backpackin magazine 8 english
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Backpackin Magazine 8 EnglishTRANSCRIPT
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
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Derawan Island has been a destination for tourists these days. Of course, it is not without reasons
DERAWANViRgiNislAND
lOCAl CUlTURESEREN TAUNCOMMUNiTY KASKUS INDONESIAN TRAVELERSFigUREHARLEY BAYU SASTHA
FREE
Magazine
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 11
15
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ON THE SPOT3 DERAWAN VIRGIN ISLAND
Derawan Archipelago has been a destina-tion for tourists these days. Of course, it is not without reeasons
HOW TO GET THERE11 GO TO DERAWAN
There are two harbors that serve to cross to Derawan Island, which are Tanjung Batu harbor in Berau and Tengkayu harbor in Tarakan.
MY JOURNEY15 MIRACULOUS DECEMBER IN DERAWAN
Derawan Island, located in Berau Regen-cy, East Kalimantan. That was the place I visited.
GALLERY25 THE BEAUTY OF DERAWAN
LOCAL CULTURE27 SEREN TAUN
There was a sudden crowd last January, to be exact on the 18-23 in Sindang Barang Village, Bogor, West Java.
COMMUNITY33 KASKUS INDONESIAN TRAVELERS
FIGURE37 HARLEY BAYU SASTHA
33
Contents
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
GENERAL MANAGERKhemal Nugroho
EDITOR IN CHIEFAmbar Arum
SENIOR EDITORMuhammad Iqbal
CORRESPONDENTSGhamal Satya Mohammad
Soekarno Ibrahim
TRANSLATORSAnnisa M.F. Harahap
Anindya LeonitaDea Maria Christa
Ryana Andari Purba
DESIGNGalih Permadi
Kibar Desain Salman
WEBMASTERKurniawan Aji Saputra
WEBSITEwww.backpackinmagazine.com
Cheers for Backpackers!,
THOSE WHO ARE deep sea and beach lovers
has brought Derawan into the must see list. Why is that
so? What are the things to see in Derawan and how to
get there? How much the cost is? All those things will be
answered in this Backpackin’ edition!
Meanwhile, in order to increase the quality of
Backpackin’ magazine, from this edition we would like to
show a new nuance in this magazine. Covers, some new
rubrics and layouts are the things we’d like to fix to make
it more interesting.
We do that not for us, but for Indonesia’s tourism
to be better! Let’s support Indonesia’s tourism!
Enjoy It!!
EDITOR IN CHIEF
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n 2
REVIEW41 DUARANSEL.COM
EDUCATION45 PROTECT THE CORAL REEFS
ACCESSORIES47 TRANGIA VS GAS STOVE
CONTRIBUTOR51 BM 8TH EDITIONS
INTERACTION52 BEING SILLY IN A PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
NEXT EDITION53 SEMPU ISLAND
Editor’s Note
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ON THE SPOT
DERaWanV i R G i n i S L a n D
Derawan Island has been a
destination for tourists these
days. Of course, it is not with-
out reasons
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 15
DERAWAN ARCHIPELAGO, WHICH is
located in Berau district, East Kalimantan
province, consists of many small islands.
The popular ones are Derawan Island itself,
Kakaban Island, Maratua Island, and San-
glaki Island.
ON THE SPOT
By : Ambar Arum
Photo: Maliq & Yanuar Priambodo
Beautiful View From every corner of this archi-
pelago, our eyes will always be spoiled by
the extraordinary and naturally wonderful
sight. Every islands has its own beauty that
attracts tourists’ attention to finally made it
there, whether local or international tourists.
Snorkelling and Diving It is one of the best diving spots in
the world, especially with the existence of
unique jellyfish. It is the most unique spe-
cies here. In Indonesia, we can only find it in
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n 6
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 17
ON THE SPOT
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
THE NAMES OF THE ISLANDS HERE HAVE THEIR OWN MEANING. DERAWAN IS FROM THE WORD PERAWAN (VIR-GIN), MARATUA (MERTUA/ PARENT IN LAW), SANGLAKI IS (LELAKI/MAN WORDS), AND KAKABAN (KAKAK/OLDER BROTHER)
Kakaban and Maratua Islands. It is hard to
find in other countries. The easiest access to
be reached is Kakaban Island.
We can also see rare sea animals, like
manta rays or dugong. Imagine that you can
swim with jellyfish around you and dive with
tortoise!
8
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 19
Tortoise Captivity Tortoise and human live together
here. You can meet tortoise easily in
Derawan and Sanglaki Island.
Take good care of any place you
visit! Keep it clean and original! Be polite
and follow the citizen’s rules. t
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n 10
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
Air Lane
Can only be reached from Balikpa-
pan with Batavia Air, Sriwijaya Air, Kalstar
plane and Trigana Air (1 hour ride).
Land Lane
Rent a car from Balikpapan, 3-4
million Rupiah (back and forth, driver in-
cluded, price and capacity is according to
the kinds of car). 22-30 hours of ride even
more, depend on the road’s condition.
Straightly taken to port Tanjung Batu.
TO BERAU
THERE ARE TWO harbors that can be used
to get to Derawan Island, which is Tanjung
Batu harbor in Berau and Tengkayu harbor in
Tarakan. That is why we need to reach Berau
or Tarakan first. Berau can be reached within
the land or sky meanwhile Tarakan can only
be reached through sky. Land way is much
cheaper but takes a long time. On the other
hand, sky way is much expensive yet faster.
This information could be change at any
time, especially the price.
Air Lane
1. From Balikpapan: take Batavia Air (1 hour
ride).
2. From Jakarta: take Lion Air or Sriwijaya
Air.
3. From other cities: transit in Balikpapan
and take Batavia Air.
TO TARAKAN
11
HOW TOGET THERE
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
IT IS THE MOST UNIQUE species here. In Indo-
nesia, we can only find it in Kakaban and Maratua
Islands.
There is a lake in Kakaban Island which
water is from the trapped sea. It is also from water
inside the ground and rain since a long time ago.
This is how Kakaban Lake that has unstinged jel-
lyfish was created.
Why isn’t the jellyfish sting? It is because
the evolution process that has happened a long
time ago by the rain and ground water, where the
water in the lake here became more insipid com-
pared to the other sea around the lake.
This changing impacts the adaptation of
the sea animals inside the lake. One of them is jel-
lyfish. Because of the limited food, the jellyfish can
finally adapt and do a symbiotic mutualism with
algae that is the producer of food. However, algae
needs sun to produce food, therefore the jellyfish
can place the algae on their feet and walk back.
The sting power may be decrease and even gone
because of the differences of the ecosystem in the
water.
UNSTINGEDJELLYFISH
From Tarakan
From airport to Tengkayu Harbor
take a taxi approximately 15-20 minutes
ride.
From Berau
From airport to Tanjung Batu Har-
bor take a taxi (2–2,5 hours ride).
TO THE HARBOR
From Tengkayu
1. Regular boat: 5-6 hours
2. Speedboat: 2-3 hours
From Tanjung Batu
1. Regular boat: 1-2 hours (around Rp
400.000 back and forth for 5 persons)
2. Speedboat: 20-30 minutes
MENUJU P. DERAWAN
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n 12
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
HOW TO GET THERE
13
Remember: regular boat has longer
time to reach the island than speedboat, so
the spots to be visited are less than taking
speedboat. The capacity of regular boat is
obviously small.
Regular Boat
Cost :
Rp500.000 – 1.000.000,00
(capacity: approximately 8 persons)
Speedboat
Cost :
Rp 1,5 million. Capacity: 5 persons (2 days)
or
Rp 7,5 – 9 million. Capacity: 14 million(3
days)
BOAT RENT
In Derawan and Maratua Islands, Rp
50.000,00 per day.
SNORKELLING+FIN
There are food stalls in Derawan and
Maratua Island range from Rp 10.000,00 –
Rp 25.000,00
FOODS
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
1. To be economical, bring stove and food.
Pick the instant ones and long lasted like
abon, dendeng, dry temper, etc or the easy
fried ones such as instant noodle, sausage,
corned beef, etc.
2. The weather is not definite nowadays so
it’s better to contact local people to know
the weather condition.
3. It’s possible to stay at local people’s
house or build a tent in Derawan but it
needs permission from the local people.
TIPS
Inns are only in Derawan and
Maratua Islands. The range of inn per night
starts from Rp 100.000,00 (Derawan) and
Rp 150.000,00 (Maratua).
INN
Maliq (Kakaban Tour)
081254200333
email: [email protected]
FB Fan Page : Derawan Island Info
Rent Car from Balikpapan
CV Gina Mandiri Travel. 0852 4895 3177
Inn in Derawan
Danakan Inn 081347733701
CONTACTS
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
MY JOURNEY
b a c K p a c K i n I M E I - A P R I L 2 0 1 115
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
Miraculous December in
DERAWANDERAWAN ISLANDS, LOCATED in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan. That was the place
I visited. What made me interested to explore Derawan was the unique jellyfish in Kaka-
ban Island where it couldn’t sting! By: Antho Riyanto | Photo: Antho Riyanto & Kakaban Tour
M A R E T - A P R I L 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n 16
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
I started Googling about Derawan since I
came home from my Komodo trip. From
blog-walking, I found out that backpacking
to Derawan was not really backpacking be-
cause the cost was expensive, except if we
had much time.
Finally, around August 2010 I booked
Mandala Airlines ticket JKT-TRK (Jakarta
– Tarakan) round trip, 1,4 million for 4-8
December 2010. Why I chose Tarakan? Be-
cause when I made the calculation, going to
Derawan via Tarakan was much cheaper and
more efficient.
Next, I started to influence my
friends to accompany me to Derawan. But
it was hard to find a companion on this high
budget trip. After I contacted all the contact
persons, I started to post this trip to many
mailing lists.
In October 2010, gathered 12 people
who were interested to go to Derawan (10
people from Jakarta, 1 person from Surabaya
and another one from Makassar). Closer to
the D day, one of the people cancelled the
trip and on the day before leaving, there was
another one cancelling the trip. Automatical-
ly, the sharing cost was increased, but show
must go on!
Friday, December 3, 2010 Since the flight was so early (6 am)
and we were lazy to get DAMRI (airport
shuttle bus) in the morning or to take taxi,
so five of us decided to stay one night in the
airport. Fortunately, it was in Terminal 3 so
it was pretty comfortable. I had once stayed
one night in this terminal.
Saturday, December 4, 2010 And the trip started…
The flight that was scheduled on 6 am was
delayed until 8 am! This screwed the plan!
We were supposed to arrive in Tarakan on 11
but we arrived there at 1!
As soon as we arrived in Tarakan, we
straightly went to Tengkayu port. We had
already contacted the boat driver. But before
we took our long journey to Derawan, we
took our lunch first. Around 3 pm we left
Tarakan and so the journey began.
We arrived in Derawan at around 6
in the evening. Thank God the waves were
calm. Then we unpacked our things and pre-
pared for island hopping the next morning.
BECAUSE WHEN I MADE THE CALCULATION, GOING TO DE-RAWAN VIA TARAKAN WAS MUCH CHEAPER AND MORE EFFICIENT.
18
Phot
o: A
ntho
Riy
anto
Photo: Kakaban Tour
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
Sunday, December 5, 2010 We started island hopping at 7.30.
The plan was we would visit Kakaban and
Maratua islands. At around 8.30 we were
arrived in Kakaban. I was so excited to swim
with the jellyfish so I just walked to the stairs
that would take me to where the jellyfish
were. When I got there, suddenly I remem-
bered Lake Satonda in Flores. It looked the
same. Finally I jumped to the lake.
After swimming with the jellyfish, I
went to the quay to snorkel there but sud-
denly it was raining. According to the plan,
after this we would go to Maratua but the
rain made fogs. So we decided to have our
lunch and continue snorkeling while taking
pictures.
Around 1 o’clock, the rain was not
MY JOURNEY
19
Photo: Antho Riyanto
Photo: Kakaban Tour
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
as heavy as it was before so we continued
our trip to Maratua. Along the way, we were
welcomed by dancing dolphins! Wow!
Unfortunatey, when we arrived in
Maratua, we weren’t allowed to pull over
because there were many guests there. The
boat driver said that if we still wanted to
go there, we could but not in group, but we
were already lazy.
So we were just snorkeling. Not long
after that the wave was pretty high so we
decided to get to the boat. Again, a bunch of
dolphins came to us. Wow!
The trip was continued back to
around Derawan for turtle hunt. I wish I
could swim with turtles.
20
Photo: Kakaban Tour
Phot
o: A
ntho
Riy
anto
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
MY JOURNEY
Monday, December 6, 2010 As it was the same with the day be-
fore, we started our island hopping at 7.30.
The plan was we would visit Semama, San-
glaki and Gosong. The trip to Semama was
only 45 minutes. It was the home for turtles
as there were many turtles there. The view
of this island was so beautiful and it was nice
for taking pictures. There were white sand,
palm trees, everything.
After that, we went to Sanglaki.
Along the way we were looking for manta
but we couldn’t find it, so we were just snor-
keling there.
After snorkeling, we pull over to the
21
Foto
: Kak
aban
Tou
rPh
oto:
Ant
ho R
iyan
to
Photo: Antho Riyanto
beach. In here, we were served by the small
turtles that were just hatched. They were
hatched from the eggs that were buried in
the sand. Cool!
After we ate our lunch, we continued
our trip to Gosong. We were still looking for
manta and we found it! We were so lucky.
The Derawan people said we were lucky too
because it was about manta’s season. Yeay!
And finally we arrived at Gosong. As
we can assumed from the name (Gosong
means the burned skin), there was only sand.
As usual, let’s take some pictures! Then we
continue our trip to snorkel with turtle spot.
This was our last day snorkeling in Derawan. Phot
o: A
ntho
Riy
anto
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n 22
Phot
o: A
ntho
Riy
anto
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
MY JOURNEY
23
Phot
o: K
akab
an T
our
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
Poto
: Kak
aban
Tou
r
Photo: Antho Riyanto
Phot
o: K
akab
an T
our
Tuesday, December 7, 2010 After taking our breakfast in around
9 am, we started to leave the beauty of
Derawan to get back to Tarakan. We arrived
in Tarakan around 1 pm because the wave
was unfriendly. In here, we were touring
down the city, accompanied by CS Tarakan
members who were willing to be our guide.
What a fun! Goodbye miraculous
Derawan!
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 125
GALLERY
SNORKELLINGPHOTO : YANUAR PRIAMBODO
T h E b E a u T Y o f
Send your photo collections to [email protected]
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
JELLYFISHPHOTO : KAKABAN TOUR
SEA STARPHOTO : INDONESIAN TRAVELER
DIV
ING
PHO
TO
: KA
KA
BA
N T
OU
R
26
T h E b E a u T Y o f
Send your photo collections to [email protected]
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
LOCALCULTURE
S u n D a n E S E S o c i E T Y ’ S T h a n K S G i V i n G D a Y
There was a sudden crowd last January, to
be exact on the 18-23 in Sindang Barang
Village, Bogor, West Java. It turns out that
there was held a caremony called Seren
Taun, a custom ceremony from Sundanese
society. This ceremony was aimed to
celebrate thankfulness to Nyi Pohaci
(Goddess Sri) or God for giving a life to
human through nature.
By : Soekarno Ibrahim | Photo: Firmansyah
27
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b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 129
THE WORD SEREN TAUN comes from Bu-
hun Language (ancient Sunda). The meaning
is to have a yearly transfer (seren: transfer,
taun: year) from one year to another. Hist-
torically speaking, Seren Taun ceremony has
been exist from the years of the Pajajaran. It
was held simultaneously in all kingdom’s re-
gion, from Pakuan, the capital city, to kapuu-
nan and kekolotan.
In the pajajaran calendar, a month is
not counted from the many days it has but
from the starting of full moon to the next
fool moon. This calendar system is the same
as lunar calendar or Qamariyah system in
Islam. The difference is on the beginning of
the month. Throughout its history, Seren
Taun ceremony got many influences includ-
ing Islam.
LOCAL CULTURE
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n 30
Seren TaunItinerary
Day One Starting from Imah Gede Kampung
Budaya, the kokolot (the head of the village)
and all people do ngembang or visiting Sang
Prabu Langlangbuana and Prabu Prenggong
Jayadikusumah’s grave in salak Mountain, a
kings’ grave which is believed as their ances-
tors. Then it will continue to neutepken or
praying to God that is lead by Sang Rama or
Kokolot Panggiwa (the head of the village).
This ceremony is held in pabeasan’s place
(the place to keep rice) in Imah Gede.
Day Two and Three It is time for mass circumcision (it is
called sudat in Sunda language). This event
is held in an open space or in Bale Pangriun-
gan. Before the boys got circumsized, there
is sawer sudat ceremony and heleran or a
parade for the boys through the village.
Day Four The poeple of the village and the ko-
kolot do the process of taking the water from
seven springs which is caleld Ngungkulan or
Ngala Cai Kukulu. This priocess starts from
gathering first in Imah Gede and throughout
the journey taking the water, they will be ac-
companied by Angklung music.
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
Day Five It’s the time for cake alms in Kam-
pung Budaya alun-alun. Here, the parawari
(commitee) served 40 winnow of cakes and
buffalo’s meat to be eaten by everyone. This
day is also glorified by many arts perfor-
mances like golek puppet, tatalu gamelan,
and other Sunda arts.
Day Six Since morning there has been pre-
pared Heleran, a parade of agricultural
product that is festified by traditional music
and mass dances such as Kendang Pencak,
Parebut Seeng, Angklung Gubrag, Calung
and Reog. In this procession, almost all
people from the village served dongdong
(agricultural products that have been puri-
fied with the water from the seven springs
and is formed as interesting as possible to
make it attractive).
The parade is glorified by rengkong
carrier (rice) and many forms of dongdong
that is lined beautifully. It shows the pride
of each village. They moved to Leuit Ratna
Inten field, which is six rice barns aimed as
the symbol of bridal dais in paddy wedding
or Majiekeun Pare Ayah and Pare Ambu.
After that, people and tourists can take
dongdong. Sundanese call this event Pare-
but Dongdong, similar to grebeg maulud in
Yogyakarta.
Sindang Barang asCulture Village The best time to visit Sindang Barang
is on the middle of January. Why? Because
LOCAL CULTURE
THE WORD SINDANG BARANG ITSELF MEANS A PLACE TO LEAVE WORLDLY THINGS
31
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
Seren Taun ceremony is held in the middle of
January.
Seren Taun ceremony in Sindang
Barang has been died since Pupuhu Entong
Surnawijaya die in 1972. Seren Taun reappear
in 2007, the same time Sindang Barat re-
ceives the predicate culture village from the
ministry of west java. Sindang Barang village
has many culture inheritance that still can be
seen untul today.
The word Sindang Barang itself
means a place to leave worldly things (sin-
dang: stop, barang: material, things). There
is also a myth that is still believed by the
people that it is forbidden to start a busi-
ness with the hope of worldly goal, moreover
if the money used is got by borrowing. All
business should be started with one’s own
money. If people don’t do this, something
bad will happen to that person.
Basically, human can’t live without
nature. Nature gives everything human
needs; foods, equipments, even drugs.
Nature is the source of human’s life, that’s
why human’s culture rooted from nature
elements. In modern times wherever in the
world, there must be some customs or cul-
tures that resemble thankfulness to the Al-
mighty taht has given the life in the form of
ceremony. Sometimes nature is the resem-
blances of God in keeping His creatures.t
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
COMMUNITY
33
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
KaskusIndonesianTravelersW E A R E F A M I L Y ,N O T C O M M U N I T Y
If there’s an Indonesian youngster who is active in the virtual
world, there’s a big probability that he knows Kaskus. And
if he’s being asked what words best describes Kaskus? The
dominant answer would be “trade”.
By : Muhammad Iqbal | Photo: KIT doc.
34
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
COMMUNITY
BUT IT’S NOT ALWAYS trade that is in
Kaskus. In the previous edition, Backpackin’
had told about a community who is inter-
ested in nature tour. It looks like they are
not the only traveler community in Kaskus.
This time, we will see deeper about Kaskus
Indonesian Traveler (KIT).
At first, Backpackin’ was confused
because it is writing for community rubric
but clearly KIT’s tagline is We are Family Not
Community. Not a community! But after we
did some research, the value they have is still
the same so it’s not a problem that they are
called community.
KIT just doesn’t want to be considered
as a formal community. The trade which is very
identical with Kaskus as their first medium
does not include in them. There is no trade
thing in family so that’s how they choose to
use the word “family” instead of “community”.
It all started from Zacky Soemam-
pouw and friends who arranged their first
trip to Jogja and Bali (some of them con-
tinue the journey to Lombok) on September
28, 2009. he was succeed in gathering 18
people who didn’t know each other from
many regions (Jakarta, Bogor, Sukabumi,
Cirebon, Jogja, Bangka Belitung) to a harmo-
nious group.
Since then, the story goes. Some-
one from the group told his friends and his
friends told the others. Then next trip was
opened. There was a new member. This new
member told his friends about the group.
THE TRADE WHICH IS VERY IDENTICAL WITH KASKUS AS THEIR FIRST MEDIUM DOES NOT INCLUDE IN THEM.
35
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
Another trip was opened. Another new
member. And so on. Until they don’t really
know the exact active number of their mem-
bers. Besides, who needs to know? The thing
is, the member numbers has reached more
than 1500 people on Facebook.
Yes, Facebook, because Kaskus is
considered as not as communicative as
Facebook, so they widen their network to
facebook. But it doesn’t mean the communi-
cation media in Kaskus die.
The former name for this group in
Facebook was Kaskus Backpacker. However
the word backpacker was not suitable since
the trips were not always backpacker’s style.
To make it general, they changed the name
to Kaskus Indonesian Traveler.
If they are asked about their trip, it was so
many! Until now, the event that is registered
on their Facebook fanpage is 31. That’s the
“legal” events only, not to mention sudden
events or unannounced events.
Those events are not always beaches,
seas, caves or mountains trips, but there are
a lot of trips such as city tour, culinary tour,
history and culture tours. Even KIT join pho-
tography, music, or social events sometimes.
So wide.
These are some of their events that
are considered big: Bali-Lombok, gathering
in Puncak, Explore Cirebon and also attend-
ing one of the member’s wedding ceremony,
Pramuka Island in Kepulauan Seribu, trip
to Dufan, rafting in Citarik, Rumah Singgah
visit, Merapi social dedication, etc. t
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
When was the first time you like climbing
and why?
Before I start to climb mountains I
was actually in love with traveling to places
like Yogya and camping in Situ Gunung and
Cinumpang in the foot of Mount Gede; Suka-
mantri and Curug Nangka in around Mount
Salak. Then I started trekking to Mount Pun-
tang in Cianjur. So I’ve been wandering since
I was in junior high. The mountain climbing
itself started when I was in the 2nd or 3rd
grade of junior high. I like mountain climbing
because of an experience.
What is the most Impressive Mountain
you’ve ever Visit? What’s the Story Behind
it?
This question is one of the most
questions people asked to me. The answer
Harley Bayu Sastha
THE MOUNTAINCLIMBER
FOR THOSE OF YOU who likes to mountain climbing, you’re definitely
familiar with Harley B. Sastha. Following are the interview between the
author of Mountain Climbing for Everybody (a Guide to Mountain
Climbing in West Java) and Backpackin’ crew. :
By : Ambar Arum | Photo: Harley doc.
FIGURE
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
is the same as I tell everybody else that all
mountains I’ve been climbed have their own
impression because every mountain has
different appeal, uniqueness and history.
Climbing in a different time would make a
different impression. Though the mountain is
being climbed over and over again, still there
are new impressive things.
How Long does it Take to “Memorize” the
Road and Condition in all Mountains in
West Java then Make it to Book?
I don’t memorize road but whenever
I climb I try to integrate myself with what I
see, hear and feel alongside it. That’s why if
you asked how long, it would be relative. For
the condition of mountain climbing in West
Java that I later made a book about it, it’s
based on my experience. However, in order
to make a book, I update it by climbing the
mountains again.
Any plans to make mountain guide book in
Java?
Not just the mountains in Java, but
mountains in Indonesia. The book Mountain
Climbing For Everybody is about mountain
climbing in Indonesia. The first series was
about 9 mountains in West Java. Now I’m
finishing my second book: Mountains in
Central Java and Yogya.
38M A R E T - A P R I L 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
FIGURE
39 b a c K p a c K i n I M A R E T - A P R I L 2 0 1 1
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
“I LOVE TO SEE CULTURE
ACTIVITIES IN REGIONS AND SOCIETY WITH THEIR LIFE
-Harley Bayu Sastha-
What is the most favorite menu to cook in
the mountain?
For dinner, it’s usually rice with
vegetables soup, orek tempe plus omelet or
scrambled egg. The beverage is hot Milo.
Other easy menu to make is instant crème
soup eaten with bread and fruits, of course
(pear or apple).
What is your target for mountain climbing
this year?
To finish the update data for my
second book. For other mountains, I think for
now I have no target because sometimes I
could go suddenly in a month or two or even
one or two weeks before.
Besides mountain climbing, what are you’re
other hobbies?
Jogging, reading, writing includ-
ing writing poetry and of course travelling
because I love to see culture activities in
regions and society with their life.
Keep on rocking for Backpackin’ Maga-
zine. Keep on making Indonesia’s
beauty as your main point! t
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
REVIEW
41
duaransel.comW E o n L Y h a V E T W o b a c K p a c K S
a n D c L o T h E S i n o u R b o D Y
They had experienced the sensation of sandstorm in
Maho Bay, St. Marten (Netherlands), underground
rafting in Waitomo Cave, directly seen the pink sheep in
New Zealand, also almost being tricked by a couple in
Barcelona when they asked for taking pictures.
By : Ambar Arum | Photo: Duaransel.com
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
ITS NOT A LUXURIOUS vacation. They have
to wash their own clothes. They are prefer to
walking for hours than using a cab. They ar-
range their route tour and decided not to join
package tour from travel agent. They also
like to blend with local people. Simply, they
enjoy every second of moment in their jour-
ney: the people, the culture, and of course,
the food!
Everything started from a crazy
decision of a couple, Dina and Ryan on April
2009. They left their apartment in Canada,
and travel around the world with ONLY two
backpacks. And, hup! Now they already stay
in the 35th country, and its not over yet..
Dina comes from Surabaya and Ryan
comes from Canada. At the beginning their
jobs make them can’t meet regularly. Tired
of their routines, they decided to go together
and find something new, travelling around
the world.
What things we have to prepared?
How much money do we need? Ah, after
so many things they had experienced, they
realized that they only need humor and
open-minded self. The other thing is not a
problem, because you can learn and get dur-
ing your journey.
How long they want to travel? They
simply answered, “This world is so big
mysterious, and at this time, we still doesn;t
want to stop.”
Follow their journey on duaransel.
com (Bahasa) or vagabondquest.com (Eng-
lish). Don’t feel ashamed to ask questions
or just say hi, they are really nice and open.
Prove it! t
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
TIPS
43
T a K E n f R o m a L i Y a m u a f a ’ S E x p E R i E n c E
being Solo backpacker
THESE TIPS ARE based on the
experiences I got when I was
a backpacker, both of team
or single backpacker. It’s a bit
much but I think it has to be
noted in having a trip. So,
let’s check this out :
By : Aliya Muafa
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n 44
1. Make sure that you want to do this trip
alone.
2. Make sure that the place you want to visit
is quiet safe and has no conflict.
3. Look for the information as much as you
can about your destination to make you feel
more enjoy in having the trip.
4. Do a trip at night in order to save the ac-
commodation and in the morning you can
travel as much as you want all day.
5. Bring food supplies that could delay the
hungry such as bread or chocolate to avoid
starvation when there are no sellers of food
on the bus or train.
6. Bring enough money (do not over) in the
form of cash as a precaution if you can’t find
an ATM. Put the money in a safe place and
(if possible) separate it to avoid undesirable
things such as theft.
7. Some other important items to bring:
clothes, location map, handphone and char-
ger, camera, toiletries in small sizes, vitamin
c and personal medicines, a lot of plastic
bags, needles and thread to sew in an emer-
gency.
8. Make sure that the bag you will use is in a
good condition.
9. Use comfortable footwear for use in a long
time such as mountain sandals or shoes.
10. Ask the price first when eating to avoid a
price that “shouted” by the seller.
11. Do not ask people who do not reassure
like all brokers, ask at the official station.
Enjoy the trip! t
DO NOT ASK PEOPLE WHO DO NOT REASSURE LIKE ALL BROKERS, ASK AT THE OFFI-CIAL STATION
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
EDUCATION
45
f R o m Y o u R S T E p
protect the coral Reefs
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n 46
A GOOD SNORKELER let the reefs are not
disturbed. Follow these simple instructions
how to be a good snorkeler following :
BEFORE YOU GO
1. Select the snorkeling place which is eco-
friendly
2. Learn the ins and outs of coral reefs - coral
reef is a fragile environment.
IN THE WATER
1. Never touch the reefs.
2. Do not bring beings who are still living or
the dead out of the water except discharges
that are not living organisms in the dirt.
ON BOARD
Make sure the garbage is stored
properly.Bring down garbage from ships to
the waste properly.
EDGE IN THE BEACH
Avoid purchasing souvenirs made
from coral, turtles and other marine animals;
it can be categorized as an illegal activity,
and not friendly to the environment. t
Taken from : www.corel.org
MAKE SURE THE GARBAGE IS STORED PROPERLY.BRING DOWN GARBAGE FROM SHIPS TO THE WASTE PROPERLY.
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
ACCESSORIES
47
Trangia vs GasGAS STOVE AND TRANGIA STOVE. These two are popular among backpackers. In this
accessory rubric, Backpackin’ would like to compare the pluses and minuses of each stove. In
the end, the best stove to bring is the one suits our destination. So, what’s your choice?
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n 48
TRANGIA
HARLEYJAKARTA
My favorite is Trangia, I use it more often because the
fuel is relatively easy to seek, even in small area. However,
sometimes I use also gas stove.
GAS STOVE
FACHRANBOGOR
It’s better to use gas stove. Trangia has too many
accessories. The small ones are likely to get lost. Gas stove
is more practical; just bring small stove and minimum 2
tubes. Doesn’t use much space.
TRANGIA STOVE
Pluses1. Saver in any heights and any place
(including cooking inside the tent)
2. Easier to get the fuel.
Minuses1. Hard to settle how big or small the fire.
2. Heavier.
3. There are many small things to be lost if
we don’t careful enough.
4. More expensive.
GAS STOVE
Pluses1. Lighter and practical.
2. Not too big so it doesn’t use much space.
3. Easier to settle how big or small the fire.
4. Much cheaper.
Minuses1. Easily off when wind blew.
2. Gas tube is hard to find in some places.
3. Not safe to use in certain heights (above
3000 sea level)
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
CULINARY
49
n o T a S b R a V E a n D p u R E
Red and White porridge
There are some
special Indonesian
foods that comes
from the exploitation
of basic materials
from particular
region such as Sukun
Chip in Biereun (NAD),
Sago Porridge in East
Indonesia or Snail Satay
in East Java.
By : Amalia Pranoto
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n 50
THERE ARE SOME others who
like to search the philosophy of
the food, after they found the phi-
losophy they make the step from it. This
one is very rare and Red and White por-
ridge is considered one.
Maybe because this porridge is only
served at certain events which are consid-
ered sacred or special so it has to have the
basic reason. This rice and coconut milk
based food is usually served when there’s a
new born baby, giving baby’s name, building
a house and other events
The porridge is of course has red and
white color in it. That’s the basic rule. The
white color comes from the natural color of
the rice, while the red color comes from red
sugar. In a bowl, the white and red is piled up
into order; white-red-white-red-white-red.
There are different basic philosophies of it.
Some said white color represents the mean-
ing of human’s life. Then the red color sym-
bolizes the world as the place where human
born into.
Some also said that red symbolizes
the blood of mothers which is consumed
by babies in womb. While white represents
the mother’s breast milk which is consumed
after the baby is born.
It means that there are many mean-
ings of red and white regardless the common
ones; brave and purity. Whatever it is, don’t
think too long or else you’ll get full before
you eat the porridge. t
SOME ALSO SAID THAT RED SYMBOLIZES THE BLOOD OF MOTH-ERS WHICH IS CON-SUMED BY BABIES IN WOMB.
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
CONTRIBUTOR
51
ANTHO RIYANTOJAKARTA
This “Teknik Elektro” bachelor
from University of Indonesia
is so into snorkeling. His story
can be read on My Journey
column this edition.
MALIQ (KAKABAN TOUR)BALIKPAPAN
Really good in Derawan (www.
kakabantour.com) Maliq is an
example of a man who has
unlimited amout of money,
because he never stop travel
around Indonesia.
AMALIA PRANOTOJAKARTA
She is rarely talking, but you
will see her at Bedugul, or
shopping in Klewar Market
at Solo. She writes Culinary
column in this magazine.
ALIYA MU’AFAJAKARTA
Hobbies: travelling, talking,
and eating. She contributes
in giving tips doing soloist
backpacking.
FIRMANSYAHJAKARTA
Be careful, his DSLR has a
potential to make his model
looks fatter than the real looks.
You can see his photographs
in Local Culture column.
PENJAMAH INDONESIA JAKARTA
A group of man who has a
dream to step in Indonesia’s
big five island: Adi Pratama,
Yanuar Priambodo, Ok Fachru,
Abdul Kohar, and Iqbal
Harahap. They give lots of info
and pictures about Derawan.
Twitter @PenjamahIndonesiaERLAND MAHARDIKA(INDONESIA TRAVELER)BANDUNG
Two words for him: magic boy.
He contributes through his
photographs in this edition.Wants to be a contributor? Send your article
b a c K p a c K i n I M A R E T - A P R I L 2 0 1 1
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
INTERACTION
52
AMRIJAKARTA
AMBARJAKARTA
AGAMBOGOR
being Silly in a public Transportation
The fifteen of us wanted to travel to Yogyakarta by Progo
train. That train is always full of passangers and the seats
are always seated. My girl friend, who looks like a freeman,
reprehended with a big confident, “Sir, these are our seats.
I’d like to see your tickets! Come on guys, we can sit here!”
The men gave up and gave us the seats. It may be because
they were beaten by fifteen people. It turned out that we
were in the wrong daycoach. Shame on us.
I was in a bus when I realized that I did not bring my wallet.
After that, I put my mean-face, and I asked a junior-high-school
student who unfortunately sat beside me to pay my bus fee.
“Pay my bus fee, I’ll return it later!” The kid took his money out
with a pale face. Well, I was actually more afraid than him.
Oh, how I love sleeping. When I was in an economy train
to Bogor, I fell asleep. I was in Cilebut station the last time I
remembered, but then when I woke up, I was still in Cilebut.
It turned out that the train had already went back to Jakarta.
Then, I continued my sleep.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, SUCH AS city bus, angkot, or economy train, must have been our
daily routine, especially for us who loves going around the city. Here are some silly experiences
in a public transportation from several friends. How about you?
For the next edition, Backpackin’ wants to know your experiences in fooling your trip partner
or being fooled by your trip partner. It is better to be sillier! You can send it to redaksiezinebi@
yahoo.com, the most interesting stories will be written in Backpackin’s next edition! t
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
WHAT THEY SAY?
Mangga kula aturi tindak dateng sempu
menawi panjenengan pados panggenan
ingkang endah (Javanese Language) Coming Soon!! Sempu Islandon Backpackin’ Magazine 9th Editions
Sempu, keren bro! Lo pada wajib kesini! (Betawi)
NEXT EDITION
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1 I b a c K p a c K i n
Coming Soon!! Sempu Islandon Backpackin’ Magazine 9th Editions
Tempat ieu alus pisan, maneh kudu kadieu (Sundanese)
Sempu tu rancak bana, dun sanak sadonyo wajib kasitu, kalo indak rugi gadang (Minang)
Oma hai ngen...gata payah jak usempu,asli lagak that disinan (Acehnese)
Sempu, keren bro! Lo pada wajib kesini! (Betawi)
b a c K p a c K i n I M A Y - J U N E 2 0 1 1
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