Have you ever consider Indonesia as one of your traveling countries? If no, you will have to change your mind now and put this beautiful country down to your travel list.
Indonesia is made up of thousands of volcanic islands and a place that lived multiple ethnic groups speaking all kinds of languages or dialects, culture, and beliefs. Indonesia is also very well known for its beaches, mountains, volcanoes and as well as the forest sheltering many different kinds of wildlife animals.
It was a great pleasure that I was warmly invited by the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia as one of the participants to embark on this journey to explore the beauty of Indonesia.
I will be covering 4 different cities of Indonesia. They are Makassar, Lombok, Banyuwangi, and Bandung. Each different city has it's own unique culture, a beauty of nature and habit of living. So are you adventurous enough to come with me on a journey to the "Trip of Wonders"?
Makassar
Makassar is a port city located on the eastern Indonesia's Sulawesi island. It is also known as Ujung Padang in Bahasa. There are many gorgeous places worth visiting such as the Fort Rotterham, Losari Beach, Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park, Pantai Akkarena, Kodingareng Keke Island and much more.
Makassar is definitely a nice city for trips to the group of small islands. Atolls perfect for snorkelling and diving with a huge variety of colorful sea creatures and gorgeous coral reefs.
Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park
Located at the South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park contains the second largest karst area. There is also a waterfall with 2 caves at the national park. Don't be surprised to see butterflies flying around the park, Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park is also a butterfly breeding center that more than 200 butterfly species can be found in the park.
Gate to Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park. Symbolic Monkey statue.
While walking towards the entrance, you will see a stretch of stalls where locals selling souvenirs, drinks, and food.
Butterflies specimens for sale.
Entrance of Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park.
Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park has a water park where many of the locals will have their bonding activities there with their friends and families. The local schools will also bring their students here for excursions or enrichment programme.
Sculptures of butterflies that symbolizes Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park as The Kingdom of Butterflies.
Bantimurung Waterfall
Not only the locals, but there are also many visitors all over the world coming for the natural shower of the Bantimurung Waterfall.
Getting there and Tickets:
Local mini-bus was known as "Pete-Pete" can get you there from the Hasanuddin Airport for about 30 mins ride journey. If you are travelling from Makassar, you can catch a public bus or DAMRI from Makassar Mall that will take you to Maros (1-hour ride), and switch to "Pete-Pete" to Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park.
Ticket price at IDR 5,000 Per Adult entry and IDR 3,500 per Child Entry.
Kodingareng Keke Island
There are several islands that you can explore around Makassar. Such as the Samalona, Lanyukan, Kapuposang, Barang Lompo,Kodingareng Keke Island and much more. Due to time restrictions and some other constraints, the organizer has decided on visiting the Kodingareng Keke Island and Samalona as part of the itinerary.
Kodingareng Keke Island is a small island that previously was a sandbank. There was a resort that was operated by a Dutch expat has stopped its operation since 2009. Ever since then, the island is uninhabited till now. Kodingareng Keke Island was selected as one of the preserve islands as the island has the largest coral reefs which are still in good condition.
You can get to Kodingareng Keke Island by boat in about 40 mins from Makassar City. The return boat trip from Makassar to the island cost approximately IDR 600,000 for a 4 hours trip. Shorter or longer trips are possible.
The boat that we took to Kodingareng Keke Island.
National Geographic sailboat spotted near the island.
The boat that we took to Kodingareng Keke Island.
Snorkelling there at Kodingareng Keke Island is pretty amusing. The underwater view is absolutely beautiful on the island.
Crystal clear sea water that makes the coral reef so clear to be seen.
Some tips to take note:
1. Be there early to avoid the crowd and also there will be more time for you to stay there longer.
2. Please put on as many sun protection as possible. There are limited shades on the island, there will be quite a long period of time that you will be exposed out to the sun.
3. Rent a snorkelling gear from the boat owner if you do not have your own. You would not want to miss out the underwater view at Kodingareng Keke Island.
4. There won't be shops on the island, so please bring your own food and drinks.
Samalona Island
It is just located 10 mins of boat ride away from Kodingareng Keke island, Samalona island is inhabited by a few families and its oval-shaped area is about 300 x 600 meters, so it takes only a short stroll to see its complete coastline.
Samalona Island is around 30 minutes by boat from Makassar, Samalona Island is another idyllic tropical island off the coast where you’ll discover white sandy beaches, coral reefs and clear waters perfect for snorkelling.
You can find some really cute small hut, built along the coastline.
Visitors can slurp on ice-cold coconut juice or maybe munch on the refreshing watermelon while enjoying the sea view on the beach.
Children having fun at the beach.
Things to take note:
If you plan to visit both islands, to save time, you may put them together as a 1-day trip. They are really near and island hopping is pretty fun too. Make sure you leave the islands before sunset as it will get really dark over there. Moreover, if you wish to experience a stay over on the island, some local families that stay on the island will offer their place as your accommodation.
Pantai Losari
Pantai Losari a.k.a the Losari Beach is an iconic site in Makassar. Most of the people were there to watch the sunset, eat seafood, and lots of families will also bring their kids here for some family bonding activities.
Amazing golden sunset. If you do not want to miss the sunset at Losari Beach, the most appropriate timing to be there would be before 5pm. If you are early, you may take a stroll along the coastline while enjoying the cooling sea breeze.
Watching the color of the sky changes over time from blue to orange and from orange to the dark sky. Pantai Losari is a favourite spot for photographers that can capture the most beautiful moment of the sunset.
Losari Beach is also famous for its hawker street food. The stalls are just along the road next to the Losari Beach. Delights like the Coto Makassar, Mi Titi and Konro Soup is popular over at the food street.
Some Thoughts:
Makassar is a beautiful city. There are many other beautiful places in Makassar that I ought to find out. I am sure I will be there again to discover more of this amazing city. Indonesia is a big, abstruse archipelago of various islands and cultures. Travel opportunities are many and numerous. Sparkling seas teeming with life, soaring volcanoes, never-ending coastline and cultural wonders all await the intrepid traveller.
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