Reog Ponorogo ( an Epic Dancing of Singo Barong Story ) and an Effort to Prove Its Cultural Root

This article is not to find Reog Ponorogo's cultural origin because it's so obvious just to mention that by viewing, listening, recalling the history and comparing with local dancings, we can be sure that it is unquestionably one of an ancient Javanese inheritance. This is to counter some claims considering the dancing as a Malaysian culture. Please notice in bold letters Malayans are all around South East Asia. They are spread all over Malaysia, Brunai, some of them are minority in Singapore, and many of them inhabit Sumatra island in Indonesia and its surrounding isles. None of these Malayans dare to perform the fobidden claims but Malaysians. They call the dancing Barongan. The story of Barongan dancing is depicted from phenomenal prophetic story, supposed to be derived from prophet Sulaiman met a tiger story.

It seems that the source of the story is all the difference between Reog Ponorogo and Barongan. The good news is that the less differences are, the easier for us to trace reasonable cultural roots. The bad news is no other way for Indonesians to substitute their congenially warmth with suspiciousness and carefulness. Indonesians have learnt from from the recent past on what the Malaysians have done to Rasa Sayange song few months ago. In the name of justice, truth and honesty, there must not be another stolen culture. As nowadays anything can be sold, ethnic dancings, ethnic songs and many other ethnic performances become more like cultural commodities, thereto they must be protected by international law. Another preventive way is to invent all the cultural inheritance for further right reserved registration.

Now let's get closer to the dancings. The people of Ponorogo (East Java, Indonesia) palce their pride on Reog Ponorogo dancing. As an older than history, this dancing has been the part of their tradition for quite unremembered long centuries. Reog Ponorogo tells about the king of Kediri (ancient kingdom of East Java) who fought against Singo Barong – a king of tiger headed creature. The fight was won by King of Kediri that made him a master for Singo Barong. No surprise that Malaysians replaced the original epic with a more Islamic story, because it would make another new trademark. Besides, it would be more acceptable to the people oh Malaysia who are known to get a big influence of Islamic traditions.They must do so because the original version was more influenced by ancient Hinduism. It is correct that the Reog Ponorogo is actually a blending of ancient Javanese culture and ancient Hindu culture. The age of Hinduism came earlier than the age of Islamism in South East Asia, Reog Ponorogo must be the pioneer. Compared to Malaysian Barongan.

Infact, many kind of ethnical shows in Javanese traditions are often preliminated by spells which can not be found in some cultures like Malayan culture. Further more, we can see its influence by the dressing detail that ancient Hindu loved to put accessories from head to feet, more than ancient Malayans did, that was the reason why all the dancers in Reog Ponorogo have been appearing wearing plenty of ornamented accessories, on the head, over the shoulder, around the arms (Javanese people call them sengkelat bahu), around the hip, and around the feet. The geometrical ornaments were inspired by elents of nature such as flower, leaf, branch, sun, satr and etc. With the influence of Islamism, ancient Malayan cultures were not accostumed to put many ornaments in the way they dress. The ornaments has preferedly been put on the walls of their mosques. Islamism has a strict law that anybody sohuld not let parts of his body be shown. It did not work to Reog Ponorogo because this dancing is older than the Islamic law. Just for an information, a culture that grows under the influence of Hinduism and Buddhisms establishes a less strict rule in the way their people dress to let the men open chested even when dancing. Then, how dare Malaysians claimed this influenced by ancient Hinduism dancing as theirs, just by changing the story and name?

Dating Indonesian Girls can be Difficult if you do not go about it Properly

So, you are infatuated with Indonesian girls, and you want to start dating a few of them with the hope that it will eventually lead to marriage. Not so fast my friend, every male on the face of the earth knows that these are some of the most fascinating and beautiful women that can be found anywhere. What makes you think that one of these stunning creatures, would ever fall for somebody like you?

Look, Indonesian girls appreciate men that conduct themselves as gentlemen at all times. Do you fall into that category, or do you sometimes lose your temper and let your big mouth get in the way of your common sense? If so, you either need to change, or just forget about these splendid females.

Next, Indonesian girls all want a man that will take care of them for the rest of their lives. They are not after some kind of one night stand, like so many western girls are today. So, if you think you are going to be able to have a little fun with them, and then just cast them aside. Sorry to be the one to inform you, that is defiantly not going to happen.

Also, they want a man that wants a family, and the bigger the better. If you think you are going to marry one of them, and not have any children, because you do not like them. Well, you certainly have no idea what you are getting into you, do you?

There are a few more things you need to know about them too, before you start trying to date one of them. They always, but always love and respect their parents. Their parents are a big part of their lives, and they will always be a big part of their lives. If you think that you are going to get around this someway, well you better start thinking again, because that is not going to happen.

If all of the above is starting to scare you off, it was meant to, because Indonesian girls are very special indeed, and they need to be treated like that at all times. If you think that you are just going to sit around all day, drinking and not working, sorry to say, that goes on in western cultures, but not in Indonesia.

You are going to need to have a job, and the better the job is, the better it will be for you and your soon to be bride. You are going to need to treat your wife and her family with respect, like they were your own.

Well, now you know a little more about what you will need to be like and do to have any of them like, or maybe fall in love with you. Do you think you can cut the mustard, well do you? If you feel like you can meet or exceed the standards mentioned above, then you have a very good chance of meeting and marrying one of the most beautiful and kind persons on the planet.

Indonesian Batik, an old traditions that grows to luxury item

Many people has mistaken batik with specific batik patterns, designs, or even the fabric used.

Batik itself actually refers to the art of painting itself, which the action of hand drawing and painting to the fabric, which uses wax.

There has been some debate over which country first incorporated batik into their culture, it is generally agreed that the best products usually hail from Indonesia. While not far behind, Malaysian batik has never been as intricately designed as some of the Indonesian examples.

Indonesian Batik has been claimed as Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity for all the techniques, technology, motif development, and the cultural values needed to make a piece of it. It is because the process includes two factors: coloring techniques and the choice of the motifs. This step is not easy since every motif should have a characteristic.

Indonesian believe that the existence of Batik started in Majapahit era, and increasingly popular in the end of 18th century or he beginning of 19th century. Batik was actually purely handmade, but later on, as the technology has developed, it is mostly printed. What supports this change the most is the amount of orders. The handmade ones do need long time of painting, but the printed ones need shorter time.

In the old times, batik cloth was used for the royal family for formal occasions in Indonesia as sarongs or traditional dresses. Since they usually comes in a simple one piece of fabric, then they can be used in a wide variety of products, including batik sarongs, scarf, and even dresses and shirts.

The finest batik fabrics can run into the thousands of dollars. Price usually depends on the design, complexity, fabric and the type of dyes used during production. Expensive examples also usually reflect the length of time that was needed to produce such pieces.

In some families, Batik is even considered as a tradition. It makes them have their own motifs which are different from other families. It is like their identity, since the motifs can even show their economical status. Until now, the traditional motifs are still used by the family of Yogyakarta and Surakarta residence. Batik is probably the most unique outfit you have ever known. Where else you can find that brands do not talk much, but motifs do?

Philosophy of Batik for Indonesian

Indonesia has thousands islands that spread from Sabang to Meuroke.
Every island has difference language, culture and ethnic and traditional life.
Batik as traditional cloth that has been created since century ago, become specific cloth cold not be separated from Indonesian life. You will find Batik almost in every regencies and Municipalities at Indonesia.

Batik is not only used as fashion, but has philosophy for Indonesian daily life. Indonesians always wear Batik when they are born until death.
Indonesian mothers always carry on their baby using Batik for lullaby their baby, so that the baby feel comfortable. The baby feel tender and smooth because Batik is made from Mori cloth. The processed of making Batik will take three months at least, even few highest Batik quality will take long time to process.
Wisdom mother always choose Batik with good hope philosophy to carry on baby , in order the baby always health, strong and good future for their family and nation.
New bride couple will wear Batik, called jarit when getting marriage ceremonial. The design of jarit reflect good hope for happy marriage and avoid Parang design, because Parang design reflect sword for battle.

You will see varieties design Batik in Indonesia; because every island creates Batik depend on culture, philosophy, Way of life and spirit of life. Different island has different philosophy, design and purposes.
Batik is also used to cover corpse when people pass away, the design must reflect eternity.
Batik is used in varieties purposes so that the Batik designers create Batik for different purpose also.

The Government as motivator and facilitator of Batik, give and support capital stimulant and find market for Batik, even few Regencies and Municipalities make policy to wear Batik for local government employers. Few popular designers create Batik more fashionable so that the young people are not ashamed and look trendy to wear it. The efforts that have been doing by stake holders and Government, improve Batik popularity and price higher than before. The fashionable Batik motivates Batik entrepreneurs to find niche market and find strategies to market Batik, include marketing on the net.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Park: A Must-Visit Cultural Attraction in Bali, Indonesia

Your vacation in one of the best hotels in Bali, Indonesia will be every bit enriching if you visit Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park. This destination, located in Bukit Peninsula, is a 240-hectare property that introduces the history and traditions of the world-renowned island of Bali. Conceived as an educational place, GWK aims to promote the importance of preserving and cultivating the world's cultural heritage. To give you more information about this attraction, here's a glimpse of what lies in this exceptional park.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue
This 22-meter tall copper bust stands as the primary landmark of GWK. Designed and sculpted by Nyoman Nuarta, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue depicts Lord Wisnu (the source of wisdom) riding on the back of Garuda (the mythical bird), which symbolizes freedom and selfless devotion. From the pedestal of this majestic statue, travelers can bask in the glorious sunset or sunrise and breathtaking vistas of Benoa, Kuta, and Sanur.
Traditional Arts and Performances
If you want to learn about the traditional arts of Indonesia, GWK is the place to be. This cultural haven showcases daily presentations of traditional Balinese music and dances. Commonly, Barong dancers at the Street Theater welcome guests with a gracious performance, accompanied by Balinese gamelan music. Apart from this, you can also witness the Kecak Dance show at the amphitheater, or try nail painting and hair braiding at the Balairung Dewi Sri.
Jendela Bali
Digest the rich Indonesian culture by enjoying a gastronomic experience at the Jendela Bali. Known as the Panoramic Resto, this dining venue lets you savor authentic Balinese cuisine while relishing the picturesque scenery of the island. It serves hot soups, fresh fruits and salads, sandwiches, and an array of mouthwatering desserts. Perched on top of a hill overlooking the northern coastline, this restaurant beckons you to peruse the vast blue sky at daytime and the spellbinding city lights at night.

Pahrayangan Somaka Giri
Regarded as a sacred spring inside the GWK, Pahrayangan Somaka Giri features an oasis that contains a rich mixture of minerals. It became a pilgrimage and meditation site because the existence of the spring in the arid limestone hills has no scientific explanation. Its water is believed to cure any kind of sickness and is widely used by local dwellers in various rituals.
GWK Souvenir Shop and Bali Art Market
Cap your GWK tour by finding beautiful memorabilia and novelty products at the GWK Souvenir Shop. Check out the shop's special collectible item—a miniature of the GWK statue which comes in different sizes. Aside from T-shirts, key chains, and mugs, you can also purchase other affordable items, like sarong, accessories, and hats. To get the loveliest souvenir item for your island getaway, make sure to drop by in these places before lazing on in one of the best budget hotels in Bali, Indonesia.

Taman Mini Indonesia Park - Explore the Indonesian Way of Life

Taman Mini Indonesia Park located in East Jakarta, Indonesia is a culture-based recreational area. Indonesia's natural diversity and rich culture is well displayed in this extensive park. Almost all aspects of the daily life of its provinces are encapsulated in different pavilions with a collection of clothing, dances, architecture and tradition impeccably depicting the Indonesian culture. Spread across an area of 250 acres, the park comprises a lake surrounding a small archipelago in the middle. A selection of exciting features such as museums, cable cars and three theatres including a state-of-the-art IMAX theatre can be found here in addition to a number of other recreational facilities making the park one of the city's most popular tourist destinations.
The 27 galleries representing each of the country's provinces that have their own distinct cultures, attire, shelters and dialects, provide a great amount of knowledge and excitement whilst the ten manicured gardens let one unwind after roaming around the park. These parks include the Cactus Garden, Orchid Garden, Jasmine Garden, Bird Park, Fresh Water Aquarium and more. Fourteen interesting museums lie within the garden; Soldier Museum, Indonesia museum, transportation museum, sports museum and telecommunication museum, to name a few.

To further express the lenience and harmonious coexistence among the various religions in the region, here exists a row of different venues of worship that are still being used actively: a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple, a mosque, a Protestant church and a Catholic church. The main intension of the park is to preserve and develop the existing variety of cultures in the country as a mean of strengthening its integrity and unity whilst instilling these values in the young generation in particular.
The park is the ideal place for the visitors on a short vacation to the nation, as it provides a great introduction to what the country has to offer in culture and diversity whilst letting them relax amidst its serene atmosphere.
Travellers seeking a well-appointed Jakarta Hotel to fulfill their accommodation needs will be pleased with the service and facilities of Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta. Boasting an idyllic location in the city of Jakarta, the hotel ranks high in Jakarta hotel reservations.

Spicy and Seductive Indonesian Traditional Food

There is nothing like going for some Indonesian Traditional Food. Once you have filled your week with enough local and fast food, or you have gone a month with eating European and world fairs from the many restaurants located island wide, it would be time to visit one of the authentic Indonesian Traditional Food restaurants in Singapore. I think the word I would use to describe the food would be 'flavour'.

There is just a burst, and explosion of savoury taste that I experience whenever I bite into a well prepared Indonesian meal. I just cannot say no to a well prepared 'rendang' meal, there is nothing like the heavy coconut gravy and the almost melt in your mouth chunks of meat that accompany it, a perfect complement to the bowl of fragrant rice that accompanies it. The meat is tender and the servings are always known to be extremely generous. They are no slouch when it comes to their chicken either, roasted or grilled, they are liberated from their tasteless forms with a whole variety of spices and chillies that make for an excellent dining experience. The meat just melts of the bone and the spices and chilli that they use are simply exquisite, a burst of flavour at every bite. Then how can we forget the 'tahu telur', one of the signature dishes of traditional Indonesian dishes.

A skyscraper of tofu deep fired with egg batter, decorated with vegetables and spices and served with a sweet sauces. There is also the 'Garang Asam', which is a traditional seafood soup that is made with a collection of spices like lemongrass, chills and condiments like ginger and a whole host of select spices. Look out for the 'Sate Bebek Bumbu and Babi', essentially, the Indonesian version of the popular 'satay' found all over Singapore. I don't think there is enough space in this article for me to list all the great Indonesian foods that you can try all in a single day.

From starters, main courses and even deserts like the 'Kue Pepe' and the 'Lapis Surabaya', there are so many choices for you to choose from. And the best thing is that in all the Indonesian restaurants that I have been to, the service has been impeccable, the staff friendly and attentive and I have had no bad experiences what so ever. If you are looking for a good Indonesian restaurant to go to for lunch or dinner, and want to experience a crash course in Indonesian culture and taste some of their fabulous food, I would recommend going to places in town and areas like Clarke Quay and the River Walk - you will find many traditional Indonesian Restaurants where you can start enjoying their delicacies almost immediately.

Price range starts at $20 a person and can go significantly higher, but you always will get value for your money. With their rich spices, generous helpings and range of foods, you will never be' not satisfied' when eating Indonesian traditional food.