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Showing posts with label Culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Culture. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

West Sumatera

  • Air Manis - a charming fishing village close to Padang and on the southerly side of the Sungai Batang Arau river. The nearby dark sandy beach is the top attraction that Air Manis has to offer.
  •  Bukittinggi - a market town surrounded by a very verdant volcanic landscape, with a scenic background comprising the mountains of Merapi, Sago and Singgalang. The tourist strip in Bukittinggi is based around the Jalan Ahmad Yani. Attractions in Bukittinggi include the Pasar Atas market, the Benteng Fort (Benteng de Kock), the Taman Bundo Kandung Zoo, the Japanese Caves (Gua Jepang), the Big Clock Tower (Jam Gadang) and the Taman Panorama, which has breathtaking vistas across the Sianok Canyon (Ngarai Sianok). Further sightseeing options around Bukittinggi are available and include the handicraft villages of Koto Gadang and Pandai Sikat, the Batang Palupuh Nature Reserve, the Lembah Anai Nature Reserve, the Gunung Merapi volcano, and the village of Silinduang, where the Rumah Gadang Pagaruyung (King's Palace)is to be found. 
  •  Danau Maninjau - an awesome and very photogenic lake, with jaw-dropping mountain scenery and endless vantage points.
  • Harau Valley - a tiny village encircled by green rice paddies and areas of jungle to the north-east of Payakumbuh. The Harau Valley is where the much-visited Lamba Harau waterfalls are to be found. Gibbons can often be heard howling in the neighbouring jungle.
  • Kerinci Valley - an area of extreme natural beauty, lying within the Bukit Barisan and alongside the westerly border of Jambi. Attractions in the Kerinci Valley include the tea plantations at the Kayo Aro Estate, the village of Kersik Tua, the town of Sungaipenuh, and also the vast Kirinci Seblat National Park, which is Sumatra's biggest and home to the Gunung Kerinci volcano, the lakes of Danau Gunung Tujuh and Danau Kerinci, and the Sengering Caves - including the Gua Tiangko.
  • Mentawai Islands - an island chain which had virtually no contact with the outside world until the 20th century and believed to have been separated from mainland Sumatra some 500,000 years ago. Siberut is the biggest of the Mentawai Islands and the most densely populated, and is now classed as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, with the westerly side of the island being dominated by the Siberut National Park. The Mentawai Islands is famed for both its exceptional surf breaks and also its sizeable primate population, including groups of rare black-and-yellow Siamang Kerdil monkeys. 
  • Padang - a large and modern city with a population of around 900,000 people, with good ongoing transportation connections to destinations such as Jakarta,Kuala Lumpur Malaysia and Singapore. Central Padang is relatively compact and easy to get around, with some interesting attractions based within its historical Old Quarter, along the Jalan Batang Arau. Close by and on the Jalan Diponegoro, look out for the Adityawarman Museum, and the Taman Budaya Cultural Centre, or take a stroll along the beachfront promenade and enjoy the views. Padang is also a good starting point for excursions to the Mentawai Islands and the Pantai Bungus beach.



Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Sulawesi Dancing

GandrangBulo originally just a simple dance similar to folk dances without a layout themotion raw style of the royal palace. This dance is a dance typical Makassar tothe accompaniment of gendang beat and violins, rang merrily along with typicalsong Makassar like Sumbang Kacayya. Besides easy danced, dance supplies arealso fairly simple, just use a small bamboo. Some dancers use two pieces ofbamboo about the size of seven inches, clipped in such a way between hisfingers, then ditetakkan until delivery noise is very distinctive yetsuggestive. Half the other dancers bring two pieces of bamboo which has beendeliberately broken and chopped on the edges. When the bamboo strips arepitted, then the sound will be "prapak pak pak pak, pak pak pakprapak", the sound that evokes adrenaline dancers and spectators

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Aceh

  • Banda Aceh- the provincial capital with a population now exceeding 200,000 inhabitants, divided into two main regions by the Sungai Krueng Aceh river. There really are tourist attractions and landmarks galore in Banda Aceh, such as the gleaming Mesjid Raya Baiturrahman (Baiturrahman Mosque), the remains of Gunongan, the Dutch cemetery of Kherkhof, the lively Pasar Aceh Central Market, various Tsunami landmarks, and the acclaimed Museum Negeri Banda Aceh. At night, the colourful Pasar Malam Rek food market is not to be missed and is based on the corner of the Jalan Khairil Anwar and the Jalan Ahman Yani. 
  • Banyak Islands - a group of around 100 mainly uninhabited islands, which sit roughly 30 km / 19 miles to the west of Singkil. Literally translated as the 'Many Islands', the Banyaks are around a four-hour boat trip from Singkil's port. Accommodation is available on just a few of the Banyak Islands, such as Balai, Palambak Kecil, Panjang, Rangit Besar and Ujung Batu.
  • Gayo Highlands - with stunning mountain panoramas and large areas of countryside and fields. The attractions within the Gayo Highlands all tend to be natural and include the Buffalo Caves (Loyang Koro) and the Simpang Balik hot spring, close to the town of Takengon. Blangkejeran is another notable town here and is well placed for guided tours of nearby local Sumatran villages. Gunung Leuser National Park - a diverse forest and world-famous national park. 
  • The Gunung Leuser National Park contains an immense array of Indonesian flora and fauna, including many endangered animals, such as elephants, orangutans, rhinos, tigers and more besides. Primates are more widespread in the park and it is quite likely that you will encounter the Thomas Leaf Monkey, which sports a crest and white front. The Alas Valley is where most tourists head, particularly to the village of Gurah, where outdoor attractions and countless different jungle trek packages are on offer.
  • Lampuuk / Lhok Nga - popular coastal destinations located on the westerly coast of Aceh, with glorious beaches and simple accommodation.
  • Pulau Simeulue - an isolated island lying approximately 150 km / 93 miles to the west of Tapaktuan, with dense rainforests and coconut plantations. The island of Pulau Simeulue is rarely frequented by tourists, although the surfing opportunities here are renowned, especially at the Baneng Beach Retreat.
  • Pulau Weh - an attractive island, with an interesting village and first-rate beaches, at Iboih and Gapang. Sabang is the main township of Pulau Weh and also serves as a port. Attractions around Sabang come in the form of the Pantai Kasih, the Pantai Paridiso and the Pantai Sumur Tiga beaches. 
  • Tapaktuan - a sleepy and relaxed seaside resort which is located around 200 km / 124 miles to the south of Meulaboh, where it is the principal town within South Aceh. The majority of sights to see in Tapaktuan reside along its coastal road of Jalan Merdeka. Outside of Tapaktuan, innumerable attractions offer themselves to tourists, such as the Kluet part of the Gunung Leuser National Park, the beaches of Pantai Air Dingin and Pantai Tui Lhok, the Dark Cave (Gua Kelam), and the port of Singkil, which is the departure point for the Banyak Islands and Pulau Simeulue.


Friday, July 23, 2010

Bengkulu

  • Bengkulu - the provincial capital, with a population of approximately 400,000 residents. The city of Bengkulu offers many coastal attractions, with its historical Benteng Marlborough fortress overlooking the Indian Ocean and being much photographed by tourists and day trippers, as well as the Bung Karno Mosque (Mesjid Jamik). Pantai Panjang is the main beach in Bengkulu, while for reminders of the strong British influences in the past, check out the Thomas Parr Monument and the Inggris Monument.
  •  Northern Bengkulu - offering a host of attractions along the coast road, the Jalan Manusurai Pantai, which heads in a northerly direction between Bengkulu and Padang. Towns of note within the Northern Bengkulu region include Curup, Ipuh, Lais and Mukomuko, while the Gunung Kaba volcano is also likely to be of interest and features two smouldering craters and is encompassed by a lush rainforest jungle.
  •  Pulau Enggano - an isolated island sited around 100 km / 62 miles from southerly Bengkulu, covering around 675 square kilometres / 260 square miles. Whilst facilities for tourists are relatively nonexistent, there are some gorgeous beaches with good snorkelling opportunities. The main harbour on Pulau Enggano is Malakoni.

East Kalimantan

Gantar Dancing
This dance comes from Dayak Benuaq andTonyooi tribes. This dance is known as a social dance among the youth and alsoa welcome dance. This dance describes gladness and joy in plant paddies/rice.Gantar is a cut of bamboo which is filled with paddies/rice seeds and a longstick named "asek" to make holes to plant paddies/rice.

It also describes a graceful of Dayaktribes to welcome the guests who come to East Kalimantan as tourists orinvestors or the other respected guests then they will be inviting to partaketo dance. The clothes which the dancers use named Ulap "Doyo", realclothes of Dayak Benuaq tribe that taken from doyo fibres. 

Kancet Tebengang Madang
which in Indonesian means EnggangTerbang Dance (Hornbill Flies Dance). This dance comes from Dayak Kenyah tribewhich describe about their transferred from Apau Kayan by disseminating to allof the areas in East Kalimantan to find the better life. 

The Hornbills always follow its leader'scommand, and so do the Dayak Kenyah people. Hornbill also represents a symbolof peace. This dance starts with “lemaloq” which is an idyll in Dayak Kenyahlanguage that represents a story about their journey. This dance is brought gracefullyby the Dayak girls like the Hornbills that fly. 

Hudog Dancing 
This dance comes from Dayak Bahau andModang tribe that represents a dance to chase away the crop pests or bad/evilspirit. Usually, the dancers wear the scary mask to chase away the crop pestsand the bad spirit.

Kancet Hudog Aban 
This dance comes from Dayak Kenyahtribe. Same with the Dayak Bahau tribe, this dance is also meant to chase awaythe crop pests and bad/evil spirit which annoying. The difference is just themasks that wore by the dancers, and the dancers from Hudoq Aban are women thatwear a veil of beads (Aban).

Belian Bawo Dancing
Belian is one of the cultures of theDayak Dayak Benuaq Tonyooi and tribes to cure ill people. There are many Belianso there are many costumes, moves and music that this dance that follow suitwith the aims of Belian itself. “Pemelian” or shamans act as Mediators amongpeople and the evil / bad spirit in treats the ill people. 

Kancet Pepatai Dancing 
Kancet Pepatai is a dance from DayakKenyah tribe. It describes about the brave men (Ajai) from Dayak Kenyah tribein war. This dance tells about the beginning of war until the given titleceremony for the Ajai which have succeeded to won the war. 

Leleng Dancing
Leleng in Kenyah Ianguage means to turnaround (to and fro). There is Utan Along (a name of a motherless girl) whohesitates because of her lover went and didn't come yet. Turn around means ofher hesitating. Just like a hesitate people that usual to and fro, and then sodo with Utan Along. That's why it names Leleng Dance. This Dance starts withthe song of Leleng which tells about the Utan Along's story. 

Ngelawai Dancing 
Thisdance accompanies by “Rendete” music, a typical music of Dayak Tonyoi-Benuaqtribes. This dance brings by beautiful girls that wears a long shawl and dancegracefully. This dance usually brought as a welcome dance.


Thursday, July 22, 2010

Selampit Delapan Dancing

Selampit Delapan Dance is a traditionaldance originating from the province of Jambi. This dance was first introducedby M. Ceylon when on duty at the Jambi Provincial Culture Department in the1970’s. Men born in Padang Sidempuan July 7, 1941 has exceptional talent in thearts, especially dance. As a good personal, friendly, and energetic makes himeasy to adapt to local culture and environment. More activities in the field ofculture struggling to make himself successfully captures the deepest messagesof the community association which is processed into a work of art calledSelampit Delapan Dance. In development, the dance was later determined to beone of the typical dances of Jambi Province. 

 Dance association was first playedby eight people using the wick stove as much as 8 rope tied to or hung in theattic. Ceylon dance named with the name “Selampit Delapan Dance” which refersto 8 straps that are used in the dance. Ceylon friend named O.K. Hendrik thensuggested to replace the wick stove with a scarf so that played dance lookedmore appealing. The proposal was approved by the Ceylon, so that in any eventstaging Dance Eight braid, scarf used as a medium of dance until now. 

By M. Ceylon, Dance braid was firstintroduced to glue the association relationship antarpemuda. Through the mediumof dance, the atmosphere of intimacy antarpemuda can be developed well. Everymovement in this dance describes the cohesiveness, and solidarity that is theguidance in daily life. In Selampit Delapan Dance contained a message about themeaning of an association, that association is based on good faith, mutualrespect, and behaved wisely. Surely this view is inseparable from thephilosophy of community life Jambi uphold the values of faith as a cornerstonein each interaction.

Selampit Delapan Dance lots shown onparty activities, like party and promotion of indigenous culture. At the partyactivities, dance is featured in the great days contained in the City and theProvince of Jambi, such as the conferment of degrees indigenous heritage, theAnniversary of Jambi, which fell in May, the Anniversary (HUT) in JambiProvince in January, and party Jambi community in commemorating the Anniversaryof Independence of the Republic of Indonesia (RI), which falls on August 17.Dancing With the braid Eight servings, activity is expected to be more festiveparty. On a large scale, this dance is displayed in cultural activities bothlocally and nationally outside Jambi Province. Dance is not uncommon even braidEight displayed as one of the media campaign Nusantara culture abroad. 

In Selampit Delapan Dance spectators canwatch the graceful movements that are served by the dancers. The dance openedwith a squat movement and play while you deliver to greet obeisance to theaudience as respect. This has become one characteristic of the Malay dances.The dancers perform the movement regards as a tribute to the audience of hiswillingness witnessed the dance offerings from start to finish. 

After delivering the greeting ofrespect, the dance continued with the core movement. Each dancer immediatelytakes the scarf that hung to further prepare for the core motion. They thenformed a circle before making a rotary motion. Slowly one by one from thedancers spin to knit a scarf, this movement is done in turns with gracefulmovements, so the scarf coalesce into a beautiful winding. After a nice blendwith the scarf, the dance movement followed by opening a knitted scarf. Hismovements were performed exactly like the early movements when making knitting.After the knitting is finished loading, then the position of the dancers backto form a circle formation scarf while playing with a regular motion andcarried to completion until the scarf back open as usual. 

Interesting dance movements increases withthe composition of colorful clothes and scarves are worn by dancers. Thedancers, amounting to 8 people (4 pairs) appear with the composition ofcolorful clothes, like blue, yellow, red, and pink scarf with a matching color.Assorted colors are beautiful looks combined with typical Malay Jambi wovensarong made of gold-embroidered silk used as a belt.

Eight dance braid can be found in thecity of Jambi, Jambi Province, Indonesia. Usually the dance featured in Jambicommunity cultural activities, such as cultural party, anniversary of the cityof Jambi, Jambi Province, as well as the Anniversary of RI. 

To get to the city of Jambi journey canbe reached by using public transportation (metro mini), taxi, or private car.If using public transportation (public transportation), the trip can be startedfrom the Sultan Taha Airport Syaifuddin proceed to Telanai Pura Jambi, Jambicity which also became the capital city of Jambi province with about 15 minutestravel time. 

Fortourists from outside the city who want to linger in the city of Jambi towitness the Dance of Eight braid, can stay at the hotel are numerous in thecity. In addition, along the road in the city of Jambi, there are manyrestaurants and restaurants serving variety of dishes typical of Jambi Malay.


Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Gending Sriwijaya Dancing

This dance was held to welcome thespecial guests who visit the area, such as the head of the Republic of Indonesia,the cabinet minister, head of state / government of the state, minister,ambassador or which is considered equivalent to that.To welcome the guests washeld a magnificent traditional dances is one of Sriwijaya gending, this dancecomes from the heyday of empire Sriwijaya in Palembang, which reflects theattitude host a friendly, cheerful and happy, sincere and open to guests whoare special.Sriwijaya dance gending held a 9 dancers young and beautifulclothes ber of Adat Aesan Gede, Selendang Mantri, paksangkong, Dodot andTanggai. They are the core of the dancers be under guard two other dancersbring an umbrella and spear. Are behind the singer is once gending Sriwijaya.

However, at this time the role of performers and music this train is more replacedtape recorder. In the form of original music suite consists of gamelan andgong. The role of guards are sometimes eliminated, especially if it be dance orstage in the building is closed. In front of the dancers take it as a Forewordto be devoted to the special guests who came, accompanied the two dancers whobring pridon made of brass. The Foreword is originally only done by girls king,sultan, or noble. Pridon bearer is usually familiar wet nurse or the nursedaughter. Thus the other dancers, dancers.

To welcome the guests was held amagnificent traditional dances is one of Sriwijaya gending, this dance comesfrom the heyday of empire Sriwijaya in Palembang, which reflects the attitudehost a friendly, cheerful and happy, sincere and open to guests who arespecial.Sriwijaya dance gending held a 9 dancers young and beautiful clothesber of Adat Aesan Gede, Selendang Mantri, paksangkong, Dodot and Tanggai. Theyare the core of the dancers be under guard two other dancers bring an umbrellaand spear. Are behind the singer is once gending Sriwijaya.However, at thistime the role of performers and music this train is more replaced taperecorder. In the form of original music suite consists of gamelan andgong. 

Therole of guards are sometimes eliminated, especially if it be dance or stage inthe building is closed. In front of the dancers take it as a Foreword to bedevoted to the special guests who came, accompanied the two dancers who bringpridon made of brass. The Foreword is originally only done by girls king,sultan, or noble. Pridon bearer is usually familiar wet nurse or the nursedaughter. Thus the other dancers, dancers.

Nias Island

  • Bawomataluo - the most well-known and accessible of all the southerly villages on the island of Pulau Nias, and perched rather precariously upon a hillside. Tourism has recently arrived in Bawomataluo and souvenir sellers will likely compete for your business. The views of nearby Orihili's rooftops are quite impressive, as are the occasional war dances and stone jumping performances. 
  • Botohili - a small and appealing hillside village situated on the peninsula of Pantai Lagundri. Rows of traditional houses make up the landscape of Botohili, while close by, Hilimaeta and Lagundri are also worth a look. 
  • Gomo- lying within the central highlands and close to a number of traditional village attractions. The Gomo area is perhaps best known for its ancient menhir monoliths and stone carvings, which are reputed to date back more than 3,000 years and are to be found in Lahusa Idanotae, Tetegewo and Tundrumbaho.
  • Hilinawalo Mazingo- a remote village with one main attraction, the Chieftan's House (Omo Hada), which is used as a meeting place for no less than seven surrounding villages. Pantai Sorake / Teluk Lagundri- located alongside Lagundri Bay and famed for its strong waves, perfect for keen surfers. At the beach of Pantai Sorake, the surfing season falls between June and October.

  • Teluk Dalam- a hectic port town, which features a good choice of shops and banks, and handy connections to outlying beaches.


Saturday, July 17, 2010

West Sumatera Dancing

  • It is a tradition in Minangkabau to welcome honorable guests or to open a traditional event by presenting "Sirih Leaves" in a special container called a "Carano". It symbolizes a request to allow the ceremony to take place and asks a blessing form the guest as the activities begin. It is performed in a special dance called " Tari Pasambahan" or "Welcome Dance".

Manggaro Dance 

  •  There is a unique way people in some villages chase away the birds so as to remove their weariness and boredom while in the rice fields. They make various movements and clik pieces of bamboo in their hands, while singing or shouting together. By the way they hope the birds will go away while the farmers are enjoying themselves. 

Urak Simpuah Dance 

  • There is a popular proverb in Minangkabau "Duduak bapamenan, tagak baparintang" which means that one should have something to do while sitting or standing. The movements of this dance show several activities done daily women at home. The basic movements are adopted form "Mulo pado" dance, which is a very old dance originating form Luhak Nan Tuo, the ancient name give to the area of Tanah datar regency, which is well known as the center of the old Minangkabau Kingdom. 

Tingkah Adoh Dance

  • Adok is kind of percussion instrument like tambourine though is bigger in size. It is commonly used to accompany Minangkabau folk song. In this dance the adok are rhythmically beaten by the dancers to accompany the dynamic movements of the dance. 
Plate Dance on Broken Glass 

  • This dance describes how farmers cultivate their wet rice-field or sawah beginning from digging the land, ploughing, planting , harvesting, taking the crop home, until pounding the rice. When the farmers get a successful crop, they will enjoy themselves in a cheerful festivity. Every body has the chance to demonstrate whatever special proficiency he or she has jumping and dancing on the glass fragments symbolically means that men who are honest have to bravely face all risks. Plates in Minangkabau symbolize property and the happiness of a home. 

Sewah Dance The movements

  • of this dance are based on the acts and movement of the traditional Minangkabau self-defence which is called "Pencak Silat". The dynamic music and movement of the dance reflects how optimistic and energetic the Minangkabau people are in facting the various challenges of life, especially when they are away from home. The used of Sewah or long knife is used in the dance.

Rambun Pamenan 

  • Rambun Pamenan is an old tale which is popular among Minangkabau people. Rambun Pamenan was a brave and honest young man who had once to fight for a beautiful girl. The girl's ring was stolen by some naughty boys when she and her sisters were playing together. As she could not go back home without her ring, her sisters had left her alone, while the naughty boys still played around her and teased her. Eventually, Rambun Pamenan appears and fight the boys. He wins the fight and gives back the girl's ring.

Pencak Silat 

  • Silat is the term for the arts of self-defence. The Silat of Minangkabau is very original, as all movements seen in nature, in accordance with the philosophy of Minangkabau " Alam Takambang jadi Guru " which means Nature is the Teacher. No movements are taken from other self-defence arts such as Kungfu, Karate,Taekwondo, and so on. Names are given to some movements of Minangkabau silat like " Kuciang Bagaluik " which means Cat Game and "Tangkok Harimau" or tiger catching etc.
Indang Dance

  • Indang or Rebana is the local name for a small tambourine. The use of Indang in the traditional dance of West Sumatra shows that there is an influence of Islamic culture on the original Minangkabau's culture. Islam culture was brought to Minangkabau, West Sumatra by merchants from Arabia and Persia simultaneously with the coming of Islamic teaching to this country in the 14th century. All the dancer commonly become absorbed in their dynamic movements while beating the Indang so as give rhythm to the movements and the song. They sing together along with dance. All the words of the song are usually about the history of the prophet Muhammad or advice according to Islam teaching. Now a days the also give general advice. 
Umbrella Dance

  • Bendi is the local name for two wheel horse drawn cart which can take 3 to 4 passengers. This old fashioned vehicle is very popular for short distance transportation on villages as well as in towns. It is a custom for a newly married couple to visit their close relatives or to go to picnic places for the pleasure for e few days the wedding. The use Bendi as the Have to Pass small paths in villages. This dance descry ibes a newly married couple and their companions go to Sunga Tanang a scenic place for a honeymoon, locates on the slopes of mount Merapi near Bukittinggi. The umbrella is a symbol of the protection given by the bridegroom to his new bride.
Selendang Dance

  • Selandang is kind of shawl. This dance is usually done by youngsters at a party or feast just for pleasure. Wearing a shawl, and Malay style dress does not mean that the dance is influenced by the Malay culture. It is an original Minangkabau dance for the Minangkabau tribe and it is said to originate from the Malay race. Also the music accompanying the dance resembles Malay music
Ragam Andalas Dance 

  • This is a combination of various dances from different parts of Sumatra which is also known as Andalas Island. It starts with a traditional dance from Aceh, and then goes to East Sumatra or Deli, Tapanuli, Riau, West Sumatra, Jambi, South Sumatra, and finally ends with dance from Lampung a province at the very tip of South Sumatra. The dance done by boys and girls in pairs is very energetic, and dynamic in nature.


Friday, July 16, 2010

Bandar Lampung

  • Bandar Lampung- enjoying an elevated setting and great views across Teluk Lampung. Bandar Lampung is the region's largest city, Sumatra's fourth biggest, and also serves as the administrative capital. Attractions in Bandar Lampung are in reasonable supply and tourists will find that the most visited include the Krakatau Monument and the Lampung Provincial Museum. 
  • Gunung Krakatau - known to many as Mount Krakatoa, this volcano is perhaps the most famous on the planet. The eruptions of theKrakatoa volcano have been well documented. Today, visitors can take a boat trip around the island and only imagine the spewing lava, clouds of ash, and the devastation that this volcano has been responsible for. Kalianda - a peaceful and charming small town, with good vistas of Teluk Lampung, which is situated around 30 km / 19 miles away and to the north. Just a short excursion from Kalianda is a selection of pristine beaches and characterful fishing villages.
  • Kalianda has now become a popular weekend break destination with Jakarta locals looking for an alternative to Bali. Also close to Kalianda is the Gunung Rajabasa volcano, Wartawan Beach and its hot springs, and the islands of Pulau Sebesi and Pulau Sebuku, both of which boast great swimming and snorkelling opportunities.
  • Way Kambas National Park - a vast reserve and one of Indonesia's oldest national parks, with groups of Sumatran elephants, small numbers of the endangered Sumatran rhinos and tigers. Visitors to the Way Kambas National Park are able to join safaris, where you are led through the tropical foliage on the back of a friendly elephant. Alternatively, you can take a canoe down the meandering Sungai Way Kana, passing various riverside attractions and guest houses along the way.


Riau

  • Dumai - a bustling port, with ferries regularly departing for Melaka (Malaysia) three times each day. From Dumai, ferries also travel to and from Pulau Batam, Pulau Bintan and Jakarta.
  • Natuna Islands - an isolated group of islands, which are quite tricky to actually reach. The Natuna Islands are most famous for their basket-weave cloth, as well as their displays of traditional dancing. Pulau Natuna Besar is one of the more interesting of the Natuna Islands. 
  • Pekanbaru - a busy, modern city, which has become the wealthy oil capital of Indonesia. Pekanbaru's population is now close to 800,000 people and facilities here are excellent, with banks, shops, restaurants and hotels lining the main thoroughfare of Jalan Sudirman. Also most tourists come to Pekanbaru for its good ferry connections with Singapore and there are a handful of notable attractions, such as the Malay exhibits at the Balai Adat Daerah Riau, the 18th-century Grand Mosque (Mesjid Raya), and the seasonal performances and events at the Riau Cultural Park. 
  • Riau Islands - spread across the South China Sea and numbering around 700 in total The Riau Islands tend to be regarded as quite separate to Sumatra, with both the islands of Pulau Batam and Pulau Bintan being so close to Singapore that they are almost suburbs. Other noteworthy islands within the Riau archipelago include those of Anambas, Karimun, Lingga, Natuna, Penuba, Singkep and also Tambelan