Sangkuriang - A Legend of The Origin of Mountain Tangkuban Prahu

Once upon a time, there was a kingdom in West Java,  ruled by Prabu Sungging Perbangkara. The king liked hunting very much. One day, after hunting, Prabu Sungging urinated on taro leaves. When he left, a female boar, named Wayungyang, came and drank his widdle. The boar did not know that  it contained sperm so she got pregnant soon afterwards. Several months on, she gave birth to an adorable human baby girl. Wishing that the baby would be raised by her father, Wayungyang licked her baby to clean her and put her on a protruding stone in the bush.

The boar’s hope came true. That day, Prabu Sungging happened to pass by the place and heard the baby’s cry. The king carefully walked towards the bush and found a tiny baby girl. He took the poor baby back to town and named her Dayang Sumbi. He nurtured and raised the baby very affectionately.

Time went past. Dayang Sumbi grew up a charming girl. As if her beauty was not enough, she was adept in weaving and cooking. Many noblemen came with marriage offers, yet the princess chose to turn away from all of them. She was afraid that her accepting one of the proposals would cause wars among the men. Finally, with the king’s permission, Dayang Sumbi secluded himself in a hut on the fringe of a jungle, carrying his weaving tools. There, the princess spent her time weaving cloths.

One night, Dayang Sumbi was weaving on the porch when a thread roll accidentally slipped out of her hut and to the dark. It was late at night. She was too scared to take it. It was when she unconsciously uttered a vow, “Whoever takes back my thread, if it is a woman I will take her as sister, if it is a man I will marry him.”

Beyond her expectation, suddenly a black dog showed up with the thread. What was done could not be undone. She had to keep her word.

“Well, dog. Albeit you’re an animal, I’m willing to be your wife,” said Dayang Sumbi.

Miraculously, the dog turned into a handsome man. Dayang Sumbi was dumbfounded, speechless, to see that.

“Who… who are you?” asked Dayang Sumbi.

“I am an incarnation of god,” said the man.

The two of them fell in love with each other and were since then involved in a romantic relationship. However, they wanted to keep their love a secret, including to Prabu Sungging Perbangkara. They lived together in happiness. Dayang Sumbi called him Si Tumang. Most of the time, he would be in his dog form.

A year later, they had a son. They named him Sangkuriang. The boy grew up a smart, tireless boy. Everyday, he would go to the woods to hunt deer and catch fishes in the river accompanied by Si Tumang, the dog. He did not know yet that the dog was his father.

One day, Sangkuriang went hunting. He wanted to give mother a deer’s heart. It had been almost dark when he started to lose hope. He did not see any deer that day. Sangkuriang decided to give up and walk home. But then a deer ran past him. Quickly, he commanded Si Tumang to run after it.

“Tumang! After that deer!” he shouted.

The dog stayed put. He was unusually disobedient, making Sangkuriang even angrier.

“Bad dog! What happens to you? Don’t you hear me?” thundered Sangkuriang while pointing his arrow at Si Tumang.

Then, an accident happened. Sangkuriang lost grip of the arrow. It rushed towards the dog and hit him right in the head. Si Tumang died at once. Sangkuriang then took his heart for his mother.

In the hut, Dayang Sumbi cooked the heart and ate it. It was delicious indeed. But then she realized that Si Tumang was not around.

“Where’s Si Tumang? Wasn’t he with you today?” asked Dayang Sumbi anxiously.

“Sorry, mother. I killed him. The heart you ate is his,” answered the boy easily, showing no regret whatsoever.

It infuriated Dayang Sumbi. Sangkuriang had slain his father.

“What did you say? You killed him? You wretched, ungrateful son!” said Dayang Sumbi as she hit Sangkuriang in the forehead with her spoon. Sangkuriang was wounded and bleeding.

Sobbing in pain, Sangkuriang tried to defend himself. He did not feel guilty for he did everything for his mother. Dayang Sumbi did not share the same thought. Nevertheless, she insisted on keeping the truth about Si Tumang secret. That night, Sangkuriang was so sad. He left his house to stroll to any place his feet might take him.

Since then, Dayang Sumbi liked to spend time sitting on the porch doing nothing. She regretted what she did to Sangkuriang. Every night, she prayed to God the Almighty for the return of her son some time. God heard her. Dayang Sumbi was bestowed with an eternal beauty. Her face would not get wrinkles so that her son would recognize her when they met again.

Meanwhile in the jungle, Sangkurian staggered along while holding his wounded head. He fainted, falling on the ground. When he came to, there was an old man sitting beside him.

“Who are you? Where am I?” Sangkuriang was at a loss.

“Be calm, young man. I’m a hermit. My name is Ki Ageng. I found you unconscious and wounded in the woods. You’re in my cave,” said the old man.

The old man inquired into the identity of Sangkuriang. The young man, however, could not remember anything of his past. He even forgot his name. Ki Ageng then called him Jaka. He treated the young man and after that, passed on some of his powers and knowledge to him that he now could call and command spirits anytime he needed.

Having stayed with the old man for a long time, Jaka wanted to know his past. With Ki Ageng’s permission, he went off. Several days later, he found a hut on the fringe of a jungle. Feeling so thirsty, he came over the hut and asked for water. The inhabitant of the hut turned out to be a gorgeous woman. Jaka could not wink when he first saw her. He was speechless. The woman smiled and blushed in front of the handsome young man. Apparently she too found him attractive. She brought the guest a drink and had a chat with him. They soon fell in love with each other. By that time, Jaka did not know that the woman was Dayang Sumbi, his mother, who did not recognize her son herself.

Next morning when about to go hunting, Jaka asked his lover to tie and neat his headband. It was when Dayang Sumbi was taken aback to see a scar on his head. It was exactly where he hit his son years past.

“How did you get this scar, Jaka?” asked Dayang Sumbi.

Jaka could not remember that. He just told to Dayang Sumbi that a hermit found him unconscious and wounded in the jungle. It made her sure that her lover was his own son, Sangkuriang.

Dayang Sumbi grew anxious. She would never marry her own son—she could not. She tried to convince him that he was his son and thus break their relationship. Sangkuriang could not accept that. He was head over heels, blinded by passion.

Seeing his son’s insistence, Dayang Sumbi was now scared. She thought of every possible way to distant herself from him. An idea finally came across her mind. She would demand Sangkuriang to do something if they were to continue together.

“Do you really want to be with me? If so, I want you to do something,” said Dayang Sumbi.

“What are they? Just say it,” responded Sangkuriang.

“Make me a lake and a boat. They must be done before dawn tomorrow,” said Dayang Sumbi.

“I’ll do that. If that’s what you want,” said Sangkuriang confidently.

Driven with his love, Sangkuriang applied his power and called his unseen friends to do the task. They began to dig the ground and pile big stones to dam up Citarum River. They also collected trunks to make a boat. In the middle of the night, Dayang Sumbi silently peeped at Sangkuriang and his friends working, only to be surprised by how fast they were doing it.

Dayang Sumbi could no longer stay calm. She rushed to the village and woke the people up. She asked help from them to get a wide and long red cloth and spread out on the east of where Sangkuriang was working. The red cloth made it look like it was morning already. People also took out their roosters and let them crow. The spirits helping Sangkuriang thought the sun was rising already. They hurried to vanish to avoid getting burnt, leaving the work undone.

But Sangkuriang knew that it was not morning yet and that Dayang Sumbi was behind all this. He was infuriated. Using his power, he ruined the dam. In a very short time, water overflowed the place. He then kicked the boat away. It was flung up high, and fell upside down. Over the time, it turned into a mountain. People now called the mountain Tangkuban Perahu, the Reversed Boat.

In the disastrous happening, Dayang Sumbi ran off towards Mount Putri, where she turned into a jaksi flower. As for Sangkuriang, he lost track of his lover. He kept searching her up to a place called Ujung Berung. There, he vanished to the Unseen World.

source : ceritarakyatnusantara.com

Bandung - The Flower City

Bandung, the capital city of Provinceof West Java, Indonesia, locate in the basin of Parahyangan mountains, about 750m above sea level, so it has cool air and beautiful mountains views. It is only 180km from Jakarta where we need only 2-3 hours travel time through Cipularang highway. These situation then become the advantages for Bandung which make it as the favourite tourist destination.

However, the facts of Bandung as popular tourist destination is only not in the present. Bandung was already famous as favourite tourism city since Dutch colonial era. The cool air and beautiful views had attracted the rich people from Batavia (now, Jakarta) to have vacation in Bandung. "Flower City", “Garden of Allah” were some of nicknames of Bandung. Another and also the famous nickname is “Parisj van Java” because this city is never sleep. Well, Bandung mooi.. Beautiful Bandung..

As tourism city, surely Bandung will give its visitor many interesting experiences. These are some tourism points that you should not miss while visiting Bandung.

Shopping 
Bandung is famous as center for garment industry since 1980. That time, a clothing from Bandung would  have more value because of  its attractive design creativity and especially the affordable prices, even for students. There was Cihampelas Street which was famous as the center of creative clothes design. As its famous, then people said that you had not visited Bandung yet if you had not bought some clothes from Cihampelas Street.
Nowadays, Bandung tourism is still known for creative clothes design, but it is not focused at Cihampelas Street anymore. A lot of Factory Outlets (FOs) has been built and also sell various  types of clothing and still in affordable prices. The FOs locate at RE Martadinata Street ( aka. Riau Street), Djuanda Street (aka. Daga Street) and Setiabudhi Street. Some of them also provide restaurant.
Hey, want to try something different ? Perhaps you want to get a new experience in a traditional market in Bandung. Well, Pasar Baru (New Market) is the best place for you. Founded  about 1906 and had been renovated for several times until it gets its modern look. Here, you have to bargain to get a good price.
Another Bandung tourism for shopping is in Cibaduyut, south of the city. There are centers of leather craftsmen. You can find various models of shoes, sandals, wallets, handbags and belts made of leather, with a good quality. But unfortunately, now the industry is less developed.

Beautiful Nature
Surrounded by mountains makes Bandung has many natural attractions. In the north of Bandung at the foot of volcanoes Tangkuban Prahu, there is a small town, Lembang. It offers a cool and fresh atmosphere and of course, the beautiful scenery. There is a Catholic Sisters Convent, Carmelite Monastery. About 5 kms to east from lembang, there is Maribaya Waterfalls.
On Volcanoes Tangkuban Prahu,  we can find several craters and some of them can be visited. The largest named Kawah Ratu (Queen Crater).  There is Cikole camp which lies near pine forest.
Oops, have you heard the folklore about Mount Tangkuban Prahu ? Well, you can click this, if you like.. Sangkuriang - Legend of The Origin of Mount Tangkuban Prahu.
Following the way about 4.5 km to the north, there are another famous  Bandung tourism sites, Ciater.
Ciater is hot spring spot where  you can pamper yourself with a soak in warm water while enjoy the beautiful nature. On Saturday night Ciater is more crowded by the visitors than any other time.
In South Bandung, there is a lake, Situ Patenggang. The scenery of this lake is really beautiful and it has cold temperature. Near  Situ Patenggang, there are hot spring spot, Cimanggu, and crater, Kawah Putih (white Crater) which is famous for its beauty.
Another Bandung tourism site is family recreational park. There are many family recreational park, all of them equipped with a restaurant such as, Kampung Gajah in Cihideung, Paku Haji in Ngamprah, All About Strawberry in Cimahi and much more.

Culinary
Bandung is also famous for various kinds of food, presented by various vendors from simple food stalls until high class restaurant.  Well, this is another Bandung tourism attraction. The cooks compete in the expertise, skills and creativity to be able to present a delicious and unique cuisine. Sometimes they make the food in a different way so that the taste and looks to be different. Often, they even created a new type of cuisine.
Bandung is also well-known for its food stalls. Lined food stalls offers excellent cuisine and is ready to serve you. If you are fans of Chinese culinary, then you may go to Cibadak road. You can find various type of Chinese cuisine there. On Cisangkuy street, you will find diverse cuisine, ranging from traditional to western cuisine. And for seafood lovers, you may go to the food stalls on Cikapundung road.

Bandung at night
When the sun goes down, night life begins in Bandung. Bandung does not stop at night, even there are more activities to spend the night in Bandung. You can hunt for food in lined food stalls eatery or go to  the dance floor in a club. But it's not what I meant by night in Bandung.
I suggest you to go out with your partner or your family or your friends into the hills to the north of Bandung, such as to Dago or Ciumbuleuit or Setiabudhi or even further, Lembang.  Then, enjoy the night scenery of  Bandung in the distance with flickering lights.
Dago Thee Huis, a restaurant on the Dago that serves Asian and European cuisine, is my favorite place to enjoy the panorama of Bandung at night. Dago Thee Huis is an old Bandung tourism attaction. It was built when the Dutch colonial period.
And,  Kampung Daun, a cafe in Cihideung. In here, you will be in the middle of nature, between the cliffs and waterfalls. With proper lighting, the natural feel of the show so fascinating.
Well, both at Dago Thee Huis or Kampung Daun at night, you'll find a peaceful and romantic nuances. Hmm, I can not explain it more detail. You better come visit and experience it yourself. And later you will understand what I mean.

There are many more Bandung tourism attraction that you would find. Just visit us here, we welcome you.

Oops.. did you know that Bandung is actually in the bottom of the lake that had dried up ? Interested ? Well, I will tell you later.. bye.

Java Island, Indonesia

Java is the smallest island of the five main islands in Indonesia. Approximately 60% of Indonesia's population (± 136 million people) live here, on the 13^th largest island in the world with an area of ​​139,000 km². This is the world's most populous island, and one of the most densely populated places in the world. Much of Indonesian history took place on this island. Java was the center of powerful Hindu-Buddhist empires, the Islamic sultanates, and the core of the colonial Dutch East Indies. Java was also a destination for traders from all over the world. And during the 1900s and 40s, Java was the center of the Indonesian struggle for independence. So it is not wonder if Java dominates Indonesia politically, economically and culturally.

Indonesian capital, Jakarta, is located on the island of Java. It is the center of economic, cultural and political of Indonesia. With a population of 9,761,407 (December 2012), Jakarta becomes the most populous city in Indonesia and in Southeast Asia.

With the density and congestion, Jakarta is not a major tourist destination. However, it does not mean that Jakarta does not have a tourist attraction. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah and Taman Impian Jaya Ancol is a very popular tourist destination. And now is also on the rise is an old city tour where we were invited to tour in the Dutch colonial administration in the past. Old buildings are large and magnificent with interesting architecture will welcome the tourists. 

One of the main icons in the old city is Fatahillah Museum, which used to be a City Hall. This building was built in 1707-1710 by order of the Governor General Johan van Hoorn.

Besides Jakarta, you should also visit cities such as Bogor, Bandung, Cirebon, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Malang and Surabaya. They offer a variety of uniqueness and beauty that is loaded with culture and history.

History and culture are the major tourist attractions on the island. There are so many relics of the royal past that can be found on the island, such as temples.

The temples are divided into two types, Buddhist temple and Hindu temple. 

The Buddhist temple, Borobudur, is the most visited by tourists. As for the Hindu temple, Prambanan is  the most attractive tourist attention. The temples are already more than 1000 years old and was built during the reign of different kingdoms. In addition to these two temples, there are many more scattered temples like, Mendut, Ratu Boko Temple, Pawon, and many others.

  

Not far from Borobudur and Prambanan, there is the most active volcano in Indonesia, Mount Merapi. Another most active volcano is Mount Kelud. Both of them are in the chain of volcano of Indonesia, elongated from the northwest Sumatera to Nusa Tenggara Timur.

The highest mountain in Java is Mount Semeru (3.676m asl) and it is a volcano, too. And the most beautiful mountain is Mount Bromo (well, a volcano, too).

Most of the mountains it was quite safe to climb, as long as we are ready physically and mentally and following rules and instructions.

Java Island also has beautiful beaches and fun. And Carita Beach Anyer Beach Banten, both beaches attract many tourists. Calm waves and the sloping beach is a fun place to play. There is also Pangandaran Beach and Pelabuhan Ratu Beach is a bustling tourist destination, especially during the holidays.

The beaches in the south of Yogyakarta also offers beautiful scenery. For example Parang Tritis, Parang Kusumo, Indriyanti Beach, Sundak Beach, Baron Beach and many more.

Likewise Bale Kambang Beach and Bajul Mati Beach in the southern city of Malang which offer a beautiful view.

If you surf lovers, then Panaitan Island, Beach of Cimaja, Srau Beach, Watu Karung Beach, G-Land and many more, will challenge you to play around with the big waves.

Indonesia – Beautiful Archipelago Country

Indonesia Archipelago lies between latitudes 11°S and 6°N, and longitudes 95°E and 141°E, in Southeast Asia region, between two continents, Asia and Australia and two oceans, the Pacific and Indian oceans. It is the largest archipelago country in the world with more than 17,508 islands and about 6,000 islands of them are uninhabited. There are 5 major islands, Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Kalimantan and Papua and also some archipelagos,  such as Riau Archipelago, Bangka-Belitung Islands, Maluku Archipelago and Nusa Tenggara Islands.

Indonesia is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Each island and archipelago in Indonesia has its own charm. The beauty of Indonesia is shown in its beaches and natural forests that have been the main attraction for travelers who want a beautiful atmosphere. The arts and culture is a magnet for the tourists who love the expression of soul. And friendliness of people make tourists feel welcome to enjoy the beauty of Indonesia.

Sumatra is an island in western Indonesia  and the sixth largest island in the world at about 480,847.74 km2. It is an elongated landmass spanning a diagonal northwest-southeast axis with the island chain of Simeulue, Nias and Mentawai bordering the southwestern coast and the islands of Bangka and Belitung at the eastern side.
In Sumatra you can pay a visit to Lake Toba in North Sumatra. This lake is a volcanic crater which erupted 75.000 years ago. The landscape is very beautiful with the island of Samosir in the middle. There are several other lakes in Sumatra such as, Lake Maninjau, Lake Singkarak, Lake Kerinci etc. You can also visit the Lagundri and Sorake on the island of Nias, an island in the western  of Sumatra. Sorake and Lagundri are known for very excellent waves for surfing. In West Sumatra, you can visit the town of Bukit Tinggi. There you will enjoy  a very beautiful valley scenery, Ngarai Sianok. If you like hiking, you can hike Mount Kerinci (3,805 ms) , the second highest mountain in Indonesia. You can also visit Weh Island, the most northwest island in Indonesia, to have a beautiful diving spot.

Java is the smallest island  but the most populous one in Indonesia. Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia,  is in this island. Although It is the center of government, business, finance and trade in Indonesia, there are also many attractions you can find here, especially in the “Old City”. You can also come to Bandung in the mountains of West Java. Bandung is known as the shopping city because there are a lot of shopping places. There are many tourist attractions in Bandung such as Mount Tangkuban Perahu and Kawah Putih (White crater). Formerly, Bandung had earned the nickname Parisj van Java.

 Take your time to visit Yogyakarta, a Sultanate that still stands to this day. You can visit the "Keraton", the palace of Sultan,  and Kota Gede as the center of silver craftsmen. Around Yogyakarta, there are many ancient Budhist and Hindhuis Temple, such as the famous Borobudur and Prambanan Temple. Do not forget to go to Mount Bromo while you are in Malang, East Java. Find a very beautiful sunrise there. And for those who love surfing, try G-Land, Banyuwangi or Panaitan Island, Banten. Beat the waves and enjoy the sunshine.


Kalimantan, formerly known as Borneo. In this island, Indonesia shares the land with other countries, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, at the north part.
For adventurers, Kalimantan will became a great experience. There are still a lot of dense forest. Although there already are quite a lot of highway, but the use of water transport is still very closely in daily life. No wonder, because in this island there are a lot of large rivers. On this island, you can visit the Orang Utan rehabilitation center in Tanjung Puting, where they will be trained to become wild again. You can also visit the floating market in Banjarmasin. For divers, try to dive in Lake Kakaban in Kakaban Island.  The lake is unique and there are only 2 in the world, while others are on the island of Palau, Micronesia Islands.


Sulawesi, known to the Portuguese as Celebes before, is an island which its shape almost like the letter of “K”. This island has dense forests and lot of them are still virgin. This will be a good choice for you who like adventuring.
When you travel to Sulawesi, do not forget to visit to Tana Toraja which is famous for their cemetery on the cliffs of stone. You will find a very unique customs there. Also visit Bunaken in Manado. Bunaken is one of the best dive sites in the world. Its underwater life is pristine and very beautiful. There are also Togian Islands, Banggai Islands and Wakatobi  Islands for the options for you to dive.

Papua Island, formerly known as Irian Jaya. This is the second largest island in the world after Greenland.
If you are an adventurer, then a visit to the island of Papua will be able to give you an great experience.
A lot of pure wilderness forests and beatiful virgin beaches are waiting for you. There are many wild predatory animals can be found there and also many tribes that still live isolated from the modern world.
If you love climbing, then Puncak Jaya is waiting to be climbed by you. It cannot be easy to climb since it has snowy peak. This snowy peak is unique and only 2 mountains in equatorial that have snowy peak, Puncak Jaya and Kilimanjaro. Unfortunately, the global warming starts to reduce the snow.
And if you like diving, then your place in the Raja Ampat Islands. Waters of Raja Ampat has a wealth of fauna and flora that are truly extraordinary. The researchers said that the waters of Raja Ampat is on the top position in terms of the diversity of marine life.

In the Riau Islands, you can visit the Island of Bintan. Bintan Island is known for its eco-tourism that encompasses exotic beaches, stunning landscape, aquatic life and nature's marvels. Or you Visit Penyengat, a major landmark of the Bintan Island, for its historical monuments and interesting relics of the past. Adjacent to the Riau archipelago, there are islands of Bangka-Belitung. Bangka island and Belitung Island are the two largest islands in this archipelago.
If you've read the novel Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Troops) by Andrea Hirata, then on the island of Belitung, the story began. In this island you will find a lot of beautiful and unique beaches such as, Matras and Parai Tenggiri Beaches. You can also find Tin Museum of Indonesia that will tell the story of the glory of Bangka and Belitung as a producer of tin in the past.

Maluku is a tropical paradise located in the eastern Indonesia. It consists of many  small and big islands, approximately 353 of them, which spread out surrounding the ocean and not all of the islands are inhabited. However, all of these islands offer magnificent tropical beach. White sand and clear water attract us to do a lot of exciting activities, such as swimming, sunbathing and diving. Well, Maluku is blessed with incredible sea gardens, idyllic, tropical beaches and rugged.
These are the famous ‘spice islands’ which drew Indian, Chinese, Arab and eventually European traders in search of cloves and nutmeg. Portuguese, Dutch and British competed to occupy Maluku Islands. And indigenous peoples struggling against the occupation.
Banda Islands, Halmahera Island, Ternate and Tidore, and also Ambon are a few attraction of Maluku Islands.

Nusa Tenggara Islands, located to the east of Java. Divided into two provinces, West Nusa Tenggara with 2 big islands of Lombok and Sumbawa, and Flores with 3 big islands of Sumba, Flores and Timor. However, there are many small islands in this archipelago.
Terawangan Gili, Gili Meno and Gili Air, Senggigi Beach, Moyo Island and Mount Rinjani National Park are some of attractions of West Nusa Tenggara. While, Mount Kelimutu, Alor Island, Labuan Bajo and Komodo island are become tourism spot in Nusa Tenggara Timur.
You can also enjoy the sensation of a liveaboard in this archipelago.

Bali Island, Indonesia's famous tourist spot and is one of the tourist destination for foreign tourists. The natural beauty, unique culture and beautiful beaches the main attraction of this island. There are many activities to do to spend your holiday on this island.

This is a glimpse of the tourist attractions in Archipelago of Indonesia, I'll tell you more about it. And hopefully could be a reference for you.