The Long Forgotten Fortress : Somba Opu

I was told that we will be going to a 15^th century Somba Opu Fortress of which I missed checking this out; no reading nor research was done. But the word ‘fort’ excites me, plus the fact that am going on a ride and sightseeing with Makassar’s travel bloggers add the cherry on top (with cream and all). Somba Opu; the name sounded very Polynesian, ethnic-ish, and very exotic. I started to imagine all sort if things. Everything. Getting there, we have to cross a river and later turn into a waterpark, hemm…. Waterpark next to a fort? Well… well… Guess what, that’s where we parked our car. I soon realized (as we walk towards the entrance), this might be a living museum – too my delight. 

Back during its golden days, the Gowa Sultanate decided to erect this beautiful complex as a country defense fortress from the Dutch and Portuguese colonialism attack, social meeting points and a trading centre. The success and wealth of Somba Opu drives power hungry westerners to own this Nusantara territory. Marking their win, control and most importantly supremacy. Somba Opu admit defeat to the Dutch VOC in 16^th century and was left unkept, unattended and left to ruin.

I have a very high expectation on Somba Opu, however, some part was still under restoration and the rest looked stressed by the weather. There were a couple of houses that looks like it is open for public but we gave it a skipped, I saw a group of students pitching tents (must be school activities of some sort) and an archaeological museum where artifacts and relics found during excavations of the fort areas. It is said that Somba Opu is the strongest fortress ever built the archipelago, with its solid thick red brick walls and bastions guarding every angle with cannon known to be the most powerful during the time proves that the fort is impenetrable.

With its fame days narrated to me while I was there, the sense of pride seen on the locals’ face, I felt that Somba Opu Fortress should be better kept and managed, information and proper signages placed accordingly, its history video-ed and aired for the public to see and understand and perhaps seek the locals to act and relive its beautiful glory day. I truly believe it is worth the effort, dollars and time for the love of Makassar history, culture and heritage.

Somba Opu Fortress Background

Fort Somba Opu (Makassarese Baruga Somba Opu, Indonesian Benteng Somba Opu) was a fortified commercial center of the Gowa Sultanate. Its remnants is located in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The fort was one of the center of the Gowa Sultanate in the 16th-century until its destruction by the Dutch East India Company in 1669. The conquest of Somba Opu citadel was one of the most difficult campaigns the Company had ever undertaken in the East.

FromWikipedia

Somba Opu Fortress

Jl. Cendrawasih, Kab. Gowa

(access road to Jl. Daeng Tata)

Sulawesi, Makassar

Indonesia

Arashiyama : The “NEW” Old (Bamboo Groove Illumination & Kimono Forest)

Having been to Arashiyama few years back didn’t quite prepare me for this trip. There were a few “NEW” old places that I rediscovered in this trip, namely the Bamboo Groove and Kimono Forest.

Truthfully I am rather impress with what the Kansai Tourism embarked in ensuring the return and growth of local and domestic tourist. An act I hope that our Tourism Malaysia will consider and perhaps consider to implement in Malaysia, I am sure it will be greatly welcomed by us Malaysian and tourist alike.

Bamboo Groove Illumination / Arashiyama Hanatoro 2015

Arashiyama celebrates Hanatoro every December for a duration of 10 days whereby lanterns and spotlights were placed at the Bamboo Groove pathway and lit up at dusk. During this period, the visiting hours are extended to greet the tourists. It created a magical and whimsical feel thus became a crowd puller every December.

I like the idea of how Tourism Kansai regenerates crowd interest by creating a new feel of an existing attraction. It increases the demand for the shops and restaurants to open till late hours that translate into business growth and high profit.

Kimono Forest

Located at Randen Tram Station on Kyoto’s Keifuku Arashiyama line, Kimono Forest stood beautifully still. It is a collection of kimono textile selected by Yasumichi Morita, places in a lit up cylinder-shaped pillars. It is best viewed from dusk till dark.

The objective is to create awareness on Japanese kimono art, giving the train station a new and unique ambience and feel, plus generating interest among the younger generation to appreciate Japan greatest icon, identity and heritage; Kimono.

As you can guess, we can do the same in Malaysia with our batik print, batik canting, pua kumbu print etc. Perhaps around KLCC or Masjid Jamek.

Interesting right? I will share more on activities in Arashiyama in my next post.

Bamboo Rafting at Ulu Hati, Hulu Langat

I have the chance to visit UluHati that I have been reading for the last 2-3 years, the name itself sounded full of passion and mysterious, a sense of curiosity swept over the first time I read the name and it still does. It was proven when I recce-d the place and met up with En. Shaipudin Shah Harun or Pak Din, a passionate pensioner, the mastermind and creator behind UluHati.

With an objective to create a place away from the hustle and bustle of city life (just an hour away from Kuala Lumpur), be closer to the greenery, and help the locals to create a sustainable income while preserving mother-nature. UluHati was created with love and passionate.

Everything was well thought through, from accommodation, to teambuilding activities to mentoring youngsters, to mention a few.

During Eat. Travel. Write Hulu Selangor edition, we were given an opportunity to experience bamboo rafting, an activity most looked forward by us. Working together with the locals in sourcing for the bamboo, building the raft and managing the whole raft course is a common practice by Pak Din. They work hand-in-hand seamlessly. We were split into 6 team with minimum 2 person per raft (excluding instructor) and followed the river downstream. The journey was calm and peaceful and participants get to enjoy the morning sun, and flora and fauna. A rare sight for us ‘budak bandar or city kids’. Ahaks. 

Water activity is not your thing? Worry not, there’s always hose riding, camping and ATV. Or perhaps you prefer to laze and enjoy the sound of nature while embracing a bit of vitamin C (something that I would love to do. Definiately.). As for food, one can always request or cater for all day dining from UluHati, or just drive to the nearest kampung and enjoy a bit of local delicacy which covers authentic dishes from the Jawa, Minang, Mandaling and Kerinci.

So, would I recommend UluHati for everyone?

The answer is YES. I highland recommend for you (and me) city folks, after all, it is only an hour away *smile*.

UluHati

Lot 2668, Kampung Kuala Perdik

Jalan Ulu Lui, Batu 18

43100, Selangor

URL : http://diuluhati.blogspot.my/

Contacts, location & directions : http://diuluhati.blogspot.my/p/contacts.html

Rates & charges : http://diuluhati.blogspot.my/p/rates-charges.html

Vietnam | The pain, The laughter. The queer

Am embarrass of myself. Thinking that I know so much when I knew so little.

Under estimating the country which then the table was turned around, yet they welcomed me with warm smile, offered their friendship and trusted me. Vietnam; proud owner of 8 tangible UNESCO heritage sites!

Yup! You heard me alright, 8, EIGHT, LAPAN, 八, ௮, 팔! And I have only covered 6. Well guess what, they have 6 intangible UNESCO heritage list and I have covered NONE.

Cultural (5)

Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi (2010)

Citadel of the Ho Dynasty (2011)

Complex of Hué Monuments (1993)

Hoi An Ancient Town (1999)

My Son Sanctuary (1999) – my next target/bucket list

Natural (2)

Ha Long Bay (1994)

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (2003)

Mixed (1)

Trang An Landscape Complex (2014)

Impress? You should be.

I will be sharing more in my next entry, the pain, the laughter the queer. Gitew…..

Ha Long Bay (1994)

Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi (2010)

Hoi An Ancient Town (1999)

Complex of Hué Monuments (1993)

  

Trang An Landscape Complex (2014)

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (2003)

Teaser | When Kansai is more than Osaka and Kyoto!

In general, when one says he or she will be visiting Kansai or Kansai region it usually means the 2 famous and popular cities; Osaka and Kyoto. Of course then there's Nara, Arashiyama and etc, but how many have venture out of the places mentioned, such as Kinosaki - a town famous for its onsen and crab (Yes! Crab!!!) or Kannebe Highland - to trek in a volcanic crater. How many visited Kobe and tried Kobe beef? And how many of us know that Kobe is famous for shoes? Or perhaps experience riding Kobe's night cruise?

Here, I would like to share some of the pictures I capture during my trip, will be penning my experiences next week. In sha Allah. Enjoy the pics!

Stay tune for more stories.

Home Away From Home | Ibis Makassar

Strategically located by the famous Makassar landmark, where locals and tourist flock to catch the beautiful evening hues, a short tricycle ride to the nearest mall and a 30 minute stroll to the historical Fort Rotterdam; the birth place of Makassar. Makassar or Ujung Pandang is the capital of Sulawesi, once a thriving port and a trading route for spices, metal goods and textiles before the Portuguese and Dutch came into power. Fort Rotterdam was built after the Dutch replaced the Portuguese as colonial masters in 1667. Being one of the largest port in north-east Indonesia, it is no surprise that the Bugis, Makassar and Mandar ethnic groups are great seafarers and boat builders. Their seafaring prowess and boat building skill were known around the Malay archipelago.

Today, Makassar’s Tana Toraja is famed for having the most unique funeral rituals in the world whereby after all the ritual being carried out, the body is place is in a cave up on the cliff. Where else Tanjung Bira’s white sandy beach and royal blue sea is a great favourite to beach lovers both near and far.

For business and weekend travelers, city hotel that is accessible and convenient to tourist attractions and historical sites would be an ideal pick, and Ibis Makassar City Center Hotel offers just this. Surrounded by culinary excellence where the locals ability to ‘cook up a storm’ for you foodies, 30 minutes drive from Hasanuddin International airport and 10 minutes from Trans Studio Makassar (one of the largest indoor theme park) emphasizes the reason what makes Ibis Makassar City Center Hotel the place to stay.

Impressed with the digital wall at the reception, warmed by the crew’s hospitality and the attentiveness of the Ibis’s GM and PR proves that the management not only emphasizes on the business aspect, they also put an extreme care on each guests wellbeing. Guiding me on to get from point to the other, encouraging me to catch the beautiful sunset photos at Losari Beach and sample the box fish was plus point.

As a frequent travel, my necessity will be Wi-Fi access; both in the room and communal areas, high-speed connectivity, business centre and arrays of breakfast options. And Ibis did not fail me. As expected, all Ibis chain provides standard room layout but how Ibis Makassar City Center Hotel value add was by asking me on whether I would prefer a sea facing room, for me to enjoy the scenery and people surfing. The little details that made a guest felt special and valued.

My Air Asia Experience

And this is MY story... I normally don't have a habit of taking airline photos, let it be their meal, wing tip, livery, crew or etc. Perhaps it is too mainstream to my taste (poyo giler), but I have to give credit to Air Asia this time around, for this few reasons :

i). They started their journey with few 'rangkap of pantun', that I personally think it is the best Malaysia touch ever. Not only I was tickled by it, I was impressed and amazed of the idea (wish it was mine!). Great job to whoever suggested/wrote/excuted it. Clap clap clap... ii). The livery on the flight I took was a nice and soft touch of Malaysia unity, coupled with the pantun = perfect combination. You got my attention alrighty!

iii). I was on board with a group of locals (Makassarese) heading to Jeddah via Air Asia (all the way, transiting in KLIA) to perform their umrah. The look on their face; having to be able to visit Tanah Suci Mekkah was priceless. Fulfillment. Satisfaction. Blessed. I pray for their safe trip to/fro, their prayers be heard/answered and may their umrah be blessed. Ameen.

iv). Love the pilot narrating the flight through-out (or should I say tour-guiding us through-out); briefing us on the timing, routes, below attractions and meal, with cheeky jokes here and there, ending it with a nasihat/pantun orang tua-tua. Keeping the journey alive, and me fully entertained.

v). How can I Ieave out the ever so friendly eye-candy cabin crew in this flight. The crew entertained a group of locals (makciks-pakciks) to a few wefies (note the word : FEW). Never tired of taking orders cum wefie-ing with the passengers. They made the makciks' day definitely, I bet the makciks and pakciks will remember this holiday for the next one year (or more).

Kudos to Captain Shahar and all AK333 crew! Keep up the good work!

Why I shouldn't blog about Fort Rotterdam, Makassar

Why I shouldn't blog about Fort Rotterdam.

"If you think blogging is easy, try being asked to blog and latter discuss about it".

Would you do it? 

Well, I did just that (without realising it, or perhaps I'm in denial). The 'instruction' given was that we have to write on the trip we did at Fort Rotterdam, and as you can see (and read [obviously I have to be the rebellious one]), am writing the whole experience (sorry guys!).

We were guided on ways/technics to start an entry, expend it and of course how best to end it - to get readers hooked and come for more. We then are tasked to write what we learnt and present it, of which will be discussed. Challenging the attendees to apply (if not master) our new found skill set. For me, my best friend - migraine decided to pay a visit. Just my luck! Cis...

I bet the organisers are wondering (provably pissed too, hahahahaa *cheeky*) on why did I not do as told. On my defence, I DID what I was told, re-angling it... I mean, why should I write about Fort Rotterdam just like everyone else if I know writting about #TravelNBlog will garner more audience (Right now... I bet you beginning to see how fantastically smart this cheeky rebellious girl is heh!?!). So I DID what I was told... (Well played Lily!).

The sessions is amazingly good, the whole 2 days I have been exchanging Whatsapp (while listening) with my brother on the session and thinking 'why not we bring it to Malaysia, and collaborate with them'... (This will be shared/updated in due time).

Anyway, back to our little excursion. One that I would like to highlight would be the Somba Opu Fort, being a UNESCO hunter and love for museums, I was looking forward to this place; whereby I hope it is a 'living museum' like those I visited in other countries. Unfortunately for me, it is not. Having said that, the potential is there.

Stories were told, opinions were shared, of the Gowa Kingdom and the Dutch colonization (and all I can think of, the way the local speaks sounded like Zainuddin from Tenggelamnya Kapal Van Der Wijck, focus Lily! Focus!). As much as I wanted to sink the infos in, one thing kept popping up at the back of my mind, why don't they develop this place? Nurture it? Beautify it? Love it?! I mean, it is their history, heritage and them; the people.

We were at a beautiful Rumah Adat where I wish I can learn more about the architecture, the detailing, the history, and the adat itself. However, I couldnt locate any infos at these home, nor at the fort where we were at. Terasa rugi sangat... Frust lah jugak sikit. I guess, the next time I visit this charming city, I need Makassar Travel Blogger - Lelaki Bugis to take and show me around. Baru best kannn... Oh yah, I probably allocate half day to visit this place.

I guess the question will be, where else to visit or do when in Makassar.

Well, my answer is very simple.

Next time around, join me to explore Makassar and environ *wink*.

P/S : As you can see, the photos have nothing to do with the content. You must be curious now; of the story behind the fort and the pictures tied to this content. Nahhhh.... don't worry, I shall blog/share photos on both in due time. Stay tune.

A unique Kampungstay in Alor Limbat, Terengganu

I believe I mentioned in much earlier Sarawak Entry on Koperasi or Co-operative activities, Jom Jelajah Koperasi this time around took us to homestay in Alor Limbat, Terengganu where we get to experience the locals’ livelihood, their produce and unique delicacy. Not only that, they also shared with us on how Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission (Surahanjaya Koperasi Malaysia) work hand-in hand in assisting them on the community progress. With great leadership, Koperasi Alor Limbat Kampungstay is set to evolve, develop and grow at a dynamic speed.

Located in Marang district in the beautiful state of Terengganu Darul Iman with population of 1000, approximately 25km from Kuala Terengganu, this beautiful kampung got its name from a catfish family (ikan keli) which is called ikan limbat. Moving abreast with the economic advancement coupled with opportunity to expend and excel, Koperasi Alor Limbat started Kampungstay to generate a new source of income to the locals via cottage and rural tourism which indirectly opening its doors to domestic and international crowd. This foresight pushed the local to also market their local produce such as Keropok Lekor or Lekor Chips and Madu Kelulut (Stingless bee honey) not only in the local market but also internationally. In fact, export for madu kelulut has reached a level where demand exceed supply, something to be proud of.

Laksa making.

Having attended a couple of Jom Jelajah Koperasi I fast realized the key differentiator and the uniqueness of Alor Limbat Kampungstay, introducing guest with local past time activities such as gasing cacang (cacang spinning top), hand fishing and petik mata (a game similar to rounder) and Malaysia most famous past time; eating *wink*. 

Madu Kelulut/Stingless Bess Honey.

Food being a favourite excuse for a get together in Malaysia *smile*, we were introduced interesting and unique local delicacy, namely Gajah Mengamuk (click HERE to find out more), Lok Lik and Emping padi. We also learnt how laksa and keropok lekor was made, plus how madu kelulut (stingless bee) was farmed; you can read more HERE. 

Keropok Lekor/Lekor chips for export.

If you are looking for a quick and short getaway with a different touch, a touch of local flavours, untouched beauty, fresh and clean air, do give Alor Limbat Kampustay a try. Who knows, you might just fell in love and decide to stay here for an additional week or two, or a month. Terengganu will never fail to surprise you. Trust me.

Koperasi Desa Alor Limbat Marang Berhad

4, Tingkat Bawah, Bangunan MDM

Dataran Sri Limbat

Alor Limbat

21400 Marang

Terengganu

Tel : 014-5357164/ 017-9355966/ 019-9145250/ 019-9899247/ 019-908272

Jom Jelajah Koperasi Terengganu Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Surahanjaya Koperasi Malaysia (#SKM) with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

Skyrides Festivals Park - The Sky's the limit!

I’ve watched Ninja Warrior a couple of times but little did I know we have similar training ground located here in Pricint 2 in Putrajaya. I was surprised to see a few guys having fun at this site.
Have your tried?

Here was what I gather during my trip here… Skyrides Festivals Park covers Skyrides Balloon, SkyWarrior, SkyGallery, SkyCruise, SkyKids amusement centre for children, and obviously SkyTaste and SkyCafe. This is definitely a great place if you want to expose your kids (and yourself) to some good and safe outdoor activities. And I highly encourage families to come and spend some quality time here….

One I personally like would be the Skyrides Balloon whereby an adult MyKad holders are charged RM38 and children for RM30. The other activities worth spending your dollars and time would be the SkyWarrior (for those highly energetic few), it’s RM10 with unlimited tries. Meanwhile for the Skycruise, it costs RM20 per person. I guess the question boils down to why I favour the Skyrides Balloon? For a very simple reason as below:

Why

• This is the closest to a hot air balloon I can get
• It is in Putrajaya, approximate 30 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur
• It’s afforadable (MyKad – Adult RM38, Kid RM30, Non-MyKad – Adults RM68, Kid RM60)
• I get to view the whole Putrajaya from the height of 150 metres
• I feel like a Queen looking at my land/country (muahhahahhaaa…..)

Few tips that might be of help to those planning to do one the above few excursions.

#TravelTips

• If you are scared of height – forget about it (it’s wobbly too)
• Bring sunblock/sun screen!
• Apply sunblock/sunscreen (jangan pulak bawak then tak pakai *wink*)
• Hat or cap is a must!
• MyKad for the discounted rate (obviously)
• Change of clothes if you plan to experience the SkyWarrior.
• A bottle of water as you’ll get dehydrated
• Camera! The view update there is fantastic (and the view you falling down while SkyWarrior-ing will be hilarious)

Times

Mon – Thu: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Fri – Sat: 10:00 Am to 12:00 AM (midnight)

Sun: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Skyrides Festivals Park

Jalan P2M, Precinct 2, 62100 Putrajaya,

Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia

Email : enquiry@skyridesfestivals.com

So, are you game now?

JOM!