People in Indonesia is v. poor... and other Indonesia Local Custom Tips

People in Indonesia is v. poor economically but rich in the spirit. So, it helps to reward them a little when they serve you well or have shown you kindness. A little monetary reward (US$1) is v. much appreciated & you'll be blessed for having help them to survive since the 1997 economic crisis has left many destitute. One can ease another's burden by just offering some Uang Kopi (Coffee money).

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Local Customs: Indonesian enjoy watching...

Tip Rating:

Written by Sharrie

on Nov 9, 2002

Indonesian enjoy watching life's dramas enacted through WAYANG PUPPETRY, an art form that is renowed in Java & Bali. Its relevance is especially vivid to the locals because of their belief that man is essentially the puppet of God.

There are 2 main kinds of Wayang puppetry:
1) Wayang Kulit
Shadow images are projected onto a screen using flat 2-dimentional puppets, which are lit from behind by a flickering oil lamp. The vacillating effect of the flame brings the characters to life inspiring forms with breadth & movement appearing real.
2) Wayang Golek:
In this variation, it is not the shadows, but the puppets themselves who star in the drama. They are made of wood & are manipulated in a similar way to the leather Wayang Kulit puppets, by means of slender bamboo rods attached to their head & jointed arms.

Wayang Kulit Photo Credit: Eric M. Oey.

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Local Customs: Myths are common in the...

Tip Rating:

Written by Sharrie

on Nov 9, 2002

Myths are common in the creation of storyline for its dances and mysterious world. The Bedulu's GOA GAJAH Cave (Bali) is part of the island's mystic past where the world was populated by the gods, demons, and heroes of the Hindu world.

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Local Customs: Dance performances are daily...

Tip Rating:

Written by Sharrie

on Nov 9, 2002

Dance performances are daily events in Bali and Yogyakarta. The main instrumental ensembles known as gamelan are especially predominant in Balinese music.

The Gamelan is the native orchestra & is used to accompany Wayang & dance performances. It is found in varying forms throughout Indonesia. Gamelan is especially popular in Java & Bali. Here, the soaring, 2 stringed rebab, wistful flutes & the tinkling gender produce a gentle sound that some find soothing & serene. On the other hand, the cymbals, drums & gongs can reach dramatic & forceful crescendos.

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Local Customs: LEGONG: This highly...

Tip Rating:

Written by Sharrie

on Nov 9, 2002

LEGONG: This highly disciplined and intricate dance is performed by dancers trained from childhood (most since age 5). It's a classical dance of the princely courts and a very abstract dance. Legong dance originated from the palaces where most young attractive villagers were chosen who would later became the prince's concubines (in the olden days, of course! ;-)).

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Local Customs: Bahasa Indonesia

Tip Rating:

Written by Sharrie

on Nov 9, 2002