Saturday, April 23, 2011

Watu Dodol



If you would like to Bali through the northern island of Java, before arriving in Banyuwangi Watu you will pass the Dodo. Located on the seashore, marked by a statue Gandrung, icons Banyuwangi, East Java. If you do not want to linger in Banyuwangi, you should stop by the Watudodol sempatkan. Many interesting things here. In addition to sculpture Gandrung and its beautiful beaches, the island of Bali looks from here. You can see the ferry crossing from the port of Ketapang to Gilimanuk. Stop by the beach, along the road there are many people selling. You can also bathe in the beach, or sailing by boat fishermen.


At one beach there is a miracle. Could it be a bargain well is on the beach? Strange but true, in Watudodol, found the source of fresh water. It was not salty. If the tide, the water can get into this water source, but the water remains salty. In order not to be too often exposed to high tide, local people made a kind of barrier which is made so well. So for those who want to take the water could use a bucket.


The Balinese when the day of sacred such as Vesak, always meet this place. Not just the residents of Bali, those who come from all over the country taking the time to come to this well to take it fresh well water. "Many believe, the water can cure arthritis or other diseases," said Siti who has been trading around it for 5 years.

Statue Gandrung is one place you can not forget when you want to take pictures. The foundation sculpture that is above the beach was completed in 2003. But making new Gandrung sculpture completed around the end of 2004. "The mahat 3 people, 1 person Banyuwangi, 1 Central Java, and 1 person from Bali,"

The process takes 3-month workmanship. One painter named Wayan, Bali residents who live in Banyuwangi. Mrs. Siti was also aware that the model used for the sculpture. "That Ms. Dila, his son Mr. Prosecutor. But her more beautiful photos of the statue. If the same nose, "said Mrs Siti, the only seller of meatballs and salad closest to the statue Gandrung. "My shop used to be just below the statue. Because local government is taken, I moved over here he continued.

Do not rush to go home or go to Bali, before you see there is a large rock that is located right in the middle of the street not far from the statue Watudodol Gandrung. This stone-like lunkhead. Apparently stone height approximately as high as electric poles is called Watudodol origin region. Perhaps because of its shape like a lunkhead. This stone is unique because it has its own history and mystical story in it. This area is never used as places of defense and protection the Japanese army during World War II. Since it is considered annoying, stones with a diameter of about 10 adults embrace this by the Japanese army was about to be moved. However, despite dozens of people were deployed to cut stones to be overthrown, to no avail. Then the Japanese decided to move the rock with ships withdrawn. It turned out that the stone still not budge. Reportedly even an interesting ship sank.

Besides visiting the fresh water wells, the Balinese, especially the truckers often stop at Watudodol to provide offerings in these rocks, such as flowers, fruits, money and so forth.
In addition to the enchanting beauty and mystique, Watudodol save notes an interesting history. Watudodol is the gateway to the most eastern region of Java island. The army can go from here head south (Jember) or westward (Situbondo).

April 14, 1946, the Dutch wanted to conduct experiments in Ketapang pendararatan, but managed to be driven by community leaders including Sir Nusahra Banyuwangi. When the Dutch would try to land on the beach and harbor Meneng Ketapang, on July 20, 1947, the Dutch again failed, as it gets cannon persistent resistance from Indonesian troops under the command of Major R. Abdul Rifai. The next day, the Dutch again tried to seize Watudodol by deploying fighter aircraft, but again hit hard after their boat had sunk.

If you are hungry or sleepy, and intend going to stay, at Watudodol you can stop at restaurants and hotels around it. The fares range from Rp 100,000, - to Rp 200,000, -

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