javaprivatetour.com – When traveling to the enchanting landscapes of Borobudur or Yogyakarta in Indonesia, you may think of pristine beaches and lush rainforests, but there’s more to discover in the heart of Java. Just a stone’s throw away from these iconic destinations lies the charming village of Mungkid, Magelang, offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and artisanal treasures that are waiting to be explored.
Mungkid: A Hub of Artisanal Excellence
Mungkid, a subdistrict in Magelang, has become a haven for travelers looking to delve into the vibrant culture and crafts of Java. This quaint village boasts a myriad of attractions, from local craftsmanship to traditional arts, souvenirs, and agro-tourism. The heart and soul of this experience are the skilled hands of Mungkid’s talented artisans, whose dedication and craftsmanship are truly remarkable.
Picking Luscious Litchis and Visiting Sculpting Workshops in Senden
Mungkid offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and savor the fruits of the land. In the picturesque village of Senden, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of a litchi orchard owned by Sarwanto, affectionately known as Abah Wanto. This one-hectare orchard houses approximately 250 litchi trees, yielding sweet, juicy fruits with a delicate flavor, thanks to Abah Wanto’s expert grafting techniques.
Abah Wanto’s skilled hands have transformed his orchard into a year-round paradise for visitors. Here, you can pick litchis to your heart’s content and only pay for what you take home, priced at fifty thousand rupiahs per kilogram. With nearly a quintal of fruit from each tree per harvest, the experience is both delicious and affordable.
For enthusiasts of fine sculpture, a visit to Lilik Muryanto’s Studio Patung Semar Mesem is a must. Lilik’s workshop houses remarkable sculptures, including towering horse statues and life-like dinosaur figures, which adorn tourist sites, elite residences, and corporate offices.
By sharing his knowledge with eager local learners, Lilik also accepts orders for souvenir items from all over the archipelago, including miniature Borobudur temple replicas. During peak demand, his monthly earnings can reach up to 500 million rupiahs, showcasing the village’s incredible artistic talent.
Preserving Traditional Arts: Tresno Budoyo in Senden
Mungkid is also the proud home of Tresno Budoyo, a cultural arts troupe that has been active since the era of Indonesia’s first President, Sukarno. Their performances have always been a highlight when welcoming dignitaries to the region. Over 40 years, Supardil, a key figure in Tresno Budoyo, led the group, passing the leadership to his brother, Sudiman, in recent years.
Tresno Budoyo remains dedicated to preserving the art of Jathilan by recruiting young talents. Jathilan performances can vary from slow, gentle movements to powerful and intense choreography. The story behind Jathilan revolves around knights losing their king as their leader, emphasizing the importance of strategy and leadership in addition to martial skills.
Exploring the Art of Broom-Making in Bojong Village
Bojong Village, particularly Dusun Keprekan, is known for its extensive production of brooms, especially the traditional “rayung” brooms. This unique craft has been passed down through generations and has found its way into international markets. According to Arif, a local tourism enthusiast, the broom-making process involves 18 intricate steps. As you visit the workshops, you’ll see some artisans sanding bamboo, others weaving the broom’s “rayung,” and still more crafting the entire broom from start to finish.
This educational and fun experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of broom craftsmanship, showcasing the artistic endeavors of Mungkid’s skilled artisans.
Educational Adventure with the Resilient Women of Paremono Village
Itur Yuliastik, the founder of Jamu Rempon Ndoro, embarked on a unique journey to establish a spiritual entrepreneur venture in the herbal and agricultural sector. Her commitment extends to providing vocational training for students from eight vocational high schools and three universities, focusing not only on production but also on nurturing soft skills in budding entrepreneurs.
Jamu Rempon Ndoro produces a range of ready-to-brew herbal concoctions that have found their way into markets across Indonesia and neighboring Malaysia. Known for their extended shelf life, their Wedang Uwuh, in particular, surpasses competitors in durability, capable of being stored for up to a year. Their best-selling product, Wedang Bledeg, is crafted from homegrown chili without any chemical fertilizers. The monthly turnover reaches an impressive 15 to 20 million rupiahs.
In addition to beverages, Rempon Ndoro also offers their products in souvenir and hamper forms. Furthermore, they provide educational packages on dry herbal concoction production, herb cultivation, and the utilization of local wisdom.
Itur passionately shares the knowledge that local plants, often found in fields or along roadsides, hold hidden medicinal benefits. For example, the Rumput Badotan grass, typically overlooked, can serve as a valuable natural remedy.
Empowering Women through Eco-Printed Fashion in Paremono Village
Ita Sarifah, another creative woman from Paremono Village, has ventured into fashion design, employing an eco-printing technique using all-natural materials. Her fabrics are carefully selected from premium natural sources, such as primisima, viscose, cotton, and silk. Utilizing natural colors derived from leaves, stems, and flowers like Jolawe, Tegeran, Tingi, Gambir, and Secang, Ita has introduced unique patterns featuring iconic symbols of the region, such as temple stupas.
To celebrate the identity of the village, Ita incorporates high-tannin local leaves, like jati, which produce a striking red hue. Production involving the PKK (Women’s Empowerment and Family Welfare group) takes place at the village hall on public holidays.
With her Corak Alam fashion line, Ita has earned recognition as a finalist in the iForte Preneur competition, which focuses on business planning in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. In addition to her textile work, she also conducts workshops that attract both locals and international tourists.
Magelang’s Hidden Gem: Gerbang Kalpataru in Blondo Village
Among the charming villages in the vicinity of Mungkid, Magelang, lies Blondo, home to Gerbang Kalpataru or the Gate of Kalpavriksha. This impressive architectural creation was designed by I Nyoman Alim Mustapha, a Balinese artist residing in Mungkid. His skilled hands brought the intricate Kalpataru tree sculpture to life, and it has since become an iconic attraction in Magelang.
Gerbang Kalpataru is a visual spectacle, capturing the essence of the region’s rich heritage. While it’s a wonderful site for photography, please be cautious when taking pictures, as it is located by the roadside.
Conclusion: Your Journey through Mungkid’s Artistry
As you embark on your journey through Mungkid, Magelang, you’ll be enchanted by the talents of its artisans, the dedication of its women entrepreneurs, and the breathtaking craftsmanship of its cultural troupes. These hidden gems are the backbone of Mungkid’s cultural tapestry, and their dedication to preserving and showcasing their heritage is a testament to their skilled hands.
So, while you explore the wonders of Borobudur and Yogyakarta, don’t forget to make a side trip to Mungkid to discover the true essence of Javanese culture. And to ensure you experience the best of what this region has to offer, consider choosing Java Private Tour as your trusted companion. With knowledgeable, English-speaking guides, flexible itineraries, and a wide range of transportation options, Java Private Tour will help you uncover the hidden treasures of Mungkid with ease.
You can simply BOOK HERE to make your journey through Mungkid truly unforgettable!
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