Fly to Makassar and Spice Your Life with Picturesque Sceneries and Distinct Gastronomic Delight

My experience as an expat in Jakarta, Indonesia was filled with nostalgic memories beyond the confines of the classrooms. I was blessed to indulge myself in various travels that helped me to totally immersed to the country’s culture and traditions. Conversely, it also opened the opportunity for me to taste the best gastronomic delights that Indonesia is famously known for. Flying to Makassar was one of the best travels that I had wandering in the quaint city and delicious cuisines. 

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.

Makassar was absolutely the authentic poetic definition of nature. There were no words needed because its picturesque sceneries elucidated the rhythm itself. We also enjoyed the magical sunrise and sunset. It was so beautiful and meaningful. 

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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