KEPULAUAN SERIBU/THOUSAND ISLANDS: A Hidden Gem Of The East

Have you ever seen a cluster of island that is so secluded and pristine? With the sand that is so white and the sea as clear as sparkling jewel? But, what if we tell you it is located just right above the metropolitan city of Jakarta? Believe it?

Yes, you better believe it! As what we always whisper to everyone, Jakarta has always something for all getaways. Out of the hustle bustles, Kepulauan Seribu (literally in English, Thousand Islands) is definitely a hidden gem waiting for you to discover. A perfect escapade for the Cosmo that is so close from the heart of the bustling metropolitan. Again, we proudly present to you: Kepulauan Seribu. A romantic retreat awaits you on these islands comprised of about 340 small islands offer a variety of enjoyment.

As the only Jakarta’s nautical tourism paradise, Thousand Islands’ natural charm offers five-star facilities for the sunbathers and water sport fanatics. Luxury resorts & hotels, selections of activity, superb seafood delicacies to the warm smile of the locals are welcoming you to join the peaceful festivity on these secluded islands. Scattered along the bay of Jakarta, Thousand Islands can be reached from 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on which island do you choose to sail through. Several tour operators are definitely able to recommend you for the trip arrangement. Prices will include the boat transfer from Ancol marina to one of the islands which has a hotel on it. Food and accommodation are also included in the package. If you wish to dive or snorkelling, that would also be included.

For your information, the boat transfers run on fixed schedule, few morning departures from the marina. The return trip will be either in the afternoon (around 2PM) or in the late afternoon (i.e. 5PM). If you wish to have several options of lodging, Thousand Islands offers plenty of accommodation ranges from villa-on-stilts, regular wooden bungalows, to modern concrete cottage. The bay is laid out in clear blue water with thousands of species of tropical fish that live among the colorful coral reefs. Below are several islands of our picturesque Thousand Islands we would love to recommend. The pace is up to you!

Kotok Island

Kotok Island is an example of a tropical atoll island with pristine vegetation. The turquiose sea and colorful reef made this place one of the destinations for divers to look out. This island is also known as an observation area of Elang Bondol (Scaly-breasted Falcon). A bird that is one of the icons of the city.

Sepa Island

Located only 70 kilometers from Jakarta and about half an hour away by speedboat from the Marina Ancol, Sepa island is sheltered with shady palm trees and surrounded by white sand beach. A seamless way for you to relax and unwind in a tropical warmth. Bungalows and lounges are presented each with its own front porch just for you to enjoy the beauty of sunrise and sunset view.

Ayer Island

Ayer is one of the major islands of Thousand Islands covering an area of 60 hectares, bounded by white sand beaches, complete choices of cottages and bungalows with enthralling array of water sports and other facilities, such as pool, karaoke, meeting rooms, restaurant, bar, coffee shop, children’s playgroung and clinics.

Bidadari Island

Bidadari Island is among one of the nearby island of Jakarta bay being well developed with great accommodations. Easily reached just 20 minutes by speedboat from the marina, the island presents a beautiful view from the cottages which are built among the trees and float on the sea  with the fisherman’s houses.

Untung Jawa Island

An island that is very enchanting. It offers something more secluded atmosphere and demands adventurous spirit, where we can witness an interesting fishing village with facilities such as campsites, cottages, restaurants and souvenir shops. A definite preference for those who are wanting some privacies or adventures.

Onrust Island

Onrust is the island covering the area of 1512 hectares and one of the best shipyards in Southeast Asia at the time. Being discovered first by Captain James T. Cook with the ship endeavor in 1770, this island can be reached through the Marina Ancol, Muara Angke and Kamal Muara. Here you can also find the ruins of a 17th century fortress during the Dutch colonial times.

Bira Besar Island

Are you one of those golf freaks who always travel around the globe seeking for the new challenge? Experience the spectacular sensation of Golfing on this secluded island and pamper yourself in opulent cottages serving you with the best fishing site and canoes.

Other Islands

For the ones who travel with family, you may be interested to visit nature conservation reserves like the bird-sanctuary with unique tropical forest and surrounded by lush coral reefs and mangroveson Rambut Island, and the turtle hatchery on the capital city of the island district, Pramuka Island. Other islands no less exotic in the Thousand Islands are Tidung, Kelor, Bokor, Pelangi, Matahari, Panggang, Melinjo, Kelapa, Harapan and Kelapa Dua Island.

So what are you waiting for? This can be one of your top picks on your consideration to spend holidays alone or with your loved ones. It could be the perfect way to relax over the weekend or to get out of the boring routines in the city. We invite and welcome you to Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu)!

The Performing Arts in Jakarta

The history of the performing arts in Jakarta is as varied and fascinating as the city itself. Roving street entertainers sang, danced, performed feats of magic and daring, and acted out stories. This tradition continues today in pasar and residential areas. Cikini especially is a center of performing arts in Jakarta.

In 17^th century, more formal performance were held for VOC administrators and personnel in the Pasar Ikan area. In Heeren Logement (Gentlemen’s Lodgings), performers from Europe as well as local dancers and musicians entertained the Dutch. The Dutch also held their own shows, including raucous parodies, but Government-General J.P.Coen eventually banned this entertainment. Performances in Pasar Ikan continued to be held until the early 1800s, when theater was built in the new area of Weltevreden.

In modern times, Jakarta has seen the growth of several centers for the performing arts, each with distinctive character. Among these are Gedung Kesenian, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Institut Kesenian Jakarta, Bharata Theater, Salihara, and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah.

Dance

Javanese dance evolved from the sacred court dances of the sultanates of Yogyakarta and Solo. Classical dance can be divided into the court dances and traditional regional dances. Many newer dances are adaptations of classical variations. Control over all movement is essential for a good Javanese dancer. Fingers, hands, arms, feet, knees, and thighs are all moved and held at extreme angles, while the torso remains still. Stories are told through minute changes in these movements.

Music

Many styles of music compete for listeners in Jakarta. Of the more traditional, gamelan and keroncong music merit special mention. The word gamelan comes from gamel (mallet). The gamelan orchestra is composed almost exclusively of bronze percussion instruments, which are struck with a mallet to produce sound. The instruments are tuned to a specific scale. The most sophisticated gamelan orchestra consists of hanging, horizontal, and knobbed gongs; kettles; cymbals; xylophones; a zither; a flute; a rebab (string and bow instrument); drums; and voices.

The keroncong looks like a small guitar with five strings and comes in three sizes and pitches. The music combines Javanese characteristics, including gamelan-like rhythms, with Portuguese melodies and harmonies. Research suggests that a form of keroncong music may have originated in North Africa and later been playedin Portugal when the Moors conquered Spain and Portugal. The Portuguese, in turn, took keroncong to Goa and Malacca. After the fall of the Malacca in 1641, captive Portuguese introduced the music to the island of Java. The most popular style today is called Keroncong Morisko.

Two other Indonesian musical instruments and forms of music performed frequently in Jakarta are the Sundaneseangklung, made of varying lengths and thicknesses of bamboo suspended in a wooden frame, and the kolintangfrom North Sulawesi, a table-height wooden xylophone.

Theater

Local theater with performances by actors instead of puppets can be divided into wayang topeng, which is performed by actors wearing masks, and wayang orang. Each region has distinctive masks; Javanese masks tend to be somewhat life-like, while Balinese masks are more unusual. In wayang orang performances, actors and classical Javanese dancers portray the characters found in the great Hindu epics. Gamelan music and the dalanghave roles in this type of theater, but the dialogue between the actors, spoken in the high Javanese language, is more important. Spectacular action in the dance sequences is also very important. A full play may require 100 performers and may last from six hours to three days. In Jakarta, various types of wayang performances are held in Museum Wayang, Gedung Kesenian, Bharata Theater, and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. 

IIMS 2012 on the theme “Eco-Mobility” as the correct answer. A paradigm of sustainable green world planning, “Eco-Mobility” prioritize the way of life that promotes environmentally and socialize the way – how inclusive the move, such as walking, cycling, or using public transportation.

The theme of “Eco-mobility” represents the urban lifestyle of the new smart way to transport support, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and the use of materials renewable fuels. Promoting mobility and accessibility of environmentally friendly, and fuel efficiency, especially in big cities in Indonesia, is the main purpose theme “Eco-mobility” at the 20^th Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2012.

The 20th Indonesia International Motor Show which will be held at 20-30 September 2012 is set to be the biggest IIMS throughout the years, covering a total gross area of 70.000sqm IIMS 2012 is bigger than the other automotive exhibition in Asia Pacific at the same year. With 33 automotive brand names, IIMS 2012 has the largest number of brand participant in the last 3 years. Supporting "Eco-Mobility" as the theme, IIMS 2012 is expected to reach a target of 350.000 visitors.