Although located near the town centre, 'town forest' is rather too much praise for this arboretum. However, if you happen to be a botanist, you should not miss it. About 80 of Indonesia's species of trees are represented here.
The city advertises it's forest even for recreation with children. We consider this ill-advised if only because of the mosquito's pestering us during our walk through the arboretum.
The arboretum is owned and run by the state forestry company, Perhutani. It serves mainly for training of employees. Ample accommodation for student groups is available, and if you are an interested visitor the staff will be happy to let you stay over. For reservations contact mrs Dewi, +62.351.7761641.
Updated Mar 20, 2008
Address: Puslatbang Perhutani, Jln Rimba Mulya 11, Madiun
Phone: Office: 0351.453094
Waduk Widas is a vast irrigation lake with recreational area. Like Waduk Wonorejo in Tulungagung residency it is managed by the state water company Jasa Tirta I. However, it is much less developed and visited. The water is clean, as evidenced by the other name the lake goes by: Waduk Bening (Clear Lake).
So it is possible to have a swim and picnic here without being disturbed. We only met some villagers going about their business. Three of them came swimming across the lake with their clothes and luggage on a raft. They dressed and hopped on their bikes parked nearby. It was the shortest way to their work.
The site is vast and deserves some exploration. There is a mango grove, where mangoes are free for the picking (season: October-December). Hunting is not allowed and we saw lots of birds.
On holidays you can expect some local visitors, but they concentrate near the Jasa Tirta office where there is a playground with a few foodstalls and boats.
Our photo's show the lake at its lowest, because it was the end of the dry season.
Updated Nov 25, 2007
Address: Kecamatan Saradan, Kabupaten Madiun
Comments