The opportunity of traveling overland allows the traveler to see in person and appreciate the place in a more details manner. In the beginning when I first started traveling, I could not understand that. I had grievances over a long bus rides when I was travelling over 2000 km on road in Turkey as things were easily provided back home, meaning, long journey is usually by air flight.
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| A moment of bliss involving deep thinking |
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| Mountainous view of Parahyangan |
Using overland transportation, we had a greater advantage of getting to know the cultures and the customs of places that we visited. It allows you to appreciate nature more than you do when travelling by flight. Even Allah in the wisdom of Al-Quran, Surah 29 (chapter) verses 20 states: Say: "Travel through the earth and see how
Allah did originate creation; so will Allah produce a later creation: for Allah
has power over all things".
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| Terrace paddy field |
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| Other farming area about to begin |
While we were traveling via Train rides in Indonesia, we were able to enjoy beautiful views of the Parahyangan mountainous valleys from the train window pane. I'm sharing some of those photos that I snapped along the journey from Jakarta to Bandung and similarly from Bandung to Jakarta.
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| Valley and inseparable water source for the farming - Allah's great creation |
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| Small farming village |
Parahyangan or Prianga is the mountainous region in West Java province on the island of Java. It covers the regencies (the locals word is kabupaten) of :-
- Bandung;
- Subang;
- Garut;
- Purwakata; and
- Sumedang
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| Another habitation small town |
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| Another valley |
It also covers the independent cities of Bandung and Cimahi, which are geographically within these regencies. The total surface area of Parahyangan is approximately about 1/6 of Java. Parahyangan is bordered in the West by the Cianjur regency, in the North by Karawang and Indramayu, by Majalengka and Kuningan in the North-East and in the East by the Tasik Malaya.
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| Harvesting time |
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| Hard women labour |
The name "Parahyangan" is originated from Sundanese words which means "the abode of hyangs (gods)". Being a mountainous region, an ancient Indonesians believed that the gods resided in the mountain tops. The "hyang" derivation in other place names on the island of Java, as in the Dieng Plateau in the centre and the Hyang Plateau in the east.
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| Beautiful green house on the green valley |
It was suggested that Sundanese already inhabit the region since stone age era. A popular Sundanese proverb and legend mentioned about the creation of Parahyangan highlands, the heartland of Sundanese realm that "When the hyangs (gods) were smiling, the land of Parahyangan was created". This legend suggested the Parahyangan highland as the play land or the abode of gods, as well as suggesting its natural beauty.
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| Rains that day added a peaceful conversation with the great Creator, Allah |
How blissful were the day we were gifted to travel within the green mountainous valley, the valley that is in full use by the locals for farming and enjoying what God's provide to us all. To end this entry, I wish to take some time to recite and fully comprehend the meaning of Surah Ar-Rahman, chapter 55, verses 1-13
((Allah)) Most Gracious!
It is He Who has taught
the Qur'an.
He has created man:
He has taught him
speech (and intelligence).
The sun and the moon
follow courses (exactly) computed;
And the herbs and the
trees - both (alike) bow in adoration.
And the Firmament has
He raised high, and He has set up the Balance (of Justice),
In order that ye may
not transgress (due) balance.
So establish weight
with justice and fall not short in the balance.
It is He Who has spread out the earth for (His) creatures:
Therein is fruit and date-palms, producing spathes (enclosing dates);
Also corn, with (its) leaves and stalk for fodder, and
sweet-smelling plants.
Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
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