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Unraveling The Mystery Behind The Famed Chocolate Hills In Bohol, Philippines

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Vacationing at different places of the world has been everybody’s dream at least once in a lifetime and only some of us are able to fulfill and live up to this dream. Although the Philippines is not among the top tourist destinations, it is only because it got its recognition later compared to the rest of the world. Replete with natural beauty and sightseeing areas, the Philippines is an exceptional experience and must be on your Bucket List for various reasons.

The Philippines As An Ideal Holiday Spot

Known for its beautiful beaches and delicious fruits, the Philippines was named after King Philip II of Spain. These collective islands are located in South East Asia and are home to various kinds of flora and fauna. Traveling to a place like the Philippines can be one of the best experiences one could get. A refreshing atmosphere, unique culture, and polite people might just be what you need if you are looking to get away from your tedious life for a while.

There are countless places to spend your time in the Philippines such as the famous Boracay, which is also considered as the capital of the Philippines. This particular place has more than 12 beaches and is perfect for someone who wants to just relax and experience water activities. Since the Philippines has more than 7000 islands, the most difficult decision a traveler has to make is to figure out which island to visit first.

Banaue, for instance, has strikingly beautiful rice terraces which just cannot go amiss once you are there. If history pleases you or you don’t mind spending time at a historic place, then the historical city of Vigan should be on your checklist. There are other stupendous cities and islands in the Philippines that are equally exotic and exhilarating such as Manila or Davao city. Manila, which is a vibrant city is always full of activities. You can roam around the city in jeepneys, which are the main form of public transport there. Davao, a metropolitan city, is a pleasant blend of urban as well as natural elements. In short, the city not only features malls and a large population, but is also home to nature reserves like the Eden Nature Park, Philippine Eagle Center, and the Davao Baywalk along the sea.

Chocolate Hills in Bohol As Your Destination

However, of all these, the island of Bohol in the Philippines, is perhaps, the best holiday destination that one should visit at least once in a lifetime. The place is home to one of the most famous Chocolate Hills in Carmen where hundreds of brown hills create an interesting scenic view, looking like little mountains of chocolates scattered within 50 kilometers square area. These natural wonders are worth paying a visit and seem surreal; their landscape being very impressive. It is the popular tourist spot of Bohol and is a 1-2 hour drive from Alona Beach. 

About Chocolate Hills

To begin with, the Chocolate Mountains in the Philippines are a geological formation in the Bohol province of the Philippines and by now, most people reading this are probably wondering what makes these hills so popular and what is with the name. So the unusually peculiar thing about these majestic hills is that the hills which are usually covered in green grass turn chocolaty in color during dry seasons. These chocolaty and magnanimous hills are more than a thousand in number and are spread over an area of 50 square kilometers in the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan. The strange thing about these hills is despite the difference in their sizes when looked from afar, these hills look symmetrical nevertheless.

Chocolate Hills as a perfect shooting site

Chocolate-Hills-In-Bohol

Chocolate Hills are reputed for being the best location for innumerable foreign and national films and television series. Due to its well-known and intriguing history, picturesque views, and fairytale like backdrop, the Chocolate Hills tour, Bohol, has been on television quite a few times. Cinephiles who revel in foreign films, especially South-East Asian ones, would be happy to know that films such as Aguila, Puri, Loveboat, Esteban, Muro-Ami, and international film Tigershark have been shot here. It’s the beauty of this spot that attracts people from across the world either for exploration or to feature this natural wonder in their documentaries or films.

Cuisines popular around the Chocolate Hills

By the end of the 20th century, the cuisine of the Filipinos started getting known all around the world. Filled with authentic spices, it boasts of unique flavors. Today, one of the fastest booming street food markets is found in this country, and the diet includes dishes that are both palatable and healthy. Foodies must travel to this country at least once to experience the authentic cuisine which includes dishes such as Adobo, Sinigig, Kare-Kare, and Lechon.

Myths surrounding the Chocolate Hills

The Bohol Chocolate Hills, Philippines, is also sometimes considered as the eighth wonder of the world, obviously because of the unknown origin of these hills. So there are many myths associated with Chocolate Hills, Filipinos commonly speak of, which revolves around the formation of these hills. As per legends, these glorious hills have formed due to two feuding giants who pitched rocks, boulders, and sand at each other. All that was left after this feud was what we call Chocolate Hills today. Another legend talks about a heartbroken giant, whose tears led to the formation of these famous hills. Another myth says the hills are the dried feces of carabaos.

A Scientific Glance

What matters, although is the actual scientific explanation behind the formation of these hills. So the geological theory behind the formation of these phenomenal Chocolate Hills is that these hills were the result of the weathering of marine limestone. Further, according to a plaque exhibited at a viewing deck in the town of Carmen, these Chocolate Hills were a result of erosion of limestones which were uplifted above the sea level and were fractured due to tectonic processes and rests atop the hardened clay. Another theory suggests that the hills were coral reefs that erupted after a geological shift beneath the waters. So, irrespective of how these hills were formed, the fact is that the picturesque beauty of these hills is a major attraction and shouldn’t be missed while vacationing in the Philippines. 

Best time to visit the Chocolate Hills

Most of us by now have at least acknowledged the Chocolate Hills as a spot for vacationing. So, the ideal time to visit the hills is during the dry season. It is when the grass begins to dry up making the hills look chocolaty in color. The season, therefore, begins in late November and lasts until May. But since the beauty of the Philippines lies in the unpredictability of its weather, it is better to get the weather updates before you begin your journey. Once you get there, there are two significant spots that should be considered to get the best view of Chocolate Hills.

  • Viewing deck of the Chocolate Hills complex

    The Chocolate Hills complex is the main destination to get the best view of the Chocolate Hills. Located in Barangay, Buenos Aires, Carmen, Bohol, the Chocolate Hills complex is comprised of two chocolate hills which were developed years ago and were transformed into a complex with a cemented road that goes upward towards an activity area that includes swimming pools and restaurants with dazzling tall pine trees to shade the pathway. There are further rooms available at affordable prices for those who wish to stay overnight at the center of the Chocolate Hills. Given its high altitude, one can enjoy beautiful sunsets from the observation decks at the Chocolate Hills.

  • Sagbayan Peak

    Sagbayan-Peak-chocolate-hills
    The Sagbayan Peak is another spot for the best view of these hills. It is a mountain resort and recreation center located in the town of Sagbayan that not only offers an astounding 360-degree view of the famed Chocolate Hills but also the distinct blue sea that separates the island of Bohol from the island of Cebu.

Things to do at the Chocolate Hills

 

  • Explore Chocolate Hills Adventure Park

You can take this exhilarating Chocolate Hills experience to the next level by visiting the adventure park. This is an eco-tourism park, located at Barangay Buenos Aires, Carmen.  Once you are here, the biking midair or bike zip or the surf zipline is something you just cannot miss. This Chocolate Hills adventure is sure to give you an adrenaline rush. There are also several other facilities and activities available here such as the rope courses, wave runner and one can even spot several kinds of butterflies here and the rich flora and fauna in the “Ang Paru Paro”, butterfly garden.

  • Ride The Action-packed Chocolate Hills ATV rentals

Chocolate-Hills-ATV-rentals

Nature lovers are in for a treat at the Chocolate Hills because one can hit the trails by riding an ATV and get the best out of this trip. On their way to the Chocolate Hills, Carmen, travelers are bound to pass the captivating Bilar manmade forest, which adds a completely unique and mesmerizing touch to the whole adventure. It is a popular pit stop where one finds tall, white and red, Mahogany trees and people usually stop here for photoshoots. The manmade forest is situated on the borders of Loboc and Bilar.

Travelers passing through this forest will experience a sudden and pleasant change in the temperature where they are greeted with a cool breeze as the tall and dense trees here block the sun entirely.

Apart from Chocolate Hills, Bohol is also known for its big-eyed mammals, the Tarsiers. These are nocturnal creatures about the size of a human hand and are extremely sensitive to sound. No adventure in Bohol is complete without seeing these small creatures. So while you are around Chocolate Hills, you might as well visit a tarsier sanctuary and make the most out of your adventure.

The Chocolate Hills are a must-visit for-

 

The Wanderlust

The-Wanderlust-philippines

For the ones who love traveling and it is in their blood and soul to experience every natural marvel on earth; they must visit the Chocolate Hills. The breathtaking site will blow your mind away and will be forever inscribed in your hearts.

The Writers

The-Writers-philippines

For those who love to play with the words and love to take inspiration from nature, this place will not only gift you the Aha! Moment, but its mysterious legends, fascinating stories, and its perplexing geological existence can provide interesting plots to your stories, or can also give you ideas and foundations for your writings.

For the Adventurous Trekkers

Adventurous-Trekkers-philippines

Chocolate Hills is one of the best locations for trekking and other such adventures in Philippines. The place is replete with flora and fauna with the backdrop of small waterfalls, which are a treat for the eyes. There is no dearth of good trekking groups that conduct regular treks here so make sure you pre-register with them.

The Chocolate Hills- A Unique Place for Honeymoon

honemoon-Chocolate-Hills

For couples who want an offbeat destination for their honeymoon; this is the perfect place to be at. The Chocolate Hills apart from being magnificent also have many caves and springs on its plains that will keep you hooked to this beauty. These spots are the best locations for capturing a lot of memories and impressive experiences.

 Things to prepare for, before going to the Chocolate Hills:

  • Comfortable, cotton clothing
  • Light luggage
  • Insect-repellent
  • Light-weight bottles
  • A good conditioned camera to catch the picturesque landscapes.

So Chocolate Hills, the pride of the Philippines, not only features unlimited adventurous activities but is also a great spot for nature lovers and couples alike.

Conclusion

Therefore, despite the unknown origin and several myths and legends about the majestic Chocolate Hills, one needs to admit the simple fact that these hills are not just miraculously phenomenal, but are as scenic and worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. The experience can be exemplary and truly awesome. Besides, there are several other fun activities one can indulge in once here. So traveling to places like the Chocolate Hills will let you explore the natural wonders in their best forms.

Exploring Mount Nebo

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Mount Nebo
View from Mt Nebo Israel

                  Mount Nebo Adventure

“The Promised Land” as Seen by ‪Moses on the top of Mount ‪Nebo in‪ Jordan is breathtaking. Mount Nebo is over 3,000 feet high and is just NW of Madaba across from the Northernmost part of the Dead Sea. According to ancient tradition, it was from Mount Nebo that Moses looked out over “The Promised Land” before he died. We have the account of this experience recorded for us in the 34th chapter of the Book of Deuteronomy in the Hebrew Scriptures.

“Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land… Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.”

“And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is.” Deuteronomy 34:1-6

Mount Nebo is an important site for Jews, Arabs, and Christians. Many visitors and pilgrims come to Jordan to visit this famous mountain in the land of Moab. Many Christians include this area in their pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

The site is owned and cared for by the Franciscan Order of the Roman Catholic Church. They have discovered many treasures from an earlier church on the site. They have found, not only significant remains of the early Byzantine Church itself but many magnificent Byzantine mosaics. At the current time, a small simple structure has been built over these remains to protect them. The site is dedicated to Moses.

Mount Nebo 2

              As Far As The Eye Can See

As for as, the eye can see is the Holy Land as seen from Mount Nebo. It is amazing! Think about looking out over the side of Mount Nebo and seeing across the Holy Land and beyond. You literally see all of the Holy Land and even beyond its borders. Looking toward the north is the valley of the River Jordan. The West Bank and the city of Jericho can usually be seen from the summit. Also on a clear day, you can see the City of Jerusalem. What a magnificent view! What is the History of this astonishing view? Why is Mount Nebo so special? Come along with us as we explore the history of Jordan’s Mount Nebo.

In exploring the writings of the Fourth Century, we meet a Pilgrim Nun named Egeria. In her writings, she shares about a Sanctuary built on Mount Nebo to honor Moses. It is thought that this church was built on the site of an earlier sanctuary. This church was completed in the year 394. This large church had three apses or semicircles on the Eastside. The altar was located in the apses with arches and a domed roof. Two funeral chapels completed the building. One was on the Northside and the other on the South side. What a magnificent building it must have been!

During the Sixth Century, we see even more change and excitement for this small church. The church was enlarged and then made into a Basilica. The Basilica was completed with a sacristy and new baptistery. There are many surviving floor mosaics that date from c.530 AD. The mosaics are beautiful! Soon after, a large monastery was built and a pilgrimage center. This was a thriving Basilica and Monastery for over six centuries. The Pilgrimage Center was constantly in use. Many Muslims visit the Memorial Church of Moses each year. Moses is considered a prophet to Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike. Many pilgrimages continue to this day.

This outstanding site was mostly abandoned by 1564. It remained highly neglected for many centuries. It was purchased by the Franciscan Order in 1993. The site was then excavated and restored. The modern additions to the excavated church have been very simple. They are little more than a basic shelter that protects the excavations and ancient mosaic floors.

On March 19, 2000, Pope John Paul II was its first distinguished visitor. He came to the chapel during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. While he was there he planted an Olive Tree next to the Benzidine Chapel For Peace.

Today, Mount Nebo is an active Franciscan Monastery. The Franciscan Archaeological Institute also has its headquarters within the Monastery. This is a special stop for both visitors and pilgrims. Many come every year to walk in the steps of Moses.

Mount Nebo 3

       The Great Rock On Mount Nebo

The Great Stone on Mount ‪Nebo is believed to be from the Tomb of Jesus. It stands today‬ as a memorial to ‪Moses. During recent years, the rock has been measured and found to fit the tomb exactly. The tomb also has the original stop for the rock when moved into place. Today it stands on the very spot that it is thought that Moses stood to look at the “Promised Land.” What a spectacular view!

           Brazen  Serpent Monument

A serpentine cross sculpture stands at the top of the Mountain. This was the creation of Italian artist Giovanni Fantoni.  This monument is symbolic of the bronze serpent that was created by Moses in the wilderness. The words of Jesus in John 3:14 appear on the Monument.

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.”

The story of the bronze serpent is found in the Hebrew Bible in Numbers 21:4-9. The cross symbolizes the Cross on which Jesus was crucified. The words are recorded in the New Testament Scriptures in John 3:14.

               The Ancient Baptistery

As you enter the Memorial Church of Moses on Mount Nebo, keep to the left for a magnificent surprise. You will see the excavated Baptistery complete with the most spectacular mosaics ever excavated. These magnificent mosaics can be skillfully dated to August 531, thanks to an inscription in Greek. It also lists the three workers on this project and the Bishop at the time it was built. The Bishop listed was Bishop Elias.

These amazing pristine mosaics were preserved in part, due to a second Baptistery that was laid over the top of the ancient Baptistery in 597. These spectacular mosaics remained undiscovered for over 1400 years. It was not until the excavation in 1976 that the first mosaic was found. It was restored and hangs on a wall.

These mosaics were very large squares that were divided into 4 real-life strips. These strips contained scenes of men and animals depicting a way of life. Each had a nice border. The top two sections depict extreme hunting scenes. The first scene shows a humble shepherd fighting a lion and the second a soldier in a fierce fight with a lioness. The other scene shows two horseback hunters engaged in a fight with a bear and a wild boar. All four of these mosaics show the precise detail of the artist.

The bottom scenes are very pastoral and calming. The first shows a shepherd watching after his sheep and goats while under the cover of a tree. The second depicts a darker-skinned man leading an Ostrich on a leash. Another scene shows a young boy with a Zebra on a leash. The final scene shows a large spotted animal that looks much like a camel, though it could also be a zebra.

There are many more mosaics hanging in the central section of the church and on the side aisles. There are many pieces of the almost 600 tiles that made up the magnificent mosaic pavement. One of the most outstanding and oldest mosaics is a braided cross that is displayed on the south wall. There are also many mosaics taken from the Church of George in Mukhiya. These mosaics have a very old Arabic script, though it is not yet clear which one or how old.

To one side of the Baptistry hangs an extraordinary mosaic cross. The cross was excavated from the original Fourth Century Church and now hangs on the new modern altar. Next to the altar is a photograph of the Pope praying at this modern altar. The cross is shown in the background.

                  Theotokos Chapel

As you prepare to exit the Memorial Church of Moses there is a simple chapel over three of the rooms of the old Monastery. In the semi-circles on the East side of the church is a mosaic of a square object that may be a vessel used for the Eucharist or maybe an altar canopy. The mosaic also features many bulls and gazelles. The floor of the chapel is laid with many original mosaics of plants and animals of the time period. All these shed light on what life was like during the fourth to the seventh centuries.

             The Ancient Monastery

On the highest section of Mount Nebo, Syagha were found the complete remains of an ancient Byzantine church and the original monastery. These were found in the excavation of 1933. The walls of this ancient monastery can be seen as you exit and go outside.

Today the work of excavation continues as visitors and monks work and pray hand in hand. Morning and evening there is prayer in the monastery and all workers who desire are welcome to join. There are simple accommodations for a few workers at a time. During the day the many workers continue to locate the new treasure and categorize the previous treasure found. The work is exacting but many hands make the labor easier. There is an atmosphere of prayer and meditation as they work. Today’s life on Mount Nebo is guided by a principle of simplicity and hard work.

               Caves on Mount Nebo

The Mount Nebo Mountain Range is home to many caves. Some of these caves are shallow and open and others are deep and closed off. One of the deepest mysteries of Mount Nebo is the whereabouts of the Ark of the Covenant. According to the ancient Hebrew writings of the Maccabees, it was hidden in a cave on Mount Pisgah, the highest peak in the Mount Nebo Mountain Range. According to Second Maccabees, Jeremiah carried the tent, the ark, and the incense altar into a cave on Mount Pisgah and then sealed the opening. The account in Second Maccabees reads as follows:

 2 Maccabees 2:4-8

4″ These same records also tell us that Jeremiah, acting under divine guidance, commanded the Tent of the Lord’s Presence and the Covenant Box to follow him to the mountain where Moses had looked down on the land which God had promised our people. 5 When Jeremiah got to the mountain, he found a huge cave, and there he hid the Tent of the Lord’s Presence, the Covenant Box, and the altar of incense. Then he sealed up the entrance.

6 Some of Jeremiah’s friends tried to follow him and mark the way, but they could not find the cave. 7 When Jeremiah learned what they had done, he reprimanded them, saying,

No one must know about this place until God gathers his people together again and shows them mercy. 8 At that time he will reveal where these things are hidden, and the dazzling light of his presence will be seen in the cloud, as it was in the time of Moses and on the occasion when Solomon prayed that the Temple might be dedicated in holy splendor.”

Whatever your belief about the Ark of the Covenant, one thing is for certain, it is one of the possible mysteries of the Mount Nebo Mountain Range. Archaeologist Crotser, in the fall of 1981, is said to have found the ark and took pictures. No one has dared to touch it. They all remember what happened in the days of old when someone dared to touch this unique golden box. So for now, it still remains one of the mysteries of Mount Nebo in Jordan.

If you are looking for adventure, then consider Mount Nebo. Go beyond the Memorial Church of Moses and climb the beautiful mountain range. Explore all the ruins and treasures. Find the answer to many questions by spending time exploring the wonderful mosaics of the original baptistry. Grab your passport and pack your backpack. Get the necessary permissions if you want to hike the mountain range. A Jordan adventure is waiting in the Mount Nebo Mountain Range.

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Mount Nebo

Mt Nebo

Mt Nebo Israel

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‎Nazareth from the Mount of ‪‎Precipice

 

The Tepe Sialk Ziggurat In Iran

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The Tepe Sialk Ziggurat Of The 

Siyalk Culture

Tepe Sialk Ziggurat
Tepe Sialk Ziggurat

Image from nl.wikipedia.org

There are times when I begin to plan our travels based on my interests and the type of history I might find. My writings and research and normally centered around ancient sites and the Tepe Sialk Ziggurat is one of those lesser-known sites due to its location being in Iran. Now one may or may not have difficulty getting there depending on where they are from and the passport they carry. We may not be able to get there today but wanted to shed some light on this location so others may be able to visit even if we cannot today. I recently looked at this site up again and found there to be much more available, and the current anthropologists in Iran to be continuing to write papers on their findings there. I’m going to be adding some additional information here along with photographs of some of the pottery they have found.

The Tepe Sialk ziggurat is found today in present-day Iran, but the area is known to be the earliest culture in Iran, and the Siyalk culture found in the north-central part of that land at Tepe Siyalk near Kashan and Chashmah Ali near Teheran. The Siyalk culture is the earliest known culture of the pre-Halaf cultures of northern Mesopotamia and Syria. It must be mentioned that to the south you had the Sumerians of southern Mesopotamia. With these cultures so close together and possibly connected since there are similar construction methods between the two cultures. (Ghirshman 1935)

The area around this site has been dated back to 7500 BC and the temple base structure has been preliminarily dated to around 3000 BC. However, the dating of this structure is not fully accepted due to the additional need for additional data and dating using different methods. The structure of the Tepe Sialk structure or (ziggurat) is very similar to the more recent structures built in southern Mesopotamia. The main difference is that this structure does not use steps and instead uses a ramp that one walks to the top where the temple structure would be for religious ceremonies. (Potts 2009)

The monument’s purpose of the structure is to one serve as a central structure which the people use as a central place of religious activities, and assuming the similarities to other cultures of the region would have also stored excess grain from the area’s surplus. A religious class of people would have taken care of the temple, and there would have been a form of centralized government. We don’t have enough information to assume a king or royal class ruled this early city but there were different types of skilled workers. Evidence of highly developed pottery and the use of mud brick technologies is visible from the earliest excavations.

Archaeological work conducted here is limited but two researchers stand out. Roman Ghirshman excavated the site in the 1930s with a commission from France. His work is currently available in French and I believe some of the most detailed available information on the site before it began to be pillaged. Iranian researcher S. M. Shahmirzadi been studying the site and has proposed to consider this site a ziggurat dating to the Proto-Elamite Layer IV. This date is based on pottery uncovered in the debris around the monument. His work has begun to develop an Iranian team of anthropologists who might also be able to continue work on the site. (Ghirshman 1935; Potts 2009)

The reason I have chosen this site has to do with the following. Anthropology and archaeology are fields for the acquisition of our human past, and I am an individual who picks up on discrepancies quickly and enjoys looking for the additional pieces of the puzzle to better understand areas where there is a lack of understanding our hypothesis that is outdated and needs to be re-looked at. This particular site throws several changes into the timelines of the ziggurat builders and gives us at a minimum across a cultural exchange of ideas almost one thousand years earlier. Unfortunately, the site is also not fully excavated and honestly needs an international team to develop and to help the Iranians fully categorize the tremendous amounts of material and artifacts that would be found if done. I suspect that these peoples were connected to the Sumerians of southern Mesopotamia and they may have to join ancestors or directly connected by lineage. With western civilization a tremendous amount of connections to this area I am hopeful the area will be fully studied one day.

 

 

References Cited

 

 

Ghirshman, R.

1935  Rapport Préliminaire, Sur Les Fouilles De Tépé Sialk, Près De Kashan (Iran). Syria, vol. 16, no. 3, 1935, pp. 229–246.

McCown, Donald E.

1942 The Material Culture of Early Iran. Journal of Near Eastern Studies, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 424–449.

 

Potts, Daniel.

2009  Bevel-Rim Bowls and Bakeries: Evidence and Explanations from Iran and the Indo-Iranian Borderlands. Journal of Cuneiform Studies, vol. 61,  pp. 1–23.

Nipa Huts in Philippines: Traditional Filipino Rural Living

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Nipa Hut in the Philippines
Traditional Filipino Nipa Hut

Traditional Nipa Huts in the Philippines

Nipa Huts are a living symbol of rural life in the Philippines.  It is the home of yesterday that has changed and survived even until today. Nipa Huts or Bahay Kubos are an icon of Philippine rural living. They are built differently in different areas, according to the conditions and circumstances of the area. Nipa Huts are a living Pilipino icon.

There is no real definition of how a Nipa Hut is made, but there are several things that most have in common. The conditions in the Philippine lowlands have led to some basic similarities. Most of these huts are built-in three layers. Depending on whether they are in or near water. Most Nipa huts are built on stilts. Since most of the island has water to deal with, usually the bottom part of the hut allows the water to freely go under the hut.  This is true especially near the coast and in boggy areas. There are a few exceptions to this rule in modern times, but it is followed even today in most areas. Only some of the materials have changed. Today, often the stilts are simple concrete cinder blocks rather than the traditional hardwood. Regardless of the materials used, the benefit to this style is protection from floods, and also it keeps small animals out of the living area, such as rats.

nipa-hut-philippines-old-house-wooden-houseAbove the stilts is the living area or the tagalong. This area is accessed by a ladder. It is built open and is well ventilated to help keep the home cooler and to allow natural light to penetrate the home. They often have bamboo slats for floors, which allow the cool air to come up from the silong. The Philippines is very hot and humid, so the traditional Nipa hut allows for cooling. There may or may not be a ceiling. Often times the ceiling is not built to allow the hot air to rise and leave through the roof.

The roof is usually tall and steeply pitched, creating a space above the living area for the hot air to go. They are built with thatch, a material that is readily available. This gives the hut a cooling effect in the long hot humid summers.  These roofs also were the reason many of these small huts survived the ash fall from the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. Many more modern homes succumbed to the weight of the ash and collapsed.

While modern Nipa huts have changed, the design has stayed basically the same. The walls are often built with bamboo rods or mats to allow the house to be cool in the hot summers and warm in the rainy season. They are still built-in a square shape and are left open for light and coolness.  The windows are large to help give light and often are held open with a long bamboo rod, to allow for airflow. This is the modern Nipa hut—an icon that has survived and adapted over time.

On your next trip to Southern Leyte, Philippines, take a trip to the rural areas and see living Filipino history. History is alive in the Philippines, so pack your bag and grab your passport. Make this the year you explore the Southern Leyte, Philippines.

How to build your own Nipa Hut

These days many of us are getting closer to nature or deciding to go back to our roots. Sometimes spending less money is best, and a simple Filipino style Nipa Hut can really help you be comfortable while keeping costs low. This video shows you in great detail how to build your own.

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Bahay Kubo: Tradisyonal na pamumuhay ng Filipino sa Bukid

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Nipa Huts in the Philippines
Traditional Filipino Nipa Hut

Tradisyonal na Bahay Kubo

Ang Bahay Kubo ay isang simbolo ng pamumuhay ng buhay sa bukid sa Pilipinas. Ito ang tahanan ng kahapon na nagbago at napanatili hanggang ngayon. Ang Nipa Huts o Bahay Kubo ay isang simbolo ng pamumuhay sa rural ng Pilipinas. Ang mga ito ay naiiba sa iba’t ibang lugar, ayon sa mga kondisyon at kalagayan ng lugar. Ang Bahay Kubo ay isang simbolo ng pamumuhay ng mga Filipino.

Walang tunay na kahulugan kung paano ginawa ang isang bahay kubo, ngunit mayroong maraming mga bagay na karamihan ay magkakatulad. Ang mga kondisyon sa mababang lupain ng Pilipinas ay humantong sa ilang mga pangunahing pagkakatulad. Karamihan sa mga kubo ay nakapaloob sa tatlong pinagpatong-patong. Depende sa kung sila ay nasa o malapit sa tubig. Karamihan sa mga kubo ng Nipa ay itinayo sa mga tungtungan. Dahil ang karamihan sa isla ay may tubig, kadalasan ang ilalim na bahagi ng kubo ay naabot ng tubig na malayang nakakapunta sa ilalim ng kubo. Ito ay totoo lalo na malapit sa baybayin at sa mga lugar na nakapalibot. May ilang mga eksepsiyon sa panuntunang ito sa mga modernong panahon, ngunit sinusunod ito ngayon sa karamihan ng mga lugar. Tanging ang ilan sa mga materyal ay nagbago. Sa ngayon, madalas ang mga tungtungan ay simpleng kongkreto mga bloke ng cinder kaysa sa tradisyonal na kahoy. Anuman ang mga materyales na ginagamit, ang benepisyo sa estilo na ito ay proteksyon mula sa mga baha at pinapanatili din nito ang mga maliliit na hayop sa labas ng lugar, tulad ng mga daga.

Sa itaas ng mga tungtungan ay ang living area o ang tagalong. Ang lugar na ito ay naka dikit sa hagdanan. Ginawa ito nang bukas at maayos ang bentilasyon upang makatulong na mapanatili na malamig ang tahanan at upang makapasok ang natural na liwanag na tumagos sa tahanan. Kadalasan ay may mga slats ng kawayan para sa sahig, na nagbibigay ng malamig na hangin na lumabas mula sa silong. Ang Pilipinas ay napakainit at mahalumigmig, kaya ang tradisyunal na bahay kubo ay nagbibigay-daan para sa paglamig. Pwedeng meron o walang kisame. Kadalasan hindi gumagawa nang kisame upang makalabas ang mainit na hangin sa taas ng nipa at umalis sa bubong.

Ang bubong ay karaniwan nang mataas at matarik na tila,lumilikha ng espasyo sa itaas ng sala para ang mainit na hangin ay dumaloy. Ang mga ito ay binuo na may thatch, isang materyal na madaling magagamit. Nagbibigay ito ng malamig na pakiramdam sa kubo sa mahabang mainit na mainit na tag-init. Ang mga bubong din ay ang dahilan kung bakit marami sa mga maliliit na kubo ang nakaligtas sa pagkahulog ng abo mula sa Mt. Pinatubonung sumabog ito. Maraming mas modernong mga tahanan ang di nakayanan ang bigat ng abo at bumagsak.

Bagaman nagbago ang mga modernong kubo ng Nipa, nanatiling pareho ang disenyo nito. Ang mga pader ay kadalasang itinatayo ng mga kawayan o mga banig na kawayan upang mabigyan ang bahay ng malamig na hangin sa mainit na tag-init at mainit-init sa tag-ulan. Itinayo pa rin ang mga ito sa isang parisukat na hugis at iniiwang bukas para sa liwanag at lamig. Ang mga bintana ay malaki upang makatulong na magbigay liwanag at madalas ay bukas sa isang mahabang kawayan, upang pahintulutanang pag daloy ng hangin. Ito ang modernong bahay kubo-isang simbolo na nakaligtas at inangkop sa paglipas ng panahon.

Sa iyong susunod na paglalakbay sa Southern Leyteng Pilipinas, maglakbay sa mga rural na lugar at makita ang buhay na kasaysayan sa Pilipinas. Ang kasaysayan ay buhay sa Pilipinas, kaya mag impake naat dahil ang iyong bag at kunin na ang iyong pasaporte.

Ang ExploreTraveler ay naglilikha ng mga artikulo sa paglalakbay, mga libro, mga video, at mga podcast para sa ilang taon na ngayon. Ito ay ang aming layunin upang dalhin ang aming mas lumang mga materyales para sa iba upang tamasahin ditto, at upang lumikha ng mga bagong materyal dito pati na rin. Inaanyayahan ka naming i-click ang aming mga link sa mga orihinal na nilalaman, at upang sundan din kami doon.

Ang post na ito ay orihinal na na-publish noong  Jan. 27,2015

Paano bumuo ng iyong sariling Nipa Hut

https://exploretraveler.com/nipa-huts-traditional-filipino-rural-living

Philippines Collection

Mahiwagang Isla Ng Pilipinas

Ligaw na Kabute na Matatagpuan sa Pilipinas

Walang Kapantay Na Oras sa Isla ng Cebu

Isla Ng Pilipinas: Ang Kamangha-manghang Paglalakbay

Pangingisda Sa Pilipinas

Adventure Ng Paglalakbay sa Jeep Ng Pilipinas

Bundok ng Amandiwin sa Leyte, Pilipinas

Bakasyon at Scuba Diving sa Coral Reefs ng Pilipinas

Isla ng Panaon: Southern Leyte, Pilipinas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Trip To Goa: Guide To Top Spots In Goa

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a trip to goa

The cold winds of November had just begun and we could tell that the winter is arriving, by the peculiar fragrance that it brings along in North India. On one such cold, November morning in 2019, we began our journey to Goa via flight from Delhi. Already dazzled by the thought of going to Goa, the dream destination for almost everyone, I had been packing the bags for months and impatiently waiting for the day when I arrive in Goa. I had planned this trip for almost half a year then wanted to roam all around. My trip experience might layout a fantastic insight into the possibilities and a Greater impression of what exactly you will experience if you’re planning a holiday to Goa. Hoping to capture some Goa sunshine, culture, and character.

goa beach

I had heard so much about the place that as soon as we arrived there after a 4-hour journey, overwhelmed with the beauty, we forgot all the tiredness and fatigue. We already had booked out an apartment via Airbnb in Arpora, located in north Goa. You will have plenty of options to stay in Goa, you can stay in a luxurious 5-star resort, as well as easily find vibrant Hostel stays starting from just INR 500 per person. We choose Arpora to stay, as it is located centrally, from which we could easily explore the surrounding beaches of Baga and Calangute. Additionally, The Inland village of Arpora, also gives you the luxury to be able to head back to your rural retreat at the end of a busy day.

Transportation in Goa

Getting around Goa is not much of an issue. There are various transportation options available while you roam about in the city. There are privately operated buses connecting major towns of Goa and rural areas. If you’re landing onto the airport, you can easily hire a private taxi at a reasonable price. While roaming about in the city, the most preferred mode of transport here is self-driven bikes. These bikes are easily available on rent everywhere at as cheap as INR 300 for a day. These scooter bikes allow you to explore local places swiftly through narrow roads of Goa.

The Beaches in Goa

beaches in goa

Goa’s popularity lies in its beaches; it is what Goa is famous for. They are the famous top spots in Goa. Tourists from all over the world travel all the way to Goa just to rejuvenate, reconnect, and enjoy. So like everybody else, we first hit the beach and spent almost a day there at the Calangute beach. Goa is popular for many other beaches such as the Baga beach, whose creek merges with the Arabian Sea. Baga beach has beach shacks and other side eateries which serve exquisite seafood, something that shouldn’t be miss in Goa. The Colva beach is just another gorgeous beach in Goa, which is covered with white sand. Then comes the Vagator beach, Anjuna beach, and several other beaches, for which Goa is known for across the globe. And Special mentions for my favorite, Arambol Beach. It’s probably the cleanest and Silent beach, located furthermost north to all beaches in Goa. The best time to be on Arambol beach is the Evening time, where you can experience the euphonious music beats by drum circle, which will make your soul dance and celebrate Goa’s majestic twilight.

evening time in arambol beach
Arambol Beach, Drum Circle In Evening

Water Sports in Goa

In Goa you will find ample opportunities for adventure enthusiasts to explore the waters in as many ways possible as you want. As Adventure lovers, we too thought of getting the best of this exciting land! We opted for a water sport package which included boat ride to Grande Island, Parasailing, Scuba diving, Banana Tube Boat Ride, and Jet Skiing. The experience I had while doing each activity was worth each penny spent. The Boat ride to Grande Island is in itself a worthwhile experience. Making a way through tides you will see merchant’s bungalow, Aguada fort, central jail, and mesmerizing beach views from the mid-sea. Not to forget if you’re lucky, you can also experience dolphins twirling in the way.

scuba diving in goa

As we reached the Grande Island, It was time to have some adrenaline rush and enter the marine territory by much-awaited scuba diving. Here water depth ranges from 7-20 meters and you’ll find fishes, sea turtles, shellfish, and other exotic and colorful corals. Prior to the dive, you’ll be given a 20 minutes training session explaining all the dos and don’ts while we go underwater. A scuba instructor takes you inside the water to have an experience worth a lifetime. The shallow clear water conditions make this place ideal for diving for beginners as well as for expert divers.

pairasailing in goa

 

Other water sport activities too are fun to experience, which can be done at most of the beaches in Goa. You can enjoy the thrill of flying in the sky and mesmerize the blue water of the Arabian Sea from high up by parasailing as well experience riding Water scooter through the splashing water tides, a complete combination of speed and thrill. If you’re with friends, don’t forget to experience a banana boat ride. The banana-shaped yellow boat is connected to a speedboat, which runs at a lightning speed and is made to flung off the passengers in the sea, and passengers have to start again by making to the boat again, which is an insane fun!

banana boat ride in goa

Nightlife in Goa

nightlife in goa

Goa can be said to be India’s Party Capital. As the sun goes down, you can experience groovy foot-tapping music at the beach. This happens at most of the beaches in Goa which makes Goa a hot spot for party animals. Whether you want to go crazy in glamorous nightclubs or want to sway with the music on wild beach shacks, Goa is the place to be! If you’re looking for good nightclubs, Tito’s Pub, LPK, SinQ and Club Cabana are the pick of them all and if you wish to have a party while adoring soothing sea view, Curlies Beach Shack is oldest yet the best option, located besides Anjuna Beach. Besides all days are party nights at Curlies, it has special night party events on Mondays as a Techno party and on Thursday as a Trance music party. Other than these, you have numerous party options spread over Tito’s lane offering all types of music from retro to hip hop, Trance to Techno, or from live bands to exploding Live Dj’s.

Arpora Saturday Flea Market
Scene at Saturday Night Flea Market, Arpora

It’s just not about the party that makes Goa’s nightlife magnetic, if you’re a shopping freak, you can explore the shops around Tito’s Lane, which are open all night. Saturday night flea market is yet another buzzing marketplace located in Arpora. This place is not just a great option for shopping but it also offers great Goa culture ambiance. In this hippie market you can enjoy live music, get a taste of delicious local food, shop for clothes, bags, antique jewelry, and much more. There are many party zones within the market for revelers to go crazy. So all in all, this market offers an exciting mix of shopping in a party atmosphere.

 Chopara Fort, Goa

Chopara Fort goa
View From the Top of Chopara Fort

Chopara Fort, is the yet another famous destination amongst tourists visiting Goa. It is also known as “Dil Chahta Hai Fort” named after a famous Bollywood movie which was shot there. It has a historical importance as well. Present structure of the fort was built back in 1717, which was acquired by various rulers for varied periods of time. It is located from 10kms from Mapusa & rise up over the river Chopara. This location offers a scenic view from the Top and is an instagrammable place to capture beautiful photographs. One thing to remember if you’re going there, carry along water bottle with you, as it’s located at an height and you have to climb numerous large stairs to reach to the top of the fort.

Parra Road, Goa

This is yet another most famous Instagrammable place in Goa. A narrow road, lined up by palm trees on both sides makes this a perfect picturesque road in Goa. This road can also be spotted in various famous Bollywood movie shots. A road trip through these lush coconut trees is a must and you will not be able to resist yourself for stopping by and witnessing nature at its peak beauty. The exquisite lanes of Parra village also lead to the famous Church of St. Anne, you can visit that too.

parra road goa

The Lipsmacking Goan Cuisine

  • Three things people come to Goa for are its beaches, party, and seafood and I so badly wanted to try Goan cuisines. We went to a restaurant near our apartment, where the live orchestra was going on. Goa is home to some of the most exquisite dishes, of which I vividly remember having the chicken xacuti, which consists of poppy seeds and Kashmiri red chilies. The dish is influenced by Portuguese and has chicken, potatoes, onions, coconut, and chilies. We found out that this is one of the most famous dishes of Goa and one should definitely try it out while holidaying here.

Goan Cuisine

  • The sorak that we had with the chicken xacuti is yet another most demanded dish in Goa. It is a simple vegetarian curry made out of spices, onions, and tomatoes. This curry is eaten with rice or dry fish.
  • The smarachi kodi is a dry prawn curry which we had for all seven days that we stayed in Goa and it was just heavenly.
  • The bebinca is a popular and most loved desert of Goa. It is made out of coconut oil, flour, sugar, and eggs. Made into a layered cake and served with ice cream. I can never forget the taste of this desert ever.

 The Churches in Goa

churches in goa

Churches in Goa are visited by people all over the world. The Portuguese rulers have left behind some of the most beautiful, majestic, and enigmatic churches in history which are simply architectural marvels and whose designs are as grand as the culture of Goa.

  • The is a UNESCO site and by far the most famous church in Goa. It was built in the 16th century and contains the mortal remains of St. Francis Xaviers. It is also believed that one can find lost things by praying at this church and as difficult as it might be for some to believe, we surprisingly had positive results.
  • Se Cathedral is another magnificent church in Goa and is the largest of all with immense religious importance.

church in goa

  • St. Cajetan church is another beautiful monument in Velha Goa and is a captivating reminder of the Portuguese rule in India.
  • The blend of Tuscan, Baroque, and Corinthian architecture is what makes the church of St. Francis Asisi a significant monument.

The Culture of Goa

People living in Goa are called Goans, with Goa being a perfect blend of Indian and western cultures. People of several religions can be found here. Goa has been under the western influence for so many years which is why people here are more open-minded and secular and though the size of the state is smaller as compared to other states of India, its culture is as rich as that of any other state. We found fishing as the most popular occupation here along with the cashew, coconut, and jackfruit farming.

Apart from this, of course, tourism is the most sought occupation in Goa for obvious reasons. Besides, we found some categorically stunning jewellery and showpieces for home decor. Goans are fond of performing arts which is why Goff talgadi and Shigmo, Dekhni dance are some of the popular dances of Goa. The infamous Pano Bhaju that we came across in Goa which is a 9-yard saree is what Goa is popular for. The attire for tribals in Goa, which is known as kashti is something we found when we met the tribals in Goa

Conclusion

A place that offers peace and serenity, beaches that soothe your eyes, food that satisfies your soul, churches which display the talent of architects and the culture everything in Goa makes you experience a whole new world. Adventure sports, unique culture, rich history, magnificent architecture, moderate weather, scenic beauty of beaches richly adorned with sunrise and sunsets attract tourists from all over the world. For More Places to Travel in Asia, Read more articles here.

17 Famous Indian Dishes Recipes To Try : Make Cooking As Your Favorite Pass Time!

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Famous Indian Dishes

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world”- J.R.R Tolkien.

Has not sitting at home been arid, lifeless, and unimaginably monotonous? Have you not, in the past few days thought of just running away, leaving your current life behind? Well, as soothing as that does sound unless you want to be another victim of the virus that has caused serious turmoil across the globe, sitting at home is perhaps the maximum that you can do. While that is good news for some, for the rest, there is actually a lot that can be done while sitting at home. Connecting with yourself, with your hobbies and passion, exercising or cooking are a few things you can easily do while you are at home. Cooking, for instance, although it seems difficult, with the current lockdown, there are actually a few dishes you can learn or cook at home without leaving your house, perhaps with all the stuff available in your house. Now, as parlous as some men entering the kitchen might be, it is definitely worth a try instead of snivelling about the monotony.

1. Try Mint Cucumber Raita

Mint Cucumber Raita Indian Dish

  • If you have never tried a hand at cooking and are also worried about another tragedy happening at home, the mint cucumber raita might just be the dish for you.
  • All you have to do is make a Raita using mint, cucumber, and yogurt. This dish is found with every Indian meal and is quite refreshing for those hot summer days.

2.  How about preparing Dal Palak’s Shorba/ lentil and Spinach soup?

Dal Palak’s Shorba Indian Dish

  • Cooking this soup should not take you more than forty-five minutes. It has to be prepared with spinach and lentils and can be eaten with bread.
  • Easy to cook, this dish could be really something you want to cook at home.

3. Overcome your chicken cravings with delicious Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala

  • If there is a chicken shop near you, or somewhere you get packed chicken, chicken tikka masala is perhaps another delicious dish one should definitely try at least once in their lifetime.
  • Getting yogurt, salt, and the spices in one bowl and whisking them together would be step one until they have blended together properly.
  • Then put the chicken pieces with the mixture and mix it until it is well-coated. Refrigerating it for one hour should be enough. Later pre-heat the broiler set on oven rack in top position and broil the chicken on the prepared rack until the top turns brown, flip and repeat.
  • When the sauce along with this is prepared, dip the chicken pieces into this sauce and enjoy!

4. Plain basmati rice, Fried rice, Pulav or Biryani as your lockdown to-do list

Rice, Pulav or Biryani

  • The basmati rice is the most popular Indian dish which is also easy to cook. At this time of a lockdown, essential products such as rice are widely available.
  • Basmati is fragrant and nutty-tasting rice which is grown in the Himalayas. When cooked, it becomes light and fluffy and the fragrance while eating is just splendid. This incredible dish can be eaten with curry too.
  • Taking it one step further, you can also try your culinary skills on Fried rice, Pulav, and Biryani, which are other delicious versions of the plain basmati rice. All you need is your favorite chopped veggies or chicken pieces to prepare these lip-smacking rice dishes.

5. Nothing can be better than a Homemade Naan during this lockdown

Indian Tandoori Naan

  • Sitting on your couch, wondering when the lockdown would be lifted, the foodies in there might be missing food from their regular restaurant which has been shut now. Perhaps a few dishes such as the Naan can be made at home.
  • The Indian Naan is popular for its soft nature and is traditionally made in tandoor.
  • All you need is flour, yeast sugar, olive oil, anise seeds, yogurt, and salt. Mix them well to turn into dough.
  • Knead it a few times and sprinkle some flour on it. Divide the dough into pieces, flatten up each piece and place it on a hot and dry skillet until the surface is full of air bubbles and black spots. Flip and repeat.

6. Easy to prepare Aloo Tikki without having to go out

Indian Aloo Tikki Dish

  • Aaloo tikki can be thought of as delicious Indian potato fritters. It is made out of potatoes and several Indian spices formed into patties and then fried in oil.
  • Aaloo tikki can be easily found on streets and food markets, only they’ve been shut down now. So a dish such as Aaloo tikki is one of the best and easiest dishes to be learned at home during a lockdown.

7. When you have plenty of potatoes around you, why not try Samosas!

Indian Samosas

  • Samosas live in the heart of almost every Indian. The dish is so popular that one can find stalls of samosa vendors on every nook and corner of Indian streets.
  • These are appetizers made with flaky pastry enveloping potato pieces and vegetables; peas specifically and are folded into triangles, fried and served with chutneys.

8. For all the boring evenings of these days, Pakora bhaji can be a magic

Indian Pakora bhaji

This is another symbolic dish popular among other Indian dishes.

  • Vegetables are battered and deep-fried.
  • Onion is the simple but magic ingredient in this specific dish and is enjoyed with chutney.

There is nothing as delightful and satisfyingly soul-enriching as having pakora bhajis with chutney, sitting at home, on a rainy day. It would work best for these lockdown days as well!

9. Chana Dal; a superfood worth giving a try

Chana Dal

  • You can prepare a chana dal for lunch or even dinner. It basically consists of split chickpeas stewed with spices like turmeric.
  • Dal also refers to similar other legumes such as peas, kidney beans, and lentils.

10. Aloo Gobi; make it how you like it

Aloo Gobi

Perhaps potatoes are extensively available as essential items during a lockdown and can be therefore put to use in numerous ways. Cooking Aaloo gobi being one such way.

  • Made with potatoes and cauliflower that are cooked in garlic, turmeric, and ginger and other spices.
  • Since it isn’t served as a stew or in a sauce, aloo gobi is a bit spicier and drier and tastes best with raita and chapatti.

11. Apple Chutney; eat it the way you like- simple, easy, and quick

Apple Chutney

  • The main ingredients used in this scrumptious dish are apple, spices, vinegar, and sweetener.
  • Chutney is a traditional Indian recipe made usually with veggies, coconuts, spices, nuts, and herbs.

Chutneys have a miscellaneous nature as every part of India serves its own special and specific type of chutney.

 

12. Chole; the only dish that can be paired with a number of others

Chole Poori

  • Chole is one of the most popular dishes of India, served at almost all Indian restaurants. But why not bring a restaurant to your home. Cooking chole is easy as well as less tiring and kids tend to love the dish.
  • Chickpeas are cooked in delicious and spicy gravy and served with either bhatura, kulcha, rice, naan, and the list is endless.
  • When this Chole is served with a bhatura, it tastes incredible. Chola bhatura is served at many dhabas and almost every restaurant. So why not turn your home into a dhaba this time for your family!

13. Naankhatai; the perfect all-time snack to munch on

Naankhatai Snacks

  • The crispiness, light look, and cookie-like features make Naankhatai extremely popular in India.
  • Nankhatais are made with flour, ghee, cardamom powder, and sugar. These are traditional Indian shortbread cookies, made with all-purpose flour, sugar, ghee, and semolina as well

These cookies are famous because they are prepared at home only. So nankhatai can be placed somewhere on your “to-do list”.

14. Jalebi; the everyone’s favorite

Jalebi

  • Jalebis can be prepared within the half-hour. Jalebi is the most popular dessert in India.
  • Jalebis are crispy, juicy and delicious and are served almost at every Indian wedding. Although attending a wedding to eat jalebis today seems like building a castle in the air, preparing Jalebis at home is not.
  • All you need is flour, turmeric, soda, sugar lemon juice and cardamom powder, ghee and so on and though numerous ingredients are required, preparing this dish will not take more than 230 minutes.

15. Pav bhaji; certainly, the best thing to make with all that you have

Pav bhaji

  • Pav bhaji is a typical Indian dish with the perfect and delicious blend of mixed veggies cooked along with butter and spices which is served along with soft butter-tasted buns.
  • Pav is a traditional Indian bread and bhaji is mashed vegetables cooked with spice powder. Cooking pav bhaji is quite easy during a time such as a lockdown.

16. Shrikhand; let not the lockdown lock up your sweet tooth

Shrikhand

  • Shrikhand is yet another exotic dish of Indian origin. This is a sweet dish made using hung curd and powdered sugar and is specially eaten with puri.
  • Three basic and most important ingredients are necessary for preparing shrikhand.
  1. Powdered sugar 2. Fresh plain yogurt 3. Any flavoring of your choice.

Shrikhand, therefore, can be prepared along with puris. This actually becomes a treat, especially during summer.

17. Idli sambar; when just dal is all that you have, make something exotic

Idli sambar

  • This dish is a popular south Indian breakfast and is very healthy too.
  • Basic veggies used in this dish are carrots, beans and shallots, and toor dal.
  • All you need to do is cooking the dal along with veggies and sambar powder in it. This should not take more than thirty-five minutes.
  • For idlis, you need fermented rice and lentil batter, which is steam-cooked on an idli stand

This dish is already popularly eaten during lunch and can be cooked at home with easy steps and minimum time.

If you enjoyed this post visit our main page at https://ExploreTraveler.com for more of our exciting content.

Conclusion

With what has been going around us and the precarious lockdown that has been established, there seems to be one good result of it, perhaps an opportunity for us to consider our lives and our health. So it is good to start with healthy cooking!

If you looking for any another food check out our food travel guide. And, one thing is for sure, you don’t always have to go out to enjoy your favorite dish! Home it is; these days!

 P.S: Do wash your hands before preparing any of these dishes.

 

Malaki Volcanic Crater In Luzon Philippines Taal

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Malaki Volcanic Crater
Malaki Volcanic Crater

Breaking News Binintiang Malaki volcano: 1/13/2020

We currently looking into this but from what we have found in the news this volcano is currently erupting. Visitors to the region should be careful and use masks while ash is in the air. Below you will find detailed information about what we saw when we were there last, and what it will become again over time. We have added the official statement from the government there on twitter and have the latest #TaalEruption2020 tweets here as well. You can learn about this place below with our past articles, photographs, and videos.

[custom-twitter-feeds hashtag=”#TaalEruption2020 “]

[custom-twitter-feeds screenname=”cnnphilippines”]

Binintiang Malaki Crater

Taal Volcano Luzon Phillipines
Taal Volcano Luzon Philippines

Taal Volcano: Smallest Active Volcano Binintiang Malaki

Taal Volcano is the smallest volcano in the world. This volcano is also considered the deadliest of Philippine active volcanoes. Almost 6,ooo people have lost their lives due to her violent eruptions and pyroclastic flows. It has gone off 33 times, the last time in 1977! This makes it the second active volcano in the Philippines. It is one of the most beautiful active volcanoes anywhere in the world. Situated on Luzon Island in the Philippines, this stately volcano sits in the middle of Taal Lake. What makes it even more unique is that Taal Volcano also has its own lake. Nestled in the middle of Taal Volcano is Crater Lake. This volcano is one of the world’s unique tourist locations.

Taal Volcano can be reached by boat from Talisay. Those wanting to go up to the crater can then proceed by horseback or on foot. It takes about 20 minutes by horseback to reach Crater Lake. Can you imagine the thrill of the ride up to the crater? Those with a little extra energy can choose to take the hike up the path. It takes about 1 hour to hike up to the crater. The climb can be rather steep for less energetic climbers. Those who are not seasoned climbers will be happier on horseback. The scenery is breathtaking! The ride is exhilarating! The experience is one you will never forget!

Luzon Island Philippines
Lake Taal and within the lake is the active Taal Volcano on Luzon island in the Philippines

Crater Lake is a sulfuric lake that may have medical properties. Many people have soaked in it’s healing waters, or even gone swimming. The bravest of the brave have even dived in Crater Lake. Those scuba divers have certainly had a unique experience. For those who are willing to pay the price and take the risk, there are rental houses to be had in Batangas City. Many choose to spend a few days soaking in the natural beauty of the area. The beauty of the area is amazing. Crater Lake is also home to the world’s only freshwater sardine and freshwater sea snake. There is a very diverse amount of plant life on Volcano Island. Indeed, any trip to Taal Volcano will be memorial. So what are you waiting for? Whether you want to spend one day or three, you will want to visit Taal Volcano. Grab your passport and pack your bag and we will see you in Talisay, for the adventure of a lifetime.

Malaki Volcanic Crater In Luzon

What is Binintiang Malaki or Mt. Binintiang Malaki?

Malaki Volcanic Crater, in Luzon, Philippines, is magnificent! Malaki  Crater is the most distinctive crater on Volcano Island. Malaki is also called the “Fake” Taal Volcano. Many are confused and think that it is actually Taal Volcano. Malaki is not Taal Volcano! She is a very beautiful dormant volcano that sits next to Taal Volcano. Malaki is beautiful! She is very photogenic. However, she is a dormant volcano. Malaki does not have a crater lake inside her crater. She is often used for postcards! Malaki is absolutely beautiful!

Many visitors and foreigners come each year to see Taal Volcano. They look out across Taal Lake and see beautiful Malaki. They never see Taal Volcano at all. Malaki is so photogenic and magnificent, that they only assume that she is Taal, herself. This is not Taal, but beautiful Binintiang Malaki.

Binintiang Malaki is only one of the 47 cones and craters of Taal Volcano. She is by far the most photographed, and certainly the most painted. She is the most amazing crater on Volcano Island. If you are standing on Talgaytay Ridge, Taal Volcano is the rather flat volcano behind Binintiang Malaki. In the picture, you can see the flat area behind Malaki, which is Taal Volcano. In the background is beautiful Mount Maculot!

Volcano Island has the distinction of having the world’s lowest volcano!  How amazing! It is also known for having the world’s deadliest volcanoes. But I also think it is fair to say, that Volcano Island has some of the most magnificent volcano craters in the Philippines.

There are some awesome hikes to be had on Volcano Island. You can also rent horses to bring you to the top. As you climb up to the crater, you will have some of the most fantastic views of Binintiang Malaki. At times the trail narrows and you share it with the many horses. In times like these, the hikers find themselves in very tight spaces with the many horses caring tourists to the top.  Whichever way you choose, the trail going up is beautiful and you will have many photo opts of Binintiang Malaki, Taal Volcano, and of course beautiful Mount Maculot!

Another major activity on Volcano Island is bird watching. There are many resident birds that call Volcano Island home. In addition, it is a stopover for many migratory birds. There are several guided tours just for birdwatchers. If you enjoy bird-watching, you will enjoy Volcano Island.

Volcano Island is restricted and no permanent dwellings are allowed. However, many of the poor have come to the island to live. They make their living by fishing on the lake and farming the rich volcanic soils. The people you will meet are known for their extreme friendliness. The children are very happy and love to pose for pictures.

Besides hiking or horseback riding to the crater of Taal Volcano, you can also choose to go swimming in the crater. It does have a week sulfur content, so it is not advised to stay for too long. However, many feel that the crater has water that is healing to the skin. Certainly, the water is full of many different minerals. Many have said that their rough skin is baby smooth when they come out.

One of the best ways to see Volcano Island is by boat. Whether you rent a motorboat, take a cruise on Taal Lake, or choose to kayak your way around the island, there is much to do at Volcano Island. Since Taal Volcano has mainly been dormant since 1977, all these activities are allowed on the Island and are considered safe.

There is also fishing on the lake and camping is allowed in several places. There are several nice campgrounds on the Island for your enjoyment.  Volcano Island is an awesome place to spend the weekend. There is even a modern resort on the Island.

Whatever you decide to do, Volcano Island is a wonderful place to visit. So relax and enjoy the island. Take a swim in the healing waters! Discover the Island by boat! Hike to the top of Taal Volcano. Take a picture of Binintiang Malaki, However you choose to explore the island, there is an adventure on Volcano Island.

Horse trekking
Horse Trekking to the top of the active Taal Volcano in the Philippines

Horse Trekking Taal Volcano Philippines

Horse Trekking Taal Volcano is easy. It is a first-class adventure. No experience is necessary. Taal Volcano is the South of Manila in the center of Taal Lake. It is the smallest active volcano in The Philippines. It has claimed close to 6,000 lives in recent times and still quite active. It is the charm of this little volcano, with its own caldera in the middle that draws thousands to visit. This is a good trail and many hikes up the slope. For those who don’t want to hike in the hot humid Filipino, weather…..there is horse trekking. What a fun idea!

Taal Volcano has one of the most picturesque and charming views in The Philippines. Even those who have seen it many times, can not help but admire the view. It is always changing! It is one of a kind. It is awesome in the midst of the deep blue Lake Taal.

Why would you want to take the risk to climb an active volcano? There is something so special about this small volcano that causes many to climb to the ridge. At the ridge, you can see Crater Lake. It is perhaps one of the most charming things you will ever do. Horse Trekking makes it even easier. It is truly a first-class adventure, Philippine style.

Once you reach Volcano Island, you will need to register for the hike. The cost of hiking is about 50 pesos. For those who want to try horse trekking, the cost is 500-600 pesos. Those who choose to hike, say they get a better view of the island as they ascend the volcano. However, it is worth noting that slow-moving horses give plenty of time to admire the beauty of the area as you pass. Horse trekking is amazing! You can enjoy the view! Take pictures and admire this small very active volcano.

One of the amazing things you will see at the beginning of the trip is the small houses and farms.  It is forbidden to reside on the island, as it is a permanent danger zone. Many have ignored these warnings and risk their lives daily to farm and fish this rich area. The rich volcanic soil makes the growth of most anything profitable.

It is recommended that you wear a face mask on the accent, as the strong sulfur fumes can be problematic for many. You will see many vents with steam and sulfur coming out into the air. There is no doubt that this is an active volcano. She is ready to blow at a moment’s notice. Until then, her charm is like a magnet for many. It is wise to bring a change of clothes, water, and snacks for the trip. There is a vendor at the top of the climb for those who prefer not to pack in their own supplies and then pack out the trash.

As you plan your next Philippine vacation, make sure to allow a day at Volcano Island. Experience the amazing adventure of horse trekking. Horse trekking is fun for all ages. What are you waiting for? Join the adventure today!

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Bakso Indonesian Meatball Soup Recipe

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Bakso Indonesian Meatball Soup Recipe
Bakso Indonesian Meatball Soup

The Bakso Indonesian Meatball Soup Recipe

Bakso Indonesian Meatball Soup Recipe is a famous dish within the rural and cities of Indonesia. This is one of those kinds of dishes that have become comfort food to locals and visitors alike. A must-have for the wearily traveling as they explore the nooks and crannies of their Indonesian adventure.

Bakso adalah makanan Indonesia yang terbuat dari campuran daging sapi dan tepung tapioka. Bakso adalah makanan yang berasal dari cina dan menurut sejarah bakso mulai ada di Indonesia sejak ribuan tahun yang lalu ketika pedagang pedagang dari Tiongkok masuk dan menetap di Indonesia.  

Bakso (Indonesian meat ball)  is Indonesian food made from beef and tapioca flour. Bakso is originally from china and historycally basko is popular in Indonesia since a thousand years ago when  Chinese merchants came and stay in Indonesia

Di Tiongkok sendiri bakso biasanya terbuat dari campuran daging babi tetapi karenamayoritas penduduk Indonesia adalah muslim kami menggantinya dengan daging sapi dan mie bakso sapi menjadi salah satu makanan khas Indonesia.

Catatan: jika anda menyukai bakso danging babi anda masih bisa menemuinya di Indonesia.

Selain bakso sapi masih banyak lagi variant bakso seperti bakso ikan, bakso ayam dll.

In China bakso usually made from pork but because most of the people in Indonesia are Muslims so we changed it with beef and mie bakso sapi (beef meatball soup with noodles) has become the typical food in Indonesia.

Note: if you like Bakso Babi (pork meatballs) you can still find it here in Indonesia.

beside bakso sapi there is a lot of variants of bakso like bakso ikan (fish ball), bakso ayam (chicken meatballs), etc.

Meskipun bakso berasal dari Tiongkok tetapi bakso dari Indonesia berbeda dengan dari  Tiongkong, bakso yang berasal dari Indonesia memiliki cita rasa tersendiri yang khas dari rempah rempah Indonesia dan itu yang menjadikan bakso populer di Indonesia.

Even though bakso is originally from China but Bakso (Indonesian meatballs) is different like in China,

we have our own special and unique taste from Indonesian special seasoning so that Bakso has become popular in Indonesia.

MIE BAKSO SAPI

        Mie bakso sapi memang benar benar terkenal di Indonesia dan hampir semua masyarakat Indonesia menyukainya jadi tidak heran jika mie basko ada di daerah manapun di Indonesia dan tidak heran juga jika bakso menjadi salah satu makan kaki lima populer di Indonesia.

Mie bakso sapi is really popular in Indonesia and almost everyone here loves it so, no wonder if mie bakso is everywhere in Indonesia and has become one of most popular street food in Indonesia.

Kebanyakan pedagang bakso berasal dari solo dan wonogiri karena bakso mereka terkenal sangat lezat,  kota solo dan wonogiri sendiri disebut dengan kota bakso, bakso dari solo dan wonogiri sangatlah terkenal dimanapun karena mungkin mereka sudah berjualan bakso sejak lama dan memiliki usaha bakso secara turun temurun dan pastinya juga rasa yang khas membuat bakso solo dan wonogiri itu sendiri menjadi sangat terkenal.

The most of bakso seller are from solo and wonogiri because their bakso has a great taste, Solo city and Wonogiri is called “The city of bakso” , bakso from solo and wonogiri is really popular everywhere in Indonesia its because maybe they has become bakso seller since a long time ago and have bakso bussines from generation to generation and ofcourse the unique taste and delicious has made bakso solo and wonogiri really popular.

Banyak orang orang solo merantau ke daerah daerah di Indonesia dari kota kecil hingga kota besar mereka merantau untuk membuka usaha bakso biasanya mereka menuliskan “Mie bakso solo” atau “mie bakso wonogiri” pada kedai dan gerobak bakso mereka untuk memberi tahu bahwa bakso tersebut asli solo atau wonogiri.

A lot of people in Solo and wonogiri left home to open bakso business in another place in Indonesia from big city to small town they usually put “mie bakso solo” or “mie bakso wonogiri” in their bakso shop or their gerobak (Indonesian traditional cart to sell street food) to let people know that the bakso is original from solo or wonogiri so they gonna come and try.

Selain bakso Solo dan wonogiri ada juga bakso malang yang juga cukup terkenal di Indonesia, sesuai namanya bakso ini berasal dari malang cara penyajian agak sedikit berbeda dengan bakso solo, pada bakso malang ditambahkan tahu putih yang di rebus dan kerupuk pangsit. pedagang bakso malang juga banyak tersebar di banyak wilayah in Indonesia tetapi tidak sebanyak pedagang bakso solo dan wonogiri, sama hal nya seperti pedagang bakso solo, pedagang bakso malang pun selalu menuliskan “bakso malang” pada kedai mereka atau gerobak mereka. 

Bagi saya bakso malang dan bakso solo memiliki cita rasa yang berbeda tetapi kedua nya sama sama memiliki rasa yang lezat dan juga kedua nya berasal dari jawa.

Beside Bakso solo and wonogiri there is Bakso malang that also popular in Indonesia just like the name “Bakso Malang” this kind of bakso is typical food from Malang they way they serve bakso malang is a little bit different like bakso solo, Bakso malang served with white tofu stew and pangsit crackers. Bakso malang seller is also spread in several places in Indonesia but but a lot like bakso solo and wonogiri seller.  Just like bakso solo and wonogiri seller they also like to put “Bakso Malang” in their shop and gerobak. 

For me bakso solo and bakso malang has a different taste but both of them are delicious and have their own unique taste and both are also from Java.

Di era yang modern ini banyak pedagang bakso yang memodifikasi bakso agar lebih menarik dan unik mulai dari bentuk, rasa, dan jenisnya. Di bantul ada bakso ada kedai bakso yang menjual bakso tumpeng mereka juga menawarkan beberapa ukuran dari mulai kecil sedang dan besar, cara penyajiannya sama yaitu dengan mie  hanya saja bentuk nya tidak bulat lagi melainkan segitiga seperti tumpeng, selain itu juga yang sangat populer saat ini adalah bakso beranak yaitu bakso yang berisi bakso kecil, sosis telur dan cabai dan ada juga bakso keju yaitu bakso yang di isi dengan keju meskipun bakso hasil modifikasi tersebut baru bagi masyarakat Indonesia tetapi sudah bisa mencuri perhatian masyarakat Indonesia dan cukup di terima oleh masyarakat indonesia karna rasa nya tidak kalah dengan bakso biasa

In this modern era theres a lot of bakso seller modified the bakso and make it more intersting and unique, from the shape, taste and kind of Bakso. In Bantul Yogyakarta there is a bakso shop that have bakso tumpeng (cone shaped Indonesian yellow rice) this bakso tumpeng have variant size from small, medium to big the way they serve is just the same like bakso solo only the shape that look different when bakso is always round this one is triangle. Beside that there is also Bakso beranak this big size bakso filled with sausage, egg and small bakso sometimes with chilli, there is also bakso keju a bakso filled with Cheese 

Even those Bakso is something new for Indonesian people are welcome with this modern bakso we love it, its delicious just like a traditional bakso

Resep mie bakso Solo

Untuk kuah kaldu sapi

Tulang sapi 

lemak sapi

bawang merah+putih (haluskan lalu tumis) 

1 liter air

1 sdt garam 

1 sdt kaldu bubuk

Masukan tulang sapi, lemak sapi dan tumis bawang merah dan putih ke dalam satu liter air masak hingga mendidih 

Bakso

400 gr Daging sapi cincang

100 gr Daging ayam cincang 

100 gr Tepung tapioka 

½ sdt baking powder

1 sdt garam

1 sdt merica bubuk

1 sdm bawang merah goreng

1 sdm bawang putih goreng 

1 butir telur 

es batu secukupnya

•Masukan semua bahan bahan di atas ke dalam food processor tunggu sekitar 1-2 menit hingga semuanya merata

•siapkan panci dan masukan air tunggu hingga mendidih 

•bentuk adonan bakso hingga berbentuk bulat, lalu masukan kedalam air mendidih jika bakso sudah mengambang bakso siap di tiriskan.

Cara menyajikan bakso

  • siapkan mangkuk
  • masukan mie kuning dan mie putih (bihun) 
  • masukan tauge 
  • seledri yang telah ti cincang
  • sawi 
  • tambahkan kecap
  • masukan bakso 
  • taburi bawang merah goreng
  • terakhir masukan kuah kaldu sapi yang masih panas
  • jika anda pecinta pedas anda bisa menambahkan saus dan sambal

How to Make Mie Bakso Solo

For beef broth soup you need:

  • bow bones
  • cow fat
  • onion+garlic(blend smooth and then stir-fry)
  • 1-liter water
  • 1 tsp salt 
  • 1 tsp broth powder

cook all the ingredients above together until it boils

Bakso

  • 400 gr minced beef 
  • 100 gr minced chicken
  • 100 gr tapioca flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbs fried onion
  • 1 tbs fried garlic
  • 1 egg
  • ice cube 
  • Place all the ingredients into food processor mix it together waits until 1-2 minutes until its smooth 
  • Cook clear water in a pot until it boils
  • scoop the meatball paste with your hand and shaped like a ball place into boiling water 
  • if the meatball is float already the meatball is ready to drain

How to serve bakso 

  • place yellow noodles and white noodles (vermicelli noodles) in a bowl
  • add bean sprouts
  • Mustard greens (chopped)
  • celery (minced)
  • add soy sauce 
  • placed the meatballs 
  • add a sprinkle of fried onion 
  • pour boiled beef broth soup 
  • if you like spicy you can add sauce and sambal

And your Bakso Indonesian Meatball Soup Recipe is ready to serve 

You can learn more about Indonesia from it food, culture, and sights by following ExploreTravel and our Indonesia articles here.

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Exploring Majalengka Indonesia West Java

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The quiet side of Majalengka

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Devina Noviyanti

People of Majalengka Indonesia West Java
People of Majalengka Indonesia West Java

Editor Note: ExploreTraveler is active and on the ground in Indonesia with Devina Noviyanti our social media influencer and blogger for the region. We will begin with the Majalengka Indonesia area and expand into different guides and articles.

Indonesia is (Mangoshe), meaning lovely people, cultures, traditions, and it has some of the best local food in any area. Majalengka is one of those places that catches one’s curiosity. The people in Majalengka live modestly and live mainly by Sundanese culture.

Indonesia dipenuhi dengan orang orang menyenangkan dan ramah, budaya, tradisi, dan makanan khas di setiap daerahnya. Majalengka adalah salah satunya, dari sekian banyak kota di Indonesia yang menarik perhatian. Sebagian besar masyarakat Majalengka khususnya di desa desa masih hidup berdasarkan kebudayaan sunda.

Lembah subur dan hijau Majalengka di ambil di Paraland The lush and green valleys of Majalengka , taken at paraland WestJava Indonesia
Lembah subur dan hijau Majalengka di ambil di Paraland The lush and green valleys of Majalengka , taken at paraland WestJava Indonesia

The #Cilutung river one of the biggest river in #Majalengka. #westjava #Indonesia
The #Cilutung river one of the biggest river in #Majalengka. #westjava #Indonesia

The City Of Wind

People from outside Majalengka call it the city of wind, because the wind is significant, especially during the rainy season and many people who come here from afar are surprised by it. They are not only surprised by the wind but also the food and the town. We don’t usually eat at a table (we call it lesehan), or with silverware, but we typically eat with just our hands because the Sundanese people believe eating with one’s hands can enjoy the taste of the food we eat. 

Orang orang dari luar Majalengka maupun di majalengkanya sendiri memanggil kota majalengka sebagai kota angin karna memang angin disini cukup besar khususnya pada saat musim hujan mungkin orang yang datang ke majalengka dari jauh seperti majalengka kaget akan itu tetapi bukan hanya kaget dengan anginnya saja tetapi juga makanannya and juga kota nya sendiri.

Internet is a luxury here, especially in rural areas, as we mainly have to rely on cell phone 3G towers to access the Internet Rather than wired connections. However, we can still get a good internet connection if you live in the downtown city area of Majalengka, where there is more infrastructure.

Kami yang tinggal di desa tidak biasa makan menggukan sendok ataupun garpu karena menurut orang tua jaman dulu makan menggunakan tangan bisa lebih menikmati makananya itu sendiri, selain itu juga kami juga biasanya tidak makan di atas meja atau lesehan itu mungkin sudah jadi kebiasaan orang sunda yang masih melekat hingga saat ini. 

Famous Soy Sauce Or “kecap”

The most iconic things of Majalengka is the famous soy sauce or “kecap” and Gedong gincu Mango or “Mangga gedong gincu”. The Majalengka kecap is famous here because it’s a robust flavor and is legendary in the area. They have produced soy sauce for many years, and they still produce it traditionally, so it makes the kecap or soy sauce has a unique flavor that people enjoyed the taste of worldwide.

   Hal yang paling terkenal di majalengka dan sudah menjadi icon kota majalengka adalah kecap dan mangga gedong gincunya. Kecap majalengka memang sangat terkenal karena merupakan produk yang telah melegenda di majalengka, karena sudah puluhan tahun di produksi dan masih di produksi dengan cara tradisional, mungkin itu yang menjadikan kecap majalengka memiliki cita rasa yang khas dan di sukai banyak orang.

Selain kecapnya yang khas Mangga juga sangat terkenal di majalengka, mungkin banyak jenis mangga di Indonesia tetapi di majalengka mangga gincu lah yang sangat terkenal dan menjadi unggulan, karna memang terkenal majalengka mempunyai monumen gedong gincu di bunderan cigasong.

Exploring Majalengka Indonesia traditional Sundanese cake Serabi
Kue tradisional Sunda #Serabi terbuat dari tepung beras dan kelapa dengan telur di atasnya- A traditional Sundanese cake, #Serabi made from rice flour and coconut with egg on the top


Most of the people in Majalengka work as a farmer we have fruits and vegetable garden as our income, but still mango garden is the most people have here. People who have mango companies regularly export the Mango to Jakarta, but also, there’s a big company that ships the Mango to middle eastern countries.

Orang orang di majalengka yang memiliki perusahan Mangga biasanya mengirim mangga ke jakarta atau ke kota kota lain yang ada di Indonesia tetapi ada juga perusahaan mangga yang mengexport mangga nya keluar negeri seperti  timur tengah.

The laleejewo mango, also known as “Mangga”. A delicious and common food commodity
The laleejewo mango, also known as “Mangga”. A delicious and common food commodity
Musim panen akan segera tiba-Harvest season is coming Guava Majalengka Westjava Indonesia
Musim panen akan segera tiba-Harvest season is coming Guava Majalengka Westjava Indonesia

Here in Majalengka, we don’t have a large mall, and we don’t have a theatre, Mcdonalds, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, KFC, etc. However, it would be something cool for us if we have that. Still, if we want them, have to drive to Cirebon, which two hours driving from Majalengka, but don’t worry, we still have local restaurants that you can try here; we also have a lot of street food.

Disini di Majalengka tidak ada mall besar seperti di ibu kota, kami tidak memiliki bioskop, tidak ada Mcdonald, Starbucks, pizzahut kfc dll, mungkin itu akan jadi sesuatu yang keren bagi kami jika kami bisa memiliki semua itu, tetapi jika kami memang benar benar ingin semua itu, tinggal pergi saja ke mall yang ada di cirebon yang kurang lebih menepuh perjalanan selama 2 jam dari majalengka, tetapi tenang saja meskipun tidak ada itu semua di Majalengka masih banyak restoran restoran lokal yang bisa kalian coba disini selain itu juga banyak sekali makanan kaki lima disini yang engga kalah enak.

Exploring Majalengka Indonesia Gudeg green jack fruit Indonesia
Nangka ada dimanapun di Indonesia, di yogyakarta nangka muda dimasak sebagai gudeg Jack fruit is everywhere in #Indonesia, in #Yogyakarta we like to cook it as #Gudeg (green jack fruit sweet stew) with special Indonesian seasoning.
Exploring Majalengka Indonesia Indonesian yellow turmeric rice
Indonesian yellow turmeric rice

There’s a park that is famously called “alun alun” located in the downtown of Majalengka. You can find many kinds of street food over there, one of people’s favorite street food is “seblak.” It constructed from “kerupuk” (Indonesian crackers), cabbage, noodle chicken finger, and egg with special seasoning and original chili sauce. You don’t have to add chili sauce if you don’t like the spice. Still, people here love spicy, seasoned food, so don’t be surprised if the food here is tasty but a little hot and spicy.

Disini ada taman yang terkenal di majalengka yaitu alun alun Majalengka lokasinya tepat di jangtung kota Majalengka, disana kalian bisa menemukan banyak sekali kuliner dari pedagang pedagang kaki lima, salah satu kuliner yang banyak sekali di minati oleh masyarakat Majalengka adalah seblak, seblak ini terbuat dari kerupuk, telor, kol dan ceker ayam dengan bumbu sederhana dan juga kalian bisa tambah kan pedas sesuai selera kalian, tetapi sebagian besar orang orang di majalengka menyukai makanan pedas jadi jangan heran ya kalau kebanyakan makanan disini pedas.

Talking about street food in Majalengka; my favorite food is the “lumpia basah” and I can’t find it anywhere outside the area.  Even when I’m in Jakarta, Lumpia basah made from bean sprouts, jimaca, palm sugar, with simple but special seasoning and chili sauce wrapped with food wrapper(Lumpia). It tasted sweet, salty, and spicy.

Berbicara mengenai kuliner kaki lima di majalengka favorit saya adalah lumpia basah, jika seblak bisa saya jumpai di luar kota Majalengka berbeda dengan dengan lumpia basah saya tida bisa menemuinya di luar kota Majalengka, lumpia basah adalah makanan yang terbuat dari tauge, telor, bengkuang dang gula merah yang di bungkus dengan kulit lumpia dan daun cara memakan nya adalah dengan sumpit sama hal nya dengan seblak lumpia basah ini juga bisa kalian tambahkan pedas sesuai selera kalian rasanya manis, asin, dan pedas.

 

This bridge connects #pasirmuncang and #cikamarang together, providing steady supply between the two villages. #majalengka #westjava
This bridge connects #pasirmuncang and #cikamarang together, providing steady supply between the two villages. #majalengka #westjava

 In Majalengka you can also find a lot of beautiful natural places to visit like a waterfall, Panyaweuyan terrace, tea garden, Ciremai mountains and “Paraland” and a lot more. One area that famous is Paraland it’s a resort where you can see all over Majalengka. So that’s Majalengka I love it here, and it is my home and the place I grew up in.

Di majalengka kalian juga bisa menemukan banyak keindahan alam yang bisa kalian datangi seperti air terjun, teraserind di Panyaweuyan, kebun teh, paraland dan masih banyak lagi. Salah satu tempat yang paling terkenal adalah paraland tempat ini adalah resort dimana kalian bisa melihat seluruh kota majalengka selain itu masih banyak hal lain lagi yang bisa kalian lakukan disini. Nah itu dia majalengka, saya suka di sini, Majalengka adalah rumah saya dimana saya dibesarkan

Next time you want to explore someplace new away from the tourist areas consider exploring Majalengka Indonesia West Java.

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Devina is a social media influencer and blogger for ExploreTraveler Indonesia.

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