Sarang Burung - Bird's Nest drink: "A SPECIAL DRINK" Top 5 Page for this destination Pelabuhanratu Restaurant Tip by RoyJava

Ever heard about the legendary Javanese "edible-bird's nest" gatherer, or shadow hunter and the very special sea-swallow or swift? He is doing the upmost dangerous stunts to harvest the bird nests of the sea-swallow/swift.

The birds build their nest deep in the caves of the high wall-mountains along the Southern shore of South-Java. To access the nests, harvesters must descent from ladders fashioned from bamboo. Because the caves are "protected" by the huge waves of the Indian Ocean it is a dangerous job to get in the caves and many climbers would fall to their death right into the waves.

That's why they make a lot of offerings dedicated to Ratu Kidul, the Goddess of the Indian Ocean, when trying to harvest the nests and, to get Her permission.

Favorite Dish: The harvest bird nests (considered a delicacy) are used in soups, or drinks. The most important places of the harvest are Karang Bolong (Center-Java) and Rongkob (East-Java). Though you can order the Bird's Nest Drinks in Pelabuhan Ratu, too (when available) ... it is worth a try!

Address: Samudra Beach Hotel, Pelabuhan Ratu
Comparison: more expensive than average
Directions: Hotel area, Terate Poolside Restaurant, Pelabuhan Ratu
Price: less than US$10
Rating: 5
Theme: Local
Website: http://%cv%bhttp://www.jawakidul.nl/natuur2.htm