Malabar mountain

Malabar mountain

The first thing you see when you enter the Cisangkuy valley from the north is the mountain. Malabar The name only conveys something exotic; It is quite possible that the mountain bears the name of the Malabar coast in India. Given that West Java was one of the strongholds of Indian Hindu culture, this would not be surprising. It is a beautiful natural work at over 2300 m altitude. Dominates the horizon of Bandung, Mt. Malabar is the visible mountain north of Bandung. The huge explosion crater that opens to the northwest shows that it is one of the old volcanoes of the West Java family.

Follow the previous instructions in Banjaran. 5 km after Banjaran there is another detour on the left leading to a camp frequented by Indonesians. This narrow but well-paved road winds ever higher through the rice terraces and offers a magnificent view of the Bandung Basin.

The campsite near the old tea plantation is also a good starting point for good excursions, for example to a higher waterfall. Ambitious souls might consider attacking a mountain top. Malabar, that is not easy and needs to be planned carefully. Evening rain is more common here than in Bandung, so remember.

The huge crack in the mountainside in front of you comes from a prehistoric eruption. It was also the location of the world famous radio station Malabar Radio. At that time, no other colony of such economic importance was as far from home as the Dutch East Indies. The Dutch have therefore made great efforts to install mysteriously disguised ferns and pines ruins: all that remains is the former Malabar tea plantation. A radio station that allows direct communication between Holland and Java.

After Marconi was able to send radio signals across the Atlantic in 1906, the technology was quickly perfected and intercontinental radio communication became possible. For the Dutch project, huge wired antennas should be suspended between two peaks. The huge jump in the side of the mountain. Malabar offered the ideal natural conditions for such an installation. Antennas could be hung directly in front of the gorge, the Lamajan hydroelectric power station, further down the valley, assuming power can be transmitted and everything is not far from Bandung. On 5 May 1923, Radio Malabar went on air with the strongest transmitter in the world (up to 1,800 kW). A telecommunications connection was established with the Netherlands 12 000 km away. When the Dutch government collapsed, the plant deteriorated and was never restored. The foundation of the antenna masts would still be somewhere in the jungle.

Even the houses where once the administrative staff of the tea plantation resided, are in ruins. These are located on the western slope of the mountain at 1300 m altitude, about 35 km or about an hour's drive from Bandung. Strangely enough, with a strange mixture of pines and huge tropical ferns, they still carry the names of the former inhabitants, mainly Dutch and Chinese. A little further up are the remains of a water-filled basin filled with silt. It must have been a nice place, but something cold for swimming. That's all that's left of the old colonial plants. Today there are food stalls, a tennis court, an information booth (probably not open when you are there) and a number of trails that invite the forest.

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Ujung Kulon National Park Pandeglang

Ujung Kulon

Ujung Kulon is one of the most famous national parks in Indonesia. The area is located in the southwest corner of West Java on the Sunda platform and also includes the peninsula and some islands, as well as the Krakatoa Nature Reserve, a well-known active volcano in the world. The Park in Ujung Kulon, Pandeglang County, Banten Province, was established in 1992 by the UNESCO World Heritage Site as a National Park to protect the endangered rhinos. wild bull or banteng in the language. Indonesian

This park is very famous for its natural beauty and geological significance. That is why many researchers from all over the world come to visit, especially to study volcanoes from the inside. In addition, this area contains the largest remaining area of ​​the lowland forests of the island of Java and is home to many plant and animal species.

Ujung Kulon, which means "West Point" in English, presents an outstanding profile of the Indonesian desert, from mountains to mountains with earthly forests to coral seas. What makes this park even more remarkable is the fact that the park remains a virgin sanctuary on the island of Java, Indonesia's most densely populated area.

The park covers an area of ​​120,551 hectares, which extends to 78,214 hectares of land and 44,337 hectares of surrounding reefs and the sea. The land area can be divided into three zones: the island of Panaitan in the northwest, the peninsula of triangular shape and the cordillera of Honje east of the isthmus of the peninsula.

The climate:

This national park has a tropical marine climate that is a few degrees cooler than the interior of the island of Java and produces an annual rainfall of about 3250 million meters. The temperature range between 25 ° and 30 ° Celsius varies with an air humidity of 80% to 90%.

Between April and October are the driest months. During this period, there are long periods of good weather and calm, with sometimes cloudy skies, rain and rougher seas.

Flora Fauna.

The Ujung Kulon National Park is one of the few areas with a tropical vegetation profile from the coast to the top of the mountain and one of the last natural forests on the island of Java. The park is home to more than 700 plant species, of which 57 are rare in Indonesia and possibly in the world. This nature park has a great variety of wildlife.

Some of its members are endangered or rare, such as the Java rhino. Some animals are not afraid to move freely in tourist huts, others are seen almost every day, but many are seen instead and the same core is rarely seen. The park also includes a variety of marine habitats such as rocky shores, mangroves, mud, seagrass, coral reefs and moats, which offer diverse and fascinating perspectives on the underwater world.

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BROMO legend and natural size

Bromo

Bromo, The Tengger kettle is enough. With a diameter of 8 to 10 km. The total area is 5,250 hectares. At this time, however, we only see the falling edges. A white mist seems to cover most of the huge crater.

In the middle, five peaks rise above the fog, namely the Bromo, Batok, Widodaren, Kursi and Giri. In the background you will find Mount Semeru (3.6976 meters above sea level), the highest peak of the island of Java, which belongs to the anchors of all natural splendor you will find in this place. Meanwhile, volcanic smoke from Bromo can be seen uninterruptedly, with occasional mushroom clouds swelling on the symmetrical summit of Semeru, adding to the spectacular views. A life feeling bigger.

The reds of the eastern horizon turn yellow. Slowly but surely the glory of the sun appears behind the dark mountain ranges of the east of the island. The extraordinary perspective becomes even clearer when the sun's rays sweep the peaks and penetrate the mists ... fantastic.

This is Bromo's most famous and prestigious showcase of nature. Hundreds of people come each year to witness the rise of the Tengger Caldera at dawn.

It is said that a beautiful woman, known as Roro Anteng, lived a long time ago. Because of his attraction, a day came when a wicked giant with magical powers approached him to offer him something. Roro Anteng did not dare to directly refuse the giant and asked him to turn him into a sandy desert in the mountains one night. He hoped that before dawn the giant would not have the power to fulfill his conditional request.

But the giant mage began to play the amazing thing the same night. Unfortunately, the giant started to work very fast. When Roro Anteng saw this, he wondered how he could stop the giant's work. Finally, he thought of an idea, so he made all sorts of sounds that finally woke the taps. Finally, the roosters began to sing and signaled the dawn.

When the giant heard the calls of the rooster, he was stunned and sad because he had not fulfilled his task. Frustrated, he threw the coconut shell (batok) he had dug, which then fell to the ground next to Mount Bromo to form Mount Batok. Conversely, the sandy plain should form the Tengger caldera.

The story goes on. Then Roro Anteng met Joko Seger, a young man from the great kingdom of Majapahit, who led a solitary life in the desolate mountain range. Joko Seger and Roro Anteng fell in love quickly and got married; Both live happily in peace and were fortunate enough to have many children. His lineage continued his heritage. Over time, they gradually formed the tribal community of the Tengger (derived from the names "Roro Anteng" and Joko Seger).

It is certainly the legend of origins Bromo and Tenggerese, which has been passed down from generation to generation ... one of the many myths and legends that surround the Bromo Massif.

It is not difficult to understand the lifestyle and beliefs of these people. They live on the edge of a magnificent Millenium Caldera with four inactive and active volcanic peaks. Mount Bromo is one of the most active characters and its modest character, often reflected by locals, has become an integral part of their lives.

In times when Bromo starts to grunt and cough, it becomes a sign of bad behavior on the part of people. Then they will look what they did wrong and compensate for it. In addition, a ceremony is held every year to show that the offerings are being blessed for last year's blessings on the Bromo.

In order to facilitate interaction with nature, horses have also become the best companions of humans. These powerful beasts are not native to Bromo, but were imported from other regions. The tradition of the horse is relatively new, as it has opened doors and has more contact with the outside world. However, the adaptation of the Tenggereses as a runner was adjusted. The horses arrived over time and the Tengers became Bromo's double icon.

And the Tenggian tribe, which has been part of this natural heritage for centuries, is gradually entering the tourism industry, becoming local guides. They use their strong and obedient horses to bring visitors to the slopes of the Bromo or accompany the morning hunters in their 4x4 jeeps. All became new rituals and new blessings for them.

In fact, nature continues to bless and the Tengger tribe will continue this harmonious, inherited relationship. Strong spiritual connections have no end.

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Destination Surabaya: an Indonesian mix of nature ethnicity and urbanity

Surabaya

Dynamic Indonesia welcomes all tourists and travel fanatics into its impressive "City of Heroes" Surabaya, the second largest metropolis in the country and capital of East Java Province. Since its elevation in 1293, when the first king of the city, Raden Wijaya, emerged victorious from the supreme power of Chinese troops, Surabaya remains a symbolic name in Indonesian history. Surabaya offers a wealth of attractions, a blend of history, customs and modern urban culture, while being prized for its spectacular natural beauty and generosity.

During your trip to this impressive and historic capital of Indonesia you will surely be surprised how big the Surabaya is for its tourists and their citizens. Gorgeous white-sand beaches along the coastal waters of this port city enhance aesthetics, while bold activities can be practiced for all adventure lovers around the world. The main beach, Kenjeran Beach, is one of the most beautiful attractions in the city. It attracts travelers with its picturesque beauty and countless water sports such as surfing, sailing, swimming and fishing. And if you want to be pampered amidst this sunny atmosphere, sunbathe without giving up on countless gourmet restaurants and seaside restaurants.

If you go to the heroic city where the Battle of Surabaya is still high, you can not miss the legion of monuments, mosques and historic buildings that enhance your ethnic culture and give Surabaya a special aura. One of those insurmountable memories is the Tugu Pahlawan or the Heroic Monument, which rises 50 meters with its unique colossal nail structure to honor the courageous soldiers martyred in the bloody war. If you want to shed light on this war, the exhibition that is taking place nearby will change you in the days of the battle on board.

Bring your kids to one of the most charming places in the city and the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia: the Surabaya Zoo, known as Kebun Bonbin. The zoo, open to the public daily from 7am to 5pm, is an exciting experience. The variety of animals: orangutans, elephants, giraffes, tigers, crocodiles, bears, camels and strange Komodo dragons make your day a pleasure.

The unconditional religious aspect of Surabaya is reflected in thousands of mosques and relics that stand out for their unique charisma. Surabaya actually has the only synagogue in the country. The Great Mosque and the Cheng-H Mosque are two symbolic names in the religious history of the city. On a cultural level, outstanding museums and monuments worship their rich traditions, customs and festivals. Whether the Veva Jaya Mahe Jales monument glorifying the Indonesian navy, the Monkasel or the underwater monument or the heroic monument, with each building you can see a completely different aspect of the city's culture.

Gourmets and gourmands should not visit the city's famous G Street, the G-Walk, on their journey. The G-Walk in Citraland is the perfect place for anyone who wants to cook in the restaurants and snack bars with Asian, Western and Chinese specialties of all kinds filling the surroundings with their divine flavors. If you stay overnight, you also do not want to leave the vibrant nightlife and lively atmosphere of young G-Walk.

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A trip to Garut South Bandung

Garut west Java

Many people know that Bandung is a good place to visit. You can buy clothes, shoes and bags at a very reasonable price. You can also visit North Bandung, for example Tangkuban Parahu. But one thing that many people do not realize is that there are many high-quality tourist destinations in South Bandung.

Garut is one of them. There are many good places to visit in Garut and here are some examples you might want to get to know.

Place of paragliding on Mount Haruman.
To get there, take the Garut Bandung Highway through Kadungora subdistrict. In Kadungora you can rent a motorcycle called Ojeg Haruman Sari Village. It is about 15 km with a 2 to 5 meters wide road. From Haruman to Paraglaiding the distance is about 7-8 km. Usually, visitors use the jeep. Activities that can be practiced here include paragliding, tracking, touring and photography. Visitors come from Jakarta, Central Java, East Java and abroad, including Singapore, the Netherlands, Korea and America.

Cangkuang Temple
Cangkuang is a temple in the village of Cangkuang. The name Cangkuang comes from a tree called Cangkuang (Pandanus Furcatus) that grows around the tomb of Embah Dalem Arif Muhammad.

To get there, you can take the bus from Bandung to Garut. There are 7,000 rupees. From Garut to the district of Leles there is a public transport service called "Angkot". Cangkuang Temple Street from the road about 3 km or 30 minutes on foot or you can use a traditional vehicle called "andong".

Unique traditional village of Kampung Pulo
Kampung Pulo is a unique traditional village on an island in the center of Situ Cangkuang Lake. Like the Cangkuang Temple, it is located in the village of Cangkuang, where the Cangkuang, Situ Cangkuang and Kampung Pulo Temples are located.

According to the story, the inhabitants of Kampung Pulo would retreat here before Hinduism, then Embah Dalem Muhammad, because they had lost the war against the Dutch. Due to the shame of Sultan Agung Embah Dalem Arif Muhammad did not want to return to Mataram. He began to mediate Islam in Kampong Pulo. Embah Dalem Arif Muhammad and his friends live in Kampung Pulo until their death. Although 100% of Kampong Pulo residents are Islamists, they still practice part of the Hindu tradition.

Waterfall Curug Citiis
The Curug Citiis waterfall is located in the village of Pasawahan in the Tarogong district at an altitude of 1000 meters. Say atas permukaan loudly. People have said that this place is a meeting place for all the kings of the island of Java. The name Curug Citiis means cold water in Sundanese.

This place is located about 15 km from the city center of Garut. From the terminal to the nearest town Curug Citiis is about 5 km.
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A trip to Java

Java Island

It is believed that the name of Java is due to a local attachment, jawa-rage. The island lies between Bali and Sumatra and covers 1.39 000 km 2. The climate is tropical and the mercury fluctuates between 22 ° C and 29 ° C throughout the year. However, it is a wonderful destination in any season. The island is divided into four provinces: West Java, East Java, Central Java and Banten. Jakarta and Yogyakarta are special regions. The currency is the rupee and the call sign is +62. Exploring Java can be a bit of a hassle if you choose the road, consider a train journey or book a flight. Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Air Asia, Sriwijaya Air etc, offer good connectivity. The main attractions are well served by these airlines.

The thirteenth largest island in the world is also one of the most densely populated places on earth. A classic itinerary begins with your trip to Jakarta, a city heavily influenced by the Dutch. With affection "The Big Durian", a piece of "The Big Apple" called, Jakarta is a must. Here are some of the most fantastic museums, zoos and avenues. This city is truly Indonesia. Do not believe me. Make a quick stop at the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. A hundred-hectare park that offers the best of Indonesia. Jakarta offers countless opportunities for nightlife. Spend a pleasant evening at the Sunda Kelapa and sample the history or visit the Wayang Museum. When the weather is fine, head to Bogor, home to the famous botanical gardens of Kebun Raya. The next leg of your journey would be Bandung, perfect for peace and quiet. The Puncak Pass on the way to Bandung is very scenic and offers some of the most fantastic views of the island. You have a dilemma: Go to Pangandaran to spend time on the beach and have fun in the sun or travel to Java to visit Yogyakarta.

Yogyakarta or "Jojgakarta" is very popular with tourists and travelers from all over the world. This destination is perfect if you want to deeply observe the soul of Indonesia. Make Yogyakarta your center and take a trip to Borobudur, which is simply enchanting and truly amazing. Discover the beautiful temples of Prambanan. Consider a day trip to Surakarta (Solo), or pack your bags for Surabaya. Spend the rest of your trip in the city's incredible colonial past. Back home, you'll probably wonder when you'll be back next time!

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The beauty of the island is Sempu Java

Sempu Java

From east to west more than 3.9 kilometers, beaches lined with sheer cliffs and limestone. It is at first glance the image of 'Pulau Sempu' in the eastern part of the island of Java.

'Pulau' (island) 'Sempu' is located about 70 kilometers south of downtown Malang in East Java. Technically, this island is a nature reserve under the jurisdiction of the "BKSDA" IV (Natural Resources Conservation Station) of Malang. The region is from the administrative point of view of the government, but included in the Biru agreement. Village 'Tambakrejo', sub-district 'Sumbermanjing Wetan', regency 'Malang' of East Java.

The region of the island extends 3.9 kilometers from east to west and 3.6 kilometers from north to south. The topography of the island consists of almost 50% of mountainous plains with slopes that range from the average to the slopes, at a height of 50 to 100 meters above sea level and most beaches were lined with rugged limestone cliffs, features of the islands along the Indian ocean.

This character is also specific to the islands in the south and east of the island of Java. There is no doubt that this type of terrain prevents fishermen from docking their boats. However, this condition also states that the 'Sendang Biru' beach north of the 'Sempu' island has calm waves. For this reason, this beach is the safest harbor in the southern Indian Ocean and the largest landing place for fish on the south beach of the island of Java.

The benefits of 'Pulau Sempu' for fishermen from Sendang Biru beach are truly priceless. Its sturdy shape with its steep cliffs neutralises the devilish waves of the South Seas. It is therefore not surprising to find fishermen performing the slalom test on this 3.9 km long, calm water beach.

"Pulau Sempu" is separated from the island of Java by a 800 meter wide narrow band, which also serves as the gateway to the open sea. Its waves are relatively calm, fishing, rowing or swimming. According to the maps, the type of soil in the region of this island consists of a "litosol" and a reddish Mediterranean area and even includes the main limestone formation.
The only natural cave in 'Pulau Sempu' has its own specialty. The cave, about 2.5 km from the beach line 'Sumber' Teluk '(bay), 25 meters above sea level, contains fresh water springs. The cave is 20 meters long and 3 meters wide with a dry surface. It is a very strategic place for those who like to meditate or just seek solitude.

On the south side there are still steep sea caves. The sea caves on the east and southeast sides have become colonies of many swallows. Because of the very steep location, none of the local fishermen dared to collect bird nests.

A visit to Pulau Sempu is like in the safari park Bogor. Wild animals such as deer, black monkeys, wild boars and panthers often make fun of the visitors. Therefore, it is not surprising that this area often forces the hunter to stick to its forests. According to the East Java Forestry Bureau, there are 12 mammal species, 36 bird species and 3 reptile species in the region. With this variety of flora and fauna, the island's management, "BKSDA" IV in "Malang", has made the region a destination.

Another feature that can be found on this island is the existence of two lakes, the "Lele" and the "Segara Anakan". In the lake "Lele" you will find a large selection of colorful ornamental fish. From 'Segara Anakan' enjoy a clear view of the sea.

Access to these lakes is easily possible as the "Malang BKSDA" IV routes were built by "Teluk Semut" (Ant Bay). In order to reach the lake "Lele", 2.3 km long paths were created by "Teluk Waru" and the shore of the Arena Blanca, which is reachable on foot in 2 hours on foot.

In addition to this uniqueness Pulau Sempu has other tourist attractions such as the white sand coast, the gateway to this island. No less fascinating is the natural landscape of the white sand coast. From there you can clearly see all activities of the fishermen. A variety of boats with different decorations can be seen when starting and stopping. And when the night falls, the sunset on the horizon can also be seen on this white sandy beach. Along the white sand coast, visitors' boats are moored before continuing to Pulau Sempu.

Although its status is a nature reserve, the management of 'Pulau Sempu' has made this city an ecotourism destination in East Java. This is in line with the condition that maintains the potential of sustainable tourism offered to tourists. And compared to other ecotourism destinations, 'Pulau Sempu' always seems to be natural. But that is exactly what makes this island an ecotourism destination and at the same time preserves the wildlife.

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Another beauty to be seen on the island of Sempu was swimming in very clear water (in "Segara Anakan"), and freediving activities could enjoy the barrier landscapes of coral without being afraid of being carried away by the wave to become. "Sempu" has the lake he mentioned with "Segara Anakan". This place looked more like the small lake that surrounds its high coral stone boundary with the open sea, the South Sea or the Indonesian Sea, which has big waves. The water supply of this lake came from a large hollow coral in the middle, which periodically showed picturesque landscapes of wave waves that occurred on the coral. A small water that invaded 'Segara Anakan'.

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Life outside the tourist route discovery of Semarang

Semarang - Central of Java

Surrounded by mystical mountains, Semarang is an attractive place to relax mind and soul on lush trails. Semarang has a fascinating old world charm that is surmounted by Dutch colonial architecture and modern central buildings. Far away from the hustle and bustle of tourist destinations, Semarang is a place where you can enjoy the tranquility and mix of Javanese, Chinese, Indian and Arab culture. The simplicity of Semarang is intended to create an invisible connection with the traveler, who has the passion to discover the natural environment of life.

Semarang is the capital of central Java in Indonesia and is located on the north coast of Java. A trip to Candi Hill offers breathtaking views of the plateau's mystical harbor, scenic plains and green rice fields. One of the main attractions of the city is the magnificent Sam Po Kong Temple, built in honor of the Chinese commander Cheng Ho of the Ming Dynasty, who visited Semarang at the beginning of the 15th century. The Dieng Plateau, north of the small town of Wonosobo, has many beautiful Hindu temples worth visiting. You can also visit the Temple of Borobudur in Muntilan, which is two hours away, and then the Prambanan Temple in Klaten. In addition to the Tugu Muda monument, there are many museums dedicated to Javanese culture in Semarang. There are several amusement parks in the city that will make your trip even more enjoyable.

The best part of Semarang is its incredible landscape, which is due to the northern coastal region with Tanjung Mas as an international port. The southern part has hills that stretch from Candi to Bukit Sari, with the picturesque Monte Ungaran in the background. The hills of Bukit Sari have a magical attraction that is charismatic at sunset and the perfect place to be with your loved ones. For nature lovers, do not miss the scenic drive to Salatiga and nearby towns like Solo and Yogyakarta. Semarang is also popular for its street food, unbelievably cheap and can be indulged with authentic Semarang cuisine and other local delicacies. Semarang also has a picturesque golf club, the Semarang Golf Club, where you can have fun all day long.

It's pretty easy to keep busy as several medium and luxury hotels in Semarang offer a combination of friendly and professional service. Almost all hotels are located in beautiful locations and provide easy access to Ahmad Yani Airport. Taxis and rental cars are the best way to explore the regions of ad and its surroundings.

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Candirejo Village Community Tourism Project in Central Java

Candirejo

At the beginning of this year, my husband and I experienced real rural life in Central Java. We went to a town called Candi Rejo. It is about half an hour from Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia.

We listen to our Indonesian partners that Candi Rejo has launched a project of ecological tourism and community tourism. We have learned more about this project. In our view, community tourism is a tourism that consults, engages and benefits the local community. We wanted to see if this really is the case in this city.

At first we did not know what to expect. We bought our tickets in Bali, agreed with the village chief and later learned that we were at the airport in Yogyakarta.

Our leader was I.J. (pronounced EE-Jay) She was very friendly and communicative, although her English skills were limited. She was an interesting woman. He is around 35 years old and wears a hijab (scarf) and a long-sleeved shirt every day to cover his arms, even when it's very hot. Obviously, Muslim women look normal. IJ is a single mother raising 2 children alone. She is the only woman leader in her city and she is very proud of it. She said that if there were no visitors to guide her, she would run the farm like the rest of the people in her village.

After the meeting with IJ, we drove to the city, about an hour from the airport. The view was great. We could see a volcano in the distance as we crossed mustard fields, corn fields, tapioca farms, and other types of vegetable farms. We also passed through a 9th century Buddhist temple called Pawon. It is dedicated to Kuvera, the god of fortune.

When we arrived in Candi Rejo, we first met with the village chief. We thought it was an older man with a gray mustache, like many other representatives of the Indonesian government. We were surprised when the village chief, Mr. Ian, appeared. A charming man of 28 years, with a gentle voice and very well dressed.

He briefly explained the history of ecotourism to Candi Rejo. A few years ago, an Indonesian NGO approached the village and introduced the concept of ecotourism in the community. After many meetings in the village, the community of Candi Rejo accepted the idea. The village also has the advantage of being very close to Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia and a great miracle of antiquity. They have a river that can be used for rafting, and there is also a trail called Watu Kendil that leads to Kendil Hill. From this hill you can see 5 volcanoes and the entire construction of the temple of Borobudur.

The Ecotourism Project by Candi Rejo is a pilot project in Indonesia. The city has about 5,000 inhabitants and most of the inhabitants are farmers. The main unit that manages the tourist industry in Candi Rejo is the municipality that runs the cooperative, not the government. The head of the cooperative keeps the village head on, but the income goes directly to the locals.

The inhabitants voluntarily joined the cooperative. For example, if you have additional rooms at home, you can register as a tourist accommodation. People who have horse-drawn rickshaws can become members of the cooperative to provide transport services to the village. All members of the cooperative must accept the list system, which gives guides, porters, village tours, maintenance and craft sales the opportunity to earn money.

There is no doubt that the ecotourism project has increased the village economy. Since becoming officially a "tourist village" in 2003, Candi Rejo has become a cleaner and richer village. The village chief ordered that all the houses in the village "Rambutan", a tropical fruit tree in front of their houses, grow. The result is: This city becomes very green and dark. The climate in Central Java can be very hot, these big trees can protect pedestrians from the hot sun.

When we asked the village headman if he feared that the tourism industry would one day lead to unprecedented pollution of the village, he replied that the cooperative limited the number of visitors per year. The tourism programs they have developed also focus on green tourism, not tourism programs. Therefore, most of the visitors who come to Candi Rejo are green travelers. They want to learn more about agriculture or experience life in the rural Javanese.

In 2007, the city welcomed 800 to 900 visitors. We saw pictures of their previous visitors. Some schools in major Indonesian cities have sent students to Candi Rejo to learn more about farming and rural life. It is true that many Indonesian children who grew up in the city do not know how trees and fruits they eat on the ground look like. This type of learning program teaches them where the food comes from. It also helps students understand how important it is to preserve their environment.

Not only students from all over Indonesia come to Candi Rejo. Governments in other Indonesian villages also visit Candi Rejo to learn more about village tourism and ecotourism.

We can not forget how nice people are to Candi Rejo. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. We believe that community-based tourism really fits in with their characters. His natural enthusiasm for welcoming his guests made our trip so easy and memorable.

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At Candi Rejo we learned Javanese gamelan (his traditional musical instruments). We also played volleyball with the locals, it was really fun! We took the rickshaw everywhere during our stay (issue 0 insurance). They also invited us to visit the village chief's house for a church meeting. It's like a visit to our family there.

We leave Candi Rejo with good memories of this city. We would come back in a moment. Let's hope we can take our travelers with us next time. We are proud that the movement of ecotourism and community tourism in Indonesia is growing rapidly. We hope that these projects can reduce poverty, create more jobs and above all preserve the ecology of Indonesia.

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