There are the gestures and poses that Indonesian people do almost unconsciously. After some time living in Indonesia the foreigners starts do the same :). Some of them just because to show respect for local cultural manners, others – see so many examples around, that just assimilate (for example like me ;)). To make these gestures it’s not obligatory for foreigners but if you will do that, I think, Indonesians will appreciate it ;).
Greetings
Shake hands softly and then slightly touch your chest afterwards.
Men usually give a stronger grip than women when they are shaking hands.
Touching your chest after shaking hands demonstrates respect to other person (you’re taking their greeting into your heart).
Giving and receiving things
Always use your right hand when passing and receiving things. Using the left hand is considered very impolite. Slightly bow your head as you say “thank you”.
Walking past people
Slightly bow your body and put right hand in front of body as walk in front of someone and say “permisi” (“excuse me”).
Calling someone over
Just waving fingers downwards if you want to call someone over.
Sitting
Indonesians like to sit just on the floor when they visiting people, eating, doing things at home and etc. Some of the local eating places “angkringan” mostly provides you only sitting places on the floor on carpets “tikar”. So even if you are not used to sit like this, soon (if you will stay longer in Indonesia) you will just adapt to this habit :).
Males: Sit with feet crossed at the ankles (it’s called “bersila“).
Females: Sit with feet tucked under them, turned down on the floor. The same like yoga “Diamond” pose. Most probably you will see more often women sitting like males, but more polite to sit like this.
I visited Bukittinggi city for the Darmasiswa scholarship program closing ceremony in May 2015. So all the things were arranged and paid for, that’s why I don’t know some of the prices or didn’t visit some places. But still, I have what to share :).
Bukittinggi (in Indonesian known as “High hill”) is the 2nd biggest city in West Sumatra island. From Padang airport, it ~ 2,3 hours by bus. The road through hills so a bit tortuous. The town has a hilly contour with small hills and valleys where possible to find ascending and descending roads and stairs for pedestrians.
Bukittinggi citizens call their town “a town with thousand stairs” – but I hardly could call it like this :). Bukittinggi is well known for its beautiful scenery and is surrounded by 3 mountains: Marapi (still active), Singgalang (inactive), and Sago (these 3 mountains more popular in the term “Tri Arga”).
Even if possible to find information that there are many touristic places to see but in my personal opinion – not so much, of course, depends on what you are interested in. I think 1 day, maximum 2 it’s enough for this city.
So the main touristic objects to visit in Bukittinggi:
“Panorama park”
Located on side of The Silent Canyon (“Sianok Canyon”) where possible to see a beautiful view of the canyon with mountain Singgalang as background. You can see here a lot of wild monkeys. It’s a place to have a nice walk or have a picnic. As well you can find here a Japanese tunnel (“Lobang Jepang”). It was made by the Indonesian people during World War II as a bunker for the Japanese military in 1942.
The Silent Canyon – “Sianok Canyon”
It’s ~ 2 km from the city center. It’s suited on the edge of Bukittinggi which separates the town from mountain Singgalang. The cliffs are 100-120 meters in height. Sianok Canyon is a beautiful green valley with winding rivers on the bottom flowing as far as ~15 km from the back of cliffs.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t lucky to visit “Panorama park” and “Sianok Canyon”. But I think that these places the only ones that really worth seeing.
The big clock tower – “Jam gadang”
Some of the people call it “Bukittinggi Big Ben” :). It’s possible to see it in the center of the downtown and this object became the symbol of the city (this tower possible to see from many places in the city). The tower surrounded by some space where people hang around, sells souvenirs, snacks. In front possible to see “The Hills” hotel (if somebody would like to stay in the center).
It’s 26 meters high clock tower, with a roof shape like Minangkabau traditional house. From the top possible to see the Bukittinggi surrounding. The unique thing that in numerical order 4 numbers written in Roman numeral.
The tower was built in 1926 by the local architect Yazid Abidin with his partner Sutan Gigi Ameh. The clock itself was a present from Queen of Netherlands to Rook Maker, a secretary of Bukittinggi Municipality during colonization time. There are 4 clocks which face to 4 directions. The top of the clock was restored a few times. In the beginning, it had a rounds shape roof with a statue of the rooster. Then it changed into a monastery shape like a roof during the Japanese colonization. In independence time the top was changed to the shape like it is now.
Across the square is traditional tourist markets, called “Pasar Atas” and “Pasar Bawah”. Many goods sold there, from souvenirs, handicrafts, textiles, traditional food, traditional snacks, to fresh fruits, vegetables, chicken, meat, and fish. Behind the market is the town’s old Chinatown with many old shophouses.
Limpapeh bridge – “Jembatan Limpapeh”
It’s a beautiful bridge with Minangkabau architecture. It connects Kinantan Zoo (“Kebun Kinantan”) to Fort de Kock (“Benteng fort de Kock”) passing right on Ahmad Yani street. You can see a really beautiful view from the bridge: on one side the town part surrounded by one mountain on another side – another part and a different mountain.
Other touristic objects that you might be interested to see:
Fort de Kock – “Benteng fort de Kock”
Lays on the hill “Bukik Jirek” that was designed as a fortress by Duch during Paderi War. Like all visiting places have they own story but for me wasn’t so interesting this place – just a nice place to walk surrounded by some cages of birds and through it possible to go to the Zoo by “Limpapeh” bridge.
Kinantan Zoo – “Kebun Kinantan”
Was established in 1929 and is the first zoo in Indonesia with various rare endangered animals. Truly to say the zoo looks quite poor (even if there is really some exotic kind of animals). I was felt sad looking at the animals; some of them were eating plastic bags, some people were riding the elephant. And I could feel like the animal there as well – when local people started to ask making pictures with me. In this zoo, there is a customary house of Minangkabau named “Rumah Gadang”. The museum display many kinds of ancient collections and all building looks impressive. Unfortunately at that time when we visited the zoo, it was closed. And also you can visit the zoological museum.
There are few toilets but they don’t work. Some souvenir and snacks shops.
There is an entrance fee (for fort and zoo the same ticket) – but I don’t remember the price.
Tri Daya Eka Dharma Museum – located in front of “Panorama park”. You can see the historical things when Indonesia opposes the Japanese and Dutch colonial.
Museum rumah kelahiran Bung Hatta – located in Soekarno Hatta street. It’s a place where Muhammad Hatta (Bung Hatta) was born. He was the first Vice President of Indonesia and a proclaimer of Indonesia’s independence along with Soekarno.
Bung Hatta Library – located in the hill Gulai Bancah. The library made by international standards, equipped with audio-visual facilities, conference rooms, auditoriums, and mosques. Meeting rooms are usually rented for various events, weddings and etc. So if you will be lucky enough maybe you can participate in a traditional event.
The ladder 40 – “Jenjang 40” – was built in 1908 and connects the “upmarket” (“Pasar Atas”) with “down market” (“Pasar Bawah”). The ladder was inspired by composer Minang Syahrul Tarun Joseph with the title track ”Andam Oi”.
Panorama Baru view – a touristic object which has still a natural view. On the bottom side, it’s possible to enjoy the Sianok Canyon view. Here you can have lunch or dinner, camping or a bit of hiking.
The ladder 100 – “Jenjang seribu” – it’s an object with green fertile soil and the rivers follow the steep riverbanks gaps. Passing the ladder possible to enjoy the view of Marapi and Singgalang mountains.
This is were located all the mentioned places:
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
The tourist office is at Jl. Syech Bantam 1 (near the clock tower). Working: Mon-Thurs 8:00 am-2:00 pm, Fri 8:00-11:00 am, Sat 8:00 am-12:30 pm ( tel 0752/22403).
What food to try in Bukittinggi?
Locals say that here possible to try a lot of delicious food. I enjoy “rendang” – but not all “warungs” prepares it good.
As well this city is famous for: “nasi kapau”, “kerupuk sanja”, “kerupuk kulit”, “denting kering”, “belut kering”, “pisang kapit” and many others.
Where to buy in Bukittinggi?
There are some markets like:
“Pasar Atas” (east of Jl. Minangkabau) – located in front of the clock tower.
This market provides many kinds of souvenir and special food from Bukittinggi with reasonable price: “sate padang”, “nasi padang” and “kerupuk sanja”. There is another special culinary that you shouldn’t miss when you visit “Pasar Atas”, it’s “nasi kapau” made from special ingredients that have been passed from generation to generation, from area named Kapau.
Besides the tourism market, Pasar Atas also become a center of trading. The other unique stuff that is selling here is “bordir kerancang” – special stripes. The people of Minangkabau is known for “border” making. You can found in this market many clothes or material with “bordir kerancang”.
“Hari pakan” market means special days that more sellers will come. And in each area or market, they have their own “Hari pakan”. In this market “hari pakan” is on every Wednesday and Saturday.
Try to avoid visiting “hari pakan” because if you will shopping for your own need you will find a lot of signs “sorry not allowed to buy in pieces”.
“Pasar Bawah”. It’s a traditional market located under “Pasar Atas”.
Here you can find vegetables, fruits, meat, fish and many fresh spices, ingredients for cooking. Just like many other traditional markets, when you entered the alleys of “Pasar Bawah”, you will see the same condition, wet, very humid, smelly especially in the fish and meat section.
“Pasar Grosir Aur Kuning”. Jl Minangkabau 19 (located near to Aur Kuning terminal). Has a huge range of textiles from Sumba and Irian Jaya and king sticks from North Sumatra.
This market lays on a 2.3 ha wide area with around 1470 shops and many more small shops.
It was built in 1980 and used by people to trade earth resources (plants and spices), and now this market already became the biggest grocery trading on Sumatra island. The meaning of the market name “aur kuning” is “yellow small bamboo tree”. And it seems the development of the market was related to its name philosophy – “when it is small it used for one thing and when gets elder and elder the function changing as well”.
The “hari pakan” (market day) is on Wednesday and Saturday.
As well you can find some shopping centers, malls, supermarkets.
Festivals in Bukittinggi
This city has many events like:
Muharram festival
To celebrate the entry of Moslem New Year that is the date of 1 Muharam (first month in the Islamic calendar) hence by Office of Bukittinggi Tourism Bureau to performs various activities of like competition of Moslem cloth, singing and etc.
Traditional Dance in Medan Nan Balinduang
Every night in Medan Nan Balinduang is performed by the traditional artistry of Minangkabau filled by galleries under the supervision of the Office of Bukittinggi Tourism Bureau.
Horse racing
Executed 3 until 4 times in one year and performed in Lapangan Bukit Ambacang.
Birth commemoration of Bung Hatta
This event executed every date of the 12th of August and filled by a various events of artistries.
Khatam Al-Quran
This event usually is executed every vacation of school, where pupils MDA (Islamic Informal Institution) has finalized the education in learning read Alquran, and all the MDA in Bukittinggi does cortege together.
Have you been to Bukittinggi city? What else you would recommend to see?
Mostly people plan to stay in Yogyakarta only 2 days: visit famous UNESCO heritage temples Borobudur and Prambanan. If they have interest – climb the Merapi volcano at night or visit Merapi area – Kaliurang during the day time (rent a jeep for volcano tour). As well if they have free time – visit Kraton (“Sultane palace”), Taman Sari (“Water castle”), Malioboro street (“Jl. Malioboro”), Beringharjo market (Pasar Beringharjo) and some other places.
But in Yogyakarta area, not far from the city center are more interesting places to see :). I and my friend made 1 day trip (with motorbike) visiting temples (including famous ones), different local village and waterfall. We didn’t plan to visit only temples, but started to search what possible to see around all places it became like a trip – “temple day”:). Here is itinerary and some my impressions for those who would like to explore more of Yogyakarta are:
Teletubbies village (Teletubbies desa) – Twin waterfall in Wukirharjo village (Air terjun Kembar Wukirharjo) – Twin temple (Candi Plaosan) – Prambanan temple (Candi Prambanan) – Ratu Boko temple (Candi Ratu Boko).
We started the journey at 11.30 am from Yogyakarta south (Kasongan).
Dome houses
First we visited Teletubbies (Teletubbies desa) – the dome houses. It took us ~1 hour of drive from Yogyakarta to the village. I read article about this village disaster and how people managed to continue the life in the unique houses. The uniqueness is dome-shaped houses, namely round semicircle. They look like the homes of people eskimo and nothing common with Javanese houses. And it’s the only such houses in all Indonesia. These houses were built after the earthquake that had occurred in the hamlet of Sengir, Sumberharjo, Yogyakarta in 2006. We visited this village already 9 years after the earthquake and village doesn’t look like the same when it was built and the view that I saw in the photos. Naturally after so many years, all area now green again, people started to build additional house beside dome houses, build shops in Javanese style houses and etc. just continued to live like they were used to before earthquake. Some of the houses already repaired, colored and empty. The village view no more so impressive but is worth to visit. Just to see how such shape houses looks in Indonesian nature, even to see how Indonesian people understand and how to get used to live in such houses – the round shape is not in their “blood” for sure :). As well it’s possible there to climb small hills and visit other, more traditional villages and see nice panoramic view from the top (we didn’t do it this time, but I heard this from my local friends). Some travel agencies even suggesting travel tours to this village, but not many foreigners comes here, so people not so used to see them. Till I was making some pictures, passed two girls on motorbike, when they saw me – they stopped just in the middle of the street. They were so excited and with a bit “broken” English asked if they can make picture with me. Like after living in Indonesia I was a bit tired every time to take a picture with locals and I said myself that never again will do that, those girls were so honest and happy – that I couldn’t resist to say “maaf, tidak” (“sorry, no”). After making photos with me, maybe 10 min., they were jumping around with happiness and joy :). Sometimes for Indonesians doesn’t need a lot to feel happy :).
Houses build quite near each other.
The village looked like this 9 years ago (picture taken from internet).
People started to color white houses, build new building beside.
At visiting time, some local kids were playing there, swimming.
Next our stop was – Twin waterfall (Air terjun Kembar Wukirharjo) – it takes ~10-15 min. from Teletubbies village. Near waterfall there are quite vertical part of route. Unfortunately not all bikes are strong enough and can go up with two people. We were not exclusion. I get down from motorbike and walked up by foot (it’s not long way) and my friend very slowly was going up with motorbike. So we had not enough strong motorbike :). The view from the parking area quite nice – possible to see some hills in horizon illuminate with sun. There are two paths to go to waterfall – one through waterfall opening and second from down part. In any case which route you will take, you can go around waterfall from up to down or conversely (just you need pass over stones – there is no clear path to go around). The path is a bit slippery and clayey, maybe because we went there when couple days before was a bit rain. In dry season should be drier but in rainy – can be a bit more difficult to pass the path. The waterfall not so big and the flow not so strong, but those two streams look nice. There were no more people (like we went during the week day, most probably during the weekend you can meet there more local people enjoying the view) just few kids who were swimming and playing there (even if the water is quite dirty and you can see some trashes around), so atmosphere was very peaceful. A bit further we saw other kids who were searching for stones and making round shapes for rings. Some of the people just like how the stone looks in the ring, others believes that it can give some power. So the kids collecting those stones and can sell each for ~ 10 000 Rp. We stayed there for ~30-40 min. and continued our trip.
“Entering” from another side.
“Inside” waterfall.
“Entering” from one side.
When they saw that I’m making a picture of waterfall they started to pose :)
The view from parking are.
Later we went to see Twin temple (Candi Plaosan) – it took us ~30-40 min. ride from waterfall. On the way you will see road sign to Ratu Boko temple, but we planned to visit it for sunset (if you want to save some time, you can visit this temple first and end the trip in Prambanan). The way to this temple surrounded by plenty of rice fields and small hills, we enjoyed this ride part.
Even if this temple stands near famous Prambanan temple, not a lot of people go to visit it. This Buddhist temple is divided into two parts, Plaosan Lor (“north”) and Plaosan Kidul (“south”). It’s estimated to be built in the beginning of the 9th century during Rakai Pikatan reign and surrounded by rice fields.
We stopped before entering the temple to make some pictures from further, were you can see both of the temples in front. If you are lucky enough, you can have much better view, when the people work in rice field. Even if there is no admission fee (no price tables), they expect you to donate some money for entrance. I came to entrance gate where security was sitting and showed my KITAS (limited stay permit, that sometimes gives discount or entrance fee like for local people) they asked from me 3 000 Rp for entrance. Its’ not big but cute temple, surrounded by the remains. If you will walk through it, on the ground you can see some patterns, sculptures. When I was visiting this temple there were some Indonesian people, mostly youth couples that was making many pictures in different poses and in each corner, some of them just hiding for have some privacy. So don’t be scared if some of the couple suddenly will come out from the tiny entrance of the temple fence. We spend here ~20 min.
Temple in a state of ruin.
If you are lucky, you can see even such view (picture taken from internet).
Another temple of “twins”.
One of the temples.
Girls checking if the “selfie” looked good :)
You can see some destroyed ruins but as well discover some big parts. Worth to have a walk throw ruins as well.
Like we went for the trip during day time, it was quite hot, so we stopped to drink some cold drinks. From Twin temple to Prambanan temple on the way you will see many small “warung’s”. Closer to Prambanan more expensive drinks, so if you are thirsty stop in the middle between both temples.
Famous Prambanan temple (Candi Prambanan) is located ~ 10 min. from Twin temple. Even it was working day (I thought I will avoid Indonesians to asking pictures with me) but I didn’t know that it was celebration day (Ascension Day) – “red date” event. So I even didn’t enter the temple when three local girls asked a favor me to speak with them in English for English lesson. One girl was filming the conversation with phone, another reading the question and third one just assisting. Like the girls were quite polite, I spend with them ~15 min. and went inside. It was already ~2.30 pm but it was numerous amounts of people – mostly locals and few tourists. Usually during the weekends and celebrations, locals from all around Yogyakarta visiting temples and other places. I was a bit in a hurry because wanted to go ahead all those people, but when I just entered the complex some of the youth groups from school, young couples started to ask picture with me – and usually they don’t ask one picture, they want each separately have one picture with foreigner. One of the guys were more polite, others grabbing my hand and asking “selfy” – so depends on how they came to me I decided to spend time with them or not. Even if the place very beautiful I didn’t enjoy it – because of the people who were asking pictures and don’t let me to see everything properly. So instead of maybe hours of walk around in whole complex – I spend ~ 30 min. The all complex area is quite big, not in a hurry and visiting other smaller temple that is under construction now, you can spend there till two hours for sure :).
Temple from “exit” side
It’s just a small part of all those people who were there at that time.
And after ~15 min. way from Prambanan temple we reached our last destination – Ratu Boko temple (Candi Ratu Boko). Like we wanted to go there to see the spectacular sunset (everywhere this temple presented like this :)), we arrived there ~4 pm. From 3 pm the entrance fee is raised 5 000 Rp, because it’s “sunset time”. In many beautiful places, Indonesians divide the entrance fee for sunrise/sunset and usual hours.
On the way climbing the stairs to the temple on left side you can see Prambanan. Ratu Boko temple area is quite big and nice to walk around. Inside you can go a bit on the hill to see the entire complex. After small walk around I just sit on the land in front of temple and started to wait for sunset. That time not so many people came, but all temple was crowded of people who were making pictures, so to have photos without people – not possible. But even with less people (comparing with Prambanan temple) – here I got attention as well – families with kids were asking pictures, teenagers and etc. At least here were more polite people – before asking the picture with me, asked who I’m, what I’m doing in Yogyakarta and etc. The time passed quickly – and the sun started to come down. The view was really beautiful but I believe that can be even more spectacular. Lately was cloudy so we decided to leave ~5.30 pm but I saw still many people were coming, probably they came with daily Yogyakarta tours after Prambanan temple and I can say they missed the most beautiful view, left only dark clouds :). I heard that it’s possible to get to the temple from another side, but you need to know locals, who would show you the way and as well maybe pay a bit money, but not the same amount like entrance fee.
On the way back in front of the stairs was possible to see the Merapi volcano. Like I left till the sun didn’t get down totally I haven’t seen how the city is lighted, but if you want you can wait more and then you will see nice lightening of Prambanan in the horizon.
If you are lucky, you can see more magnificent sunsets (picture taken from internet).
Waiting for the sunset.
The sun goes down.
You can see such view of Prambanan temple in late evening from Ratu Boko temple (picture taken from internet).
It’s seen only very small part of all temple area.
It’s possible to see from Ratu Boko temple the small silhouette of Prambanan temple.
Light silhouette of volcano Merapi from Ratu Boko temple.
The sun goes down
So after ~1 hour driving back we reached our home and finished the trip :).
Even if it was quite hot and local people attention to me annoyed a lot but I really enjoy the trip – different views of the land, nature, temples, daily local people life – Indonesia always have what to show.
Have you been in these places? Did you enjoy?:)
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
Route map
Time – ~7 hours
With stops, driving, visiting objects. We were going on 50-60 km/h speed.
We spend (2 people) – 175 000 Rp.
Fuel (we fulfill full tank but didn’t spent all) – 29 000 Rp.
Parking – 4 000 Rp (in Twin waterfall place and Ratu Boko temple, for Twin temple and Prambanan we parked a bit further from objects for free – in the street).
For lunch (we ate in Yogyakarta south before the trip) – 20 000 Rp.
Drinks on the way in “warungs” – 8 000 Rp.
Entrance fee – Twin temple – 6 000 Rp, Prambanan temple (with KITAS and for local person) – 60 000 Rp, Ratu Boko temple (for sunset entrance) – 48 000 Rp.
Tips
It’s possible to visit just Prambanan, Twin and Ratu Boko temples with public transport. From the city Jl. Malioboro take bus 1A (pass the airport to Prambanan). From Prambanan you can walk or take “becak” to Twin temple. And after you will come back to Prambanan take “becak” to Ratu Boko temple (ask driver to come again on certain time and he will drive you back to Prambanan from where you can go back to the city).
It’s possible to start the trip earlier when not so hot and not so big amount people comes to famous places, but this time all the timing was built by the final destination Ratu Boko temple. If not the sunset, probably the journey we would start at 7 or 8 am.
Visiting waterfall take some shoes suitable to get wet and climb in slippery way and through clay.
It’s your choices to stop with everyone to take a picture and speak English for lessons. But if you don’t want this – just don’t have an eye contact with locals, try to pass bigger amount groups in hurry or just say “maaf, tidak” (“sorry, no”). In this case you can get back questions “why”, some pleases. So you can just smile and go away or finally agree to make a picture. But if others will see that you agreed to take a picture with someone, they as well will come to you.
If in Twin temple they will ask more money for entrance, don’t forget that it’s donation, with smile give the amount that you want to pay and then just go inside, like no price is listed there.
Visiting Ratu Boko temple, try to come earlier ~ 4 pm (even when the sun starts to go down ~5 pm), like you will never know what the weather will be and when the clouds will come out. So better to see something than nothing, like those daily tours groups that came after 5 pm.
Take with you sun cream, water (drinks) and snacks :).
If you need a guide in Yogyakarta and around I can recommend – Hendra
Bukittinggi (in Indonesian known as “High hill”) is the 2nd biggest city in West Sumatra island. From Padang airport, it ~ 2,3 hours by bus. The road through hills so a bit tortuous. The town has a hilly contour with small hills and valleys where possible to find ascending and descending roads and stairs for pedestrians.
Later we went to see Twin temple (Candi Plaosan) – it took us ~30-40 min. ride from waterfall. On the way you will see road sign to Ratu Boko temple, but we planned to visit it for sunset (if you want to save some time, you can visit this temple first and end the trip in Prambanan). The way to this temple surrounded by plenty of rice fields and small hills, we enjoyed this ride part.
Famous Prambanan temple (Candi Prambanan) is located ~ 10 min. from Twin temple. Even it was working day (I thought I will avoid Indonesians to asking pictures with me) but I didn’t know that it was celebration day (Ascension Day) – 
And after ~15 min. way from Prambanan temple we reached our last destination – Ratu Boko temple (Candi Ratu Boko). Like we wanted to go there to see the spectacular sunset (everywhere this temple presented like this :)), we arrived there ~4 pm. From 3 pm the entrance fee is raised 5 000 Rp, because it’s “sunset time”. In many beautiful places, Indonesians divide the entrance fee for sunrise/sunset and usual hours.
