Latest news with #Manggarai
The Citizen
03-08-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
48 hours in pictures, 3 August 2025
48 hours in pictures, 3 August 2025 Through the lens: The Citizen's Picture Editors select the best news photographs from South Africa and around the world. (L-R) Silver medalist Pieter Coetze of South Africa, gold medalist Kliment Kolesnikov of Russia and bronze medalist Pavel Samusenko of Russia poses at the podium with their medals after winning the Men 50m Backstroke finals at the World Aquatics Championships Singapore 2025 in Singapore, 03 August 2025. Picture: EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT Participants march in the traditional Post Office Parade (El Desfile de Correos) in San Salvador, El Salvador, 01 August 2025. People dressed as figures from popular tradition, clowns, floats, and marching bands participated in the parade, which marks the start of the country's patron saint festivities. Picture: EPA/RODRIGO SURA American musician Anthony Hamilton rides with Proud Beginners Cycling Club (PBCC) at Lion and Rhino Park in Johannesburg, 3 August 2025, before the handing over sanitary pads to the Imbuba Foundation. The American singer and songwriter took part in a 20km charity ride joined by female cyclists as well as girl-child cyclists as part of observing women's month. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/The Citizen Protesters hold placards and pots during a demonstration in support of the Palestinian people outside the UAE (United Arab Emirates) Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, 01 August 2025. A coalition of organizations, including the Muslim Women's Forum of South Africa, United for Palestine, and South African Jews for Palestine, called for an end to the conflict in Gaza and the delivery of food aid to the region. The protesters allege that the UAE has been supporting Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza by providing weapons, spyware, and intelligence. Picture: EPA/KIM LUDBROOK Thousands of protesters walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the Palestine Action Group's March for Humanity in Sydney, Australia, 03 August 2025. Picture: EPA/DEAN LEWINS Faithful gather for a prayer vigil presided over by Pope Leo XIV for the Jubilee of Youth, at Tor Vergata in Rome, Italy, 02 August 2025. Picture: EPA/ANGELO CARCONI People train to participate in boxing fights during the 'Night of boxing legends' event in the San Agustin neighborhood of Caracas, Venezuela, 01 August 2025. American boxer Evander Holyfield, is one of the guests at an exhibition night in Caracas, which will also feature seven-time world champion Jorge 'El Travieso' Arce and super featherweight champion Emanuel 'El Vaquero' Navarrete. Picture: EPA/MIGUEL GUTIERREZ Manggarai men perform during a Caci, a ritual whipping fight, in Surabaya on August 3, 2025. Caci, is a war dance and a folk game, originating from the people of Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara. (Photo by Juni KRISWANTO / AFP) Cars at the Cars In The Park 2025 at Zwartkops Raceway on August 03, 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa. The motor show exhibits more than 2500 vintage and classic vehicles built before 2000 displayed by more than 100 clubs and a number of private individuals. (Photo by Gallo Images/Lefty Shivambu) A protester waves a flag during the 'March for Remigration' organized by far-right group Britain First in Manchester, Britain, 02 August 2025. Picture: EPA/STRINGER Award-winning musician Zamajobe performs at the Joburg Theatre in Johannesburg, 1 August 20225. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/The Citizen A Bangladeshi artist performs during an event called 'Droho Jatra' (students-workers-people's platform) and march starting from the National Central Shaheed Minar monument in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 02 August 2025, held to mark the anniversary of the platform that emerged from the 2024 July Movement, launched in protest against the Bangladeshi government's quota system reform, which led to the resignation of then prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The activists demand the abolition of fascist state structures, the prosecution of all genocides, and the resistance to new fascist tendencies. Picture: EPA/MONIRUL ALAM MORE: 24 hours in pictures, 1 August 2025
Business Times
24-07-2025
- Business Times
Ta'aktana, Labuan Bajo: A luxury island resort for slow travel
The sky over Labuan Bajo looked like ink being poured into water – smoky purples and molten orange bleeding across the Flores Sea. Just off the coast, the island silhouettes were jagged and calm, like the spines of sleeping dragons. On the balcony of Ta'aktana Resort & Spa, we paused. No music, no phones, just wind and the rustle of trees. This was the beginning of something still and slow. Labuan Bajo, tucked on the western edge of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, used to be a fishing town with one road, a few homestays, and no one selling sarongs in English. Now it's quietly emerging as one of South-east Asia's more surreal escapes – a gateway to Komodo National Park, a hop from the gorgeous islands of Rinca and Padar, and part of Indonesia's 'Five Super Priority Tourism Destinations' plan. Sunset paints the Flores sky in a wash of blues, oranges and purples. PHOTO: TA'AKTANA But even with airport upgrades and a sprinkling of new resorts, Labuan Bajo isn't racing anywhere. Roads still wind loosely, chickens casually cross them, and the town is only now getting its first taste of modern shopping centres. You can come here and forget which day it is, and Ta'aktana encourages that. A new addition to The Luxury Collection by Marriott, Ta'aktana stretches across 16 hectares of what locals call 'ta'aktana' – 'green land' in the indigenous Manggarai language. 'To me, Ta'aktana is a grounding philosophy,' said general manager Peter-Paul Kleiss. 'It speaks of growth, abundance and our connection to the land.' You don't get the usual fanfare. The check-in area overlooks a quiet bay, where fishing boats bob gently in the water. Staff greet you with chilled tea brewed from island plants. Someone hands you a warm towel with a faint scent of herbs. You're not rushed. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up The best Ta'aktana villas sit above the sea, so you wake up to uninterrupted ocean views. PHOTO: TA'AKTANA The most luxurious villas overlook the sea – the kind of water you'd draw with crayons as a child: shimmering cerulean in the morning, mysterious cobalt by night. Inside, the spaces feel warm and grounded, finished with carved wood, rattan and textured stone. Architectural features such as layered terraces and pitched alang-alang roofs echo the traditional Mbaru Niang homes of the Manggarai people. 'There's a lot to do,' Kleiss told us, 'or it can be the perfect place to do nothing.' Evenings of quiet luxury That first evening, we dined at Taba, a robatayaki-style grill perched just above the waterline, where the breeze carried the scent of the sea. Plates of smoky eggplant, grilled squid and catch-of-the-day nigiri arrived one after another, each more surprising than the last. The restaurant looked practically empty, even though the resort was running at near-full capacity. Taba serves freshly caught sashimi, tsukune and Flores' corn rolls. PHOTO: TA'AKTANA 'It's designed to feel empty,' said Kleiss. 'We want guests to feel like they have the whole place to themselves.' No surprise, given there are just 70 guest rooms – 25 villas and 45 suites – spread across 16 hectares. The next morning, we drove past banana trees and wooden huts to Batu Cermin (Mirror Cave), nestled in the hills outside Labuan Bajo. Inside, the limestone passages narrowed quickly, forcing us to crawl. Overhead, bats slept and fossilised coral clung to the walls – a reminder that this part of Flores once lay beneath the sea. Later, we headed to Melo Village, where sweeping views of the coast unfolded below. We were greeted by men in woven sarongs and women playing drums and flutes. They presented the Caci dance, a traditional Manggarai martial art performed with whips and shields. It felt like being invited into a memory the village was keeping alive every day. The Caci dance performed by Melo villagers. PHOTO: TA'AKTANA That night at Umasa, Ta'aktana's signature Indonesian restaurant, dinner felt like a quiet conversation with the land and sea. The courses were served in a traditional rantang (stacked tiffin): tender smoked beef, grilled tuna with sauteed vegetables, squid and eggplant bathed in sambal, and a crisp, golden duck that crackled with every bite. Dessert was something unexpected: caramelised fermented cassava with tapai ice cream. Much of the produce came either from the ocean or the resort's own edible garden, where torch ginger, lemongrass, and leafy greens are harvested daily. 'It's not only about freshness,' Kleiss explained. 'It's about living more consciously. From the zero-waste cocktails at our bar to the coffee beans sourced directly from Flores, we apply the same philosophy of circularity and care.' That night, we slept peacefully, as if the land itself had welcomed us. With only 70 guest rooms spread across 16 hectares, Ta'aktana in Labuan Bajo is designed to feel spacious and secluded, even at full capacity. PHOTO: TA'AKTANA Dragons and dream beaches On the second morning, a boat took us to Komodo Island. We spotted Komodo dragons – massive, muscular, more prehistoric-looking than majestic. One lay in the sand with its eyes half-shut. Another prowled through the underbush, looking for prey. 'They eat humans,' our guide whispered. 'Some years ago, a Singaporean wandered off by himself to take pictures. He was attacked. He needed 43 stitches.' We took out our phones to google the story – then took a step back. Komodo Island is one of the last places on Earth to see wild Komodo dragons. PHOTO: TA'AKTANA We thought Komodo Island would be the highlight. We were wrong. Not long after, we set off for a tiny sandbar called Taka Makassar, where the famous Pink Beach shimmered – crushed red coral blending into powdery white sand. The water was some of the clearest we'd ever seen. Below the surface was a kaleidoscope of clownfish, anemones, cobalt sea stars. We slipped into our snorkelling gear and swam through it all, wide-eyed, like we were moving in a dream. In these parts, the beaches appears pink because of the mix of crushed red coral and white sand. PHOTO: TA'AKTANA Back at the resort, we stopped by Di'a Spa. Inspired by the limestone caves of Flores, the space felt cool and hushed: stone-lined walls, soft curves, dim lighting, and the gentle trickle of water. 'Di'a means 'you' and 'beauty,'' Kleiss had said. 'It's where we invite guests to reconnect – with themselves, with nature, with stillness.' Inside, the experience was deeply rooted in the island. Treatments drew on local culture – body wraps using island-sourced botanicals, coffee-based scrubs made from Flores beans, and massage techniques inspired by ancient healing practices. We slipped into the rhythm of the land itself. Our last dinner was a surprise: a seafood buffet set up right on the beach. Wooden stalls lined the shore in the style of warongs – Indonesia's laid-back roadside eateries – each one serving something different, from freshly grilled seafood to traditional and modern desserts. A surprise beachside seafood buffet with grilled catch, local sweets and sea breeze. PHOTO: TA'AKTANA We wandered from stall to stall, plates in hand. Overhead, bamboo lanterns cast light onto plates piled with grilled crab, tamarind-glazed octopus, and sambal clams. The tide murmured in the background, while the speakers played Indonesian pop – like the kind you'd hear in a real warong. Life was good. The only thing we didn't have was a bigger stomach. A soft, sad departure On our final morning, some returned to the spa, while others headed for the jetty, where there were complimentary paddleboards, water bikes and snorkels. The sea was calm. The sky was still. In the distance, fishermen moved across the horizon. Slip into the water and explore the reef beneath the villas. PHOTO: TA'AKTANA Ta'aktana doesn't insist. It simply offers. You can kayak or you can sleep in. Visit dragons or nap in the shade. The resort doesn't sell silence – but it makes space for it. At checkout, it struck us how the place had slipped under our skin. Already in town, a few new European cafes had opened in the past few months. We wondered how long Labuan Bajo could remain untouched. But Kleiss is more optimistic. 'This place has started attracting a more diverse group of travellers looking for lifestyle-driven spaces to dine and unwind – not just Komodo dragons. I do believe this tourism ecosystem will expand. And the key will be to grow mindfully, with collaborations between local communities, businesses and the government.' Leaving behind the view of the island's tranquil bay was hard. PHOTO: TA'AKTANA As we drove into the airport, a huge sign read: 'I Love Labuan Bajo'. After a few days at Ta'aktana, it didn't feel like a tagline. It felt true. The writer was a guest of Ta'aktana Resort & Spa. Scoot is launching direct flights to Labuan Bajo in October 2025.
Vogue
19-06-2025
- Vogue
What Traditional Dance Reveals About a Travel Destination
Ultimately, dance is a prism for understanding people. Their resistance, passion, grief, transcendence, and joyful celebration. For those communities willing to share this with visitors (through ceremony or education at cultural centers), don't neglect the opportunity. And if you're asked to join—the only answer is yes. I've been welcomed into a swaying circle of Samburu women, leaped between moving bamboo poles beside the Manggarai, and heel-toed my cowboy boots across a dance hall in Montana—each experience deepening an appreciation for each culture's singular identity (and serving as a humbling reminder I should probably stick to ballet). So, to travelers mapping out their itineraries, take note: every culture has its own form of traditional movement, a few of which are highlighted below. Clear your dance card. Photo: Amansara Khmer (Cambodia) Dotted with temples and surrounded by ancient ruins and sacred mountains, Cambodia is a landscape imbued with spirituality. Travelers checking into Amansara should book the Dance & Devotion experience, which brings guests to the sacred dancers of Angkor Conservatoire. Here, classic Khmer dance is preserved in its native form (not a performance, but a spiritual offering) and guests have the opportunity to watch both rehearsals and the basrei ceremony. Afterward, a master teacher guides guests through a few hand movements and storytelling techniques. Viennese Waltz (Austria) Experience the glittering glamour of Viennese waltz during the city's Ball Season, which runs from November through April. During this time, Austria's gilded capital hosts over 400 balls that evoke its imperial past (particularly the Opera Ball that is held in the most beautiful ballroom in the world: the Vienna State Opera). Guests staying at Almanac Palais Vienna can book their Night at the Ball package, which includes a private dance lesson, couture gown, and horse-drawn carriage to the ball (with a limousine return at the end of the night, plus an in-room breakfast and spa treatment the following morning). Legong (Bali) Hinduism's cultural influence sweeps across all aspects of life on the island of Bali, especially through expressions like traditional dance. There are several styles that visitors can observe—from the Kecak 'fire dance' to the Barong and Kris 'dagger dance'—but definitely don't miss out on Legong while on the island. With its vibrant facial expressions and complex finger and foot movements, the story of a king who finds a lost maiden is colorfully brought to life. If you're eager to dive deeper into meaning behind these intricate movements, take a Balinese dance lesson at Hoshinoya Bali, held in a gazebo overlooking the jungle. Tango (Argentina) Argentina and Uruguay have long sparred over who invented tango, but if you find yourself in the former, book an experience with Untamed Traveling to experience the authenticity of Argentine Tango. Activities can range from lessons to an overnight stay in a tango hotel in San Telmo (the oldest neighborhood in Argentina). If educational tourism is your love language, they can even take you to a lecture about the history of the tango, followed up by a visit to a milonga where locals go dancing. Bon Odori (Japan) Japan is home to hundreds of styles of traditional dance, from Kabuki's dramatic theater sequences to the Geisha's graceful Kyomai movements. For travelers looking for an authentic, immersive dance experience, the Gujo Odori Festival in the Gifu prefecture lasts from July to September. This dance festival takes place during the obon period when the Japanese honor ancestral spirits, and there are ten recognized dances (which you're encouraged to learn on the spot from your neighbor). Even better: many attendees opt to wear yukata kimonos and elevated wooden sandals called geta. Sau Sau (Rapa Nui) Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island) is the southernmost point of Oceania's Polynesia Triangle. Its rich culture and heritage is celebrated at Nayara Hangaroa (a luxury hotel owned by a local family) where guests of the property are invited to learn about the traditional dress, and can see expressions of the Haka'Ara Tupana dance group two times a week during peak season. One of the most common styles of dance is the Sau Sau; a joyful rocking of the arms and hips with dancers in skirts crafted from feathers or grasses. Sema (Türkiye) This enigmatic dance, practiced by members of the Mevlevi Order of Sufi Muslims known as 'whirling dervishes,' dates back to the 13th century and the teachings of the poet and mystic Rumi. Often called a 'moving meditation,' the ritual (known as the sema) features dancers in tall hats and flowing white robes spinning in circles to reach a state of spiritual transcendence. The dance represents a journey of shedding the ego and connecting with the divine, and it requires months of dedicated practice to learn. Travelers can observe these sema ceremonies at destinations like the Mevlana Cultural Center in Konya or the Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum in Istanbul, which has ceremonies every Sunday at 6 p.m. Caci (Flores) This ritual whip fight is integral to the Manggarai's cultural identity on the Indonesian island of Flores. The energetic dance is held between two male fighters who take turns attacking and defending. The attacker uses a whip, while the defender uses a round shield made of buffalo hide. Caci is accompanied by chanting and drumming and the fights are ceremonial, not intended to be violent. Guests staying at the newly opened Ta'aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Labuan Bajo can discover Caci every Thursday at the property's amphitheater, or they can arrange an off-site dance excursion as well.
CNA
28-05-2025
- General
- CNA
Tackling youth brawls in Indonesia
Youth brawls and hooliganism are hardly unique to Indonesia and are complex problems that have persisted for generations. A recent brawl involving primary students in Depok, West Java and another incident in Manggarai, Jakarta have sparked renewed concerns about the problem. CNA takes a look at the root causes of such brawls in Indonesia and what can be done to prevent them.
