Ponorogo is at the crossroads of the roads leading to Madiun, Solo, Pacitan and Trenggalek. It supports an agricultural economy based on rice, soya beans, corn and peanuts and developing cattle and poultry industries. It also has a substantial cottage industry based on handicraft.
It is known as a seat of learning for both Islamic and General studies. 5 Universities and 25 High Schools and many Islamic boarding schools catering for the populations needs
The name Ponorogo is derived from the words “ Pono” ( clever) and “Rogo” ( body) and the Regency is steeped in mythology ,history and tradition.
The main local markets (produce and general) are near the city centre on the diagonally opposite corners of Jl. KH Ahmad Dahlan and Jl. Soeharto - Hatta
4 Hospitals and numerous doctors provide medical and pharmaceutical facilities and are well able to cater for local and tourists needs.
The people are very friendly and helpful – they don’t see too many tourists other than maybe at the major festivals of REOG and Grebeg Suro ( Islamic New Year)
Orientation
Ponorogo is located on the western edge of East Java , 200.Km to the south west of the capital of East Java, Surabaya, 180 Km east of Solo ( Surakarta) and 78 Km north of Pacitan.
The terrain is flat, easy to get around in the city and the country side and a delightful place for a stop over.
The city is bordered by mountains on three sides and a thriving agricultural economy exists from the fertile land. The surrounding villages add a pleasant ambience to Ponorogo and are a mixture of “old and new”.
Information
The Ponorogo Tourist Office is located on Jl. Pramuka, next to the Stadium, and opposite the swimming pool.There are Tourist Ambassadors to assist visitors and an office that is staffed by friendly, smiling, English speaking staff.A range of local publications are available and several websites are available. The English language East Java Tourism site is very useful ( www.eastjava.com/tourism/ponorogo). An Indonesian language site is also available ( www.ponorogo.go.id), Ponorogo Biggest Online Community (www.ponorogozone.com)
Money
Ponorogo is well serviced by all banks, with ATMs and money changing services. Try the banks on Jl. Soekarno- Hatta for the best rates ( and friendly service). Private money changers are also along this stretch of road.
Post & Communications
The main Post Office is located on the corner of Jl. Soekarno –Hatta and Jl. Siberut and provides the usual range of postal facilities.Wartels are plentiful throughout the city and Internet facilities (Warnets) are also available at around Rp 4000 per hour. The numbers of Warnets are increasing and so is the access speed. The
Telkom
office is located Jl. Dr. Sutomo near Jl. Soekarno- Hatta and offers the usual telecommunications facilities. Be sure that you know the access codes for accessing International Reverse Charge calls.
Things to do and see
The tradition and history of Ponorogo is proudly presented through REOG folkloric dance that has been perpetuated for over 100 years. The focal point of the dance is a huge tiger’s head mask decorated with over 1500 peacock feathers. The mask weighs over 50Kg and is held in the mouth of a dancer who participates in an energetic acrobatic dance. At times, another dancer is often carried on the head of this dancer.This spectacular dance troupe performs on the full moon of each month of the Javanese Calendar ( of 35 days) at Aloon – Aloon , Town Square, commencing at 21:00 Hrs and at the annual REOG National Dance Contest held in the last week of the Islamic Year.The annual Grebeg Suro Festival welcomes in the Islamic New Year and also includes dancers and performers from other Indonesian Regencies.(The term REOG is derived from Resik ( clean), Endah (beauty), Omber (wide minded or democracy) and Girang-gemirang ( happy) and represents the objectives of the Ponorogo Regional Development Program.) Regular Wayang Kulit ( Shadow Puppetry) performances are held each 35 days according to the Islamic Calendar at the Aloon – Aloon Town Square, commencing at 19:30. Ponorogo also offers many traditional sites and venues for the tourist to explore throughout the city and close environs. Lake Ngebel is located in the mountains 30 minutes (18 Km) to the north –east of Ponorogo and offers a pleasant location and a developing eco-tourism. The Lake is also steeped in mythology and the 52 metre deep lake has an interesting story to tell. The Tourist Office on Jl. Pramuka can provide the tourist with an annual program of events and activities and sightseeing options. ELITE English School, Jl. Thamrin always welcomes tourists who are willing to talk with their students in the afternoons.
Places to Stay
Accommodation ranges from the basic to O.K. Discounts can be bargained for. Basic Rooms will probably only have cold water and fans whereas higher levels will have hot and cold water. Remember that Ponorogos tourists are mainly Indonesian travelers. Proprietors are willing to listen to foreign tourists suggestions and will try to meet them.Check the room and facilities before booking in.
Places to stay – Budget. –( very basic)
Aman (25.000 – 35000Rp) Jl Soekarn-Hatta 115 (tel 0352 485437)
Indonesia ( 20000 – 35000 Rp) Jl. Soekarno – Hatta 206 (tel 0352 48917)
Sentrum ( 200,000 – 30,000 Rp) Jl Soekarn – Hatta 12 (tel 0352 481787)
Larasti ( 15000 – 20000 Rp) Jl Basuki Rahmad 14 (tel o352 461140)
Places to stay – Mid-Range.
Dirgahayayu ( (40,000 – 150, 000 Rp) Jl. Soekarno- Hatta 315 (tel 0352 481154)
SAA Nuansa ( 25000 – 75000 Rp) Jl. Sultan Agung (tel 0352 481419)
Places to stay – Top End.
Ponorogo Permai ( 55,000 – 220,000Rp ) Jl. Jend. Sudirman 117 (tel 461369)
Kencana Dewi ( 25,000 – 132,000 Rp) Jl. Diponegoro 40 (tel 0352 481515)
La Tiban ( 70,000 – 175,000 Rp) Jl. KH. Ahmad Dahlan 62 (tel 0352 481102)
Gajahmada ( 0,000 – 270,000 Rp) Jl. Gajahmada 56 (tel 0352 461145)
Places to eat
Ponorogo offers a wide range of eating places ranging from Kaki limas, warungs, rumah makans offering a range of local and regional food at very reasonable prices. Be warned that Ponorogo likes its food hot and spicy!Several supermarkets and local stores and markets are also available for the self caterer. The type of food available is often dictated by the time of day. Some specialties are morning ( makan pagi), midday ( makan siang) or evening ( makan malam) and many of the warungs are absent during the day as they occupy the footpaths, that are required for pedestrians during the day!
Rumah Makans - ( a by no means complete listing) Depot Sumatra Jl. Sultan Sultan Agung ( opposite the Hotel Saa Nuansa) is well recommended for a wide variety of cheap, quickly prepared food.Ramayan, Jl. KH Ahmad Dahlan 108Amad, Jl. MH Thamrin 61Bu Roesmin, Jl DiponegoroCitro Roso, Jl Jaksa Agung SupratoDiponegoro, Jl. DiponegoroGembira, Jl. GagahmadaLatansa Jl. Sultan Agung
Getting there and away. The Seloaji bus terminal is located on the northern road to Madiun, about 3 Km from the centre of the city. There are many options for moving on from there ( see Getting around)Frequent buses connect to Pacitan ( South) , Madiun and Surabaya ( north), Solo ( west) , and the Trenggalek Regency, including Gunung Bromo ( east).The nearest train station ( Jogyakata – Surabaya line) is at Madiun and, Solo and Surabaya are serviced by air. Both airports service domestic and limited international destinations.Jakarta is 800 Km to the north west of Ponorogo, Surabaya is about 200 Km ( 5 hours) to the north east and Solo can be reached through Wonigiri ( 3 hrs) or Madiun ( 4 hrs).Pacitan is about 2 hrs , by a very scenic route, to the south.
Getting around.
The Bus station is located on the northern access road to Madiun Becaks are just waiting for passengers and are a cheap option for transportation.. Minibuses – ANGDES ( rural transport) and ANGKOT ( urban transport) service a wider region on a regular basis and both have the destinations clearly indicated. Dokars ( horse drawn buggies) ply their trade for those interested in a more leisurely pace. Because of the flat terrain, bicycles are an easy option to get around on. Hiring a motor bike is an easy alternative and traffic is very organized and the roads are mainly wide and in good condition.Transport buses range from “local” to those with a.c and reclining seats
Source : ponorogo-tourism.com
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