Attractions

From various captivating traditional dances such as Tari Piring (the plate dance) and Tari Pasambahan to the fascinating art of Randai, the Minangkabau ethnic group of West Sumatra has truly some of the most attractive cultural performances of the country. The Minangkabau also have their own distinct musical melodies that perfectly portray their dynamic daily life: the vibrant ensemble of the Tale

From the enchanting waters overlooking the capital city of Makassar up to the highland of Toraja, South Sulawesi is a land blessed with fascinating splendors. While nature provides the magnificent settings, the indigenous people present an equally fascinating culture.  One of the well preserved cultural traditions of South Sulawesi takes shape in the Pakarena Dance.

Originated from t

Blessed with pristine beaches and stunning natural sceneries, the twin islands of Bangka and Belitung also  present some attractive traditions. Located off the eastern coast of Sumatra, strong Malay influences  decorate the daily life of the people. In music, they  express themselves  best through the art of Dambus.

Also known as Gambus in other areas such as in Jakart

While the National Monument or Monas is the icon of the metropolitan city of  Jakarta, the icon of its indigenous “Betawi” people is undisputedly the 2,5 meters tall  giant puppets that are never absent from any celebration or folk fiesta: called the Ondel-ondel.  The term ondel-ondel itself refers to both the puppet as well as the performance.

The Ondel

Just as any other ethnic group in Indonesia, the Minahasa region of North Sulawesi are a people blessed with abundant unique traditional cultural features. Aside from the Maengket Dance there is also another that is equally fascinating: The Lenso Dance. Sharing similar characteristics with the Minahasa, the dance is also found in Ambon and other parts of Maluku Province.

The world Lenso i

Beyond its modern and dynamic daily life as a metropolitan capital city, Jakarta still offers the authenticity of its indigenous Betawi culture. Aside from the vibrant performance of Ondel-ondel and the vigorous Pencak Silat martial art, the Betawi express the beauty of their culture through the art of Lenggang Nyai Dance.

Although it is a contemporarily created dance, the Lenggang Nyai d

There is a proverb inscribed in the Dayak literature that says: ‘Tekuak Lawe’: “Sape’ benutah tulaang to’ awah” literally meaning that “the sounds of a Sampek can crush the bones of a wandering spirit”. This simply expresses the sheer mesmerizing attraction that radiates from the Sampek, the unique traditional musical instrument of the indigenous Day

Every culture and religion in the world has its own way to define and celebrate the coming of the new year. While the Chinese have the Imlek celebration, the Muslims celebrate the first of Muharram, and the world in general celebrates the first of January, the Hindus of Bali welcome the New Year based on the traditional Saka Calendar with the ritual of Nyepi.  This year,  Nyepi , the day

Every year the magnificent Buddhist temple of Borobudur hosts the holy Vesak festival, attracting thousands of Buddhist pilgrims and other travelers who come to see this ancient and sacred Buddhist ritual take place.

Also known as Visakah Puja or Buddha Purnima in India, Visakha Bucha in Thailand and Waisak in Indonesia, the ceremony is globally known as Vesak,  whch is derived from the Pali

Travelling west from Bali’s capital Denpasar, you will find the town of Mengwi, which is home to one of the grandest temples of the island, the Taman Ayun. Built around 1740, Pura Taman Ayun is a water garden temple, symbolizing the cosmic union of sea and mountain.  Reflecting the order of the cosmos, the temple consists of three successive parts, they are: nista (the impure and demoni