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The Beauty of Sojiwan Temple Tourism and Its History

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Sojiwan Temple Tourism: Perhaps not many people have heard of it, especially when asked where it is located. Indeed, Sojiwan Temple is not as well-known as Prambanan Temple, let alone Borobudur Temple. It's actually not far from Prambanan Temple, taking perhaps half an hour on foot. Recently restored in 2011, this temple is relatively new compared to the other temples. What's most striking about this temple is its similar shape to Prambanan: tall with a pyramid-like structure on top, but the upper part of the temple consists of stupas similar to those at Borobudur. It could be said that this temple is like a "marriage" between Prambanan and Borobudur. This temple is situated within a fairly extensive complex with beautiful, well-maintained gardens. It turns out that this complex was only inaugurated after being restored in December 2011 by the Minister of Education and Culture, Mohammad Nuh. Initially, this temple was only a half-finished structure that looked like a ...
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Umbul Ponggok, Klaten Artificial Snorkeling Feels Like the Beach

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Ponggok Village, located in Klaten Regency, Indonesia, has a long history dating back over 100 years. In the 1920s, the village was known for its industrial activity, thanks to the presence of the Ponggok Sugar Factory. This factory, along with other sugar factories in the area, brought many Dutch families to live in Ponggok as employees. The village was administratively part of the Ponggok Kawedanan at that time.

Umbul Ponggok, Klaten Artificial Snorkeling Feels Like the Beach

However, the economic and socio-political crises of the 1930s, as well as Indonesia's struggle for independence, led to the closure of the sugar factories, including the Ponggok Sugar Factory. Today, one of the remnants of this former industrial glory is Umbul Ponggok.

Umbul Ponggok was originally a spring that was transformed into a water reservoir to supply the operational needs of the Ponggok Sugar Factory and the Karanganom Sugar Factory. It also served as irrigation for the nearby sugar cane plantations.

Umbul Ponggok, Klaten Artificial Snorkeling Feels Like the Beach

Despite the closure of the factories, the Ponggok water reservoir continues to function as a source of irrigation for rice fields and plantations. The local community often refers to it as Umbul Ponggok, as the water source originates from a natural spring of good quality, providing drinking water to the residents.

For tourists visiting Klaten Regency, a visit to Umbul Ponggok is highly recommended. This picturesque spot was endorsed by Indonesian President Joko Widowo in 2018. Umbul Ponggok offers various activities for tourists, the most popular being taking pictures with the fish and unique props available on-site.

Umbul Ponggok, Klaten Artificial Snorkeling Feels Like the Beach

What sets Umbul Ponggok apart from other swimming pools is its direct access to the spring water. The pool's bottom is covered with sand, corals, and a variety of fish. Despite the presence of fish, the water in Umbul Ponggok remains fresh due to the continuous flow of the spring water. Visitors can explore several intriguing photo spots within the pond.

In addition to photography opportunities, visitors can also engage in snorkeling and diving activities at Umbul Ponggok. The attraction provides rental equipment for those who do not possess their own. Snorkelers can rent buoyancy aids, flippers, and special masks. For diving enthusiasts, oxygen cylinders, flippers, wet suits, and diving goggles are available for rent. Divers can encounter various fish species, including goldfish, pomfret, koi, and other ornamental fish, as they explore the underwater world of Umbul Ponggok.

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Getting to Know Padusan, a Unique Tradition of Javanese People Welcoming Ramadan

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The tradition of Padusan before Ramadan is an ancestral heritage that is still carried out by the Javanese community. Padusan was practiced by the community before Islam entered Java. During the Majapahit Kingdom, knights, poets, brahmins and masters often performed padusan to purify themselves. The tradition has survived until now, thanks to the role of Wali Songo who preached with a cultural approach. In general, the meaning of padusan is a bathing tradition that is usually carried out before Ramadan by Javanese people. However, to understand further what is padusan and how to read the padusan intention and the procedure for doing it? What is Padusan? According to Retno Widyastutik's research in the publication of Surakarta State University (UNS), padusan comes from the word adus which means bathing. The padusan tradition is carried out the day before Ramadan, precisely from noon to evening. When carrying out the padusan tradition, Javanese people will generally bathe or soak in ...
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Untoroyono Temple: A Temple that Stands on a Land of Anger and Wingit

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Klaten is one of the districts located in Central Java . Many people are more familiar with Klaten as a district located between Yogyakarta and Solo. However, more than that Klaten is also one of the districts that until now still firmly preserves the diversity of cultures, traditions to historical relics owned. Many historical relics found in Klaten Regency are temples, including Bubrah Temple, Plaosan Temple, Sewu Temple, Lumbung Temple, Sojiwan Temple, Asu Temple, Peacock Temple and Untoroyono Temple. One of the temples that until now still functions as a place of worship for Hindus is the Untoroyono Temple located in Kalangan Village, Pedan District, Klaten Regency. In addition to being a place to carry out worship activities, Untoroyono Temple is also often used as a place of meditation to sharpen mysticism. In the process of establishing Untoroyono Temple, several time-consuming rituals were carried out to facilitate the construction process. The Mystical Story of the Land Where ...
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Sidoguro Hill in Klaten, a Hit Tourist Spot Similar to Singapore's Gardens by the Bay

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One of the most famous spots in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay is the Supertree Grove. If you want to see it, you don't have to go all the way there. Just go to Klaten. There, there is Sidoguro Hill located on Krakitan Village Road, Bayat District with four artificial trees similar to the Supertree Grove. The tourist spot is located on a karst rock hill at an altitude of about 300 meters above sea level (masl). No wonder the hills and trees surround it. In addition to four replicas of Supertree Grove, the tourist spot also provides a viewing post with two stairs to make it easier for tourists to avoid crowding when climbing it. Through the viewpoint of Sidoguro Hill, tourists can see the surrounding hills. In fact, another tourist spot, Rowo Jombor, is also visible from there. However, to get to the viewing post, tourists must be in a fit state when arriving at the tourist spot. Sidoguro Hill has been around since the royal era. The year is not mentioned but according to the st...
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