From Australia’s Southernmost Point to the Heart of Pekalongan: Garry’s Story of Exploring Batik and the Protection of the Javan Gibbon
PEKALONGAN, October 18, 2026 — The roar of vehicles is slowly replaced by the calm of rustling leaves and the warm greetings of local residents. Pekalongan not only holds the richness of Indonesian textile art, but also green corners that offer extraordinary peace to anyone who visits it.
This is what Garry D., a tour guide from Hobart, Tasmania—an island in the southernmost part of Australia that borders directly on the Antarctic.His journey in Java—his first visit after repeatedly visiting Lombok—took him along one of the most memorable routes in Pekalongan.
A Touch of Coastal Art at Wiradesa
Garry’s adventure began in the Wiradesa area, specifically at Batik Pesisir, owned by the renowned batik figure, H. Failasuf. Here, Garry witnessed firsthand how a sheet of white cloth was transformed into a masterpiece full of color and meaning through the strokes of the canting (traditional hand-drawn pen) of local craftsmen.
The warmth of the showroom and the detailed coastal motifs served as a sweet opening before he continued his journey through the lush hills of Pekalongan.
The Warmth of Owa Kopi and the Peace of Sokokembang Nature
The next destination took Garry to Owa Kopi, the basecamp for conservation activities managed by the Swara Owa community. Under the shade of the lush Sokokembang forest, he was greeted by Mr. Tasuri, a conservation activist and forest ranger renowned for his friendliness.
As a nature tour guide in his home country who used to introduce Australia’s unique flora and fauna to international tourists, Garry felt a strong emotional connection to what was in Pekalongan.
Java’s biodiversity, especially the presence of endemic fauna such as the Javan Gibbon (Hylobates moloch), left a deep impression on him.
At Owa Kopi, the serene atmosphere truly bewitched Garry. While enjoying a cup of Sokokembang’s signature coffee and fresh juice, the fatigue of the journey immediately faded away. He even fell asleep soundly in the cool forest air.”It’s so peaceful here. It’s easy to feel relaxed and at ease. That’s the magic of being in nature,” Garry said with a warm smile.
A Promise to Return and a Memorable Message
Before continuing his journey to Wonosobo, Garry expressed his deep gratitude for the hospitality of the people and the natural beauty of Pekalongan. The experience of drinking coffee in the middle of the garden and the friendliness of Mr. Tasuri and his team were special moments that he wanted to share with his friends in Australia.
“Thank you so much for having me here. This is a very beautiful place to spend the day. I will definitely come back to Java again someday and bring some friends to try the coffee and meet the friendly people here,” he said, closing the conversation.
Notes & Testimonials Travel Companions Guide& Travel Companion’s Point of View (Om Hands):
Om Hands—a photographer and environmental activist from Pekalongan—and Garry met by chance in an executive train carriage on the Purwokerto-Pekalongan route. From a warm conversation on the tracks, the two exchanged contacts, and finally Om Hands had the opportunity to take him around Pekalongan.
The trip was simple: riding pillion on a Vixion motorcycle equipped with a side box on the back. Although visibly tired from the long journey, Garry is a very humorous person, loves to make spontaneous jokes, and has a very warm personality.
He is also very generous—not hesitating to tip the waiter when eating at a restaurant in Bojong, or inviting batik artisans in Wiradesa to take photos together in a cheerful manner.
This brief time together fostered a close bond;
Garry now even considers Om Hands as part of his own family.There was an interesting moment when they were observing the Petungkriyono forest area. When Uncle Hands called it a “real virgin forest,”
Garry immediately corrected it with great admiration:
“Oh no, this is the real Pekalongan forest! It’s so beautiful, natural, and unmatched.” For Garry, the pristine Pekalongan forest is one of Java’s unparalleled natural wonders.
This profound impression was even more apparent as they began to descend and passed Pakisputih Market, Kedungwuni. Seeing the green scenery starting to give way to settlements, Garry sighed softly, “Ah, it’s hot again… it’s not cool anymore. There are no more forest sights on either side of the road…” A sincere expression from an adventurer who has fallen in love with the natural beauty of Pekalongan.
Fath
