This morning we awoke just offshore from the beautiful town of Cirebon. We began the day early, which meant we avoided the bite of the midday sun. After a short Zodiac ride into the wharf, we had a fantastic welcome ceremony complete with dragon puppets (a clear indication of the town’s Chinese influence). From here we ventured towards the palace in large buses, providing an excellent view of the township. Once settled in the palace we were greeted by the sultan and welcomed with song and food. Shortly after, we enjoyed several cultural performances. After the dances were finished, we had the opportunity to buy some of the local handicrafts. Everyone had a great day and returned to National Geographic Orion for Phils presentation, Birding 101, in the afternoon.
9/19/2024
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National Geographic Orion
Semarang, Indonesia
As the first light of dawn painted the sky with a soft orange glow, the ship docked in the bustling port of Semarang, Indonesia. Our arrival was met with a warm welcome, including a mesmerizing performance of traditional dancers. Among them were performers donning the iconic lion-headed headdress adorned with peacock feathers. Incredibly, these intricate pieces can weigh up to 60 kilograms and are held in place by biting down on a specialized wooden grip. Our journey then took us to Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent Buddhist temple, over 1,300 years old, draws more than 5 million visitors each year. As we wandered through its tiered levels, it was impossible not to reflect on the countless feet that have tread these ancient stones over the centuries. We concluded our day with a delightful feast, accompanied by a captivating traditional Indonesian shadow puppet performance, immersing us further into the rich cultural heritage of this land.
