Why Did You Become a Language Teacher?

This time I would like to take a moment to write a response to Jelena Hardy and those who ask me, "Why did you become a language teacher?"

The more I think about an answer to the question, the more I'm flooded with memories from my youth. First of all, please let me take you into my background a little so I can explain where my desire of becoming a teacher comes from.

I went to first grade in 1988. I was so nervous during my first week of school as I was not good at reading at all, but Ms. Lili, my home room teacher, helped me patiently to get through those hard days. She opened up the world of reading and writing to me. I loved her - a strict but caring and understanding teacher. At least that is how I remember her from 32 years ago. It is just sad that she passed away about three years ago after a battle with breast cancer. Then there was Ms. Bas, my third grade junior high school English teacher who greatly helped my English skill development. Then there was Ms. Dewi Susilawati, my English and home room teacher from the first to third grade of vocational high school. For me, Ms. Dewi Susilawati was like my own mother. Motherly, caring, patient, understanding and inspiring are five words that would describe those three women best. I mention those three great women because I feel that they contributed, in part, to the life choices I made.

Since I was a little boy, I have always loved helping my classmates with their homework and learning came easy to me for the most part. Being able to help and teach my classmates made me feel good. When I was in the sixth semester of university I was selected to join a program where the upperclassmen could become a teaching assistant for younger students. I enjoyed the program, and it was the starting point for me to decide more seriously where I’d go in life. After finishing my under-graduate program, the university hired me for an English instructor position for two semesters even though I was not from the English department, my major was Communication studies. During that period, teaching English always felt like my destiny. Teaching, especially teaching English was the right thing for me. I love learning, teaching and I love seeing and helping other people learn.

After I was done with the university contract, I was eager to apply my English skills and teaching experiences to English language schools as an English teacher, but unfortunately I came in at the time where schools only accepted those who graduated from the English educational department. It was hard and frustrating for me, but it was not long until I met Joshua Kegg who hired me for an English and Indonesian instructor position at GEC in 2009.

Thanks for asking this question, it brings back some good memories. Sincerely, Adrian. 

*****

A little bit about me

I'm Adriansyah Putera. I’ve been working for Global English Course (GEC) since 2009. I teach English, and also Indonesian for non-native speakers of Indonesian. I’m also a freelance local guide in my hometown, Bengkulu. I’ve been contributing to Google Maps since September 2015. I love listening to music, hiking, photography and writing.

You can find me on Instagram and Flickr. 

My Devotion to Place Edits and Photo Sharing on Google Maps

Hello, my name is Adriansyah Putera, but you can call me Adrian. I am an Indonesian teacher for non-native speakers of Indonesian, and I am also a freelance local guide in my hometown Bengkulu. I have been contributing to Google Maps since September 2015, and I'm now a Level 9 Google Local Guide.  

I love all 10 Google Maps contribution options, but my two most favorite options are place edits and photo sharing. 

Why do I love place edits?

Well, the Google Maps application is relatively new for many people in Bengkulu and its neighboring cities.  Since 2016, I have found a lot of inaccurate information, for example, wrongly placed map markers, incorrect categories, and mistaken hours from the local places and businesses on Google Maps. This issue has been my top priority since then.

My understanding, based on my findings in my city, is that there are still many Google Maps users with insufficient technical know-how. Here are some examples. 

Firstly, they don’t know about the function of the blue circle, that is, the “My Location” button in order to get their best approximate location when they need to add a new place or business, so it is very common that they just give a rough guess and pin down an approximation of their location. This can be very confusing for users. 

Secondly, for some reason, there are a lot of people (including Google Maps users) in Bengkulu and neighboring cities who just keep English as the default display language on their devices, even though they don’t really understand English. As a result, those who have limited English understanding, find Google Maps rather challenging to navigate. When it comes to selecting a category to describe a place or business, they could end up adding or selecting either a wrong category or a broad category, for example; store, school, market, or restaurant. As for ‘hours’, people are often confused by the usage of a.m and p.m. 

As a local guide, by correcting these issues, I see an opportunity to help Google Maps users, and local places or businesses that the Google Maps application serves. I spend at least 30 minutes per day searching around my city on Google Maps in order to find inaccurate information. I really enjoy doing this as I am able to help Google Maps users and support the Google Local Guides program to make Google Maps information more accurate and helpful. I also enjoy the opportunity to gain more points, frankly speaking. Finally, another reason why I love place edits, is that this feature allows me to report fake businesses, fake phone numbers, fake web sites, and inappropriate or illegal content to be removed. 

Why do I love to share photos on Google Maps?

I love photography, and for me, photography is about sharing. Sharing photos on Google Maps can provide useful visual information and help others see unfamiliar places they might want to visit, atmosphere of restaurants or cafes, accessibility, etc. I don’t really have any favorite photography style, I just want viewers to know and feel something through my lens. When it comes to sharing photos on Google Maps, I almost always try to share photos from places I have visited to help people better understand when they want to visit those places. I get a great sense of satisfaction and happiness from being able to help others while doing something that I am passionate about. 

Here are some my favorite shots I have shared on Google Maps,

Lake Mas Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu province, Indonesia

I love this photo for several reasons. First, this photo is my most viewed photo on Google Maps. This photo has been viewed over 845,000 times at the time of writing. Second, this photo always reminds me of a great nature hike I had with my two friends from Florida - USA.

I took this photo when my daughter and I were walking home from celebrating Indonesia's Independence Day. I want to show the atmosphere of the neighborhood and tell people that the neighborhood road is too narrow if two cars going in opposite directions.

Blooming Rafflesia arnoldii - see and smell it!

This is a photo from my nature walk with my wife when we finally found the world's largest flower - Rafflesia arnoldii in the wild. Based on my experience, I can tell that Rafflesia arnodii is not stinky and not a carnivorous plant like many people think. Location: Taba Penanjung, Central Bengkulu, Indonesia.






Helping just one person is worth it, but over a long and helpful contribution, I and also you all, have the chance to help thousands of people.


Keep contributing,
Adriansyah Putera


Note: I posted this article for the first time on Local Guides Connect April 2019 for one of requirements to apply Connect Live 2019.

Steps to Obtain a Driver License for Non-Indonesian Citizens

Polres Bengkulu

By: Adriansyah Putera

On December 14 2017, I went to the Polisi Resor Kota Bengkulu aka Polres Bengkulu (Bengkulu City Police Department) to renew my driver license. Too bad, my application was rejected as my driver license had gone beyond the expiration date. I was told by an on-duty traffic police officer that I must renew my driver license 2 weeks before the expiration date, driving with an invalid or expired driver license could result in a traffic ticket. I had no option but to apply a new driver license that required me to re-take the driver knowledge test and practical driving tests.

Having gone through the process of getting my Indonesian driver license, I’d like to take a moment to write all information gathered from my experience - from signing up to getting behind the wheel with a SIM (Indonesian driver license) - for those who are looking for information about the process of getting a driver license in Indonesia. 

Let’s begin with the basic requirements. You must be at least 17 years old. You must provide a valid passport and KITAS/KITAB and 2 copies of each of the documents, and provide proof of your fitness to drive. For those who are visiting on a tourist visa are not eligible.

Steps of getting an Indonesian driver license

Here’s a how-to guide detailing every step of the process:

STEP 1. Go to the nearest city police department for signing up

You must be prepared with all the required identity documents: valid passport, KITAS/KITAB (Temporary/Permanent Stay Permit) and 2 copies of each of the documents. It’s not required to make an appointment before visiting, just go to the information counter at the “Pelayanan Penerbitan SIM” division to start the process, tell the staff what type/class of driver license you need. Class A, this license allows you to drive non-commercial vehicles or regular passenger cars with maximum allowable weight not exceeding 3,500 kg (7716 lbs). Class C, this license allows you to operate motorcycle. Here you will be directed to the appointed medical service unit to get a basic physical and mental fitness to drive exam. You need to provide a copy of your passport and KITAS/KITAB, and pay the Rp. 25,000 (about US$ 1.75) exam fee.

The exam includes at least:

• A blood pressure exam. 
• A vision exam which includes a color blind test and a distance vision test using a Snellen chart at a distance of 6 meters (20 ft) from the chart. 
• A hearing (audiometric) exam. A simple whispered voice test at 20 cm (8 inches) from each ear. 

If you fail the exam, you will not be able to proceed to the next step and you will be required to reschedule. 

Registration

A poster shows the application fee and requirements

Go back to the Pelayanan Penerbitan SIM counter after you pass the exam and receive a Surat Keterangan Kesehatan (medical report), then pay the Rp 120,000 (about US$ 8.40) application fee for a Class A License, or Rp. 100,000 (US$ 7) for a Class B License at the BRI counter. After you have paid the application fee, save the application fee receipt for your records.

Go to the application counter and get a Driver License Application form. Complete the application form correctly, the form is in Indonesian language and you will need to provide a translator for yourself if you don’t understand the language. Submit the completed form with your original passport, KITAS/KITAB and a copy of each of the documents, and the application fee receipt to the application service counter. You will be given a waiting number for the identification process after you complete this step. Don’t forget to get your passport and KITAS/KITAB back. Then just take a seat and wait your number to be called.

Identification
You will be directed to go inside a room where an officer will collect your biometrics information. Here, you need to put your fingers on a glass screen to be scanned, have a digital photo taken of your face, and give your signature.

STEP 2. Driver Knowledge Test
When you’re done with the identification process you will be asked to go to the “Ruang Pencerahan” room. At this room you will be given some brief information and useful advice about the driver knowledge test by an officer. It is greatly recommended that you listen to what the officer says carefully, you will find it very useful to help you to answer the test questions and increase your chances of passing your test on your first try. You will be given time to read a manual with the actual questions and answers before taking the test. If your Indonesian comprehension is not good enough you will need to provide a translator for you as the Division of Driver License might not provide the translation service.

The Ruang Pencerahan of Polres Bengkulu

Next, when an officer calls your number you go to the ruang ujian teori (knowledge test room). The test administrator will give the instructions to you and let you log into the computer. Insert your No. Registrasi (registration/application number), full name and Golongan SIM (class of driver license), then click “Mulai Ujian” button when you are ready to start the test. This 15-minute driver knowledge test is a computer-based, 30-random question, multi-choice test that assesses your knowledge of road rules and safe driving practices. You will be required to answer 7 survey questions before you start the test.

If you don’t pass the driver knowledge test on your first try, you must wait for 7 days before retaking it. You have 3 chances to pass the test. Schedule for retaking the test is 7, 14, and after 30 days. You can prepare yourself by taking a driver knowledge test simulation on Korlantas Polri (the National Police Traffic Corps Division) website at http://korlantas.polri.go.id/latihan_ujiansim/ujian/login

Step 3. Practical Driving Test
Scheduling of the driving test is based on the availability of instructor. If the schedule permits, the driving test may be given on the same day as the knowledge test.

During the driving test, you will be asked by your instructor to complete a number of tasks to show you are capable of driving. Some practical tests you'll need to pass include:

• Zigzag test. In this section you will see around 5 traffic cones in between point A and B. You have to drive the car forward from point A and zigzag over each the cone until you get to point B. From point B, you have to reverse the car while crossing over each cone again to get to point A. It could be done with or without an instructor beside you.  If you hit a cone, you must retake the driving test. 
• Driving forward and backing up. Again, it could be done with or without an instructor beside you. If you hit a cone, you must retake the driving test.
• Angle, perpendicular and parallel parking. Don’t hit any single cone. 
• Handbrake control. Safely bring your car to a stop on an incline, and then restart your car and move away without rolling backwards or stalling the engine. 
• Following and overtaking other vehicles on the road. 
• Responding to road and traffic signs.

Driving test at Polres Bengkulu

You have 3 chances to pass the practical driving test. If you don’t pass the test on your first try, you must wait for 7 days before retaking it. If you don’t pass the test on your second chance, you must wait for 14 days before retaking it, and 30 days for your third chance. If you don’t pass the tests, you'll need to begin the driver license application process over or quit and get your money back.

If you pass the practical driving test successfully, your Indonesian driver license or SIM will be issued on the same day. Your SIM is valid throughout Indonesia. It expires 5 years after the issue date on your birthday, renew your driver license 2 weeks before the expiration date.

Special thanks to Bripka Supriyono, the Driver License Division officer of Polres Bengkulu. I greatly appreciate your hard work and dedication. 

Pemandian Air Panas Suban

Kolam pemandian Suban air panas

For English version click here

Terakhir di-update 21 April 2021

Kawasan obyek wisata Suban memiliki udara sejuk yang dikelilingi oleh pemandangan lembah dan hutan tropis. Suban merupakan lokasi yang baik untuk pemandian air panas alami. Air panas alami (thermal spring) sangat baik untuk mengurangi nyeri dan pegal otot setelah hiking. Air panas alami memancar di beberapa kolam pemandian umum dan juga mata air panas dapat ditemukan di banyak titik yang bercampur dengan aliran air sungai yang sejuk. Di lokasi obyek wisata Suban juga terdapat air terjun 2 tingkat yang para pengunjung bisa nikmati dari jarak dekat. Mata air panas dan air terjun Suban terkenal dengan weekend picnicker.

Wisatawan asing, khususnya white people atau sering juga disebut bule kemungkinan besar akan menjadi pusat perhatian bagi pengunjung/warga lokal di tempat pemandian yang terbuka. Mengapa??? Karena hanya sedikit wisatawan asing yang berkunjung ke Suban dan area sekitarnya, masih banyak warga di sini yang belum pernah melihat orang asing dengan penampilan fisik dan gaya hidup yang berbeda. Bagi Anda yang merasa tidak nyaman dengan tatapan warga setempat saat berada di tempat pemandian terbuka, Anda bisa menggunakan ruang mandi privat yang juga dilengkapi dengan air hangat yang mengalir dari mata air panas dengan hanya membayar  Rp.3.000.

Di lokasi obyek wisata Suban ada beberapa warung yang menyediakan beberapa pilihan makanan dan minuman. Sayangnya Suban masih kekurangan fasilitas-fasilitas penunjang dan belum terbebas dari masalah sampah. Berdasarkan pengalaman saya, waktu yang ideal untuk berkunjung ke Suban pada waktu musim kemarau antara bulan Maret hingga September.

For English version click here

Populer dengan pangunjung akhir pekan

Tiket masuk Rp. 10.000 (US$ 0,69) untuk dewasa dan Rp. 5.000 (US$ 0,34) untuk anak-anak. Biaya parkir kendaraan roda 4 Rp. 5.000 (US$ 0,34). 

Lokasi: Suban terletak di kabupaten Rejang Lebong sekitar 90 km (56 mil) dari ibu kota provinsi Bengkulu, dapat ditempuh sekitar dua setengah jam dengan sepeda motor atau mobil, atau 6 km (3,8 mil) dari Curup. 

  Foto-foto dari Suban 

Salah satu kolam pemandian air panas Suban

Air terjun Suban

Air terjun Suban

Photos by Peter Kimball, Adriansyah Putera & Sirly Utama Adriansyah

The Wall of Boredom

An old Dutch inscription carved on the cell wall within the Fort Marlborough

By: Adriansyah Putera

Last Updated: September 14th, 2017

The Fort Marlborough is a historic site to stop if you are visiting the city of Bengkulu. This massive 18th century fort which symbolizes centuries of the British and Dutch colonial power in Bengkulu still stands tall on a hill surrounded by other interesting sights of interest and is today the city's top historic landmark.

You can read more details about the Fort Marlborough here. This time we would like to present an article which is focused on the old Dutch graffiti carved on the cell wall within the Fort Marlborough. Although the Dutch graffiti still survive and can be seen today, yet many visitors don't know about them and even miss them when they're looking at them.  

At the Fort Marlborough, visitors will see more than old cannons and headstones. In a small inner room within the guard cell secured by a barred door, with daylight coming from a barred window, visitors will be able to see two old Dutch graffiti. The apparent graffiti include an old Dutch compass drawing and an old Dutch inscription carved anonymously. These two graffiti are low on the cell wall near a barred window as if done by a person sitting on the floor.

If you look closely you can see that the compass drawing has a shape which looks like a 32-wind compass with Dutch abbreviated compass directions written in capital letters. This compass drawing was partly made with charcoal scratches, while the compass direction points were carved into the cell wall with a piece of pointed metal perhaps an iron nail.  

The graffiti are low on the cell wall as if done by a person sitting on the floor

However, the one who made the compass drawing wanted to leave more than his/her compass drawing. Taking perhaps a small iron nail, right beside the compass drawing, he/she incised a message with capital letters in the cell wall. The message reads,

“DIE DIT KOMPASS AANZIET

BERISP DEN KNOEIJER NIET

BEDENK DAT LEEGEN TIJD

TOT KNOEIERIJEN MIJ LEIDT

EN DAT VOOR TIJDVERDRIJF

IK DIT HIER NEDERSCHRIJF”

Which translates as,

“TO THE ONE WHO SEES THIS COMPASS 

DON’T REPRIMAND THE SCRIBBLER

THINK ABOUT THE FACT THAT EMPTY TIME

LEADS TO SCRIBBLING

AND THAT FOR PASTIME

I WROTE THIS HERE DOWN”

(Translation by Nilca van Leyen)

After that, he/she awaited his/her fate. And if he/she died, the graffiti would serve as a “memorial”.

Who did make the graffiti? Why and when were the graffiti made?

As there is a clear connection between the compass drawing and the inscription, it is widely accepted that they were made by the same person either a Dutch prisoner or a Dutch soldier who spent time within the cell wall. However, the basic questions of who exactly the author of the graffiti was and when exactly the graffiti were carved on the cell wall remain mystery that is puzzling archaeologists and historians who have been studying the graffiti. 

The graffiti do represent their author’s feeling. The graffiti author’s motivation behind leaving the compass drawing and the carved inscription anonymously was more than just a desire to pass the time. The graffiti author wanted to express what he/she felt, experienced and hoped. From the carved words, “Bedenk dat leegen tijd, tot knoeierijen mij leidt,” he/she expressed that he/she felt trapped in a forced empty time, no place to escape. A feeling similar to unbearable pain that forced him/her to carved graffiti on the wall. Through the carved compass drawing he/she made, he/she tried to relieve the repetitive heavy boredom he/she felt, and also hoped that he/she would return home safely. 

Fort Marlborough at sunset

“The one who made the graffiti on the cell wall was bored. I originally assume that the compass drawing and the rhyme dated before World War II, bearing in mind that the rhyme was carved in a bit old Dutch language,” says Nilca van Leyen, a daughter of a Royal Netherlands Navy veteran. 

Today the carved graffiti are widely accepted as a reminder to the unknown Dutch soldier. Many people believe there are likely to be other old graffiti in the Fort Marlborough, which have since been lost or painted over.

How to locate the graffiti?

If you want to find these old Dutch graffiti you need to enter the colonial guard cell, then go inside the smaller room that is on the left side. Look to your left, you will see the graffiti are low on the cell wall near a barred window. Keep an eye out as you are likely to miss them.

A Request to the Fort Marlborough Authority 

We really hope that the Dutch inscription can soon be transcribed and displayed on a board in the original Dutch text with its translation to Indonesian and English so that both local and foreign visitors can have a deeper insight into all those who spent time within the cell wall.

*****

A special thanks to Nilca van Leyen who has helped to transcribe and translate the Dutch inscription.   

About Nilca van Leyen

Nilca van Leyen was born in Curaçao to a Dutch couple. Her parents were born in Java and had lived in several cities in the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia) until World War II. She has wonderful memories about the Netherlands East Indies life in the past time from her beloved parents.

Gunung Kaba, Suaka Bagi Hiker Di Provinsi Bengkulu

Pemandangan kawah belerang gunung Kaba

Artikel ini terakhir di-update 26 Juni 2021
For the English version click here!

Gunung Kaba atau yang juga biasa disebut bukit Kaba oleh penduduk setempat, memiliki panorama yang indah dan alami dengan temperatur udara yang moderat, gunung ini menawarkan pengalaman inspiratif bagi mereka yang memiliki hobby trekking atau mendaki gunung untuk menikmati pemandangan hutan tropis plus kawah belerang yang spektakuler dan unik. Gunung Kaba merupakan gunung berapi aktif yang berada di dalam kawasan Konservasi Wisata Alam Bukit Kaba yang memiliki luas area13.490 hektar dan diusulkan untuk pengembangan pariwisata di provinsi Bengkulu. 

Pendakian ke gunung Kaba menawarkan petualangan, semangat hiking, dan tantangan fisik melewati pemandangan hijau yang mempesona. Di bagian puncak gunung, terdapat tiga kawah – bukit Kaba (1.952 m / 6.404 kaki), bukit Itam (1.893 m / 6.211 kaki) and bukit Malintang (1.713 m / 5.620 kaki), dua dari tiga kawah tersebut masih aktif. Saat Anda mendaki punggung gunung Kaba Anda dapat mencium bau belerang, ini bukti bahwa kawah-kawah tersebut masih aktif. Nikmati pemandangan spektakuler di sekeliling Anda. Uap tidak henti-hentinya keluar dari 12 retakan tanah, dan sejumlah mata air panas (tidak layak untuk diminum) dapat ditemukan di sekitar kawasan bukit Kaba. 

Pendakian menuju puncak gunung Kaba

PENJELASAN TRACK 

Pendakian ke bukit Kaba dapat ditempuh dari berbagai arah, tapi dua rute yang paling populer yaitu jalur reguler/jalur jalan aspal yang dimulai dari depan pos POKDARWIS dengan menelusuri jalan aspal hingga ke puncak, dan kemudian jalur hutan yang dimulai dari belakang pos POKDARWIS. Para pengunjung diwajibkan untuk melapor dan mengisi buku tamu di pos POKDARWIS sebelum pendakian dimulai. Biaya masuk Rp. 100.000 (sekitar US$ 6,92) untuk wisatawan asing dan Rp. 11.500 (sekitar US$ 0,80) untuk wisatawan domestik, plus asuransi jiwa Amanah Githa untuk satu kali kunjungan sebesar Rp. 1000 (US$ 0.069). Bagi para pengunjung yang ingin berkemah beberapa hari di sekitar puncak gunung, mereka akan dikenakan biaya tambahan. Ada beberapa tempat parkir sederhana di dan di sekitar pintu masuk pos POKDARWIS untuk akses dan kemudahan bagi pengunjung yang ingin menitipkan sepeda motor atau mobil mereka untuk hanya beberapa jam atau bahkan berhari-hari. Biaya parkir Rp. 5.000 (sekitar US$ 0,35) untuk sepeda motor, dan Rp. 20.000 (sekitar US$ 1,38) untuk mobil. Waktu yang baik untuk mendaki Gunung Kaba yaitu di musim kemarau antara bulan Juni – September.

  

For the English version click here!

Opsi Jalur Reguler

Durasi pendakian: 1 jam 45 menit hingga 3 jam pendakian

Jika pendakian dimulai di pintu masuk pos POKDARWIS, biasanya memerlukan waktu sekitar 2 jam untuk sampai ke puncak melalui jalur reguler jika Anda merasa energik. Ikuti saja jalur jalan aspal, jalur tersebut akan menuntun Anda hingga ke puncak. Durasi hiking tergantung pada kecepatan langkah kaki Anda, kondisi cuaca, dan seberapa sering Anda berhenti untuk beristirahat dan melihat-lihat pemandangan. Durasi yang kami berikan untuk opsi jalur regular adalah perkiraan, karena semua orang berjalan pada kecepatan yang berbeda-beda. Anda sangat disarankan untuk mengambil jalur reguler jika Anda melakukan pendakian di saat/setelah hujan. Saat musim hujan durasi pendakian bisa menjadi lebih lama.

Opsi Jalur Hutan

Anda dapat menempuh rute jalan setapak melalui hutan untuk melihat pemandangan yang lebih indah dan merasakan sensasi trip petualangan. Hiking melalui jalur hutan juga dapat lebih menghemat waktu tempuh dan tenaga Anda dibandikan hiking melalui jalur reguler, tapi jalur hutan ini sangat beresiko jika Anda tidak familiar dengan tracknya dan mencoba melakukan pendakian seorang diri, Anda bisa tersesat di hutan. Para pengunjung yang belum pernah melewati jalur hutan disarankan untuk menyewa pemandu atau ikut mendaki bersama kelompok pendaki lain yang berpengalaman. Anda dapat menyewa seorang pemandu di Pos POKDARWIS dengan tarif Rp. 75.000 (sekitar US$ 5,19). Hati-hati dengan kondisi jalan setapak dan tebing yang licin dan mudah longsor. Jangan ambil jalur hutan di saat/setelah hujan, lebih baik menghindari resiko dari pada Anda menyesal kemudian. 

Butuh tumpangan sepeda motor ke puncak?

Anda harus dalam kondisi bugar untuk mendaki gunung Kaba. Jika Anda tidak yakin bahwa Anda cukup kuat untuk mendaki, Anda bisa naik ojek dari pos POKDARWIS dengan tarif Rp. 60.000 (sekitar US$ 4,15). Untuk menghindari penipuan tarif jasa ojek dari orang-orang yang menawarkan jasa ojek, sebaiknya Anda membuat dan memastikan kesepakatan tarif jasa dengan tukang ojek terlebih dahulu sebelum Anda menaiki sepeda motornya dan bayar hanya jika Anda telah sampai di puncak gunung.

Kawah belerang gunung Kaba

Info Tambahan Gunung Kaba:
Elevasi puncak: 1.952 m (6.404 kaki)
Koordinat: 3.52 S, 102,62 E
Tipe gunung: stratovolcano (gunung berapi kerucut/komposit)
Erupsi terakhir: 26 -27 Agustus 2007

Lokasi: Dusun Sumber Urip, kabupaten Rejang Lebong, provinsi Bengkulu. Untuk menemukan lokasi gunung Kaba di Google Maps klik di sini!

Petunjuk lokasi secara umum: Gunung Kaba berada sekitar 19 km (11,8 mil) dari Curup ibukota kabupaten Rejang Lebong atau sekitar 104 km (64,7 mil) dari kota Bengkulu. Dibutuhkan waktu sekitar satu jam berkendara dari Curup, 20 menit berkendara dari Simpang Pasar / Simpang Bukit Kaba, atau sekitar 3,5 jam perjalanan dari Bengkulu untuk sampai ke pintu masuk pos POKDARWIS.

Wisatawan asing sedang menikmati pemandangan kawah

Ayo Dukung Responsible Tourism!!

Jika Anda akan bermalam di puncak gunung Kaba (secara lokal dikenal juga dengan nama bukit Kaba) jangan lupa membawa kompor sehingga Anda tidak perlu menguras pasokan kayu bakar yang terbatas. Ketergantungan pada kayu bakar untuk keperluan memasak dapat menyebabkan terjadinya deforestasi/penggundulan hutan yang cepat. Jika Anda terpaksa menyalakan api, gunakanlah perapian yang sudah ada. Gunakan hanya cabang atau ranting pohon yang sudah mati. Pastikan bahwa Anda benar-benar memadamkan api setelah digunakan. Jangan meninggalkan sampah-sampah Anda dan pastikan orang lain di kelompok Anda melakukan hal yang sama. Mari kita dukung "Resposible Tourism" (Pariwisata yang Bertanggung Jawab)!!!!

For the English version click here!

Jangan gunakan foto-foto dari blog ini untuk tujuan apapun tanpa izin dari saya. Jika Anda ingin menggunakan foto-foto di blog ini silahkan email ke kurt_reyhans@yahoo.com 

Ekstra foto dari gunung Kaba

Gunung Kaba menawarkan jalur trekking yang menakjubkan 

"Gunung-gunung sedang memanggil, dan saya harus pergi." - John Muir

Gunung Kaba dikelilingi oleh lautan topografi hijau 

Menikmati pesona pemandangan gunung Kaba

Puncak gunung Kaba yang berkabut

Hiking bersama keluarga

Puncak gunung Kaba mengepulkan uap panas

Perhatikan dan puaskan sisi petualangan mu di gunung Kaba!

Pendakian Gunung Kaba - bersama kita bisa

Kontak: kurt_reyhans@yahoo.com

Foto: Adriansyah Putera, Peter Kimball, Jeff Clairmont 

Referensi tambahan: John Seach. “Kaba Volcano”. http://www.volcanolive.com/kaba.html

Tips for Traveling on Rainy Sumatra Days

Mount Kaba hike

You will encounter iffy weather if you visit Bengkulu province or other provinces of Sumatra during the rainy season. In Bengkulu province and its neighboring provinces including South Sumatra & Lampung province, the rains normally start from October to March (peaking in December - February) slightly later than the north parts of Sumatra. The weather is still hot and more humid in the coastal areas, but at higher elevations tend to be cooler.

Traveling in Bengkulu province during the rainy season especially within the wettest months December – February can be very challenging and inconvenient for most travelers. The December to February rains can come in sudden tropical downpours, and or it can also rain nonstop for a whole day. If you want to go backpacking to try a rainy season escape or a very adventurous trip that many travelers miss out on, perhaps in the rural or mountainous areas, it will require not only willpower but also preparation and a lot of patience. Make sure you carefully plan what to wear on a rainy day and bring the right gears. Here are some important tips from real travelers and my own experiences for traveling on rainy Sumatra days:

General rules: planning and preparation are half the battle. 

First identifying which regions you want to visit & stay, what you want to do and how long you want to travel before packing for your trip to Bengkulu province to get a greater understanding of what will be needed.

Suggested items to bring

Going rural

• A light waterproof rain jacket (heavy plastic raincoat might be too warm to wear in the coastal areas).
• Four of five t-shirts should be enough. The weather at higher elevations tend to be cooler, you can layer t-shirts for warmth instead of strictly winter clothes. You can buy extra t-shirts at low prices in many places in Sumatra if you need more, but if you are a big and tall person it will be very difficult to find plus size t-shirts. 
• Two or three pairs of convertible long pants for backpacking, hiking or for any outdoor activity you may partake in. They can keep you warm when the temperature drops and can be turned into a stylish pair of shorts when the temperature bubbles up. 
• An emergency kit. It can help with some unpleasant situations that arise while on the travel trail, especially if you plan on hiking or going rural. It can be adapted to your needs, type and length of travel, and destinations. The basic emergency kit should include at least the following items:

1. First aid kit & enough medication for your entire stay. It is best to keep your medications in their original containers with clear labels, officials at ports of entry may require proper identification of medications.
2. Ready-to-eat canned food and drinking water.
3. Cellular phone.  We suggest you to bring a cellphone or buy a cheap cellphone and a local SIM card in Indonesia for your communication needs.
4. Multipurpose utility tool like a Swiss army knife.
5. A flashlight, the waterproof one is recommended. Power outages are frequent in Sumatra during thunder storms. 

➤ Don’t bury your emergency kit at the bottom of your travel bag. Keep it handy in case of an emergency.

• Sturdy hiking boots for going rural or hiking.
• Waterproof bags and zip lock bags (for use in protecting your camera equipment, electronic devices, travel documents, emergency kit, etc).
• A folding umbrella.
• Extra socks to wear while wearing shoes/hiking boots.
• Sandals/flip flops.
• An extra towel. It almost always comes in useful! 
• Rainy season is also mosquito season, so don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent and anti malaria tablets especially if going rural.  Recommendations for suitable drugs to prevent malaria can be found at www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/drugs.html
• Locks for your luggage, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

We greatly recommend that you go through a final checklist once you think you have got all items with you.

Packing

Don’t bury things you needs such as emergency kit, extra clothes, or drinking water at the bottom of your backpack or travel bag. If you are going to go backpacking, your backpack has to be balanced or you could fall over. Don’t make your pack too heavy at the top or bottom, it’s best to keep the heaviest items close to your back. Access and balance are the keys to packing well. 

That is all that we can write. Remember that a Sumatra escape or adventurous trip during the rainy season is only suitable for those who enjoy slow travel and don’t mind stopping for one or more days due to weather disruptions.

Tips for driving safely on rainy Sumatra days, click here!

Driving Safely on Rainy Sumatra Days

Rainy weather road trip

This article has been updated on October 6th, 2018

     If you’re planning to drive in Bengkulu province or other areas of Sumatra this rainy season there may be more needed than a full tank of fuel. Roads in much of Sumatra are not great and can be more difficult in the rainy season. Potholes, slippery and poorly visible roads are often the causes of many road accidents during the rainy season. We list some important tips to minimize accident risks for your rainy weather road trip.

Safety starts before you drive. Here's what you can do before you hit the road:

• Give yourself extra time to check traffic, road and weather conditions before you go. It's also recommended to regularly check them for long distance driving. 
• Check brakes, steering, and fluid levels. 
• Make sure that headlights, turn signal lights, brake lights and windshield wipers are clean and functioning properly.
• Check tread depth. Worn tires especially bald ones can be deadly on wet roads. It is widely accepted that tires should be replaced if the remaining tread depth is down to approx 1.6 mm (2/32 inch tread depth). This minimum tread depth standard is adopted by many of the world’s national transportation authorities. 

  

  Tire pressure label 

• Check tire pressure, and also make sure that your spare tire is properly inflated. Many times people ignore their spare tire until they have a flat, and then find the spare tire is flat too. Keep in mind that many vehicles have different tire pressures on the front and rear axle. Recommended tire pressure is usually shown on a label attached to inside of the driver side door, doorpost, or glove box door. 
• Prepare an emergency kit and keep it in the car, you never know when something's going to happen to you or your car. The basic emergency kit should include the following items:

1.  First aid kit
2.  Car tool kit
3.  Food and drinking water.
4.  Flashlight. Waterproof flashlight is recommended. 
5.  Jumper cables. 
6.  Multipurpose utility tool like a Swiss army knife.
7.  Two reflective warning triangles

Safe Driving in the Rain

The Sumatra rainy season often brings heavy rain and often means flooded roads, a few rain drops can quickly develop into a heavy downpour. Here's what you can do to have a safe drive during the rains & thunderstorms:

• Maintain safe following distance.  The 3-second rule needs to be increased to at least 5 seconds as wet roads can double stopping distances. 
• Turn on your windshield wipers to keep your windshield clear. 
• Rain can cause windshield and windows to fog up quickly. If your windshield and windows fog up, turn on the air conditioning and open the windows a little bit if necessary to increase the airflow. In a car without AC, a rag or piece of clothing will work as well, you'll just need to clear the windshield and the window more often. 
• Turn on your headlights even in a light rain, or in gloomy, foggy conditions. They not only help you see the road but also help other drivers see you. 
• Avoid excessive or sudden braking. It’s best to apply the brakes smoothly and gradually before coming to a complete stop. If you push the brake pedal to the limit, the car will probably skid. 
• Don't follow large trucks or buses too closely, they tend to kick-up a lot of spray which can reduce your vision. Take care when passing them as well, if you must pass, do it quickly and safely.
• Go slow when driving through a puddle of uncertain depth. If it is deeper than the bottom of your doors, turn around and find another route. Deep water can cause serious damage to a modern car's electrical system. 
• When stuck in the mud, shift into 1st or 2nd gear and accelerate slowly. Don’t spin the wheels, or you could sink deeper.
• When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible and wait until the storm passes.

Bengkulu - Kepahiang road condition

Flood Hazards

Many areas within Bengkulu province are considered to be at low to moderate risk of flooding. Floods can occur in Bengkulu province and the neighboring provinces as a result of heavy rainfall for a prolonged length of time. Take extra care when driving through these following areas which are prone to flooding:

• Bengkulu city: Bentiring, Rawa Makmur, Semarang, Surabaya Permai, Tanjung Agung, and Tanjung Jaya.
• Seluma district: Jenggalu, Cahaya Negeri, Air Periukan, Sukaraja, Seluma, Talo, and Semidang Alas Maras.
• South Bengkulu district: Pasar Manna, Manna, and Ulu Manna.
• Kaur district; Kaur Selatan (South Kaur), Nasal, Simidang Gumay, Tanjung Iman, Tetap, Luas and Maje.
• Rejang Lebong district: Sindang Kelingi, Air Dingin, Bermani Ulu, Curup, Selupu Rejang, and Padang Ulak Tanding.
• Kepahiang district: Bermani Ilir, Merigi, Ujan Mas, and Kepahiang.
• Lebong district: Lebong Utara (North Lebong), Uram Jaya, and Pelabai.
• Central Bengkulu district: Karang Tinggi, Taba Penanjung and Pondok Kelapa.
• North Bengkulu district: Lais, Batik Nau, Ketahun, Air Besi, Putri Hijau and Marga Sakti.
• Mukomuko district: Pulau Makmur, Ipuh, Arah Tiga, Lubuk Pinang.

Hope it helps and stay safe!!!

Photos by Adriansyah Putera

Titan Arum – Bunga Tertinggi Di Dunia

Titan arum baru mulai mekar

Click here for the English version of this post

Terakhir diupdate: 9 Januari 2017

Hutan tropis provinsi Bengkulu juga merupakan suaka bagi Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum) bunga paling tinggi di dunia dan mungkin paling berbau busuk, yang dikenal oleh penduduk setempat sebagai bunga Kibut atau bunga Bangkai (bhs. Inggris carrion flower) karena baunya yang khas seperti bau bangkai hewan. Titan arum merupakan tumbuhan tropis asli Sumatera. Tumbuhan ini pertama kali ditemukan oleh seorang ahli botani asal Italia Odoardo Beccari di pulau Sumatera – Indonesia pada tahun 1878. Saat ini, tumbuhan ini masuk ke dalam daftar ‘rentan’ oleh Persatuan Konservasi Alam Internasional atau the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Nama Titan arum pertama kali diketahui dipakai oleh seorang penyiar dan naturalis asal Inggris Sir David Attenborough untuk menunjukan tanaman tropis raksasa ini saat proses pengambilan gambar the Private Life of Plants series untuk tanyangan serial TV BBC pada tahun 1993. Attenborough merasa jika selalu menggunakan nama Latin Amorphophallus titanium (arti: penis besar yang cacat) untuk tumbuhan ini pada tanyangan serial TV BBC yang popular akan menjadi tidak pantas di mana para pemirsa bisa merasa tidak nyaman atau bahkan mungkin tersinggung oleh nama ilmiah tumbuhan tersebut.

Titan arum atau Kibut mengeluarkan bau bangkai

Titan arum yang memiliki bentuk seperti bunga bakung, atau yang juga dikenal dengan sebutan bunga Kibut merupakan tumbuhan yang sangat langka dan unik. Tumbuhan ini biasanya tumbuh di hutan tropis primer yang belum mengalami gangguan ekologis yang signifikan dan tumbuhan ini memerlukan waktu pertumbuhan vegetatif selama 7 – 10 tahun sebelum mekar untuk pertama kali. Bunga Titan arum berwarna jerau/merah darah, memiliki benang sari besar berwarna kuning yang menonjol keluar dari intinya, saat Titan arum mekar bunga spektakuler berbentuk pancang ini bisa setinggi lebih dari 2 meter (6,5 kaki). Titan arum mengeluarkan bau yang sangat busuk karena saat bunga terbuka semua, tumbuhan ini menjadi panas dan memancarkan aroma busuk yang menarik bagi serangga penyerbuk. Titan arum mekar hanya sekitar 2 atau 3 hari sebelum tumbang. 

Titan arum dapat ditemukan di beberapa kawasan di dalam hutan hujan provinsi Bengkulu, biasanya di kabupaten Kepahiang (60 km atau 37 mil dari kota Bengkulu) dan di Taba Penanjung (45 km atau 28 mil dari kota Bengkulu) di lereng-lereng Pegunungan Bukit Barisan yang berada di ketinggian 120 – 365 meter (394 – 1.194 kaki) di atas permukaan laut, kedua kawasan ini merupakan kawasan yang paling mudah diakses dekat dengan jalan utama setengah perjalanan antara Bengkulu dan Curup. Saat ini Titan arum merupakan salah satu lambang flora Bengkulu.

Klasifikasi ilmiah                                                      Click here for the English version of this post

Kerajaan: Plantae

Ordo: Alismatales

Famili: Araceae

Subfamili: Aroideae

Genus: Amorphophallus

Spesies: A. titanium

Nama ilmiah: Amorphophallus titanium

Lebih non-formal tumbuhan ini juga disebut Titan arum, Kibut, atau bunga bangkai.

Fakta-fakta menarik tentang Titan arum

Titan arum - bunga tertinggi di dunia

• Saat bunga terbuka penuh, Titan arum mengeluarkan bau bangkai yang sangat menyengat untuk menarik serangga penyerbuk seperti kumbang pemakan bangkai dan lalat daging (Sarcophaga).
• Tumbuhan ini jarang mekar di dalam area kultivasi namun Pak Holidin, seorang hortikulturis, telah memiliki tingkat keberhasilan yang luar biasa dalam membudidayakan beberapa Titan arum untuk diperlihatkan di desa Tebat Monok, kabupaten Kepahiang, Indonesia.
• Titan arum tumbuh dari umbi bawah tanah yang dapat memiliki berat hingga 70 kg (150 pon) dan umbi ini mampu tetap tidur/hibernasi selama 1 hingga 3 tahun.
• Umbi Titan arum menghasilkan daun dan bunga di waktu yang berbeda.
• Nama ilmiah Amorphophallus titanum (dari kata Yunani Kuno amorphos + phallos, dan titan) yang artinya “penis besar yang cacat” yang mana dapat membuat sebagian orang merasa tidak nyaman atau bahkan tersinggung dengan nama ilmiah tumbuhan tersebut. Nama umumnya dalam bahasa Indonesia, bunga bangkai, karena baunya yang mengingatkan orang dengan bau bangkai. 

Referensi: 

www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Titan_arum#intro

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amorphophallus_titanum

Click here for the English version of this post

Foto-foto Titan arum 

Bunga Titan arum berwarna jerau ungu, memiliki benang sari besar berwarna kuning
yang menonjol keluar dari intinya

Perlu waktu 7 - 10 tahun untuk tumbuh sebelum mekar pertama kali 

Melihat Titan arum di desa Tebat Monok - kabupaten Kepahiang

Tunas bunga kibut/Titan arum

Titan arum bisa mencapai tinggi lebih dari 2 m (6,5 kaki)

Titan arum mekar, Tebat Monok - Kepahiang 2 Jan 2017

Lokasi pengambilan foto Tebat Monok, Kepahiang - Indonesia

Photos by: Adriansyah Putera, Sirli Adriansyah & Kaneko Kenji