Bengkulu - Sumatra
Cities and towns in Sumatra
Bengkulu City is the capital of the Bengkulu province of Sumatra on the West Coast. It is relatively a small town compared to others in Sumatra with a population of over 60,000. Bengkulu was founded by the British in 1685 and occupied until 1825 when the Dutch took over.
Soekarno, the first president of Indonesia, was exiled to Bengkulu by the Dutch from 1938 to 1941. The small house he lived in remains now as a museum on Jl Soekarno-Hatta.
Amorphophalus titanum, the tallest flower as well as Rafflesia Arnoldi, the largest flower in the world, can be found in the rainforests of the Barisan Mountains near Bengkulu. There are also tigers, elephants and rhinos.
Fort Marlborough
Fort Marlborough, located in the main street of Bengkulu shows some of the British colonialist heritage.
It was built by East Indian Company (EIC) in 1713 under Joseph Callet Governor General and
is the second strongest fort built by the British in
the far east - Fort George in Madras, India being the largest.
Beaches
There are 2 beaches in Bengkulu, Nala Beach which is closest to the city and Panjang Gading Cempaka which is 3km from the city center. Panjang Gading Cempaka is 7km long. 19kms from Bengkulu is Pasir Putih Beach. These spots are great for surfing, wind surfing and swimming.
Suban Hot Springs
Located 90 kms from Bengkulu is the Suban Hot Springs (air panas). It takes
around two hours drive by car or bus. Suban is good for bathing of the
source of natural hot water. Close by to the hot springs are waterfalls.
Enggano Island
The island covers an area of 40,260 hectares which is dominated by dense
rain forest with its wild buffaloes. You can still see traditional society
life and the native's Enggano dance. The island can be reached by a boat at pulau Baai harbour or hiring a small boat
at Bintuhan seaport, close to Fort Marlborough.
Dendam Tak Sudah Lake
Surrounded by a mountains the lake can be used for fishing, canoeing and
other water sports.
Bukit Kaba, A Volcanic Crater
A beautiful and natural panorama Bukit Kaba is a
spectacular sulfuric crater. It is located away 104 km from Bengkulu and about
19 km from Curup, the capital city of Rejang Lebing District, at 1937 m
above sea level. This area has two large sulfuric calderas
with twelve active craters. The area covers 13.490 hectares.
Sentot Alibasyah Cemetery
Sentot Alibasyah is one of the Indonesian heroes. He was a military leader
for Prince Diponegoro, another national hero, during his struggle against
the
Dutch.
Tikus Island
Tikus island is a group of small islands which is surrounded by rock
composition. There is good snorkeling around the island with a variety of colourful fish.
How to get there
Bengkulu's airport is called Fatmawati Soekarno. The following airlines fly to Bengkulu:
Mandala Air has direct flights from Jakarta. www.mandalaair.com
Batavia Air has direct flights from Bengkulu to Jakarta. www.batavia-air.co.id
Sriwijaya Air have direct flights between Bengkulu and Jakarta.
Lion Air has direct flights from Bengkulu to Jakarta. www.lionair.co.id
Accommodation in Bengkulu
Hotel Horison located in Bengkulu, close
to Panjang Gading Cempaka Beach have room prices from 425,000Rp per night
(US$37)
bengkulu.wasantara.net.id/horison
Rio Asri Garden Hotel Jl Veteran 63
Hotel Dena
Jl. Fatmawati No. 29
Bengkulu
Phone: (0736) 21981
Rooms: 23
Class: *
Hotel Cempaka Raya
Jl. Mayjen. Sutoyo No.135
Bengkulu
Phone: (0736) 21034
Rooms: 29
Class *
Last updated - 29th March 2008