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- Surabaya
A booming city of over 3 million, Surabaya offers many good hotels,
shopping centres and entertainment. Its well stocked zoological
garden include several species of Indonesian fauna like "orang
utan", komodo dragon and a collection of nocturnal animals.
Kalimas is an old traditional harbour for the world famous Bugis
schooner "pinisi" which sailed the Indonesia seas for
hundreds of years. At present those praus can still be seen in
their former glory with big colourful sails.
Mpu Tantular Museum, well-stocked with archaeological art and
cultural items from prehistoric times until independence.
Across the Strait Madura, half an hour by ferry from Surabaya
is the island of Madura, famous for its unique bull races held
each year after harvest season.
For groups, the races can be arranged on request. The Regional
Tourism Offices of East Java provides a monthly calendar of events
of the races.
- Trowulan - Pandaan - Tretes
The surroundings of Trowulan village is believed to be the site
of the ancient capital of Majapahit. Archaeological excavations
in the area have recovered many terracotta ornaments, statues,
pottery and stone carvings which are displayed at the Trowulan
Museum. The map in the museum is a guide to nearby sites of historical
interest.
The Candra Wilwatika open-air theatre in Pandaan, 45 km south
of Surabaya presents classical East Javanese ballet performances
on each full moon night from June to November The performances
are based either on the Ramayana stories or East Java's legends
and folklore. The backdrop of Mt. Pananggungan gives the performances
an enchanting experience.
Up to ten km from Chandra Wilwatika is Tretes, one of the most
beautiful mountain resorts of East Java. Hotels and roads cling
to the hillside with swimming pools for a dip in the cool climate.
Horses are also available for hire. Camping ground is available
near the Kakek Bodo waterfall.
Malang
Ninety km south of Surabaya lies Malang, one of the most attactive
towns in Java. A strong sense of civic pride can be noticed from
the well-maintained and painted becaks, the neat main square,
buildings and streets. The cool climate is one reason why it is
highly desirable among the East Javanese as a place to retire.
Twenty km from Malang on the southern flank of Mt. Arjuna, are
Selecta and Songgoriti, popular hill resorts with hot springs.
The climate is cool and ( five km nearby) is Batu, famous for
its apples and flowers. Sports facilities at Selecta include horseriding,
swimming, and tennis.
Purwodadi Botanical Garden
Founded in 1941 for the study plants growing under relatively
dry conditions, the Purwodadi gardens lie about 30 kms northeast
of Malang just off the Surabaya-Malang main road on the lowest
slopes of Mt. Arjuno at about 300 metres altitude. It covers an
area of about 35 ha (212 acres).
Mount Kawi Fortune Hunting
A sages grave on mount Kawi near Malang,, has for decades enjoyed
unrivaled fame among those who seek to increase their worldly
blessings through pilgrimages, offerings, and meditations besides
hard work.
Most of the pilgrims to Gunung Kawi are Chinese, but even to nonbelievers
the place is worth a visit for its intensely Javanese atmosphere,
with frequent wayang and gamelan performances and a quaint mixture
of Javanese and Chinese influences.
The grave itself is built on a hilltop, but to its left and right
of the long stairway is an assortment of sacred springs, Chinese
houses of worship, flowers and souvenirs stalls and other interesting
sights.
Mount Bromo
One of the most exciting experiences is watching the sun rise
from the crest of the Bromo volcano which is a three-hour drive
from Surabaya, followed by a pony ride from the village of Ngadisari
over a sea of sand to the food of the volcano. Ascend the 50 steps
to reach the rim.
On the vast expanse of sand, formerly a caldera, there are two
volcanoes: the extinct Batok which is a perfect cone and the Bromo.
Volcanic sulphur fumes. while during intense rumbling sounds the
surrounding population who believes in the God of Bromo quickly
brings offerings.
The annual offering ceremony of Kasada is held on the 1 4th day
of Kasada, the twelfth month in the Tenggerese calendar year.
In 1991 it was held on November 23-24. It is a colourful event
where villagers from the surrounding areas bring their produce
of sacrifice to the holy volcano.
Baluran National Park/Wildlife Reserve
Located at the eastern tip of East Java, just off the Surabaya
- Banyuwangi mainroad, it is dry country-side of open forests
and scrubland, bordered at the coast by marshes, swampy groves
and white beaches. A landrover or jeep is perhaps the only vehicle
that can stand the long hauls accross these rugged grassy plains.
Here, the banteng wild ox, deer and birds can be photographed
in their natural habitat.
Kalitlatak
A privately owned plantation with an elevation of 450-750 m above
sea level, on the slope of Mt. Merapi covering a 2.500 acres of
land producing coffee, rubber, cocoa and spices. Cloves begin
as flowers on the clove tree, cinnamon is ground bark, pepper
grown on vines and nutmeg like golf-ball size pears hanging on
broad leafed trees, are to be seen. Touring the plantation is
a trip through a vast, exotic spice machine process which ends
with neat packages ready for export.
Sadengan
A famous wildlife reserve and feeding ground but of a smaller
size than that of Baluran. Located in the forest of "Hutan
Purwo", 81 km to the south of Banyuwangi. It is in possession
of 700 wild buffaloes and varieties of other wild animals, all
of which can be seen grazing in the late afternoon from the viewing
tower.
Triangulasi
13 km south of Sadengan on the coast with a beautiful beach view.
A nice location to watch the sunset and a place where turtles
lay eggs.
Sukamade Turtle Beach
78 km south of Banyuwangi with its deep turquoise wafer, 250kg
sea turtles and a long beach, surrounded by vast cocoa, coffee
and rubber plantations, are to be found here.
Meru Betiri Reserve
After a 30 km very rough road which crosses half a dozen rivers
through dense jungle and a rubber plantation, you finally arrive
here on the southeastern tip of the province, where the last of
the
Javanese tigers had sought refuge. A hundred and fifty years ago
Javanese tiger inhabited most of Java and was even considered
a nuisance in some populated areas. But through the 1800s and
early 1990s it was hunted mercilessly and its habitat destroyed
by plantation builders. By the beginning of the Second
World War it survived only in the most remote mountains and forests,
and today, the last four or five live on the brink of extinction
in a remote region.
The government and the World Wildlife Fund have mounted a determined
effort to save the tigers and their environment. And to do so,
the authorities are even prepared to relocate a few thousand humans.
But Meru Betiri is not simply a tiger reserve.
Wildlife of all kinds abounds, like black panthers, leopards and
turtles.
Jawi Temples
Between Surabaya and Malang is the town of Singosari where remnants
of the early 13th century Singosari Kingdom include a temple and
two gigantic statues of guardians to what many believed to be
the main gateway to the capital of the kingdom. Jago temple dates
back to 1268, and is one of the most attractive temples in EastJava.
Scenes from folktales as well as from the Mahabarata epic decorate
the side panels.
Kidal temple, not far from Jago temple, was completed in 1260
to honour one of the kings, and is a gem of Singosari temple art.
Located 120 km south west of Malang and 11 km North of Blitar,
is Penataran temple in the Singosari-Majapahit temple complex,
dating from the mid fourteenth century. Its structures are laid
on a large and vast field. The temple terraces are decorated with
Ramayana base reliefs. The main temple is well preserved.
Pasir Putih Beach, Situbondo
If you happen to be driving in a private car between Surabaya
and Bali, this lovely beach may be worth visiting for a few hours
or, if you prefer, an overnight stay to relax After driving long
hours coming from either way. For you to en joy here is fishing,
sailing, swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, waterskiing or just
simply : sunbathing. Good seafood is available at some beach-front
restaurants where nearby small souvenirs are for sale. This place
is suitable for transiting tourists, rather than a destination
piont.
Mount Ijen Crater
Not exactly the most accessible of all craters, this Ijen crater
may become of great interest to the adventurous tourist. It is
located far enough from Bali as well as from Surabaya, whereas
an overnight stay is recommended either at Banyuwangi if ; coming
from Bali or at Bondowoso if coming from Surabaya. The trip to
the crater should start early in the morning the next day because
road accessibility only gets you up to 14 km from the crater which
you have to d on foot, and up-hill for that matter. Special about
this crater is its wide gaping mouth having a diameter of 1 km,
whereas its depth all the way to the bottom is 17 meters, where
a turquoise lake is found with its impressive SL roundings
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Ponorogo
Ponorogo is located southwest of Surabaya at a distance of 200
km. A bigger town closest to it is Madiun, which lies on the main
highway between Surabaya and points west of it in Central Java.
So, out of Madiun it would be a sidetrip to Ponorogo, if you care
to witness the Festival Reyog, held here on the 17th of August
each year, highlighting the area's traditional drama and dance.
Otherwise you may want to visit Ngebel Lake nearby, whereas batiks
and basketry of this region are also well-known.
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