The Mandalika International Circuit, A Great Circuit and Country to Fight for The Title

The Mandalika International Circuit (officially named Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit) is a racing circuit located in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK Mandalika) in Kuta Village, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. This circuit has a track length of 4.31 km with 17 turns. The Mandalika Circuit is planned to host the 2022 MotoGP season and also the 2021 Superbike World Championship season.

This circuit was originally planned to have a length of 4.8 km, but changed to 4.32 km with 19 turns. But the design was shortened again to 4.31 km with 17 bends. According to Ricky Baheramsjah, CEO of the Mandalika Grand Prix Association, the corners are reduced due to safety factors: "Too many corners, there is a risk of an accident. Then it is replaced with a straight track to add to the overtaking action." In addition, the circuit design was also judged to be "more favorable to one manufacturer".

At the time of inauguration, this circuit has a length of 4.31 km with 17 bends, with a capacity of 50,000 seats in the grandstand and a total of 195,700 people. Mandalika uses Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) type asphalt which is rougher and is expected to strengthen the grip of the tires.

The response to the Mandalika circuit was positive overall. Carlos Checa, the 2011 WSBK World Champion, considers this Circuit suitable for a World Champion duel:

"It's going to be a great race, a great fight for the title and that's in Indonesia, one of the countries most passionate about WSBK and motorcycle racing. It's a great circuit and country to fight for the title."

Meanwhile Toprak Razgatlıoğlu "can't wait to come to Mandalika". He revealed that the Mandalika's layout "looks fun to drive".

However, some drivers also highlight the dirty track surface. Jonathan Rea said that the Mandalika Circuit was a little dirty, especially on the off line. But others like Scott Redding, Leon Haslam and Michael van der Mark said it was normal for a new track.

The circuit construction plan began on January 20, 2017, where an MoU was signed between ITDC and Roadgrip Motorsports. November 2017, Vinci Grand Construction Projects signed a contract for the construction of the MotoGP circuit in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone, Lombok. The Mandalika Circuit is planned to start construction in 2018. Vinci built the Circuit with an investment of US$ 500 million. Development is planned to take up 3.6 trillion. According to the Director of Construction and Operations of the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), Ngurah Wirawan, the funds will be obtained from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) loan in stages until 2023. For 2019 disbursement, there are 2 packages worth 900 billion and 700 billion. The target for completion is June 2020.

In February 2019, ITDC President Director Abdulbar M. Mansoer confirmed that this Circuit will hold MotoGP for 3 seasons, from the 2021 to 2023 season. However, MotoGP will not be held in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and has been postponed to 2022. On the MotoGP provisional schedule , Mandalika will be held after the opening GP in Losail, Qatar, on 20 March 2022. This circuit will also be the venue for the 2022 MotoGP pre-season test, from 11-13 February 2022.

In addition to MotoGP, this circuit is also planned to hold the Superbike Championship and the Asia Talent Cup. The Superbike Championship was originally planned for 12-14 November 2021, but was pushed back to 19-21 November so as not to clash with MotoGP's provisional schedule. The first race of the Asia Talent Cup which was originally planned for November 14 was also postponed to November 19 due to a shortage of marshals on duty.

Pertamina spent 7 million USD or around Rp. 100 billion for the naming rights and also became the main sponsor of the Mandalika circuit. This contract is valid until 2022.

On November 12, 2021, President Joko Widodo inaugurated the Mandalika Circuit and its supporting infrastructure. He then rode a motorbike around the circuit. The inauguration was carried out ahead of the Asia Talent Cup race which was held two days later. The name Mandalika is taken from a local legend, Mandalika. She is the daughter of the king of Tonjang Beru.

Enchantment of Tana Toraja, a Beautiful Country Rich in Culture

 

Tana Toraja Regency is a district in the province of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The capital of this regency is in Makale sub-district. Tana Toraja has an area of ​​2,054.30 km² and in 2020 it has a population of 288,202 people with a density of 140.29 people / km².

The Toraja tribe, which inhabits mountainous areas and maintains a distinctive lifestyle and still shows an original Austronesian lifestyle and is similar to the culture of the Nias tribe in the province of North Sumatra. This area is one of the leading tourist attractions in the province of South Sulawesi.

Tana Toraja is one of Indonesia's tourist attractions, inhabited by the Toraja tribe who inhabit mountainous areas and maintain a distinctive lifestyle and still show an authentic Austronesian lifestyle and are similar to Nias culture. This area is one of the tourist attractions in South Sulawesi.

Tana Toraja is one of the districts in South Sulawesi which has various kinds of amazing tourist objects.

Exotic natural tourism and its cultural diversity will amaze tourists. Tana Toraja can be reached by land or air. The land route will usually take 8 to 9 hours. Meanwhile, if by air, it may only take an hour.

Arriving at Tana Toraja, tourists will be faced with various tourist options. The following are tourist recommendations that must be included in the Tana Toraja tourism shortlist.

Country Above the Clouds

If you are interested in tourism at high altitudes, you can visit Pango-pango Makale which is included in agro-tourism. Located in the hills, the natural scenery in this place is so beautiful. Not to mention the cool atmosphere will reassure you. This is indeed a characteristic for tourism in the hills. It is not wrong if this tourist spot is often referred to as the land above the clouds.

Tourists can enjoy the beautiful trees that are scattered, as well as the green shrubs that spread. Enjoying panoramic views of the hills and mountains can also be done from here. In addition, looking at Makale City from this place will be an amazing thing for your tour activities.

Apart from Pango-pango Makale, you will also be faced with another country above the clouds, namely Totombi. This tourist attraction is located in Lembang Hamlet, Benteng Mulu Village, Kapalapitu District, North Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi.

The entrance fee to this place is only 15 thousand. Tourists can enjoy the enchanting sunset and sunrise panoramas. Enjoying the land above the clouds, of course you have to prepare a thick jacket so you can withstand the cold.

 

Looking at the culture of the Toraja people

Londa is one of the favorite tourist attractions in Tana Toraja. This tourist attraction is a tomb located on a rock cliff. On these cliffs, there are caves that function as tombs. In the cave, there are coffins and bodies, bones and skulls that are hundreds of years old.

In addition, when visiting Londa, tourists will also be presented with the appearance of statues lining the lip of the rock cliff. These statues are often called Tau Tau by the local community. The statue is none other than a statue of a corpse buried in Londa.

Apart from Londa, tourists can also find rock cliff burials in Kete Kesu. This place is only 4 km from Rantepao City. Besides the funeral, visitors can also see the Tongkonan traditional house which is the pride of the Toraja people. This traditional house is none other than a temporary storage place for the body before burial.

Those who have a degree or position in society will also have a high place at the cemetery. Likewise ordinary people. They are usually buried in the lower ranks.

In Toraja custom, when someone dies, a traditional ceremony called Rambu Solo will be held. This ceremony is a ceremony to honor the corpse before burial. This ceremony will be carried out when all family members of the person concerned are complete. In addition, the cost to perform this ceremony is also quite large because you have to slaughter a buffalo in the process.

Sometimes, due to family reasons or not enough money for the ceremony, the corpse will be kept for years at the Tongkonan House. This shows that the Toraja people really maintain their traditions.

 

Exploring the Beauty of Toraja Nature

Apart from culture, Tana Toraja is also famous for its natural beauty. With its geographical location, most of which are at an altitude, Tana Toraja offers a wide selection of natural attractions, from hills to waterfalls.

Seeing the natural scenery of Toraja can be done at the top of the Buntu Burake hill. This place is located at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level, and is only about 30 minutes from the location of the stone tomb in Lemo Village. Apart from enjoying the scenery, tourists can also see the tallest Jesus statue in the world. Taking pictures in this place will certainly produce interesting shots with the city of Toraja in the background.

If not satisfied, tourists can visit Puncak Lakawan. This place is more commonly referred to as Mount Nona. The view from the top of these mountains is very beautiful, especially with the golden yellow mountain range, combined with the expanse of natural green Toraja, and the painting of the blue sky above it. An exotic sight.

Satisfied with the hills and mountains, now is the time for tourists to switch to enjoying waterfall tours. Tourists can visit Talondo Tallu Waterfall. This waterfall has three branches, making it unique.

Apart from its beauty, this waterfall also has its own mystique. It is said that there is a very large eel called Masapi. This Masapi cannot be caught or eaten. In addition, tourists are also not allowed to wear black clothes.

Even though it is filled with mystique, the cold water typical of the highlands of this waterfall will bring a comfortable atmosphere for tourists. To reach this waterfall, tourists have to walk about 8 km. This long distance will pay off with the beauty of Talondo Tallu Waterfall.

Ubud, a must-visit destination if you go to Bali in Indonesia

Ubud is a traditional village as well as a tourist destination in the district of Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia.Ubud is especially famous among foreign tourists because it is located between rice fields and ravines that make natural scenery very beautiful.

In addition, Ubud is known for its art and culture that is developing very rapidly and is progressing. The pulse of the life of the people of Ubud can not be separated from the arts. There are also many art galleries here, as well as music and dance performances which are held every night in turn throughout the village.

Already since the 1920s, Ubud is famous among western tourists. At that time a German painter; Walter Spies and the Dutch painter; Rudolf Bonnet settled there. They were assisted by Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati, from Puri Agung Ubud. Now their work can be seen at the Puri Lukisan Museum, Ubud

Tourist area

Ubud has a very diverse tourist area, from wana tours to tirta tours spread across the Ubud region, including:

Puri Lukisan Museum

Is the first fine arts museum, managed by a private company, in Bali. Initiated by Cokorda Gede Agung Sukawati, I Gusti Nyoman Lempad and a foreign artist living in Ubud, Rudolf Bonnet. Established on January 31, 1956 under the auspices of the Ratna Warta Foundation, and officially opened by the Minister of Education and Culture, Muhammad Yamin.
In this museum you can enjoy the development of art in Ubud, both painting and sculpture. Some of the works of foreign artists working in Ubud include: Rudolf Bonnet, Walter Spies, Arie Smit and local maestros such as I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, I Gusti Made Deblog, Ida Bagus Made and others. Including works of art during the Pita Maha era.

Read to : Kecak Dance, The Traditional Dance From Bali Indonesia

Puri Agung Ubud

Puri Agung Ubud Krisnakusuma is located right in the heart of Ubud. It was the seat of the government of the Kingdom of Ubud in ancient times, as well as a center for cultural and traditional arts activities, which were held right in front of the castle. Puri Ubud still has a spatial structure and buildings that are maintained as the original. In the front yard, after the gate, there is an area called Ancak Saji. Here once a week a dance performance is held, for tourists. And every day, gamelan exercises are carried out from various musical art groups in Ubud. All art activities increasingly thicken the atmosphere of Ubud as a village with an artistic perspective.

Wanara Wana

Wanara Wana or Kera Forest, (better known as Monkey Forest) is a sacred forest area located in the Ubud area, precisely into the traditional village area of ​​Padangtegal, Ubud. In this forest there are a herd of hundreds of monkeys, who have inhabited this area for hundreds of years. In this area there is also Pura Dalem Padangtegal, which was founded in the early 20th century. The temple has a very ancient and artistic architecture and ornament. You can also look for holy springs under the hidden Komodo Statue, which when taken by mouth, is believed to cure all kinds of diseases.

Read to : Kuta Beach, The Most Beautiful Beach in Bali Indonesia

Rudana Museum and Rudana Fine Art Gallery

The Rudana Museum is an art museum located in Ubud, Bali, which was founded by Nyoman Rudana, a painting collector who also sits as a member of the Council

Regional Representatives (DPD) represented the Province of Bali in 2004 2009 and was inaugurated by President Soeharto on December 26, 1995. The museum holds more than 400 paintings and sculptures by artists, both from Bali, Indonesian artists outside Bali and the works of foreign artists which makes Bali a place of work. Being in a complex, stands Rudana Fine Art Gallery which was founded in 1978 and is the forerunner to the establishment of the Rudana Museum.

Rafting

In the western region of Ubud, there is the Ayung Tukad (Kali). In this river there are many tirta tourism activities, including rafting and kayaking. There are several tirta tourism services that offer this service. Besides tirta tourism, along the cliffs of Tukad Ayung it also has an attractive natural landscape, and there are dozens of starred hotels.

Other interesting places

Read to : Enchantment of Tana Toraja, A Beautiful Country Rich in Culture

Sukawati Art Market

Sukawati Art Market is a place where Balinese art goods are sold, making it suitable for souvenirs. It is located about 20 km from the heart of Denpasar. In this art market there are hundreds of art traders hawking peddling handicrafts, ranging from wooden sculptures, paintings, T-shirts, shorts, bags, sandals, and more. The motif is unique and typical of Bali.

Ubud Art Market

In the Ubud area there is the Ubud Art Market or Ubud Art Market, a place that sells Balinese souvenirs. This place is one of the main tourist destinations of Bali for domestic and foreign tourists. Fresh products such as fruits, vegetables, poultry and local snacks can be purchased from the wet market located in the basement of the building.

Read to : Denpasar City is the capital of Bali Province, Indonesia