Benny’s guidebook to Tawangmangu
Nature scenic
The must-go-to place in Tawangmangu. A natural waterfall of 1000 ft tall (as the name suggest), only a short trip from the villa Wisma Lion.
Cascada Grojogan Sewu
Jalan Raya TawangmanguThe must-go-to place in Tawangmangu. A natural waterfall of 1000 ft tall (as the name suggest), only a short trip from the villa Wisma Lion.
A large natural volcanic lake that attracts visitors all year round. About half-hour away from the villa Wisma Lion.
Sarangan Lake
A large natural volcanic lake that attracts visitors all year round. About half-hour away from the villa Wisma Lion.
Neighborhoods
This is the village (kecamatan) that are very busy during weekends and holidays. During normal days the life are quite idyllic.
Tawangmangu
This is the village (kecamatan) that are very busy during weekends and holidays. During normal days the life are quite idyllic.
Consejos para la ciudad
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
By minivan (angkot)
You can travel in Tawangmangu by foot, by horse, or by minivan (angkot). The price for angkot only couple thousand rupiah (less than USD 1). The price of a horse ride depends on your ability to haggle :)
No te pierdas
Tawangmangu Market
Sells all kind of food, flora, and fruits (3Fs). Located at the entrance of the village, you won't missed it, especially if you came with a bus, since the bus terminal just right in front of the market.
No te pierdas
Balekambang Park & surroundings
Balekambang Park is a family destination place. The place is so-so, but the surrounding areas hosts many kinds of delicious food. From the staple food, such as soto, fried rice, to delicacies, such as chicken, rabbit, and porcupine satays.
Costumbres y cultura
English proficiency
The local populace doesn't speak a lot of English, although they can communicate in Indonesian language perfectly. Locally, they speak Javanese, a language with over 80 million speakers in the Java island.
Formas de ahorrar
Haggle a lot
Some things you can't haggle, for example waterfall entrance ticket (foreigners/expat pay more than Indonesian), but for others, such as horse ride, things in the local market, you can haggle with the owner. Usually if you look like foreigner (even for people with Jakarta accents), you might get charged more than local people (e.g. from Solo). That's just the fact of life. Bring around someone who can speak in Javanese for a probability of getting the best price. Also, weekends and holidays usually spell for more expensive prices.
Qué debes empacar
Bring comfortable foot wear
You can wear comfy shoes, or even sandal, as long as they can be used for walking in steep elevation.
Frases útiles
Some Indonesian & Javanese phrases
When asking question, use Pak (Sir) or Bu (Mam) as pronoun of the person being asked.
How much is this? - Berapa ini, Pak/Bu? (ID), Piro iki, Pak/Bu? (JV)
What is this? - Apa ini, Pak/Bu? (ID), Opo iki, Pak/Bu? (JV)
Where's the bathroom? - Di mana kamar mandi, Pak/Bu? (ID) Kamar mandi-ne pundi, Pak/Bu? (JV)