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Art & Culture

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Whispers of the Past: Indonesian Eerie Folklore Whispers of the Past: Indonesian Eerie Folklore

October is synonymous with spookiness, as Halloween celebrations grow in popularity each year. While our traditions may not include jack-o'-lanterns, vampires, or tales of zombies, we do have folklores that serve as the backdrop for various places across our diverse country. In the spirit of Halloween, here are some of the most popular myths and legends that continue to captivate people's beliefs to this day.Happy Halloween!Tangkuban Perahu: A Volcano Born from a HeartbreakLocated in West Java, approximately 30 km from the capital city of Bandung, Tangkuban Perahu is a volcano famous for its shape, which resembles an overturned boat. Legend has it that there was once a princess named Dayang Sumbi. One day, she dropped her weaving tool and promised to marry anyone who could retrieve it. A young man named Sangkuriang found it, and they fell in love. Sangkuriang wanted to build a boat to take Dayang Sumbi away. However, she later discovered that Sangkuriang was her long-lost son. Refusing to marry him, she tricked him into not finishing the boat. In his anger, Sangkuriang kicked the incomplete boat, which then transformed into a mountain called Tangkuban Perahu, which literally translates to “overturned boat.”Tangkuban Perahu Mountain, BandungCursed by Disrespect: The Legend of Malin KundangIn Padang, West Sumatra, there is a beach called Air Manis, where you will find a statue of a young man kneeling on the ground with hands raised to his forehead. The legend tells of a poor boy named Malin Kundang who became wealthy after venturing out to sea. Upon returning to his village, he was ashamed of his mother and refused to acknowledge her. Heartbroken, his mother cursed him, and he was then turned to stone. While the truth of the story remains uncertain, the statue has become a popular tourist attraction and a powerful symbol of the consequences of disrespecting one’s parents.Malin Kundang Statue, PadangBenearth the Waves: Nyi Roro KidulTranslated as the Queen of the Southern Sea, Nyi Roro Kidul is believed to inhabit the Indian Ocean, particularly the southern waters of Java, Indonesia. According to legend, she resides in a magnificent underwater palace, where she governs the sea and its creatures. The colour green is sacred to her, and the Javanese people believe that wearing green near the Southern Sea is taboo, as it may attract her attention and bring bad luck. Although we cannot say for certain, visitors tend to obey this rule and avoid wearing green during their visits. This tradition reflects the deep respect for local beliefs and the spiritual significance attributed to the Queen of the Southern Sea.The Southern Sea of JavaThe Tale of Love and Betrayal: Roro JonggrangWhile Borobudur is the main wonder in Java, the Prambanan Temple is also an intriguing attraction, rich with its own story. A princess named Roro Jonggrang from the kingdom of Prambanan rejected a marriage proposal from the prince who defeated her father, Joko Songo. She challenged Joko Songo to build a thousand temples in one night, hoping he would fail. However, with magical help, Joko Songo nearly completed the task. In a desperate attempt to trick him, Roro Jonggrang made the roosters crow. In his anger at being deceived, Joko Songo turned her into a statue, which is said to be part of the Prambanan Temple today. Prambanan Temple, YogyakartaHaving explored these captivating tales, are you inspired to venture into the lesser-known corners of Indonesia and uncover its rich history? Each region holds its own unique stories, waiting to be discovered. So why not embark on an adventure and immerse yourself in the fascinating narratives that shape this beautiful archipelago? 

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An Artistic Stroll Around Padma Resort Legian  An Artistic Stroll Around Padma Resort Legian 

Padma Resort Legian, the premier property of Padma Hotels, has been a cherished second home for many returning guests since the 1990s. Beyond its welcoming atmosphere, with homey rooms, beautifully maintained gardens, and the warmth of genuine Indonesian hospitality that makes guests feel like part of the Padma family, the resort is adorned with an artistic touch. From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted by carefully curated artworks that enhance the resort’s charm. If you have visited Padma Resort Legian multiple times, you have likely noticed some of the statues featured in this article. But how many of you know the fascinating stories behind them? Let’s dive in and discover more.Dewa Dewi (Rama and Shinta)Translating to "God and Goddess," this statue represents a pair that greets you upon entering the lobby. This statue portrays Rama and Shinta from The Ramayana epic. After being exiled from Ayodhya due to his stepmother's manipulations, Rama, accompanied by Shinta and his brother Lakshmana, faces various challenges in the forest, including the demoness Surpanakha. When Shinta is abducted by the demon king Ravana, Rama teams up with the monkey king Sugriva and his ally Hanuman to rescue her. After defeating Ravana and reclaiming Shinta, Rama returns to Ayodhya, is crowned king, but later banishes her due to accusations of infidelity. Ultimately, he reunites with Shinta and accepts their twin sons, Lava and Kusha, before ascending to heaven.Happy WavesStepping into the lobby, you will see the Happy Waves statue in the middle, created by Balinese artist I Nyoman Nuarta, renowned for his modern art and the iconic Garuda Wisnu Kencana in Uluwatu. He is also the proud owner of NuArt Sculpture Park, an art complex in Bandung, West Java.Crafted from brass and copper in 2002, this art symbolises life's constant evolution, reflecting the changes experienced by individuals and societies in harmony with nature's laws. It serves as a reminder to embrace happiness amid life's transformations, encouraging us to welcome experiences with open arms to achieve true joy. Additionally, the sculpture provides a warm greeting to guests at Padma Resort Legian.Kecak Dance The Kecak dance originated in the 1930s in Bali, created by a German artist Walter Spies and Balinese dancer Wayan Limbak. Initially performed as part of the Ramayana story, the dance draws inspiration from the Sanghyang Trance dance, where dancers enter a trance-like state while chanting. The performance features up to 100 men seated in a circle, chanting “cak” to provide a rhythmic musical backdrop.Over the years, Kecak has evolved with unique interpretations, but its core structure remains unchanged. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Balinese culture, often performed at temples and cultural events.Barong DanceThis iconic statue at the Lagoon Pool tells a story of Barong Dance - a battle between Barong and Rangda. Barong is a lion-like character representing the good, while Rangda is a demon queen embodying evil. The dance features intricate choreography and acrobatics, accompanied by traditional Balinese music. Believed to have originated in the 9th century, the Barong dance is closely linked to Hinduism. Today, the dance can be seen across the island as a tourist attraction and remains integral to religious and cultural ceremonies, symbolising the essence of Balinese culture and one of Indonesia’s most iconic dances.These are just four of the many artistic wonders to discover at Padma Resort Legian. Which piece of art would you like us to feature next? Share your thoughts in the comments section, and stay tuned to Padma Journals as we explore other Padma Hotels destinations and unveil their artistic treasures.

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National Batik Day: Wearing Tradition, Celebrating Identity National Batik Day: Wearing Tradition, Celebrating Identity

Batik is a traditional Indonesian textile art known for its intricate designs. The process of creating batik is truly unique. First, hot wax is applied to the fabric in desired patterns using a tool called canting. The wax is placed on the areas we want to resist the dye, so when the cloth is submerged in it, the waxed sections remain untouched. This process can be repeated for multiple colours. Once finished, the wax is removed by boiling the fabric, to reveal the pattern. The fabric is then washed and ready to be worn.Different regions in Indonesia have developed their own batik patterns, and techniques. Some of the common designs include parang (diagonal dagger patterns), kawung (symmetrical oval shapes in a grid), sawat (Garuda wings), and megamendung (clouds), as well as floral. Each of these designs often carries deep cultural significance.Batik is a symbol of national pride in Indonesia, commonly worn as formal attire for important occasions such as weddings, official ceremonies, cultural events, and even government functions. In recent years, modern batik has expanded beyond the traditional wax-resist method, incorporating techniques like screen printing, stamping, and digital printing. These innovations allow for faster production while preserving batik's distinctive aesthetic.While traditional batik tulis (hand-drawn batik) and batik cap (stamped batik) are still highly valued as art forms for their craftsmanship, modern batik offers versatility, making it more adaptable to evolving fashion trends, traditional attire, home décor, and a variety of other applications. Around our hotels and resorts, you will find our modern interpretation of batik, with our logo integrated into staff uniforms, cushion covers, mugs, and more.In 2009, UNESCO recognised Indonesian batik as a significant piece of cultural heritage on an international level. Since then, Indonesians have celebrated National Batik Day every 2nd of October. On this day, and every Friday, people proudly wear batik, which has become an official dress code for offices and organisations. Do you have any batik shirts or dresses you wear to Indonesian events? Share your stories with us in the comments!Selamat Hari Batik Nasional!

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The Keeper of Wayang Kulit: Ari Destian The Keeper of Wayang Kulit: Ari Destian

We take pride in our rich culture and traditions and are dedicated to supporting them. Through our Padma Art & Culture segment on social media, we regularly feature local artisans and cultural events unique to each Padma Hotels location. Recently, our team from Resinda Hotel Karawang had the opportunity to visit the workshop of a Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppet) artist.Wayang Kulit is particularly popular in Java and Bali. The term "Wayang" refers to the puppet, and "Kulit" means "leather" in Indonesian, indicating the material used. This traditional performance involves puppets casting shadows on a screen, accompanied by live gamelan music. The stories in Wayang Kulit often draw from ancient epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, presenting complex narratives, moral lessons, and a rich array of characters. Each region offers its own unique tales, contributing to the diversity and charm of the performances. These shows are not merely entertainment but are deeply rooted in Indonesian culture, often incorporating elements of spiritual and philosophical significance.Although this tradition may not appeal to younger generations as much, 29-year-old Ari Destian from Karawang stands out as a dedicated advocate for Wayang Kulit. His passion began in primary school, where he initially crafted puppets from paper. He later honed his skills in cutting and colouring leather to create intricate Wayang Kulit. The process of making Wayang Kulit typically starts with preparing the skin (commonly cow or buffalo skin), which is dried and then thinned. A basic pattern is then drawn on the skin, followed by shaping the pattern with special tools, colouring, and finally assembling the parts into a complete shadow puppet.Ari specialises in Wayang Kulit Cirebonan, a style from Cirebon, West Java. This type of Wayang Kulit is distinguished by its simplicity, vibrant colours, and traditional motifs. He hopes that Wayang Kulit will remain preserved and continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

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Celebrating Local Talents: Padma Hotels Collaborates with Three Local Indonesian Artists Celebrating Local Talents: Padma Hotels Collaborates with Three Local Indonesian Artists

Padma Hotels & Local Artists: Celebrating Indonesian Culture Through ArtFrom Javanese folklore to Balinese surf culture, Padma Hotels is redefining luxury stays by partnering with Indonesian artists to celebrate local heritage. In 2024, four of our properties – Semarang, Legian, Ubud, and Bandung – unveiled custom key cards and artworks inspired by regional tales. Here’s how these collaborations bring Indonesia’s culture to life for our guests.As an Indonesian hotel brand with five properties across Indonesia, Padma Hotels takes pride in embodying its core principles of design, service, and locality. Evident in each hotel's modern contemporary style, impeccable service and unique facilities, each property reflects these values. Why Padma Hotels Partnered with Local ArtistsRecently, four of its hotels: Padma Hotel Semarang, Padma Resort Legian, Padma Resort Ubud, and Padma Hotel Bandung partnered with Mata Angin agency to collaborate with talented local artists from Yogyakarta, Bali, and Bandung. Together, they created out-of-the-box illustrations adorning guest key cards and greeting cards, adding a touch of local flair and creativity to the guest experience. Other Articles: Now Open: Resinda Oasis ParkMeet the Artists & Their InspirationsIndiguerillasIndiguerillas: Javanese Punakawan Tales at Padma SemarangInitiated at Padma Hotel Semarang, the collaboration project showcases the creative works of a Yogyakarta-based duo, Indiguerillas. Together, they created a modern contemporary version of Punakawan, infusing it with their unique artistic style.The selection of the Punakawan series stems from its status as one of the most renowned tales in Java. In the series, three Punakawan characters; Petruk Kanthong Bolong, Nala Gareng, and Bagong are depicted in a "jejogedan" pose, symbolising joy as they hold the key of Padma Hotel Semarang. This gesture serves as a heartfelt wish for guests to discover happiness and enjoy memorable experiences during their stay.Padma Hotel Semarang also proudly showcases numerous artworks by prominent artists in Indonesia’s art scene, such as Abstraksi Candi Borobudur by Wayan Novi, Dugderan by Angki Purbandono, and many more, welcoming guests with captivating pieces from the moment they step into the hotel.Kuncir Sathya VikhuKuncir Sathya Vikhu: Balinese Spirit at Padma ResortsDrawing inspiration from the philosophy of the Punakawan tales, Kuncir Sathya Vikhu has embraced the Balinese rendition of the narrative. This adaptation seamlessly weaves in unique characters and iconic elements closely associated with Bali, home to Padma Resort Legian and Padma Resort Ubud.The first character, Sangut, embodies cheerful personality, depicted joyfully flying a kite against the backdrop of lush rice terraces. Then, there are Tualen and Merdah, pictured riding Bali’s iconic form of transportation, a scooter, as they embark on adventures exploring Bali's wonders. Lastly, we meet the mischievous Delem, captured surfing on big waves. "Surfing not only epitomises Bali's allure, but Delem's persona perfectly aligns with the thrill of conquering mighty waves," Viku reflects. Hailing from the Island of the Gods itself, Viku aspires to use his art as a way of introducing the rich culture and traditions of Bali to the world.Other Articles: The Keeper of Wayang Kulit: Ari DestianAddy DebilAddy Debil: Bandung’s Playful Cepot at Padma Hotel BandungIn Bandung, Padma Hotel Bandung and Addy Debil have opted to reimagine the beloved wayang golek puppet character, Cepot. Known for its wit and humour, Cepot's character seamlessly complements Addy Debil’s playful, colourful, and imaginative style.Within his creations, Debil portrays Cepot engaged in three activities synonymous with Bandung: culinary adventures, shopping, and hiking. Debil has previously collaborated with Padma Hotel Semarang, infusing cheer and joy into the vibrant decor of Goolali Gelato Bar & Patisserie.Additionally, his creative touch extends to Goolali’s playful packaging, contributing to the excitement of #TravelwithGoolali trend. Plan Your 2024 StayExplore Padma’s properties in Semarang, Legian, Ubud, and Bandung – where luxury meets Indonesian artistry.“Art isn’t just on the walls here; it’s in every detail of your stay.” – Padma HotelsFor more information regarding Padma Hotels properties, please visit www.padmahotels.com.

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