Cendrawasih (Birds of Paradise)

Cendrawasih is a family member Paradisaeidae of the order Passeriformes. They are found in eastern Indonesia, the islands of Torres Strait, Papua New Guinea, Australia and east. This bird is known for the male plumage of many species, especially the fur is very long and complex that grows from the beak, wings or head. Size of cendrawasih from cendrawasih king at 50 grams and 15 cm to cendrawasih Part-sickle Black at 110 cm and cendrawasih Crest Manukod-rolled at 430 grams.

The most famous of cendrawasih is a member of the genus Paradisaea, including its type species, large yellow bird of cendrawasih, Paradisaea Apoda.This species was described from specimens brought to Europe from trading expeditions. These specimens were prepared by native traders by removing the wings and legs can be used for decoration. It is not known by the explorers and led the belief that these birds never landed but remain in the air because of the feathers. This isorigin of the name of the bird of paradise ( ' bird paradise' bythe British ) and the name of the type Apoda which means 'no legs'.

Many species have elaborate mating ritual, mating system types Paradisaea are male birds gather to show their beauty in birds compete for females to mate. While other species such as the types Cicinnurus and Parotia have irregular mating dance. Males in sexually dimorphic species are polygamous. Many bird hybrid that is described as new species, and several species of doubtful validity. Number eggs somewhat less certain. In large type, perhaps almost always one egg. Small type can produce as much as 2-3 eggs

Read More

Kebaya, Indonesia Cultural Heritage

Indonesia has a cultural heritage that is priceless. With ethnic diversity that exists and each has its own customs, making Indonesia a diverse work culture. One of them, such as kebaya, which has become the national dress. Kebaya present as a manifestation of cultural creations that high. Decades ago, the model kebaya looks "normal", more so if you see the past, like in the era of Kartini. At that time, the kebaya was more like clothes that use common areas aligned with long-patterned fabric that is generally derived from Java. Overall performance even without using a lot of detail, so impressed "ancient". 

Types of National Kebaya 

Kartini's Kebaya 

Model kebaya worn by royal women during the era of RA Kartini. Not surprisingly, this model kebaya termed Kebaya Kartini. The pieces are similar to Kebaya Encim, but there are differences, which folds on the chest. Long kebaya also closed pelvis.Another distinctive feature is a collar which folds to form a vertical line, thus making the wearer seem taller and slimmer. 

Encim's Kebaya 

Is the result of a combination of clothing typical Shanghai China with typical Malay kebaya. Usually this encim kebaya made of organdy or cotton, the model V collar with embroidered along the collar to bottom (the side which is continuous until the collar). 

Java's Kebaya 

Kebaya this model with a simple shape cut V neck, long to close the pelvis. Usually giving the impression his motive is simple. Material usually made of cloth is applied with patterned transparent underwear top. 

Bali's Kebaya 

The form details of Balinese kebaya additional obi is wrapped around the waist. 

Materials are usually of brocade and cotton fabrics. Additional obi can be directly mounted on a kebaya or may be a fabric that is added separately from the kebaya. 

Kutubaru's Kebaya 

Basically the same shape as the kebaya generally, it's just that what distinguishes the additional fabric for connecting the left and right kebaya in the chest and abdomen. Its use should be added Stagen (cloth wrapped around the abdomen) or a corset to make it look more thinner. 

Kebaya Trends 

The fashion world, had been developed from time to time. Kebaya, it sounds traditional. But now, his name had been added the word 'modern'. Progress has been very unusual design. Models, patterns and creations are always moving dynamic kebaya outfit. In fact, the kebaya is often included in many modern fashion. Modern Kebaya is suitable to be used for official party. Including weddings. Not only adults, the teens are now daring to use the kebaya. Of course with more simple models, plus subordinate fabric pants or jeans. 

The combination of various national kebaya kebaya ranging from Javanese, Balinese kebaya, kebaya Encim, kebaya Kartini, generate a form of national dress and a new motive. Now kebaya is not only found in traditional events. Kebaya has now penetrated the world of fashion, and is no longer the mothers who wear the kebaya, but many young people already interested and proud of wearing the national dress of Indonesia

Read More

Hanging Stone and Origin of Parapat City

In one remote village on the outskirts of Lake Toba in North Sumatra, there lived a husband and wife with a beautiful daughter named Chrysanthemum.In addition to beautiful, Chrysanthemum is also very diligent in helping parents work in the fields. Every day the small family working on their farm located on the shores of Lake Toba, and the results are used to meet daily needs.

One day, Chrysanthemum go to the fields alone, because there is a need both parents in a neighboring village. Chrysanthemum only accompanied by her beloved dog called the Toki. Arriving at the fields, she did not work, but he just sat thoughtfully looking at the natural beauty of Lake Toba. Looks like he is facing a difficult problem solved. While his dog, the Toki, come sit next to him staring at his face as if to know what's Chrysanthemum thinks her employer is. Once in a while the dog's barking to distract the boss, but her employer still preoccupied with her thoughts.

Indeed the last few days Chrysanthemum face always looked glum. He was very sad, because it will be married by her parents with a young man who was his cousin. Though he has established an affair with a young man his choice and has promised to build a happy home. He was very confused. On the one hand he does not want to disappoint his parents, and on the other hand if she could not have parted with youth idol of his heart. Therefore felt unable to bear the heavy burden, he was getting desperate.

"God! Servant was not able to live with this burden, "complained Chrysanthemum.

A few moments later, Chrysanthemum moved from his seat. With tears loose, he walked slowly toward the Lake Toba. Apparently she wanted to end his life by jumping into Lake Toba's rugged steep. While the Toki, followed his master from behind while barking.

With thoughts that continue raging, Chrysanthemum walked toward the cliffs of Lake Toba without watching the road in its path. Unexpectedly, he suddenly plunged into the hole large stone to go far into the bottom of the hole. The black rock that makes the atmosphere in the hole was getting dark. Beautiful girl was very frightened. At the bottom of a dark hole, he felt the walls of rock was moving closer would clamp.

"Help ... ...! Help ... ...! Help me, Toki!" Chrysanthemum voice asks for help to her beloved dog.

The Toki understand if the employer requires his help, but he can not do anything, except just barking at the mouth of the hole. Several times Chrysanthemum screaming for help, but the Toki is really not capable menolongnnya. Finally she was getting desperate.

"I'd rather be dead than suffer a long life," Chrysanthemum resigned.

The walls of rock that move increasingly closer.

"Parapat ...! Parapat the rock ...! Parapat, "cried Chrysanthemum stone told press her body. 

While the Toki who knows his master in danger kept barking at the mouth of the hole. Feel unable to help his employer, he soon ran back to the house to ask for help. 

Arriving at the house of his master, Toki's parents immediately went to the new Chrysanthemum who happened to come from neighboring villages to walk to her home. Toki barking while scratching the ground to notify the parents was that the Chrysanthemum in danger. 

"Toki ..., where Chrysanthemum? What happened to him? "Asked the father to the dog Chrysanthemum. Toki kept barking ran back and forth to take them to a place. 

"Sir, it looks like Chrysanthemum in danger," said the mother of Chrysanthemum. 

"Mom was right. The Toki invites us to follow him, "said the father Chrysanthemum. 

"But it was dark, sir. How do we get there? "Said the mother of Chrysanthemum. 

"My mother prepared a torch! I will seek help from neighbors, "cried the father. 

Soon, the whole neighborhood had gathered at the home page Chrysanthemum father carrying a torch. After that they followed the Toki to the scene. When I got them in the fields, the Toki directly toward the mouth of the hole. Then he barked as he held out his mouth stretched into a hole to notify the residents that the Chrysanthemum at the bottom of the hole. 

Both parents Chrysanthemum immediately approached the mouth of the hole. What a surprise when they saw a hole big enough rock on the edge of their fields. Inside the hole there was a faint voice of a woman: "Parapat ...! Parapat the rock! Parapat! " 

"Sir, listen to that voice! Itukan voices of our children! Chrysanthemum's mother cried in panic. 

"Right! That sounds Chrysanthemum! "Replied the father participated in panic. 

"But, why did he shouted: Parapat, Parapat the rock?" Asked the mother. 

"I do not know, bu! Looks like there's something wrong in there, "said the anxious father. 

Mr. Farmer was trying to light up the hole with a torch, but the bottom of the hole was so deep that can not be penetrated by torchlight. 

"Chrysanthemum ...! Chrysanthemum ...! "Shouted the father of Chrysanthemum. 

"Chrysanthemum ... my daughter! This mother and father came to help! "The mother come yelling. 

Several times they cried, but did not get a response from the Chrysanthemum. Only voice drifted Chrysanthemum who ordered the stone was docked for menghimpitnya. 

"Parapat ...! Parapat the rock! Parapat! " 

"Chrysanthemum ... my daughter!" Chrysanthemum mother screamed again, crying hysterically. 

Residents who were present at the site trying to help. One of the residents handed a rope to the bottom of the hole, but the slap was not touched at all. Chrysanthemum's father is increasingly concerned with their children. He also decided to follow her daughter's plunge into the rock hole. 

"Mom, hold this torch!" Ordered the father. 

"Daddy going?" Asked the mother. 

"I want to follow Chrysanthemum into the hole," she answered firmly. 

"No dad, very dangerous!" Prevent the mother. 

"Yes sir, the hole was very deep and dark," said one resident. 

Chrysanthemum's father finally the attack. A moment later, suddenly the sound of thunder. Earth rocked by fierce as if about to end. Rock hole suddenly close itself. The cliffs at the edge of Lake Toba was falling. Chrysanthemum's father and mother and all populations ran thither to save themselves. They left the mouth of the stone pit, so the Chrysanthemum The poor can not be saved from the crush of rock. 

Some time after the earthquake stopped, suddenly appeared a large rock that resembles the body of a girl and as if hanging on the wall of the cliff at the edge of Lake Toba. Local people believe that the stone was the incarnation of the oppressed Chrysanthemum rock in the hole. By their stone was later given the name "Hanging Rock". 

A few days later, came the news about the events that befall her. Residents flocked to the scene to see the "Hanging Rock" is. Residents who witnessed the incident told other residents that before the hole was closed, audible voice: "... Parapat Parapat Parapat the rock ...!" 

Hence the word "Parapat" they say, and many are told, then the Week is located on the shores of Lake Toba was later given the name "Parapat". Parapat is now a small town one of the most attractive tourist destinations in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia.

*Parapat in Batak language means moor

Read More

Kelimutu Mountains

Kelimutu is a volcano located on the island of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. The location of this mountain village precisely in Pemo, District Flores, Ende. This mountain has three crater lakes on top. The lake is known as the Lake of Three Colors because it has three different colors, namely red, blue, and white. Even so, the colors are always changing over time.

Kelimutu is a combination word of "keli" meaning mountain and the word "mutu" which means to boil. According to local belief, the colors on the Kelimutu lake has the meaning of each and have a very powerful natural forces. 

Lake or Tiwu Kelimutu in the top three sections corresponding to the color, the color that is in the lake. Blue lake or "Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai" is a gathering place for the souls of young people who have died. Lake of the red or "Tiwu Ata Polo" is a gathering place for the souls of the dead and as long as he lived always commit a crime / magick. While the lake is white or "Tiwu Mbupu Ata" is a gathering place for the souls of parents who have died. 

The third area of the lake of about 1,051,000 square meters with a volume of 1292 million cubic meters of water. Boundary between the lake was a narrow stone walls prone to landslides. This wall is very steep with 70-degree angle. Lake wall height ranges from 50 to 150 meters. 

Earlier this area was originally discovered by Lio Van Such Telen, a citizen of the Netherlands Mr. Mama Lio, 1915. Its beauty is widely known after Y. Bouman describes in his writings in 1929. Since then the foreign tourists started to come enjoy the lake known as anchor for the local community. Those who came not only the lover of beauty, but also researchers who want to know the natural occurrence is very rare. Kelimutu Region has established a National Natural Conservation Area since February 26, 1992. 

Read More

Pantar Strait marine park

The beauty and uniqueness of the underwater world is amazing Pantar Strait. Even if compared with the Komodo Marine Park in East Nusa Tenggara, Berau in East Kalimantan, Bunaken in North Sulawesi and Raja Ampat in Papua, Pantar Strait still remains the best. Despite all this time for diving, Komodo marine park, Bunaken, Berau, and Raja Ampat more popular, but in the eyes of the world-class diver Pantar Strait marine park which is located in Alor, East Nusa Tenggara Province, is superior because of its beauty is stunning. 

It is said that after the park beautiful Caribbean sea. Many foreign tourists who never been to Alor in awe. Because, besides spoiled the beauty of marine parks, they also discovered the phenomenon of the marine park are rare and very interesting. So, it's normal marine tourism Alor with specific underwater panorama in the Strait of Pantar be excellent and the teaser for its world-class diver from the United States, Australia, Austria, Britain, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, and some countries in Asia . Noted, there are 26 diving points charming tourists there. 

To-26 point diving it is, Half Moon Bay, Peter's Prize, Crocodile Rook, Cave Point, The Edge, Coral Clitts, Baeylon, The Arch, Fallt Line, The pacth, Nite Delht, Kal's Dream, The Ball, Trip Top, The Mlai Hall, No Man's Land, The Chatedral, School's Ut, and Shark Close. Diving this last point is very interesting because it is a collection of shark seabed is very friendly with the diver. 

The beauty of the underwater contained in Large Alor, Small Alor, Dulolong, Crocodile Island, Kepa Island, Ternate Island, Pantar Island and Temple Island, also invite click amazed the professional diver from Jakarta and Bali to come there. "The potential for marine tourism has been juggling the area directly adjacent to the state of Timor Leste became a center of marine tourism in Indonesia," said Karl Muller tourists from Australia who often conduct maritime research in the island of Alor. In fact, the acknowledged world-class diver, that Alor marine park is one of the best in the world.

Read More

Mount Inerie in East Nusa Tenggara

Mountains are always charming. If you searched the beauty of the visit Mount Inerie. Bores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The mountain has a height of 2245 meters above sea level it has a heavily wooded section on the western slope of the mountain. While the forest on the slopes of the southern region is converted to plantations. Most of the forest is situated at an altitude of 1000-1500 meters from the sea surface 

Inerie Mountain

Inerie mountain had erupted in 1882 and 1970. The mountain was crowded visited by mountain climbers in the dry season between June to August. And on top of the mountain, the climbers can also see the views of the City Bajawa northwest that looks like an old city in Europe. While in the southern part there is the sea at the foot of Mount Inerie Savu. 

Routes to The Mountain Inerie

In the meantime. on the south side of the peak of Mount Inerie also contained a large stone which reputedly regarded as the embodiment of figure Jaramasi and horse riding.  According to the legend. Jaramasi is a knight guards Mount Inerie Jara means horse and Masi is the name of a man. So Jaramasi means a horse owned by Masi, Masi is a hero in the township of Mount Inerie katu. 

Bena Village

Mount Inerie located in Bajawa. Ngada district capital island of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. To reach Mount Inerie from Kupang to use the plane to Ende. Flores Island. Bajawa City journey continues as far as 61 kilometers. The journey continues with a rented car to the village of Bena. which is the last village before heading to the summit of Mount Inerie. Bena Village tourism is also a gateway towards the top of Mount Inene, and there are various places of accommodation such as hostels and food stalls.

Read More

Sanur Beach Bali

Sanur Beach is a place of wayfaring famous tourist island of Bali. This place is located just east of Denpasar, the capital of Bali. Sanur located in the Municipality of Denpasar. Sanur Beach in particular is the location for surfing (surfing). Especially the surf beach of Sanur is famous among foreign tourists. Not far off Sanur Beach there are also dive and snorkel sites. Because of his condition were friendly, the location of these submarines can be used by divers of all levels of expertise. 

Sanur Beach is also known as Sunrise beach (sunrise beach) as opposed to from Kuta Beach. Because of its location in the eastern island of Bali, the Bali beach is a ideal location to enjoy the sunrise or sunrise. It makes it more interesting sights, there is even a segment on Sanur beach is a beach called the Rising Sun at sunrise because the scenery is very beautiful when seen from there. 


Along the coast of Bali is a fitting place to see the sunrise. Especially now built a kind of resting place that contains the tiny cottages that could be a place to sit to wait for sunrise. In addition, the waves at this beach is relatively quiet so it is suitable for recreational beach scene kids and not dangerous. 

In addition, visitors can see the sun rise with a swim at the beach. Some areas of this beach has white sands of the exotic. Equipped with shade trees, visitors can sit while enjoying roasted corn or spring rolls that many vendors peddled. 
Along the beach resorts of Bali have now been equipped with tour support in the form of hotels, restaurants or small cafes and art shops. 

One of the oldest hotels in Bali are built on this beach. The hotel is named Ina Grand Bali Beach located right on the beach. Also, along the coastline were also constructed such a pedestrian area that is often used as a jogging path by tourists or local people. The line was stretched to the south past the coast Shindu, Coral beach until Semawang so that tourists can exercise while enjoying views of the beach in the morning.

Read More

Asmat Tribe in Papua

Asmat is a tribe in Papua. Asmat tribe known as the result of a unique wood carvings. Asmat population is divided into two, namely those living in coastal areas and those living in the hinterland. the two populations are mutually different from each other in the ways of living, and social structure of coastal ritual.populasi further divided into two parts, namely Bisman tribes who were among the rivers and streams sinesty nin and spare Shimei. 

There is much disagreement among the Asmat village. The most horrible is the way the Asmat tribe used to kill his enemy. when the enemy killed, his corpse was brought kekampung, then cut and distributed to all residents to eat together. they sing the song of death and cut off his head. his brain wrapped and baked sago leaves and then eaten. 


Now usually, in a village inhabited by approximately 100 to 1000 people. every village had one bachelor house and many family homes. Bachelor house used for ceremonial and religious ceremonies. family houses inhabited by two to three families, who have their own bathroom and kitchen. 


Asmat tribe has a very simple way to make up themselves. they just need the red soil to produce a red color. to produce their white color makes the shells that have been mashed. while the black color of charcoal they produce smoothed. I use is quite simple, simply by mixing these ingredients with a little water, coloring it can use to color the body. 

In addition to cultural, syuru villagers are also very good at making carvings such as the Asmat general. Carved for the Asmat, could be a link between contemporary life with the lives of ancestors. residing in each carving the image and respect for their ancestors are loaded with greatness Asmat tribe. 


Statues and carvings generally they created without a sketch. for kala menukir Asmat statue adlah times in which they communicate with the ancestors yag is on another world. It is possible because they know the three concepts of the world: Amat ow capinmi (natural life now), Dampu ow campinmi (pesinggahan nature spirits who have died), and Safar (heaven). 


Believe it before entering heaven dead person's soul will interfere with humans. interference can be a disease, disaster and even war. So, for the sake of saving people and redeem souls, they are still alive to make sculptures and statues mengelar party like a party bus (Bioskokombi), party masks, party boat, and party sago worms. 

It is said that the statue of the bus is the most sacred form of sculpture. but now make a statue for the Asmat, not merely meet the call of tradition. because the engraving is also selling them to strangers at a party when carving. they know the results of hand-carved high priced between Rp. 100 thousand up to millions of dollars outside of Papua. 

Read More

The Legend of Malin Kundang

Malin Kundang is a tale that originated from the province of West Sumatra, Indonesia. Malin Kundang legend tells about a child who is rebellious to his mother and is therefore condemned to stone. A form of rock on the sweet water beach, Padang, said to be the remains of the ship Malin Kundang.

At one time, there is a family of fishermen in the coastal region of West Sumatra. Because the financial condition of the family concern, the father decided to make a living in the country by wading across a vast ocean. Malin's father never returned to his hometown so that her mother had to replace the position of Malin's father to make a living.


Malin including a bright child but a bit naughty. He often chasing chickens and hit him with a broom. One day, when Malin was chasing chickens, she tripped over a stone and a stone hit her right arm injury. Injury has become a trace in hand and can't be lost. Feeling sorry for his mother who worked hard for a living to raise themselves. Malin decided to go wander in order to become wealthy after returning to my hometown someday.

Initially Ms. Malin Kundang less agree, considering her husband also never returned after going to wander but Malin insisted that eventually he'd be willing to go wander off Malin with boarded a merchant ship. During his stay on the ship, Malin Kundang lot to learn about seamanship on the crew that has been experienced.


Along the way, suddenly climbed Malin Kundang ships were attacked by pirates. All merchandise traders who were on the ship seized by pirates. Even most of the crew and people on the ship were killed by the pirates. Malin Kundang lucky, he was hiding in a small space enclosed by the timber so as not to be killed by the pirates.


Malin Kundang float amid sea, until finally the host ship stranded on a beach. With the remaining force, Malin Kundang walked to the nearest village from the beach. Malin village where villagers stranded is very fertile. With tenacity and perseverance in work, over time Malin had become a very rich. He has many fruit merchant ships with the children of more than 100 people. After becoming rich, Malin Kundang marry a girl to become his wife.


News Malin Kundang who have become wealthy and married, also heard her mother. Her mother felt grateful and very happy his son has been successful. Since then, the mother of Malin every day go to the dock, waiting for her son who may return to his hometown.

After a long marriage, Malin and his wife make the voyage with the crew and a lot of bodyguards. Malin's mother who saw the arrival of the ship to the dock to see there are two people who were standing on the deck of a ship. He believes if that is standing for the child, Malin Kundang and his wife.


Mother Malin was heading toward the ship. Once close enough, his mother saw the scar right hand person, the more convinced his mother that he was approached Malin Kundang. "Malin Kundang, my son, why did you go so long without sending you?", he said, hugging Malin Kundang. But to see an old woman dressed in tattered and dirty hug, Malin Kundang became angry even though he knows that the old lady is her mother, because she was embarrassed when it is known by his wife and also his subordinates.


Get treated like that of her son, Malin Kundang mother very angry. He did not expect him to be rebellious child. Because of mounting anger, the mother of his son menyumpahkan Malin, "Oh God, if he my son, I sumpahi he became a stone. "


Not long after Malin Kundang again go sailing and on the way coming storm destroyed the ship master Kundang. After that Malin Kundang body slowly becomes rigid and in time they finally shaped into a rock. Until now Batu Malin Kundang can still be seen at a beach called sweet water beach, in the southern city of Padang, West Sumatra.

Read More