Growth Of Whale Watching Tourism

Maybe it’s because its murky depths are one of the few places we haven’t yet taken over, but the ocean and all creatures that live beneath the waves have long been a fascination of mankind. We depend on the ocean for nourishment that supports live on land. It can hold life or death, and just like the rest of the planet, as it becomes a commercial playground, even its residents become our entertainment. Perhaps whales are interesting because of their mammoth size, or it maybe its because of our shared need for oxygen. Whatever the connection is, whale watching tours have become big business all over the world.

People have probably been watching whales for all of time, hoping to catch rare, brief glimpses of the massive creatures while out casting their nets, but whale watching as an organized activity dates back to the early 1950s. The first groups observed the creatures from the land. The Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego was designated as the very first official place for the public to watch whales. A few years later, the premier water-based tour was established, charging $1 per customer.

Over the past five decades, the pastime of whale watching has grown to enjoy increasing popularity on East Coast of the United States as well. There are large groups of Humpback Whales near some of the larger cities near the Atlantic, a breed famous for its playful, grand guests. Its diving and tail slapping are sure to draw a happy crowd. Their close proximity to clusters of people makes them a convenient spectacle. The trend has continued to expand and, according to a 1998 study, is now operating to some extent in more than 80 countries all over the world.

There are many different breed of whales throughout the world’s waters, and at least as many ways to observe them. You can stay on dry land, appreciate and aerial view from a small plane or helicopter, or even take a cruise. You can kill an hour, an entire day, or a couple of weeks. It can cost up to thousands of dollars per person, or as little as it takes to buy a movie ticket.

If a whale watching excursion is part of your vacation itinerary, it might be a good idea not to schedule very strictly on the day of your tour. The ocean is not the same as going to the zoo. You will be dealing with real, untamed animals that are not going to conform to a time slot. It is very much a “hurry up and wait” kind of activity, and as such, may not be appropriate for smaller children.

Like many of our natural resources, some kinds of whales have been hunted to near extinction. Most animal rights and environmental groups support whale watching activities because they draw attention to the problem without being very invasive to the animals. A little good press can go along way to making people realize what a precious resource nature is. Having the opportunity to witness the majesty of whales in their natural habitat is the best way to impress upon people what is at stake if we take no steps to protect the animals and their homes.

Gebang Temple

The local inhabitant discovered the Gebang temple in November 1936 in a form of Ganesha statue. Based on the finding, the Archeological Services began to investigate, resulting that the Ganesha statue should not stand alone, but a part of a building. To follow up the results, a digging up around the location of the Ganesha statue began. Ruins of temple roof were found on which a little part of the body and the base appeared to be intact.

After the digging, an experiment on its previous construction was carried out. It initiated the reconstruction even though some substituting stones were used for a part of the body. The restoration of the Gebang temple was carried out from 1937 to 1939, led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Van Romondt.

Description of the building of Candi Gebang (Gebang Temple)

The squared building of 5.25 x 5.25 m and 7.75 in height has a high proportion of the feet without any relief on it (plain). There is no entrance stairs, or it is probably made of wood or other breakable materials so that nobody has discovered it by now. It becomes one of its specialties. Another one is that the center point of the temple is laid on the center point of the temple site.

Inside the body, there is a room with eastern front on which the Yoni placed. On the right ant left sides there are the Nandiswara statues, while there is not any statue in the room of Mahakala. (Note: When YogYES.COM were visiting it in February 2004, the Nandiswara statue did not exist). The rooms in the north and south sides were empty. In the west, statue sitting on a Yoni with its nozzle looks on the north a Ganesha. On the top, there is a Lingga on a lotus, as its pad. On the top of it is in a shape of Lingga, namely in cylindrical. In the roof, there is a small room like a hollow space on the real room of the temple. In the yard, there is a pseudo-Lingga (or stakes) on its four corners.

Historical Background of Candi Gebang (Gebang Temple)

There has not been assuring historical background on this temple by now. At least, it is certainly a temple of Hinduism, marked by the existing Lingga, Yoni, and Ganesha statue. Besides, its high proportional feet indicate that if comes from an old period (± years 730-800). According to Van Romondt, however, the Gebang temple was established in the starting age of “Central Java”.

Parangtritis, the Most Popular Beach in Yogyakarta

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In addition to being the most popular beach in Yogyakarta, Parangtritis is worth visiting since it is closely related to such tourism objects as the Sultan Palace in Yogyakarta city, Parangkusumo Beach to the west of it, and the Merapi area at the north part of Yogyakarta. Located around 27 kilometers from the city center, Parangtritis Beach is also part of the Queen of South’s authority.

The naming of the beach has its own history. Hundreds years ago, someone named Dipokusumo, who was a fugitive of Majapahit Kingdom, came to this area to meditate. When he saw water dripping from the crack of the coral reef, he named this area ‘parangtritis’, originating from the word parang (stone) and tumaritis (water drops). The beach close to the area was then named the same.

Parangtritis is a beach full of myths, which is believed to be the manifestation of the unity among Merapi Mountain, Yogyakarta Kingdom, and Parangtritis Beach. The legend tells that Panembahan Senopati and Sunan Kalijaga once met in this place after completing their meditation. Panembahan Senopati was reminded of being a humble ruler despite his supernatural powers.

The primary attraction of this beach is its natural view. The enchantment of the coastal scenery can be seen from different angles to give you different experiences. When you are standing at the seashore, you will see the wide ocean with the high waves and steeply mountainside on the east side.

To get the view from the site, just walk or hire the horse-cart westwards and you look southwards when you have reached the place. You may get to the place by riding a horse that you shall rent at negotiable price.

After enjoying the scenery of Parangtritis beach from the seashore, you can leave for Langse Cave for a different experience. On the earth road leading to the cave, you can look westwards to see Parangtritis from different angle. The high waves rushing to the shore will look silvery under the sun, and will look golden by the sunset time. YogYES got the opportunity to see this exotic view during its visit a couple of days ago.

Before reaching Langse Cave, we suggest that you pay a visit to the graveyard of Syeh Bela Belu that will give you spiritual experience. Usually, many pilgrims come on certain days such as certain Tuesday that is called Kliwon on Javanese calendar as one of the five Javanese days of the week.

From the graveyard, you may challenge yourself to continue your journey to Langse Cave that you have to go on foot to get to the cave that is 3 kilometers away through as high as 400 meters mountainside at the slope of almost 90⁰. To get into the cave that is also called the Queen of South cave, you have to get the permission from the tomb guard. According to the guard of Depok Beach several times entered the cave when he was young, we will get beautiful view of the south ocean at the mouth of the cave that directly faces the ocean.

On the fifth day of the fifth month of Chinese calendar, you will be able to see Peh Cun ceremony procession in Parangtritis. Peh Cun, originating from the word Peh that means oar and Cun that means boat, is Chinese expression of gratitude to God. This rite is also meant to commemorate Khut Gwan (Qi Yuan), a loyal patriot as well as a minister who was once betrayed by his colleague so that he committed a suicide.

Peh Cun ceremony is unique since there is no festival of dragon-decorated boats rowing like in other regions, instead there is an attraction of standing egg. The attraction begin at 11:00 a.m. and by afternoon, according to the myth, the egg will stand upright with no means of support are needed. By 01:00 p.m., however, the egg will suddenly fall down and no one can erect it anymore.

To get to Parangtritis Beach, you can take either one of the two routes. One is the route of Yogyakarta-Imogiri-Siluk-Parangtritis with the river and coral reel scenery on the way. The other is Yogyakarta-Parangtritis route that is easier to take with quite smooth road. It is suggested that you do not wear green clothes to respect local people who believe that green clothes will bring misfortune.

Baron

Baron beach lies in Kemandang Village, Tanjungsari sub district about 23 km in the South of Wonosari city. Baron beach is the first beach that would be found in the junction of Baron, Kukup, Sepanjang, Drini, Krakal and Sundak beaches area.

In Baron beach there is a mouth of Underground River that can be used for bathing after playing in the beach. The visitors can also enjoy various kinds of low prices seafood or fresh fish and Baron’s special menu namely Kakap fish soup. There is limestone hill on can reach the place by passing through a path. Visitors could have a magnificent view of the beach, about 10 kilometers in the West of Baron beach there are Parang Racuk hill with mountain slopes, it challenge you to do some adventures.

Every syuro month (the first month of Javanese calendar), the fisherman societies organize Labuhan, sea offering ceremony, to express their gratitude to the God for the abundant fish harvest and for the welfare in fishing).

Prambanan

Prambanan temple is extraordinarily beautiful building constructed in the tenth century during the reigns of two kings namely Rakai Pikatan and Rakai Balitung. Soaring up to 47 meters (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple), the foundation of this temple has fulfilled the desire of the founder to show Hindu triumph in Java Island. This temple is located 17 kilometers from the city center, among an area that now functions as beautiful park.

There is a legend that Javanese people always tell about this temple. As the story tells, there was a man named Bandung Bondowoso who loved Roro Jonggrang. To refuse his love, Jonggrang asked Bondowoso to make her a temple with 1,000 statues only in one-night time. The request was nearly fulfilled when Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and to set a fire in order to look like morning had broken. Feeling to be cheated, Bondowoso who only completed 999 statues cursed Jonggrang to be the thousandth statue.

Prambanan temple has three main temples in the primary yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva temples. Those three temples are symbols of Trimurti in Hindu belief. All of them face to the east. Each main temple has accompanying temple facing to the west, namely Nandini for Shiva, Angsa for Brahma, and Garuda for Vishnu. Besides, there are 2 flank temples, 4 kelir temples and 4 corner temples. In the second area, there are 224 temples.

Entering Shiva temple, the highest temple and is located in the middle, you will find four rooms. One main room contains Shiva statue, while the other three rooms contain the statues of Durga (Shiva’s wife), Agastya (Shiva’s teacher), and Ganesha (Shiva’s son). Durga statue is said to be the statue of Roro Jonggrang in the above legend.

In Vishnu temple, to the north of Shiva temple, you will find only one room with Vishnu statue in it. In Brahma temple, to the south of Shiva temple, you find only room as well with Brahma statue in it.

Quite attractive accompanying temple is Garuda temple that is located close to Vishnu temple. This temple keeps a story of half-bird human being named Garuda. Garuda is a mystical bird in Hindu mythology. The figure is of golden body, white face, red wings, with the beak and wings similar to eagle’s. It is assumed that the figure is Hindu adaptation of Bennu (means ‘rises’ or ’shines’) that is associated with the god of the Sun or Re in Old Egypt mythology or Phoenix in Old Greek mythology. Garuda succeeded in saving his mother from the curse of Aruna (Garuda’s handicapped brother) by stealing Tirta Amerta (the sacred water of the gods).

Its ability to save her mother made many people admire it to the present time and it is used for various purposes. Indonesia uses the bird as the symbol of the country. Other country using the same symbol is Thailand, with the same reason but different form adaptation and appearance. In Thailand, Garuda is known as Krut or Pha Krut.

Prambanan also has panels of relief describing the story of Ramayana. Experts say that the relief is similar to the story of Ramayana that is told orally from generation to generation. Another interesting relief is Kalpataru tree that – in Hindu – the tree is considered tree of life, eternity and environment harmony. In Prambanan, relief of Kalpataru tree is described as flanking a lion. The presence of this tree makes experts consider that Javanese society in the ninth century had wisdom to manage its environment.

Just like Garuda, Kalpataru tree is also used for various purposes. In Indonesia, Kalpataru is used as the logo of Indonesian Environment Institution. Some intellectuals in Bali even develop “Tri Hita Karana” concept for environment conservation by seeing Kalpataru relief in this temple. This tree of life is also seen in the gunungan (the puppet used as an opening of traditional puppet show or wayang kulit). This proves that relief panels in Prambanan have been widely known throughout the world.

If you see the relief in detail, you will see many birds on them; they are real birds as we can see on the earth right now. Relief panels of such birds are so natural that biologists can identify their genus. One of them is the relief of the Yellow-Crest Parrot (Cacatua sulphurea) that cites unanswered question. The reason is that the bird only exists in Masakambing Island, an island in the middle of Java Sea. Then, did the bird exist in Yogyakarta? No body has succeeded in revealing the mystery.

:Yogyesdotcom

 

Gudeg

Gudeg is one of some special foods from Jogja. It is just like Sate (roasted beef in stick) from Madura and Pempek from Palembang, Gudeg Jogja has been well known in Indonesia, even in other countries. In Jogja, Gudeg has been widespread in almost every area, from the Gudeg center on Wijilan Street to other places.

A lot of cafes or small restaurants serve Gudeg with various tastes, surely the prices follows, especially at Wijilan Street. Besides tasting the Gudeg, we can find many kinds of special traditional handicraft.

                    

Jogjakarta, a little town with its motto “pleasurable hearted” is not only well known as a student’s city, but also for its Java’s culture richness. Kraton Jogja, which is a Sultan Palace, is an exotic place with traditional Java ambience in the middle of this city’s rapid modernization. Kraton Jogja, tourist objects which has captivating lots of tourists both local and foreign countries is really provides a unique, interesting, beautiful, pleasurable and fun atmosphere. Lots of life aspects here in Kraton Jogja that still maintains values of glorious Java’s culture from the ancient times, so it’s reasonable if this place is called “the never ending Asia”

The historical buildings around Kraton are also interesting to be seen. The traditional structure whose originality, beauty, and the shape of the uniqueness of the building’s structure which is also symbolized the Kraton people’s life. That is definitely useful for you to widen your tour experience.

kratonjogjadotcom

Yogyakarta

The Special Region of Yogyakarta (Indonesia: Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, or DIY), is the smallest province of Indonesia (excluding Jakarta ). It is located on the island of Java. It is the only province in Indonesia that is still formally governed by a precolonial Sultanate, the Sultanate of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, which derives from its Dutch spelling Jogjakarta..

The city of Yogyakarta is the capital of the province.

Motto: Mangayu Hayuning Bawono (The Vision to Perfected the Society)
Capital	Yogyakarta (city)
Governor	Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X
Area	3,185.80 km² (1,230 sq mi)
Population	3,121,000 (2003)
Density	979.7/km² (2,537.4/sq mi)
Ethnic groups	Javanese (97%), Sundanese (1%) [1]
Religion	Islam (91.8%), Christianity (7.9%), Hinduism (0.2%), Buddhism (0.1%)
Languages	Indonesian (official), Javanese
Time Zone	WIB (UTC+7)
Web site	www.pemda-diy.go.id

Gateway to the Javanese Art, Culture & Diversity

Jogjakarta is an enchanting medium-sized city offering cosmopolitan comforts such as five star hotels, fine dining, and shopping malls. But at its core are time-honored traditions and philosophies that have lasted for generations thanks to its respected sultan and his royal family. While gamelan, classical Javanese dance and shadow puppetry remain as they have been for centuries, the paintings, fashions and handicrafts produced by Jogja artists are visual examples of the effortless blending of the old and the new.

Although the formal spelling of the city’s name is “Yogyakarta”, for many years it has been fondly called “Yogya”. In recent years the spellings have been modernized to reflect the true pronunciations “Jogjakarta” and “Jogja”. Nowadays, most people use “Jogja” when talking about the city and reserve “Yogyakarta” for formal occasions or when referring to Yogyakarta Special Province.

Offering so much more than the famous tourist attractions covered by guidebooks, Jogja meets the needs of all, from luxury travelers, adventure-seekers, and religious pilgrims to low-budget backpackers.

We invite you to read on to get a glimpse of the most complete picture of Jogja ever published.

By: Jogjaad

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