Earlier this year my husband and I experienced a real life in rural Central Java

Earlier this year my husband and I experienced a real life in rural Central Java. We went to the place Candi Rejo. It is located about half hour from Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia.
We heard from our partners in Indonesia to Rejo Candi began in the community and eco-tourism project. We went to more information about this project to learn. In our perspective, Community tourism which means tourism advice, including the benefit of local communities. We wanted to see if this really happens in this village.
In the beginning we were not sure what to expect. We bought our tickets from Bali, in consultation with the village chief, and next thing we know we were at the airport Jogjakarta.
Our guide was called I.J. (Pronounced EE-Jay). She was very friendly and talkative, even though her English is limited. It was an interesting lady. It is approximately 35 years, and every day she wears the hijab (headscarf) and long-sleeved shirt to cover his hands, though the weather was very hot. Obviously that is normally Muslim women there. IJ is a single mother, raising two children alone. It is the only female guide in his village, and she is very proud. She said if no visitors to route around the farm like the rest of the people in their village.
Once we get to the harbor we drove into town, which is about 1 hours drive from the airport. The view was spectacular. We could volcano at a distance, while we passed a field of mustard, wheat fields, tapioca farms and vegetable farms. We also passed the ninth century Buddhist temple called Pawon. It is dedicated envelope Fortune God.
The first thing we did when we knew Candi Rejo village head. We thought that this older man with gray hair, like many other Indonesian government officials. We were surprised when the village chief, Mr Ian appeared. A charming 28-year-old man, soft spoken and very well dressed.
He briefly explained the history of the ecotourism in Candi Rejo. Only a few years ago, Indonesian NGOs approached the village and introduces the concept of community ecotourism. After many meetings of the village community in Candi Rejo embraced the idea. The village has the advantage of being very close to Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia and the great wonder of the ancient world. These are words that can be used for white water rafting, but also a nice track called Watu Kendil, which was made Kendil Hill. On top of this hill you five of the volcano and the entire construction of the Borobudur temple.
Ecotourism in Candi Rejo Project is a pilot project in Indonesia. The village has about 5,000 people, most of the people there are farmers. The main unit, which manages tourism in Candi Rejo community is the cooperative (co-op) and not the government. Head of the cooperative will report to chief, but the proceeds go directly to the local population.
Villagers voluntarily joined the cooperative. For example, those extra rooms in houses can be regarded as a provider of accommodation. People who are horse-drawn rickshaws cooperatives can be connected as one of the villages of the carriers. Everyone in the cooperative must approve the list, which guide, porters, village tour, pull trail maintenance and sale of traditional equal opportunities to make money.
There is no doubt that increased eco-tourism project of the village economy. Rejo as Candi was the official "tourism village" status in 2003, has evolved into a brighter and richer. The village chief ordered every house in the village, "Rambutan" tropical fruit trees for their home to grow. The result: this place is a very green and shady. Weather in Central Java is very hot, so big trees can protect pedestrians from the sun
When we asked the chief if he is not afraid Self one days that tourism would bring invisible pollution and villages, he said the cooperative limit the number of visitors per year. Tourism programs we developed are largely focused on tourism, a tourist program. And of course, most of the guests who come to Candi Rejo the green-minded travelers. They want to learn about agriculture, or the real Javanese village life experience.
In 2007, the village saw about 800-900 visitors. We saw pictures of their previous visits. Some schools in large cities in Indonesia sent the student Candi Rejo visit to learn about agriculture and rural life. It is true that many Indonesian children who grew up in a big city does not know what the trees and eat the fruit looks like in the country. These types of programs teaching them to learn what the food market it came from. It also raises the awareness among the students how important it is to maintain your environment.
It's not only students from all over Indonesia, who come in Candi Rejo. Government and from other places in Indonesia also visit Candi Rejo to about rural tourism and ecotourism to learn.
We must not forget how nice people are in Candi Rejo. Everyone was so friendly and accommodating. We found that community-based tourism really fit their characters. Their natural desire to receive their guests to our trip as smooth and memorable.
The Candi Rejo, we learned how the Javanese gamelan (traditional musical instruments to play). We also played volleyball with the locals, which is very nice! We took a rickshaw horse around during our stay there (0 emissions safe). They were also invited to the headman's house to visit for a meeting of the community. It feels like our family to visit.
Candi Rejo We left with good memories of this village. We would be back in a heartbeat. Hopefully next time we take our passengers to us. We are proud to community-based ecotourism and tourism movement in Indonesia is still being developed. We hope that these projects can alleviate poverty, create more jobs and mainly with the ecology of Indonesia.

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