All posts by Shem MD

Shem MD is a young doctor who really has a passion for travel and food. He started his hobby of writing about travel and food when he graduated from medical school and became the founder of Travelfore.com. Through a blog created by him, he aspires to gather stories from people all over the world about their experiences in travel and food. He also was a true lover of the art of magic, musical instruments, and mind-blowing movies. And most importantly he is a big fan of Liverpool Football Club. The words often out of him were "Nomad is my middle name !" Shem MD also get Internet Marketing Fundamentals Practitioner Certification, Social Media Practitioner Certification, Content Marketing Practitioner Certification, Display Advertising Practitioner Certification from Marketmotive.com and a member of OMCP Organization. Shem MD also get Hootsuite Certified Professional and a Hootsuite Media Inc. Community Ambassador for Asia Pacific (ID) (Volunteer) Passionate in Digital Marketing, Internet Marketing, and Social Media. Specialties: Entrepreneurship, Business Building, Creative Strategy, Social Media Strategist, Travel and Food Blogging, General Medical Practitioner, Skin Care Business, Magic Props, and Concept Consultant.

Asia, Destinations, Editor's Picks, Indonesia

Wakatobi Island: Under the Water and Above the Water Beauty

03/08/2014 Shem MD 1 Comment

Most foreign tourists only know Bali as a part of the famous and popular destinations in Indonesia. However, do you know that there is way more beautiful place in Indonesia? It is Wakatobi, an island that serves you authentic natural beauty of Indonesia’s nature. The name of Wakatobi is derived from the islands of Wangi-Wangi (local people called it Wanci), Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko that exist there. To reach Wakatobi, you may choose between air or water transportation (it’s just 2 hours from Bali island), but the best option should be using a boat, where you can enjoy or relax yourself while sightseeing, while the boat is passing through the sea.

Increasing popularity as a premium vacation spot

Wakatobi begins to gain its status as a premium vacation spot now, since it offers various holiday options, including diving, sightseeing, canoeing, exploring the exotica of the island, and many more. Wakatobi is also the name of national park, which becomes the home of coral reef, marine biodiversities along 600 km of the island’s territory. From the 850 known coral species in the world, 750 of them are in the Wakatobi.

Can you imagine how beautiful this island, then? These diversities become one of the major attractions for both domestic and foreign tourists to spend their quality time in this island. Frankly speaking, Wakatobi is actually located in s remote area with lack of infrastructure; but that is the interesting part. With fewer people and building operations around you, you will get the most private and exclusive time during your vacation in this area.

Adventurous Spots in Wakatobi

Diving

If you love outdoor activities, you can rent a boat that offers you sailing comfort and enables you to dive into the beautiful sea, snorkel or swim. This way, you can enjoy Indonesia’s paradise under water.

Cultural attractions

This island also provides cultural tourism spots that become special attractions for the tourists. There is old Dirkaton Lia mosque located in Wangsel sub district, Kraton Bente mosque in Kaledupa sub district as the Islam missionary historical heritage sites. Enjoying yourself under the sun deck; seeing the sunset is relaxing, while talking about your days with the loved one.

Above-the-water attractions

Another interesting place to spend your above-the-water vacation in Wakatobi is visiting a genuine sea gypsy village. Here, you can spend your hours exploring the lifestyle of the local forger, producing fine local weapon such as ‘Keris’, or learning how the traditional industry produces Sarong. Although it is not an extremely adventurous experience, you can check out the culture and customs of the local people, and interact with them. Of course, this is rather entertaining.

Visiting Wakatobi would be the best thing to do around March until December. During the summer months is the best time to dive or spot pilot whales. The weather is not very cold, yet you will still be able to feel a refreshing shower during the first and last months of the season. What is vacation without tasting fine local cuisine? In Wakatobi, you can enjoy traditional foods such as Kasoami, Kambalu, Kauolo, and many more.

Destinations, Editor's Picks, Europe, Food, Street Food Guide

Enjoy a Culinary Tour in La Boqueria Market, Spain

03/04/2014 Shem MD Leave a comment

Ask everyone, and almost everyone will agree that La Boqueria Market is a perfect place to taste Spanish dishes. Located in Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona, Catalona, Spain, La Boqueria market is one of the main and foremost tourists’ attractions that offer a wide range of good and food selections. From Pincho to Tapas, all types of traditional and modern Spanish dishes are available in this market. It is one of the most famous food markets in the world, especially in Europe, and it attracts more than a million people every year. This landmark has well-known restaurants and cafés, full of delicious cuisine.

Originally, the first public market was opened on Saint Joseph’s day, in March 19th 1840. This place was firstly transformed into modern market in 1914, when Marquis Campo Sagrado, Catalonia’s general captain at that time, decided the rules for the market after the convent was gone. Not only does it offer excellent dishes, the market is also home for fresh ingredients presented in great charm by the local sellers.

Extraordinary Spanish Cuisines

Enjoying the landmark of this site will not be complete if you do not try the traditional Spanish dishes along the street, either offered in outdoor or indoor food stalls. The following are some must-try dishes at La Boqueria Market:

Manchego Cheese

This type of cheese is very popular and important sheep’s cheese in Spain. It is has unique characteristics, in terms of both taste and appearance. This cheese is made from pure milk of Manchega sheep, bred in La Mancha region, which has cool weather and lush plants for the sheep to eat. This dish has been a part of tradition of Spanish people in the past. Therefore, make sure you taste one from the traditional restaurant that still preserves the original taste of the cheese.

Jabugo

Jabugo or Jamon Iberico is an Iberian ham and it has become a special dish in Spain and Portugal, derived from black Iberian pig. The price rate, taste, and grade are varied according to the pig’s diet. The finest and most expensive grade of the ham is called bellota, which is obtained from pigs grown in oak forest at the border between Spain and Portugal. The animal eats only acorns.

Tapas

If you are wandering around La Boqueria market, make sure you try Tapas. It is a snack or appetizer, which you will definitely find in the market, offered in various presentation. One of the most famous places that serve tapas in Spain along La Boqueria market is Pinotxo Bar. The bar offers you delicious and cooked tapas and it is highly recommended by the tourists and local people.

In addition, during your visit, if you like to enjoy a relaxing morning or afternoon, you can try Spanish specialist, Café con Leche. It is a white coffee beverage, which is similar to caffe latte. The beverage is made from strong or bold coffee, mixed with scalded milk, depending on the customers’ preference. This type of beverage is very suitable to enjoy after you spend your time walking around the market.

Chivas Regal and History behind the Best Scotch Whiskey

03/03/2014 Shem MD 3 Comments

A whiskey tasting shall not complete if you have not try Chivas Regal yet. The best thing about this liquor is that it is widely available and accessible in almost every continent – from Europe to Asia Pacific. You can enjoy the unique taste of this Scotch whiskey in a classy café or restaurant or order it from the shop, and enjoy it right in your home with the loved ones in a special occasion. The whiskey is produced in various ranges, which depend on the year of the production. Just like any other liquor, the older it is, the more expensive it will be. The taste is incredibly unexpected for a widely available whiskey, yet in limited quantities; some have low expectation, but wait until you taste it yourself.

The History of Chivas Rigal

It dates back in the 1801, where the Chivas Brothers established a grocery store in Aberdeen, providing supply of goods, and malt whiskey in highest quality to the local people at that time. The Chivas brothers also supplied provisions for the royal family after Queen Victoria’s visit to Scotland. As the business grew, they gained reputation and started to build their own brands. It began with the advent of grain whiskey in 1830s, and James Chivas started to provide fine Scotch whiskies of their aged blends in the shop.

For their outstanding work of service, in 1843, they were granted Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria to supply provisions to the Royal Households. Since then, the Brothers responded to the high demand of the customers for smoother whiskey. In their home’s distillery in Keith, they started to select and blended the finest malt and grain whiskey of smoothness and richness harmony of flavor. This is what is recognized as the new method of producing fine whiskey.

In 1909, the 25-year-old blend of Chivas regal product entered New York, and in a short period, the new product became popular among the elite of Manhattan. Unfortunately, despite its popularity and high demand, the 25-year-old blend was shut down due to the prohibition in 1920. In 1938, Chival Regal made a comeback in the market with their 12-year-old blend whiskey, and the company grew rapidly due to the exceptional publication and campaign.

The Beginning of Popularity

In 1997, a new signature was born, namely 18-year-old blend Chival Regal, which achieved several award for new blend. This premium quality of scotch is a unique blend, containing exceptionally deep, complex, and richness of flavor. In 2007, the 25-year-old blend of whiskey was recreated by master blender Charles Howard in the same Chivas tradition. Up until today, Chivas Regal still stands tall and loved by the customers.

With such a long history, it is no wonder that Chivas Regal achieves its position today as the best-blend scotch. This whiskey has the smoothest texture according to almost every scotch lovers around the world; every aspect of this liquor deserves premium status. This drink is the perfect gift to impress someone, or to hold a dinner banquet. Despite those super-premium characteristics, Chivas Regal comes in a very expensive price, and it is only available in limited stock.

Asia, Cultural and Historical Heritage, Destinations, Editor's Picks

Places to Visit in China for ‘Romance of Three Kingdoms’ Trip

02/27/2014 Shem MD 1 Comment

If you love Chinese culture, you must know about the famous historical romance, ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’. This romance, which portrays the turbulent era of Three Kingdom Period in the 3rd century A.D., has become a favorite story around the world and even made into various movie and stage play adaptations. Romance of the Three Kingdoms trip has become favorite travel plan for those who visit China, where people will visit places that are depicted in the romance or places related to popular movie and series adaptation.

So, what kind of places you can visit if you are also a fan of this romance? There are two kinds of travel plans you can do: visit to places that become background of the famous series adaption in China, and visit to places that actually appear in the romance. Both offer beautiful view and fascinating historical trip, and you will be happy to see for yourself places that appear in your favorite Chinese historical romance.
Here are some recommended places to see for your Romance of the Three Kingdoms trip in China.

Wuhan City, Hubei

This is a very important city in China, a center of trade, education and tourism industry and also the fifth biggest city in China. Wuhan once ruled by the Kingdom of Wu, one of important kingdoms during the actual Three Kingdom period between 220 and 280 A. D. This city is bustling with activities and you can see a lot of interesting things and places of interests here.

Chibi (Red Cliff), Yangtze River

Everyone who knows the story of Romance of the Three Kingdoms must know the name of Red Cliff. Also known as Chibi, the cliff that is located near Yangtze River is one of the must-visit places in China for Romance of the Three Kingdoms trip. The famous war between the three kingdoms in the year 280 happened here, and people love to visit this cliff to commemorate the heroic Zhuge Liang, the main character in the romance, and also admire the beautiful view.

The Ancient City of Jingzhou

Jingzhou is also a place that became site of a great war between the three kingdoms. This is a beautiful historical city with polygonal protective walls, six entrance gates, hundreds of mausoleums, ancient tombs and many other historical relics. The tombs themselves are the resting places for descendants of Chu Kingdom families. This is a great place to visit for all the romance fans.

Wuxi, the Famous Series Set

The most famous series adaptation of Romance of the Three Kingdoms were filmed in a city called Wuxi, and many romance fans also love to visit this city because of this. The large studio in this city is also called Three Kingdoms City based on the popularity. If you watch the show, you will be happy to involve this city as one of destinations for your Romance of Three Kingdoms visit. Aside from the actual series site, Wuxi also has a lot of beautiful places such as lakes and parks. You can ride rickshaw or watch martial art demonstration at nearby Shaolin Temple.

Asia, Destinations, Editor's Picks, Indonesia, Sport and Adventure

Unforgettable Mahakam River Adventure in East Borneo

02/25/2014 Shem MD Leave a comment

Do you want something challenging when visiting East Borneo? Try joining Mahakam River adventure, a popular travel package designed for tourists who want to look more closely the beauty of forest, river and culture of Dayak people in Borneo. Almost the entire trip is conducted on the boat, although tourists will also walk out the boat to walk in the forest and visit various Dayak villages and communities. You can get exciting adventure, but you still get the comfort of well planned travel package.
Since this is a popular package in travel companies in Borneo, you can get guides who speak English, good accommodation, and even air conditioned boat for extra comfort.

Beautiful Nature Trip in Mahakam River Adventure

If you join Mahakam River Adventure, you can see everything that makes East Borneo forest famous. Once you enter the forest, your guide will show you beautiful birds, exotic trees and flowers, river dolphins and, if you are lucky, you can see orangutans among the trees. You can also visit orangutan sanctuary and research center. Guides know when Mahakam’s unique river dolphins appear on the surface, so do not miss it. You can also step out of the boat on designated spots and do jungle trekking in Kutai National Park.
Imagine the feeling when you spend the night sleeping in an air conditioned boat and waking up with the sight of rainforest in the morning with birds and river singing. This is truly an unforgettable trip to take.

Cultural Trip in Mahakam River Adventure

Mahakam River is an important river for Dayak people living around it, so you will also get a chance to see cultural richness of Dayak people. For example, during your trip, you will visit places such as the village of Dayak Benuaq people with its signature longhouse, where you can see traditional dances, ceremony and weapon. You can also visit unique floating house in Tanjung Isuy area, see actual Dayak villages along the river, and visit the Palace of Sultan Kartanegara, which was converted into museum.
This is a trip that will open your eyes about the richness of culture in East Borneo; therefore, this is a great trip to take if you are with family.

Preparation for Mahakam River Adventure

Since Mahakam River adventure involves visit to the forest and traditional villages as well as trekking, there are some preparations and notions to remember:

Always prepare appropriate clothing to explore the forest and river; wear good shoes to tread the wildlife area, comfy socks, cotton clothing, wide brim hat, and apply sunscreen. Also, prepare mosquito repellent.
Do not bring excessive things when you are doing jungle trekking or visiting villages. Prepare a nice, comfortable bag to carry essentials such as bottled water, tissue, bug repellent, sunscreen, camera, wallet and maybe small binocular if you want to see birds and monkeys.
Do not litter or destroy plants and hurt animals. Also, do not act disrespectfully when visiting Dayak villages; always respect people you meet and pay attention to what the guide says.

Mahakam River Adventure is the best adventure trip you can take in East Borneo.

Asia, Destinations, Editor's Picks, Indonesia

Derawan Island, the Best Island Trip Destination in Borneo

02/24/2014 Shem MD Leave a comment

If you love island trip, consider visiting East Borneo province in Indonesia. This province is famous for its Derawan Island; an area consists of several smaller islands with beautiful beaches. The island has become very famous since the 90’s as a great place to do diving, snorkeling, watching sea turtles and golden jellyfish, and basically just enjoying beautiful nature of East Borneo. You require hours of trip from the international airport of Sepinggan in Balikpapan, but it is really worth the trip.

About Derawan Island Location

Derawan Island is a part of administrative area of Berau Regency, about 30 minutes of plane trip from Balikpapan City. However, once you arrive in Berau, you still have to use car to the Port of Tanjung Batu, before using boat to reach Derawan Island. It takes about 3 hours from Balikpapan to Derawan (not to mention extra time you must spend in other trips before reaching Balikpapan), but there are many transportation means that can take you there because of the popularity of this island.

Derawan Island itself consists of 4 main islands; Sangalaki, Derawan, Kakaban and Maratua. You can visit each of this island area by using boat rented from the island next to it. For full travel around all islands in one day, you can rent a boat that costs around $150 per day. This is a practical way to visit all islands at once in a day. You can save much more money if you order travel package.

What to Do in Derawan Island

There are many interesting things you can do in Derawan. For starter, this island has really beautiful beaches, and they are relatively quiet despite many tourists that come. Therefore, they make perfect spots for swimming and snorkeling, and of course diving in some beach points. You can also rent floaters, being photographed underwater by the guide, or watching sea turtles in their natural habitats.

You may also want to visit Kakaban Island to swim in the famous Kakaban Lake, which is full of non venomous golden jellyfish; this is one of two lakes in the world that are full of non venomous jellyfish (the other one is in Philippine). You can swim and do snorkeling here, with rented snorkeling equipment. If you visit with tour guide, you can also get photographed underwater while playing with golden jellyfish.

Going with the travel group also has its own benefits; you can join unforgettable seafood barbeque dinner on the beachside.

What Not to Do in Derawan Island

There are a couple of rules you must remember when visiting Derawan Island. You are forbidden to throw garbage from the boat or to the beach in the island. Since you may not always find the trash can in the island, you are advised to bring special plastic bag to keep the trash, and throw it away once you find trash can. Also, in Kakaban Island, you are forbidden to enter the jellyfish lake by jumping, since it will disturb and even kill the jellyfish.

Asia, Editor's Picks, Food, Restaurant Reviews, Street Food Guide

Famous Food You Can Try in Geylang

01/30/2014 Shem MD 1 Comment

If you love to eat and have a plan to visit Singapore, do not miss the chance to sample foods in Geylang. This popular tourist destination is famous for its lines of food stalls and restaurants, and you can eat almost anything Asia can offer. This is because Singapore is like a small Asia, where immigrants from various parts in Asia come and blend with locals, creating unique mix of culture.

You can eat Indonesian, Malaysian, Singaporean and Chinese foods in Geylang, whether you eat at cheap food hawker stalls or in fancy restaurants. Here are some of the best ‘must-try’ foods in Geylang area.

Crispy Chicken at Moi Lum Restaurant

Moi Lum is a famous restaurant located in Maxwell Road, and this is a favorite place for many Singaporean families and tourists to gather and enjoy hearty meals. The restaurant is not fancy and more like a homey, family style restaurant. There are various Chinese dishes here, but the favorite is crispy roast chicken and crispy chicken skin. They both come with delicious sauce, and while the roast chicken is tender and juicy with delicious skin, the crispy chicken skin is probably better as beer companion. The taste is amazing, not too salty and very crispy as well as succulent. Address: 38 Maxwell Rd, Singapore 069116.

Geylang Claypot Rice

This is a great, hot and hearty dish that you can eat anywhere, but the most famous Geylang claypot rice is served in a restaurant with the same name. This dish is a combination of rice, vegetables, marinated chicken and fish, pork and traditional Chinese sausages made of pork and duck liver. Cooked in a clay pot and eaten directly from it, the dish has rich taste and it will make you feel super satisfied. Address: 639 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389570.

Smelly Tofu

This funny sounding dish is fermented fried tofu served in thin slices, eaten with condiments and sauce such as sweet and spicy sauce. The most famous restaurant that serves smelly tofu is Mini Star, which is located in 789 Geylang Road.

Turtle Soup

There are only few places that serve turtle soup, and one of the famous places is Ser Seng, a herbal store that also doubles as restaurant. Turtle soup is famous as a long time healthy food that has a lot of benefits in China, and it is also believed to make you live long (from the fact that many turtles can live for hundreds of years). The soup itself is probably more like chicken soup with herbal aroma, but it is the health benefits that people are looking for. Address : Lorong 21 Geylang, 29 Lorong Bachok.

Rochor Bean Curd

Rochor Bean Curd is a famous dessert in Geylang Road that is sought out by many culinary lovers. Despite the small shop, the dessert is very delicious. It is made of coagulated soymilk and it can be served hot for breakfast, or cold for delicious dessert. The cold version is sometimes served with gelatinous pearls. The shop also sells other soy related snacks and dishes such as tofu fries and fried bread. Address: 745 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389653.

So, if you are in Geylang, do not forget to visit these places and try their unique dishes. Of course, while you are in Singapore, you do not want to miss a chance to taste durian, the king of fruit.

Celebrity Chefs, Editor's Picks

Martin Yan, Bringing Chinese Food to the World

01/25/2014 Shem MD 1 Comment

Among many celebrity chefs that color America’s culinary world, Martin Yan is the most prominent figure in promoting Chinese food, combining it with modern twists and solution for practical and easy cooking. His cheerful character helps him to become one of the most recognizable chefs in TV, especially with his famous show ‘Wok with Yan.’ While most people know him from his appearance in TV shows, Chef Yan is a genius and renowned figure in the world of Chinese and Cantonese culinary.

Educational Background

Martin Yan has been exposed to the world of culinary and fresh products since very tender age. Born in Guangzhou on December 22nd 1948, Martin Yan has a father who is a famous restaurant owner and a mother who is a grocer. Therefore, he has been familiar with the world of cooking and fresh products since he was very young. However, he only started to cook seriously at the age of 12 and mostly learned to cook Cantonese and Shanghai food which is his root.

Martin Yan then decided that cooking is his way, and so when he moved to Hong Kong in 1961, he started working part time in his uncle’s Chinese barbeque restaurant to support his college as well as to learn more about Chinese cuisine. His experience here would further increase his cooking repertoire in Chinese culinary.

Later, he continued his cooking study, first at Overseas Institute of Cookery in Hong Kong, and then University of California where he got Master Degree in 1975, in food science field. However, only after 3 years did people start to recognize him.

The Fame Time

At first, he worked at the same university where he got his Master Degree as teacher, but in 1978, he started his first cooking show called Yan Can Cook, which quickly became a huge hit. Basically, the show concept is like traveling cooking, in which Chef Yan travels to various places and interacts with people, and then he will talk about the area’s specialty or specific features before creating dishes that are related to the areas he visit. Not only tourist destinations, in one episode, he even traveled to a jailhouse.

Yan Can Cook was one of the biggest hits in the 70’s cooking show, and it has been broadcasted to several counties including Indonesia. His recipes and his cheerful personality helped launching his name into public eyes. Until now, he has been a guest to more than 3,000 cooking shows in America and Asia. He even served as a judge in an episode of Hell’s Kitchen.

Yan’s Role in Chinese Cuisine

Martin Yan is considered a pioneer in introducing the richness of Chinese culinary world to the Western world. According to him, while Chinese food definitely already got a good place in Western world’s tables, many people still have no idea that ‘Chinese food’ does not encompass the richness of that culinary tradition.

There are so many variations in Chinese food according to regions, and each has its own characteristics. Therefore, Chef Martin Yan has made it his mission to introduce the more complex and sophisticated Chinese foods to public, including telling them about Cantonese, Shanghai, Beijing, Sichuan and Xian cuisines.

Asia, Cultural and Historical Heritage, Destinations, Editor's Picks, Indonesia

Tanjung Puting, the Sanctuary for Orangutans

01/20/2014 Shem MD 2 Comments

Summary: One of the most prominent natural parks in Borneo, Tanjung Puting is also a beautiful sanctuary for orangutans and a great place to learn about environment.

It is not a secret that forest in Indonesia is in threat of extinction due to activities, such as illegal logging, which even has reached national park. Therefore, many efforts have been made to increase people’s conscience and knowledge about environment. Tanjung Puting is one of the national parks in Borneo Island, in West Kalimantan area in particular. The forest is a part of Indonesia and becomes a sanctuary for various plants, trees and animals species, including the orangutans.

Tanjung Puting is a very important national park in West Kalimantan, because it serves as a sanctuary for rare species of plants and animals. Despite damages from occasional forest fire and illegal logging, many efforts are made constantly to prevent further damages and combat illegal logging. Opening the park for public education is one of them.

History

The national park has existed since 1937, when the Dutch government turned it into sanctuary for orangutans and proboscis monkeys. The park size is 415.040 hectares, and the national park consists of sanctuary, production forests (for certified logging and plantation) and water area. Since 1984, the sanctuary has been declared national park by Indonesian government.

Ecosystem, Animals and Plants

Tanjung Puting National Park is a rich ecosystem, consisting of lowland tropical forest, dry forest, swamp area, mangrove forest and coastal forest. The rich ecosystem layers in this national park create heavens for various species of plants and animals and make this park one of the richest tropical national parks in the world in terms of species and ecosystem types.

The national park is a house for many distinctive species of animals and plants, and many of them are endemics or they cannot be found naturally in other areas except West Kalimantan. Here are some plants and animals you can find in this national park.

Animals

Tanjung Puting National Park is a home for more than 35 species of animals, and many of them are extremely rare. For example, sindang lawe bird (Ciconia stormii) is declared as one of the rarest birds in the world, and the bird does not exist anywhere but in this area. In addition, the great Alba birds are among the most abundant here.

Tanjung Puting National Park is commonly known as a sanctuary for rare mammals such as sun bear, deer, mouse deer, dugong, proboscis monkeys and of course the orangutans. In fact, there is special facility in this park with the main mission to increase the population of orangutans in Kalimantan.

Plants

Tanjung Puting National Park is a home for various trees, which often become target for illegal loggers such as the Shorea species (meranti), Dipterocarpus species (gaharu), Nipah trees, rattan and mangrove trees. There are also unique plants such as the bug-eater plant Nephentes (Kantong Semar).

Now, Tanjung Puting National Park is open for public, as a facility to educate people about environment and ecosystem. People can also come to the orangutan research facility called Camp Leakey to learn more about orangutans and see the species that are taken care of before being released. They can interact with the orangutans, including feeding them and taking pictures.

Asia, Editor's Picks, Festivals, Indonesia

Chinese New Year Customs in Indonesia

01/18/2014 Shem MD 2 Comments

Summary: Indonesia has large Chinese populations, and Chinese New Year customs in Indonesia reflect beautiful blend between Chinese and local cultures.

Indonesia is a giant melting pot for various cultures, including Chinese. Therefore, Chinese New Year is an event that is hugely celebrated in this country. While the Chinese descendants in various areas still maintain the old traditions every year, the celebrations can also be enjoyed by other people, especially in Chinatown areas. Chinese New Year celebrations and customs in Indonesia are something you cannot miss while you are here. Here is what you can expect to find when ‘Imlek’ or Chinese New Year is approaching in Indonesia.

Gift Sets Everywhere

When the Chinese New Year is approaching, expect to see various department stores and supermarkets displaying various flowers, moon cakes, fruits and gift sets in beautiful packages. Even the stores that are not specifically located within the Chinatown or Chinese population area will display such goods. There are also large bunch of red envelopes people use to give money, usually to younger people. This is because gift giving is an inseparable part of every celebration in Indonesia. It symbolizes prosperity and well wishes.

Many plant shops also sell orange trees in pots as well as special flowers used in traditional floral arrangement. Flowers, in Chinese tradition, symbolize growth and prosperity, while the orange trees symbolize happiness.

Courtesy of Thejakartapost.com

Traditional Foods

The Chinese in Indonesia are descendants of immigrants that came from various areas in China such as Shanghai and Guang Zhou. Therefore, you can find huge arrays of traditional foods in Indonesian markets, stores and Chinatowns when the Chinese New Year is approaching. Here are some examples:

Fish; this is a type of food commonly served in many tables during Chinese New Year. Fish symbolizes prosperity and happiness because the Chinese character for fish is similar to the word ‘abundance.’ The fish is usually served whole, in sweet and sour sauce or steamed. Whole fish symbolizes family togetherness. It is no wonder that fish prices are often hiked up in many markets when the Chinese New Year is approaching.

Jiaozi; this is a type of meat dumpling traditionally served in northern China region. The dumpling name symbolizes a phrase that means the last meeting on the last hour before the New Year comes.

Sweet Tray; red trays full of various sweets from fruits, seeds and peanuts are often sold in various stores near Chinese New Year, because they are traditional foods to serve in many houses or given as gifts. The trays symbolize togetherness, good luck and ‘sweet’ beginning of the year.

Whole Chicken and Noodle; they traditionally represent long life and prosperity, but to achieve the true meaning, both foods must be served whole. The chicken should not be cut up and must be served with the head. Noodle is not cut; therefore, it becomes super long in your bowl.

Festivities for Everyone

One beautiful aspect about Chinese New Year customs in Indonesia is that the celebration is for everyone. Families may gather for private moments, but the entire spirit of celebration belongs to everybody. Chinatown will be packed with people, including tourists, who want to look for various delicacies and goods that are usually just sold during this special moment. Lion dance and various performances are held in many venues for everyone.

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