MADURA
ISLAND OVERVIEW |
FOLK SPORT ( BULL RACING ) AT MADURA
Madura
From
an administrative viewpoint, is apart of the Indonesian Privince of East Java.
Located off the eastern and of Java's north coast, this long, narrow island
measures 160 km from east to west and 35 km north south, amounting to a total
area of roughly 4.250 square kilometres. Madura is divided into four Regencies,
or Kabupaten, which run consecutively from west to east, respectively Bangkalan,
Sampang, Pamekasan and Sumenep. Lying only a 30 minute ferry ride from Surabaya's
harbour of Tanjung Perak, the port of Kamal on Madura's south west coast is
easily accessible, Ferries transporting vehicles of all sizes, passengers
and goods, arrive and depart at 15 minute intervals around the clock, thus
forming a permanent moving bridge connecting Madura with the mainland.
Bull
Racing
In Madura is a folk sport that come, into existence long, long ago. Though
the colour and excitement is different from the familiar sports of Westerners,
it is equally interresting and thrilling.
The races in its modern form, play a fundamental part in the life of Madura and its people, bringing activity to a standstill when a race meeting is in progress.
Conditions
specified that bulls entered for the race must be of Madurese stock and colour,
height and strength are also taken into consideration. The race season is
set from July through October. The last race of the season selects the over
all champion, by a process of district races culminating in the finals held
at Pamekasan, the capital of the island. Realising the tremendous value the
races have for attracting domestic and foreign tourist, they can also be arranged
on request for the tour groups.
But Madura doesn't only mean bull races. There is more to it for those with
time and interest for archaeology and glimpses at the remaining rurall life
of olden times.
Sumenep
An old and attractive town, 53 km north-east of Pamekasan in the more isolated
hills of the interior. See Sumenep's 18th century mosque, the kraton and its
small but interesting museum of royal family possessions. Asta Tinggi, the
royal cemetery is only about three km from the town centre.
Pamekasan
The capital of Madura, about 100 km east of Kamal. This is the place where
the Kerapan Besar (the annual bull races) are held. Make sure to visit the
strange natural fire resources of Api Abadi (Eternal Fire), where fire spouts
out of the earth.
Arosbaya
11 km from Bangkalan on the north-west coast, where the old royal cemetery
of the Cakraningrat family is perched on the edge of a small river, with beautiful
views along the river valley and across the terraced hills.
Camplong
About 15 km short of Pamekasan, dotted on the south coast is Camplong a fine
sweeping beach with calm water.
Slopeng
A stretch of beach with sand dunes, and palm trees, 21 km from Sumenep, near
the fishing village of Ambunten on the north coast.
Lombang
Supposed to be even more beautiful beach with a stretch of casuarina trees,
30 km from Semenep.
THE BULLS RUN LIKE THE WIND