Description

The capital of Bengkulu Province is the coastal city formerly known as Bencoolen. It was the site of Sir Stamford Raffles first entrry into Indonesia and there are still remains of British influence in the area. The primary crops of the area are pepper, coffee, nutmeg and sugar cane. The most fascinating nature charms are the exotic Rafflesia Arnoldi. Dubbed the largest flower in the world, it's actually a parasite luring insects into it by emitting rotten odor.

History

Apparently not much is known about Bengkulu's past, save from the fact that it used to consist of small kingdoms. It developed its own script called ka-ga-nga. Majapahit seemed to take Bengkulu into its wings but after this mighty kingdom fell, Bengkulu was left to its own devices until the British came and take over. The British wanted to monopolize the pepper, grown abundant here, but constant attacks of malaria and boredom made them think that Bencoolen, like they preferred to call it, was not that promising.

When Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles arrived in 1818 as the British ruler, he somehow managed to turn Bengkulu into a success. He made the best of pepper trade, and he also make them grow coffee, nutmeg and sugar cane here.

Bengkulu is also well-known as the exile place of Indonesia's first president, Sukarno, in 1938-1941.

Entry

 Bengkulu Province is easily accessible by land, air and sea transportation. You can catch regular buses directly from Medan, Padang or Jakarta. Flight arrives there times a day. Domestic ships from Jakarta, Padang and Medan stop by in Baai Harbor, Bengkulu.

People & Culture

Most inhabitants here are Malay and the culture and habits are somewhat similar to neighboring provinces.

Cuisine

Most Bengkulu people love bakso, a dish made of noodle and meatballs. Therefore you can find many restaurants selling this dishes throughout the town. Sea food is also a favorite, mostly grilled with some spices. Martabak, some kind of pancake with certain fillings, is one of Bengkulu's favorite snacks.

Tourism Office

Jl. P. Tendean 17 Bengkulu

Phone. (62-736) 21272

Fax. (62-736) 342200, 342100

http://www.bengkulu.go.id