOLA BUNGA (PATOLA FLOWER) was introduced by Indian traders and it is symbol of beauty
8. PATOLA KAMBA is symbol of appreciation and symbol of eternal life. It also symbolizes that any valuable things kept using cotton or fabric.
9. PATOLA RATU is symbol that can only be worn by royals.
10. MATA HUTAR is created by artist Paulus Balla as symbol of beauty
11. HUNDA RANGGA symbol of palace and appreciation
12. WALLA MANGATA is symbol of beauty
13. KAMBIHA NJARA (TAPAK KUDA) or hoof is symbol of prosperity
14. KARIHU is similar to letter X which means hardworking women
15. KANDUNNU (STAR) is symbol of hope
16. HIAMBA ROTI is flower similar to patola ratu which means beauty and harmony
17. MAMULI is symbol of women. Women give birth symbolizes fertility and respecting women
18. MARA HUTAR, UWARI PAITA(Parea flower), and Hiamba Hay are symbol of beauty and balance. And Kandunnu is star that symbolizes hope. The Four symbols in one symbolizes heaven and earth. Iyang motif (fish) symbolizes beauty and prosperity.
19. SQUID is symbol of spirit travel to eternity
20. KURA MBIU/SHRIMP (BIG SHRIMP) in Marapu Belief is symbol of life after death or reincarnation
21. ANA KURANG (SMALL SHRIMP) has same meaning as Kura Mbiu
22. TANOMA//KARA/TURTLE is symbol of queen (Karawulang queen) as crown in Sumba and made out of turtle shell
23. NJARA (HORSE) is symbol of authority, majesty and unity
24. ELEPHANT is symbol of power
25. DRAGON is adapted from China, and it is symbol of authority, bravery and victory
26. WUYA (CROCODILE) symbol f kingdom, royals which symbolizes bravery
27. RUHA (DEER) symbolizes good status and nature conservation
28. KATARU MBAKUL (SNAKE) is symbol of arrogancy and also means life after death
29. MAHANG HAWURUNG (FLYING LION) is fantasy creature and symbol of power and authority
30. MAHANG KATIKU NJARA (HORSEHEAD LION) is symbol of power
31. MAHANG KATIKU TAU (HUMAN HEAD LION) is symbol of authority
32. TAU RIANJA (DANCERS) is symbol of hapiness
33. UKKI/MATA NDUI (COIN)
34. NDUI WILHELMINA (COIN WILHELMINA) is inspired by coin during Dutch East Indies period
35. PARENJA NJARA NIMBU (PASOLA DANCE) is traditional event to ask forgiveness to God and for god crops ahead
36. TAU KALITI NJARA (HORSE RIDER) symbolizes authority, majesty and high social status
37. PAPANGGANG (KARAWULANG QUEEN), depicts as queen riding bull under umbrella or papanggang which is usually can be found in a women fabric that tells about kings burial procession
38. MANU (CHICKEN), a hen is symbol of unity which cock is symbol of bravery
39. MANGINU (SPARROW) is symbol of peace
40. MANU MARRA (PEACOCK) is symbol to protect nature
41. KAKA (COCKATOO) is symbol of discussion for a solution
42. PIRIIHU (PARROT) has same meaning as Kaka
43. REA 9 (DUCK) symbolizes leader that gives good example
44. KAWUNG (BUTTI (MONKEY) symbolizes agile to manage life
45. KARUNNGU (CRAB) is symbol of beauty and prosperity
46. KARAMBUA (BULL) is symbol of power and social status
47. WELI METI LUNDU TANUNG (DEATH TILL BURIAL RITUAL) is symbol of royal burial ritual

If you are interested to visit Sumba Island for wastra or traditional textile odyssey please let us know. Sumba is rich of traditional textile that you can learn and observe.

We have also tour to learn about traditional textile in Java, Bali, Borneo, Lombok, Sumba, Flores. Feel free to contact us.

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.