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Indonesia’s Cultural Events
Matanggauk traditional ritual
- Did you know that cultural events in Indonesia start from local rituals or traditions? Well, the Tolitoli Cultural Festival is one of them.
- In each implementation, there is a traditional ritual called "matanggauk" or the inauguration procession of King Tolitoli.
- This ritual, which has existed since 1950, is usually carried out for three days, while the festival will be held from 5 to 10 December 2022.
- Take note, yes, the location is at Gaukan Muhammad Bantilan Tolitoli Beach.
Watch carnivals full of stylish costumes and exciting arts events
- At the Tolitoli Cultural Festival, you can mingle with local residents and other tourists to watch the Cultural Carnival.
- Uniquely, this carnival will feature a fashion parade featuring traditional to contemporary clothing.
- Oh yes, you can also make this moment an acquaintance with three local ethnicities who live in Tolitoli Regency.
- Still, want to know more about local arts? Don't worry, the Tolitoli Cultural Festival also has an Arts Degree.
- In this activity, you will witness colossal dance, creative dance, music, and other performing arts.
Make Sure Not To Miss Out
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Destinations Not To Miss
5 Villages to Witness the Intricate Beauty of Ulos!
Tigarihit Village
- Last but not least, there’s Tigarihit Village in the east of Lake Toba. Known for its colourful roofs, Tigarihit Village doesn’t only offer a vibrant vibe.
- Inside, you can take a look at how ulos is woven. If you’re also seeking a spectacular sight, then Tigarihit Village is the place to be. Situated on a foothill, those who spend time here can have a chance to catch a gorgeous sunset accompanied by the astonishing panorama of Lake Toba.
- Have you included these five villages on your bucket list yet? Write them down now and discover many more fascinating destinations in and around Samosir Island! Do also check out various destinations in other parts of North Sumatra!
- Before starting your journey, learn about the latest international travel regulations to enter Indonesia. Always follow the CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environment Sustainability) health protocol during your journey.
- Keep an eye out for more trip ideas like this by giving our social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok a follow!
Silahisabungan Village
- Silahisabungan Village lies on the northwestern shore of Lake Toba.
- This village houses plenty of Ulos weavers.
- There are about 400 weavers who work on creating Ulos day to day here.
- Lately, the North Sumatran government and the local weavers have collaborated to diversify their products.
- Not only producing ulos for ceremonies, but the village also produces some ulos that can be worn on any occasion.
- Finer and more stylish threads are also chosen to create a more fashionable product.
- Right across the southeastern tip of Samosir Island, you will find a village where you can see ulos weavers doing their work.
- Meat Village is situated between the magnificent Lake Toba and vast serene rice fields.
- This makes the village a perfect place for those who would like to do sightseeing while learning about the creation of ulos. The ulos made here is quite different from ulos made in other villages.
- The weavers of Meat Village specialize in producing a type of ulos known as ragi hotang which is often used in traditional ceremonies, particularly weddings.
- Usually given to a pair of newlyweds during a ceremony of ulos hela, ragi hotang symbolizes the parent's blessing for the couple’s marriage.
Hutaraja Village
- The first village on the list has been named the centre of ulos on Samosir Island.
- Hutaraja Village, also known as Kampung Ulos Huta Raja by many, can be found lying in the northwestern corner of the island.
- This 16.000 square-meter village was recently renovated by the Indonesian government.
- The newly built kiosks, amphitheatre, plaza, and many more facilities are hoped to provide those who are looking to discover the beauty of ulos a far more enjoyable experience.
- Other than being able to witness the process of making Ulos, Hutaraja Village also gives you a chance to explore the traditional house of the Batak tribe known as Bolon.
Huta Siallagan
- Another village known as the home of ulos can be found on the northeast of Samosir Island.
- What makes Huta Siallagan special is the existence of two sets of large stones carved into chairs encircling a stone table.
- These fascinating sets of stone furniture artefacts are called Batu Parsidangan, meaning “Stones for Meetings and Trials”.
- It is located right at the centre of Huta Siallagan under a sharara tree, which is considered a sacred tree by the Bataks.
- The Stones are believed to be over 200 years old.
- Apart from these unique stones, there’s also a Bolon house that has been refurbished as a museum where you can learn about the history of the village.
- Those who set foot in this village are often invited for a Manortor dance.
- This traditional dance will give you a chance to wear an ulos as you move along the beat of Gondang, the traditional drums of the Batak tribe.
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
Pulo Cinta in Gorontalo
- Situated pleasantly off the coast of Tomini Gulf in Gorontalo Province in the northern part of Sulawesi Island, Pulo (or Pulau) Cinta literally means the island of love.
- You may not notice it right away, but if you look from above or through the lens of a drone camera, the shoal in this little piece of heaven forms the shape of a heart - as if Mother Nature sculpted the universal symbol of love.
- Pulo Cinta also got its name from a local legend akin to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
- The story goes that during the Dutch colonial era, a prince from the Kingdom of Gorontalo fell in love with a daughter of a Dutch merchant.
- In a tale of forbidden love, two lovebirds from conflicting sides would come to the small island to be with one another.
- Pulo Cinta was their secret escape, a place of love amidst bloodshed and violent war.
Most Graceful Hindu Temple in Indonesia
Prambanan
- Located not far from the Buddhist Borobudur temple, the proximity of the two temples tells us that in Java, Buddhism and Hinduism lived peacefully next to one another.
- Prambanan is a magnificent spectacle and an icon of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
- The temples at Prambanan were built in the 9th century and are known locally as Roro Jonggrang, coming from the legend of the ‘slender virgin’.
- The biggest temple is dedicated to Shiva – the destroyer and the two smaller ones which sit on its right and left are dedicated to Brahma, the creator, and Vishnu, the sustainer.
- The tallest temple of Prambanan is a staggering 47 meters high.
- Its peak is visible from far away and rises high above the ruins of the other temples.
What Indonesia is known for?
Variety of events
Musical events
- Born in 2014, We The Fest has become the pioneer in the southeast Asian music festival scene.
- Mixing the pleasures of art, music, fashion and food, it’s a must-go event for festival lovers.
- In 2017 it took place over three days for the first time, with more than 50,000 participants.
- The lineup is usually jaw-dropping.
- Glorious names like The Kooks, Phoenix, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, the Temper Trap, Purity Ring, Hot Chip and Flight Facilities have played on the We The Fest stage.
- The organization is smooth, the vibes are happy and it’s one of the best music festivals in Indonesia.
Culinary Event
- Ubud Food Festival is usually held between the months of March and May.
- The festival’s side events also include live music concerts highlighting local bands, as well as yoga, film screenings and food photography workshops.
- There are different tickets for each event throughout the festival, such as the special opening night party that includes cocktails, canapes, the whole live entertainment and the chance to meet up with the chefs and restaurateurs in person.
- Tickets are available at the festival’s box office at Taman Kuliner on Ubud’s Jalan Raya Sanggingan, or directly at the special event venues throughout Ubud.
- This festival hub also serves as the main venue where free events and hosted talks are held, and where public visitors can enjoy food and drinks, live music and fresh market bazaars during the festival.
Art Event
- One of the Largest and Most Active Auction House in Southeast Asia Established in 2003, Masterpiece Auction.
- House has served thousands of art collectors and connoisseurs from all around the world, organizing best-in-class auctions and exhibitions across Jakarta, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and throughout the digital world.
- Masterpiece welcomes all visitors to participate in our online auctions from anywhere in the world. Masterpiece also offers private sale opportunities in multiple categories of valuable collectables.
More To Know About Bali
Indonesia FAQs
Indonesia’s main form of transportation within the country is via minibus which is used for local transportation around towns and cities.
Generally, USD is not accepted in most establishments in Indonesia outside of main cities. The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is typically the only way to pay in Indonesia. Upon arrival, you should plan to exchange your money at a bank or with a reputable moneychanger. The airports and hotels generally will give you a worse exchange rate. A currency converter such as www.oanda.com/currency/converter/ is helpful for getting the latest exchange rates. If you need assistance or have questions, your guide is your best resource and will point you in the right direction.
Should I bring cash or Traveler's checks? Are ATMs available? Can I use credit cards?
Credit Cards are widely accepted in larger cities, but traveller's checks are not. Cash is recommended for travel to more rural areas and can be easily obtained at ATMs in larger cities. Please check with your bank regarding any imposed daily withdrawal limits It is best to plan to have cash on hand and be sure to receive smaller denominations of rupiah, as finding change for 50.000 notes or higher can be difficult.
How do I get to the hotel from the airport when I arrive?
A driver will be there to greet you at your arrival airport holding a sign with your name on it. You will be taken directly to your hotel on the first night. Also, you can opt to take a taxi transfer on your own, though we do not recommend it in Jakarta.
What is the typical age range on the Indonesia tours?
Typically, ages range from 15 to 65, however, we have seen children as young as 6 and the "young at heart" as old as 90 on our trips!
What type of food is typical of Indonesia?
Indonesian cuisine, Our tour leaders are always willing to try to accommodate different palates, such as children who may not be very adventurous or adults who are! Some popular dishes are satay (chicken skewers), Nasi Goreng which is sweet fried rice, and Gado-Gado which is a peanut dressing vegetable salad-style dish.
Do I need a converter/adapter for the electricity?
Indonesia generally uses 220 volts, 50hz electricity. They use types C, F, and G power sockets. It is recommended to bring a converter or purchase one upon arrival. One will likely be needed to adapt the plug shape for any device you bring. Some high-end hotels provide converters, but just to be safe travellers should bring their own.
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5.0/5
The Changi Airport is one of the best in the world, and it also has an experience studio, which I could visit thanks to Thrillophilia. There were a lot of games and activities here, along with exhibitions and other attractions. My tickets also included several things, such as meals, a tea set and vi... Read More
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4.0/5
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If you’re looking for a good guided tour of the area, I’d definitely recommend this particular package by Thrillophilia. I booked this while in Bali with my family last year and we were all really happy with the experience. We especially enjoyed the visit to the gates of heaven and took some fantast... Read More
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The Thrillophilia team organised this tour very nicely for me and my family. Our driver was very professional and took us to the beach on time. While it was a hot day, we all definitely had a lot of fun swimming underwater, and we even saw reef sharks and stingrays.
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I would ask everyone who visits Bali to go on this half day tour. I had booked my tour from Thrillophilia, and they included many popular tourist attractions in the package, along with a local driver and guide. Thanks to them, I got to visit places like the Monkey Forest, Tanah Lot, Uluwatu and more... Read More
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Reviewed: 14 Oct 2019
4.0/5
Booked: Blue Lagoon Snorkeling in Bali
It was my first time trying snorkeling. The thrill and excitement was out of the chart and being a solo traveler this deal ensured my safety and correct guidance for the activity. The Indonesian meal served under the package was also delicious. Thanks a lot Thrillophilia!
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Reviewed: 13 Feb 2019
4.0/5
Booked: Blue Lagoon Snorkeling in Bali
My partner and I had the best time snorkeling with this package in Bali. Neither of us have ever snorkeled before, but our appointed guide was excellent, and guided us through everything. The marine life here is absolutely ravishing- I’d highly recommend this tour package by Thrillophilia to all.
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