Discover Ngaduman, A Highland Paradise of Warmth and Charm
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the enchanting slopes of Mount
Merbabu, where every twist and turn of the winding roads through majestic
pine and spruce trees will thrill adventurous travelers.
Breathe in the invigorating aroma of blooming leaves that beckon you to connect with
nature and explore the beauty of the outdoors.
Join us as SabatoKaliwuan invites you to experience the unique lives of the warm-hearted local residents who call these chilly highlands home.
Just a three-hour drive north from the bustling center of Yogyakarta City, you’ll find yourself immersed in lush landscapes and refreshing cool air as
you enter the Magelang region. As you reach the border of Batur Village, a charming path invites you further into the captivating world of Ngaduman.
Nestled within the Getasan District of Semarang Regency, Ngaduman awaits at an elevation of 1,800 meters above sea level, where a gentle mist
greets your arrival.
Feel the tranquil ambiance wrap around you as the friendly villagers welcome you with bright smiles, making every traveler feel
at home on the quaint roads that weave through their picturesque community.
Explore Ngaduman and discover why it’s a hidden gem just
waiting to be shared!.
“Semanak” Local Residents
Semanak is Javanese and can mean friendly and easy to get along with.
”The term ‘Semanak’ in Javanese conveys a sense of friendliness and suggests that someone is easy to get along with.
Discover the authentic charm of a true village experience. Here, life stands in delightful contrast to the hustle and bustle of urban living.
Picture a row of simple houses surrounded by the inviting smell of smoke rising from kitchen fireplaces. Local residents engage in their daily activities in the fields, exchanging warm greetings and lighthearted jokes, all against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty.
In Semanak, you’ll uncover the true meaning of hospitality as defined by the Javanese people.
The word “semanak,” which translates to hospitality in Indonesian, encapsulates the warm welcome every traveler receives upon arriving in Ngaduman.
Expect to be greeted with genuine smiles and, without hesitation, invited to enjoy a cup of coffee or the irresistibly
delicious local specialty, fried tea. Fried tea, a treasured beverage from the slopes of Merbabu, is unlike anything you’ve tasted before.
Fresh tea leaves picked from local fields are chopped and delicately roasted over a fireplace, releasing an enticing aroma that refreshes the spirit. When hot water is added to the glass with the roasted leaves, it transforms into a remarkable experience.
Sipping this warm drink in the embrace of a welcoming family creates cherished memories that urban life often lacks. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to connect with Semanak’s vibrant culture and people!
Getting to Know the ‘Sambatan’ Tradition
Sambatan is a beautiful Javanese tradition embodying mutual cooperation among the Javanese people in rural areas, supporting those in need or
facing hardships. Imagine spending two days and three nights with the Ngaduman family, where you can truly feel their warmth. You’ll be invited to immerse yourself in farming—planting vegetables or harvesting crops.
September to October, the magic unfolds as the tobacco harvest season arrives, inviting you to connect with the local community through the Sambatan tradition. Each evening transforms into a vibrant celebration as households with tobacco fields take turns processing the leaves—the heart of cigarette production.
It begins with chopping and arranging the leaves on a “widig,” a bamboo mat designed for drying the chopped tobacco, known as “njereng
mbako.”
The joy of homeowners shines as travelers join them for Sambatan each night. The air fills with lively music and laughter, blending with the hard work and the rhythmic sighs of those laboring together. Every moment is infused with camaraderie and humor.
When it’s time to pause, warm drinks and hearty meals await, with Gude Sup being a special delight unique to this village. This experience captures the essence of community and resilience, reminding us of the strength found in togetherness.
Gude Soup, A Nutritional Gem in Traditional Cuisine
Gude, scientifically known as Cajanus cajan, is a nutritious type of bean with a rich flavor profile.
To prepare gude soup, the black gude beans are first dried and then soaked for about a day, allowing them to soften and
become ready for cooking. Once the beans are softened, they are ground into a smooth consistency.
To elevate the dish, a selection of herbs and spices is added, including garlic, pepper, and kencur (Kaempferia galanga). The inclusion of bay leaves and lemongrass not only enhances the flavor but also infuses the soup with a delightful aroma.
A creamy coconut milk sauce, topped with grated young coconut, adds a savory richness that truly brings the dish to life. The cooking process
typically lasts around two hours to ensure that the gude beans achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
In Ngaduman Village, gude soup is often complemented with corn rice and salted fish side dishes, presenting a harmonious blend of flavors that is
both unique and enjoyable.
The combination of the savory coconut milk sauce and the aromatic kencur creates a highly satisfying experience.
Additionally, pairing the soup with kuban adas (fennel leaf salad) featuring ripe tomato sauce enhances the overall dining experience, making it even
more delightful.
By celebrating and sharing this traditional dish, we acknowledge the rich culinary heritage of the region and the flavors that make it special.
The Kitchen as a Gathering Place
After a long day spent in the fields, home becomes a haven of comfort. The chilly air of the Mount Merbabu slopes transforms into a warm embrace as travelers step into this charming homestay, a local resident’s house.
As night falls, the kitchen transforms into a vibrant gathering spot for family members. The ever-burning fireplace radiates warmth, setting the
perfect stage for storytelling and sharing important messages between parents and their children.
This intimate space fosters deep connections, with family communication flourishing in front of the crackling fire,
nourished by the plentiful firewood provided by the surroundings.
SabatoKaliwuan is truly the heart of this village, welcoming visitors to savor the delightful warmth of family conversations during their stay. Engaging in a rich exchange of experiences and life lessons creates cherished memories—moments that travelers treasure forever as they bond with this
local family in an enduring spirit of kinship.
Embrace Farming in Harmony with Nature
Experience the unique culture of Ngaduman Village, where families thrive as dedicated farmers on their own land.
Most households tend fields located in various picturesque spots on the fertile slopes of Mount Merbabu, known for its rich soil that nurtures an array of vibrant vegetables.
Potatoes are the pride of this community, and SabatoKaliwuan welcomes adventurous travelers to step into the fields and engage in the potato
planting tradition. Imagine the thrill of planting potatoes in this breathtaking landscape.
The varied slopes challenge you to prepare your balance and stamina, making the experience all the more rewarding.
You don’t need any prior skills to join in—just an eagerness to witness the farmers’ artistry as they plant seeds with joyful hearts.
Watch as they merge the seeds with the earth, offering prayers for a flourishing crop that will benefit many.
Feel the gentle mountain breeze as it weaves through the fields, invigorating all who labor there. In Ngaduman Village, farming is more than
a livelihood; it’s a shared journey that connects us to nature and each other.
Join us, and you will not only learn the craft of farming but also discover the deeper meaning behind this beautiful experience. Don’t miss the
chance to be part of this vibrant community.
The Heartfelt Language of Love in the Ngaduman Community
When visitors come to Ngaduman, they’re welcomed with open arms and instantly become part of the family.
The locals believe there’s no difference between travelers and their own siblings, and it’s common for them to introduce guests as new brothers and sisters to their little ones.
This joyful practice helps everyone connect on a deeper level, sharing pure love without any small talk.
The children in Ngaduman have such bright, innocent faces, and they learn from their parents to embrace life with gratitude and joy.
The warm greetings, sincere work ethic, and deep sense of brotherhood create a cozy,
inviting atmosphere in the village. It’s truly the perfect place to take a break and soak in the beauty of life, nature, and peaceful living.