Sumantri - Culinary Experience - Durian

The durian is the fruit of trees of the genus Durio belonging to the Malvaceae, a large family which includes hibiscus, okra, cotton, mallows and linden trees. Widely known and revered in Southeast Asia as the "King of Fruits,"[1] the fruit is distinctive for its large size, unique odour, and a formidable thorn-covered husk. Its name comes from the Malay word duri (thorn) together with Malay suffix that is -an (for building a noun in Malay), meaning "thorny fruit."[2][3]
There are 30 recognised Durio species, all native to Southeast Asia and at least nine of which produce edible fruit.[4] Durio zibethinus is the only species available in the international market; other species are sold in their local region.
The fruit can grow up to 30 centimetres (12 in) long and 15 centimetres (6 in) in diameter,[5][6] and typically weighs one to three kilograms (2 to 7 lb).[5] Its shape ranges from oblong to round, the colour of its husk green to brown and its flesh pale-yellow to red, depending on species.[5] The hard outer husk is covered with sharp, prickly thorns, while the edible custard-like flesh within emits the strong, distinctive odour, which is regarded as either fragrant or overpowering and offensive. The taste of the flesh has been described as nutty and sweet.(taken from wikipedia ) Photos shown i was enjoying the durian fruit.

Sumantri - Culinary Experience - Dragon Fruit

Culinary Experience - Dragon Fruit by Sumantri

Dragon Fruit are native to Central and South America where they are known as pitaya or pitahaya. They are one of the most widely distributed members of the cactaceae family, and are now found on six continents. There are three species of dragon fruit in the genus Hylocereus and one species in the genus Selenicereus. Varieties of Hylocereus guatemalensis, Hylocereus polyrhizus, and Hylocereus undatus as well as hybrids of these three species are grown commercially worldwide. Selenicereus megalanthus is grown commercially on smaller scales in South America and is especially popular in Columbia.
The dragon fruit flesh can be white, red, or magenta all to varying degrees dependant upon variety. The red fleshed varieties contain lycopene which is a natural antioxidant known to fight cancer, heart disease, and lower blood pressure. Despite the health benefits and its spectacular appearance, the fruit has gone virtually unnoticed for centuries. Today it is the leading fruit export of Vietnam. It has even caught the attention of Snapple, Tropicana, and Sobe which are just a few of the major labels that have incorporated dragon fruit into their bottled fruit drinks.
The sensation surrounding this fabulous fruit can be attributed to a legend created by ingenious Asian marketers.According to the legend the fruit was created thousands of years ago by fire breathing dragons. During a battle when the dragon would breathe fire the last thing to come out would be the fruit. After the dragon is slain the fruit is collected and presented to the Emperor as a coveted treasure and indication of victory. The soldiers would then butcher the dragon and eat the flesh. It was believed that those who feasted on the flesh would be endowed with the strength and ferocity of the dragon and that they too would be coveted by the Emperor.
It is written that the dragon’s flame originates deep within its body near the base of its tail. The meat from this part of the dragon was the most desirable and most sought after portion. Only the officers of each division would be privy to this cut of meat. The ancient Chinese called this cut the “jaina,” which translates literally to “the sweetest and best tasting.” The jaina was treasured by all who were privileged enough to taste it, and it is believed that man’s thirst for the jaina is what led to the destruction and eventual extinction of all of the dragons. (article taken from tropicalnursery.com). Photo shown : dragon fruit tree at our house in Malaysia.

Sumantri - Culinary Experience - Thai Fish Cake

Culinary Experience - Thai Fish Cake by Sumantri Brunei Darussalam 12 Auguts 2007. Thai food remaining become one of my favorite food, this culinary promised a refreshing experience from every bite with combination of spices,sour and sweet . Photo shown fish cake accompany with Thai sauce.

Sumantri - Care to community - Indonesian National Day 2007

Indonesian National Day 2007. Depok - Indonesia 17 August 2007.

My note to Indonesia, 61 years celebration of Indonesian Independence Day remain with a lot of drama and story, country still have so many problem in term of economy, politic,culture,religious etc. Indonesia I'll promise you I'll always dedicate what i can give to you I'll only take a little from you but giving a lot to you that my promised.

Sumantri-Travel Experience article - Taman Safari Bogor - Indonesia

Experience article - Taman Safari Bogor - Indonesia by Indonesia. 3 September 2007. Taman Safari or Safari park

The wildlife conservation is located in Cibeureum village, Cisarua. Taman Safari Foundation owns the land in Taman Safari, which is also the management of the tourism object. Facilities in Taman Safari are bus, artificial lake, water cycling, canoe, swimming pool, mini train to see African style village, Bird Park, go cart, children playground, windmill, circus, merry-go-round etc.
Animals from all continents roam freely in this 35-hectare park, 75-km southeast of Jakarta along the Jakarta-Bandung route. Among the animals kept here are some comparatively rare species such as anoas, rhinos, giraffes, white tigers and European, American and Asian bears. Adjacent to the park is recreational grounds with a swimming pool, tennis courts, an artificial lake, waterfall and children's playground and amusement park. There are also restaurants and cafeterias.
Taman safari is a drive through zoo and amusement park and is open every day. On the way from Bandung to Taman Safari we have to pass Puncak, do not try to do this on Sunday or public holiday because we can end up in a big traffic jam, because Puncak is a very popular spot for people from Jakarta. Normally, it take 3,5 hours from Bandung to get to Taman Safari.

by car By car or taxi Take the Jagorawi toll road. Take the Ciawi exit, and head towards Puncak.When you reach the junction of Jalan Raya Puncak and Jalan Taman Safari which is well signposted-turn right. The trip takes ± 60 minutes. From Bandung, head toward Jakarta via Puncak Pass road.Turn left at the Safari junction. The trip takes ± 180 minutes.

We were enjoying the trip very much and the best part was taking a picture while holding a baby of tiger, lion and orang utan...fantastic!! Tips do not visit on sunday or public holiday too crowded you will not enjoying and able to see all the animal and activities.

Sumantri-Travel Experience article - PUNCAK - Indonesia

Travel Experience article - PUNCAK - Indonesia. 3rd September 2007. Bogor is a city in West Java with a population of approximately 800,000 people in the CBD area and 2,000,000 in suburban area, bringing a total of 3 million population. It was the capital of Indonesia during the British occupation under Stamford Raffles and was used as the capital by the Dutch during the dry season, then known as Buitenzorg (meaning "beyond cares").
Bogor boasts a presidential palace, a deer park and a botanical garden in the town centre. It is home to the Institut Pertanian Bogor (or Bogor Institute of Agriculture).
Bogor is on a main road from Jakarta to Bandung, over the Puncak pass. To the south of the city are large tea plantations. During colonial times the Bogor area developed as a centre for plantations. Apart from the tea (Mount Mas), there were coffee plantations at nearby Sukabumi and later vast rubber plantations that stretched from Bogor as far as Citereup and Bukit Sentul.
The suburban area of Bogor is part of the Bogor Regency, while the urban is the Bogor City. Currently Bogor bears the nickname "the Rain City" (Kota Hujan), suggesting that it is very wet and nearly always rains even during the dry season. ( taken from wikipedia ).

Both of us were enjoying green view of plantation and breath with e very fresh air and cooling weather.

Sumantri-Travel Experience article- DUFAN

Travel Experience article- DUFAN by Sumantri. Jakarta - Indonesia August 2007, Dufan a short form from Dunia Fantasi in Indonesia or Fantasy World in English is the biggest theme park located in north Jakarta. This huge theme park is crowded specially in the week end or public Holiday. Offering a great play ground for adult and kids from scary to fun, crazy to calm, exiting to shock all blend and combine together promised a great experience if you join the games. My self, my wife and my brother were experience this theme night. Open from 10 am to 6 pm during week day and 10 am to the night during week end and public holiday is great place i recommend for your next holiday.