My Beloved Lampung - The Treasure of Sumatera





"Indah, tell me where is that diving location you've talked about in your blog. Is that your hometown?"

One of my dear friends startled me with her questions in the middle of our meeting at the UN Headquarters here in New York City. Apparently she just read some posts about my diving trip in Tegal Island, Lampung, I made years ago. One of the remedies I took whenever I miss my beloved hometown. Put all those photos and pour my heart out in the stories. Longing soulfully for my home.
Lampung.

On another occasion, I have more friends cornering me during our Diplomatic reception at the Indonesian Mission to the UN here in New York City.

"Look at that fantastic fabrics you are wearing, Indah. What is it called again? Tapis?" Their hands were eagerly touching that beautiful handwoven Tapis in gold and purple, my favorite colors. Then the night was filled with my stories of how beautiful my hometown is. And how I keep missing it, wherever I am.

My name is Indah Nuria Savitri and here's my little story about a hidden paradise called Lampung.

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Have you been to Lampung before?
Have you heard of this hidden peace of paradise called Lampung?

Well, I have to admit that Lampung is no longer 'hidden' paradise as we welcome more and more people who love spending some precious  times in beautiful beaches dotting along Lampung Bay.

Lampung is located in the southern most part of Sumatera island. 
Strategically situated as the Gate of Sumatera, Lampung enjoys robust and dynamic development. 

Its fertile terra has produced world-wide famous coffee beans, cocoa beans, pepper, cloves, coconuts, pineapple and more. And in line with this progressive improvement, Lampung now consists of two autonomous cities, Bandar Lampung and Metro (where I was born :)), as well as twelve regencies spanning from the southern most part to the west, east and northern part, bordering with Bengkulu and South Sumatera provinces.

Surrounded by oceans and dotted with pristine islands, Lampung has so much potential in fisheries as well as tourism, particularly. 

Amidst the long list of beautiful things you can find, feel, taste and enjoy in Lampung, I will only focus of three most astounding features Lampung has: its gorgeous natural landscapes, rich and colorful cultures, and delicious culinary experience.


The gorgeous natural landscapes

Frankly speaking, I don't even know where to start as there are so many beautiful spots that we can enjoy :).

Lampung has long been famously known for its pristine islands and beautiful white sandy beaches with crystal clear and turquoise water. Stretching out from Lampung Bay to the western part of Lampung, this province surely can cater all beach lovers' dream of enjoying pristine, beautiful beaches with such ease.  

Pahawang, Kelagian, Tegal, Legundi, Balak, Tanjung Putus, Mutun, Kiluan, Tanjung Setia, Pisang, Sebesi and Sebuku are only a few examples of beautiful islands and beaches located in Lampung, winning the hearts of locals as well as foreign visitors.


me enjoying Kelagian Kecil island :)

Not to mention its wonderful underwater world. 
Being a diver myself, I can never get enough of it. 
Enjoying the colorful underwater world filled with various unique schools of fish, corals, and sea creatures in vibrant colors and shapes is always be on top of my itinerary whenever I come and visit my hometown. 


some of my amateur underwater snaps in while diving Lampung
I even have a short video, dancing with nemo or the clown fish,  from my last diving trip in Tegal Island, Lampung, back in 2014.



Don't have a diving license? Don't worry.
Even snorkeling  or strolling around the beach in one of the islands scattered along the Lampung Bay will bring joy to you and your family.

Tanjung Putus, where you can freely snorkel with this happy school of fish

pipe fish, taken during my snorkeling trip in Tegal island

Kiluan Bay is another great spot for all mother nature lovers, particularly as you can see wild dolphins freely roaming and swimming around by your side.


dancing around with the wild dolphins at Kiluan Bay

Mount Krakatau  is indeed the famous icon of Lampung. Majestically situated in Sunda Strait, between Sumatera and Java islands, Krakatau or Krakatoa, as the world names it, has literally shocked the world due to its cataclysmic eruption in 1883.
This active volcano, complete with Mount Anak Krakatau or the Child of Krakatau as part of the three volcanic peaks,  continues to steal peoples' attention and admiration for its unique geologic and geographic features. No wonder if  the Government of Lampung galvanizes this world-famous volcano into its annual cultural festival.

Moreover, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park provides more wonderful mountainous area with green lush forests and wild animals. And don't get me started with falls and lagoons, as again Lampung has abundant choices for that.

Pulau Balak, one of our favorite underwater destinations

But that's not all.
Lampung is indeed bestowed with more unique and amazing natural landscapes.
Take a look at Karang Hiu beach, for example. Located in  Pegadungan Beach, Kelumbayan, Tanggamus, Lampung, this rather newly found spot has instantly become most sought area among landscape photographers due to its fantastic layout and beauty.


Photo is taken from https://kelilinglampung.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/gigi-hiu-nilam9.jpg

Or the Way Kambas Elephant training center.
This iconic outdoor adventure will surely boost up your adventurous spirit as you get closer to the nature's wonder and fantastic creatures, the elephants.

And one more thing.
I am always blessed with amazing sunset whenever traveling back home. 
Whether it's on our way back from diving trip or island hopping, or simply while waiting to harbor in Bakauheni on our car-and-ship trip from Jakarta.
Such a breathtaking view!



I can go on and on and on when it comes to all those fantastic spots mother nature has in Lampung. If you don't believe me, you should then go and see them yourself :).


The rich and colorful cultures


For sure, Lampung is also bestowed with rich and colorful cultures. Being famous as Sang Bumi Ruwa Jurai or the divine home of two,- the original Lampungnese and pendatang or the newcomers, Lampung is one of the laudable examples of harmonious lives among communities, adorned with traditional values and norms.

Adat istiadat or the traditional values are still dearly hold, as you can clearly see in the daily lives of Lampungnese, projected in their philosophy, traditional language, songs and dances as well as socio- cultural structures.

One of the most prominent aspects of this cultural wonder that I'd like to showcase here is its traditional fabrics.

Have you ever heard of Tapis Lampung before?
A beautiful mix of hand-woven gold threads, ancient patterns such as siger (traditional Lampungnese regal headpiece), kapal (boat)  and traditional umbrella, and vibrant colors, Tapis Lampung surely becomes one of the most-wanted keepsakes from this beautiful land.
I myself have a few pieces of  Tapis Lampung and proudly wear them in many special occasions wherever I am, including here in New York City.

Proudly wearing Tapis Lampung at the UN and Indonesian Mission


I sincerely hope you can get your own Tapis Lampung and adore them as much as I do.

The delicious culinary experience.

And your visit to Lampung will not be complete without having the culinary adventure. 
Like many parts of Indonesia, Lampung offers fantastic cuisines that will surely satisfy your appetites. 

Try Seruit and tempoyak, traditional Lampungnese plates made of fermented durian usually mixed with fresh chili, shallots, salt and sugar. Eat them fresh with grilled fish, fresh vegetables and a bowl of steamed rice, together with your family and friends. Heaven!
You can also try pindang, or fresh, sweet and sour fish soup adorned with fragrant kemangi leaves. For dessert, have a bite of geguduh or sweet banana fritters and a glass of traditional Kopi Lampung, the world famous robusta coffee beans. 
I bet you will be addicted to it. I am literally drooling as I write this!  

Not to mention various cemilan or snacks such as lempok, dodol durian, kerupuk, kemplang, keripik pisang, keripik nangka, keripik singkong, sambal Lampung, and so many more.


some of the delicious snacks from Lampung

Away from home does not prevent me from enjoy all these great food.
I am extremely lucky to have my dearest family and friends sending those packages of love to New York City as we crave for those traditional food.
And I am inviting you all to give them a try and tell me what you think about them.
I have to admit I really want to go home to Lampung now :).



Lampung Krakatau Festival




Photo is taken from lampungkrakataufest.com

And to celebrate all these glorious nature and cultural diversity, the Provincial Government of Lampung has been conducting an annual Lampung Krakatau Festival.
Care to know more about it?

For 2016, Lampung Krakatau Festival will be held from 24 - 28 of August, 2016.
There are series of events you can enjoy during the Festival, including Jelajah Pasar Seni, Jelajah Layang-layang, Jelajah Rasa, Jelajah Krakatau and Jelajah Semarak Budaya. 
Various activities such as art exhibition and seminars, talk show, photo contest, culinary bazaar and food festival, as well as will be conducted during the Festival, including the iconic jubilant Lampung Culture and Tapis Carnival as well as the Investor Summit Dinner.
Now that's a festive event we have here.
And for sure you all are invited to join this festivity!

Make sure you check the complete schedules and more details on http://lampungkrakataufest.com/



Photo is taken from http://palingbaru.com/article/Lampung-Krakatau-Festival-2016-Jelajah-Pesona-Krakatau

How I wish I could be there and witness all these jovial gathering!
But for sure, wherever I am, I will always have Lampung in my heart.

My name is Indah Nuria Savitri and I proudly say I come from Lampung, the Treasure of Sumatera.


References:

Lampung Krakatau Festival 2016, http://lampungkrakataufest.com/
Lampung, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lampung
Suku Lampung, https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suku_Lampung
Batu Karang mempesona di Pantai Pegadungan https://kelilinglampung.wordpress.com/2012/09/28/batu-karang-mempesona-di-pantai-pegadung/

87 comments:

  1. That looks and sounds like a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. Many thanks Cascia.. It's my beloved hometown and I miss it dearly :)

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  2. Mama bo, lagi kangen kampung halaman yaa. Aku jg sih. Nanti klo mudik ikut diving dong ke Tanjung Putus yaa. :D

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  3. Indahnya Lampung! Pemandangan sunset nya aku suka.
    Mama Bo pasti kangen nih pulang ke Lampung ya.

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    Replies
    1. Hahaha.. Ketahuan yaaa mba Lianny.. Ada yang lagi kangeen :)

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  4. kereeeennn banget ini Lampung di ulas di blogmu Indah... jepretan gambarnya bagusss... dan kain Tapis itu sebenarnya lebih indah aslinya daripada di Foto... aku naksir dah lama kain tapis

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    Replies
    1. My little tribute mba Ade.. Sebenarnya banyak bangeeet ceritanya :)

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  5. Pemandangan di bawah lautnya indah banget, sayangnya aku ga bisa berenang hiks hiks... Kaon tapisnya juga cantik, secantik yang punya blog ini :)

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  6. Awwwwwwwwwwww! Aku pingin ke semuanyaaa, Mama Boo. Ketemu Nemo dan ke Kiluan Bay kereeen banget!

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  7. Masha Allah indah sekali panorama bawah airnya. Aku belum pernah diving di Lampung. Jadi kepingin.

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  8. It really does look like one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I would really love to travel there and experience it for myself some day!

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    Replies
    1. I sincerely hope you get a chance to visit my hometown, Theresa

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  9. Jadi pengen punya Tapis juga, Mbak... Cantik ya.

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    Replies
    1. Iyaaa Eka.. Ayooo mulai berburu, aku udah lumayan banyak koleksinya

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  10. Huwa lampung keren, foto-fotonya kece badai mba

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  11. You're not the only missing Lampung here :)

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  12. Aaakkkk...Tapis nyaaaaa .... syantikk Mbaaa :)

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  13. Lhooo... Mama Indah orang Lampung, tho? Baru tau saya. Ayo pulang kampung, Mam. Liat Festival Krakatau ^_^

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    Replies
    1. Iyaaa pengen bangeeet.. Sayangnya belum bisaaa ini 😂😂

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  14. Lhooo... Mama Indah orang Lampung, tho? Baru tau saya. Ayo pulang kampung, Mam. Liat Festival Krakatau ^_^

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  15. Hi, Indah, the beatiful Lampungness, may I introduce myself to you,I am Yati Rachmat, from West Sumatra....lol... nice posting. It can be one way to promote your lovely and beloved Lampung your colleagues in NY City. Yes, indeed, Indah, Tapis is so beautiful, I bought one piece from a Lampungness girl about less then five hundred rups coz she is in need of money so bad. You know what, when my daughter went to Plaza Senayan, she saw this type of tapis but different design. Exactly the same quality, the prize is 8 million rups. The weight of my tapis is about 2 or 3 kilos. My daughter found out the tapis'prize is very, vety, very expensive, she put the tapis in a beautiful n expensive frame too. Now it' s hang on the wall in her house.

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    Replies
    1. That is wonderful, Bunda! Tapis is indeed a beautiful piece of traditional fabrics and it's worthy. Great to know you have that hang wonderfully on your wall. Get another pice and wear them bunda :)

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  16. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  17. I'd love to go do that!

    I've never head of such a thing.

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    Replies
    1. I hope you got to try to snorkel and dive one day, Alissa

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  18. Ha ha, aku jadi pengen pulang dan keliling lampung :(
    Mam, itu divingnya bikin pengen, snorkeling aja udah bikin candu ya..huhuhu.

    Janji yaaa, pulang nanti kita berenang bareng :D

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  19. Wow, that's so beautiful, Mama Bo
    Wish I can make it real in my travelling story soon.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, you can, mama Salfa 😘😘.. I know you can

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  20. Blog ini BERBAHAYA.!!! .. Mohon jadikan saya Murid mu Mba...eehh si Pemilik Ngerti bahasa Indonesia kan yaa ?.... Love You deh mbaaa... Love Banged...

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    Replies
    1. Hi Indraaaa.. Apa kabar hahaha.. More than happy to share it with you! I love Lampung.. Jadi aku menulisnya dari lubuk hati yang paling dalaaam :)

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  21. I wanna there right now after reading this mama bo..
    thank you for capturing the beauty of lampung :)

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  22. I am just been there, Sis. It is indeed a paradise you have there. Will write more about it later on.

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    Replies
    1. Lucky you, dear! So envy.. But can't wait to hear your stories ;)

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  23. Tapis Lampungnya cantiiikk...dan semua tempat di Lampung tadi more than beautiful. Kapan ya aq bisa jalan2 ke sana?

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  24. Pokoknya akan ada satu hari aku nyemplung ke lautnya lampung dan pamer ke tante Ind. Aaaakkk indah banget itu lautnyaaa :')

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    Replies
    1. Iyaaa pung... Ditungguuuu yaaaah.. Asli kangen akuuu

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  25. Subhanallah...indah banget pokoknyaaa apalagi bawah lautnyAaa... culik aku..culik akuuuuu

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  26. gimana temen mba Indah gak tanya2, fotonya bagus2 begitu sih... :) saya juga pernah jln ke lampung, tapi blm pernah ke daerah laut/pantainya

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  27. Mbak Indaaaaaah selamat yaaaa... dari awal udah ngira sih tulisan ini bakal juarak!

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  28. Selamat ya mbak...
    btw, di Lampung, sya terpesona bnget pngen ke Kilauan Bay, sepertinya emnag famous.. hheee

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    Replies
    1. Thank you.. Betuuul mba.. Kalau sempat main ke Kiluan

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  29. never been to lampung. dan ternyata lampung menyimpan potensi wisata yang luar biasa ya, baik alam, kuliner, budaya, adat istiadat, dll. semoga segera kesampaian menginjakkan kaki di bumi selatan sumatera.

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  30. Selamat mama Bo, menang horee.
    Lampung wisatanya ternyata luar biasa. Ya

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  31. Salam kenal mba Indah...
    Senang sekali tulisanmu yang keren ini dapat menginspirasi masyarakat internasional untuk berkunjung ke kampung halaman kita, Lampung...

    Salam,

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  32. Wah ini tulisanny yang menang lomba ya mbak, emang jepretan luar biasa sekali. Selamat ya mba

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    1. makasih mbaaa...Lampung memang cantiiiik sekali :)

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  33. Selamat ya Mbak Indah Nuria, tulisan ini menarik hati Juri dan memang sangat menggambarkan kecintaan akan Lampung itu sendiri.

    Banyak tempat menarik dan indah di Lampung, semoga Lampung akan menjadi daya tarik untuk wisatawan mancanegara ya, seperti tempat lainnya yang sudah menjadi number first destination for liburan *

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  34. wah masihh punya angan2 kemari, mudah2an suatu waktu bisa kesini, amin

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  35. The story sounds you miss Lampung, hehe. The story is cool! I even have not visited all of beautiful places in Lampung yet especially for underwater diving.
    Congratulations, you win the blog competition, Maam! :)

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  36. amazing. The especially sun set. I hope see sun set

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  37. It makes so much sense! I can't wait to table this and get feedback. This might just turn our office around…

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  38. I can see why you miss your home town. It is a beautiful spot and one which I would like to visit someday.

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  39. You are a true amassador for Lampung. I'm inspired to visit! Thanks for linking up with #wkendtravelinspiration, see you next week!

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  40. Thanks for sharing, I feel about it and love learning more on this topic.

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