Banten

Banten Province

The Capital City of Banten Province is “Banten”

Banten is Java’s westernmost province, and it’s most internationally famous the redoubtable volcano Krakatau in the middle of the Sunda Strait, whose gigantic eruption in 1883 sent shock waves around the globe. Visitors could hire boats in Jakarta or join day cruises to the island volcano. Or one could travel over land to the beaches of Merak, Anyer or Carita on Sunda Strait and begin the short boat ride. All those beach resorts have reasonably good hotels, cottages at Carita.

For visitors with a bent toward archeology, there is Old Banten, capital of a former sultanate which became a lost city more than century after Dutch troops razed it to the ground in retaliation to the killing of an envoy. The main area of Banten include the towns of Tanggerang, Serang, Merak Cilegon, Anyer, Labuan, Pandeglang, Lebak, Ujung Kulon and Their surround area. The region shave some very interesting Tour Adventure Objects, be it natural beauty. The coastline starts from the old city of Banten and goes east to Merak and down South to Anyer, Labuan, Ujung Kulon where it goes South East up to Pelabuhan Ratu. The hilly part is in Pandeglang area, approximately 40 minutes drive from the town of Serang. We could see Mount Pulosari standing erect.

It was considered as a sacred place where the first Moslem King of Banten sought refuge during the war. The small town of Pandeglang is well organized, clean, quiet and the air is cooler. On the way to the town, we will find rice fields with mountain backdrops providing one of those typical beautiful Indonesian scenes.

As generally the people are referred to as Orang Banten (Banten People) and they speak the Banten dialect which has a lot of similarity to the Sundanese dialect of Tanah Pasundan with different intonations and the use of certain terms. When Moslems arrived in Banten, those who refused to embrace the new faith fled to the mountain.

The hills in southern Banten are home to the Baduy Tribes People. An isolated tribe which persists in holding on to it’s old pre-Moslem ways and beliefs and rejects any intermarrying with outsiders. Banten is also known for it’s debus players. Today they number to around 6,000 people and are referred to as “Suku Baduy” or the Baduy Tribe. There are two Baduy communities. Now we start from Baduy Tribes.

History of Banten Province

Banten is name of area which known since 14 century. Last ago Banten is place coming of sea squadron with some trader from any country, and finally Euro people control this area. In year 1330 people have known a country which as Banten today, and later this area controlled by Majapahit King with Gajah Mada and Hayam Wuruk leader. In that last time, Majapahit King and Demak King are two king power in nusantara (Indonesia). In 1524-1570 Moslem trader come to Banten and that time, begin of islam religious growth in Banten. In about two century later, Banten Kadipaten build in Surasowan in October 8, 1526. In 1552-1570, Maulana Hasanudin Panembahan Surasowan become first Banten Sultan (leader). At that time, begin Sultan government in Banten which finally at Sultan Muhammad Rafi'uddin (1813-1820), which 10-rd sultan government since last time sultan and people war with illegal government. But war of Banten people forever, and end of war since illegal government go out from.

In freedom time, Banten people want build a province, since 1953 and 1963 made “Panitia” Banten Province  in Serang regency Pendopo. In meeting between Panitia Banten Province with DPR-GR make agreement to frame Banten Province. In October 25, 1970 the meeting of Banten agree Presidium of Panitia Banten Province. But  not convenient to build one province which unravel of west Java. In reformation order, struggle of Banten people is very obstinate because free democracy and regency autonomy (self-government) issue. In July 18, 1999 there was declaration of Banten people in Serang alun-alun yard, later Badan Komite Panitia Province Banten arrange basic guide and job planing and recommendation of Komite Pembentukan Province Banten (PPB). Since that time, conformed subs of commission PPB in some regency in Banten to fast conformation of Province Banten . After through martiall aborious ultimately at 4 October 2000 Tight Paripurna DPR-RI affirm RUU  Banten Province become act No.  23 Year 2000 about Institution  Banten Province. Posterior at date  October 17, 2000 Presiden Abdurrahman Wahid affirm UU No.  23 Year 2000 about PPB.  

Traditional Costumes

The Banten traditional costume from Serang territory is influenced by simplicity and naturally that come from Islamic noble nuance.The motif of costume dominated by white color which contains a purity of the society that uncontaminated by outsiders. The man wear Iket (head belt) and the women complemented with Kerudung (veil).

The Baduy Tribes

Visit and Join Us to exploratory The Culture of Baduy Ethnic Tribes. These are “The Most Unique Human Beingin the world”. The Ethnic of Baduy Tribes  live in the area abaout 5.101 hectares, in Kanekes Village, Leuwidamar subdistrict, agaout 38 kilometers from Rangkas Bitung, the City of Lebak Regency, Banten. We only need one hour and half from Rangkas Bitung to Ciboleger, the Kanekes entrance gate. And The Baduys, consists of two part, those are the “Inner Baduy Tribe” and the “Outer Baduy Tribe”.

The Inner Baduy Tribe or “Suku Baduy Dalam”, live in 3 villages, those are : Cikeusik Village, Cikertawarna Village, and Cibeo Village. Live in the remotest part, and never leave, nor will they allow any outsider to enter their secluded area. They practically have not been touched by modern living.  And the Outer Baduy Tribe or “Suku Baduy Luar”, live in the outer zone, in the outside of that three villages. There are 53 villages in the baduy. And allow people to visit and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

There is a tradition community, they have the firm tradition law, tradition government and they have their own government. There are three heads of ethnic groups as the head of the goverenment. We call them “Puun”. The three Puuns have eight assistents which have the same functions and duties, and also we call it “Jaro”. The most of Baduy Tribes are the farmers. They plant the Huma Rice or the paddy plants without water (Ladang) and other plantations. Beside farmers, they make handicrafts like Koja’s bag, Palm sugar, Woven products, and less are merchands. And their religion is “Sunda Wiwitan”, they believe only one God (Sang Hyang Tunggal) as the creature, arrange and decider in the life.The Baduy is very unique. We couldn’t find in other place in the world. They don’t want to know the modern life. They are not poor and not rich societies, so they don’t have jealousy to each other.

Although basically they still lead their traditional life, in some ways they allow the influence of the outer world. Some of them even travel and mix with outsiders. The rest of population simply called themselves “Orang Banten”. The modern Orang Banten lead the same life style depending on the area where they live. One interesting thing is that Banten is known for the magical power possessed by the Gurus or  Masters.

Traditional performances called “Debus” are proof that such things indeed exist. Debus are performed by a group led by a Debus Master who recites incantations prior to their performances. The show includes making  fire on top of one of the member’s heads and using it to fry crackers, where the master use his fingers as a spatula, and stabbing themselves with harp knives without harming themselves.

The one more thing, there are many prohibitions in their tradition law, like : Non to go to schools. Not to keep cattle (Animals with four legs). Not to travel by vehicles. Don’t use the electronically tools. Don’t use the luxury house equipments. Not to have more than one wife / husband. These are the very unique human being in the world. So, to know this tradition, join us and visit this area. To get best knowledge and the best adventurer in the world.

Debus Banten

Debus is a martial art from Banten. This art was created in the 16th century, in the reign of Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin (1532-1570). Debus, an art which demonstrates the remarkable human ability, immune to sharp weapons, fire resistant, hard drinking water, insert objects into a whole coconut, fry an egg on the head and others.Islamic religion was introduced by Sunan Gunung Jati, one of the founders of the Sultanate of Cirebon in 1520, in conjunction with the conquest expedition peacefulness of Sunda Kelapa. Then, when the power held by the Sultan of Banten Ageng Tirtayasa (1651-1682), Debus focused as a tool to evoke the spirit of the warriors in the fight against Dutch colonial traders joined in Vereenigde Oost Indische Compagnie (VOC).

It is said that martial arts originated from the area Debus al Madad. The longer the martial arts is growing and growing in all societies as the art of entertainment offerings for the community. The show is still very strong core martial arts or martial arts movement and use of weapons. Debus art offerings, many uses and focus on one player immune to attacks by sharp items, and sort of sharp weapon is called with the whistle. Debus in Arabic which means sharp weapons made of iron, has a pointed tip and slightly rounded shape. With this tool whistle players injured, and usually can not be penetrated even whistle was beaten many times by others. Attractions attraction of this body immunity is another variation which is performed whistle. Among other things, belly pierced with sharp objects or spears, slicing the body with a machete until the injured and uninjured, eat fire, insert a long needle into the tongue, skin, cheeks until translucent and not injured. Cutting limbs to wounded and bleeding but can be cured in immediately, flush the body with hard water to clothes that cling dibadan crushed, chewed glass / glass flakes, burn the body. And many more attractions that they do.

In doing this attraction every player has a requirement those heavy conditions, before they perform the ritual ritual performances given by their teachers. Usually done 1-2 weeks before the ritual performed. In addition they are also required to have a strong faith and be confident with the teachings of Islam. Precepts for whistle players are not allowed to drink liquor, gambling, playing a woman, or steal. And the players also have to believe and did not hesitate in carrying out these actions, the offenses committed by a player can be very harmful to the player's soul. According to some historical sources, Debus has a relationship with a congregation in Islamic teachings. Which in essence is very thick with religious philosophy, they are in very happy because face to face with his god. They slammed their ketubuh sharps, no effort but by God alone. If God does not allow a machete, machetes and bullets injure them. And they will not hurt.

At this time many warriors living dikecamatan Walantaka Debus, keragilan and areas of attack. Which is unfortunate existence of whistle more and more reduced, because the youth prefer to seek another livelihood. And because the attraction is also quite dangerous to do, because it is not uncommon that many whistle players hurt from lack of exercise and there are "ignorant" to show they are doing. So the longer the cultural heritage is increasingly extinct. In the past we can see the attraction of this whistle offerings in many areas, but now there are only whistle attractions at the event - a specific event. So not every day we can see this attraction. Cultural heritage, which is increasingly eroded by the changing times.

“I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING MUCH”

The above title is the meaning of the words of Multatuli in Latin. Multatuli is the nickname of Eduard Douwes Dekker, the writer of a famous book entitled “Max Havelar”, through which he exposed protest and gave rent to his anger toward native feodal land lords. Through this book also Lebak became well known to the world as an example of colonialist greed in it’s colony. Native feodal landlords and Dutch colonialist who both impoverish people through exploitation, oppression and despotism.Eduard Douwes Dekker himself was a Dutch colonial official who ever has good enough position as assistant resident of Banten. Just in that position he saw a lot of injustice which aroused his anger.

“….. When there is among us who neglected his duty to make profit, who sold justice for money or seized caribou from the poor, and fruit belong to the possession of hungry people, who will punish him if one of you knew it. Of course you would prevent it and Bupati did not let such a thing occurred in his territory and me too would prevent it whenever I am able to do it, but if you and I did not know you, sir, the chief of Lebak country, who would part carry out justice in South Lebak”.

The above words were part of Mulatatuli’s fragment of vigorous speech part.

The Bird Sanctuary of  Dua Island

The directorate of Nature and Wildlife Conservation (PPA) does not encourage casual Tour Adventure  to this bird sanctuary in the Bay of Banten’s Dua Island (Pulau Dua).  Dua Island is one of specific areas in the world especially for birds species. Thousands of birds migrate from countries of Asia, Africa and Australia continents are gathering here every year from month of April to August. The island of 8 hectares in width is situated at Banten Bay and it is accessible by sailing boat or motorboat from Tanjung Priok Sea Harbor or Marina, Ancol or Karangantu. Serious birdwatchers are welcome to visit this island where each year more than 100 bird species from Australia and various regions in Asia and Africa come to lay their eggs.

Somehow the birds made an agreement until they obey their itinerary together here for only one destination ; To lay egg and breed their bird children. Over 100 species of birds migrate from three continents are the fish eating birds and known to the world such as Heron, Wild Duck, and the other Duck species, etc. the rest are weather vane and birds that lay eggs between two up to four. The birds breed their birds children until they strong enough and able to fly far away and go back to the countries, where they came from. Then when the children are ready to “Married” and to “Give Birth”, they also will follow their mother’s hail namely go to “Pulau Dua – Dua Island” to lay and to hatch their eggs and breed their children.

The birds have already “Surveyed” it before that, this island is a completely land most modern “Internity Clinic” in the world. Dua Island is full of unspoiled leafy trees. This is the ideal place to make a nest and to lay eggs. The place is overflow with pure water supported by nature and thousands bay of fishes available in Banten which are ready to be Eden at any time. It’s great support to the bird children’s health. Shortly the birds is lucky to go through thousands miles to Dua Island.

The Dua Island is a natural conservation area dedicated by government. To enter Dua Island we need a special permit from tourism office Serang Regency. The visitors who have gotten the permission will be given a directions about regulations during visiting the island, especially during April to August which are the time where the birds laying and hatching their eggs. A permit from PPA is required.

The Binuangeun Beach

Binuangeun Beach is the Malingping sub district, Lebak Regency, 17 kilometers from Malingping’s Bus Station. We could search and visit it by own car or public transportation. This is the natural beach for recreation and sea sports. We could enjoy the activities of the fishermen who sell the fishes. And there are many comfortable places for taking a rest with our family along the beach. We could rent bungalow or villa to stay temporary.

The Bagedur Beach

The Bagedur Beach is still in Banten area. It’s about 4 kilometers from Malingping Bus Station to Binuangeun. This beach has long sea shore which is covered by hard sand. We could do so many activities here along the sea shore, such as Motor cross, Marathon, Volley ball, Playing kite, Surfing, Swimming, and also many other. Sure, we will feel satisfied to take a rest in Bedugur Beach. The Writer of this book and crew, visit this beach to rent motorcycle taxi (Ojek). But actually we could drive a car if we need or charter the vehicles. So, it’s was the best experienced. How about you ?

The Cibodas Beach

The Cibodas Beach is 18 kilometers from Malingping. Beside the street between Malingping and Bayah, in Panggarangan sub district. We could see the forest in the beach vast 5 hectares width, include the trees give us comfortable to relax, and experience in our adventure. And the large area is clean that has the shady trees. Join us and visit this area to  get feel good in the natural fantastic place.

The Karang Taraje Beach

Directly to visit The Karang Taraje Beach to be good Tour Adventure  and best adventurer in the world. The beach is full of rock like ladder or “Taraje”. This beach situated on Bayah sub district, 4 kilometers from the bus stations, on the street between Bayah – Cibareno. There are also beach shop and villa to spend the night. That is a nice place for relaxing with our family or our adventure teams, and also we could fishing beside the rocks. So, Please prepare our equipments.

Pulau Manuk Beach

Pulau Manuk Beach or The Bird Island Beach is still in Bayah sub district. That attached by Karang Taraje Beach, and this beach is has a white sand beach without the rocks, also picturesque like the painting. The wide and slope sea shore has the wave is comfortable place for swimming and surfing, and other sea sports. Stick out into the sea, here is a rock island where many kinds of the birds take a rest. We could drive here only take 2 kilometers from Karang Taraje.

The Ciantir Beach

Ciantir Beach, is the natural beach which hasn’t touched yet, and we have never arranged or built that place. The beach is still natural the same as Kuta Beach in Bali. There are has so many caves surrounding this beach. And there is know by the “Tapak Kabayan”, Kabayan Footprint Legend. We called that place “Tapak” because rock is like footprint. Also another name of the beach is called “Sawarna” because lies in Sawarna Village, Bayah sub district. Just 7 kilometers from The Bird Island.

The Anyer Beach

Carita beach and Anyer Beach, the picturesque coastal areas have white sand beaches, tropical palms and sparkling blue water with very gentle waves. According to its name, the Anyer Beach area is the beach of Tour Adventure destination. Situated 40 kilometers from Serang City, Anyer is a beautiful beach and there are available enough structures for The Tour Adventures such as hotels, bungalows, restaurants, etc. This place can be reached by all type of motorized vehicles, also from Cilegon will get us to Anyer.

The Anyer Kidul Lighthouse

The Lighthouse, which is situated at Anyer Kidul, was made by the Dutch in 1885, when they were still colonialising Indonesia. Tower of 75,7 meters in height comprise 18 stories. This antique building is erect strongly and become the witness of historical event namely the construction of 1.000 kilometers highway from Anyer to Panarukan. The road constructions with thousands of forced laborers were intended to connect Java Island from end to end, especially for postal transportation.

Carita Beach

The next beach is called Carita Beach. People could still enjoy the drive viewing the sandy beaches interspersed with coral and tall coconut trees. We could stop by the beach and chat with the fishermen while they roast fish, prawn or lobster at our order on open fire made out of coconut shells. The fishermen auction their catches of the day in the market where most of the Jakarta citizen paying supermarket prices. Anyer and  Carita will be a good place for relaxing and enjoy the fresh ozone and good seafood.

Sanghyang Island

Two and half hour by using sailing boat you shall have arrived at Sanghyang Island, the one time fortress of Japanese army during the War World II whose remainder is still clearly seen around the island. The captivation of the island of more 800 hectares of width is the sea garden around it, so that it is a specific absorption to go around the island.

Karang Bolong

The name Karang Bolong means Rock (Karang) with a Hole (Bolong). This may have been some frozen lava, formed during the eruption of Mount Krakatau. Karang Bolong beach is the beach recreation area where there is a big rock with its hole in the center, facing the open sea. The Rock forms a gate facing the sea, making it look very picturesque. There is a small forest, which has been converted into a recreation spot. There is a river flowing down to the sea where people can have a bath of fresh water after swimming in the salty sea.

Karang Bolong beach is located 50 km from Serang town or 140 km from Jakarta, on Karang Bolong Street. The large cave of coral reefs facing the open sea, is still the reminder of Mount Krakatau’s explosion in 1883. This large hole was shaped by earthquake risen by mighty explosion of Mount Krakatau. That is Karang Bolong Cave, located at Karang Bolong Beach at least less 54 kilometers distance from Serang City. At the top of this coral reef there were built rest houses in order to enjoy open sea and hear the natural music of ceaseless wavy sea.

The Archaeological Site of Lebak Cibedug

The Archaeological Site of Lebak Cibedug is belongs to Cibeber Village, in Citorek district, on Lebak Regency. The distance between Cikotok and Citorek is 34 kilometers from Citorek to archaeological site, and located in about 8 kilometers on The Mount Halimun’s National Park area. The archaeological site lies in the area 2 Hectares. And also on entrance gate, we could see the biggest Menhir with 235 Centimeter tall and 336 Centimeters.

The Chinese Temple

We could visit The Chinese Temple. To reach this Chinese Temple we have to take detour, along a parallel road leading further North. At the back of the temple there is a retreat compound. We will face the altar with burning red candles when we enter the gate. Behind it large table filled with variety of fruits served as an offering. At the back of the altar stands the statue of the Goddess of Fortune (Guan Yin or Kwan Im) party covered by a curtain. The Buddha statue is located in another structure next to the temple, the front yard is shaded by huge old trees giving it a tranquil surrounding.

The Menhir

Believe it or not.  That is the sacred Menhir. The visitors could try pray here in front of it, and if we embrace twice we could know the answer of our prayer (Got the Answered or No). The site which has 7 steps is made from Andesit’s stones material. The archaeological site is the inheritance Megalithic in Neoliticum Era or on prehistory. So, what do you think about it ?  Just visit and join us also try it !

The Banten Museum

The Banten Museum, located in Northern part of Serang, we could learn the history of Banten and the first time the Dutch set foot on the island of Java. Weapons, household goods used, clay pipes for running drinking water and pieces of broken ceramics are also on display.  Across the road we could still see the foundations and remains of the old palace, Surosowan. Banten, the production of pepper propelled. Banten to become one of the busiest port in the world, equal to the Dutch port of Amsterdam. This small fishing town’s ancient ruins still serve as a reminder of times gone by. We could visit Fort Speelwijk and the Kaibon Palace (Queen’s Palace) originally reached from the sea by canals and see the ancient walls marking the center of the old city, bronze cannons, ancient bathing pools, Chinese temples and mosques built over three hundred years ago.Old Banten built during the reign of Maulana Yusuf 1566. The mosque is located a short walking distance from the museum. Not too far from the mosque is the minaret with a spiral staircase to reach the top. From there Muezzinns voice their prayer calls. At the north of the mosque is the royal cemetery where four of the earlier Sultans of Banten were buried. The later Sultans were buried at the South of the Mosque.

Curug Gendang

To Curug Gendang waterfall or Drummer’s waterfall, we need to wear a strong comfortable pair of shoes, since it is around 3 hours hike up the hill top though the jungle from Carita.

Ujung Kulon National Park (Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon)

Ujung Kulon peninsula and National Park, located on the South Western tip of Java is a forested wildlife reserve of 51.000 hectare (132,600 acre), covering both island of Peucang, and Handeuleum Island which are a part of Panaitan Island. Ujung Kulon is the one of the most beautiful natural conservation in the world. This natural and wildlife conservation is closed for public since formerly except for scientific expeditions or group which has been permitted by the Directorate of Natural Protection and Preservation in Bogor.

The reserve is the home of the last surviving one-horned rhinoceros, wild ox, deer, wild boar, crocodiles, snakes and rare birds, which is exist only in Ujung Kulon, is the excellence of this place. The horned Rhinoceros is often “Hunted” by camera to get it’s picture. Hunting Rhinoceros with camera is an absorbing Tour Adventure, to find this animal sometimes takes times several days. The animal scent is too sensitive against human outdoor besides it’s number is not much anymore. Besides the one horned Rhinoceros there are still many more other rare animals inhibit this unspoiled levy jungle. Ujung Kulon mainland for birds and animals watching.

Apart from view Bungalows for wardens and visitors on an island and a lighthouse on the mainland. National Park on Java’s southwestern tip is untamed wilderness. Visitors need a permit from the government. Directorate of Nature and Wildlife Conservation (PPA) to get into the park, but it’s worth the effort. From the Tanjung Layar promontory on the mainland, the view of the Indian Ocean and the surf breaking against the cliffs far below is unforgettable.Animals as well as plants.In Peucang and Handeuleum Isles, water there could be seen the beautiful sea garden decorated by various kinds of tropical fishes is a not less attractive view. To visit Ujung Kulon it is suggested on the beginning of Aprilaching and loss of habitat.

Peucang Island & Karang Copong

We could see dolphins escorting the boat, and leisure for swimming, snorkeling at Peucang Island, visit to Karang Copong of Peucang Island to watch the sunset, trekking to the Tanjung Layar as the most westerly point of the Java Island. This island provides reasonable accommodation for those who wish to explore the wilderness of Ujung Kulon or to Krakatau. The place is also famous as a stop point for divers and surfers. Taman Jaya is a pretty coastal village where a WWW office is located and serves as a starting point for trekking the jungle for nature lovers.