Explore the Northern Route of Meratus Geopark, Check Out 3 Exciting Activities that Must be Tried!

Kapanlagi.com - Explore various exciting travel spots in Indonesia seems to be endless. If you're bored exploring the same destinations, this time try exploring Geopark Meratus, which is a cultural heritage site in South Kalimantan. It is said that Geopark Meratus has 54 interesting sites to visit!

Adventuring through Geopark Meratus from the northern route took the Jelajah Merdeka team to places full of historical and cultural value. What are the destinations? Let's take a closer look!

1. Keramat Mosque, Cultural Heritage of an Old Mosque in Banua Halat

Sacred Mosque

The first site visited by the Jelajah Merdeka team is Keramat Mosque located in Banua Halat Kiri Village, North Tapin District, Tapin Regency. This centuries-old mosque is known for its rich historical value. Upon entering, you can observe the mosque up close with its distinctive Banjar architectural design featuring a three-tiered tumpeng roof.

Most of the building is made of ulin wood, which is one of the strongest and most durable woods. Visitors can witness the uniqueness of this building, namely the presence of 4 unique pillars that are still original from the first time Keramat Mosque Banua Halat was built until now.

Uniqueness can also be found in the multi-level pulpit with a unique traditional style adorned with many beautiful carvings. Such pulpits are rarely found in modern times. There is also a carving on the pillar indicating when the pulpit was established, which is written as the fourth month of the year 1935 on the pillar area.

2. Typical Culinary Tourism in Kandangan

Special Cuisine of Kandangan

Traveling is not complete without tasting its typical culinary delights. When you are in Kandangan City, Hulu Sungai Selatan, South Kalimantan, make sure you also stop by and taste its various delicious foods!

Ketupat Kandangan is one of the must-try culinary delights that should not be missed. This food is served with grilled Haruan fish as a complementary menu. Interestingly, the local people enjoy this ketupat without using a spoon but eat it directly with their hands.

In addition, don't forget to visit the Dodol Kandangan Center located in Telaga Bidadari Village, Sungai Raya District, Hulu Sungai Selatan. Located about 5 KM from Kandangan, you can find many Dodol Kandangan producers who have been passed down from generation to generation by the local community.

The sweet taste of Dodol Kandangan is derived from coconut and palm sugar, which grow abundantly in Hulu Sungai Selatan. Visitors can buy them directly from the producers while observing the traditional way of making dodol.

3. UMKM Bazaar and Loksado Ekraf Festival

Bazaar MSME and Ekraf Festival Loksado

South Kalimantan also often holds local festivals with interesting cultural themes to be enjoyed. This time, Tim Jelajah Merdeka invites you to peek at the excitement of the UMKM Bazaar and Loksado Ekraf Festival held as part of the Bamboo Rafting Festival.

For your information, the Bamboo Rafting Festival is an annual national event rich in tradition. There are a series of interesting activities, ranging from bamboo river rafting, enjoying delicious cuisine at the Mahumbal Festival, art and cultural performances, and ekraf bazaar. In the UMKM bazaar, various products ranging from food to local UMKM art products can be purchased by visitors.

Surprisingly, there are many exciting experiences you can feel when exploring various sites that are part of the Meratus Geopark. Wait for Tim Jelajah Merdeka to invite you to explore other interesting sites! Come on, watch the video directly below!

(kpl/glo)