Get Inspired

EAT LIKE THE LOCALS

EAT LIKE THE LOCALS

August 15, 2017

“If the locals eat it, I should at least try it”. That’s my motto whenever I travel. For me, sampling the local cuisine is a necessary part of traveling because I can get to know the local history, culture and traditions, just by eating.   Finding authentic but reasonably hygienic local cuisine in Indonesia, however, is a little tricky. Of course there are plenty of well-established and reputable restaurants, especially in big cities, but it is hard to beat the vibrant truthfulness of the street food. Here are a few things to look out for.   Follow the Crowd All eateries around the world have one thing in common. The best ones are always most sought after and therefore are most crowded. Follow the crowd or ask a local where they would go for a meal with friends. Taxi drivers or even the cashier at a convenience store can also direct you to favorite hawker stalls. Open your eyes and follow your nose to where the food smells so good!     Trust Your Instinct Look around before you decide to sit and order. Quickly examine the view. Does it look dirty? Is the food well covered? Are there flies flying around? But most importantly, trust your instinct: can I handle this?     Time Your Visit The best time to sample authentic cuisine is during festivals and celebrations. Browse the local tourism office website and check the agenda for upcoming events.    Anticipate Tummy Trouble The following should always be part of your travel medicine kit: antacids, anti-diarrhea tablets, rehydration salts, and sore throat sweets. Some antibiotics may also be worth taking as precaution against upset stomach and other infections.         Text: Rini Sucahyo Source: Journey Indonesia Magazine, June 2013 (Page 10) Others also read: KEEP YOUR KIDS HEALTHY

Sam Poo Tay Djien, A Semarang Legacy

Sam Poo Tay Djien, A Semarang Legacy

July 25, 2017

Once upon a time, a great Chinese admiral led his fleets on legendary voyages from China to the many regions in Asia and Africa over a period of 28 years, leaving marks in many cities and advocating peaceful global interactions long before the birth of modern technology.   Born in 1371 as Ma He in Yunnan province in China at the southwest corner of Lake Dian, the admiral was later known as Zheng He or Sam Poo Tay Djien. His father was a Moslem of Persian origin who used to serve the Mongolian Empire.   When the Ming army conquered Yunnan, 11 year-old Zheng was captured. He was castrated at the age of 13 and was assigned to serve the young prince Zhu Di, one of the Hongwu Emperor’s sons. After displaying his loyalty in a battle against Hoei Tee who tried to usurp the emperor’s throne, Zheng rose to higher ranks in the administration as Prince Zhu Di became the next emperor.   A year after Zhu Di’s ascension to power, Zheng was appointed to explore the seas in an epic effort to expand the Chinese presence throughout the southern states. Commanding 62 large ships and 27,000 troops, Zheng’s first naval expedition was launched in 1405. This was the start of a great saga that encompassed Champa, Java, Malacca, Ceylon, Calicut, Sumatra, Maldives, Mogadishu, Hormuz, and the Arabian Peninsula.   An Unplanned Stopover Not only did Zheng establish and restore extensive trade and diplomatic relations, he also left an outstanding presence that can be seen from the many temples built in his honor. And in Semarng, the admiral’s manifestation was even more than that, leaving a grand legacy that has stood the test of the time.    Semarang is the capital of Central Java province where large Chinese population still lives today. According to one story, the great admiral did not plan to stop in Semarang. But as his fleets sailed through the Java Seam one of his lieutenants, Wang Ji Hong, suddenly fell ill, forcing them to make an emergency stop. Simongan – the old name of Semarang – became a temporary shelter for Zheng and his men while they waited for Wang Ji Hong to recover.   The quiet Simongan Village impressed Zheng. He encouraged his men to blend in with the locals, teaching them farming and life philosophies. He quickly became a beloved resident of Simongan, and after he resumed his voyage, the villagers built a large temple to commemorate his deeds, the Sam Po Kong Temple.   The sick lieutenant, Wang Jing Hong, even decided to resign from the fleet and stay in Simongan after his recovery. His decision played a significant role in developing the area and continuing the admiral’s teachings. Today, a tomb that bears the name Kiai Juri Mudi Dampo Awang (the venerable fleet helmsman and admiral), which can be found inside the temple, is believed to be Wang Jing Hong’s.     Next article: PRIDE OF SEMARANG Text: Ninus Andarnuswari Source: Journey Indonesia Magazine     Singgasana Hotel Surabaya is one of the biggest hotel resorts in Surabaya. Enjoy big discounts and more benefits by booking your stay on this website.

PRIDE OF SEMARANG

PRIDE OF SEMARANG

July 25, 2017

Previous article: Sam Poo Tay Djien, A Semarang Legacy   Every 29th or 30th day of the 6th month in the Chinese calendar, Semarang citizens celebrate Zheng’s arrival in annual festival. It is an important commemoration for city, a tradition that dates back to the 19th century after Simongan was bought bu a Chinese philanthropist Oey Tjie Sien.   Sam Po Kong Festival later become an international event featuring displays and business, seminars, firework displays and business showcases organized by the local Sam Po Kong Foundation collaborating with government and many other organizations. People from all over Indonesia and the world flock to Semarang to join the locals for worship and to experience the attractions.   Celebration of Harmony Duringh the three-day festival, the temple is decorated with lanterns and candles. On the first day, the festivity is centered at a stage in the temple where local artists perform both Chinese and Javanese cultural shows, followed the next day with a procession of the statue of Sam Po Tay Djien from the Tay Kak Sie Temple to the Sam Po Kong Temple.   At the height of the celebration, lively Barongsay and Liong dances join the parade, drawing enchanted tourists and spectators alike. The merriment continues into the following day with various performances and competitions almost all night long. There is also a variety of food stalls serviong traditional Chinese and Javanese delicacies as well as souvenir shops offering unique mementos to take home.   Indeed, the Sam Po Kong Festival reflects the harmony of diverse ethnicities and religious beliefs in Semarang: the Javanese, the Chinese, the Moslem and the Buddhist. It is a legacy that reaches far beyond architectural tributes in the form of temples and monuments. The great admiral has left an outstanding heritage that has become the foundation of life in Semarang. A Semarang legacy.     Text: Ninus Andarnuswari Source: Journey Indonesia Magazine     Singgasana Hotel Surabaya is one of the biggest hotel resorts in Surabaya. Enjoy big discounts and more benefits by booking your stay on this website.

3 TEMPAT WISATA SURABAYA UNTUK LIBUR LEBARAN

3 TEMPAT WISATA SURABAYA UNTUK LIBUR LEBARAN

June 13, 2017

Sebentar lagi kita akan memasuki minggu terakhir dalam berpuasa, dan memasuki awal musim libur lebaran. Apakah anda sudah bersiap untuk mudik? Untuk anda dan keluarga yang akan berlibur ke Surabaya tahun ini, ada banyak tempat wisata yang bisa dikunjungi untuk mengisi libur lebaran, 3 tempat ini mungkin dapat menjadi inspirasi wisata bagi anda dan keluarga di Surabaya nanti. 1.       Hutan Bambu Hutan Bambu yang berada di Jl. Raya Marina Asri ini sedang booming di kalangan wisatawan karena panoramanya yang indah dan mirip dengan hutan bambu yang ada di Jepang. Suasananya yang asri dan rindang juga menjadi daya tarik tersendiri bagi pecinta fotografi, bahkan sering menjadi lokasi prewedding.   Hutan Bambu ini bersebelahan dengan Taman Harmoni yang juga cocok menjadi area wisata keluarga. Biaya masuk ke Hutan Bambu ini adalah Rp. 0,- alias GRATIS, anda hanya perlu untuk mengikuti aturan yang ada yaitu tidak merusak tanaman dan membuang sampah pada tempatnya.   2.       Masjid Cheng Hoo Dengan warna mencolok seperti hijau, kuning dan merah, mungkin anda akan mengira bahwa bangunan ini adalah Klenteng, namun ternyata ini adalah sebuah Masjid!   Masjid Cheng Hoo, dinamakan demikian sebagai wujud rasa terimakasih dan penghormatan warga Surabaya terhadap laksamana Cheng Hoo, seorang Muslim dari China yang turut menyebarkan agama Islam di Indonesia. Bentuknya yang unik dengan perpaduan nuansa Oriental, Timur Tengah dan Jawa membuat Masjid ini salah satu objek wisata yang wajib dikunjungi saat libur lebaran di Surabaya.   3.       Makam Sunan Ampel Sunan Ampel merupakan keturunan dari Ibrahim Asmarakandi yang lahir di Kamboja pada tahun 1401. Pada usia 20 tahun, Ia dipercaya oleh Raja Brawijaya untuk mendidik moral para bangsawan di Majapahit, karena itulah Ia sampai di Surabaya.   Ia menghabiskan seluruh hidupnya untuk berdakwah dan menyebarkan nilai-nilai kebaikan hingga tua dan wafat pada tahun 1841. Masjid Sunan Ampel merupakan hasil pembangunannya bersama warga Surabaya pada masa itu, sehingga jenazahnya pun dimakamkan di area Masjid Sunan Ampel ini.     Di sekitar kawasan ini terdapat banyak rumah kuno yang dihuni oleh warga keturunan Arab, anda pun bisa sekalian mencicipi kuliner Arab disini seperti kue pukis Arab dan kue apem Arab.

ICE CREAM PLACE THAT BRINGS MEMORIES OF OLD SURABAYA

ICE CREAM PLACE THAT BRINGS MEMORIES OF OLD SURABAYA

April 26, 2017

If you are happen to be in Jl. Yos Sudarso, Surabaya, make sure to stop by for an ice cream at one of Surabaya’s oldest ice cream shop, Zangrandi. The legendary ice cream shop was built during the Dutch era and still serving original ice cream with authentic Italian taste until today. The vintage nuance of the shop attracts not only the old people who come here to reminiscence but also the young people.    Stay longer & save more!.   The Zangrandi Ice Cream Shop was firstly established by an Italian named Renato Zanggradi, the place was called Renato Zangrandi Ijspaleis back then. The shop is located at the opposite of a well-known elite hall during the Dutch era, a place where they held a ball and elite parties back in the days. Perhaps, this is why Renato’s ice cream shop became popular and favorite until today.    Almost all of the elements at this vintage ice cream shop remain the same as it was first established. Brown tile, rattan seats and tables, wall decorations and even the ice cream recipes are original. You can order the legendary Tutti Frutti or Noodle Ice Cream which made of a perfect blend of vanilla and rum that will surely make your tongue happy.   If you find their ice cream having a rough texture, it is because Zangrandi only put natural ingredients on their ice cream without any preservatives. And of course they are still using the original Renato Zanggardi’s recipe. Don’t forget to take pictures while enjoying your ice cream day at Zangrandi, who knows one day you’ll be back here with your children and grandchild.

4 Javanese Traditional Weapons

4 Javanese Traditional Weapons

March 17, 2017

Informasi lengkap tentang 4 senjata tradisional khas jawa, lengkap dengan penjelasan, contoh-contoh dan juga dengan gambarnya
HERE’S WHAT’S IMPORTANT WHEN TRAVELING

HERE’S WHAT’S IMPORTANT WHEN TRAVELING

March 06, 2017

Either for business or leisure, here are some important things you need to know when traveling.                   Make a List  List down only important stuff that you need to bring during traveling, this will help you more organized. Avoid bringing stuff like bath amenities and towel because you will have that from the hotel anyway. But, if you are planning to have a night stay at the airport, you can move your liquid soap into a small container which could be easily kept in your hand bag. Roll up your clothes so you can have more space in the suitcase, this method could also prevent tangle on your clothes. Having more space on the suitcase means you are free from paying the excess baggage and fill it with souvenirs.     Bring 1 Gadget Imagine if you bring your laptop, ipad, GPS, handphone and a DSLR camera along on a holiday, would that be effective? Except for a business trip, bring only 1 phone that could also be used as a camera and GPS so you can be more freely to explore the destination.     Online Chek-in Don’t ruin your holiday mood just because you are late for check-in. Avoid this situation by check-in at least 10 hours prior the flight, which you can do from anywhere. This is to prevent you from being rushed to the airport. Another tips that might be useful for you is pack your own snacks and drinks. To keep fueled up during a trip can prevent you from not thinking straight when your tummy growls. You don’t want to get in the wrong line and end up being upset only because you are hungry, don’t you.      Images source: Google.com

5 SWIMMING POOLS IN SURABAYA

5 SWIMMING POOLS IN SURABAYA

March 06, 2017

Swimming is good for you! Either it is just for recreation or exercise, swimming gives abundant benefits to your body. Did you know, swimming for about 1 hour could burn around 500-600 calories, that’s why it is favorite by many people especially those on a diet. If you happen to be in Surabaya, here are 5 swimming pools you can visit to keep up that shape. 1. Singgasana Hotel Surabaya Swimming Pool Singgasana Hotel Surabaya has one of the biggest hotel swimming pools in town, completed with adult and children pool. In this hotel, people can enjoy varied facilities including their fitness center with only Rp. 75,000. Address         : Jl. Gunungsari, Surabaya Phone : 031-5682703   2. UNESA Swimming Pool The UNESA swimming pool is located within the area of Surabaya Public University (Universitas Negeri Surabaya). The Olympic sized pool is open every day including Sunday with a very affordable entrance fee. 3. Swimming Pool at Regency 21 Regency 21 is a housing area located in Jl. Arif Rahman Hakim. The swimming pool is located inside the housing and opens every day from 6 AM – 9.30 PM.    4. Ciputra Waterpark Surabaya If you’d like to take your children for a water adventure day, take them to Ciputra Waterpark Jakarta. This 5 acres waterpark offers various arenas including the famous Marina Lagoon, Synbad Playground, Chimera Pool and Syrens River. The entrance ticket costs 110,000 – 130,000 for adult and child.   5. Plaza Marina Swimming Pool Last but not least is the Plaza Marina Swimming Pool which is located at Plaza Marina Surabaya. The swimming pool opens every day starting from 8 AM to 6 PM, with IDR 25,000 for entrance fee.   Stay at Singgasana Hotel Surabaya and enjoy their sport facilities such as swimming pool, tennis and access to the fitness center for FREE. Guest staying at this hotel could also enjoy free dinner in Pasar Rakyat by booking through this website.   It’s always good to come home…

4 ROMANTIC PLACES FOR VALENTINE IN SURABAYA

4 ROMANTIC PLACES FOR VALENTINE IN SURABAYA

February 13, 2017

Happy February! For those longing to ask your special someone out for a dinner you who have or been dreaming of proposing your girlfriend, this is the right moment. Plan your romantic valentine dinner at least seven days before the day, so you have enough time to make a plan. And here are the 4 romantic places that you can visit on this valentine in Surabaya.           Angsana Terrace, Singgasana Hotel Surabaya The Angsana Terrace at Singgasana Hotel Surabaya is surrounded by greeneries. For the more intimate and romantic situation, you can reserve a table at their alfresco area. Don’t forget to ask some help form the staff if you want to make a surprise, they would be delighted to help. Angsana Terrace or which known as Pasar Rakyat Singgasana is usually have a live music to accompany your romantic dinner. Ready to reserve? Call 031-5682703 now.   Night Sailing Under Suramadu Bridge What could be more romantic than sailing at night with your loved one, with the Suramadu Bridge view at night as the background? Sailing with local boat is only IDR 5,000/person for sharing trip, but if you want to, you could hire one boat just for you two. Don’t forget to bring flowers to icing on the cake, it would be the greatest moment she’d ever have.   North Quay Surabaya The North Quay Surabaya is located at the 2nd and 3rd floor of Gapura Surya Nusantara Terminal, which is Surabaya’s port for international cruise ships. At the North Quay, you can enjoy the beautiful sea view while dining at their alfresco area.    Wonorejo Mangrove Forest Dare to do something unique? Have a date at Wonorejo Mangrove Forest. You can have a long romantic walk on the wooden bridge that surrounds around the forest, with the birds singing as the background. Sounds romantic already? Sometimes, there’s a little forest creature crosses by that might surprises your date, so you can have the chance to act like a hero to her.

Family Vacation in Surabaya

Family Vacation in Surabaya

November 14, 2016

You don’t have to wait for too long for a school holiday to have a family vacation. In Singgasana Hotel Surabaya you could do so much fun activities with the loved ones while staying at one of the biggest hotel resorts in Surabaya.    Book in Advance Book your room at least a week prior to get more discount and flexibilities. In Singgasana Hotel Surabaya, you can either choose a room or villa for easier access. The Villa at Singgasana Hotel Surabaya is fully furnished with a terrace, living room and a kitchenette.    Book through our website and get 10% discount plus extra benefits that you wouldn’t get when booking from other websites.   Family Outing When it’s sunny and lovely outside, then it’s the perfect time to have some adventures at the outbound area. Here you can play flying fox, have a picnic and do a lot of outdoor stuffs to tightened up your family bonding. Reservation prior arrival is needed. Dinner at Pasar Rakyat Pasar Rakyat at Singgasana Hotel Surabaya is increasingly popular nowadays. Here, guests will be pampered with delightful dishes ranging from traditional snacks to savory sea foods. Guests staying at Singgasana Hotel Surabaya can have access to enjoy Pasar Rakyat for free.    Last but not least, you can enjoy 50% OFF cake from the Cake Corner for every purchase after 7PM. Book your room now on this website and enter the promo code: BOOKNOW for extra 10% discount.    See you at Singgasana Hotel Surabaya.