Gedung Sate, The Mark of Kota Bandung

The experience I got from often time visit Bandung had already admire me to write about Gedung Sate in my blog. Often times I pass the Diponegoro Street , Bandung I was so wonder about the glorious of this building. Very firmly stands along the ages but still keep its architechture.

Gedung Webside, with his trademark form the ornament on a central tower, jacks long marker or benchmark Bandung, which is not only available to the public in West Java, but also throughout Indonesia and even model was used as a signal to several buildings and urban characters in West Java. For example, building forms the Tasikmalaya train station. Built in 1920, the White House was still strong but graceful and now serves as the central building of the Government of West Java.

Gedung Sate, which in the Netherlands Indies called Gouvernements Bedrijven (GB), laying the first stone by Johanna Catherina Coops, eldest daughter of the mayor of Bandung, B. Coops and Petronella Roelofsen, representing the Governor-General in Batavia, JP Graaf van Limburg Stirum on July 27, 1920, is the result of a planning team consisting of Ir.J.Gerber, famous young architect graduate from the Faculty of Engineering Nederland Delft, Ir. Eh. De Roo and Ir. G. Hendriks and van Gemeente Bandoeng party, led by Col.. Ret. VL. Slors by involving 2000 workers, 150 people including sculptors, or a tombstone carver bongpay experts and wood carver of Chinese nationality who came from Konghu or Cantonese, assisted by masons, coolies stir and servers that come from residents Sekeloa Kampung, Kampung small hole Dago, Gandok and  Cibarengkok village, which they had previously worked in shingles Gedong (Kampus ITB) and flat Gedong (Bandung City Hall). 

During the period of 4 years in September 1924 it successfully completed the construction of the main building parents gouvernments Bedrijven, including the headquarters of the key PTT (post, telephones and telegraphs and library.)


State Gedung architecture is designed by the architect go. J. Gerber and his group are not independent of the master Dr.Hendrik entry Dutch architect Petrus Berlage, facing the Islands traditional architecture bernuansakan.


Many architects and building experts expressed Gedung Sate is a stunning elegant monumental buildings with unique architectural style which leads to the form of Indo-European architectural style, (Indo Europeeschen architectuur Stijl), so it is not impossible if the Borobudur Temple also add to the elegance of Gedung Sate.

Some opinions about big Sate Building including Cor Pashier and Jan Wittenberg two Dutch architect, who said "style of architecture is a style of architect Gedung Sate experimental results that lead to forms of Indo-European architectural style."


Some opinions on building a large SateIr. HPBerlage, during a visit to Gedung Sate, April 1923 stated, "Gedung Sate is a great architectural masterpiece, which managed to combine eastern and western styles in harmony". As with any style of Italian architecture in renaiscance mainly in the west wing building. While story tower in the middle of the building or Meru as pagoda roof. There is another opinion that says a lot of architects Indonesia Slamet Wirasonjaya grandeur as Gedung Sate, and Ir. Harnyoto Kunto. including Cor Pashier and Jan Wittenberg two Dutch architect, who said "Gedung Sate architectural style is a style of experimental results that lead architect on the form of Indo-European architectural style."


Ir. HPBerlage, during a visit to Gedung Sate, April 1923 stated, "Gedung Sate is a great architectural masterpiece, which managed to combine eastern and western styles in harmony". As with any style of Italian architecture in renaiscance mainly in the west wing building. While story tower in the middle of the building or Meru as pagoda roof. There is another opinion that says a lot of architects Indonesia Slamet Wirasonjaya grandeur as Gedung Sate, and Ir. Harnyoto Kunto.


Gedung Sate stands strong and up to now, can not be separated from materials and construction techniques used. Gedung Sate wall made of large stone pieces (1 × 1 × 2 m) taken from the hills surrounding rocks in the East and Mount Arcamanik Bandung Manglayang. Gedung Sate building construction using conventional professional manner with due regard to technical standards.


Gerber itself combines multiple streams of architecture into the design. For windows, Gerber takes the theme of Moorish Spain, while for buildings dalah Italian Renaissance. Especially for the tower, Gerber entered the flow of Asia, namely style roof Balinese temple or pagoda in Thailand. At its peak there is a "skewer" with 6 fruit skewers ornaments (other versions say pink water or jasmine), which represents 6 million guilders - the amount of fees that are used to build Gedung Sate.


Facade (front side) Gedung Sate very calculated. By following the north-south axis axis (which is also applied in Pakuan Building, which overlooks Mount Malabar in the south), Gedung Sate is not deliberately built facing Mount Tangkuban Perahu in the north.


In the course initially provided to the Department of Traffic and Public Works, even become the center of the Dutch East Indies after Batavia will not qualify as a center of government since its development, which is used by the Public Works Department. Dated December 3, 1945 there was an incident which claimed the lives of seven young men who defend Gedung Sate of Gurkha troops attack. To commemorate the seven young men, made stone monument that is placed behind the Sate House lawn. By order of the Minister of Public Works on December 3, 1970 The monument was moved to the front page of Gedung Sate.


State building since 1980, known as the Office of the Governor, because as the Centre of West Java provincial government, which previously held the Office of West Java province Mukti Kerta-Jalan Braga Bandung.


Governor workspace on the second floor along with workspace Vice Governor, Provincial Secretary, Assistant and the Bureau. Currently, the Governor is assisted by three Deputy Governor in charge of Administration, Economics and Development, and Social Welfare, a Regional Assistant Secretary and Assistant Four namely public administration, Administrative Assistant for Development, Social Welfare Assistant and Administrative Assistant.


But not all Governour's Assistant works at Gedung State. Welfare Social Assistant and administrative assistant with the staff occupied the new building.


In the East and West, there are two big rooms, which are reminiscent of the Ballroom (the Ballroom), that is often found in the building of the European Community. This number is often known as the West and East Hall rooms, often used in official business. In the second round of this room, rooms, which are located some of Bureau staff.


Perfection comes with these large State new building construction that took a bit of style architecture, but stylish work Gedung architect State contextual Ir.Sudibyo built in 1977 dedicated area Presidents and members of the Legislative Assembly of the province of West Java in the performance of their duties and obligations as the legislature.


Gedung Sate has become one of the attractions in the city of Bandung. Especially many of them strangers who accidentally visited because it has an emotional relationship and history in this building. Linking emotion and history will probably feel more complete if you climb a ladder at one time available for the tower Gedung Sate. There are 6 steps that must be passed by each of 10 steps that must be climbed.

The beauty of Gedung Sate is equipped with its surrounding gardens are well maintained, do not be surprised if the demand by city public park and tourists, both domestic and foreign. The beauty of this park is often used as a location bernuansakan family activities, music video filming locations both local artists and national artists, the location of family photos or photos of yourself and even photograph the bridal couple.


Especially on Sundays environment Sate House lawn into an option where the majority of the people to relax, just sit around enjoying the fresh air or light exercise Bandung. Comparing Gedung Sate with central government buildings (Parliament building) in many capitals does not seem excessive. This equation is all built in the middle of a green complex with a magnificent central tower. Especially in terms of location of buildings and landscapes are relatively similar to sate the White House in Washington, DC, USA. It can be said Gedung Sate is the "White House" of the city.


It is open for public or groups out of office hours. You also can meet the Governour and the Vice Governour for the tourist visit, as long as they have free time they will openly welcome you. So don't hesitate to come and visit it, and meet the history of Kota Bandung inside.

The History of Chinesse New Year Celebration

Chinesse New Year in Hokkien means calendar month (lunar) or yinli in mandarin language. Lunar New Year in China is better known as Chunjie or celebration of spring, whose activities are often referred to as the activity of Guo Nian, "enters the new year ', which in Indonesia is better known as Konyen. In Indonesia, Chinese people celebrate the Lunar New Year as a celebration of the birth Kong Hu Chu, who was born in the year 551 BC (BCE) So, distinction with the lunar calendar Lunar year AD 551.  The Lunar New Year celebration begins the first day of the first month (Chinese: 政月, pinyin: Zheng Yue) in Chinese callender and ends with Cap go Meh 十五 冥 元宵节 in date 15 (at the time of full moon).

History of the Lunar calendar starting with , the proponent  is Huang Di or Yellow Emperor who ruled (2698-2598 BC), he i, n addition to the High King was also a Prophet and is now known as Mr. Science, because most of his time creating new inventions and world civilization started in those days.

Huang Di dating system works, and later adopted by the founder of the Xia Dynasty (2205-2197 BC) by Emperor called Da Yu, who also is one of the Prophet in the religion of Confucius, but when the office falls replaced Xia Shang Dynasty (1766-1122 BC),  the calender system in  Shang Shang Dynasty replaced by a system of dating. When the Shang Dynasty collapsed and was replaced by the Zhou Dynasty (1122-475 BC) dating system was also replaced by Zhou dating system. Since the Zhou Dynasty fell, and a time of war lasted about 254 years. 

After that just starting the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC) by Emperor Qin Shi Huang and penanggalannya system named changed again. So it can be said  that in mainland China previously used 4 kinds of systems dating to the Qin Dynasty Xia Dynasty.

Chine people believe that Confucius who lived during the year (551-479 BC), lived in the Zhou Dynasty (1122-475 BC). At that time he saw the majority of the population live from agriculture, the Xia Dynasty, dating system is the best and most suitable, since the beginning of new year falls in early spring, so it can be used as guidance in agriculture.

 Confucious suggested The State to return using calendar, Xia dynasty, however, wise counsel was ignored by the Government at that time. So the Prophet told the Holy Word XV: 11 rings. Xia dynasty " Be dating. " and the word was distributed by his disciples.

After the end of the Qin Dynasty, stand the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) by Emperor Han Wu Di (140-86 BC), exactly the year 104 BC, Xia calendar system was inaugurated as the calendar of State and remains in use today. To respect the Prophet Confucius, the determination of the calculation of his first year since the birth of Confucius and Confucianism was calculated defined as a state religion .

Legend of Fireworks, Barongsai and Lentern in Lunar Celebration

Chinesse Lentern

According to legend, long ago, Nian (年) is a man-eating giant from the mountains (or in many other stories, from beneath the sea), which appears in late winter to eat crops, livestock and even villages. To protect themselves they see themselves, the people put food on their doorstep early in the year. 


It is believed that the Nian will eat food that has been prepared and they will not attack people or stealing livestock and crops. At one time, residents noticed that Nian fled in fear after meeting with small children dressed in red. Residents then believing that Nian was afraid would be the color red, so that every time a new year is coming, the villagers will hang red lanterns and scrolls Kerta in windows and doors. They also use fireworks to scare Nian. Nian habit then grows into the New Year celebration.

Guo Nian (Traditional Hanzi: 过年; Chinese: 过年), which means "welcome the new year", which literally means "drive out Nian". [1] [2] Since then, Nian never returned to the village. Nian was eventually arrested by 鸿钧 老祖 or 鸿钧 天尊 Laozu Hongjun, a Taoist priest and then became the vehicle Honjun Laozu Nian.Therefore, everyone should be able to resist bad weather, with a prayer and put the antidote in the form of red cloth, put fireworks and red dress.

Ready for Barongsai Attraction

Barongsai in Action

Keranjang Cake

Other property during the Chinesse New Year Celebration beside Fireworks and Lenterns is Keranjang Cake or Dodol Tutun (in Indonesia).  Keranjang Cake alias lunkhead China became one of the menu should be available during the celebration of the Lunar New Year arrives. And, it turns out, sweet food made of glutinous rice flour and white sugar yet another meaning of the sublime. This cake called Nian Gao also got a basket-shaped container printing. Keranjang Cake began to be used as offerings to ancestor worship ceremony, six days before the Lunar New Year (Sie Jie Siang Ang), and peak at night Chinese New Year. As an offering, this cake is usually not eaten until Cap Go Meh (15th night after the Lunar New Year) arrived.

Keranjang Cake

Keranjang Cake

Keranjang Cake

The word Nian means "year" and Gao means "cake" which also means "high". Because of that cake baskets are often composed of high or rising. More to the decrease in the composition of this cake. Significant improvement in fortune or prosperity. In ancient times, a cake basket or higher indicates a lot of family welfare homeowners. Usually this cake are prepared to top with red bowl cake on top. It is a symbol of life sweet an increasingly uphill and blossom like a cup cake.

Trusted for this cake was originally conceived as a dish to please the gods furnace fun to bring the report to the King of heaven, Yu Huang Da Di. Furthermore, the spherical form means that families who celebrate Lunar New year is a continuation of a United, harmonious, and the unanimous determination in the face of the coming year.

In China there is a tendency for the Lunar to eat first before you eat rice cake baskets as one can always hope for good luck in his work throughout the year. In Indonesia alone, many cakes are produced in Bogor and Yogyakarta.

Angpao

Angpao itself is the Hokkien dialect, its literal meaning is a bundle / red envelopes. Since long, red color symbolizes the goodness and prosperity in Chinese culture. The red color shows the excitement, the spirit that will ultimately bring good fortune. Actually, the tradition of giving angpao itself is not the monopoly of the Chinese New Year, but in any event that symbolizes the joy such as weddings, birthdays, new house entrance and lain2, angpao also be found.

Angpao Envelope

Angpao for Imlek

 Angpao on Chinese New Year has a special term that is "Yes Sui", meaning a gift given to children associated with age / turn of the year. In ancient times, these gifts are usually in the form of candy, candy and snacks. In the future, because of times, parents find it easier to give money and let  children decide what gift they would buy. 

The tradition of giving money as gifts Ya Sui appeared around the time of the Ming and Qing. In the literature on Ya Sui Qian children written that use the money to buy fireworks and sweets. This action also increases the velocity of money circulation and economic development in China at that time.

Angpao usually given an older family member with the young. In older people who are considered well established, it is reasonable to give angpau to their parents who are old. Therefore, angpao symbolizes love, from old to young, from a child who has managed to elderly parents. One more in the tradition of angpauo usually provide angpao compulsory for those who are married.

 

Chinesse New Year Celebration in Indonesia

In Indonesia, during 1965-1998, a celebration of Chinese new year is celebrated in public areas is prohibited. With the Presidential Decree No. 14 of 1967, the regime of President Suharto's New Order, prohibiting everything that smells like Chinese, including the Chinese new year.

Society of Chinese descent in Indonesia regain its freedom to celebrate Chinese new year in 2000, when President Abdurrahman Wahid repealed Executive Decree No. 14/1967. Then, run it with President Abdurrahman Wahid issued Presidential Decree No. 19/2001 of 9 April 2001, who opened the lunar new year, as additional leave (applies only to those celebrating it). New in 2002 (February 12, 2002), Lunar officially declared a national holiday of President Megawati Soekarno Putri.

Imlek 2011 - Rabbit Gold Glory

Chinese Astrology zodiac recognize 12 species iconya are animals with specific characteristics. This is the year 2011, gold bunny. Rabbit in Chinese mythology (Fengshui) is a symbol of longevity and is said Moon down. Rabbits also symbolizes elegance, decency, good advice, kindness and sensitivity to all forms of beauty. His words were soft, and the graceful but swift movements actually form the type of character needed for a successful diplomat or a skilled politician.

So this year is the year of Rabbit Gold friendly. However, I personally do not believe in things like this. Because in fact, began in Golden Rabbit, the  middle eastern countries such as Tunisia, Egypt and possibly Indonesia are trouble by the problem.

Hopefully this year a lot gives a lot of changes and the glory of Indonesia, people are more advanced and prosperous as well as economic and political conditions are stable. Gong Xi Fa Cai... Good Luck to All Indonesian People...

Bau Nyale Festival (The Story Behind Traditional Heritage)

If you ever been gone to Lombok Island, you must know what is Bau Nyale Festival. Nyale is a kind of sea worm (anelida) and only can be found in Southern of Lombok Island (Sekaroh, Awang Bay, Terasak, Belowam , Aan, Seger, Belongas, Mawun, Ebuak and Dundang). Nyale is categorized into kelabang worm for it small dotted feet resembling kelabang creature. But meaning of Bau Nyale in Sasak Language means can be lit. Bau Nyale Festival is a traditional festival that celebrate once in a year  , where every people can joint it looks for Nyale .

People attend to the Festival look for Nyale

Nyale  only exist in February - March at Seger, Kuta Beach, Central Lombok  that is why the festival celebrate during that mounths. The worm sill come up when the moon, wind and tide are comming together. This warm can be eaten, sasaknesse usually collect it and cook it together when Nyale Season is come. worms will come out now from midnight until morning when the sea began to recede. colorful worms and will look like when exposed to light rays bouncing off the moon and worms.

Bau Nyale Festival  are events and traditions of the legendary and has a high sacred value for Sasak tribe, the tribe native to the island of Lombok. The tribe descendents that celebrate this tradition include several village in East and Central Lombok.

Bau Nyale (Catching Nyale)

The existence of the party Nyale smell is closely related to a folklore that developed in the southern part of Central Lombok district, precisely at the community Pujut, a district that covers an area of Central Lombok district. 

Seger Beach, Kec. Pujut, Central Lombok

Among the several places where people cathcing Nyale, Seger Beach is most well known places and flooded by many visitor especially those who are non Sasak (Iqa-Iku) tribe. Seger is located in the eastern part of Kuta bay, a very beautiful bay and an interesting side for recreation. The beautiful view of this beach is an unvaluable miracle for them. As tourist destionation in Central Lombok, Seger Beach not only highly potential for its costal beauty but it also complemented by the traditional ritual festival  like Bau Nyale Festival.

Bau Nyale derived from those people based on the ancient mythology regarding Princess Mandalika. The mythology become the underlying phylosphy of sasak people.According to belief of Sasak People in Central Lombok This Festival is celebrated in the hope to neutralize the two opposing power of Princess Mandalika. In one side this character is believed to bring benevolence, prosperity, safety, fertility, plenty of crop and social compassion. On the other hand , especially when character is mad , she can be detrimenal to the need of local people. These two opposing power could be neutralized and become harmonya with the ritual celebration of Bau Nyale as people believe that nyale is the reincarnation of Princess Mandalika. Bau Nyale lies in the middle between the two oppposing power, therefore, it symbolyze balance and harmony.

Nyale Worm

She is the daughter of a king who ever reigned in the land of Lombok. Her fascinating beauty deeply attrack every viewer. Even many princes who have seen her fall in love with her. This myth is a folk tradition and transmitted orally from generation to generation. Socio-culturally , this myth is perceived not as a mere fiction, but rather as philosophical reality that deeply occupies the sub - conscious of the people and plays as a special role in the socio cultural practice.There are two version of Putri Mandalika myth.

First Version , Putri Mandalika is a daughter of King Raja Tonjeng Beru and the Queen Dewi Seruntung, who Rule the Sekar Kuning Kingdom in Eberu. Her beauty, charm, ability an talent in various profession widely known and fascinated many princes from different kingdom. Too many wedding proposals for Putri Mandalika prompt , the king fully authorized his daughter to select the best choice. The princess faced extreme dilemma. It took long enough time until the princess chose the best for her. Prompted by mysterious guidence , she decided to plunge herself into the sea. This is down with intention to give a fair treatment to all of them who wants her. She really wanted to cut her life despite her wish to live for several more decades to enjoy life that she never experiences. In time, she visited belangon , southern costal area in Terasak, Bumbang, where she wanted to announce her choice. She said that she cant choose a single prince out of many princes for her. She chose to reincarnated as nyale to make all people can enjoy herself. Suddenly, heavy raining, tide up and roaring thunderbolt simultaneously complement the people grieves to rescue the princess. On the stone there is still a form of woman sexual organ that is thought to derive from the body of the princess before plugging hersel down to the sea.

Second Version, the myth narrates about the princes who wants to make love with Putri Mandalika are requested to plunge themselves on the 20th of ten month. In the next year , on the said date , a  massive number of Eberu people go to the sea to prove the princess promise. All they discovered is only a short of a nyale worm back and forth on the air, which is thought as the reincarnation of the princess.The people began to catch the nyale as much as they can. That is the origin of catching nyale that eventually develop as a tradition inherited from generation to generation until now. Lately this tradition is concected to a happy season going to the beach after plating rice or working on the rice field and farm, for teenagers' meeting and taking nyale as delicious food. This second version is the most popular tale until present time well known by the local people.

Catching Nyale has distinctive meaning. In a thankful celebration, after conclusion of catching nyale , all family members go to graveyard with food. The prupose is to visit the spirit of dead relatives and to conduct a ceremonial rendezvous of eating together. Before the ceremony of collective eating , they burn incense and sprinkle a pitcher of water three times over a given burial places from the head to the feet. 

This short story is still remind in my mind. I really interest to the traditional culture in any place in Indonesia, but Lombok is the most interesting for me. I write it to you based on the knowledge I know from visiting Lombok Island.  Hopefully we are conscious and loving Indonesian traditional culture and always intend to continue to pass them on to our descendants in a way that we can afford. And I try to do it by telling to all readers about The Indonesian Culture that I know.

The Moment I Step My Feeth in Singapore

Travelling is one of my hobby. And writting my story after meet new experience also some pleasure for me. This time I wanna share to all readers about my experience while I got chance to visit Singapore.

There are two ways to reach Singapore from Lampung. First, enter Singapore by Changi Airport and Second way is reach trough Batam. If I choose the first trip then I have to take the flight to Jakarta first by local airline and continue International Flight to Singapore. In Jakarta as you know that we have to meet imigration process such as apply for free fiscal (by showing our tax card . read :  NPWP card) and passpor before we are allowed to board. The easier is on the second way, because by Batavia Air  we could meet the direct flight to Batam, then we have to move from Hang Nadim Airport, Batam to some port like Hourbour Bay in Batam to continue the trip  by Ferry to Harbourfront in Singapore.

Harbourfront Centre, Singapore

Harbourfront, Singapore

Harbourfront, Singapore

 

Changi Airport

Immigration Service at Changi

Many hostels, hotel, apartment rental you may find in Singapore. It depends on your itinerary. For those who like backpacker travelling , usually they use hostel to stay. Hostel rate could only charge from S$17,depend on the fasility they serve.

Transportation technology advances can also be seen in this country. Mass transport become the main mode that is used almost the whole of the people there. Various modes of public transport is provided to facilitate tourist enjoying their country. They offer taxis, buses, a modern fast train: MRT (Mass Rapid Transit).

Contactless Smart Card for Entering MRT

Card Reader while entering the Bus

at Ticket Counter , Dhoby Ghout MRT Station

If you want to go alone, without the guidance, you can do  it  safely in Singapore. Every bus stop insert the bus route and MRT route/station.So it is easy to reach our destination without lossing time to ask people. 

 Marina Bay

The first tourism place I visit is Marina Bay, The favourite place of Indonesian while they visit Singapore , where Merlion Statue lies there. As an integrated resort zone must equip themselves with various interesting entertainment MBS. Watch the Lion King musical offerings from Walt Disney. Is the first in the South-East Asia, will open in the Marina Bay Sands ® Theatre in October 2010. There is also a museum building with unique architecture and futuristic. There will be plenty of international exhibitions of art in a place where world-class exhibitions exhibitions will be held in the Museum. 

Near Merlion, around Marina Bay

Marina Bay is a region in the south of Singapore, on the east side of the mouth of the Singapore River, next to an artificial bay created by land reclamation. Now proud as a large conference center, several hotels and major retail and office areas. Suntec City is interesting buildings in Marina Bay as a building designed to look like a human hand with fingers and thumbs are visible from the ground. Tower has 4 long (finger) and 1 short (thumb) by spinning and a big fountain in the middle (the palm of the hand).

Little India

My favourite place runs to Little India. Little India is an ethnic neighborhood has been found in Singapore That element of Tamil culture. Little India is located on the east side of Singapore River, across from Chinatown, located west of the river, and north of Kampong Glam. Both areas are part of the urban planning area Rochor. Little India is different from Chulia Kampong area, which, under the Raffles Plan of Singapore, the beginning is a division of Singapore's colonial Nowhere Is Tamil immigrants under the British policy of ethnic segregation. However, as Chulia Kampong Become more Winners and competition for land increases, many ethnic Tamil Moved into what is now known as Little India. (Chulia Kampong District no longer exists as a distinct area.) You may also find the cheap hostel for backpacker in this area.

Deepavali Celebration

During Deepavali (usually between Oct / Nov), the Indian Festival of Lights, Little India turned into a fairyland full of festive decorations, and the streets are brightly lit crowded with shoppers. Witness also the faith of the Hindu ritual of Thaipusam as a full-color, every January / February. Temples were full of the colors side by side in peace with the churches and mosques, parrot fortune teller to open his stall at the junkman, and the aroma of spices coming from restaurant and home eating. Do not leave Little India without a temporary Henna tattoo or try "Teh Tarik", namely a hand pulled cup of tea .

Flowers and Sweet for Deepavali

Mustafa Shopping Centre  also lies in Little India. This place also known as Mustafa Singapore to many tourists, is not only the best known shopping centre in Singapore's Little India but also with tourists from Inida, Middle East and Africa.Mustafa Center is one of the first shopping center to open 24 hours a day. Mustafa Centre has a certain allure given its history, especially its rags to riches story. It had its earliest origins as a humble pavement garment stall, which was run by its current CEO Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed at a tender age of 12, whose family migrated from a village in North India many years ago. Over the years, this pavement stall grew in size and profits so much so that today it is one of Singapore’s top dollar tourist and shopping attractions.

National Museum of Singapore

The next visiting is National Museum of Singapore.  If you want to know the history of a country just visit their national museum where it told the history of the country. National Museums such as the Crown Jewel of the Architecture Museum in Singapore. It was built in 1887, the building of neoclassical style rises majestically in the heart of the city as the largest museum in the country. This museum is a repository of 11 national Singapore heritage, including the stone, which is believed to come from 13 century. In addition to functioning as a gallery of the Museum is also a remarkable history, such as the analysis of various stories of children from different regions of Asia, including Indonesia, puppet, food and film.

National Museum of Singapore

Museum at Night

 China Town

  Do not miss this cultural heritage while you visit Singapore. Chinatown in Singapore is the ideal place to see the culture of china .In this place you can enjoy a combination of many cultural heritage, convenience stores and a wide variety of products that can make you satisfied and happy .  

The heart of Chinatown is a crowded place, a vibrant blend of new and old, ranging from gold shops, drug store family business, until the fabric store, to restaurants Dimsum. In addition, the street food that you can find there. Unique hotel to stay lies there.The Scarlet also available is one of the unique hotel located on Erskine Road.

Visit the Centre of Chinatown Heritage, which is impressive to meet the impressive histroy of the culture of this area. Located in three shophouses restored in Pagoda Streetvbeautifully, you can learn from social history and the development of Chinatown on pictures, recording oral interviews and exposures, which allows you to walk the path that has been done to commemorate Chinese immigrants at the beginning of Singapore. 

There is also an important religious sites in this area, and maybe you will be surprised of the Hindu temple and shrine. Sri Mariamman Temple Both Temple mosque Jamae mosque towards the South Bridge Road is the oldest place of worship in Singapore. A little further, you can find the Buddha Temple of the tooth of the Buddha (Temple of the tooth of the Buddha), which is famous for it's awesome to preserve tooth of the Buddha. 

Food Stall around Chinatown

The Crowd in Chinatown

Arab Street

I really feel the moslem environment at Arab Street. Arab Street was a spine for transportation in the "Arab Kampong" or "Muslim Quarter" drawn up in Sir Stamford Raffles' Town Plan of 1822. By 1824, Arab Street was laid. The area saw residents who were Malays or other Muslims comprising Arabs, Indians, Bugis, Boyanese and Javanese. Arab Street served as the "town centre" and became the main shopping street and trading centre of activities in this Muslim quarter. Several fires have gutted Arab Street since the early days, and a great fire of 14 January 1889, caused much damage.

Arab Street Mosque

Arab Street today is still a key Muslim centre in Singapore. All walks of life gather here to savour the culture, colour and cuisine. Many of Singapore's "first generation" shophouses of squat two-storey buildings, with one or two windows on the upper floor facade, are found here on Arab Street. Each block of these shophouses are 135 m (35 shophouses) long and 8 m deep. Here amidst the heady smells of Arab Street, were import-export businesses, wholesale and retail textile merchants, all catering to the needs of the various ethnic Muslim communities settled here although it became popular with other Singaporeans and even foreigners. Today, the shops sell jewellery, sweet perfumes, carpets, curio, rattan and other basketware, preserved food and other delicacies; spices, flower-shops, Muslim restaurants, and money-changers too. Travel agents here specialise in the travel needs of Muslim pilgrims heading for Mecca.

On 7 July 1989, Kampong Glam was gazetted a conservation area by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). Arab Street comes under this conservation area. In 1993/1994 the Arab Street/Baghdad Street/Bussorah Street area came under the URA's conservation pilot project.

@Warung Jawa Timur, Plaza Singapura

Three days will never be enough to explore the Singapore. But knowing this place only in three days , really feel there is one thing that really inspires me. The regularity of the State-owned, Good Governance has created regularity and compliance with applicable regulations. Every person obey and recognize when they violate the rules will get punishment. And, more to impress the lives of various ethnic groups coexist peacefully as we know that ethnicity in Singapore consists of Arabic Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other ethnicity. And every ethnic peculiarities themselves, but they can live in an orderly and peaceful. What needs to be replicated when Indonesia has begun to fade with these values. 

Hopefully within the next time our beloved country Indonesia will be the best country. With regularity, unity and friendliness that is almost extinct due to a shift in time. Hopefully, if all of us intend to build this country with fields and respective capabilities. Indonesia will never be less attractive country among The whole Southeast Asian countries.