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Monday, February 23, 2009

Komodo Island Log In Nomination miracle World

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KUPANG - Provincial Government through the office of tourism NTT give special attention to developing the island as Pulau Komodo tour. Policy is taken after the island is nominated as one of the wonders of the world.



Deputy Governor of NTT Ir Esthon Foenay explained that Komodo Island is now the only hope to go to India in the wonders of the world. That happens after entering the Borobudur failed nominations.



Komodo Island is in the Manggarai Barat area. Island is the only place where a rare breed animals like reptiles, the Komodo dragons. At this time, based on voting results, Komodo Island is in the sequence of 13.



Wagub found yesterday (23 / 2) explains, the NTT has been set as the Komodo Island Komodo development because the animals are rare. Since the NTT Governor Piet Tallo SH, the provincial government has been preserving and promoting the area as a tourism region of the world.



One of the activities carried out are present specifically in the area of Japan. Appreciation is also obtained from the international world. ’’We expect that the area became one of the wonders of the world and is known throughout the world,’’he said.







That needs to be done at this time, the former head of Bappeda NTT, the community is how to maintain the preservation of Komodo Island region, including the preservation of cultural Manggarai. Therefore, the necessary involvement of the Local Government (Pemda) Kabupaten Manggarai Barat.



During this time, he continued, Pemkab Manggarai Labuan Bajo in the West is enough to give priority, even extraordinary, attention to the development area, including the provision of infrastructure in the area.



Komodo Island exact location in the western island of Sumbawa sis separated the Sape. The island is located in the west end of the borders directly with NTT NTB.



Until the year 2008 is estimated to have 1,200 chickens that live in Komodo island. Plus who live in other islands, the number estimated 2500 head.



For the island can be by air from Kupang to Ende on Flores Island. Next to the minibus towards Labuhanbajo. From the city proceed with the speed boat to the island earlier. (Opi / jpnn / ruk)

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Want a cheap vacation? Try a short cruise

Travis Reed , The Associated Press , Miami

IMPIAN MONALISA-Seeking a getaway despite the downturn, Olivia Gonzalez called her travel agent with an agenda.

"I said, what kind of deals do you have?" said the Miami resident, who is in her 60s, standing outside the Port of Miami. What she found was a six-day, five-night cruise through the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos for $299 a person.

Last minute supplies and luggage is loaded aboard the the Carnival ship, Destiny, in Miami. It is one of the ships offering shorter cruises now. (AP/J. Pat Carter)Last minute supplies and luggage is loaded aboard the the Carnival ship, Destiny, in Miami. It is one of the ships offering shorter cruises now. (AP/J. Pat Carter)

That was all the convincing Gonzalez and thousands of other passengers have needed lately to set sail. Though vacations are disposable when money gets tight, the cruise industry has kept ships full with deep discounts and some itinerary changes to shorter, cheaper voyages. Norwegian Cruise Line is sailing three-and four-day swings for the first time since 2004. Carnival Corp. is offering free state room upgrades and more Caribbean choices - a quick skip from the Miami port - in 2009 to accommodate demand.

"Consumers are looking for more value for their vacation dollar," said Howard Frank, Carnival's chief operating officer, on a recent conference call with analysts. "And our shorter, less expensive Caribbean cruise products are performing much better than our premium and luxury, longer cruise products. So we are seeing a consumer trade-down to value."

The major cruise lines are also seeing vacationers wait longer to commit. Before the downturn, bookings averaged about six months in advance, maybe eight months for luxury trips, said Bob Sharak, executive director of the Cruise Lines International Association.

"People are deferring their purchases to the last minute," he said. "They're booking, but it causes the operators some degree of agitation, because it takes longer to put that sailing on the books.

"I don't think that's something unique to our cruise business right now. I think all travel is like that."

Carnival is offering three- and four- day trips to Mexico and the Bahamas starting at $209 for the lowest-level rooms at the last minute, a nearly 50 percent discount in some cases. A four-day Baja California, Mexico cruise sailing in February and now selling at that rate would cost $399 later, while a three-day Bahamas vacation leaving Jan. 23 is available for $219 instead of $349. Norwegian's short Bahamas cruises were starting at $229 through mid-April.

Passengers wait to sail on a short cruises aboard the Carnival Cruise Line ship, Destiny, in Miami. (AP/J. Pat Carter)Passengers wait to sail on a short cruises aboard the Carnival Cruise Line ship, Destiny, in Miami. (AP/J. Pat Carter)

Long considered a good vacation value, the cruise industry is holding up better than some competitors in this climate. The Port of Miami saw record cruise traffic of 3.8 million passengers from January to November 2008, a 10.5 percent increase over the previous year. Sharak predicts overall occupancy will continue to increase, despite grim predictions for 2009 in the industry and economy overall.

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have suspended stock dividends, a sign of some distress, and last month Carnival lowered its revenue predictions for 2009.

"I'm not minimizing today's situation. We've not seen an economic situation like this in America or globally in my lifetime," Sharak said. "However, if history is an indicator of the future, the business itself has been resilient in these varied markets, and I think right now we're showing that as well."

Carnival has rolled out a new pricing scheme to entice further advance commitments. The "Early Saver" program offers 25 percent discounts for certain trips booked up to three months before departure, plus a guarantee those passengers will get the same savings if rates drop.

"The good news is that consumers are still taking their vacations, but the vacation decision is for next month, rather than next year," Frank told investors.

For consumers, the cruise lines' push to fill big ships can mean big savings. Shannon McClelland was shopping for a birthday gift for her boyfriend two months ago when she found a five-day cruise sailing out of Miami for $1,500 a couple, including airfare from New York.

"Today is his birthday, so this is his birthday present," said McClelland, of New York. "I was just looking for something nice, it seemed doable, so we did it."

Want a cheap vacation? Try a short cruise

Travis Reed , The Associated Press , Miami

IMPIAN MONALISA-Seeking a getaway despite the downturn, Olivia Gonzalez called her travel agent with an agenda.

"I said, what kind of deals do you have?" said the Miami resident, who is in her 60s, standing outside the Port of Miami. What she found was a six-day, five-night cruise through the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos for $299 a person.

Last minute supplies and luggage is loaded aboard the the Carnival ship, Destiny, in Miami. It is one of the ships offering shorter cruises now. (AP/J. Pat Carter)Last minute supplies and luggage is loaded aboard the the Carnival ship, Destiny, in Miami. It is one of the ships offering shorter cruises now. (AP/J. Pat Carter)

That was all the convincing Gonzalez and thousands of other passengers have needed lately to set sail. Though vacations are disposable when money gets tight, the cruise industry has kept ships full with deep discounts and some itinerary changes to shorter, cheaper voyages. Norwegian Cruise Line is sailing three-and four-day swings for the first time since 2004. Carnival Corp. is offering free state room upgrades and more Caribbean choices - a quick skip from the Miami port - in 2009 to accommodate demand.

"Consumers are looking for more value for their vacation dollar," said Howard Frank, Carnival's chief operating officer, on a recent conference call with analysts. "And our shorter, less expensive Caribbean cruise products are performing much better than our premium and luxury, longer cruise products. So we are seeing a consumer trade-down to value."

The major cruise lines are also seeing vacationers wait longer to commit. Before the downturn, bookings averaged about six months in advance, maybe eight months for luxury trips, said Bob Sharak, executive director of the Cruise Lines International Association.

"People are deferring their purchases to the last minute," he said. "They're booking, but it causes the operators some degree of agitation, because it takes longer to put that sailing on the books.

"I don't think that's something unique to our cruise business right now. I think all travel is like that."

Carnival is offering three- and four- day trips to Mexico and the Bahamas starting at $209 for the lowest-level rooms at the last minute, a nearly 50 percent discount in some cases. A four-day Baja California, Mexico cruise sailing in February and now selling at that rate would cost $399 later, while a three-day Bahamas vacation leaving Jan. 23 is available for $219 instead of $349. Norwegian's short Bahamas cruises were starting at $229 through mid-April.

Passengers wait to sail on a short cruises aboard the Carnival Cruise Line ship, Destiny, in Miami. (AP/J. Pat Carter)Passengers wait to sail on a short cruises aboard the Carnival Cruise Line ship, Destiny, in Miami. (AP/J. Pat Carter)

Long considered a good vacation value, the cruise industry is holding up better than some competitors in this climate. The Port of Miami saw record cruise traffic of 3.8 million passengers from January to November 2008, a 10.5 percent increase over the previous year. Sharak predicts overall occupancy will continue to increase, despite grim predictions for 2009 in the industry and economy overall.

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have suspended stock dividends, a sign of some distress, and last month Carnival lowered its revenue predictions for 2009.

"I'm not minimizing today's situation. We've not seen an economic situation like this in America or globally in my lifetime," Sharak said. "However, if history is an indicator of the future, the business itself has been resilient in these varied markets, and I think right now we're showing that as well."

Carnival has rolled out a new pricing scheme to entice further advance commitments. The "Early Saver" program offers 25 percent discounts for certain trips booked up to three months before departure, plus a guarantee those passengers will get the same savings if rates drop.

"The good news is that consumers are still taking their vacations, but the vacation decision is for next month, rather than next year," Frank told investors.

For consumers, the cruise lines' push to fill big ships can mean big savings. Shannon McClelland was shopping for a birthday gift for her boyfriend two months ago when she found a five-day cruise sailing out of Miami for $1,500 a couple, including airfare from New York.

"Today is his birthday, so this is his birthday present," said McClelland, of New York. "I was just looking for something nice, it seemed doable, so we did it."

Monday, February 9, 2009

Getting away from it all in West Sumatra

Imbulun Sangir Waterfall: Photo by Adji K

IMPIAN MONALISA-Imbulun Sangir Waterfall: Photo by Adji K

West Sumatra's natural beauty has long had regional cachet, even dating back to the early 1900s during the Dutch Colonial era.

It abounds with mountains, valleys, rivers, springs, caves and forests. One regency in the province, Solok Selatan, or South Solok, has them all. Recently we traveled through Solok Selatan for five days to see for ourselves how the natural beauty was standing up.

Our rental car set off on smooth asphalt roads from the Minangkabau International Airport leaving West Sumatra's capital Padang behind us. Just past the Bung Hatta Nature Park, we began the first real adventure: twisting and turning roads with plenty of rocky roadbed. But we had no excuse to worry: The lush vegetation and clean, fast-running streams caught our attention from both sides of the car.

The rain caught up with us when we made a stop at Kayo Aro Lubuk Selasih restaurant for lunch. It was still a long way to Solok Selatan. Another stop we made was at Di Atas Lake before reaching the border between Solok Selatan and Solok. Before dusk we arrived at Wisma Umi Kalsum lodging in Muaro Labuh where we stayed the night. We fell on a happy coincidence for we got the chance to enjoy rarely seen traditional performances like Rahab and Saluang Panjang after dinner, staged for some well-heeled guests staying at the modest inn.

Botang Liki river (JP/Adji K)

Our first full day was devoted to exploring the awe and fun of the region's fast waters. Our first destination was the 15-meter-high Imbulun Sangir waterfall on the Batang Liki river located at the village of Lubuak Gadang, 161 kilometers from Padang. Then we ventured on to another waterfall 10 kilometers further upland, the Tansi Ampek in Sungai Lambai village. This waterfall is unique because it sits smack-dab in the middle of a tea plantation. To reach it, we had to walk single file along a narrow 100-meter path. Its waters feed at least 10 rivers in Solok Selatan, three of which have top-notch rafting spots. Tempted by the currents, we eventually tried this sport at the most famous of the three, Batang Liki. Lunch was served riverside once we finished rafting that watercourse. We continued on to Batang Sangir which had stronger currents. Generally speaking, Batang Sangir is rated five out of six for difficulty, six being most challenging. The last stage of the rafting session put us on the famous Batang Hari river, 79 kilometers from Padang Aro, the capital of Solok Selatan. This river marks the border between the West Sumatra and Jambi provinces.

The next day we shifted our attention from rafting to hiking. The Mitra Kerinci tea plantation was our starting point as we set out to climb Mt. Kerinci (3,805 m) the highest mountain in Sumatra. Most climbers ascend via the Kresik Tuo (old route) starting from Kerinci Regency in Jambi, but we had heard about a new approach. Upon arriving at the tea plantation, we spent half an hour just admiring the breathtaking scenery of the sea of tea bushes against the backdrop of Mt. Kerinci. Then it was time to drive to the base camp to start our climb. We met Hedi who recently led an 18-member team to open up the new route. "We've opened this new route called the North Route. Water supplies are more accessible from this route compared to the old way up from Jambi."

"Just 100 meters before reaching the peak we will cross the conventional route, the Kresik Tuo."

A tourist observes a stalagnite at Bukit Sungai Mintan.(JP/Adji K)A tourist observes a stalagnite at Bukit Sungai Mintan.(JP/Adji K)

We returned to our lodge before gearing up for the next adventure; going inside the Earth, or caving. Our destination this time was Bukit Sungai Mintan cave in Sangir Batanghari district. We drove close to the cave, then pulled off to the side of the road. Inside the cave we found underground rivers with moderate currents and many stalagmites and stalactites. There were even columns where the two formations had joined, in the cave's depths. Except for villagers, few people have explored this cave, apparently, which may account for its pristine condition.

Having roamed the cave, we returned to our lodgings and rested up. Our plan was to visit the hot springs Panas Sapan Maluluang in Nagari Alam Pauh Duo, 23 kilometers from Solok Selatan's capital. The spring, deep inside a rubber tree plantation, was accessible by car or motorcycle.

Legend has it Sapan Maluluang and its small pond about five by 10 meters square formed after a volcanic eruption. Billowing steam and the pungent smell of sulphur welcomed us as we approached. Too hot for a dip, the waters are said to be 100* Celsius. To test this, we took some eggs, put them in a plastic bag and placed it in the pond. Voila! In less than 10 minute, our boiled eggs were ready to eat.

Solok residents: Solok selatan residents hold a ritual to greet new planting season. (JP/Adji K)Solok selatan residents hold a ritual to greet new planting season. (JP/Adji K)

Our next treat was a walk to Ngalau Indah and a rubber tree and coffee plantation. Several smaller caves in this village were worth the visit. Though as not as pretty as the first caves, these were interesting because residents were using them to breed swallows and sell their highly prized nests.

Over so soon? On our way back to Padang, we did the math. Five days were too few. Along the way we got the feeling we had glimpsed only a small sampling of Solok Selatan's beauty.

If You Go...

Solok Selatan is the youngest regency in West Sumatra. Home to more than 130,000 people, it is accessible with ground transportation from the Minangkabau International Airport in Padang.

You can take a public minibus or rent a car at the airport. The minibus usually charges Rp 50,000 (about US$5) and a rental car will cost you Rp 450,000 per day.

It takes 3 hours to get to Solok Selatan from Padang. If practicality and security matters, most travel agents in Padang can set you up with a tour package.(JP)* ***

Getting away from it all in West Sumatra

Imbulun Sangir Waterfall: Photo by Adji K

IMPIAN MONALISA-Imbulun Sangir Waterfall: Photo by Adji K

West Sumatra's natural beauty has long had regional cachet, even dating back to the early 1900s during the Dutch Colonial era.

It abounds with mountains, valleys, rivers, springs, caves and forests. One regency in the province, Solok Selatan, or South Solok, has them all. Recently we traveled through Solok Selatan for five days to see for ourselves how the natural beauty was standing up.

Our rental car set off on smooth asphalt roads from the Minangkabau International Airport leaving West Sumatra's capital Padang behind us. Just past the Bung Hatta Nature Park, we began the first real adventure: twisting and turning roads with plenty of rocky roadbed. But we had no excuse to worry: The lush vegetation and clean, fast-running streams caught our attention from both sides of the car.

The rain caught up with us when we made a stop at Kayo Aro Lubuk Selasih restaurant for lunch. It was still a long way to Solok Selatan. Another stop we made was at Di Atas Lake before reaching the border between Solok Selatan and Solok. Before dusk we arrived at Wisma Umi Kalsum lodging in Muaro Labuh where we stayed the night. We fell on a happy coincidence for we got the chance to enjoy rarely seen traditional performances like Rahab and Saluang Panjang after dinner, staged for some well-heeled guests staying at the modest inn.

Botang Liki river (JP/Adji K)

Our first full day was devoted to exploring the awe and fun of the region's fast waters. Our first destination was the 15-meter-high Imbulun Sangir waterfall on the Batang Liki river located at the village of Lubuak Gadang, 161 kilometers from Padang. Then we ventured on to another waterfall 10 kilometers further upland, the Tansi Ampek in Sungai Lambai village. This waterfall is unique because it sits smack-dab in the middle of a tea plantation. To reach it, we had to walk single file along a narrow 100-meter path. Its waters feed at least 10 rivers in Solok Selatan, three of which have top-notch rafting spots. Tempted by the currents, we eventually tried this sport at the most famous of the three, Batang Liki. Lunch was served riverside once we finished rafting that watercourse. We continued on to Batang Sangir which had stronger currents. Generally speaking, Batang Sangir is rated five out of six for difficulty, six being most challenging. The last stage of the rafting session put us on the famous Batang Hari river, 79 kilometers from Padang Aro, the capital of Solok Selatan. This river marks the border between the West Sumatra and Jambi provinces.

The next day we shifted our attention from rafting to hiking. The Mitra Kerinci tea plantation was our starting point as we set out to climb Mt. Kerinci (3,805 m) the highest mountain in Sumatra. Most climbers ascend via the Kresik Tuo (old route) starting from Kerinci Regency in Jambi, but we had heard about a new approach. Upon arriving at the tea plantation, we spent half an hour just admiring the breathtaking scenery of the sea of tea bushes against the backdrop of Mt. Kerinci. Then it was time to drive to the base camp to start our climb. We met Hedi who recently led an 18-member team to open up the new route. "We've opened this new route called the North Route. Water supplies are more accessible from this route compared to the old way up from Jambi."

"Just 100 meters before reaching the peak we will cross the conventional route, the Kresik Tuo."

A tourist observes a stalagnite at Bukit Sungai Mintan.(JP/Adji K)A tourist observes a stalagnite at Bukit Sungai Mintan.(JP/Adji K)

We returned to our lodge before gearing up for the next adventure; going inside the Earth, or caving. Our destination this time was Bukit Sungai Mintan cave in Sangir Batanghari district. We drove close to the cave, then pulled off to the side of the road. Inside the cave we found underground rivers with moderate currents and many stalagmites and stalactites. There were even columns where the two formations had joined, in the cave's depths. Except for villagers, few people have explored this cave, apparently, which may account for its pristine condition.

Having roamed the cave, we returned to our lodgings and rested up. Our plan was to visit the hot springs Panas Sapan Maluluang in Nagari Alam Pauh Duo, 23 kilometers from Solok Selatan's capital. The spring, deep inside a rubber tree plantation, was accessible by car or motorcycle.

Legend has it Sapan Maluluang and its small pond about five by 10 meters square formed after a volcanic eruption. Billowing steam and the pungent smell of sulphur welcomed us as we approached. Too hot for a dip, the waters are said to be 100* Celsius. To test this, we took some eggs, put them in a plastic bag and placed it in the pond. Voila! In less than 10 minute, our boiled eggs were ready to eat.

Solok residents: Solok selatan residents hold a ritual to greet new planting season. (JP/Adji K)Solok selatan residents hold a ritual to greet new planting season. (JP/Adji K)

Our next treat was a walk to Ngalau Indah and a rubber tree and coffee plantation. Several smaller caves in this village were worth the visit. Though as not as pretty as the first caves, these were interesting because residents were using them to breed swallows and sell their highly prized nests.

Over so soon? On our way back to Padang, we did the math. Five days were too few. Along the way we got the feeling we had glimpsed only a small sampling of Solok Selatan's beauty.

If You Go...

Solok Selatan is the youngest regency in West Sumatra. Home to more than 130,000 people, it is accessible with ground transportation from the Minangkabau International Airport in Padang.

You can take a public minibus or rent a car at the airport. The minibus usually charges Rp 50,000 (about US$5) and a rental car will cost you Rp 450,000 per day.

It takes 3 hours to get to Solok Selatan from Padang. If practicality and security matters, most travel agents in Padang can set you up with a tour package.(JP)* ***

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Romance, serenity at the Water Palace

Culture: A view over the ponds of the Soekasada water palace, with the garden compound in the background.  (JP/Retno K. Djojo)

Impian Monalisa-Culture: A view over the ponds of the Soekasada water palace, with the garden compound in the background. (JP/Retno K. Djojo)

If you're hungering for a taste of history, art and culture, you will get a good dose in Karangasem regency, in the eastern part of Bali, which is rich in examples of the island's cultural heritage.

Taman Soekasada or "The Water Palace" in Ujung is one of Bali's finest such cultural treasures.

It is, in short, an astounding architectural and cultural jewel not to be missed.

The 12-hectare water palace complex some 5 kilometers south of Amlapura, the capital of Karangasem, is ringed by an ornate fence.

The three big pavilions float on a serene lotus pond, connected by bridges, creating an intriguing and romantic atmosphere.

The palace was designed and constructed under the patronage and protection of Karangasem's last king, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karang Asem, in 1926.

The late ruler, a learned and well-traveled man, modeled Soekasada on the Versailles Palace in France.

It was originally intended as a meeting place and guesthouse for delegates of the Dutch government and dignitaries of other countries visiting tropical Bali.

Serenity: The still waters of a lotus pond in the Soekasada water palace, East Bali, surround one of the pavilions. (JP/Retno K. Djojo)Serenity: The still waters of a lotus pond in the Soekasada water palace, East Bali, surround one of the pavilions. (JP/Retno K. Djojo)

The wide windows of the pavilions look over the palace waters, testimony to the late ruler's passion for harmonizing nature and art. As a culturalist with an international perspective, he blended traditional motifs with modern materials, and balanced Western-style geometry with a Balinese sense of place and symbolism. To ensure his cultural vision materialized, he personally oversaw work at the construction site.

A visit is memorable: Take in the exotic blend of western and Middle Eastern architectural styles enlivened with intricated Balinese carvings, or stroll under the Middle Eastern flavored archways held up by elegant Italian columns, or pause a moment in a walkway shaded by frangipangi and mango trees.

The highest point in the park affords a marvelous view over the distant Lombok Strait and the lush green hills of Mt. Rinjani in Lombok. The view north is a breathtaking panorama of rice terraces set against the backdrop of the mighty Mt. Agung.

Soekasada sustained severe da-mage during the eruption of Mt. Agung in 1963 and the earthquake in 1975.

Because of the future of Bali's rich art and cultural heritage lies in its past, intensive restoration work was carried out from 2000 to 2004 by members of the Karang Asem court.

Thanks to these efforts, one of Bali's finest examples of its cultural heritage has been saved.

-- Retno K. Djojo

Romance, serenity at the Water Palace

Culture: A view over the ponds of the Soekasada water palace, with the garden compound in the background.  (JP/Retno K. Djojo)

Impian Monalisa-Culture: A view over the ponds of the Soekasada water palace, with the garden compound in the background. (JP/Retno K. Djojo)

If you're hungering for a taste of history, art and culture, you will get a good dose in Karangasem regency, in the eastern part of Bali, which is rich in examples of the island's cultural heritage.

Taman Soekasada or "The Water Palace" in Ujung is one of Bali's finest such cultural treasures.

It is, in short, an astounding architectural and cultural jewel not to be missed.

The 12-hectare water palace complex some 5 kilometers south of Amlapura, the capital of Karangasem, is ringed by an ornate fence.

The three big pavilions float on a serene lotus pond, connected by bridges, creating an intriguing and romantic atmosphere.

The palace was designed and constructed under the patronage and protection of Karangasem's last king, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karang Asem, in 1926.

The late ruler, a learned and well-traveled man, modeled Soekasada on the Versailles Palace in France.

It was originally intended as a meeting place and guesthouse for delegates of the Dutch government and dignitaries of other countries visiting tropical Bali.

Serenity: The still waters of a lotus pond in the Soekasada water palace, East Bali, surround one of the pavilions. (JP/Retno K. Djojo)Serenity: The still waters of a lotus pond in the Soekasada water palace, East Bali, surround one of the pavilions. (JP/Retno K. Djojo)

The wide windows of the pavilions look over the palace waters, testimony to the late ruler's passion for harmonizing nature and art. As a culturalist with an international perspective, he blended traditional motifs with modern materials, and balanced Western-style geometry with a Balinese sense of place and symbolism. To ensure his cultural vision materialized, he personally oversaw work at the construction site.

A visit is memorable: Take in the exotic blend of western and Middle Eastern architectural styles enlivened with intricated Balinese carvings, or stroll under the Middle Eastern flavored archways held up by elegant Italian columns, or pause a moment in a walkway shaded by frangipangi and mango trees.

The highest point in the park affords a marvelous view over the distant Lombok Strait and the lush green hills of Mt. Rinjani in Lombok. The view north is a breathtaking panorama of rice terraces set against the backdrop of the mighty Mt. Agung.

Soekasada sustained severe da-mage during the eruption of Mt. Agung in 1963 and the earthquake in 1975.

Because of the future of Bali's rich art and cultural heritage lies in its past, intensive restoration work was carried out from 2000 to 2004 by members of the Karang Asem court.

Thanks to these efforts, one of Bali's finest examples of its cultural heritage has been saved.

-- Retno K. Djojo

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Sapo Ikan Mun Khas Kanton

1525498p[1]







TIGA kawasan di China dikenal sebagai pusat berbagai masakan khas, yakni Shantung atau Shandong, Sichuan, dan Kanton. Dari ketiganya, yang paling merambah ke seluruh dunia adalah masakan Kanton. Pasalnya, orang Kanton adalah perantau tangguh yang juga menyebar ke seluruh dunia, termasuk Indonesia.

Jadi jangan heran kalau hampir di semua negara, masakan Kanton ’merajalela’. Dalam sebuah situs Radio China, makanan Kanton yang sudah seperti makanan Indonesia antara lain bakmi goreng, bacang, dan dim sum. Resto masakan Kanton pun merebak hingga ke Jakarta.



Salah satunya adalah Resto Daun Hijau di dalam pusat pertokoan Chandra di Pancoran, Glodok. Warung milik Ng Oy Siong alias Shinta Marina ini, jika dirunut, usianya sudah lumayan tua. Sejak tahun 1935, Ng Sik mulai memperkenalkan masakan Kanton melalui Restoran Tiong Guan (Chung Yen) di Jalan Hayam Wuruk 26, Jakarta Pusat. Ng Sik tak lain adalah kakek Siong (Shinta).

Restoran di masa itu bermakna sebuah tempat makan untuk pesta, seperti pesta pernikahan. Biasanya, resto di zaman ini memiliki ruang luas dengan meja besar dan kursi yang mengelilinginya. Di resto ini pula orangtua Shinta, Fung Ie Chen dan Ng Song Ik, menikah.



Resto ini mulus meramaikan kawasan Molenvliet (Jalan Gajah Mada dan Jalan Hayam Wuruk) hingga tahun 1960. Di tahun itu hubungan politik Indonesia dengan RRC memburuk. Resto pun terpaksa ditutup. Tak lama, Fung Ie Chen, sang ibu, membuka dagangan di kaki lima di kawasan Jalan Batu Jajar, masih meneruskan beberapa resep leluhurnya. Nasib kembali berulang, warung ini tutup tahun 1969.



Politik bukan alasan penutupan warung karena mereka memilih pindah ke pusat perbelanjaan Gloria di Pancoran, Glodok. "Dulu kita buka di Taman Makan Minum Sumatera namanya, kayak foodcourt," kisah Shinta yang mendapat nama baru ini dari sang guru.



Di Gloria, pada tahun 1971, ia mulai menggantikan ibunya. Nama Daun Hijau pun mulai ada. "Saya kasih nama itu biar terkesan seger aja," begitu ia menjawab ketika ditanya mengapa memilih nama daun hijau.



Saat Shinta mengelola, warung sempat pindah sebentar ke Gloria belakang untuk kemudian pindah lagi ke pusat pertokoan Chandra pada tahun 1984.

Lumpia dan mi



Berhubung tak mungkin lagi mempertahankan semua resep sang kakek, Shinta pun mulai mencari resep lain. Akhirnya, di tahun 1971 ia mulai menjual sapo ikan mun. Sapo tak lain adalah sejenis kuali yang di negeri asalnya terbuat dari tanah berpasir - kini sudah tak asing lagi di sini.



Dalam kuali itu terdapat air bercampur bumbu dengan rasa taosi (sejenis kedelai berwarna hitam) yang kental, potongan tales pontianak berwarna sedikit gelap, dan tahu, yang semuanya direbus agak lama. Untuk ikan bisa pilih gurami, kepala kerapu, atau kodok batu. Intinya adalah pada kuah taosi tadi.



Ikan, tahu, dan tales yang sudah menjadi sangat lembut dimakan bersama kuah tadi. Tambahkan sambal kecap asin bercampur potongan cabai rawit jika suka. Seporsi sapo gurami bisa dimakan 2-3 orang. Harganya dipatok Rp 55.000. "Sapo ini di sini saya duluan yang memulai. Dulu kan belum ada sapo di sini, tapi di Hong Kong dan Singapura udah lebih banyak," katanya.



Selain sapo, lumpia udang yang seporsi berisi 10 potong seharga Rp 40.000 juga jadi jagoan warung ini sejak nyaris 40 tahun lalu. Jangan lupa cocol dengan saus sambal, dimakan ketika masih panas makin nikmat. Begitu sampai di lidah, rasa udang berbumbu itu begitu nendang. Jika lumpia dibelah, potongan udang langsung terlihat.



Ada satu lagi yang jadi andalan, ifumi. Menu ini berupa mi yang digoreng kering kemudian disiram dengan kuah bercampur sayuran, jamur, dan makanan laut. Yang unik, mi untuk ifumi dibikin sendiri sehingga rasanya pun gurih seperti kue keju kering, hanya saja mi untuk ifumi ini begitu tipis dan lembut. Warung ini buka setiap hari pukul 09.30-19.30, kecuali Hari Raya Imlek atau Sincia 26 Januari 2009, warung ini tutup sehari.



Boyong Sapo dari Hong Kong



Shinta Marina alias Ng Oi Siong, putri ke-3 dari delapan bersaudara pasangan Ng Song Ik dan Fung Ie Chen, berkisah bahwa saat akan memulai menjajakan menu sapo di tahun 1970-an, ia harus memboyong sapo, sejenis kuali yang terbuat dari tanah pasir, dari Hong Kong dan Singapura. "Sebab dulu belum ada sapo di sini, jadi kita kalau beli sapo, ya, harus ke Hong Kong atau Singapura," ungkapnya.



Ia melihat peluang menjajakan menu sapo yang saat itu belum ada di Jakarta. Segera saja ia merebut peluang itu meski harus mencari sapo dari luar Indonesia. Penggemar dance cha cha dan jive ini kesulitan menjual resep jagoan sang kakek, berupa sup telur kepiting dengan sirip ikan hiu - hai wong hisit. "Sebab mahal harganya," ucapnya.



Menu yang masih bertahan hingga kini adalah ifumi. "Waktu saya masih kecil dan kakek saya masih ada, saya udah tau yang namanya ifumi. Dari zaman kakek saya, ifumi itu mi yang digoreng kering. Kakek saya bikin sendiri mi-nya. Sampai sekarang, anak saya juga bisa bikin adonan mi-nya," papar Shinta.



Kini kesibukannya selain mengontrol warung di pertokoan Chandra, lebih banyak dihabiskan untuk berdansa dan mengurus cabang Daun Hijau di Karawaci.



"Kalau di sini (pertokoan Chandra --Red) kan udah hidup, jadi perhatian saya lebih banyak ke cabang," imbuh Shinta. Cabangnya ada di Taman Sari Lippo Karawaci di Pendopo.



Seperti pedagang atau warga Pancoran, Glodok pada umumnya, Shinta punya harapan yang sama, yakni ingin kawasan ini hidup lagi seperti sebelum kerusuhan Mei 1998. Jika kawasan ini hidup maka segala usaha juga akan kembali bersinar, bahkan mungkin lebih bersinar lagi sebagai kawasan Pecinan Jakarta.



Pradaningrum Mijarto