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Karimunjawa National Park: A Captivating Tropical Paradise in North Java

Located in the Java Sea, approximately 83 kilometers from the northern coast of Jepara, Karimunjawa Island is one of Indonesia's exotic marine tourism destinations. Known as the "Caribbean of Java," this archipelago offers the charm of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and diverse marine life. Karimunjawa is a perfect destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, and those seeking to experience the beauty of pristine tropical nature. Karimunjawa consists of 27 small islands, of which only a few are inhabited, while most are uninhabited, surrounded by crystal clear waters. This makes Karimunjawa a favorite destination for snorkeling, diving, and enjoying the beauty of the beaches. Karimunjawa has been designated a National Park by the Jepara government since March 15, 2001. Karimunjawa is home to coral reefs, mangroves, coastal forests, and nearly 400 species of marine life, including 242 species of ornamental fish. Wonderful Indonesia: Some of the rare fauna...

Brem is a Favorite Souvenir from Madiun, East Java

Rectangular in shape, ivory white, neatly arranged symmetrically in a package. That's brem, a legendary sweet-tasting snack that has existed since the Dutch colonial era. But not for just anyone, only for those from the wealthy class. This traditional snack is usually used as a snack and treat for guests. Now the price seems cheap, only around 10 thousand rupiah. But at that time, ordinary people who mostly lived in poverty during the colonial era preferred to use their money to buy carbohydrate sources such as rice, corn, wheat, or tubers that were filling. Therefore, brem was classified as a luxury food in its time. Today, brem can be found not only in East Java but also in Central Java and Bali. In Solo, there is brem in a flat round shape resembling a fish cracker (similar to the shape of the Wonogiri brem). Brem is also made with various flavors including chocolate, strawberry, melon, orange, and even durian to win the interest of the market that likes flavor options other tha...

Sulamadaha Beach, a Beautiful Oasis on the Edge of Ternate Island

A stretch of blackish sand in the shape of the letter U stretches across the panoramic view of the distant Hiri Island on the other side. The waves of the sea compete to create this beautiful beach. A beautiful oasis on the outskirts of Ternate that continues to grow and spread its wings. The coastal wind blows soothingly on the hot sun of North Maluku. Birdsong sounded low among the trees that shaded my presence at that time on Sulamadaha Beach. Sulamadaha is the most famous beach in Ternate. Not only in Indonesia but this beach is also known by foreigners. Many foreign tourists visit Sulamadaha, and they find it hard to forget the charm of this beautiful beach. Sulamadaha Beach is one of the most important tourism assets of Ternate, North Maluku. The beauty of Sulamadaha Beach can be proven from the first time you enter the area. Motorized vehicles can park in one place and visitors have to walk a little to the beach area. First entering, visitors will be greeted by many kiosks selli...

Explore Bama Beach in Banyuwangi, East Java

The name Banyuwangi has also become increasingly popular through the presence of the Trans Java Toll Road which accelerates vehicle access to the eastern part of Java. Banyuwangi International Airport, which was designed by architect Andra Matin and won one of the prestigious architectural awards Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2022, further boosted the name of Banyuwangi. More than just a port from Java to Bali, Banyuwangi also holds a variety of amazing tourist destinations. In fact, in an area that may not be too large when compared to other districts, Banyuwangi offers access to a variety of tourist destinations that are fairly complete. From mountains to oceans, from forests to savannas, everything can be found or accessed from Banyuwangi. One place worth visiting is Bama Beach, which is located within the Baluran National Park area. This beach offers freshness at the end of the savanna. The beauty of Bama Beach lies in its clean white sand and clear seawater. The beach is also su...

History of Buton Sultanate in Wolio Palace Fort Baubau

Sulawesi is an island with many natural resources and amazing tourist attractions. No wonder it is now one of the tourist destinations visited by local and foreign tourists. Who would have thought that in the Sulawesi Islands, there is a fort that is the largest fort in the world? Yes, its name is Buton Palace Fort. Buton Palace Fortress in Baubau City, Buton Island, Southeast Sulawesi. Buton Palace Fort was awarded by the Indonesian Museum of Records (MURI) and Guinness Book Records in September 2006 as the largest fort in the world with an area of about 23,375 hectares. In addition to being the largest fortress in the world, Buton Palace Fortress has a unique shape made of limestone. The fort used to be a place of defense but is now a tourist attraction that displays the history of the Buton Sultanate with stunning views of Baubau City. The fort, which was built in the 16th century by the Sultan of Buton III named La Sangaji who was titled Sultan Kaimuddin (1591-1596), has 3 componen...

Uncovering the Sacred Meaning Behind Sayyang Pattuduq, a Dancing Horse Tradition Typical of Mandar Land

The accessorized horse dances to the beat of a tambourine in a performance called sayyang pattuduq. Her head nodded and swayed to the beat of the tambourine, while her forelegs stepped in rhythm with the music. On the horse's back, a woman dressed in Mandar traditional clothing sits gracefully, accompanied by a boy dressed in Arabian style with a long robe. Occasionally, the horse raises its front legs high, while four male companions swiftly control it. The accompaniment of tambourine music and selawat from the horsemen continues to sound lively, welcomed with joy by residents in every house that is passed. This performance is an effort to preserve the traditions passed down from their ancestors in the land of Mandar, West Sulawesi. Sayyang Pattuduq's link to the Prophet Muhammad SAW. This tradition is often held to celebrate the maulid of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. In Mandarese, 'sayyang' means horse, while 'pattuduq' means dancing. So, literally, 'sayyang ...

Bingka Cake, a Soft Sweet from Banjar Land that Looks Like Mud Cake

The month of Ramadan isn't complete without a sweet treat, especially when breaking the fast. Enduring hunger and thirst throughout the day, then filling your stomach with Balikpapan's specialty sweets before eating the main course, is an incomparable pleasure.  In Tanah Banjar, South Kalimantan, a similar tradition is also present. The people of Banjarmasin have a hereditary tradition of a sweet treat that has become a favorite during Ramadan, the bingka cake. Made with a flower-like shape, this special snack is a favorite among the people of East and South Kalimantan. In the past, this savory moist cake was made by the Banjar tribe and was a favorite snack of kings and nobles. Now, this wet cake can be enjoyed by the whole community. According to various sources, the recipe for this cake is said to have been created by Putri Junjung Buih, the daughter of the Daha Kingdom. At that time, the princess made bingka cake which was intended specifically for the nobles. At first glan...

Habema, Papua's Beautiful Lake Above the Clouds

I had traveled a winding road full of sharp pebbles and steep climbs. The blue sky and rolling white clouds accompanied every step I took. The cold air combined with the warmth of the sun encouraged me to reach that great point, a source of life in the high peaks of Papua. That's roughly the description of the journey that will be passed when heading to Habema. A lake that is considered sacred and a source of fertility and life by the surrounding Dani people. Not only is the lake superior in mystical terms, but it is also superior in many ways. With an altitude of approximately 3,225 meters above sea level, it is no wonder that this lake is sovereign as one of the highest lakes in Indonesia. The original name of Lake Habema is actually yuginopa, while the name Habema was taken from the name of a Dutch officer, namely Lieutenant Habema who participated in escorting the expedition team to the top of Trikora in 1909. The lake area is approximately 224.35 hectares with a circumference ...