Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Sade Village, the native Sasak’s village at Rembitan area, Lombok

The Sade Village (S8.83926 E116.29181) is located northward 8km from Kuta beach, in the Rembitan area of Lombok, the journey took around 20 minutes. Sade Village is the most frequent visit by tourist everyday, therefore the village guide welcome us and explain the culture along the village tour.

The Sasak people live mainly on the island of Lombok, Indonesia, numbering around 2.6 million (85% of Lombok’s population). They are related to the Balinese in language and race, although the Sasak are predominantly Muslim while the Balinese are Hindu. Source from here.

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The most ancient Sasak village in Lombok is the village of Bayan, situated near the foot of Mount Rinjani, which is the stronghold of the Wektu Telu. Wektu Telu is the distinct feature of religion, a syncretic belief of Islam intertwined with elements of Hinduism, Buddhism, and ancient traditional beliefs, unique to Lombok island.

A small minority of Sasaks called the Bodha (estimated population: 8,000) are mainly found in the village of Bentek and on the slopes of Gunung Rinjani. They are totally untouched by Islamic influence and worship animistic gods, incorporating some Hindu and Buddhist influences in their rituals and religious vocabulary. This group of Sasak, due in part to the name of their tribe, are recognized as Buddhists by the Indonesian government.” Source from here.

Nonetheless, despite differences in religious beliefs, the Sasak live in harmony among themselves.

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There were houses, rice barn (lumbung) and ceremonial hall (beruga) in the village. All the roof are covered by elephant plant (alang-alang), providing coolness in hot weather and warmth during night. The wall are mostly made by bamboo and the interesting part is the floor and some half wall is made by the mixture of clay and buffalo feces.Well, it was not stink at all. Beside that, it also works as a mosquito repellent.

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The Sasak’s house basically divided into 3 session : sleeping area, living room and kitchen. Men are restricted at the first session to protect the women in the house, because if the man want to marry the woman, he has to ‘kidnap’ the women (but with the permission). The tradition has been continue until today…

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Men in the village mostly are farmer, while the women stay at home weaving, making handicrafts and souvenirs for the visitors and tourists.

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The modernization seems powerless to change the village, and they still maintained the authenticity which also supported by the local community and their original language – The Sasak language.

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The entrance of their house is designed not higher than adult, so every guest come in have to lower down their head while passing through, it’s a way to respect the host.

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We enjoyed the tour very much and learn a lot from the culture of indigenous Sasak villagers, they were friendly too…

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After visiting the Sade village, it was almost dinner time…and we heading to Senggiri beach for seafood dinner…

Related post for Lombok island trip :-
Airasia media FAM trip to Lombok Island – Indonesia on July 2014

Categories
Malaysia Travel Guide

Penang


Plan at least three days in Penang, There’s so much to see and do in Penang, good food everywhere, beautiful beaches to relax your mind, excellent well maintained hotels, and fascinating shopping malls and pasar malam (night market). Here are some Penang itineraries …
penang map

Here are maps of Penang, and here’s information on Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport and how to get to Georgetown from there. If you are taking an express bus, you will probably arrive at the new bus terminal Sungai Nibong and the Railway Station is on the mainland, located at Butterworth, Seberang Prai, if you took the KTM train. Ferry services are also available from Langkawi daily.

Most of Penang’s fancier accommodation is in the form of beach resorts on the main tourist beach of Batu Ferringhi. More backpacker-friendly options, as well as a few classical luxury hotels, can be found in Georgetown, Other areas to stay in Penang Island include: Tanjung Bungah, Gurney Drive, and Bayan Lepas. Seberang Perai (Mainland) offers several other accommodation alternatives.

Many of Penang’s top sights such as Georgetown, Penang Hill, Weld Quay Clan Jetties, Kek Lok Si Temple, and the Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple, are in Penang Island. For beach lovers, Penang’s best beaches are on the northern side, particularly Batu Ferringhi, but do be prepared for the heavy tourist crowd especially during peak seasons.

Eating is almost considered a national past time here, so dine on authentic Malaysian cuisine in an excellent restaurant, or simply grab a chair by the countless food stalls. Consume a Char Kway Teow along Penang street, and you’ll realize why it’s my favourite dish in Malaysia.

You can see Penang’s top sights in a rush on an overnight stay, but you’ll need at least two days to do them justice, and three or four days to really get a sense of the island. In a week, you can get a good look at most of what Penang has to offer.

Welcome to Penang, The Pearl of the Orient.