Trenggalek Tourism

Trenggalek is situated on the South-West of Surabaya, the Capital city of East Java Province, and bordered by Tulungagung in the East, Indonesian Ocean in the South, Pacitan and Ponorogo in the West, Ponorogo and Tulungagung Regencies in the North.

Trenggalek covers 126.140 Ha, a part of it, is mountainous and the rest is lowland. And tourism places which is very exciting as the other objects.

Trenggalek regencies is enriched with various potential natural resources such as: maining material (marble, limestons, meteorit, orcher, piropillit, feldspar, caolin, trass, sandstons, etc). Agriculture product (rice, corn soja), plantation products (coffee, colve, cacao, coconut mangosteen, zalacca and durian), forest products (such as terpentine as row material for gondorukem / gum) and tourism places which so exciting as the other objects.

There are many visitors often visit this regency to spent their holiday. The visitors are interesting with Trenggalek's tourism objects, such as: Prigi Beach, Damas Beach, Pelang Beach, Karanggongso Beach, Lowo Cave, and also Trenggalek's traditional art and food. Its beautiful and origin beaches are able to invite many visitors. Those visitors are also interesting in Trenggalek's anniversary. It usually held some of traditional attraction, which very interesting.

As coastal area, Trenggalek has many fishermen who can catch many fresh fishes from the sea. They have annual ceremony that called "Larung Semboyo". This ceremony is mean to thank to God because of His blessing to all fishermen.

Don't be hesitated to visit Trenggalek. Enjoy its beaches, traditional food and the other interesting places in Trenggalek.

Trowulan Tourism

WELCOME TO TROWULAN TOURISM

Trowulan site is supposed to be the center of Majapahit Kingdom years ago that has 11 km x 9 km width. This site covers Mojokerto and Jombang regency region. In this region, there are a lot of archaeological heritage for example, temple (Bajangratu, Gentong, Wringinlawang, etc), pool (Segaran Pool, Tikus), gateway, foundation of building, and artifact like statue, relief, some equipment of ceremony, and household.

These ancient heritage amounts make the researcher interesting. First research noted in 1815 by Wardenaar as Raffles command, booked in "History of Java" (published 1817, Raffles masterpiece). The next researchers are WR Van Hovell (1849), JFG BRUMUND (1854), and Jonathan Rigg, which published as "Jurnal of The Indian Archipelago and Eastern Asia". Hereinafter, there were many researches to this site, include Mojokerto regent RAA Kramadjaja Adinegara, Tikus temple inventor in 1914. During his leadership it also built museum Mojokerto that save many Majapahit Kingdom objects that being found in this site.

The famous ancient researcher in this site is Henri Maclaine Port. This Dutch Architect had built special research office of Trowulan site. The dig result (1924 - 1926) matched with description in Kitab Negarakertagama and resulted reconstruct sketch of Majapahit city. Majapahit city tight depicted in roads network form and circumference wall formed foursquare blocks. Through air photograph (1981), there is canals and dam around this site. This thing can be made one of evidence that Majapahit Kingdom was agrarian kingdom with adequate fertile soil and irrigation.

After Maclaine Pont research, since 1953 the research in this site done by Dinas Purbakala dan Peninggalan Nasional Seksi Bangunan (Department of Archeology And National Heritage of Building Section) in Trowulan. Since 1970 presents Pusat Penelitian Arkeologi Nasional (Center of National Archeology Research) to dig and check exhaustively in this site.

Eastern Javanese history usually divided into three dynasti periods. The first was the period when the kings of Kadiri ruled over Java (10th - 1222 AD) they ware succeeded by the dynasty of Singasari (1222 - 1293 AD), which in turn was replaced by the kings of Majapahit (1293 - early 16th century).

Majapahit’s Power reached its summit under the rule of King Hayam Wuruk. Gajah Mada was again prime minister until his death in 1365 AD. After Hayam Wuruk died in 1389 AD. The country was split up by fraternal conflicts. Hayam Wuruk had been succeeded by the crown princess Kusumawarddhani, who had married with a relative, Prince Wikramawarddhana.

Surabaya Culinary

Surabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city, and the capital of the province of East Java. It is also one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia, located on the northern shore of Eastern Java at the mouth of the Mas River and at the side of the Madura Strait. It is known as the city of heroes, because of its heroic role in the history of Indonesia. In 2007, the population of the city is approximately 4 million

* Semanggi

Semanggi (Clover leaf), consist of two kinds of vegetable, that is clover leaf, and stewed sprout, presented with mixture petis (shrimp black paste). Its flavour is typical representing of sweet potatoes, peanut, and brown sugar, and also equiped by the crisply puli crackers.

Semanggi is usually vended by a woman which circling around some area, its seller generally ages woman which still impose the jarit (kind of saroong) at the same time carry on the basket contain the clover substance on the back and one plastic big contain the crisply puli crackers. For you which curious with this unique food, can stop by to Surabaya Plaza Hotel, Every day start at 13.00 – 17.00 wib.

* Rujak Cingur

Rujak Cingur is sort of like vegetables salad, but with spicy sauce. This food have become the unique taste of Surabaya. Its mixed flavour is really unique, because combine the young banana slice, roasted peanut, demerara, onion fry, and petis (shrimp black paste). Feel the sweet, briny, fresh and a few casquette uniting by various slice of fruit type. There is, cucumber, yam bean (bengkuang), young mango, pineapple and kedondong added with lontong (compressed rice), tofu, tempe, bendoyo or krai, and also vegetables like bean sprout, kangkung ( water convolvulus), and string bean. According to its name, not left behind cingur (unique cows beef). At some places, rujak presented on the banana leaf (pincuk).

The following is some places that you can find Rujak Cingur :

1. Rujak Cingur Achmad Jais, Jl Achmad Jais
2. Rujak Cingur Pores Embong Sawo, Jl Embong Sawo
3. Rujak Cingur Delta Plasa Surabaya, Jl. Pemuda
4. Rujak Cingur Peneleh, Jl Peneleh
5. Pujasera Galaxy Mall, Jl Kertajaya Indah Timur
Have a look at the recipe of Rujak Cingur here.

* Nasi Pecel

Nasi Pecel is a traditional meal from one town in East Java, Madiun. It made from different vegetables and serve with peanut sauce and warm plain rice (nasi putih). And usually accompany with some flour cracker (rempeyek). In the reality has a lot of version. For example pecel Blitar, Nganjuk, Kediri, Ponorogo, and Madiun. Although its substance has no difference with others, but each have its uniqueness. Its difference starts from vegetable type and its flavour. In its presentation, there are multifarious steam vegetables and also fresh lalapan (vegetable that you can directly eat). As reference, there is nothing wrong if you try the place following :

1. Pecel Ketabang, Jl Ketabang Kali behind Plasa Surabaya
2. Warung Bu Kus, Jl Bratang (near Hotel Narita)
3. Pecel Tapaksiring, Tennis Court PJKA Jl Tapaksiring
4. Pecel Pandigiling, Jl Pandigiling In front of Purnama Motel
5. Pecel Kertajaya, Jl Kertajaya (near Suzana kiosk)
6. Pecel Madiun, Jl Indrapura
Have a look at the recipe of Pecel here.

* Lontong Balap

Some say, it is the original food of Surabaya, besides Semanggi Suroboyo, and Rujak Cingur. Lontong balap, according to its name consist of slices of lontong (compressed rice), added with bean sprouts soup, fried tahu (fried tofu), lentho, soy sauce, fried union, and chilli sauce. Lentho made of rice peanut (in Surabaya so called tholo added with the flour, koempheria galanga, leaf onion, orange purut, and salt).

For some people, eat the lontong balap not yet complete, otherwise added with the cockle satay. The question is why it is called lontong balap (Balap in English mean Race)? It is said, this name emerge from the style of lontong balap merchants in the past. All merchant used the big bamboo stick accommodating two clay frying-pans. Big size measure, it is clear weight shouldered. As a result, the merchants had to quicken their journey, provoking race. Since then, the term of lontong balap was emerged. So, where do we can enjoy the lontong balap ? Here are the list :

1. Lontong Balap in front of Grahadi, Jl Gubernur Suryo (near kantor pos)
2. Lontong Balap Rajawali, Jl Rajawali (opposite of Bank Eksekutif)
3. Lontong Balap Garuda, Jl Kranggan
4. Lontong Balap RIA, Jl Kombes Duryat
5. Warung Lontong Balap, Jl Kepanjen (in front of SMPN 2 Surabaya)
6. Lontong Balap Kertajaya, Jl Raya Gubeng Kertajaya XV
7. Lontong Balap Raya Gubeng, Jl Raya Gubeng (beside BNI)
Have a look at the recipe of Lontong Balap here.

* Sate Kelopo (Satay with Coconut)

Satay with coconut or sate kelopo (in Javanese), differing from other type of satay, because the steak is scattered by
the coconut rasp. This makes the odorous aroma and crispy likely compared to chicken or goat satay. If you want to try, you can find it at Jl. Walikota Mustajab; most of Surabayanese mention the road as Ondomohen.

It is about Rp. 8.500,- for 10 sticks. It's more expensive than normal satay because its substance is special. It is selected by a flesh gulp in which its quality is nicest. This flesh is then locked out from its muscles so that is not hard eaten.

* Rawon

Rawon is a local dish from East Java, especially in Surabaya, made from beef with a special herb called 'Kluwek' that makes the dish has a black colour. You can find it easily in local restaurant, but one well-known place of rawon seller is Rawon Setan, setan - literally in English means ghost, this name was given because this warung start to open around midnight, the time when the ghost usually comes.

When you come here, you have to be patient to get a sit. If you want to try, just go to Jl. Embong Malang (in front of Westin Hotel). But don't be surprise if you see the place because you won't find it like a very nice restaurant. Have a look at the recipe of Rawon.

* Tahu Campur

Another traditional dish from Surabaya. But based on story, actually people from Lamongan (a town in East Java) who were the first time made it. That is why most of tahu campur seller in Surabaya named their restaurant/warung with "Tahu Campur Lamongan". Literally "Tahu Campur" in English means Tofu Mixture. Tahu Campur is like a beef soup, but taste is different because it has petis (shrimp black paste) inside. So the taste is quite strong, and some people don't like the smell of petis. It also has different ingredients such as tofu, cassava croquettes, bean sprouts, green salad and serve with prawn crackers.

If you want to try and taste it, you can go to Jl. Kalasan, Pacar Keling where you can find street food stall of "Tahu Campur Kalasan H. Mahfud". It's really delicious, big slices of meat and the price is not so expensive.
Have a look at the recipe of Tahu Campur here.

Here other delicious culinary places in Surabaya you can't miss:

1. Ayam Goreng Pemuda, Jl. Pemuda 38 and Ayam Goreng Sriwijaya, Jl. Sriwijaya 30-32

Main menu is Chicken, either fried or grill. They have the best sambal ever!!

2. Soto Ayam Ambengan "Sadi Asli", Jl. Ambengan 3 A

This speciality from this restaurant is Soto Ayam (Javanese Style Chicken Soup).

3. Masakan Padang, New Antika Jl. Raya Darmo I

The speciality from this restaurant is all kind of dishes from Padang, a region in West Sumatra.You can easily find masakan Padang in big cities all around Indonesia. But here, their dishes are very delicious and would make your mouth watering!!

4. Kepiting Cak Gundul, Jl. Dukuh Kupang

Want to eat craps with different kind of taste? Spicy, sweet, but delicious? Come and enjoy it here! Prepare yourself for big portion of meals.

Click here to find more information about Surabaya tourism


More to come ... And if you have any information about best and delicious culinary places in Indonesia that you want to share with us, feel free to Contact Us.

SUMENEP - THE EDGE OF MADURA

Just over 30 km beyond Sampang is the capital city of Pamekasan. There is not much for the visitor to see here unless it is bull racing season. The town of Sumenep on the north eastern end of the island, while smaller than Pamekasan, is more vibrant and has some interesting historical sites as well as some good beaches nearby. The city's old palace (kraton) and museum are worth visiting, as is the large Jamiq mosque with its green tiered roof. Above the town is the royal mausoleum called Asta Tinggi, from where there are good views of the town and coast beyond.
The two main beaches near Sumenep are Slopeng and Lombang. The former, which lies on the north coast some 21 km from the town, is a beautiful location with tall palm trees shading the edge of the beach. At weekends and on holidays Slopeng is popular with families from Sumenep, but otherwise it is quite deserted. A few of the local village people have set up stalls and offer fresh young coconuts and Siwalan fruit, taken directly from the surrounding trees, to passing travellers.

At Lombang, on Madura's north eastern point, a long and narrow stretch of white sand is backed by short cemara trees. Aside from the occasional fisherman the beach is deserted, making it the perfect place for 'getting away from it all'.

A narrow but good road runs the whole way down Madura's attractive north coast, from Slopeng to Bangkalan. There are many small villages and quiet beaches to stop at on the way, in particular the fishing communities of Pasongsongan and Pasean, where narrow estuaries are packed solid with colourful sailing boats.

Before arriving at Bangkalan, which is the last major town before Kamal, it is well worth visiting the Aermata tomb of Ratu Ibu, who was the consort of Prince Cakraningrat I of Madura and a descendant of Sunan Giri, one of the famed Wali Songo, or 'nine saints', who originally propagated the Muslim religion in Java. The tomb, which is set on a hill about 4 km inland from the town of Arosbaya and approached by a long flight of steps, dates back to the mid 17th century.

Madura is also a well known center for batik production and has its own unique style. In the performing arts, the island is famous for its topeng dalang, a mask dance/theatre, which at one time was only seen within the royal palace.

THE EXOTIC BANGKALAN

EXOTIC BANGKALAN

The sea crossing from East Java's mainland to the small island of Madura takes just half an hour. A regular ferry service transports cars and passengers across the narrow strait between Surabaya's harbour of Tanjung Perak and Kamal on Madura's south west coast. Measuring some 160 km in length and about 40 across at its widest point, Madura supports a population of close to 2.3 million inhabitants, most of whom are farmers or fishermen. Although the island is a part of the province of East Java, it is home to a completely separate ethnic group, which has its own language and customs. Renowned over the centuries for their sailing prowess, the Madurese are a tough, high spirited people, whose character appears well suited to the harsh climate and dry landscape.
Madura's most famous attraction is the annual bull racing (kerapan sapi), which takes place during the dry season in August and September. These exciting and colourful tournaments consist of a race between two pairs of bulls, each team pulling a rider and sled. Following a series of heats, which take place in different parts of the island for some weeks, the highlight of the season occurs when the finals are held in Pamekasan, Madura's capital. Recently a new bull racing stadium has been built in Bangkalan with the object of attracting more tourists to the island.

Madura is not so large and it is possible to travel the whole way round it in a couple of days. However, there is quite alot to see and more time is needed to explore even the major places of interest.

Starting at Kamal and moving along the southern coast, the first stop is the town of Sampang, near to which lies Camplong Beach. The best time to be here is shortly after sunrise or at dusk, when the blue sailed Madurese fishing boats (prahu) are either arriving or setting off. The air is clearer at these times and from the beach there is a good view of the mountain ranges on the mainland to the south

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park covers some 800 square kilometers in the centre of East Java. It is the largest volcanic region in the province and there stands Mt. Semeru, which rises 3676 meters above sea level. At its northern end is the spectacular Tengger Caldera, Java's largest, with its 10 km barren desert-like sea of sand. Within the caldera rise the deeply fissured volcanic cones of Batok and Bromo, the latter is still active with a cavernous crater from which smoke blows skyward. Temperatures at the top of mount Bromo range about 5 to 18 degrees Celcius . To the south is a rolling upland plateau dissected by valleys and dotted with several small scenic lakes, extending to the foot of Mount Semeru, a towering grey forest-skirted cone dominating the southern landscape.

The Tenggerese Society
The Tenggerese are an ethnic group inhabiting the highlands of East Java's Tengger mountain range, They live almost entirely from the cultivation of crops and embrace a Hindu/Buddhist religion. According to the East Java Parisada Hindu Darma, the relegion of the Tengger people is Mahayana Buddhism. The Tengger have no temples, but instead Punden, Poten or Danyang. The annual Yadnya Kasada is a holy ceremony held at the crater and sea of Mount Bromo is a holy festival of thanksgiving and a time for the inauguration of priest.

Flora and Fauna
Most of the parts of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park as the area of are fertile, the flora grows well including: pinus, merkusii, fir tree, and eldeweiis (anavalis sp. the protected plants ). The typical animal living in the National Park include: Timor deer, (Cerveos timorenses) wild dog, leopard (Panthera tigris sundaicus), pangolin (Manis para manis javanicus), flying squirrel (Petaurista petaurista), and other bird species.