End of the school year means very stressful days of processing papers of the students so the travel came as a way to alleviate it. The trip was a generous gift from the parent of one of our students. Our student’s mom booked our flights and the hotel where we stayed. Her family also ensured that we got to visit all the tourist spots that Makassar's known for. The airport was really impressive and could compete with the most known tourist destination- Bali.
We stayed in a new hotel located right in the city and we have beautiful view from our bedroom. I remember waking up in the morning and just looking down at the city.
Makassar is a maelstrom of diverse ethnic group. It is the largest city in eastern Indonesia and the capital city of South Sulawesi. Remnants of the Dutch colonization was evident with the historical sites all over the city. There’s the 17th Century Fort Rotterdam where you would find Museum Negeri La Galigo. It was one of the first places that we visited. As expected, it was full of beautiful stories dating back the time of Dutch colonization.
Our trip was a lavish decadent with plethora of culinary treats. My student’s mom made sure that in every meal, she introduced us to at least one famous dish in Indonesia.
The feast did not end with filling our bellies, there were also very relaxing walks along the boardwalk waterfront, architectural landmarks, and a trip to an island.
The island hopping was my favourite. We spent the whole day lazing at the white sand beach, snorkelling, and again pampering ourselves with delicious foods. The sand was so fine but the water was a bit scary when one of the divers emerged with bloody foot. He stepped on one of the sharp corals while swimming. My student’s mom made rented one of the floppy beach slippers so we could swim without worrying.
Another part of the trip that I truly deemed unforgettable was the visit to Bantimurung Park with meandering river that feeds the majestic waterfall. Beautiful hordes of colourful butterflies surrounded us while listening to the sound of cascading waterfalls. The park also offers the 200-old caves in the entire Bantimurung Karst system. You could also go on hiking. The park has an entrance fee and foreigners need to pay more.
When we had our last meal in one of the best restaurants, it was a feast of wide array of cuisines that are the best I have ever had.
More than the experience, I was at awe with the generosity that was shown to us during our travel. Indonesians are the kindest people I have ever known. In every place we visited, I was reminded why moving as an expat there was the best decision I have ever done in my whole life. Leaving Makassar was sad but then, it gave me special memories to reminisce in a lifetime.
Makassar, also known as Ujung Padang, is a port city on eastern Indonesia’s Sulawesi island. Inside its 17th-century Dutch colonial Fort Rotterdam is the Museum Negeri La Galigo, housing local exhibits. A promenade along Losari Beach is known for its seafood restaurants. Traditional pinisi sailing ships pack the harbor of Pelabuhan Paotere. Offshore, snorkeling is possible on the coral reefs of Samalona Island. -Source: Wikipedia
“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain
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The pictures and scenery look very amazing and I definitely want to add that on my list of places to visit!
ReplyDeleteYour smike and the pictures demonstrate your happiness. And the food just awesome. Thus now is a must visit place for me
ReplyDeleteI love everything about Indonesia. I love the food, the people and the Batik. What a wonderful and delightful post full of nice pics and colors. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteI love learning about new places in the world like Makassar that I have never heard of. The food looks outrageous as does the scenery. THat sunset picture is incredible. I hope to one day be able to visit all the locations I've been adding to my list!
ReplyDeleteI'm planing a trip to Indonesia with my friends look like a great place to visit. http://www.thecozyme.com
ReplyDeleteGreat post, love your photos too, especially the waterfall!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing gift from your student's Mom! Makassar looks beautiful. That waterfall is out of this world. I think it's always a good sign when you are sad to leave somewhere - it means you enjoyed it and, yes, as you said, you have many special memories.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! What a gift! The pictures of the food look sooo appetizing!
ReplyDeleteWe will be flying to Indonesia soon. I did not know about the place Makassar. Will surely visit especially for the tasty food 😍
ReplyDeleteLovely post! I've always wanted to visit Indonesia so this post is really helpful!
ReplyDeleteGone are the days when teacher's rewards are kept for them in heaven. Glad someone thought it out to gift you this great experience.
ReplyDeletethe event looks super fun and the food looks overly delicious. I would so dig in!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos! And I was getting so hungry fro looking at all that delicious food!
ReplyDeleteWonderful blog and equally stunning picture. Bravo. insightful.co.in
ReplyDeleteThis was an amazing gift. The place looks very beautiful. And it looks like had an awesome time.
ReplyDeleteYUM, those dishes look delicious and those wonderful photos of the natural beauty are calling me to want to visit too. Happy Spring, Kippi #kippiathome
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome gift! Here, I wouldn't be allowed to accept something of that magnitude. It looks like you had a wonderful, relaxing time. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWoww! It's such an amazing place. Thanks for sharing your trip in such a detail. Loved all the photos.
ReplyDeleteWow this looks like a gorgeous place to visit and I have never heard of it!
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