A Piece of Soekarno History in Bengkulu

Soekarno's Exiled Residence

     Soekarno, born as Kusno Sosrodihardjo (6 June 1901 – 21 June 1970). Soekarno or was also known as “Bung Karno”, was a prominent leader of Indonesian’s nationalist movement during the Dutch colonial period, who later became the first president of the Republic of Indonesia (from 1945 to 1967). He was exiled to Bengkulu by the Dutch during the struggles against Dutch colonial rule from February 1938 until released by the invading Japanese forces in 1942. In Bengkulu, he met his wife, Fatmawati, who gave him several children. The most famous being the first female President of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarno Puteri. The house in which he lived in during his imprisonment is well maintained in its original form as a museum. The house is quite spacious and has a wide yard, located on Jalan Soekarno Hatta Anggut Atas Bengkulu about 1 kilometer from downtown, or 2 kilometers from Fort Marlborough. Exhibits include Soekarno’s properties such as a wardrobe, two beds, some black and white photos of Soekarno, reverence books and drama costumes, even Soekarno’s trusty bicycle, etc. A visit to this house of exile, offers visitors a better glimpse into Soekarno's life. 

Entrance fee Rp. 2,500; open daily 8 a.m – 6 p.m

Jamik mosque

   During his imprisonment by the Dutch in Bengkulu, Soekarno who was an architect, redesigned and renovated an old simple mosque (which established in 18th century) who later known as Masjid Jamik (Jamik Mosque). The mosque is frequently associated with the figure of Soekarno. The best time to visit the mosque is during Friday afternoon prayers, when the entire building is filled with people. The people who pray at the mosque are easygoing and hospitable to visitors. The Jamik mosque is located on Jl. Sudirman, nearby Suprapto shopping center between Splash hotel and Samudera Dwinka hotel, and it is a noted landmark in the city now. No entrance fee. 

* Jl. is abbreviation of jalan which in English means street or road, sometimes written as jln

* Location: Bengkulu, Sumatra, Indonesia

Responsible Tourism

Generating greater economic benefits for local people

Responsible tourism is regarded as a behaviour. It is more than a form of tourism as it represents an approach to engaging with tourism, be that as a tourist, a business, locals at a destination or any other tourism stakeholder. It emphasizes that all stakeholders are responsible for the kind of tourism they develop or engage in. Whilst different groups will see responsibility in different ways, the shared understanding is that responsible tourism should entail an improvement in tourism. Tourism should become ‘better’ as a result of the responsible tourism approach.

Within the notion of betterment resides the acknowledgement that conflicting interests need to be balanced. However, the objective is to create better places for people to live in and to visit. Importantly, there is no blueprint for responsible tourism: what is deemed responsible may differ depending on places and cultures. Responsible Tourism is an aspiration that can be realized in different ways in different originating markets and in the diverse destinations of the world (Goodwin, 2002).

Focusing in particular on businesses, according to the Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism, it will have the following characteristics:

• minimises negative economic, environmental, and social impacts
• generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry
• involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
• makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, to the maintenance of the world’s diversity
• provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
• provides access for people with disabilities and
• is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.

Sustainable tourism is where tourists can enjoy their holiday and at the same time respect the culture of people and also respect the environment. It also means that local people (such as the Masaai) get a fair say about tourism and also receive some money from the profit which the game reserve make. The environment is being damaged quite a lot by tourists and part of Sustainable tourism is to make sure that the damaging does not carry on.

There are many private companies who are working into embracing the principles and aspects of Responsible Tourism, some for the purpose of Corporate Social Responsibility activities, and others such WorldHotel-Link, which was originally a project of the International Finance Corporation, have built their entire business model around responsible tourism, local capacity building and increasing market access for small and medium tourism enterprises.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_tourism#Responsible_tourism

Curup - A Town With a Feast of Flora

This post has been updated on October 10th, 2018   

Foggy Peak of Mount Kaba

Curup is a small cool hill town in Bengkulu province famous for its beautiful mountain scenery and coffee growing areas. Coffees from Curup are famous for their rich, full bodied coffees with "earthy flavors". It is located in Rejang Lebong district, in the foothills of Bukit Barisan, 80 km (49.7 miles) from the city of Bengkulu  or halfway between the city of Bengkulu and Lubuk Linggau. It has a population of 28,173 inhabitants (97% are Moslems) with a population density of 7,132 inhabitants per square kilometer (census population 2010). In many areas both Curup and Rejang Lebong district, broad green valleys separate the mountains. Thick forests cover much of the Curup's land. Curup can be reached by numerous connections to/from Bengkulu and Lubuk Linggau.

Curup is a cool base for visits to the attractions of the surrounding mountains, including volcanic Gunung Kaba, 19km (11.8 miles) east of town, which has two large smoldering craters surrounded by thick rainforest. It has also many fine traditional stilted wooden houses of the Rejang people. The hot springs and waterfalls can be found in the villages around Curup.

It’s difficult to change money in Curup, so bring enough rupiah to see you through. But it is possible to get a cash advance on Visa or MasterCard from the BCA bank (Jl. Merdeka 151). In most parts of Bengkulu province, the rainy season falls between October and April. Rain tends to come in sudden tropical downpours, but it can also rain nonstop for a whole day (peaking from December to January), so come prepared.

Local Transport

The common Indonesian means of transport such as angkot (public city transport), ojek  (motorcycle riders who take passengers), and becak (pedicab) are available in many places in Curup. Most angkots serve a standard route, picking up and dropping off people anywhere along the route, angkot fare is Rp. 4,000 (about US$ 0.26) per person. You can find Ojeks at Curup bus station, traditional markets, and around crossroads. An ojek can take you around the town, or can take you where no other public transport exists. The base rate for an ojek is Rp. 5,000 (about US$ 0.33) per person for a short distance. Becaks (pedicab) serve a short distance only and they can be found at around the back streets, becak fare is Rp. 5,000 – Rp.7,000 (about US$ 0.33 - 0.46). It is wise to ask someone, such as your hotel employee or the locals, about the normal fare before you get on any local transport, otherwise see how much the other passengers pay and offer the exact fare.

Packing Tips For Your Hiking Trip (Oct & Apr) 

Mt. Kaba Trekking 

• Luggage and bags: Locks for your luggage to protect your important item & travel documents from theft. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 
• Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: In most part of Sumatra, the wet season falls from October to April, the wettest months are January and February that can make travel more difficult. The weather is still hot and more humid in the coastal areas, but at higher elevations tend to be cooler. On January to February rains can come in sudden tropical downpours, and or it can also rain nonstop for a whole day. Bring plenty of socks to wear while wearing shoes, folding umbrella, a light waterproof rain jacket (heavy plastic raincoat might be too warm for the humid tropics), long pants and/or jeans, shorts, T-shirts, flip flops. 
• Toiletries and Medical Supplies: First Aid Kit, anti Malarial tablets, analgesic pills, Antihistamine pills for any allergic reactions, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper for the eventual emergency, and anti-bacterial gel for use afterwards.
• Photo Equipment: Bring extra batteries and SD cards, in case you go someplace where you can’t buy replacement stocks. Zip locks bags for use in protecting your camera equipment, travel documents, etc. It’s good to bring a transformer or adapter if your devices don’t play nice with the local electricity.
• Camping/Outdoor Gear: Flashlight, mosquito repellent, pack at least two bottles of water per day.

Curup is also famous for its coffee growing area

 Photos by: Adriansyah Putera, Jeff Clairmont and Peter Kimball

Kabawetan Tea Plantation and Hill Resort

Cool and quiet lush hillsides of Kabawetan

Last updated April 28th, 2018

    Getting off the beaten path and exploring Kepahiang’s green resorts. Feeling the cool air off green topography at the quiet lush hillsides of Kabawetan region. Kabawetan occupies green ridges on the slopes of Bukit Barisan mountain range, offers panoramic views and scenic walks. The walk through Kabawetan tea plantation is pleasant and safe, but conditions on the trail are basic – there are simple shelters, but some are almost abandoned. It is located 6 km (3.7 miles) from the city of Kepahiang. 

    Kabawetan can be visited as a day trip from Bengkulu city since the provincial capital is only two hours away. Hiring a car and driver (the average rates start from Rp. 350,000 or about US$ 25.29 per day, which exclude fuel) is an easy way to explore Kabawetan and its remote sights.  Allow yourself at least half a day to enjoy Kabawetan tea plantation and hill resort. This is one of the most fertile regions in Sumatra and also well worth a visit. Admission free; open from 7 am to 5 pm. 

    There aren't any real restaurants around Kabawetan hill resort and most visitors end up having meals and drinks in warung (simple food stall), so come prepared!

More Photos

Green hillsides of Kabawetan

Kabawetan scenic walk

Rice paddies near Kabawetan

Photos by Adriansyah Putera and Loparedo

Kepahiang, an Ocean of Green Topography

Lapangan Santoso - Kepahiang

Last updated: February 2nd 2017

Kepahiang, a cool relaxed district, with its capital of the same name under Hidayattullah Sjahid administration. It covers an area of 665 sq km (257 sq mi) and has a population of 125,011 people, about 183 people per sq km, and 97% of Kepahiang people are Moslems (population census 2010). Time zone: Western Indonesia Time (UTC+7). Bukit Barisan mountain range is Kepahiang’s backbone which runs most of the length of Kepahiang territory. Most people of Kepahiang who live in the shadow of Bukit Barisan mountain range are farmers and traders. There are some fine examples of traditional Rejang Kepahiang architecture in the villages around Kepahiang. Most of the houses are more than 50 years old, most are in good condition.

Kepahiang has an ocean of green topography that dominates every extensive view, and fills the land of Rejang Kepahiang with marvelous flora and fauna. Rafflesia arnoldii, the largest flower on the planet, and Amorphophallus titanium (locally known as Kibut) the tallest flower on the planet, can be found in some parts of nature conservation in Kepahiang district. Thick rain forests host many kinds of birds and monkeys that swing in the tree tops. It is great to walk around the fertile rice paddies in the green countryside around Kepahiang. Don’t miss lake Suro, Kabawetan tea plantation and hill resort which offer panoramic views and scenic walks. Many of tourist attractions in Kepahiang are off the beaten track, but while they will take some extra time to get to, they are well worth searching out.

Kepahiang also offers awesome jungle treks

Please come prepared! In Kepahiang, the rainy season usually falls between October and April. Rain tends to come in sudden tropical downpours, but it can also rain nonstop for a whole day (peaking from January to February).

Kepahiang can be reached by numerous connections to/from Bengkulu (Rp. 25,000), Curup, Lubuk Linggau and Palembang.

LOCAL TRANSPORT

Becak

The common Indonesian means of transport such as angkot (public city transport), ojek (motorcycle riders who take passengers), and becak (pedicab) are available in many places in Kepahiang. Most angkots serve a standard route, picking up and dropping off people anywhere along the route, angkot fare starts from Rp. 4,000 per person (applied April 2016). You can find ojeks at the Kepahiang market or around the crossroads. An ojek can take you around the town, or can take you where no other public transport exists. The base rate for an ojek is Rp. 4,000 per person for a short distance. Becaks (pedicab) serve a short distance only and they can be found at around the back streets, becak fare is Rp. 3,000 – Rp.6,000.

Beware local transport rip off. One of the most common ways of getting ripped off involves taking local transportation. To avoid getting ripped off by angkot drivers or ojek guys, it is wise to ask someone such as your hotel employee or the locals, about the normal fare before you get on any local transport, otherwise see how much the other passengers pay and offer the exact fare.

Packing Tips For Your Kepahiang Hiking Trip (Rainy season Oct - Apr) 

• Luggage and bags: Locks for your luggage to protect your important item & travel documents from theft. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 
• Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: In most part of Sumatra, the wet season falls from October to April, the wettest months are January and February that can make travel more difficult. The weather is still hot and more humid in the coastal areas, but at higher elevations tend to be cooler. On January to February rains can come in sudden tropical downpours, and or it can also rain nonstop for a whole day. Bring plenty of socks to wear while wearing shoes, folding umbrella, a light waterproof rain jacket (heavy plastic raincoat might be too warm for the humid tropics), long pants and/or jeans, shorts, T-shirts, flip flops.
• Toiletries and Medical Supplies: First Aid Kit, anti Malarial tablets, analgesic pills, Antihistamine pills for any allergic reactions, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper for the eventual emergency, and anti-bacterial gel for use afterwards.
• Photo Equipment: Bring extra batteries and SD cards, in case you go someplace where you can’t buy replacement stocks. Zip locks bags for use in protecting your camera equipment, travel documents, etc. It’s good to bring a transformer or adapter if your devices don’t play nice with the local electricity.
• Camping/Outdoor Gear: Flashlight, mosquito repellent, pack at least two bottles of water per day.

Related posts:

Kabawetan Tea Plantation and Hill Resort

Lake Suro Offers Scenic Places to Paddle and Explore

Tips for Traveling on Rainy Sumatra Days

Driving Safely on Rainy Sumatra Days

More photos from Kepahiang: 

Lake Suro at sunset

Seeing Rafflesia arnoldii

Fresh fruit stalls in Tebat Monok - Kepahiang

Amorphophallus titanium (locally known as Kibut) the tallest flower on the planet

Photos by: Adriansyah Putera, Shirley Adriansyah

Lake Dendam Tak Sudah

Lake Dendam Tak Sudah - Bengkulu

Last updated: February 2nd 2017

This small lake is located within the Dendam Tak Sudah nature preserve around 8 km (5 miles) of the Bengkulu city center. Dendam Tak Sudah nature preserve covers an area of 5.8 sq km, at an altitude of 15 m. The lake is surrounded by views of both Bukit Barisan mountains and countryside. It is home for rare water orchid called “Vanda Hookeriana” which also known as pencil orchid, and other unique floras. When those plants are blooming, the lakesides would be more awesome views.

Refreshing & nutritious young coconut 

It is a good place to relax, the air is pleasantly cool. It is possible to ask a local fisherman for boating the surroundings of the lake. Also, don’t miss another pleasure, get some jagung bakar (roasted corn) and kelapa muda (young coconut), the fresh juice drunk straight from a young coconut, bought at roadside around the beach. Drink the water and then scoop out the flesh. So far, the lake has not been Bengkulu’s main attraction for foreign travelers.

Getting there

To get to the lake take a yellow, green or red angkot (public city transport) to Terminal Panorama for Rp. 4,000 (about US$ 0.30) then red one C3 to the lake Dendam. You should tell the driver where you’re going before get on. And you should have exact change for the fare (Rp. 4,000) regardless of the distance and anything the drivers may tell you.

Location: Jalan Danau, Dusun Besar, Bengkulu. Click here to find the location on Google Maps!
Cons: not enough parking space and inconvenient for independent travelers.

A good place to relax

Say No To Palm Oil

Poor orangutan - badly burned and  in a vulnerable state

   Say no to palm oil! Did you know that each and everyone of us is fueling one of the world’s biggest ecological disasters and acts of primate genocide in history? Please share the important info and take action!

Borneo and Sumatra are two of the most bio-diverse regions of the world, yet they have the longest list of endangered species. This list includes the magnificent orangutan. These two South-East Asian islands are extremely rich in life, containing around 20,000 flowering plant species, 3,000 tree species, 300,000 animal species and thousands more being discovered each year. Despite this amazing biodiversity and delicate web of species, an area the size of 300 football fields of rainforest is cleared each hour in Indonesia and Malaysia to make way for the production of one vegetable oil. That’s 6 football fields destroyed each minute. This vegetable oil is called palm oil, and is found in hundreds of the everyday products, from baked goods and confectionery, to cosmetics and cleaning agents… many of which you buy in your weekly shopping.

Due to the massive international demand for palm oil, palm oil plantations are rapidly replacing the rainforest habitat of the critically endangered orangutan; with over 90% of their habitat already destroyed in the last 20 years.

Orangutans are some of our closest relatives, sharing approximately 97% of their DNA with humans. Orangutan means ‘Person of the jungle’ in the Indonesian language. It is estimated that 6 to 12 of these ‘jungle people’ are killed each day for palm oil. These gentle creatures are either killed in the deforestation process, when they wonder into a palm oil plantation looking for food, or in the illegal pet trade after they’ve been captured and kept as pets in extremely poor conditions and provided with extremely poor nutrition.

Orangutans are considered as pests by the palm oil industry. In the deforestation process, workers are told that if wildlife gets in the way, they are to do whatever is necessary in order to dispose them, no matter how inhumane. Often orangutans are run over by logging machinery, beat to death, buried alive or set on fire… all in the name of palm oil.

Government data has shown that over 50,000 orangutans have already died as a result of deforestation due to palm oil in the last two decades. Experts say that if this pattern of destruction and exploitation continues, these intelligent acrobats of the jungle will be extinct in the wild within 3 to 12 years (as early as 2015). It is also thought that their jungle habitat will be completely gone within 20 years (approximately 2033).

Around 50 million tons of palm oil is produced annually; with almost all of that being non-sustainable palm oil, that replaces 12 million hectares of dense, bio-diverse rainforest. That’s the equivalent landmass of North Korea deforested each year for palm oil alone!

Palm oil is also having a shocking impact on our planet. The production of this one vegetable oil is not only responsible for polluting rivers and causing land erosion, but when the plantation workers set fire to the remaining trees, shrubs and debris to make way for the oil palms, it produces immense amount of smoke pollution that is toxic to planet earth. This has been found to be the second biggest contributor to greenhouse gas in the world.

By purchasing products that contain crude palm oil, you are helping destroy ancient, pristine rainforest, wipe out species like the orangutan, and create a large-scale ecological disaster. Think of the consequences next time you do your weekly shopping; the consequences not only for orangutans and other animals, but for us as the human race; for we cannot survive without the rainforests either. We have a choice, orangutans do not.

Source: http://touchthenature.com/say-no-to-palm-oil/

Bengkulu to establish biggest Rafflesia center in Asia

Rafflesia arnoldii

The Bengkulu Tourism and Culture Agency will establish a center to exhibit various types of its rare giant flower the Rafflesia. 

Bengkulu Tourism and Culture Agency head Hasanuddin said on Monday that the exhibition center would be built in two locations in Taba Penanjung, Central Bengkulu, and on Jl. Bencoolen in Tapak Paderi. The center would be established upon two hectares of land and expected to cost Rp 4.5 billion (US$468,018).

“We will propose the establishment of the center to the Tourism and Creative Economy Minister on Tuesday,” he said, adding that the center would be the biggest in Asia.

Tourists usually have to go to the Rindu Hati conservation forest in Kepahiang regency to hunt the foul-smelling flowers that bloom only once a year. The Rafflesia exhibition center is expected to make it easier for tourists who want see the flowers.

According to a researcher from Faculty of Agriculture at Bengkulu University Agus Susatya, there are 25 varieties of Rafflesia in the world, 11 of which can be found in the Sumatra rainforest including in Bengkulu.(cor)

A Rafflesia arnoldii in full bloom

Original source:

Nurni Sulaiman, The Jakarta Post, Bengkulu | Archipelago | Mon, December 10 2012

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/12/10/bengkulu-establish-biggest-rafflesia-center-asia.html

Photos by: Adriansyah Putera

Bengkulu, Getting There and Away

Last updated: February 2nd 2017

Bengkulu, Getting There and Away

     The city of Bengkulu is easily accessible by land and air transportation. You can catch regular buses from Palembang, Padang, Bukittinggi, Pekanbaru, Bandung or Jakarta. At the time of writing, there are daily flights from Jakarta only which served by Lion Air and Sriwijaya Air.

Lion Air operates 3 times departure flights daily from Jakarta to Bengkulu (09:30, 13:30 & 17:15). Departure flight from Bengkulu to Jakarta (10:20, 15:00 & 18:20). You can book your flight through several convenient e-payment methods like online payment using your VISA or MasterCard, ATM payment that is only applicable in Indonesia at Bank Niaga, Lippo Bank, BII Bank, BNI Bank, Permata Bank, BRI Bank, Mandiri Bank, Panin Bank and Bank BCA, and Internet banking through Lippo Bank, Mandiri Bank, BNI Bank and Klik BCA. All you need is your Booking Code (PNR) and the Payment Code. 24/7 Information & reservation service at 0804-1-778899.

Call Center Numbers:

(+6280) 4177 8899

(+6221) 6379 8000

Customer Care

Phone: (+6221) 633 8345

SMS: (+6281) 9222 9999

Fax : (+6221) 633 5669

Email: customercare@lionair.co.id

Bus Companies to/from Bengkulu

SAN Travel services a wide range of destinations. Bengkulu - Jakarta (dep 08:30 executive class for Rp. 250,000). Bengkulu - Bukittinggi (dep 10:00 business class Rp. 135,000). Bengkulu - Padang (dep 12:00 executive class Rp. 150,000). Bengkulu - Pekanbaru (dep 11:00 executive class Rp. 165,000). Bengkulu - Bandung (dep 09:00 executive class Rp. 280,000). Bengkulu - Solo (dep 13:00 business class Rp. 325,000).

Headquarters: Jalan MT. Haryono 18, Bengkulu (next to Vista hotel)
Phone: (0736) 21811
Mobile: 085267982121
SAN Travel official representative in Jakarta: Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Pulo Mas Blok 12 No.10 phone (021) 4705502

Other optional long distance bus services: 

Putra Rafflesia (headquarters address Jalan MT Haryono 12; phone 0736-20313 and Jalan S. Parman No.19 Tanah Patah phone 0736-26162/24098) services a wide range of destinations: Bengkulu, Lampung, Palembang, Jakarta, Bandung. Tanjung Indah (headquarters Jalan MT Haryono 108 Bengkulu) runs minivans to Palembang and other destinations.

Public city transport in Bengkulu

Bengkulu Getting Around

    A counter at the airport offers rental cars and taxis rides for Rp. 60,000 into downtown. Alternatively, walk down to the road in front of the terminal building to the main road and turn to your right as you exit the airport and then take a white public city transport locally known as “angkot” (Rp. 3,000) to Terminal Panorama, then take another angkot either yellow or green angkot (Rp. 3,000) to the downtown. This alternative way is much cheaper than taking regular airport taxis.

  

Beware and don't get ripped off! The most fun way to get around Bengkulu is by angkot (public city transport). But the angkot drivers sometimes tend to overcharge westerners. To avoid this unacceptable overcharging, you should tell the driver where you’re going before get on. All rides cost Rp. 3,000 (updated Feb 2017) for one route regardless of the distance and anything the drivers may tell you. It is strongly recommended to have exact change for the fare. Give extra Rp. 10,000 to the driver if you bring a lot of luggage with you.

Hiring a car in Bengkulu

One of rental vehicle types in Bengkulu

    Hiring a car and driver is a convenient way to get around and its neighbor cities. Toyota Kijang (a type of 4WD) is a common type of rental vehicles. The hire of self-drive car is rarely available in Bengkulu especially for foreigners. It is more common and a better option to hire a car plus driver, which saves a lot of inconvenience. General rates for a 6-passanger-van start from Rp. 250,000 (about USD 25) up to Rp. 450,000 (about USD 45) per day, all rates exclude fuel and the driver’s meals. Vehicle types may vary depending on location. Car hire rates in Bengkulu are more expensive than rates in Java and Bali.

Happy travels!

The Differences Between Rafflesia Arnoldii And Carrion Flower

Rafflesia arnoldii

Last updated: May 8, 2017

Rafflesia arnoldii and Carrion flowers (Amorphophallus titanium) are two different types of plants. Although by the second type of plant is sometimes considered the same even mixed up. I myself had heard of a teacher told the students that the Carrion flower is Rafflesia. 

Indeed Rafflesia and carrion flowers have the same size (giant) and smelled a foul odor. But between Rafflesia and carrion flowers (Amorphophallus titanium) have differences in biological classification, shape, color, way of life, and the life cycle. 

Rafflesia is a genus of parasitic plants flower. The Rafflesia arnoldii was discovered by a British Lieutenant named Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles who had been appointed the Governor of Bencoolen Province (currently known as Bengkulu) and the British botanist Dr. Joseph Arnold when they arrived in Lubuk Tapi – South Bengkulu in May of 1818. The names of the two men - Raffles and Arnold - were used to give the plant its botanical or scientific name. Rafflesia arnoldii is now the official symbol of Bengkulu province. The Rafflesia contains approximately 27 species (including four incompletely as recognized by Meijer 1997), all species can be found in Southeast Asia, in the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, and the Philippines. This plant has no stems, leaves or true roots. 

Rafflesia arnoldii can reach a diameter of about 1 meter

Rafflesia is endoparasites on Tetra stigma vines of the genus (family Vitaceae), spreading haustorium similar roots in the vines network. In some species, such as Rafflesia arnoldii, the flower diameter may be more than 100 cm, and weighing up to 10 kg. Even the smallest species, the Rafflesia manillana, flower diameter is 20 cm. Rafflesia is much known to the public is kind of Rafflesia Arnoldii. Type of forest grows only in southern Sumatra, especially Bengkulu. 

The main characteristic that distinguishes corpse flower Rafflesia with the laity is widened shape (not high) and red. When in bloom, the flowers can reach a diameter of about 1 meter and 50 cm tall. Rafflesia flowers do not have roots, stems, and leaves. The flowers have 5 crowns. At the base there is a barrel-shaped flower stamens or pistils, depending on the sex of flowers. This flower growth period takes up to 9 months, but the flowering period of only 5-7 days. After that Rafflesia will wither and die. Until now Rafflesia has never successfully bred outside their natural habitat. Rafflesia requires primary forest habitat to survive. 

Bit of information, as long as 200-year-old plants of the genus Rafflesiaceae difficult to classify due to the characteristics of the body that are not public. Based on DNA research by botanists at Harvard University recently, Rafflesia put in the family Euphorbiaceae, a family with rubber trees and cassava. But it is still not well publicized. 

The bud of Rafflesia arnoldii

Several species of Rafflesia in Indonesia; Rafflesia arnoldii (endemic in West Sumatra, Bengkulu and Aceh), R. borneensis (Borneo), R. cilliata (East Kalimantan), R. horsfilldii (Java), R. patma (Nusa Kambangan and Pangandaran), R. rochussenii (West Java), and R. contleyi (eastern Sumatra). 

Scientific classification: 

Kingdom: Plantae 

Division: Magnoliophyta 

Class: Magnoliopsida 

Order: Malpighiales 

Family: Rafflesiaceae

Genus: Rafflesia

Carrion Flower

Besides Rafflesia, another giant flower known to the public is Kibut or Titan Arum (Amorphophallus titanium) also known as the Carrion flower. This type of endemic grows in the forests of Sumatra - Indonesia.

Titan Arum is not in bloom

The Carrion flower Titan arum is cream-colored on the outside and on the towering. Overview current form looks like a flower blooming trumpet. When Rafflesia just wide, the Carrion flower grows tall. Corpse flower Amorphophallus titanium species can reach about 3 - 4 m.

In addition, the Carrion flower is monoecious plants and protogini, where the female flowers receptive first, then followed by ripe male flowers, as a mechanism to prevent self-pollination. The stench issued by the flowers, like the Rafflesia, serves to attract beetles and flies pollinators for the flowers. After the flowering period (approximately 7 days) pass, the corpse flower will wither. And going back through the cycle, returning to the vegetative phase, which will grow new trees in the former corpse flower bulbs.

If fertilization occurs during the flowering period, it will form a red colored fruit with seeds on the former base of the flower. These seeds can be planted a tree in the vegetative phase. These seeds are now cultivated. 

Taken from: http://touchthenature.com/the-differences-between-rafflesia-arnoldii-and-carrion-flower/

Titan Arum - the world's tallest flower

Let’s help each other!

Let’s make this post available in various languages! Translating this post can help more readers in your language to understand this post. If you would like to translate this post into your language or if you need help to translate some of your posts into Indonesian, please send me an email to kurt_reyhans@yahoo.com

Photos by: Adriansyah Putera & Peter Kimball

Photographed in Taba Penanjung and Tebat Monok, Bengkulu province - Indonesia. 

Bengkulu - A Small Relaxed City

Calm Jenggalu river at sunset

Last updated Feb 2nd, 2017 
  
   Bengkulu, a small relaxed city, is the provincial capital of the province of the same name. It is a calm city by comparison to other Indonesia cities facing the Indonesian/Indian Ocean. Bengkulu is the smallest provincial capital in Sumatra, it has only an area of 151.70 sq km (94.2 sq. miles) and a population of 308,756 inhabitants with a population density of  2,136 people per sq km, 95% are Moslems (population census 2010). 

Climate and Borders:
    Bengkulu has a tropical humid climate which is influenced by two seasons within the whole year, the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season lasts from October to March (peaking in December - February), and the dry season from April to September. June to August are the best months to visit Bengkulu. The temperature throughout the year averages 26°C (78.8°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). With the smallest land area and population in Sumatra, Bengkulu has a diverse and simple lifestyle in each of its four corners. The city is bordered by the sunny shores of the Indian Ocean to the west, the rural and forested landscape of Central Bengkulu district to the north and east, the massive rubber and palm plantations of Seluma district to the south. Time zone: WIB (UTC+7).

Bengkulu Timeline

Fort Marlborough

    Bengkulu was the seat of the British power and influence in western parts of Indonesia from 1685 until 1825, which they called Bencoolen. The British persisted, maintaining their presence for roughly 140 years before ceding it to the Dutch as part of the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 to focus attention on Malacca. From 1939 – 1942 Bengkulu was a home-in-domestic-exile for the Indonesian nationalist leader Soekarno who later became Indonesia’s first president during the struggles against Dutch colonial rule. Bengkulu remained part of the Dutch East Indies until the Japanese occupation in World War 2. 

Popular attractions to visit   

Panjang beach

Bengkulu still lives in the shadow of the roaring 1990s. When visiting Bengkulu for a vacation or business there are many attractions to visit from its good beaches to nearby interesting historical sites. On the edge of the old port, set on a hill overlooking the Indian Ocean fort Marlborough is a wonderful introduction for visitors to the city. The impressive Fort Marlborough stands as a reminder of the British occupation, and there are several other colonial reminders, such as the Governor’s residence, European cemetery, etc. About 2 km (1.2 miles) from the downtown, Panjang beach offers fun hanging out and relaxing spots with more restaurants, hotels, shops, which also bustles with street vendors and nightlife. If you are a surfer, don't miss some hidden good surf spots in Samudera Ujung beach. Bengkulu has a wide selection of mid-range accommodation at along Panjang beach (Jalan Pariwisata). You can get to most tourist attractions on foot.

    Although few foreign tourists visit Bengkulu, it is one of the most attractive cities in Sumatra. With much of its colonial architecture still intact, it retains a languid charm and elegance and has not been scarred by insensitive redevelopment. The shores around the city of Bengkulu are scenic and unspoilt. The city comparatively clean and lacks the frenetic traffic and noise of other cities its size, vehicles seem to be fewer and to be driven with less resource to the horn, while the locals are friendly and have time to spare for foreigners who make it here.

Getting There and Away

The city of Bengkulu is easily accessible by land and air transportation. You can catch regular buses from Palembang, Padang or Jakarta. For now, there are daily flights from Jakarta only.


Getting Around

Samudera Ujung surf

A counter at the airport offers rental cars and taxis rides for Rp. 60,000 into downtown. Alternatively, walk down to the road in front of the terminal building to the main road and turn to your right as you exit the airport and then take a white public city transport locally known as “angkot” (Rp. 3,000) to Terminal Panorama, then take another angkot either yellow or green angkot (Rp. 3,000) to the downtown. This alternative way is much cheaper than taking regular airport taxis.  

Beware and don't get ripped off! The most fun way to get around Bengkulu is by angkot (public city transport), but the angkot drivers sometimes tend to overcharge foreign travelers. To avoid this unacceptable overcharging, you should tell the driver where you’re going before get on. All rides cost Rp. 3,000 (updated Feb 2017) for one route regardless of the distance and anything the drivers may tell you. It is strongly recommended to have exact change for the fare. Give extra Rp. 5,000 - 10,000 to the driver if you bring a lot of luggage with you.

Pros and Cons
Pros: Bengkulu is a safe city, it has many fine beaches and historical sites.
Cons: The locals like to stare at bule (foreign tourist). Shopping is not that great, very few small shops that offer unique wares.
Overall: A small relaxed city with nice beaches and friendly people.

Additional sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengkulu 

Lonely Planet Indonesia 7th Edition

Related posts:
Traces of British Colonial Presence on Bengkulu Soil 
Bengkulu, Getting There and Away 
Tips for Traveling on Rainy Sumatra Days
Panjang Beach Bengkulu

More photos from Bengkulu

Fort Marlborough - a British reminder

Tapak Paderi beach 

Riding a Sumatran elephant 

Photos by Adriansyah Putera and Jeff Doust
Contact: kurt_reyhans@yahoo.com

Natural Beauty of Bukit Daun

Bukit Daun at sunset

Last updated: January 21st 2017

Seeing Rafflesia arnoldii

       Another area of awesome natural beauty in Bengkulu province, Bukit Daun is a nature conservation surrounded by mountains on all sides and rich with traditional Rejang culture. It is home to endangered species such as, honey bear, Rafflesia arnoldii, the world’s largest flower, and Amorphophallus titanium (locally known as bunga Kibut), the world’s tallest flower. Many kinds of orchid could be found here, too. It is at 800-900 m above sea level, the best way to explore the village is on foot. The air is cool and clean, and the locals are hospitable.

Besides natural beauty, Bukit Daun also offers some great do-it-yourself trekking opportunities where you can explore the fresh and clean outdoors and meet hospitable locals, and stunning sunrises. There is a small Japanese WWII bunker which is constructed of rebar-enforced cement and stone in Bukit Daun. You could also day-trip here for some hiking through forests/coffee plantations and a local lunch. There aren’t any real restaurants in Bukit Daun and most visitors end up having meals and drinks in warung (simple food stall). Basic supplies are available in local shops.

Getting there:

Bukit Daun nature conservation is about 48 km (30 miles) from the city of Bengkulu and can be reached on day trips from Bengkulu, Curup or Kepahiang. Simply take a public transport (Rp. 10,000) to Tebat Monok from Terminal Nakau in Bengkulu or rent a Kijang. 

More photos

The bloom of Rafflesia arnoldii in Bukit Daun nature conservation

Fun hiking through Bukit Daun forest

Japanese WWII bunker

Foggy scenery of Bukit Daun

Photos by Adriansyah Putera and Shirley Utama Adriansyah

Everything's Amazing and Nobody's Happy

The Experience of Living in a Different Culture

    I recently heard someone talk about this: there was a comedian on a late-night show whose You-tube video of his appearance has often been sent around in emails. I haven't gotten any of these, so apparently I exchange emails with the wrong crowd... Anyway, I watched the video and loved it. I think he is calling our attention to something really important, and it made me think about how that applies to the experience of living in a different culture. I'll explain some more about the video and then talk about how it is important for those of us living cross-culturally. 

    The theme of the jokes in the video is how amazing the world is and yet how unhappy people are with it. He makes fun of people who complain about their cell phones and airline flights, instead of marveling that we can communicate with people across the planet using something we hold in our hand, or that we can race through the sky like birds while sitting on our backsides. Good points. Here is what he says about the person who complains when the wi-fi on the plane, something impossible just last year, stops working: "How quickly the world owes him something he knew existed only 10 seconds ago." Supervise your kids - there is one word beeped-out.

     The person I heard talking about this was making the same point: the world, the universe, is simply amazing. Many of the things we enjoy daily were only science-fiction only years ago. And yet we tend to focus on what inconveniences us rather than what helps us, and complain instead of rejoice. I think that is true of western culture in general, but it is also my observation that this is especially true of those of us living cross-culturally. It is very easy for us to focus on the things that make us uncomfortable and the things we don't understand rather than the amazing things we have the privilege of experiencing. We saw this when we first came to Indonesia in the ex-pats we were with then, and we see it in people around us now. And we have often seen it in ourselves.

     I think the reason for this is the natural comparisons we are always (often unconsciously) making between our native culture and our adopted culture. We compare conditions, services, infrastructure, people's behavior and their thinking, with the things we're used to. In some of these areas (maybe many of them) our home culture may be superior. In others it may not really be superior, or it may even be inferior when seen objectively, but our discomfort with our adopted culture makes it feel bad. So we don't like it. 

     That's natural, and there isn't anything wrong with in; in fact, we should be critical of things that are wrong, or oppressive, or are wasteful or just unnecessarily difficult. All those things keep people from the quality of life they could have. But the problem comes when we stop recognizing the wonderful things around us because we're so focused on our own discomfort. Here are a couple examples from our life here in Sumatra:

Public city transport locally known as angkot

• Angkots: These little mini-buses are the primary public transportation across Indonesia, and especially in the town we live in. There are times they aren't fun: they don't run on a schedule, they're hot and often crowded, and these days they sometimes have ridiculous sound systems pumping dance music we don't want to be pounded with. It's easy to complain about them. But on the other hand, they are an amazing value: in our town they will go where we ask them to (within the bounds of their route), and everywhere they pick you up where you want to wait (again, along their route) and drop you off anywhere along the road you ask them to. Sometimes we have to wait for them, but sometimes they pull up right when we look for them. They are amazingly cheap - what we get for the price simply can't be beat. 
• Food: It is absolutely true that cleanliness standards here in Indonesia are not like what we're used to in the US. The bugs and animals wondering around markets among the food can really be surprising, the way things are cleaned (or not) can be disgusting, and the smells are not reassuring. If we focus on these things we might never eat. But the other side of the coin is that things are amazingly fresh here. The way meat or eggs are transported and marketed may not meet our clean test, but in many cases it is so fresh there has been very little time for anything to

  

  Traditional fruit stall in Kepahiang

  really be wrong with it. We often eat meat or eggs that was literally harvested yesterday. That certainly isn't the case in Colorado where almost everything we eat gets trucked in from hundreds of miles away. Recent problems with salmonella and other food issues in the US show that the packaging/processing systems there aren't perfect either, however clean they might appear. I am not trying to suggest there are more food-borne illnesses in the US than Indonesia (that would be silly), but I am suggesting that our attitude about what we eat might not need to be as cautious as I often see. We can be suspicious of every bite of food, or we can try to be wise and then enjoy the amazing fresh and abundant variety of food we get to enjoy in this tropical climate.

     The person I heard talking about this suggested that Psalm 104 is a good way to keep our perspective on how amazing things are around us so that we can continue to be thankful and excited about the world, rather than frustrated and grumpy. Everything's amazing (in Indonesia and everywhere else!) so let's enjoy it!

Author: Sean McKelvey Living and learning in Sumatra, Indonesia
Source: http://www.engagetheworld.net/content/everythings-amazing-and-nobodys-happy-0