Mar 28, 2009

Reog Ponorogo Culture Attraction

Reog is a traditional dance that become the main identity for Ponorogo regency.
Because of this, Ponorogo is also known as Reog city.
This theatre has been known wide in Indonesian even foreign tourists.
Reog National Festival is held every years along the anniversary of Ponorogo regency and Grebeg Suro celebration.

Reog dance is also staged full moon nightly in paseban, Ponorogo Town Square.
Reog told about the struggle for a prince who will propose to a lovely pretty princess .
The interesting of Reog is his main leading figure named Singo Barong.
The dancer of Singo Barong bear the mask about 30 - 40 kg weight and supported by the strength of their teeth.
The other leading figure in Reog include Kelono Sewandono, Bujang Anom, Jatil and Warok.
The visitors can enjoy this traditional dance only in Ponorogo, East Java - Indonesia. The only area that has REOG dance is Ponorogo, not in other country.

Reog Ponorogo: Tiger, Peacock

A tiger's head and a wide-winged peacock are the principal features of the traditional Reog Ponorogo dance. The weight of this pair, called Dhadhak Merak, may reach 40 kg or even 100 kg, carried by one man, moving around, up and down. The tiger's head symbolizes a hero. The man, warok, who bears it must have a magic power.

Dhadhak Merak, often known as Singobarong, is performed as a welcoming dance for honorable guests, or as attractions, complete with its attributes. For instance, the player of the role of Prabu (King) Kelana Sewandono, with his supernatural power, always carries an inhabited, holy whip.

Another man plays the role of a dancer, Bujangganong, a governor under the rule of King Kelana Sewandono. He is a hero with a bad face, bearing a mask with a red, long nose, untidy hair and tusked teeth.

The team of players is completed with riders on horses made of bamboo plaitwork or skin of animal. They symbolize the escorting soldiers of King Kelana Sewandono on his trips. Formerly these horse-riders were played by men called Gembak. But now they are generally women.

The total number of a Reog team is between 20 and 40 members, including the magical heroes (waroks) with open breasts and waist band, symbolizing their magic power.

History of reog Ponorogo

The Reog dance originated from the glorious era of the Kediri kingdom around the l5th century. The region of Ponorogo was called Wengker, the seat of the kingdom of Bentarangin (now the area of subdistrict Sonoroto) under King Kelana Sewandono. He had a governor, Pujangga Anom (in the Reog dance called Bujangganong). One night Kelana Sewandono dreamed meeting a beautiful princess, Songgolangit. He felt in love with her and ordered his governor to ask the hand of the princess. This proposal was accepted on the condition that the King should present an attraction which was still unknown at that time.

King Kelana Sewandono then decided to kill the powerful King Singo Barong, who was pictured as a king with a tiger's head bearing a wide-winged peacock. The victorious King Kelana Sewandono then went into procession to the palace of the princess, bearing the defeated Singo Barong. The procession attracted great attention during the trip to the palace.

Another story says that Reog dance is a hint on the king of Majapahit, who married a Chinese princess. The King's power was therefore pictured as being defeated by the beauty of the Chinese princess.

No matter its origin, the Reog dance is a popular attraction, not only in Ponorogo, but all over Java to be performed on various events, including the field of tourism.

Reog Ponorogo Indonesia Traditonal Dance

Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, Miss Universe 2006 is in Indonesia and sitting on the head of Reog Ponorogo. Miss Indonesia Universe 2007 Agni Prathista accompanies her.
Reog Ponorogo Traditional Indonesia Dance from Ponorogo, East Java
Reog Ponorogo Traditional Indonesia Dance from Ponorogo

Batik heritage of Indonesia

Batik is generally thought of as the most quintessentially Indonesian textile. Motifs of flowers, twinning plants, leaves buds, flowers, birds, butterflies, fish, insects and geometric forms are rich in symbolic association and variety; there are about three thousand recorded batik patterns.

The patterns to be dyed into the the clothe are drawn with a canting, a wooden 'pen' fitted with a reservoir for hot, liquid wax. In batik workshops, circles of women sit working at clothes draped over frames, and periodically replenish their supply of wax by dipping their canting into a central vat. Some draw directly on the the cloth from memory; others wax over faint charcoal lines.
This method of drawing patterns in wax on fine machine-woven cotton was practiced as a form of meditation by the female courtiers of Central Java; traditionally, batik tulis (tulis means 'write' in Indonesian) is produced by women.
In the 19th century, the application of waxed patterns with a large copper stamp orcap saved the batik industry from competition with cheap printed European cloth. The semi-industrial nature of cap work allows it to be performed by men. Batik motifs recall characters from the Hindu epics, plants, animals, sea creatures and gamalan melodies.

The Process of Batik Making

Batik, in Javanese means 'To Dot'. Basically there are two kinds of batik; Batik Tulis (hand drawn) and Batik Cap (stamped). The price of batik tulis is much more expensive than batik cap.

Doting

A canting (a pen like instrument with a small reservoir of liquid wax) is applied to the cloth of batik tulis making. The tracing of the desired design on to the prepared cloth is the first stage of making followed by the technique of applying wax and dye substances. At the final stage of the process, all the wax scraped off and the cloth boiled to remove all traces of the wax. This process of repeatedly waxing and dyeing is the batik process, used until nowadays in Java and other parts of Indonesia.

So, this kind art of batik is an indigenous to the country. The wax used in batik process is a combined product of paraffin, bees-wax, plant resins called gondorukem and mata kucing.

Batik cap, which is also using the waxing process, its process of course faster and easier. But people appreciation of batik tulis is higher, it is really a work of an artist not only a craftsman. It combines the expertise, patience, deep feeling to produce the finest product, and it may take days, weeks and even months to make only a batik tulis

The Cities of Batik

Yogyakarta and Solo are the centers of traditional of batiks, as the north coastal town of Pekalongan is the center of more modern batiks, using more floral and birds motifs. There are some well-known artists of batik design in Yogya and Solo, as well as some big batik manufacturers with famous trademarks.

The growing production of batik makes way to the establishment of mori (woven cotton fabrics) factories in Yogya and Central Java. The Batik research Institute was founded in Yogya.

The Symbolic Meaning of Batik's Motifs

The motifs of Batik, especially with old pattern, as in other field of Javanese tradition are symbolizing something. Might be, this is one of the reasons, why people still adore batik up to present date. Some of the motifs are :

1. Sido Mulyo :
Sido (you should be ), mulyo (happy). Symbolizing 'you should be happy and rich man'.
2. Sido Dadi :
Symbolizing 'you should be a man/woman as you wish (prosperous, high ranking position, wealthy, etc)'.
3. Satrio Wibowo :
Symbolizing 'Man with dignity'.
4. Tikel Asmorodono :
Tikel (more), Asmoro (love), Dono (gift).
It is meant the one who wears this batik, should be loved more and more by others.

Batik Designs

Although there are thousands of different batik designs, particular designs have traditionally been associated with traditional festivals and specific religious ceremonies. Previously, it was thought that certain cloth had mystical powers to ward off ill fortune, while other pieces could bring good luck.

Kawung

Kawung is another very old design consisting of intersecting circles, known in Java since at least the thirteenth century. This design has appeared carved into the walls of many temples throughout Java such as Prambanan near Jogjakarta and Kediri in East Java. For many years, this pattern was reserved for the royal court of the Sultan of Jogjakarta. The circles are sometimes embellished inside with two or more small crosses or other ornaments such as intersecting lines or dots. It has been suggested that the ovals might represent flora such as the fruit of the kapok (silk cotton) tree or the aren (sugar palm).

Ceplok

Ceplok is a general name for a whole series of geometric designs based on squares, rhombs, circles, stars, etc. Although fundamentally geometric, ceplok can also represent abstractions and stylization of flowers, buds, seeds and even animals. Variations in color intensity can create illusions of depth and the overall effect is not unlike medallion patterns seen on Turkish tribal rugs. The Indonesian population is largely Muslim, a religion that forbids the portrayal of animal and human forms in a realistic manner. To get around this prohibition, the batik worker does not attempt to express this matter in a realistic form. A single element of the form is chosen and then that element is repeated again and again in the pattern.

Parang

Parang was once used exclusively by the royal courts of Central Java. It has several suggested meanings such as 'rugged rock', 'knife pattern' or 'broken blade'. The Parang design consists of slanting rows of thick knife-like segments running in parallel diagonal bands. Parang usually alternated with narrower bands in a darker contrasting color. These darker bands contain another design element, a line of lozenge-shaped motifs call mlinjon. There are many variations of this basic striped pattern with its elegant sweeping lines, with over forty parang designs recorded. The most famous is the 'Parang Rusak' which in its most classical form consisting of rows of softly folded parang. This motif also appears in media other than batik, including woodcarving and as ornamentation on gamelan musical instruments.

Mar 22, 2009

Tawangmangu Resort

For those looking to escape the heat and enjoy a relaxing holiday with the family, Central Java offers a perfect retreat. Perched on the slopes of Mount Lawu, Tawangmangu promises a cool time for everyone.

Perched on the western slope of Mount Lawu at an altitude of 3,265 meters, Tawangmangu enjoys temperatures of between 22 and 31 degrees Celsius.

Tawangmangu is located in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, some 45 kilometers, or about a two-hour drive, from Surakarta to the southeast. The resort is easily accessible by car or motorcycle. And for visitors arriving at the Adisumarno International Airport in Surakarta, it is easy to get a cab or bus to Tawangmangu.

Tawangmangu Resort has numerous hotel choices for visitors. From the star-rated to more modest accommodation.

Though its climate is the main draw, there is much more to Tawangmangu. The attractions at the resort include waterfalls, Taman Ria Balakembang, the Lawu Resort campground, Bumi Perkemahan Sekipan, Puncak Lawu, hot water springs and Candi (temple) Sukuh, Candi Ceto and Candi Bromo.

There are also cultural attractions, such as the traditional ceremonies in the villages of Mondosiyo and Dukutan. There were also periodical dangdut and campur sari performances, as well as traditional art performances.

One of the main attractions at the resort is the Grojogan Sewu waterfalls. With its pristine nature, the breathtaking 81-meter high waterfalls remain the most frequented spot in the 20-hectare forest area of the resort.

The park, which has been managed by Natural Resources Conservation, in Bogor, and run by PT Duta Indonesia Jaya since 1956, provides visitors with swimming pools, camping areas, a recreational park, souvenir shops and restaurants.

The 3.5-hectare Taman Bakembang is specially designed for families. Small children can enjoy themselves in its vast playgrounds and parents can relax with a game of tennis.

If you still have the energy, you should not miss Candi Sukuh, a temple located in the middle of a coffee and tea plantation on the mountain's western slope in Berjo village, at the foot of Tawangmangu. The temple is accessible by car via a five-kilometer-long road.

The temple was built in the 15th century during the time of the Majapahit Kingdom. In the past, the Hindu temple was used as a place for worship and religious rites, but now it is used as a place for meditation and to give offerings.

Mar 21, 2009

Sarangan Lake

Located at the feet of Mount Lawu, and representing a tourist destination of East Java that always attracts attention, that is Telaga Sarangan, which is never free from tourist visits.

Telaga (lake) Sarangan is located in the Sub-District of Plaosan, Regency of Magetan, about 1,600 metres above sea level. The climate around is quite cool and comfortable, hence appropriate for recreations. In day time the temperature is around 20 degrees Centrigrade, but at nights it lowers to 15 degrees Centrigrade.

As a tourist destination, Telaga Sarangan has been known since the Dutch time. Here the high ranking Dutch officials often spent their weekends. It is hence not surprising that around the lake, villas of European archiecture can still be found.

In the past, Telaga Sarangan was better known as Telaga Pasir (sand lake). Why? Because, during the dry season the water dried up, showing only a huge stretch of sand. On the other hand, during the rainy season, water would fill up the entire are of the lake. However, until today no definite records can be found of when the name Telaga Pasir changed into Telaga Sarangan. But, irrespective of that, Telaga Sarangan has remained natural and interesting to visit.

As one of the tourist destinations in East Java, Sarangan has been equipped with various facilities for the comfort of visitors. The facilities that are managed by the local government of Magetan, are among others; hotels; logements, restaurants, fruit and vegetables markets, and souvenir shops. Besides that, there are other facilities, like a parking space, musholla (small mosque) and guard station.

To circle along and enjoy the 75 hectares lake, tourist can use motorboats for round trip. Apart from that, there are "water ducks" and horses that will readily take you to the other tourist destinations around Telaga Sarangan. Like the Tirtosari and Sarangsari waterfalls.

The Tirtosari waterfall is located 3 kilometres south- west of Telaga Sarangan. While Sarangsari waterfall is located 2 kilometres north- west of Telaga Sarangan. Both waterfalls are tourist destinations that are still natural and very attractive, because these are surrounded by protected forests, managed by the Perum Perhutani KPH Lawu DS.

At the edge of the protected forest, and exactly at the edge of Telaga Sarangan, the Perum Perhutani KPH Lawu DS has also built a wisma (bed and breakfast), equipped with hot water, television, and telephones. Rates are cheap according todomestic tourists standards, and as compared to the other hotels or wismas around the lake.

Besides that, there is a Taman Ria (fun park) for children, with a quite spacious playground. Meanwhile, for adults, apart from the comfortable environment of the protected forest, there is also an open air stage for cultural performances. And besides that 3.5 kilometres north- west of the lake, at the Mojosemi camping grounds, managed by the Perum Perhutani KPH Lawu DS. The cool and dense environment has created a location that is quite appropriate for nature lovers who are fond of camping, recreationing or researching.

3 kilometres before Telaga Sarangan, from magetan, is another natural lake, i.e.Telaga Wahyu. Itis 15 hectares in size, witha climate not much different from Telaga Sarangan, and definitely easily accesed by big or small vehicles.

At Telaga Wahyu tourists can relax while fishing. At certain times also variousart and camping performances are held. Near the lake, tourists can find a natural water spring named Sumber Tamtu. It is said that the water from this spring has the virtue to make people stay young.

Mar 7, 2009

Grand Bromo Hotel

Grand Bromo Hotel located at the very portal of East Java's most exciting tourist attraction, Mount Bromo. While only minutes from the stark grandeur of volcanic panoramas, Grand Bromo Hotel is located in a lush tropical setting, overlooking vistas of mountain peaks and the views are breathtaking. The area is rich in natural beauty. The Grand Bromo Hotel offers a choice of 191 rooms and 5 cottages. Each has been designed to create a cozy, homey atmosphere. The Grand Bromo Hotel, the only deluxe hotel in the area, is truly dedicated to your satisfaction


While only minutes from the stark grandeur of volcanic panoramas, Grand Bromo Hotel is located in a lush tropical setting, overlooking vistas of mountain peaks and the picturesque harbor of Probolinggo. The climate is clean, coll and refreshing. The views are breathtaking. The area is rich innatural beauty. Madakaripura, a spectacular nearby waterfall, is well worth the excursion. In addition, the localvillages give visitors insight into the way of life of the Tenggerese people who have inhabited these slopes for centuries. Our friendly professional staff at the Grand Bromo Hotel will assist you in planning outings to suit your needs. Savor the enchantment.



Comfort.
The Grand Bromo Hotel offers a choice of 191 rooms and 5 cottages. While providing lodgings for a variety of tastes and budgets, each has been designed to create a cozy, homey atmosphere. In addition, every personal accommodations has a terrace or balcony, private bath and shower with hot and cold water, televison and telephone. Room service is available around the clock. We also provide assistance with your laundry, tour and transportation, currency exchange and medical needs. Grand Bromo Hotel combines traditional hospitality with modern convenience



Dedication
The Grand Bromo Hotel is here for only one reason: to ensure that your every need is met. The Sukapura Hall accomodates up to 200 people for everything from a seminar to a banquet,a business meeting to a party. For the fitness-minded, we provide a jogging track, tennis court, and swimming pool. Entertainment amenities include a games room and karaoke.



The Tengger Coffee House offers a selection of Indonesian, Chinese, and European cuisine. The Sunken Bar affords refreshment poolside. And the Batok Baris the ideal setting for cocktails as you enjoy.


Mar 6, 2009

Gede-Pangrango National Park

The park, covering 15,196 ha, evolved from several already existing conservation areas: Cibodas Nature Reseve (240 ha), gazetted in 1889, was the oldest reserve in Indonesia and in 1925 was extended to 1,040 ha; Cimungkat Nature Reserve (56 ha) gazetted in 1919; situgunung Recreational Park (120 ha) gazetted in 1975; and Mount Gede Pangrango nature Reserve (14,000 ha) gazetted in 1978.

The park is situated between longitudes 106°51'-107°02' East and latitudes 6°41-6°51' South. Administratively, it is shared between the Regencies of Bogor, Cianjur and Sukabumi.

The Gede-Pangrango area has been the centre of much research over the last two centuries, so establishing its worldwide reputation. Sir Thomas Raffles organised the building of a path on the south-eastern slopes in 1811, although the earliest recorded climb of Mount Gede was by C.G.C. Reinwardt in 1819. Other explorations were conducted by F.W. Junghuhn (1839-1861), J.E. Teysmann (1839), A.R. Wallace (1861), S.H. Koorders (1890), M. Treub (1891) and W.M. van Leeuen (1911). C.G.G.J. van Steenis (1920-1952) collected and studied here in preparation for his now famous book: "The Mountain Flora of Java". published in 1972.


Today many Indonesian and foreign scientists carry on the tradition and, as a result, these mountains are one of the most well researched tropical forest systems in the world. Even so, in such a set of complex ecosystems, exact relationships between the myriad of species will keep biologists intrigued for many decades to come. Climate, topography and vegetation all interact.

Gunung Gede-Pangrango, the twin volcanoes of West Java, is one of the first national parks in Indonesia. It covers a total forested area of 15,000 hectares. This area has a special place in the history of both conservation and botanical research in Indonesia. It includes the Cibodas Nature Reserve which has been the scene of numerous botanical and other studies for a period of well over a hundred years by a number of scientists and naturalists, including such eminent figures as Reinwardt, Junghunn and Wallace.


What to bring/Where to stay


Cool-weather clothing, rain coat, strong shoes for hiking, and camping equipments are recommended. Visitors have also to bring their own food, especiall for those who want to stay overnight in the park. Accomodation in the park is in simple guesthouses. The park also provides some camping grounds, including one at the Alun-alun Suryakencana, a flat area near the top of Gunung Gede. There are many hotels, villas and bungalows in the Puncak Pass-Cipanas area. This area is quite close to the Headquarters of the park.

Activities
Among the mountains in West Java, the twin volcanoes Gede-Pangrango are very famous for hiking and mountain climbing. There are 4 trails to go up to the summits of of the mountains; two trails are from Cibodas, one from Gunung Putri and another one from Selabintana, Sukabumi. Climbing the mountains and watching the sunrise from the top or the crater wall of Gunung Gede are the most exciting attractions for visitors.

Permit
A park entry permit is required for each visitor, and is available at the Park Headquarters, Cibodas.

You can enter the park by one of four gates :
- Cibodas Gate (Cianjur) is the main entrance and the site of the park Headquarters. It is located about 100 km from Jakarta/2.5 hour drive; 89 km from Bandung/2 hour drive.
- Gunung Putri Gate (Cianjur) is close to Cibodas and can be reached via Cipanas and Pacet.
- Selabintana Gate (Sukabumi) is 60 km from Bogor/1.5 hour drive, and 90 km from Bandung/2 hour drive.
- Situgunung Gate (Sukabumi) is 15 km from Selabintana in the direction of Bogor.

Except from Situgunung, Mount Gede and Pangrango summits may be reached on clearly marked trails.

Hiking Rules
1. All visitors must buy a ticket when entering the park. Recreational visit tickets can be obtained from ticket hatches at each of the four gates. In addition, mountain climbing permits are required:
- when leaving the main trail from Cibodas gate to Cibeureum Waterfall in order to climb to the hot water stream/Air panas;
- when turning off the trail to Cibeureum waterfall of Selabintana, Selabintana Gate;
- beyond Bobojong camping ground upon entering the National Park proper from Gunung Putri Gate.

2. Should you wish to climb the mountains you must obtain the permit either at the National Park Headquarters, Cibodas or at Selabintana Resort Office.

Register at the National Park Office:
Monday-Thursday 07.30 - 14.30
Friday 07.30 - 11.00
Saturday 07.30 - 13.30

You must submit:
- a photocopy of your valid I.D. Card or a parental permit (passport for foreign visitors)
- a travel statement from your local police (Indonesians)
- a health certificate from a physician (Indonesians)

3. A park guard will inspect your belongings and permit before you enter the park.
4. No domestic animals, including pets, are allowed in the park.
5. Do not bring weapons, such as knives, or hunting equipment into the park.
6. Radios and noisy appliances are not allowed in the park and special permission is required for the use of "walkie-talkies".
7. Do not light camp fires as there is a real risk of forest fire.
8. Do not interfere with, remove, vandalise or damage park property. This includes writing on stones or trees.
9. Do not pick flowers of pull up plants.
10. Hike only along main trails. Short cuts not only damage the forest but also are very dangerous.
11. Do not drop litter. Much time and effort has to be spent picking up bottles and other rubbish. Carry all your rubbish out of the park.
12. Do not pollute or foul rivers and when bathing do not use soap or other pollutants.
13. Report to the park guard when leaving the park and hand in your permit.
14. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the park.

Minimum Requirements (for mountain climbers)
Unless climbers are properly equipped they can run into serious trouble.
1. Minimum hiking gear: warm clothes, sleeping bag if staying on the mountain overnight, waterproof clothing, flashlight and medical kit.
2. Carry enough food and drink (non-alcoholic).
3. Do not climb alone: there should be at least three people in your party and preferably you should be guided by someone with a knowledge of the trail.

Climate & Weather
Gede Pangrango is one of the wettest parts of Java with a mean annual rainfall between 3,000 and 4,000 mm and with, even in the four driest consecutive months of the year, still more than 40 rainy days. The wettest season is from October to May, coinciding with the North West moonsoon, with more than 200 mm of rain every month and over 400 mm per month between December and March (the park is usually closed during this period). The best time for visiting this park is during the driest months (June-September), when average monthly rainfall drops below 100 mm. Annual average temperature varies from about 18°C in Cibodas to less than 10°C at the top of Gunung Pangrango while the relative humidity varies between 80% and 90%.

Annual rainfall is high. The average is in the range of 3,000-4,200 mm per annum, making the area one of the wettest parst of java. The rainy season occurs from October to May, the monthly average of 200 mm rising to over 400 mm in the period from December to March. The dry season occurs from June to September, rainfall dropping to below 100 mm per month. Visitors are asked to be especially careful at this time as the vegetation is easily ignited.

Relative humidity is likewise high, espesially in the forest at night. However, during the dry season humidity on the peaks swings from a night- time low of 30% to an afternoom high of over 90%. These variations have a marked effect on plant communities.

Daily temperature at Cibodas averages around 18°C, while on the peaks of Mount Gede and Pangrango the average is a chilly 10°C. Night-time temperature on the peaks may drop below 5°C. Frasts occur regularly so warm clothing is essential to anyone intending to climb to the summit. The National Park is an important hydrological catchment.



Geography & Topography
Gunung Gede and Pangrango are a part of the great belt of volcanoes which extends in an arch through Sumatera, Java and the Lesser Sundas. These volcanoes were formed during the Quarternary period between 3 million years ago and the present time. Pangrango and Gede are thus comparatively new mountains geologically, though the former is the older of the two, no longer displaying any sign of volcanic activity, while Gede is still semi-active with a well-defined crater within which gases escape from fumaroles.

Gunung Gede (2,958 m) and Pangrango (3,019 m) are connected by a high saddle at about 2,500 m. Slopes are very steep and are incised by valleys forming steep-sided ridges between them radiating out towards the flat plains of Bogor-Cianjur and Sukabumi.

Flora & Fauna
Gunung Gede-Pangrango is covered with splendid mountain forest and at present it is one of the last mountain forests of the West Java where the forest is still relatively undisturbed.

The high forest between 1,400 and 2,400 m has a very mixed composition. The canopy is about 30-40 m high with an abundant development of laurels (Litsea spp.), oaks (Lithocarpus spp. and Quercus spp.) and chesnuts (Castanopsis spp.).

Emergents of this forest include the grand rasamala (Altingia excelsa) and the conifers (Podocarpus imbricatus and Podocarpus neriifolius).

The Puspa (Schima walichii) is common in West-Java's rainforest and often conspicuous by its reddish flush that at times colours the whole forest canopy.At the attitude of about Kandang Badak, the saddle at 2,400 m between Gunung Gede and Pangrango, one enters the sub-alpine or elfin forest. This forest has only one stratum of smallish trees and a ground layer. Due to their better resistance against crater gases, Vaccinium varingiaefolium, Rhododendron retusum and Myrsine avenis are more common close to the crater area even a pure Vaccinium varingiaefolium forest has developed. One of the characteristic plants of the top areas of these mountains is the Javanese Edelweiss (Anaphalis javanica).

We can hear everywhere birds singing and see them flying especially in the early morning. There are about 200 species of bird in the area, including the pygmy tit (Psaltris exilis) which is only know from west Java's mountains and the sole representative of an endemic genus. Primate species which occur in the park include the Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch), Javan leaf monkey (Presbytis aygula), silvered leaf monkey (Presbytis cristata), and the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis). Leopard (Panthera pardus) is still the only large predator of West Java, besides the extremely rare wild dog (Cuon alpinus) which also exists in this park.

Other species of mammals are the wild pigs (Sus scrofa), the Javanese/stink badger (Mydaus javanensis), the leopard cat (Felis bengalensis) and the yellow-throated martin (Mustela flavigula).

The park is home to manyspecies of mammal. These include the stink badger (Mydaus javanensis), flying lemur (Galeopterus variegatus), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), lesser mousr-deer (Tragulus javanicus) and two species of wild pig (Sus scrofa and S.verrucosus).

Four species of primate live here and are all frequently seen : Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch). Javan leaf monkey (Presbytis comata), ebony leaf monkey (trachythecus auratus), and long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis). The two Javanese endemics are currently listed as endangered.

Other rare mammals include leopard (panthera pardus), leopard cat (Felis bengalensis) and wild dog (Cuon alpinus javanicus). Junghuhn's observations of 1839 tell us that Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) once roamed the erea; regrettably no recent records exist.

Many different kinds of bird inhabit the park; more than 251 species from the Javan list of 450 have been recorded. Scaece or beautiful birds, such as the Javan hawk-eagle (Spizaetus bartelsi), the blue-tailed trogon (Harpactes reinwardteii)(Otus angelinae) attract bird-watchers from all over the world.

Places of Interest
Even though famous as an historic biological/ecological research site, the park also has an important role to play in recreation and ecotourism. Many activities, besides mountain climbing/hiking, can be enjoyed. Popular pursuits include taking in the natural scenery, observing wildlife, photography and camping.

1. Telaga Biru/The Blue Lake (1,575 m a.s.1.)
Location: 1.5 km/15 minute walk from Cibodas Gate. The name derives from the presence of blue-green algae which colour the water. The observant visitor might weel be rewarded with views of the white-crowned forktail (Enicurus leschenaulti), a striking pied bird which methodically searches streams and lake margins for food. The surrounding area is transitional from sub-montane to montane vegetation.

2. Cibeureum Waterfall (1,625 m a.s.1.)
Location: 2.8 km/1 hour walk from Cibodas Gate. Not one but three waterfalls, formed from the Cikundul, Cidendeng, and Cibeureum rivers, cascade over a dramatic cliff. A red moss (Sphagnum gedeanum), endemic to the mountains of West Java, can be seen growing on the rocky outcrops. Many of the bast seen flying atound come the nearby bat cave of Gua Lalay.

3. Hot Water Stream (2,150 m a.s.1.)
Location: 5.3 km/2 hour walk from Cibodas Gate. The water temperature here can be as high as 75°C butdrops during times of rain. An algae, remarkably adapted both to hot water and to high sulphur levels, grows in the stream bed.

4. Kandang Batu/Rocky Area (2,220 m a.s.l.)
Location: 5.6 km/2.5 hour walk from Cibodas Gate. As a result of the Gede eruptions rocks and boulders litter the area. Many fresh springs emerge here providing a good source of drinking water.

5. Kandang Badak/Rhino "Home" (2,400 m a.s.l.)
Location: 7.8 km/3.5 hour walk from Cibodas Gate. The area is relatively flat, consisting of a saddle connecting the peaks of Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango. The vegetation is transitional from montane to sub-alpine.

6. Summit and Crater of Mount Gede (2,958 m a.s.l.)
Location: 9.7 km/5 hour walk from Cibodas Gate. Three semi-active craters are grouped together: Lanang (male), Ratu (queen) and Wadon (female). Acid rocks, sulphur-rich gas emissions and an inhospitable climate create "tough" adverse conditions. In response, a fascinating plant community has developed including the fern (Selliguea feei), the ericaceous Vaccinium varingiaefolium and two species of rhododendron (Rhododendron retusum and R.javanicum).

7. Suryakencana Meadow (2,750 m. a.s.l.)
Location: 11.8 km/6 hour walk from Cibodas Gate; 6.9 km/3.5 hour from Gunung Putri and 9 km/5 hour walk from Selabintana. The meadow, 50 ha in area, is situated between Mounts Gede and Gumuruh and is one of several well known sites within the park for the Javanese eidelweiss or "eternal flower".

8. Mount Pangrango Summit (3,019 m a.s.l.)
Location: 3 km/3 hour walk from Kandang Badak; 11 km/7 hour walk from Cibodas Gate. Mount Pangrango is less visited than Gede; the climb is much steeper and the summit more wooded. The peak, the tallest in the park, overlooks the small, 5 ha, high altitude Mandalawangi meadow.

9. Cibeureum Waterfall of Selabintana (900 m a.s.l)
Location: 2.4 km/45 minute walk from Selabintana Gate. The waterfall is 35 m high, making it the highest waterfall in the National Park.

10. Sawer Waterfall (1,200 m a.s.l.)
Location: 2 km/20 minute walk from Situgunung Gate. Fed by a large stream, this waterfall is notable as the one with the greatest flow and largest volume of water.

11. Camping Sites
Two camping sites are available in the park: Gunung putri Site with room for 100 campers; Selabintana Site with room for 150 campers.