Archive for May, 2006
Purwodadi Botanic Garden is located at Purwodadi, in the countryside of Pasuruan, East Java and is situated on the main road which connects three cities in East Java; Malang, Surabaya and Pasuruan. It is about 24 km from Malang, 30 km from Pasuruan and 70 km from the capital Surabaya. It covers an area of 85 ha which is at an altitude of about 300 m above sea level. The average annual rainfall is 2366 mm.
Purwodadi Botanic Garden was established in 1939 by Dr D.F. van Slooten, as one of three branches of the Indonesian Botanic Gardens.
Tasks and Functions
The main task of Purwodadi Botanic Garden is to inventory, explore and conserve semi arid lowland plant species of scientific value.
In conducting this task, Purwodadi Botanic Garden has functions such as :
1 To inventory, explore and conserve species which have scientific value, especially the Indonesian flora requiring a relatively dry climate and growing in lowland areas;
2 To provide guidance, research and education facilities;
3 To make the garden available as a place for recreation.
Collections and Facilities
Purwodadi Botanic Garden is used as a place for conservation and research on semi arid lowland plant species. In December 1995, the garden had a collection of 3,323 species, from 940 genera in 149 families. This collection consists of Orchids 525 species, Zingiberaceae 40 species, Dioscoreaceae tuber crops 6 species, Fabaceae 160 species, Moraceae 133 species, ferns 80 species, bananas 3 species and 150 cultivars, and medicinal herbs 300 species. The facilities in the garden include a library, seed collections, nurseries and glass houses.
Besides being a place for conservation and research, the garden is also a place for public recreation. Recreational facilities provided include lawns, seats and shelters which all encourage visitors to sit, relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. Visitors can also jog on the roads while enjoying the fresh air and admiring the diversity of flora in the garden.
A small guest house is available especially for researchers and colleagues. Bookings can be made through the office during work hours at least two days in advance.
Introducing the Garden
The main gate of Purwodadi Botanic Garden was built using the architecture of a Penataran Temple and is specific to East Java. After entering the gate, we are on the main road of the garden. The road divides the garden into two regions, namely Region I (on the right) and Region II (on the left). Species such as Jacaranda obtusifolia H.B.K., Cassia fistula Linn., Ficus lyrata Warb., Bombax ceiba Linn. and Carmona retusa (Vahl.) Mas have been planted as wayside trees and fence plants. From the main road Mt Baung can be seen in the distance.
Palm Area
The Palm Area lies near the main gate, just some metres from the main gate on the right hand side (in Region I). There are 40 genera and 80 species of palms planted in this area. They have potential uses as carbohydrate, oil, sugar and fruit producing plants. Metroxylon sagu Rottb. is a source of carbohydrate which is a food staple in Irian Jaya and the Maluccan Islands. Arenga pinnata (Wurmb) Merr. can be used for many purposes such as flour (from the inner stem), brushes/brooms (from the leaf rachis and fibres), palm sugar (made from the juice from male flowers), and fruit from the female flowers is called “kolang-kaling” commonly eaten in a sweet syrup. Elaeis guineensis Jacq. os one of oil-producing species which is widely cultivated in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss & Vilm., which is native to Java, produces edible fruits. The are also some ornamental palms such as Licuala grandis H.A.Wendl., Veitchia merrillii (Becc.) H.E. Moore and Raphis excelsa (Thunb.) Henry ex Rehd.
Adjacent to the palm area, the are some interesting plants such as the medicinal plant Altonia scholaris (L.) R.Br. or “pule” the bark of which is used as a tonicum; Musa ferrea L. of which the seed oil is used to treat scabies; and the Sapindus rarak DC. or “Klerak” from which the fruit are used to wash batic clothes.
In this area is also the largest flower in the world, Amorphophallus titanum Becc. which reaches1.8-2.0 metres high and about 30-40 cm in diameter. Flowers smell like carrion. Unfortunately this species produces flowers only once every 3-4 years.
On the southern edge of the palm area are planted Syzygium cuminii (L.) Skeels, also known as “Juwet” or “jemblang”. The fruit are edible, but not as popular as other species. There are many “juwet cultivars in the garden including “juwet daging”, “juwet gentong”, “juwet kerikil”, “juwet hitan” and “juwet putih”. The fruit, particularly of “juwet putih” is used to treat diabetes.
Mexican Park
The Mexican Park is in Region II. The park is not far from the main gate, walk a few metres then turn left and pass the sealed road lined with the rare tree species Aegle marmelos (l.) Corr., Limonia acidissima L., Santalum album L. and Manilkara kauki (L.) Dubard. Santalum album L., commonly known as “sandalwood” or “cendana”, is native to Timor and the eastern islands of Indonesia. The oil produced from this species is commercially valuable.
Most species planted in the Mexican Park originate from Mexico, such as cacti and agave. Other genera found in the park include Sansevieria, Ophiopogon, Cereus, Euphorbia, Jatropha and Plumeria. Next to the park there is the “Giant Sengon” (Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Jacq.) Griseb.) which is the biggest tree in the garden with a trunk diameter of 2.60 metre. The wood of this species is used for pulp and the seeds are edible after frying.
Pond Area
Across from the Mexican Park there are 5 ponds in which are various aquatic plant species. “Seroja” or Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., is one of the interesting collections because of its beautiful flowers. The young leaves and seeds can be eaten. Other species include Typha angustifolia Linn., Fimbristylis sp., Neptunia plena (L.) Bth., Sagittaria lancifolia Linn., Thalia geniculata Linn., Echinodorus radicans Engelm and Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn. (swamp fern). In the middle of the pond there is a plant of Stelechocarpus burahol (Bl.) Hook.f. & Th. which is known as “kepel”. The fruit of “kepel” is edible, sweet and fragrant. In the past, “kepel” fruit were popular as a deodorant because of the reduction in body odours which occurrs after eating the fruit. However, at present “kepel” is endangered.
Around the ponds there is a lawn planted with trees and shrubs such as Nicolaia speciosa (Bl.) Horan. or “kecombrang” which has edible flowers; Petrea volubilis Linn. which is a climbing plant and beautiful as a pergola plant; Maniltoa grandiflora Scheff. which has attractive leaves which hang down like a handkerchief, white or pink in colour; Dillenia philippensis Rolfe. which is a medicinal plant; Kigelia africana (Lamk.) Bth. or “sausage tree”; and Barrintonia asiatica (L.) Kurz or “peace tree”. The combination of the trees, shrubs, lawn and ponds make this a favourite area for many people who visit the garden.
Fern Collection
The Fern Collection lies next to the ponds, about 200 metres from the main gate. Here is a shady place created by a mixture of canopy-forming trees such as Terminalia ivorensis A. Chev., Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent, Spathodea campanulata Beauv. and Elaeocarpus grandiflorus J.E. Smith. Beneath the canopy are growing about 80 species of ferns, belonging to 18 families. Asplenium nidus Linn. is well known as the “Bird’s Nest Fern” and grows as an epiphyte. The leaves form a shape similar to a bird’s nest which collects leaf-litter that is used by the plant as a source of nourishment. Cyathea contaminans (Hook.) Copel is a tree fern often used as an ornemental plant, for building materials and media for growing orchids. Because of the high demand for this species it is becoming endangered. Lygodium circinnatum (Burm.f.) Sw. or “string fern” is a climbing fern used for making handicrafts.
Fabaceae Collection
After entering the main gate, pass the Mexican Park and walk to the north side of the garden where the legume (Fabaceae) collection is. Here are planted native and exotic legumes such as Adenanthera pavonina Linn. or “segawe” which produces a red seed often used for decoration; Parkia javanica (Lmk.) Merr. or “kedawung” which is a medicinal plant; Parkia speciosa Hassk. or “pete” the seed of which is eaten as a vegetable; Cynometra cauliflora Linn. or “nam-nam” which is a rare species and has an edible fruit. There are also some climbing legumes such as Derris elliptica (Roxb.) Benth., Lysiphyllum binatum (Blanco) De Wit. and Phanera lingua (DC.) Miq.
Bamboo Collection
The Bamboo Area is not far from the Mexican Park. Some of the species in the collection come from Java, such as Gigantochloa manggong Wijaya (endemic to East Java); G. atroviolaceae Wijaya or “black bamboo”; Dendrocalamus asper (Schult.f.) Backer ex Heyne or “pring petung” the young shoots of which can be eaten as a vegetable; Schizostachyum blumii Ness or “pring wuluh” which is used for making handicrafts and “seruling”, a kind of musical instrument.
Garcinia Lawn
The Garcinia Lawn lies about 300 metres from the main gate. Some Feroniella lucida (Scheff.) Swingle which are well known as “kawisto kerikil”, are planted along the western edge of the lawn. The growth habit of this species is suitable for bonsai. Some interesting trees on the southern edge of the lawn are “mundu” (Garcinia dulcis (Roxb.) Kurz.), a rare species which produces sweet fruit; “jati belanda” (Guazuma ulmifolia Lmk.) which is used to assist weight loss (slimming). On the northern edge of lawn can be seen Crescentia cujete Linn. or “majapahit” which has an historical account in the Majapahit period (an important Kingdom in the past), and it’s wood can be used for making handicrafts. There are also Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Swartz, Hydnocarpus sumatrana (Miq.) Kds., Cerbera manghas Linn. and Acacia leucophloea (Roxb.) Willd. that the Javanese call “pilang” and is a well-known semi-arid lowland species.
Across this lawn there is a stand of teak (Tectona grandis Linn.f.) which lose their leaves during the dry season and grow again during the rain season. Teak wood is high quality, hard and strong, and is very good for construction and furniture.
Bungur Avenue
In the rain season, the Bungur Avenue is very beautiful when the Bungur trees (Lagerstroemia thorelii Garnep.) are flowering. However, in the dry season the leaves fall and the trees are bare. This avenue is about 500 metres from the main gate, on the left side. The avenue also functions as the border between the Lauraceae and Annonaceae collections. Passing the avenue, in the northern part of the garden there are a number of collections from families such as Simaroubaceae, Burseraceae, Rutaceae, Sapindaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae, Clusiaceae, Myristicaceae, Flacourtiaceae, Malpighiaceae and Sterculiaceae.
Orchid Collection and Nurseries
The Orchid Collection is located in three glass houses which are located to the south of the garden’s office. There are 525 species of orchids in the collection, such as Paphiopedilum glaucophyllum J.J.S. which is endemic to East Java and has beautiful flowers in the shape of women’s slippers; Dendrobium phalaenopsis Fitzg.; Ascocentrum miniatum Lindl. which is becoming rare in nature; Phalaenopsis amabilis (L.) Bl. which is the floral symbol “puspa pesona” of Indonesia because of its beautiful flowers; Dendobium rumphianum T. & B. which is often used for breeding stock because of the long-lived flowers (up to 49 days).
There are 2 nurseries in the garden. The first nursery is next to the Orchid Collection and consists of 3 glass houses. If we walk 100 metres to the east from this nursery we will arrive at the Gymnosperm Collection. This collection consists of 11 genera, belonging to 7 families: Juniperus, Cupressus, Araucaria, Agathis, Taxodium, Thuja, Gnetum, Cycas, Podocarpus, Zamia and Dioon. The second nursery is in this area. Around the nursery can be seen the Bromeliad and Agave collection. In this area the Yam Collection of Dioscorea alata L., D. esculenta (Lour.) Burk., D. hispida Dennst., D. pentaphylla L., D. nummularia Lamk and D. bulbifera can also be seen.
Arboretum
If we walk along the main road about 800 metres from the main gate, on the right side we will find an arboretum. We can also reach the arboretum from the second nursery by following the sealed road (in front of the nursery), turn right into the Kenitu Avenue (Chrysophyllum cainito Linn.) and pass a square lawn. Some seeldings from the nurseries are planted in the garden as collections, but the rest are planted in the arboretum. The arboretum is dominated by Swietenia macrophylla King, Piptadenia peregrina Benth., Dalbergia latifolia Roxb., Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken, Millettia xylocarpa Miq. and Lagerstroemia spp. One of the aims of the arboretum is to display natural forest succession.
Just after the arboretum is the Mango Collection. In this collection are 4 species and 37 cultivars of mangoes, Mangifera indica Linn., M. foetida Lour., M. odorata Griff., and M. minor.
To the east of the Mango Collection, is a pond surrounded by species such as Canarium indicum Linn. which produces wood used in construction; Excoecaria cochinchinensis Lour. a medicinal species; Peltophorum pterocarpum (DC.) Back. which produces tannin; and the ornamental species Stifftia chrysantha Mikan, Canna sp., Gardenia jasminoides Ellis and Firmiana malayana Kosterm. The pond is also used to irrigate plants in this area. After enjoying the scenery around the pond, we walk past the Diospyros Avenue. Near this avenue is a collection of Ixora showing the variety of habit, leaf size and flower colour.
Banana Collection
The Banana Collection lies in the north-eastern corner of the garden. To reach the collection, walk along the main road for about 1 km, turn left, and walk past the Acanthaceae, Bignoniaceae and Verbenaceae collections. There are 150 cultivars of banana planted in this collection. Some are native to Java while others have been collected from other islands in Indonesia. Musa acuminata x balbisiana or “pisang kates” is one of the rare and threatened cultivars in the collection.
Opening Times
Purwodadi Botanic Garden is open to the public from 7:00 am until 4:00 pm, Monday - Sunday. The office is open Monday-Thursday from 6:00 am until 3:00 pm and Friday 6:00 am until 10:00 am. Visitors wanting information about the garden, the collections, seed or plant sales, and botanical research are welcome to visit the office during work hours.
There is a small admission charge. Parking is available for motorbikes, cars and buses. Cars are permitted to enter the garden with a special admission fee with the exception of Sunday and public holidays.
Visitor Code
Please help us to take care of the garden during your visit by following the rules.
We request visitors to remember to:
1 Take out all rubbish with you and throw it into the litter bins available.
2 Park only on sealed areas or in parking areas.
3 Drive only on sealed roads.
4 Leave pets and fire arms at home
Please do not:
1 Pick, damage or remove plants.
2 Bring or drink alcoholic beverages.
3 Hunt any animals in the garden.
4 Conduct amoral activities in the garden.
5 Paint or write on stones, plants, seats and other parts of the garden.
May 31st, 2006
Once in Surabaya, you need not to go to other regions in Indonesia to see the specific animals in those areas. The Zoo in Surabaya is not only the biggest in Indonesia but also the biggest in Asia. No less than 3.500 heads of animals from 400 species of mammals, birds and reptiles are being kept there. The Surabaya Zoo was formarlly opened on August 31, 1916 when a group of animal lovers gathered together and decided to open a zoological garden on an area of approximately 16 ha downtown.
Later it was moved to the present site uptown. The Surabaya Zoo’s collection includes animals from Indonesia as well as from many parts of the world.
For instance, you need not go to Irian Jaya to see the bird of paradise. There is the komodo, a giant lizard from the island of komodo in Eastern Indonesia; the jalak (type of parrot) from Bali; the anoa from Sulawesi; the bekantan monkey from kalimantan; the peacock from Ponorogo, East Java and the elephants as well as tigers from Sumatra. From Africa there is the ostrich, recently obtained from an exchange program with the Zoo in Singapore. From an exchange with Poland, there are two Zebra’s, a couple of African deer, four European silverjackals and five South American flamingoes.
Located on the fringe of the city, the skyscrapers in the Zoo are tall trees with their tops swinging softly in the windy air. Here the musical world is represented by the melodious chirps of the birds, the shrieks of the primates and even the roars of the kings of the beasts. In the center of the Zoo is an island, inhabitated by monkeys and birds, and surrounded by a lake. Visitors may take a circular trip by boat on the lake.
A tower provides an opportunity to have an overview on the entire Zoo and its surroundings. An unforgettable experience, particularly for children, is riding on an elephant or camel (Rp.2.000 per person).
The Zoo also has an aquarium and a hall with stuffed animals.
Annually the number of visitors to the Zoo reaches approximately 2 1/2 million. Among the foreign visitors are tourists from Taiwan, Singapore, Hongkong, Thailand, Australia, The Netherlands and Germany.
Facilities and special services offered to visitors include: first aid care, insurance for accidents, service for lost children, restaurants, cafe, ice cream parlor, soft drinks and snacks stands, children’s playground. Outside the Zoo there are a number of eating houses, serving Indonesian food. Visitors, however, are recommended to ask about the price or observe the price list before placing an order to prevent overpricing.
The Zoo is easily to be reached by Taxi or public transportation (buses, bemo, etc). It is daily open from 07.00 - 17.00. The en- trance fee is Rp. 1.500,- per person.
Source: Panorama, January 1996, page 4-5.
May 31st, 2006
The founder of ’s Lands Plantentuin, the name given to the Garden by the Dutch, was Casper Georg Carl Reinwardt, a German who moved to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and studied natural sciences, specializing in botany and chemistry.
In 1817, at the age of 44, Reinwardt was appointed to the position of Director in agricultural business, arts and sciences on Java and neighboring islands. He was interested in investigating plants which were widely used by the Javanese for domestic and medicinal purposes.
Reinwardt decided to gather all these plants in a botanic garden in Bogor, at that time called Buitenzorg (meaning ‘Without a Care’). This also provided an opportunity to collect plants and seeds from other parts of the Archipelago and the Botanic Garden would eventually make Bogor a centre for the promotion of agriculture and horticulture in Indonesia.
On May 18, 1817, 47 hectares of the grounds bordering the palace were established as a Botanic Garden. Reinwardt became the first director from 1817 to 1822, during which time approximately 900 living plants were introduced to the Garden.
Prior to this, Sir Stamford Raffles had been Governor of Java from 1811 to 1816 and during his residence in Buitenzorg attempted to lay out the Palace grounds as an English-style landscaped garden. He even brought in two gardens from Kew in London, UK. The monument he erected in memory of his wife, Lady Olivia Marianne, who died in 1814, can be seen in the Garden.
The first catalogue of plants in the Garden (914 species) was published in 1823 by C.L. Blume (Director of the Garden from 1822 to 1826). This was the basis of the catalogue which is still used today.
In 1830, Johannes Elias Teysmann, a Dutch gardener, became curator of Bogor Botanic Garden and spent more than 50 years developing the Garden. Seven years later Justus Karl Hasskarl was appointed his assistant curator and convinced the director to re-arrange the plantings in the Garden by taxonomic families. This was a major undertaking as a huge part of the collection had to be transplanted. Some trees were too large to be moved as can be seen today by the date of planting shown on read labels.
Hasskarl proposed starting a library, which was opened in 1842 as the Bibliotheca Bogoriensis, and constructing a separate building for the Herbarium Bogoriense, which was opened in 1844.
In 1844 he wrote the second catalogue of plants which listed more than 2800 species.
Over many years Teysmann brought thousands of plants into Bogor from his travels throughout the Archipelago. The striking flame tree, Delonix regia (Leg.) which is now found all over Indonesia was introduced by Teysmann in 1848 from Singapore (flowers September until January).
In 1848 the Garden received four seeds from West Africa of the oil palm, Elaeis guineensis (Arec.). These were the first specimens to be introduced to Indonesia. Unfortunately the last of the original trees died in 1993 but offspring of these mother plants can be found all over South East Asia. Palm oil is of major economic importance as a food source and has useful fibres for ropes, matting and broom heads.
Teysmann was also remarkable for discovering the importance of cassava, Manihot esculenta, as an alternative food source between rice harvests or when harvests failed. It was originally found in Batam, an island off Sumatra, growing as a hedge, and is know grown all over Indonesia under many different local names such as ubi kayu, singkong, and ubi perancis. The root tuber is a highly versatile food source and the leaves which contain cyanide are only edible when cooked.
Between 1852 and 1854 the Garden played an important role in the introduction of quinine to Java, an extract used for treating malaria. Quinine is produced from the bark of the Cinchona (Rub.) tree, originally from Peru.
In recognition of all Teysmann’s work in the Garden a memorial pillar of polished granite was placed in Taman Teysmann (Teysmann’s Garden) and four species of teak and verbenas, in the Genus Teijsmaniodendron were named after him.
R.H.C.C. Scheffer, the third director of the Garden from 1869 to 1880, was very interested in the development of agriculture and used the garden as a tool for scientific research. Stock was grown in the Garden and seeds and cuttings distributed all over the country of useful plants such as Australian Eucalyptus species, tobacco, maize and Liberian coffee.
In 1880, Dr. Melchior Treub became director of the Garden. The next 30 years were a decisive period for the Garden and all scientific institutions associated with it. Under Treub’s leadership, fundamental research was successfully completed on diseased that threatened plants of economic importance, such as the coffee-leaf disease caused by a parasitic fungus and the sereh-disease that affected sugarcane.
In 1884, an old Hospital ward was fitted up as a small laboratory for visitors. Treub’s philosophy was to conduct scientific research to benefit both agriculture and industry.
Trueb realised the need to establish world-wide recognition for the Bogor Botanic Garden as a scientific institution and a benefactor of local and European agriculture.
In 1892 the Garden was expanded in size to 60 hectares with the addition of the island between the two arms of the Ciliwung river.
From 1905 until 1945
During the next 40 years there were two world wars, a world-wide economic crisis and Indonesia’s struggle for independence. Between 1900 and 1930 the directors of the Garden had few financial problems because of the relatively strong economic position of the Dutch-Indies. The laboratory attracted increasing numbers of visiting scientists and this success resulted in the opening of the Treub laboratory in 1914.
By 1927, so many plants had been introduced that there was a shortage of land so an area to the east of the Ciliwung river was added. The southern part of this was planted similar to the main Garden, the rest laid out as large lawns, avenues, ponds, a glasshouse (orchid house) and the teahouse, Café Botanicus.
Princess Astrid of Belgium visited the Garden with Prince Leopold on their honeymoon in 1928 and an avenue of Agathis dammara (Arauc.) trees and red and yellow Canna hybrida (Canna.) with black leaves (colours of the Belgian flag) was planted in her honour in the new part of the Garden. The Victoria Pond at the southern end of the Astrid Avenue was made following their visit.
The most complete catalogue of the Garden “An Alphabetical List of Plants Cultivated in the Botanic Garden, Buitenzorg” was produced by Dakkus in 1930. (This catalogue was updated in 1957 and 1963.)
Economic recession affected the Garden from 1930. Funds decreased resulting in a reduction of scientific staff, research and upkeep of the Garden.
The Dutch East-Indies declared was on Japan on 8 December 1941. In March 1942 the Japanese marched into Bogor and a year later took over directorship of both the Garden and the Herbarium. Prof. T. Nakai, a Japanese botanist, was appointed director of the Botanic Garden and Kanehira, another Japanese botanist, head of the Herbarium. These two men strove to protect the Garden and the Herbarium from Japanese soldiers who were intent on cutting and using the trees from the Garden for timber during the invasion. It was under their supervision that the Garden was named Shokubutsuen (Botanic Garden).
During the Second World War the Garden was closed and at the end of the war if suffered greatly from neglect, destruction and theft. The giant Rafflesia flower had been in the Garden up until the war, at which time it disappeared and since then the gardeners have sadly been unable to introduce it.
Kebun Raya Indonesia
The Dutch managed the Garden again from 1945 to 1949 when Indonesia gained full independence, took charge of the Garden and renamed it “Kebun Raya” (Great Garden). Kusnoto Setyodiworjo became the first Indonesian curator, who was eventually to become head of the Garden in 1959. During the next few years of political instability the Garden suffered from staff and fund shortages.
In 1962, the Garden became part of the Lembaga Biologi Nasional (LBN) (National Biological Institute), of which in 1964 Otto Soemarwoto was appointed Director. He Promoted pure scientific research and developed the Garden as a tropical biological research institute, which would ultimately bring wide ranging benefits to agriculture, the pharmaceutical industry and health care.
Under the New Order of President Soeharto (1967) more funds became available for education and research, and the Garden began to improve. When the first five-year plan Repelita I started, research was in cooperation with all other departments of LBN and focused on aspects such as plant photo-periodicity, weed-control with herbicides and the genetics of some economically important plants.
The integral research of Repelita I continued with Repelita II, from 1974, but incorporated investigation into the use of natural resources such as compost production from household rubbish and the use of medicinal plants. There was also research into the improvement of citrus fruits, the carbohydrate level of some genera of the gingers (Zing.) and the culture of certain orchids.
“An alphabetical list of plant species cultivated in the Hortus Botanic Bogoriense” was published by Didin S. Sastrapradja in 1978 and revised by Usep Sutisna in 1985 and by Roemantyo et al. in 1991.
Kebun Botani Serpong (Serpong Botanical Garden) was set up in 1978, a complex of 350 hectares in the village of Serpong, about 30 kilometres north of Bogor. This is where research is carried out into the improvement of many fruit species, such as orange, langsat, rambutan, guava, mangosteen, avocado, mango and durian. From 1983, the Kebun Raya is by Ministerial Decree formally involved in the administration of this Garden.
The orchid house was enlarge in 1977 with the financial support of the President’s wife Ibu Siti Hartinah Soeharto. It was obvious that the orchid collection in the Garden had only a small percentage of the numbers of wild species in Indonesia, so from 1985 collecting trips were made around the Archipelago. The glasshouses containing the now extensive and valuable collection are open to the public only by special permission.
In the 1980’s, the National Biological Institute (LBN) was reorganised and split into the Research and Development Centre for Biology (Puslitbang Biolgi) and the Garden itself. In 1990, Sampurno Kadarsan handed over the management of Puslitbang Biologi to Soetikno Wirjoatmodjo and Suhirman became head of the Garden.
Over the years the Garden has seen many changes: buildings have been added, paths and roads improved, and plant collection increased. Also natural changes occur, the trees and new plants grow and old trees are lost through old age, termites or storm damage.
The Garden is also a place of recreation for residents and visitors, and overseas visitors are increasing as the government encourages the development of tourism.
As a response to the pressures of increasing numbers of visitors, Rotary Club Bogor started a campaign in 1996 to raise the awareness of visitors for a cleaner Botanic Garden.
Friends of the Indonesian Botanic Garden (Mitra Kebun Raya Indonesia) is a non profit making organisation established in September 1994 for members to take an active role in the Indonesian Botanic Garden and also to raise awareness of the environmental issues and protection of plants in the interests of the public.
Under the present direction of Dr. Ir. Suhirman, research is still being carried out by scientists in the Garden specialising in the potential uses of Indonesian plants for medicine, ornamentals and agriculture, and the protection of rare and endangered species. Scientists participate in rainforest exploration, compiling of data and collection of plant for the Garden.
The Indonesian Network for Plant Conservation (INetPC) was established in April 1994 primarily to facilitate communication and cooperation between conservation organisations, groups, institutions and individuals working in Indonesia and their International counterparts. The INetPC provides services such as the quarterly newsletter (Eksplorasi), membership database, resource library, conferences, seminars, cooperative research and the monthly Bogor Informal Conservation Meeting. The primary vehicle for the network is the newsletter Eksplorasi which contains articles on national, regional and international activities.
Source : www.bogor.indo.net.id
May 31st, 2006
Cibodas Botanic Garden has a long and important history of research and conservation. The early history of Cibodas Botanic Garden is also the early history of what is now one of Indonesia’s most significant National Parks and a World Heritage Area, Mt Gede-Pangrango National Park. Cibodas is renowned as one of the first tropical research stations in the world, and numerous scientists have used the station for their research on tropical rainforests.
A remarkable parallel exists between the development of the Bogor Botanic Garden and those of Cibodas [previously spelt Tjibodas], both being in the initial stage connected with the Palace gardens of the Governor General, both being due to the energy of J.E. Teysmann and both owing their present status and admirable scientific tradition to the efforts of Melchior Treub.
Originally there was a Palace garden at Cipanas [previously spelt Tjipanas] belonging to the country-residence of the Governor-General at ca. 1100 m altitude and about 3 km from Cibodas, after 1826 this garden was tended by the personnel of the Buitenzorg (Bogor) Botanic Gardens.
Between the years 1830 and 1839, according to Treub, Teysmann planted several fruit trees at Cibodas. Onwards of 1838 he also transferred other plants to Cipanas which were important botanically and could not be grown in the tropical garden at Bogor. Apparently Teysmann had a plan to make experiments on the acclimatisation of plants. In July 1839 he laid out another garden for the same aim on the flat ground below Cibeureum (previously Tjibeureum) Falls, at 1700 m, covering over 1 ha and in Nov-Dec 1839 another one on the summit of Mt Pangrango at 3000 m, covering originally 3 ha, extended to 7 ha in 1842. In August 1840 he laid out a fourth intermediate garden on the saddle between the peaks at Kandangbadak at 2400 m, covering 2 ha.
Teysmann also had a garden between Cipanas and Bogor, thereby completing the whole series from the tropical lowland high up into the subalpine zone. These experiments are probably among the oldest of their kind made in the tropics. Though much has disappeared, remnants of Teysmann’s gardens are still to be traced; at Cibeureum a conifer is still to be found, now incorporated into the forest canopy, and a few specimens of Neomarica coerulea. At Kadangbadak Rumex alpinus and some Cupressus are still thriving. Until recently there was, on summit of Mt Pangrango, a miniature bush-like beech (Fagus silvatica) planted in 1840; also Rubus fruticosus vel. aff. and two Fragarias still maintain themselves. The beech was destroyed by a local fire some years ago.
The laying-out of these gardens was severely ostracised by F. Junghuhn who deplored the local destruction of the vegetation. Hasskarl says that the path to Pangrango summit was in a good condition in 1840 and that the ascent could be done on horse-back. The experiments with the fruit trees failed. In these wet areas these trees grew very stunted and were rapidly overgrown by lichens. Huts were apparently built near the acclimatisation gardens; in 1854 v.d. Bor found a log cabin on the summit of Mt Pangrango.
In 1852 Teysmann received a living specimen (through the Leiden Botanic Gardens) of Cinchoa calisaya, collected by Weddell. From this single specimen Teysmann grew some cuttings which he transferred to the current location of Cibodas Botanic Garden.
When in 1855 Hasskarl returned from his South American collecting tour with fresh Cinchoa seed this was sown at Cibodas and grown together with Teysmann’s plants, and Hasskarl became officially in charge of this quinine plantation. Cibodas then temporarily ceased to form part of the Botanic Gardens. In 1856 Junghuhn was put in charge of the cinchona plantations. Save a few specimens the whole Cibodas stock was gradually transferred to the Priangan mountains above Bandung.
Some years later (in possibly 1856, 1860 or 1862) Cibodas was officially returned to the administration of the Botanic Gardens and this was the actual start of the present Cibodas Botanic Garden.
In 1868 the botanical garden of the Palace Gardens was abandoned and the specimens were all transferred to Cibodas. The transfer was accomplished by 1871, no less than 1300 species being represented. Cibodas had had its own European gardener since 1870, but in 1874 this man was dismissed and not replaced, the management being left to the Bogor staff, and Indonesian labour at Cibodas itself. A period of 30 years followed during which Cibodas had no manager of its own; several overseers were tried, but each worked there for a short period and with little success.
The definite lay-out of the gardens, still largely maintained to the present day, was mostly realised through the care of Dr R.H.C.C. Scheffer, Director of the Bogor Botanic Garden and his very able curator Mr H.J. Wigman, Teysmann’s successor.
Treub, Scheffer’s successor, gradually added to the equipment and extension and gave Cibodas its definite scientific status.
In 1889 it was officially approved that the primary forest above the gardens, with an area of 240 ha, reaching to the hot wells at 2100 m, were incorporated.
In connection with this Dr. S.H. Koorders started, with Mr H.A. des Amorie va der Hoeven, in 1890, to collect, label and measure trees in this forest reserve; many of these trees are still alive. A renewed period of numbering and labeling followed in 1898-1903. Koorders published a list of these and included them in his floras of Java and Cibodas. In the years 1921-1926 the then Curator Mr M.L.A. Bruggeman added other labeled trees and published a revised list. These data later served for a study by the later Director Prof. Dr. L.G.M. Baas Becking on the average life-span of tropical trees in connection with the natural shift in forest composition.
Since the eighties Treub had an idea for the composition of a “Flore de Buitenzorg” covering the native flora of Buitenzorg up to the summit of Mt Pangrango-Gedeh, thus including the Cibodas flora. The publication of this Flora started in 1898 and various groups of Cryptogams were revised (Penzig: Myxomycetes; Raciborski: Pteridophyta; Schiffner: Hepaticae (partly); E. De Wildeman: Algae; Fleischer: Musci). Of the flowering plants only the Orchidaceae were revised by J.J. Smith (1905). See further 1918.
Cibodas has always had some specially schooled and talented Indonesian’s on its staff. In Treub’s time it was the famous Arsin. He was succeeded by Sapiin, who guided many biologists. In the thirties it was Rossidi and in the fiftiesat present there was Nurta. They were often largely responsible for valuable collections.
In 1917 at the occasion of the centenary celebration of the Bogor Botanic Gardens, scientists from all over the world and many Netherlands Plantation Companies contributed funds to the erection of a new visitors’ laboratory at Cibodas of which the building started in 1919; it was opened officially on Aug. 12th, 1920. A library was presented by the Director of Agriculture, Mr. J. Sibinga Mulder.
In 1918 Koorders started the publication of a “Flora von Cibodas”, largely based on his “Exkursionsflora von Java”. After his death in 1919 it was further edited by Mrs. A. Koorders-Schumacher.
In the same year Doctors van Leeuwen, Director of the Gardens, started studies on the biology of animals and plants living in the summit zone of the mountains. This line of research he continued until his retirement in 1932 and the observations were published in an imposing work in 1933.
In 1924 the position of Cibodas became very critical through the economic depression of the twenties. Thanks to the influence of Dr. J.C. Koningsberger, former Director of the Gardens, Prof. J. Cosquino de Bussy and Dr. Jansen, a Planter’s Committee collected funds from private sources to cope with this temporary difficulty.
In 1926 the primary forest area belonging to the gardens was extended to the summits of Mt Prangrango-Gedeh covering now ca. 1200 ha.
In 1929 a field laboratory was built at 2400 m specially for scientific purposes and furnished with a local library and herbarium: Lebaksaat. In the same year a catalogue of the plants cultivated in the Hortus Bogoriensis, composed by the Curator P.W.M. Dakkus was published. In this catalogue the plants cultivated at Cibodas were incorporated.
In 1939 Mr van Woerden was transferred to Bogor; he was succeeded at Cibodas by Mr A.M. Neervoort, who remained there till early Dec. 1941 when he came under arms. He was released from the camp, Aug. 11th, 1942, keeping the status of a P.O.W., and was ordered to maintain office at Cibodas where he served (under the guard of two Korean soldiers) until about 1944 when he was again transferred to the camp. During the war Prof. T. Nakai was in charge of the Bogor and Cibodas Botanic Gardens.
When the war was over the gardens and buildings were in excellent condition, but in the disturbed circumstances following the Japanese occupation unauthorised authorities set on fire all buildings in the gardens, including the curator’s house, the resthouse and the laboratory, July 7th, 1946. Through this deplorable action the new garden catalogue, all archives and files, the zoological exposition, the valuable guestbooks, the library, the local herbarium, and all instruments were entirely lost.
Late in the same year (1946) Neervoort was back at Cibodas which was put under a small guard. Under very difficult circumstances he succeeded, in two years, to rehabilitate the garden, to make a new Garden herbarium, to build an admirable new curator’s house and to convert the rather bad metalled road into a good one of asphalt. Neervoort had to stay several attacks of armed groups and had on some occasions to defend personally gardens and personnel; his stengun never left him. His tremendous energy and his brave behaviour to defend at the risk of his life in this most difficult and unsettled period what is unanimously regarded as a unique cultural monument, is beyond praise.
During 1948 and 1949 the renewed volcanic activity of the Gedeh Crater was surveyed by volcanologists and by Mr A. Hoogerwerf, head of the Division of Nature Preservation of the Kebun Raya Indonesia.
In these years also a large-scale collection of Musci (3000 packets) in the forest section was organised by Neervoort. For the new local herbarium a big collection of phanerogams was made by Dr S. Bloembergen.
Early in 1950 Neervoort was replaced by a very promising young Swiss-born curator Mr Carl Schroter, a grandson of the famous former professor of botany of the same name at Zurich. Unfortunately through unfortunate circumstances he was shot, Sept. 15th, 1950 during an attack of a gang of robbers.
March 1952 the building of the new laboratory was started and practically finished by Nov. 1st . Instruments for the laboratory were granted by UNESCO arrived in 1950. A local herbarium was selected through the care of the Herbarium Bogoriense. Part of the library was supplied from the stock of the Central Library at Bogor. A score of institutions and friends of Kebun Raya Indonesia from all over the world supplied books, serials and reprints as gifts on this occasion.
The new laboratory occupies a space of approximately 1000 sq m. It is built somewhat higher on the ridge planted with Conifers and Eucalypts, close the meteorological instruments. It is a combined laboratory and resthouse. The laboratory thus affords a unique opportunity for continuing the tradition as it is well adapted to receive both native and foreign scientists.
Source:
“A brief sketch of Tjibodas Botanic Garden”
By
C.G.G.J. van Steenis & M.J. van Steenis-Kruseman
Flora Malesiana Bulletin
May 31st, 2006
The rugged road to the small fishing town of Pelabuhan Ratu in Southwest Java is well-troden by Jakartans on weekend and holiday jaunts. But an even bumpier road, heading 20 km to the west of it will take you to the lesser known and excellent Ocean Queen Resort.
Until recently, the secluded Ocean Queen Resort was a little known collection of time-share bungalows. But the rooms have now been made available to the visiting public and a steady trickle of townies (especially expats) have been discovering the mellow delights of this peaceful family retreat since then.
Ocean Queen Resort has 18 large family bungalows, each with either three or four double or twin bedrooms. 12 are on the almost deserted, palm-fringed black sand beach and the rest are just behind. The bamboo wicker, Javanese-style bungalows are simple but spacious and immaculately kept. They feature two bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, large verandas facing the beach, solid brick BBQ pits, and fans but no AC.
The journey there is not the easiest, but once there, it’s time to kick back because everything is taken care of. Bungalows on the beach have their own beach gazebos wherein many a massage (at the very cheap price of Rp. 10,000) is given.
Houseboys take care of all your domestic needs including shopping in the town and cooking up the barbie.
Friendly and accommodating Dutch resort manager Nora has everything under control. And due to the resort being a major employer in the only nearby village, security is good and there is virtually no hassle from hawkers and the like.
The only complaint is that the restaurant service can be pretty slow, but, hey, everything goes slow here, that’s the way we like it!
When you get bored of all that lazing around there’s a long list of other places to visit and activities to get involved in.
There are loads of games available at the resort, as well as a pool and bar and volleyball takes place at 4.30 PM every day.
The whole area boasts magnificent countryside and scenery. A short walk in any direction around the hilly terrain near the resort will yield fabulous views over lush padi fields stretching all the way to the crashing surf.
Nearby, at Cisolok, are some river hot springs where you can bask at your leisure or bike or hike from here up the path to a waterfall for a colder dip. The walk takes you through a rubber plantation where you can see the white gooey stuff that ends up as your car tire being extracted.
Next you can explore the pristine coast to the west by boat, motorbike (available to rent for Rp. 70,000 a day) or mountain bike. Or go snorkeling, surfing, swimming or Scuba diving in the Indian Ocean. The beaches around Pelabuhan Ratu are a lot safer since lifeguards have been put in place over the last few years. The rate of accidents has dropped dramatically, however caution is still advised in these rough waters.
You can hire a boat to go fishing for sharks, marlin, tuna, barracuda, etc. An easier option is to visit one of the nearby fish markets including the large one at Pelabuhan Ratu. Or just amble around the harbour and watch the fishermen arrive to unload their catches.
The nearby primary forest of Mount Halimun offers hiking, bird- and animal-watching, and, an incongruous recent addition, paint-balling. The Citarik River which cascades down the mountain, has some adventurous white-water rafting.
If you’re still not tired, go hiking around the tea plantation of Bojong Asih or watch the turtles lay their eggs at Ujung Genteng.
There is a bat cave near the resort full of funny little fruit bats who spring to life and fly out of there around sunset which can be quite a sight.
But I challenge anyone to beat the pleasure of lying on your beach gazebo watching yet another beautiful Pelabuhan Ratu sunset sink behind the mountains. The light catches the surf as it throws up a mysterious mist around the bay. And out on the water, the twinkling light of the squid rafts’ kerosene lamps hiss into action as the aroma of your own fish drifts over to tempt you from your reverie.
May 31st, 2006
In a certain way Sumbawa is the most western island of eastern Indonesia. It is -travelling from west to east- the first island that isn’t directly influenced by the hinduist cultures from Jawa and Bali. On this mainly islamic island, adat still is an important factor.
Sumbawa consists of two different parts: Sumbawa Besar in the west and Bima in the east. In the western part most people speak a language which looks like the language of the Sasak from Lombok. The language, spoken on Bima, looks like the one on Flores and Sumba. In the past, Sumbawa Besar has been influenced from Bali and Bima from the Makasarese from Southern Sulawesi.
The name Sumbawa, which is the name of the island for those who don’t live there, is only used for the western part of the island by the population itself.
Sumbawa is three times the size of Lombok, while the number of people living there is far less, about one third of that of Lombok.The island is rough and mountainous and isn’t blessed with a fertile area like on Lombok. The irregular coastline consists of capes, peninsulas and deep bays. The islands is 15.600 sq.km in size and stretches over 280 km from west to east; the width varies between 15 to 90 km.
About 85 per cent of Sumbawa is too mountainous for agriculture, but the valleys of the river which are filled with vulcanic materials bring in very wealthy harvests. These valleys used to be home to many small states.
Dramatic world record
Sumbawa is part of the northern vulcanic chain of Nusa Tenggara. The island has always known vulcanic activity, but not a single eruption was as dramatic as the one of the Tambora in 1815. The Guiness Book of Records says this was the biggest eruption ever. More than 36 cubib km rocks, debris and ashes were blown into the sky. The beheaded, 2851 meter high cone now houses a vast caldera.
By estimation 10,000 people were killed during the explosion and another 30 to 40,000 (some estimations say half the population) died of starvation. A vast area was covered under a 50 cm thick layer of ash, which killed all life. The mess was that big that parents sold their child for three kilos of rice - as the story goes.
In 1845 a Dutch geologist reported big areas that were still covered under a layer of 50 cm of debris and ashes. The explosion entirely destroyed the sultanated of Sangar and Pekat, which were located at the same peninsula as Gunung Tambora. The vulcano has been resting since that eruption, but the vulcanic tradition of the island is not a thing of the past. In 1985, Gunung Api (the ‘firemountain’) on the island of Sangeang became active and several thousand people had to be evacuated.
Early history
It is assumed that the first Austronesians reached Sumbawa around 2000 BC and they brought with them agriculture.
However there has never been an extended archeological survey, the decorated stone sarcofaguses connect the island with other megalyth cultures which are to be found all over Indonesia. A stone with characters on it was found along the Bay of Bima not too long ago, probably with an Pallava- or Sanskrite background. They probably date from the 7th century. Bronze drums in Dongson style which have been found on the island, among them a very nice one on the island of Sangeang which was really made my Dongson-crafstmen, confirm that the northern coast of Sumbawa was located along the trade route to the spice and sandelwood-islands.
The Eastjawanese principalty of Majapahit, which was the biggest principalty of Indonesia at it’s biggest, was trading with Sumbawa and probably had some political and military power as well. After the fall of Malapahit West-Sumbawa cam under the rule of the Balinese principalty of Gelgel - because of maritial relations and military expeditions. In the 15th and 16th century the principalty claimed rule over Flores, Timor, Solor, Savu and Sumba, but it’s still the question whether this was more than just a one time military expedition to get some slaved and to control the trade in the region.
The Bo says that mahajara Pandu Dewata had five sons, one of them Sang Bima. The traveller and charming guy met a very beautifull girl and did what gods usually do under such circumstances. The short living affair gave them a girl.
On a later journey he met the daughter without knowing it was her and fell in love with her. But even gods aren’t allowed to commit incest. When he disclosed her identity, Sang Bima told her to lay the just born twin sons on the river bank. It probably was with the hand of god that the childness ncuhi, a clan leader, found them and took care of them. One of the boys, Indra Zamrud, founded the dynasty which he named after his father: Bima. The other boy, Indra Komala, founded the Dompu principalty west of Bima. The royal texts say that the dynasty already had 17 rulers before they addoptes islam in 1630.
Arrival of islam
In the 17th century a family dispute between the two brothers about the throne of Bima ended up to be a civil war. The conflict was won in the first place by Salisian, named ‘the usurpator’ by the royal messages. After his initial defeat the Ma Batawadu, the right one, went to Makassar in Southern Sulawesi to ask for help. He was told that he could get all military help he wanted - and a free princess if he wanted to - on the demand that he converted to islam.. Ma Batawadu agreed and returned with an army of tough Buginese and Makassarese warriors, which defeated the troops of his brother. In 1630 he became sultan under the name Abdul Kahid. Ever since the royal cronics tell about the ‘connection of blood, religion and laws’ with Southern Sulawesi.
The syara, the islamic book of law, was widely accepted until the Dutch rule forced the rules to be less important in 1908. However Bima is now strictly islamic, the government doesn’t accept fundamentalism. (Inhabitants of Bima tried to kill President Soekarno because of his supposed anti-islamic ideas, but they only succeeded in killing several schoolgirls). To displeasure to the local population even a discotheque was opened, but just two kilometers outside the city limits.
The inheritance of the rule of the rulers of Sumbawa Besar has been less good than that of Bima. The royal line died in 1820 when an islamic adventurer from the sultanate Banjarmasin in Kalimantan got hand on the royal heirlooms and the throne. The dynasty which he founded lasted until the independence of Indonesia.
Colonial period
On the whole, the Dutch weren’t very interested in Sumbawa. They tried to monopolize trade, especially the trade in sappanwood, but they didn’t succeed in that. Only in the start of the 20th century the Dutch had a firm rule over the area. There was some heavy resistance, but the Dutch won the battle due to their superior weapons and organisation.
The influence of the Dutch lasted two years, when the Japanese entered. The Dutch only left behind the Dutch speaking aristocrats, the eldest still speak Dutch. The local aristocracy had the right to visit Dutch schools.
The Japanese were welcomed to the island in the first place, but they soon got hated when they killed, looted and raped people on the island. After the war, Sumbawa became a part of the Dutch instated United States of Indonesia for a short time, before being integrated in the Republic of Indonesia. The three districts of the island (Sumbawa Besar, Dompu and Bima) are related to the sultanates which had exsisted until the colonial time. In 1951, the third sultan of Bima, Salamuddin, which reigned from 1913, gave away power to the central government. Hir heirs were placed at high governmental positions in Bima and Jakarta.
Two ethnical groups
The Tua Samawa (Orang Sumbawa) in the west and Dou Mbojo (Orang Bima) in the east are the two main ethnical groups on Sumbawa. The Samawa (’Sumbawa’ in fact is a deformation of this name) are related to the Sasak on Lombok and the Balinese through language. The language which is spoken in Bima - nggahi Mbojo - is closely related to the language spoken on the eastern islands. Several thousand Balinese live in the west, a few hundred in the east. Because of the contacts with Sulawesi there are also Buginese, Makasarese and Bajau colonists to be found. Some of the original inhabitants retreated in the mountains to cling to their traditions, mainly because of the arrival of the islam. In West-Sumbawa traditional communities (the Tau Tepal) can be found in the area of Tepal and Ropang. In the east you can find a traditional population, the Dou Donggo, which live on the southern flanks of Gunung Soromandi and in the region of Wavo, east of the highway between Bima and Sape.
The Dou Donggo still follow the leadership of their clan leader (the ncuhi) and maintain traditional rites which are related to the spirits of ancestors with agrarian- and live-cycles. Their ‘holy three’ consists of heaven, the water and the wind. Their religion is named Marafu, and looks like the Marapu religion on Sumba. The Donggo sacrifice water buffalo’s, goats and chicken (depending on their social status) to favour the gods and spirits and to beg for good harvests and a good health. Around the time that planting starts, in the month November, a fertility ceremony is held in which all Bou Donggo participate.
The Donggo are separated into two groups. The Donggo Ipa (’far mountain population’) consists of a few thousand people and still live the traditional way in the mountains of the peninsula west of the Bay of Bima. The Donggo Ele (’eastern mountain population’) have been influenced more by islam and live in the highlands east of the airport and the bay, in the subdistrict Wavo Tengah.
Ua pua
However the cultural life of the Dou Donggo has been preserved, the royal court of Bima doesn’t support the earlier spectacular parties anymore. Economical obstructions and pressure of orthodox muslems stopped the spectacles like Ua Upa, which lasted for a week day and night. This yearly event in the islamic month of Rabi’ul Awal, following Maulid, was first organisted in the 17th century by one of the teachers of the second sultan.
May 30th, 2006
Mt. Rinjani forms the second highest volcanic peak in Indonesia, part of celebrated “Ring of Fire”. The dramatic landscape has been created over millions of year of cone - building, violent explosions, and erosion. Forested slopes rising directly from the sea create their own weather pattern and act as water - collectors for the hole of Lombok.
Mount Rinjani is an active volcano in Indonesia on the island of Lombok. It rises to 3,726 m (12,224 ft), making it the third-largest volcano in Indonesia.
The first historical eruption occurred in September of 1847. The volcano, and its sacred, and spectacular Segara anak crater lake, are protected by a national park established in 1997. The 6 km by 8.5 km oval-shaped caldera is filled partially by a lake known as Segara Anak. The eruptions of 1994, 1995, and 1996 have formed a small cone in the center of the caldera and lava flows from these eruptions have entered the lake.
The highlands are forest clad and mostly underdeveloped. The lowlands are highly cultivated. Rice, soybeans, coffee, tobacco, cotton, cinnamon, and vanilla are the major crops grown in the fertile soils of the island.
For the people of Lombok, Sasak and Balinese alike, the volcano is revered as a sacred place and abode of deities. Segara Anak crater lake is the destination of thousand of pilgrims who place offerings in the water and bathe away disease in the hot springs.
The endemic duck Belibis is found here and several species of fish are recorded. Mt. Rinjani, one of the over 40 National Parks throughout Indonesia, was established in 1997.
Over 20 villages surround Rinjani and there are many routes up the mountain , but the main access is from Senaru in the north and Sembalun Lawang to the east.
The challenging three days or four days Rinjani Trek route from Senaru to the stunning crater rim (Plawangan), down to the stunning crater lake then on to Sembalun Lawang, is considered as one of the best treks in south East Asia . Those heading for the summit usually prefer to start in Sembalun Lawang.
A model for ecotourism in Indonesia, the community based activities are focused on the Rinjani trek Center in Senaru, the most popular starting point for the tough trek. Developed with New Zealand government assistance since 1999, the Rinjani trek Center embodies under one roof (Satu atap) the unique partnership of the National park, tourism industry and Local communities that has been forged to manage and protect the Rinjani mountain environment.
May 30th, 2006
In term of promote the tourism in Bondowoso, especially in east java, and also to introduce the tourist destinations to the visitors. So we consider to publish booklet of tourist object in Bondowoso.
This booklet is a brief introdution which consist of information about name and address of tourist object, also another explanation that very important to visitors who come to Bondowoso.
We realize that this booklet is not quite perfect enough but it really mean to give some information to visitor.
Lastly, we would like to offermy thanks to all those who helped to publish this booklet.
Ijen Crater Tourist Object
Ijen Crater is one the tourist destination which has been well known by the foreign and lokal tourist. It located at Sempol village - Sempol. It has the beautiful natural view. The crater is non active anymore. Its temperatur is between 2 to 8 degree celcius and the crater area locates on the hight 2.386 meter above sea level (mdpl) It is decorated by the edelweiss flower and the other plants, like the Casuarina Junghu (cemara gunung) etc. and the various animals, like jungle fowl (ayam hutan) and porcupine (landak) etc. The distance of this place about 68 km from the town center. There are some of facilities here such as : camping ground, shelter and Tourist Information Center (TIC) etc.
Raung Mountain
It is include into the Ijen Plateau range. It located at Sumber Wringin subdistrict. It is completed with very interesting scenery and the land of plant, and the various animals too. This tour is very interesting and gives a good defiance for visitor, especially for people who interested in the mountain climbing activity. The peak of this mountain located on the height 3,332 meter above sea level. The tourist can start climb the mountain from Pos I (Pesanggrahan Sumber Waringin) which provided a number of guides who are ready to give service for us.
Balawan Waterfall
Balawan Waterfall located at Kalianyar village - Sempol subdistrict approximately 52 km from the town center Bondowoso. It is the downstream of the Pahit River (Hilir kali Pahit) and also the drainage of kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater) that full content of sulphur and there are kind of plant here , namely makadamia.
Besides Blawan Waterfall, there is also one of the natural bathing place namely “the hot water spring”that still include into the Blawan Waterfall area. There are some facilities here, such as :Shelter, hotel etc.
The Agro Tourism of arabica Coffee Plantation Kalisat Jampit
The plantation tour is owned and managed by PTP Nusantara XII at the plantation area of Kalisat/Jampit, approximately 57km east of Bondowoso.
The width of this area is about 4000 hectares and located at the height 900 meter above sea level. The guest can watch and enjoy a beautiful panorama. There we can watch the tourist heritage, such as : picking of coffee, selecting coffee at the field and the factory, drying of coffee seeds and the process of milling coffee seeds that produces Arabika instantcoffee that has a special taste and the nice fragrance. Besides enjoying the arabica coffee, the tourist can use several facilities for example : the flower garden of rose and lily, fishing arena, The fire place at the guest house/Jampit I, Arabika homestay/Jampit II, swimming pool, Meeting room, entertainment, coffee break, and equipped by the tennis court. The wide land can be used as the place for the bicycle and car tour arena.
Polo Agung Waterfall
It located at Sukorejo Village - Sumber Wringin subdistrict, about 40 km east of Bondowoso, it is near to the plantation area owned by surrounding society. It is the new tourist object which built and developed in 2003, (Kanparsenibud) Bondowoso regency.
The waterfalls height is about 30 meter and it has natural and beautiful scenery. There we see valley green free mendous not too wide. It is equipped with 3 shelters, that located around this place. The visitor can reach the waterfall area, we have to walk carefully.
Tancak Kembar Waterfall
It located at Andongsari village - Pakem subdistrict, approximately 23 km west of Bondowoso. The waterfalls height is about 77 meter. This place is supported by the center of Arabica Coffee Research. Its width is about 380 hectares, benefit irrigation. Local society trust that the waterfall in left side is taking care of by custodian of Man and right side is taking care of By custodian of woman, and for visitor washing face/face will growing agelessly.
Arak-arak Beautiful
This tourist object located on the road between Surabaya and Bondowoso, actually at the Sumber Canting village - Wringin subdistrict. It is on the height about 345 meter above sea level. The tourist can enjoy fresh air and also can see charming natural panorama. Tourist can visit this object by using common transportation (Bus, MPU)
The Natural Bathing Tasnan
It located at Taman village - Grujugan subdistrict, approximately 8 km south of Bondowoso near to the town center. This bathing tour has comfortable and safety swimming pool for visitors and we can reach there easily by using the public transportation which has been checked its condition before. This place is eguipped with the playing park and other fasilities are available, with : shelter, dress room, small mosque, podium entertainment amusement and place garden rest.
Flower of Lely
Flower of Lely grow and expand in Agrowisata PTPN XII Garden of Kalisat Jampit District of Pakem. This Place also there are homestay, vegetables, flowerbed, carpet crops copy arabica following kibbling process coffee. Tourist also able to buy flower of Lely, flower product
of Lely also marketing to Surabaya and Bali.
The Traditional Art Performance Of Singo Ulung
Singo is the name of a person is coming from Blambangan. Singo Ulung and his wife Nyi Moena and the other persons, like Ki Jasiman were helping and coperating each other to create or to make prosperous life of society. Because of his success, he was chosen by the society as the first chieftain of village. He created an art “ Singo Ulung” which was played by two people. So that it was resembles the true Singo (Lion) and accompanied by the music of gamelan, especially coming from Blimbing village. This art together with Pojian Art, Ojung Art are always showed at the traditional ceremony, namely “Bersih Desa Blimbing” which is always held every (the month of sya’ban/ruwah). Besides in this moment, this art performance can be watched/enjoyed in the annual moment “Hari Jadi Bondowoso”actually at 16 Agustus.
The Ancient Heritage Sarchopagus
Sarchapagus is a part of Situs Megalithicum. It is more well-known as keranda which made of stones or other kind of container, but it has the lid/cover as well. Its function is the same with “the stone grave” dolmen which is used for burying Sarchopagus located at several subdistricts for example one of it at Glinseran village. Wringin subdistrict, approximately 19 km west of the town center Bondowoso.
Bondowoso - Wringin : 17 km by public transportation
Wringin - Location : 2 km by ojek (kind of public transportation)
Gerbong Maut Monument
On 23 November 1947, the history noted by using the gold ink about the heroic struggle of Bondowoso people against the Dutch occupations. One hundred people was carried by using the railway carriages coach from the train station at Bondowoso to the jail at Kalisosok Surabaya at 3 a.m. The incident was known as “Gerbong Maut Incident” and was immortalized as Gerbong Maut Monument that located at the center of Bondowoso. That is became one of the tourist heritage of Bondowoso.
Brass Industry
The handicraft of brass (kuningan) located at Cindogo-Tapen subdistrict, approximately 12 km east of Bondowoso - Situbondo. There are many kinds of them, i.e. : the house properties the equipment for the custom ceremony are colorful (like Bokar and Gayung) and various kind of souvenirs. These items have the beautiful color and not easy to fade out. It has been distributed and exported until foreign countries.
Bendi : Vehicle use Horse
If you pay a visit to town of Bondowoso not yet complete presumably if not yet gone up bendi having interesting and unique form,location of strategic in Aloon-aloon Bondowoso, tourist can go up bendi circle town aloon-aloon of Bondowoso at the same time enjoy existing view.
The Sword Knife
There are all sorts of knives and swords are produced constantly in good quality. These ironwates are produced at Pucang Anom village - Tanaman subdistrict and many entrepreneurs who order and sell them at the other cities.
TAPE : Sweet Food Made from Slightly Fermented Cassavas
As we know that Bondowoso is welknown/famous as the city of Tape (Kota Tape). Tape Bondowoso has special sweet taste and can not be imiteted by the other town. There are many label/merk industries of Tape at Bondowoso, namely : Tape Manis at Wringin village; Tape Manalagi at RE. Martadinata street; Tape 31 and Tape 82 at PB Sudirman street. we can use it as the parcel from Bondowoso. It is modofied into several kind, for example Dodol and Suwar Suwir. The main ingredient of them is fermented cassavas.
The Kind Industry of Klompen (wooden sipper)
Klompen (the slippers are made of mindi wood) is produced constantly appropriate of the orders. Actually, the home industries of them located at Jambe Anom village-Tamanan subdistrict.
The Industry of Embroidery Handycraft
The mos embroidery handycraft is produced at Curahdami subdistrict, approximately 4 km from Bondowoso.
Various clothes are produced here, appopriate the demand of consumer. The product has been sold to Malaysia and Singapore.
May 30th, 2006
Its very nice to introduce you that I am Arnold a Senior Guide Adventure in the main land of Sulawesi, and I got experience to escort guest more than 10 years from all of destination requesting tour.
For example of my activities can escort you such as :
1. Mountain trekking at Mahawu, Lokon, AWU Sangihe island, PIAPI at Talaud islands, Soputan Volcanoes, and Klabat Mountain.
2. Wildlife Safaris at Badda-Valey-Lorelindu National Park at Central Sulawesi
3. Gorontalo Tour, to see the snake caves, and local rainforest explore
4. Karakelang Hunting area at Talaud Islands
5. Watching Birds explore at Talaud islands
6. Fishing tour
7. Night Camping Safaris
8. Snorkeling
9. And much more request for your Guide service provided
As for your safety and comfortable to travel, each traveler must be ready health and strong to walking. At those adventure always grade advance and sometimes overnight stay at spot depends of your request. You can fill more different situation for example if we stay at the island, top of mountain, forest or on the edge of Wildlife waterfall and much more.
You can get cheap rate for your budget rate traveler if you do with me along you are here in Sulawesi or any of your destination, we can do with public transportation, walking or any activities with net price and making your tour with fully service provided.
So, if you need any information for your adventure trip to Manado-North Sulawesi Indonesia, please kindly to inform me, surely I will be best of your Adventure excorter along you are here and to welcome with my smile.
COMING SOON NEW ADVENTURES….
MINAHASA as the hinterland of Manado is the most heavily populate and highly developed district. Only 20 percent of its land remains under forest cover, and the population density has soared to over 300 persons per square kilometers less than half than Java population, but still very high. The Minahasa area is extremely mountainous (Mt. Klabat, the highest peak, stands at 1995 meters) but have a narrow coastal fringe where coconuts thrive, and an interior plateau around lake of Tondano (altitude 600 meter, surface area 46 sq meters), where irrigated rice fields provide abundant harvests. The upland hills are covered in clove trees, while in the cool highland areas to the south, near the border with Bolaang Mongondow vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and cabbages are grown.
http://lirung.tripod.com/adventures/
May 30th, 2006
Taking advantage of the pristine tropical waters surrounding Bali considered perfect for nurturing and production of South Sea Pearls, Bali’s near neighbour of Nusa Lembongan is now home to a fully operational pearl farm.
A joint venture between Bali Hai Cruises and Atlas Pacific - acknowledged leaders in the field of pearl cultivation, the pearl farm will allow passengers on board Bali Hai’s popular day cruise the chance to see first-hand how valuable pearls are produced by nature, all done with a little help from man.
The pearl experience tour begins with a cruise along the coral reef aboard Bali Hai’s Semi Submersible Coral Viewer. Guests can observe the long line nets from which developing oysters are suspended beneath the ocean’s surface in a process that takes up to four years.
Pearl Cultivation
Two years into the growth process, the oysters are momentarily removed from the sea and “starved” overnight, encouraging the shell to open naturally. Seeding involves an intricate procedure in which a tiny bead or nucleus, made from donated pearl shell, is introduced into the oyster around which a pearl should eventually form.
Guests on the new pearl experience tour will have the opportunity to watch technicians performing this surgery at the Visitors Center, located within Bali Hai’s Private Beach Club. In the often secretive and well guarded world of pearl cultivation, this will be a rare opportunity for the public to observe the seeding procedure.
Once seeded, the oysters are returned to their nets for an additional two years during which they “grow” a pearl. Also at the Visitor’s Center a nine minute movie illustrating the life of a pearl producing oyster this process. And, yes, pearls are available for purchase with helpful staff ready to impart how size, color, shape, surface and luster of a pearl determine its commercial value.
Pearl Evening Cruise
As part of Bali Hai Cruises new emphasis on the pearl industry, the Company has also launched a Pearl Evening Cruise onboard their sailing catamaran Aristocat. Evening departures from Benoa Harbor an evening cruise of fine dining and musical entertainment will also include an opportunity to taste pearl meat.
Source : www.balidiscovery.com
May 29th, 2006
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