Indonesian Bay and Beach Festival

Following the success of previous editions, the Government of West Halmahera will once again present the 5th edition of the Festival Teluk Jailolo or Jailolo Bay Festival 2013 from 16th to 18th May 2013,  at Jailolo or Gilolo , other names given by the inhabitants to the island  better known as Halmahera in the province of North Maluku.

The 5th Jailolo Bay Festival: Treasure of the Golden Spice Islands

15 May 2013 -  18 May 2013

Reviving the former glory of Halmahera as the world’s origin of spices, and acknowledging the island’s abundant natural and cultural wealth, this year the Jailolo Bay Festival has particularly chosen the theme “The Treasure of Golden Spice Islands”.

Organized by the office of Tourism of the West Halmahera Regency, the event is aimed to introduce and promote the natural splendors, cultural attractions, and other potential attractions of the regency. During  the festivities, the public will be presented with various unique programs such as a Spice Parade, a Spice Expo, Spice Trip, a Fishing Competition, Swimming Competition, Rowing Competition, Fun Diving, the traditional sea ritual of Sigofi Ngolo, and a Culinary Fiesta featuring a barbecue party of 10 tons of fish.

As  usual, the pinnacle of the festival  will be the grand Cabaret set on the stage above the sea which this year is dubbed as Sasadu on the Sea. The Sasadu on the Sea is a collaborative production of  Dance Maestro and Choreographer Eko Supriyanto, renowned art director Oleg Sanchabakhtiar, and professional stage director Dimas Leimana.

A former dancer for the international Diva, Madonna, Eko Supriyanto has collaborated with some of the big names in the entertainment industry in  the country including Garin Nugroho, Slank, and Peter Sellars, while Dimas Leimana has been  involved in some international scale shows including those of  Mariah Carey, Bjork, and Beyonce. Oleg Sanchabachtiar.  On the other hand, Leimena is no stranger on Indonesia’s performance scene.

The sparsely populated island that is better known as Halmahera encompasses an area of 17,000 square kilometers. Here nature is exquisite which continues to inspire the festival each year. The Moslem and Christian population jointly participate annually in a joyous and harmonious local festivity that has developed into an international event.

Belitong Beach Festival & Expo 2013

18 May 2013 -  20 May 2013

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Having been  introduced to the world through the bestselling novel  “Laskar Pelangi” or The Rainbow Troops, the enchanting island of Belitung -also known as Belitong, will sparkle again with festivities as the Belitong Beach Festival & Expo 2013 gets underway from 18th to 20th May 2013.

Held for the first time ever, the event will be centered around the town of Tanjungpandan on Belitung Island, in the province of Bangka Belitung.

The festival will be highlighted with cultural performances, exhibitions, music stages, culinary fair, and much more. To top it off, the festival will also be highlighted by the performance of the Jember Fashion Carnival during the Beach parties at the Tanjung Pendam Beach, the Tanjung Kalayang Beach, and the Tanjung Tinggi Beach. Those present can also enjoy a disco party on the beach and opportunities to take pictures with the models and the amazing costumes of the Jember Fashion Carnival.

Aimed to further promote the beauty of Belitung Island, the event is initiated by the provincial government of Bangka Belitung through the office of Tourism and Culture and organized by PT.Sriwijaya Media Konvex, Although as yet not as popular as Bali or Lombok, Belitung is blessed with some of the best beaches of the country. The sand is soft and as white as sugar, and some even argue that the sand here is even whiter than in Bali.

The most distinct feature of the Belitung beaches are the giant granite rock formations that lie scattered along its shallow shores. Ranging from several cubic meters, these giant granite rocks can measure the size of a two-storey house. Some formations of these huge rocks even have short tunnels underneath them, making this an exciting playground for visitors to bathe in its calm waters.