Traditional Art

Kiprah Glipang Dance
Kiprah Glipang dance which is one of Probolinggo traditional dance and has been develop among the people’s life. This dance is conducted by the traditional music called “Glipang”. This dance reflected how strong and firm the men who join and become the soldier.

Kiprah Glipang popularly came from Pendil – Banyuanyar village, that’s why people say that Pendil – Banyuanyar is the place of Kiprah Glipang from. In fact, Pendil village in Banyuanyar district is publishing this traditional dance to all over Probolinggo area.

Ngiring Kucing Ceremony
Ngiring kucing ceremony is one of Indonesia traditional ceremony that comes from Probolinggo regency. It is held in Wonokerso village, Sumber district, Probolinggo regency, East java. The local inhabitant in that area is Tengger Javanese ethnicity who stay around Mount Bromo. Ngiring kucing is one of the traditional dance that always be celebrate till this period.

The equipment for Ngiring Kucing ceremony

• A male black cat
• Kuda Kencak, we can say “crazy horse” that usually used for circumstance event.
• Ketipung (like a small drum in gamelan ensemble) this is the instrument that can be used for ‘Kuda kencak’ procession and any other ceremony. This ketipung is a Tenggeresse instrument.
• Sesaji, is Ritual offering. It contains agricultural produce, animals and pets.
  (Source From Mr. Trombol)

Tugel Kuncung Ceremony
Tugel kuncung ceremony or Tugel gombak is also one of traditional ceremony that held by Tengger society in wonokerso village, Sumber district, Probolinggo regency, East Java. This ceremony held for four years old boy, who are ready to take the initiation. The boys’ forehead hair has been cut in order to get bless and welfare from God. In other word, Tugel Kuncung is hair cut ceremony for the boys, while; Tugel Gombak is the ceremony for the girls. This ceremony is obliged ceremony for Tengger people, which held once in a lifetime. The paranormal is cutting their hair. Before the ceremony, the society saying together in prays in local Pura. Local societies believe that Tugel Kuncung and Tugel Gombak refer to throw the bad luck away from the puberty teenage. Hope, by this ceremony they will avoided by the obstacle in life and have prosperity in the future. (Source From Mr. Trombol)

Wayang Topeng (Mask Puppet)
Mask puppet is other form of Puppet shows in East Java. Mask puppet is growing in Malang, Probolinggo, Situbondo and Sumenep. The show is like a human puppet, which are the artist played by the human players use mask. The story itself based on Mahabarata and Ramayana classic story, but in Topeng of Malang, there is also Panji’s story (A classic Javanese hero)

Legend of Mount Bromo

There is legend related to Mount Bromo and the region of Tengger. According to this legend, there was a 15th century princess named Roro Anteng from Majapahit who started a principality with her husband Joko Seger. They named the principality Tengger, an amalgam of the last syllable of both their names.

Being childless for many years, the royal couple made a trip up Mount Bromo to seek the help of the mountain gods in granting them a child. The gods agreed to their request, telling them that they would have 25 children, but demanded that they sacrifice their final child. Together, the couple had 24 children.

When the last and final child was born, Roro Anteng refused to sacrifice it. The mountain gods sent fire and brimstone until she finally relented. After the child was thrown into the crater of the volcano, his voice was heard asking that an annual ceremony be performed to appease the gods. The ceremony was still being performed to this day. It takes place on the 14th day of the full moon Kesodo, according to the Tenggerese calendar. Rice, fruits, vegetables, flowers and livestock are offered to the mountain gods.

The Story of Offering Kasada Ceremony

Hundreds years ago, during the reign of the last king of Majapahit, Brawijaya, the situation was so uncertain due to the expanding new religion, Islam. At the time, the queen gave birth a baby girl and named her Roro Anteng, later the princess married Joko Seger, a Brahma Caste.

Since the influences of the new religion was so strong that it created chaos. The king and his followers were forced to back off to the east, some of them reached Bali and some of them reached a volcano.

The new married couple, Roro Anteng and Joko Seger were also found among the fugitives who went to the volcano. Later they ruled the volcano area and named it Tengger. The word Tengger was derived from Roro Anteng and Joko Seger. Then he surnamed himself the riffle of Purba Wasesa Mangkurat Ing Tengger which means the righteous ruler of Tengger.

Years after year as the region flourished in prosperity, the King and Queen felt unhappy for they had no children to succeed their throne. On their desperation, they decided to climb the top of the volcano to pray and beseech before God, the Almighty. Deeply, impressed by the faith of their meditation affected the murmuring sound of the crater lifted up miraculously followed by a golden lightning that made the surrounding locked so scintillating. Their prayer were heard the God and would give them children, but they should sacrifice their last child as return. It was a promising future that could not be denied.

Not long after, the first baby boy was born and Roro Anteng named him Tumenggung Klewung. Child after child was born during the years and it reached 25 in number to whom she gave the named Kesuma for the last child.

Roro Anteng and Joko Seger were very happy ever since, love and affection were imparted among their children. Happiness lingered on years after years, but a dull and sad feeling still haunted them for their promise would be claimed one day. They realized that they could not run from the fact, a bitter disappointment of losing a child shot through their brains. The day came, the God reminded them of their promise which could not be avoided.

As they felt how cruel it was to sacrifice their beloved child, they decided to break their promise by not offering him to the God. They brought away their children in order to save their last child from the offering. They tried to find a place to hide, however, they could not find away.

All of by sudden, the dreadful eruption of the volcano followed to where they went and miraculously Kesuma, the last beloved child was swallowed into the crater. At the same time when Kesuma disappeared from their sight, turbulent brawl diminished and strange silence for a while but a sudden voice echoed: Hi, my beloved brothers and sisters. It was sacrificed to appear before God Hyang Widi Wasa to save all of you. And what I expect be in a peace and live prosperously. Don’t forget to set mutual assistance among you and to worship God constantly to arrange an offering ceremony annually on 14th of Kasada (the twelfth month of Tenggerese calendar) by full moon. For the sake of your God. Hyang Widi Wasa.

Kesuma’s Brothers and sisters held the offering ceremony annually just like what Kesuma advised and it was held from generation to generation up to now.

Kedaton Temple

Kedaton Temple is one of the unique temples that made of Andesit stone. This temple built about the end of XIV century is unique temple with beautiful scenery around. It is located in 60 km to south of Probolinggo at Argopuro valley. The summary of Garudeya story has carved on its relief. The location of this Hindu building is in Lawang Kedaton sub-village, Andungbiru village, Tiris district, Probolinggo regency. The temple sized 6 meters square and has year signed on its stair, 1292 saka (1370 A.D).

Kedaton temple has 33 relief on the temple's feet. Beside Garudeya story, some relief are told about legend story, such as; Arjunawiwaha and Bhomakwya. The other relief story has not known yet.
Garudeya story described in three relief. Two relief published by Bernet Kempers in 1959 in his famous book, Ancient Indonesian Art. One relief is the scene of Eagle open his mouth to eat residents; the other relief is the scene of Eagle say thank you to his mother.

The small Kedaton temple seems has big attractive value of its relives. Bernet Kempers published the other two relives that described about legend of Bhomakawya. "A Very Emotional Scene", said Kempers to a relief that described Samba, Khresna's son, visit Princess Yajnavati before he fight with a Giant soldier.

Beside Bernet Kempers, Balai Arkeologi Yogyakarta (Archeology Center In Yogyakarta) consider the important of Kedaton temple relives as the source about flora and fauna, and also the source about ancient Java fashion. Those are described on the relives and has documented in 1997.

Jabung temple

The other Probolinggo tourism that we can find is Jabung temple, which becomes one of ancient and historical heritages in Probolinggo. It is located in Jabung village, in Paiton district.
The temple is located in the village Jabung Jabung, Paiton subdistrict, Probolinggo. Building materials made ​​of brick and Jabung temple size is 13.13 meters long, 9.60 meters wide and 16.20 meters high. Jabung temple stands on a plot of land measuring 35 meters x 40 meters.
Physical restoration in 1983-1987, the extent of increased environmental regulation 20.042 m2 and is situated at an altitude above sea level 8M.

Jabung temple facing the West, on the west side of the bay to the front, is the former arrangement of stairs going up into the temple. Southwest side of the temple there is a temple courtyard. Corner tower in estimate corners of the fence, its function as a complement to the main building Jabung temple. Corner of the temple tower made ​​of brick, the temple building measuring each side of 2:55 meters, 6 meters high.
Jabung temple architecture is very attractive, has a shelf components, legs, body and roof, the rounded body shape (octagonal cylinder) standing on the foot of the temple which betingkat three square shaped. While on the roof dagoda (stupa) but at the peak of the roof had collapsed and the tendrils ornate motifs. Inside the temple there is a pedestal viewfinder area, based on inscriptions on the entrance of the temple was founded in 1276 Jabung c (Preferred) = 1354 AD future greatness of the kingdom of Majapahit. According to religion, Buddhism in the book and Pararaton Kertagama Nagara temple mentioned by name Jabung Bajrajinaparamitapura. In the book of Nagara Kertagama Jabung temple visited by King Hayam Wuruk in 1359 AD on Pararaton book called Sajabung Bhra Halak is the burial place of one of the royal family.

Jabung temple consists of parts: shelf, legs, body and roof.

    Part of the temple servant:
    Batur temple is a length of 13.11 meters, width 9.58 meters above the shelf, there is a narrow corridor round and there are some relief panels depicting everyday life.
    1. An ascetic wearing a turban with his face.
    2. Two men who were in the well, one of the straps holding the bucket.
    3. Among the panel-panels are panels of prominent globular sort of medallion and relifnya in the medallion is worn.
    4. Lions facing each other.
    The foot of the temple:
    Basically rectangular shape, the west or the front there is a part that juts out or parts that support the construction of the ascent. Jabung temple there is a rectangular chamber with size 1:30 x 1:30 meters there is no entrance to enter it.

    The foot of the temple is divided by 2 (two) the foot of the temple.
        a. portion temple foot first level
            Starting from the above lis shaped shelf agief (3:51 bell) with the hangings Padina leaves, then trim flat with kitinggian approximately 60 cm above the trim-trim panels are areas that consist of 30 layers of red brick or as high as 12 meters in the field of carved panels medallion motif. Field of ornaments upright leaves of which are already not so clear due to wear. In the generally upright in pahatkan painting to human, animals and trees.
            b. The foot of the temple two levels:
            The shape is almost the same as the first level of the foot of the temple, lotus leaf decoration begins and flat trim. In some parts there are 50 cm wide vertical field contains carvings and ornaments kala leaves.
    Temple Body Parts
    Parts of the human body there is a relief of the temple, the house and the trees, on the southeast corner there is a relief depicting a woman riding a fish backs, this relief in Hindu religion tells the story of Sri Tanjung release of the soul. Relif Sri Tanjung was also present in the temple upgrading Blitar, and Kediri Surowono temple gate Bajangratu Mojokerto. In the midsection of the temple through the door to see the temple room measuring 2.60 x 2.58 meters and 5.52 meters high and at the top there is butu ornate cupola cover.
    Once part of the body temple sits forwarded to the temple of the body are round (cylindrical) looks strong / stable enough decorated reliefs and carvings are beautiful and delicate carvings. Above the door all the time in pahatkan form at the bottom of the doorway rectangular shape which protrude out the middle carved dragon head. At the top of the door frame there are stone blocks are carved rosette in the middle labeled with the number Saka year 1276 or 1354 AD is a testament to the construction of the temple Jabung.
    The roof of the temple.
    The roof of the temple is gone, the remains most likely the roof top shaped stupa and decorated with tendrils motive.
    Activities of the village temple temple restoration Jabung Jabung districts Paiton, Probolinggo district as a tribute to the work of the ancestors of the nation to preserve the building is a testament to the majesty of the nation's history and heritage as well as a means of developing cultural tourism.
    Jabung temple restoration project undertaken by the restoration and maintenance of historical and archaeological heritage of East Java in cooperation with the Directorate of protection and guidance Jakarta historical and archaeological heritage, and archeological field permusiuman regional offices of education and culture of East Java, asylum relics and Archaeology of East Java and Office of the Ministry of Education and Culture Probolinggo district and not too little government assistance Probolinggo Region II level.

Gili Ketapang

Gili Ketapang is an island that is North Sea of Probolinggo. It has beautiful scenery and there are many sands in the east and south of this, unpolluted and bluish. There are many kinds of colorful corals. It is about 5 miles from Ujung Tembaga port and takes 30 minutes by boat. The population is 7.600, the most of them are Madurese and almost 90% are fishermen.

Beside its scenery, there is also “Goa Kucing”. According to historical, this is the rest place of Syech Ishaq, a person who spread Islam from Blambangan, Banyuwangi. At that time, there are thousands cats, but finally the cats are gone everywhere. Up to know, on Friday “Legi”, the sound of those cats is heard from the dark cave and it will lose when we are trying to find it.

The other unique of this island is people believe that this island have a mysterious power, which can move to the middle of sea. According to them, when Semeru Mountain had exploded, there was an earthquake and the land of Ketapang village had separated to middle of sea about 5 miles from Probolinggo. Because of that, people call this island “Gili Ketapang”. Gili comes from Madura language, which means, “Flow” and “Ketapang” is the name of the village.

Bentar Beach

Bentar Indah beach located at Gending district, in the side road of Surabaya - Banyuwangi, 7 km from the east to Probolinggo. Bentar Indah beach is the way to Bali - Surabaya - Yogyakarta - Jakarta, so that it is a potential tourism object.

There is a hill beside the Bentar Indah beach, because it’s located on the main road curve. So that, the tourist can climbs the hill and enjoy the beautiful of sea scenery. There is white sand that spread along the beach and watch the interesting of sea waves in Bentar beach. The tourists can also fishing, because in the east mangroves forest will be made for traditional dam, which will have fishes and shrimps seed. Beside that, the visitor can do the other holiday activities, such as; swimming, boating, sun bathing, volley beach, etc.

Because of this, Beautiful Bentar can be developed as a Resort which still a supporting tourism ideal object. It will be built Terapung Hotel with good facilities. They are water sport, sea aquarium, play ground, swimming pool mangroves forest, fish pond and soon. Remembering between Surabaya to Denpasar Bali is only one beach recreation place as stop over. This is pasir putih (white sand) in Situbondo. Because of  that, Bentar Indah will have a good prospect.

Bentar Indah is located on the main road curve, there is a hill beside it. If the tourists want to climb the hill. They will see Bentar Indah near the beach with a beautiful sea scenery. In the east mangroves forest it will be made for traditional dam. It will give fishes and shrimps seed. If you want to fishing, you must pay for taking care the dam if there is facilities. The travelling from Probolinggo to Gili Ketapang Island is not trough Tanjung Tembaga port any more, but to Bentar Indah Beach.

Sometimes in Bentar Indah beach there is something unique happens every year.
there are a bunch of leopard sharks that come every year on the beach.
sharks usually come on the beach in January to March.

Madakaripura

Leaving misty Mount Bromo behind and descending into the Probolinggo Regency, one will find a spectacular sight secluded within the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park: this is the enchanting Madakaripura Waterfall. Believed to be the final meditation place of military Commander-in-Chief, Gajah Mada, of the great Javanese kingdom of Majapahit in East Java, the towering waterfall is fondly dubbed the eternal waterfall, since its waters never cease to pour down an endless rain of blessings on those fortunate enough to walk underneath it.

Located not too far from Mount Bromo near the village of Sapih, in the Lombang district, Madakaripura Waterfall is about three hours’ drive from the capital of East Java, Surabaya. The spectacular waterfall lies hidden at the end of a deep valley in the foothills of the Tengger mountain range. To reach this, visitors must trek about 20 minutes crossing rivers and a rocky path, set amongst beautiful sceneries along the way, before reaching the entrance. Here a statue of Majapahit‘s great Commander, Gajah Mada, in the seated position of deep meditation greets visitors before they continue further on foot.

An atmosphere of natural grandeur radiates around as the waterfall comes into view. As the rumbling sounds of water grows louder, a spellbinding feature of water curtains cover the path, that will not only please the eyes but also freshen body and soul. Here, nature gracefully pours her endless refreshing gifts, making getting wet quite inevitable. While it may be best to be ready with raincoats or umbrellas, stalls along the trekking path will offer umbrella rentals and plastic bags to protect valuables, such as cameras.

The path ends in a surreal tube-like valley where the staggering 200 meters gallant waterfall highlights the scene. Decorated with a cave on the wall which was believed to be the exact location where Commander in Chief Gajah Mada performed his last meditation, Madakaripura Waterfall is even dubbed as the tallest waterfall in Java and the second tallest waterfall in Indonesia after Sigura-gura Waterfall near Lake Toba, North Sumatra. While the waterfall’s sheer height is by itself already a wonder, the ambience around the area is truly something that needs to be experienced first-hand to be believed.

Surrounded by outstandingly high walls, the Fall flows down into an almost mystical natural chamber. Inside the 200 meters “chamber”, the reflected sunlight shining through onto the wet green moss on the rocky wall accompanied by the ever rumbling sounds of water creates a spectacle unlikely found elsewhere. Decorated with huge boulders, endlessly falling water, and sparkling moss, one only needs to gaze up to the distant sky and immerse oneself in the spellbinding beauty of nature. While the fascinating scene can be captured on camera, the true sensation of being in one of the most outstanding places on earth can only be felt by being there.             

According to ancient Javanese 14^th century epic poem, Negarakretagama,  Madakaripura was a piece of land given to  Commander Gajah Mada by the Majapahit King Hayam Wuruk. Gajah Mada himself is the most celebrated military commander in the history of the great Javanese Majapahit Kingdom that thrived between 1293 to 1500AD.  Its commander is recognized as the main figure who succeeded in unifying the entire Indonesian Archipelago then under the huge Majapahit empire (that at the time was said to stretch until Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Southern Thailand , the Philippines and East Timor) under his famous oath the “Sumpah Palapa”.

It is said that the source of his overwhelming power and abilities lie within the cave of the Madakaripura Waterfall, where Gajah Mada frequently came to meditate. The great commander eventually chose the place as his last place for mediation before he was believed to have been –what ancient Javanese believed- “Muksha” -  or vanished spiritually and physically from the face of the earth, rather than just dying  physically.  To honor this legacy, many people still visit the Falls to meditate or perform rituals, especially on the eve of 1 Suro, the Javanese New Year.

As a place that is historically significant, culturally sacred, and naturally spellbinding, Madakaripura is simply a must, when you visit East Java.

Mount Bromo

The most popular tourism spot in java and Indonesia as well is Mount Bromo. Mount Bromo, is an active volcano and part of the Tengger massif, in Probolinggo, Indonesia. At 2,329 metres (7,641 ft) it is not the highest peak of the massif, but is the most well known. The massif area is one of the most visited tourist attractions in East Java, Indonesia. The volcano belongs to the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The name of Bromo derived from Javanese pronunciation of Brahma, the Hindu  creator God.

Mount Bromo sits in the middle of a vast plain called the “Sea of Sand” (Javanese: Segara Wedi or Indonesian: Lautan Pasir), a protected nature reserve since 1919. The typical way to visit Mount Bromo is from the nearby mountain village of Cemoro Lawang. From there it is possible to walk to the volcano in about 45 minutes, but it is also possible to take an organised jeep tour, which includes a stop at the viewpoint on Mount Penanjakan (2,770 m or 9,088 ft) (Indonesian: Gunung Penanjakan). The best views from Mount Bromo to the Sand Sea below and the surrounding volcanoes are at sunrise. The viewpoint on Mount Penanjakan can also be reached on foot in about two hours. From inside the caldera, sulfur is collected by workers.

On the fourteenth day of the Hindu festival of Yadnya Kasada, the Tenggerese  people of Probolinggo, East Java, travel up the mountain in order to make offerings of fruit, rice, vegetables, flowers and sacrifices of livestock to the mountain gods by throwing them into the caldera of the volcano. The origin of the ritual lies in the 15th century legend where a princess named Roro Anteng started the principality of Tengger with her husband, Joko Seger. The couple were childless and therefore beseeched the assistance of the mountain gods. The gods granted them 24 children but stipulated that the 25th child, named Kesuma, must be thrown into the volcano as human sacrifice. The gods’ request was implemented. The tradition of throwing sacrifices into the volcano to appease these ancient deities continues today and called Yadnya Kasada ceremony. Though fraught with danger, some locals risk climbing down into the crater in an attempt to recollect the sacrificed goods that believed could bring them good luck.

On the Segara Wedi sand plain sits a Hindu temple called Pura Luhur Poten. The temple holds a significant importance to the Tenggerese scatter across the mountainous villages such as Ngadisari, Wonokitri, Ngadas, Argosari, Ranu Prani, Ledok Ombo and Wonokerso. The temple organized annual Yadnya Kasada ceremony which lasts for about one month. On the 14th day, the Tenggerese will congregate at Pura Luhur Poten to ask for blessings from Ida Sang Hyang Widi Wasa and God of Mahameru (Mount Semeru). Then the mass will proceed along the crater edges of Mt Bromo where offerings will be thrown into the crater. The major difference between this temple with the Balinese ones are the type of stones and building materials. Pura Luhur Poten uses natural black stones from volcanoes nearby, while Balinese temples mostly made from red bricks. Inside this pura, there are several buildings and enclosures aligned in Mandala zone composition.

Mount Bromo is one of two volcanoes that were created following a massive eruption which created an enormous caldera in which are the active Mount Bromo and the non-active Mount Batok. The caldera has seen been filled with grey sands, and is called Laut Pasir or Sand Sea. Trekkers walk through this expanse on their way to Mount Bromo. The scenery is reminiscent of earth in its primeval age or a moonscape. This is more so when a layer of mist carpets the caldera floor.

Standing at a height of 2392 meters, Mount Bromo isn’t the tallest mountain in Java. That title goes to 3676 meter tall Mount Semeru, located to the south of Mount Bromo and within sight. Also called Mahameru, meaning “great mountain”, Mount Semeru is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia constantly belching steam from its peak.

An undulating plateau interrupted by valleys and lakes reaches right to the foot of Mount Semeru. They are all located within the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park.

Welcome to Probolinggo

Probolinggo is one of area of East Java, which consists of Javanese, Maduranese, Pendalungan (descents of Java and Maduranese) and Tenggerese who still keep a strong hold of their tradition and custom for so many centuries. Probolinggo has bordered by a group of mountains that is Mount Semeru, Mount Bromo, and Mount Argopuro and northerly is the beach line. Probolinggo’s soil has highly fertile, because the land was formed out mechanical soil full of minerals derived from volcanic explosions.

On this mountains surrounding Probolinggo, we can find beautiful scenery with its points of natural interests, history and culture. Those three elements combine into fantastic and fascinating enchantment.
Completed with the other Probolinggo’s tourism object such as; Madakaripura Waterfall, Gili Ketapang Island, Bentar Beach, Jabung Temple, an Rengganis Peak; make this regency become the perfect area as the tourism area. Probolinggo is easy to reach, as it is located on the provincial main route. The most convenient means of transportation is intercity bus. We can choose economy bus or executive bus.