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Top:/Destinations/East Java/Places to visit/Madura
 Madura, an East lava's island is just about 40 minutes by ferry from Surabaya's ferry terminal. It is not a very big island (approximately l60x30 km), however, visitors will enjoy the subtle traditions and warm hospitality here.
The geological origin is not that of volcanic, but some of its land is covered by lime mountain. Hot weather during dry season, seemingly isolated island and may not be so popular among tourist destination in Indonesia, but Madura is unique. It is the home of 'Kerapan Sapi' (Bull Races) held annually after the harvest time (August-October) or upon the request.
Bull races are taken very seriously by the Madurese. One reason is that the fastest bulls can be selected for future stockbreeding. So, by the time the island wide competition has reached the stage of district champion against district champion.
To get such strong bulls, a serious treatment is needed. They are fed ten of eggs, honey, beer and herb; while young corn leaf is a "main course' for the healthy bulls. They are much too precious to Madurese.
Day by day a tender bath, massage and brush up are given to the bulls. The races cover an area of about 130 meter grassy track. A fast bulls can take in 11 seconds. Each couple of bull pulls a jockey who stands on a sledge. The winning bull is not the one who gets his nose or head across the finish line first, but his leg.
The winners are classified into two categories; they are the winners of the winners and the winners of the losers. Before the races begin, the bulls are displayed to a curious world at pre- race parade with the pride and showmanship accompanied by a group of Madurese musicians.
Special races could be staged for tourist upon the request and Bangkalan regency in this island is the nearest place to prepare it, This regency is just 20 minutes drive to the north from Kamal (Madura's ferry terminal). Try to visit Royal Cemetery of Air Mata lbu in Arosbaya (about 11 km north of the city). She was a wife of Cakraningrat I (AD 1546-1569). This local beauty spot of Cakraningrat's wife tomb is elaborately decorated with intricate motifs of stone carving in the complex of the spectacular graveyard. The head stone is worth a look.
Further north, hand made batik processing could be found at Tanjung Bumi village. It is a good souvenir in variety of types and prices. To appreciate the culture of Madurese, a visit to the palace, Jamiq Mosque and the Asta Tinggi Royal Cemetery in Sumenep is a worthwhile journey, as they have excellent exhibits of mixed culture between Javanese, Chinese, Islam and Western style. Art and traditions display from the early colonial period of the city development.
Topeng Dalang (mask dance) and Mowang Sangkal Dance (classical dance) are among many dances that are well preserved. Two and a half kilometers northwest of the palace, Asta Tinggi royal cemetery was built two centuries ago. To enter the cemetery, one goes through many high spectacular gates. Behind the gates are wood carvings representing the typical art of Madurese in the olden time. |
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