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.

South West Sumba which famous for its Pasola Battle Ritual, also has other fascinating tourist magnet, a hamlet where houses have distinct design, Ratenggaro Hamlet. This hamlet is administratively  located in Umbu Ngedo, Kodi Bangedo district which is approximately situated 56 kilometres  from Tambolaka, or about 1.5 to 2 hours drive.

Visiting Ratenggaro hamlet will take you centuries ago to the megalithic period where there were big stones tomb scattered throughout the hamlet. The hamlet name derives from Rate which means Tomb and Garo means Garo Tribe. The hamlet was sized from Garo tribe in the past when battle among tribes and villages was common. The defeated party were killed and buried on site. There are about 304 megalithic stones here and 3 of them are more unique in design. The stones are carved in raw mystical primitive engravings. The tombs resemble to tables that are unrestrictive even when the wind blows forcefully from the sea where the hamlet lies. The stone tombs of Ratenggaro villagers are smaller in size than that of kings and ancestors.

When we arrived at the hamlet, when were given betel leaves, nuts (pinang) and lime (kapur) to be chewed.  And yes, we gave it a go, we chewed it to respect the host. Chewing them produces large amount of saliva and definitely it is not something you want to swallow. Even the taste is bitter, it is a great way to interacts with locals of Ratenggaro. In local tradition, chewing betelnut is symbol of adulthood. Sirih leave represents male, pinang nut represents woman ovary and lime or kapur represents sperm. The lime will make red saliva in the mouth.  

The traditional house of Ratenggaro is called as Uma Kelada, and its roof towers as high as 15 meters. The height of the roof is based on the owner social status. They still preserve the indigenous belief from centuries ago, called Marapu, just like other hamlets and villages in Sumba Island.

Uma Kelada is stilts house consists of 4 storeys. The lowest storey is used for animals, the second is for the house owner and to store crops. The family heirlooms and weapons are stored above the kitchen. The top storey is where they place buffalo horns as symbol of dignity and honour. Ratenggaro house is similar to that of Flores Island, and Tana Toraja where the tribe stores pig’s jaw, buffalo’s horn as symbol that the house owner has conducted custom ritual.

We had the chance to try local menus for lunch. It was chicken menu of Kodi district in this hamlet. The free-range chicken was marinated with salt only and then grilled. It was served with salted coconut milk, corn rice and sambal ala Sumba, which is made from sliced chili, tomato, and basil.

The magnificent view of dramatic high thatched roof houses with blue sky and blue sea is just unparallel. We loved enjoying the sea breeze while riding Sumba horse along the coast.

Indonesia is not only rich of culture and natural beauty, it is rich also of beautiful traditional textile. From Sumatra Island stretch to Papua, each island, each regions has authentic unique textile traditional textile which is popular as wastra Indonesia. And contact us if you want to explore and know deeper about Indonesia Traditional Textile, as we have tour packages for this special trip.

TENUN IKAT SUMBA uses natural dye from plants, mud and roots that can be found in the surrounding. Sumba is an island located south of Flores Island, and it is well known for its beautiful nature, local culture and yes, the weaving. Sumba tenun has unique motives, like horses, dragons, women, birds, chicken and each has meaning. Horse symbolizes prides, dragons symbolize power. Sumba women wok on traditional loom and it can take 3 months to make one piece of weaving through 42 phases. The price of Sumba weaving is expensive and it is worth to purchase.

ULOS is wastra from North Sumatra. Ulos means blanket. Ulos is similar to songket textile from Palembang. The loom used is manual loom. Ulos colors are dominated by red, white and black. There are various ulos for different event of Batak tribe, such as ragihotang, ragi hidup, sodum and sibolang.

GERINGSING is wastra from Bali. This tenun is the only wastra that uses double ikat technique. Geringsing derives from Gering means sick and Sing means not, that geringsing means “not sick”. Balinese believe that this textile will protect them from illness. Geringsing weaving can be found in Tenganan Pegringsingan village, and natural dyes are used for this textile.

FLORES IKAT WEAVING is one of the most artistic wastra. It takes 20 phases and long period of time to finish one tenun. Tenun Flores can be found in some parts of Flores, such as Maumere, Sikka, Ende, Ngada, Nagekeo, Manggarai, Lio and Lembata. Each region has different motives and colors. The motives represent tribes, customs, traditions, religions and life in Flores Island. Each pattern is meaningful.

TAPIS is traditional textile from Lampung, Sumatra Island. It is made out of cotton yarn and decorated with silver, gold or silk yarn. It was designed to honor ancestor, for ceremony and special events. But now people wear this relatively on any occasion.

BADUY WEAVING is traditional textile from Leba, Banten, West Java. They use manual loom. There are some motives of Baduy Tribe weaving, such as adumancung, suat songket, poleng and more. There are more than 20 motives of Baduyweaving. Each weaving is comfortable to skin. Natural dyes tenun can be found here as well as synthetic coloring. Let us know if you would like to visit BADUY tribe, we have special package tour to Baduy.

TENUN GEDOG is traditional textile from Tuban, East Java Indonesia. The weaver uses cotton yarn and weave on traditional loom. Tenun Gedog is not colored. After finish as textile, and then processed as batik.

LURIK is wastra from Yogyakarta with stripes pattern. There are few of Lurik patterns. The cotton yarns are spinned manually and then weaved on traditional loom called gedogan. Lurik has 6 phases, more simple than other weavings. Lurik is worn by Yogyakarta palace soldiers to meet the sultan and lurik outfit has been more universal and can be worn by anyone, cross-class. Lurik turns out to be older than batik, as it has been existed since 9th Century.

BATIK is wastra Indonesia that has been inscribed as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Batik has evolves in Indonesian fashion industry. There are some types of Batik : hand-painted batik, stamped batik, combination batik and painted batik. Batik can be found in many regions and cities in Java.

ENDEK WEAVING is wastra Indonesia from Bali. The looms uses are manual looms. Endek Weaving can be found in the region of Jembrana, Buleleng, Klungkung and Karangasem. Every pattern has special meanings. Some patterns are only worn by royals. Some patterns are worn only on religious ceremonies. Endek weaving has been part of Christian Dior for summer 2021 collections.

These waterfall groups are situated in idyllic North Bali, that is most popular for its dolphin watching at Lovina Beach. As waterfall hunter, i love roaming through this seven points waterfalls while i visited North Bali.

Among all the seven waterfalls, two are still unnamed yet. The other five waterfalls are: 2 Sekumpul Waterfalls, 3 Fiji Waterfalls. The waterfalls resides in the pristin nature with green hilly panorama.

The Sekumpul Waterfalls are as a matter of fact administratively situated in Lemukih village, however as the access is from Sekumpul village, they are more familiar known as Sekumpul Waterfall. The locals call the waterfall as Grombong or Twin Waterfall that they stream side by side.

Two waterfalls are just nearby the road, but the other 5 waterfalls are located deeper that it requires trekking. Even though there are signs along the way, i prefer to hire a local guide to tell us story about the waterfalls, local life, and also lead to the waterfall.

Banyumala Waterfall looks very enchanting with its fan shape spread along the cliff cascading to the plunge pool. It is situated relatively hidden that it can be an ideal getaway and relaxation, as not many visitors wander here. This segmented fan waterfall width is approximately 20 meters.

The plunge pool is around 15 cm diameter and the depth is about 120 meters that it is friendly for visitors to swim or just to enjoy rejuvenating bath.

Banyumala waterfall lies in the nature that it resembles a painting and if you are lucky rainbow appears around the waterfall. Wanagiri Village is the village this waterfall administratively located. It requires about 15 to 20 minutes walk through cloves plantation and forest to reach the waterfall, with some steep trails.

Banyumala Waterfall is definitely unlike its name meaning ” dirty water”. The waterfall with crystal clear fresh water is worth a visit if you visit Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan or other points of interest in the vicinity.