Week 4 holiday in Asia

Day 22 – 9 April 2011 – Tana Toraja

Arriving in this beautiful country in the south of Sulawesi after 9 hrs @ hotel Pison. Hotel Pison has been deteriorated since my last visit 18yrs ago and the gentle dutch speaking owner already went to heaven. But the service is still friendly & willing, the room primitive but clean. Matrass is very good. Except the bathroom (with bath) looks dirty & damaged but for 100.0000rupiah (8 euro) it’s very good value for the money, read my review.  

It felt good to be back, we went to the center of Rantepoa have some lunch (bami bakso). We got tired, went back to the room and had a sleep till the afternoon.

After refreshing we met Yohanis Uttu (tourguide, speaking dutch) offering his service. He patiently waited till we were awake. He suggested 3 tours & we decided to make a 2 day tour. The next day a tour in the South, 1 day rest and last day a tour in the North. 1 day with him & driver: 500.000 rupiah.

For dinner we went to Mambo restaurant. I choose Piong Kerbau (traditional food) & Natasja ate gamba's.

Day 23 – 10 April 2011 – Tana Toraja

@ 8.30hrs after breakfast we take off with Yohanis to Lemo. The sun appeared and we got much information. Sometimes I had to ask Yohanis to stop talking, while we're also looking at birds. Sometimes we were more busy with birds (taking pics with our Nikon D90 ;) than all he was telling & showing. Yohanis is a gentle, friendly & above all talkative guy you feel sympathetic with. Just ask him to slow down in talking break and it’s all fine with him. He is willing to learn dutch (just started 4 yrs ago by himself) and knows a lot. 

After Lemo & some souvenirs we went to the baby graves in the living tree in Kambira and also to the graves in rock of Tampangallo.

Tampangallo

Just after lunch it started to rain heavily and so we decided to go to the hotel. Enough for today!

Day 24 – 11 April 2011 – Tana Toraja

Today is relaxing day. We went to Ranpao center, buy some souvenirs & went back. 

Me busy on the Macbook pro making the videoclip for the song of Anka Decode ‘Thank you’ where I did my drumtrack in Jakarta 26 March 2011. It was nice working with the Mac on the iMovie tool. At last I learned most of the features J
Next to the clip I could write my 3^rd week holiday blog.

Hotel Pison has wifi but to slow to upload the clip. But it was all nice to upload at least the blog & pics.

Day 25 – 12 April 2011 – Tana Toraja

@ 8 hrs we took off for a tour in the North of Toraja. This time we visited some traditional village and the ceremony place. Some stones are 700 yrs old. Yohanis told us that when a family want a ceremony at this spot they, at least, need to be able to sacrifice 24 Kerbau (Terdong) otherwise you don’t have no right to do a ceremony there.

Further into the mountain we made a walk through the ricefields what was very nice. Great panorama.

Back home we had dinner in Hotel Pison. We had a chat with the owner (youngest son of the former owner I met in 1993). He just started management from 1 April this year and he was very interested in tips & suggestions to improve his hotel. He told us that after his father died 14yrs ago the hotel got a downfall. Now he wanted to improve.
Natasja & I were dreaming staying here for a year to help him to make his hotel a success again. Elifah is such a nice person he probably meet more people willing & able to help him out. He’s a good spirit like I remember his father.

Day 26 – 13 April 2011 – Makassar & Bali

Our day to Bali. We got a taxi for 1.000.000 rupiah (83 euro) who brought us from Rantepao straight to the airport Sultan Hasanuddin International in Makassar. With plane (LionAir) a small hour to Bali where we arrived @ 19.05hrs and were picked up (free service) by Matahari Bungalows in Kuta.

Bombing monument in Kuta (500 mtrs from our hotel)

Wow Kuta is busy & crowded (shops & locals rather than tourist) and far more than 13 yrs ago. Who’s talking about quiet & no development. I’m already happy I’m not in high season. When entering Matahari Bungalows you leave the busy road & sellers, you enter a peaceful nice hotel.
Our room near the pool 55USD (internet rate, 37,50 euro) a night. After checking in we took a dive in the dark in the swimmingpool. Wow we’ve missed a pool or sea for long time. At the pool cocktail bar we tried several ones.

We had small walk and I went back to some good old places I used to hang out. My favo restaurants still exists. In the end Natasja was tired so we went back & went to bed. It was a long day.

Day 27 – 14 April 2011 – Kuta, Bali

1 whole day relaxing in Kuta in hotel at the swimming pool … but it was cloudy and when ready for relaxing it started raining. So I continued reading my book ‘Norwegian Wood’ while Natasja was swimming. 

Later in the afternoon the sun showed. We felt good.

In the afternoon we went for a walk to the beach to see sunset and enjoyed watching all the surfers. We felt pity we had not more time to stay here. The beach is still as dirty as it used to be as long as I have been to Bali (I’m not so into beaches, rather swimmingpool), so no new news for me.

@ Poppies Restaurant in Poppies Lane I we had a nice ambience and great dinner with white wine (Australian). Natasja took lobster, me the fishbasket.

Satisfied we went back to the hotel.

Day 28 – 15 April 2011 – Lovina, Bali

This day will be the start for 4 days in the North of Bali staying @ Gede Homestay seeing dolphins & do some sightseeing. A place we both haven’t been before. My grandparents have lived there in Buleleng (between Lovina & Singaraya). My uncle Eddie has born there.

Well we checked out of Matahari Bungalows and had a driver for 350.000rupiah for a drop off in the North. By car 2,5hrs.

Arriving @ Gede Homestay Bungalows (200.000rupiah per night with airco, clean & spacious room) it looked good. Warm welcome by the owners which sold us immediately the dolphin tour in combi with snorkeling (300.000rupiah = 24 euro).
I was not that interested in the snorkling. Siladen is hard to beat with beauty & fish. But we only can take this package.

While discussing with Ketut (son of owner) about sightseeing Natasja & I felt to prefer relaxing instead of discovering the rest of Bali so we made a walk to the swimmingpool by neighbor hotel. As soon as we entered the beach all the vendors came on to us keep trying over an over again. Some women start a so called gentle conversation with all the same built up of questions. So with the 2^nd woman we play the act till THE question came: Do you want a massage. I must say I’m so relaxed lately I don’t need any massage anymore.
Another tactic they used was telling us about their friends from Holland, so the women told us they have dutch friends and they all refer to Groningen where this woman lives. But for us this interest attack by sellers and massage gave us an unpleasant feel. Next to that the owner of the homestay had from 9 – 16hrs constructors busy for expanding his bungalows. So within 12hrs we were already thinking of staying only 2 days not knowing we would be back to Kuta in Matahari within 24hrs! But heh, DOLPHINS were on the program because this was Natasja’s wish we want to let come true.

Week 3 holiday in Asia

Day 15 – 2 April 2011 - Siladen

Our 2^nd day on Siladen and we love it. Snorkling again and enjoying doing not much than snorkeling and eating. So in between finally time to have a rest a lot of sleep while Jakart & family was bit tiring although unforgettable & fine. We really enjoyed meeting everybody but a day for ourselves was nice after 2 weeks of many impressions.

But just in the afternoon the clouds came & the wind made the sea wild like hell. So we had to stay in our bungalow watching the sea raging by. It became so heavy that even water was smashed in our bungalow. We could keep it dry by cover up the entrance. At this time we didn’t know it was 1 of the heaviest times in Manado while a day later we learned that many damages were on the main land. Een in Tomohon Gardenia had damage in the garden. Some dutch snorkeling tourist had trouble in the water & the boat taxi captain told us a day later that 6 boats collapsed on Manado harbor.

Before I went on holiday I was afraid of a Tsunami knowing I was 2 nights on Siladen. But now being on the island Natasja & I feel very calm with this storm. Luckily … I slightly worried my stuff would get wet in the room … that was all.

Day 16 – 3 April 2011 - Siladen

Stuck an extra day on Siladen is no burden but I had mixed feelings while this day was the day to go back to Manado where we would be present at Libby Sinsuw’s birthday party. But because of the heavy sea in the harbor of Manado we couldn’t go back. Strange while the sea around Siladen was quiet and the sun was shining. So we went snorkeling …

While snorkeling we went to new places along the shore and at last we found NEMO!!! This was one of our wishes but besides the coral is full of beautiful fishes you can enjoy & never got bored.

Only thing is … we got heavily sunburnt. So bad that it gave us 2 days of pain all over our legs. Time flies when snorkeling here and there.

Day 17 – 4 April 2011 – Manado & Tomohon

From Siladen we went back to Manado at 8.30hrs and where picked up by Hendra (family of Moon of Tantamoon luxury bungalows). He was so kind to bring us to the ATM bank (withdraw money) and deliver us at Yetje Ine Winerungan’s hotel Sahid where we could use internet in the restaurant. Yetje was there and with Eduardo, they brought us to Oma Ietje. We had to meet oma Ietje and stayed there for 1,5 hrs. Then they brought us to Tomohon where we arrived in the afternoon.

Tinoor Jaya restaurant

But before we arrived at Gardenia we had lunch at Tinoor Jaya restaurant with a great panorama view on Manado bay. This was the restaurant I visited 21 years ago with my grandparents. We ate the same local food.

At last we arrived in Tomohon @ Gardenia where we were flabercasted by the bungalow, garden & climate. The sun was shining and with our camera we made lot of pictures while all exotic birds were present. This was heaven.

In the evening we had bbq in the restaurant. Really price/quality is 5 star!!! Service is fantastic … we’ll come back here for a much longer stay.

 

Again 21 years ago I visited this place with my grandparents. We met dr. L. Ratulangi in the evening and showed him my dvd of 1990 where small footage was made of the beginning of Gardenia. He loved it.

Day 18 – 5 April 2011 – Tomohon & Kawangkoan & Tondano

Our day we were all by our self. The day I wake up at 5 am and having a walk through this beautiful garden of Gardenia AND the day I realized in this garden of Eden I want to come back to Tomohon & Gardenia for honeymoon. This was the moment to ask Natasja to marry me next year on 2 June 2012. The day we’ll change our ‘registered partnership’ into marriage.

So after my realization of the moment I went back to the bungalow and wake up Natasja asking directly if she want to marry me … she said YES I WILL.

It was a good start and our breakfast in the garden was with a view on the mountain Lokon. This is paradise!

After breakfast we went by public transport (Angkut) to Kawangkoan to look for the family graves. With the help of Juniadi Wowiling (student English teacher) & asking around we took a Bendi (horse transport car) to the cemetery where by coincidence we’ve met a family member of Warokka. She (Maitymmamahit) & I have the same great great grandfather!

After shooting pictures we realized we ran out of time and so back via Tomohon we went to Tondano to meet family of Janine Warokka (her mothers side). Stanley & Wisye showed us around by Bendi and brought us to Tondano Lake where we ate mujair (local lake fish, delicious) at the popular restaurant Tomou Tou. In the end we went back home feeling satisfied & tired.

Day 19 – 6 April 2011 – Bukit Kasih & Amurang

11hrs was the plan to leave so Natasja & I could enjoy our breakfast and the garden of Gardenia. It never bores.

Anyway the family Winerungan was slightly late (in time for Indonesian expectations, normally they have ‘Jam Karet’ (rubber timeclock)) but showed up with 3 cars & 14 people!

With most of the family on the picture: Danny Winerungan, Veron, son of Yetje, Yetje, Natasja, Rose, Treesje, Meiske, daugther of Treesje, girl: daughter of Yetje & boy: Samuel (son of Olva). Missing: Olva, Eduardo, Brando

On our way to Bukit Kasih, a place where a monument has been built about 5 religions who can live together here in Minahasa. Not good maintained but the symbol is fabulous. The souvenir sellers where in larger quantity presented. With 3 kids of the family we took the long stairs to the 5 religions, not without sweating! It took us a small hour to be back to the rest of the family who stayed at the restaurant below, ‘makan terus’ (continuing eating). We got hot water served for our feet & boiled jagung (corn) as a well deserved treat after our walk.

Then our trip went to Amurang where I want to visit the family graves of my Oma’s parents & the grandparents of my Opa. But first lunch time in Amurang @ Pondok Bambu where we ate very nice fish (ikan bakar laut) with cap tikus (alcoholic 40% palm wine) & es jeruk (lemon drink). @ 16hrs I started worrying because everybody was still eating while sunset started slowly & we need to go to 2 places! Mentioning this made the whole group in the car within 10 minutes.

My great grandparents buried in Amurang of my grandmothers side

We first went to my great grandparents grave.

Oma Esther Tumbuan

Next we picked up my oma Esther Tumbuan (90 years!!!) who will show us the other graves like she did 21 years ago when I visited the graveyard with her & my grandparents. But we couldn’t find the graves immediately, so started stressing again. This day was family graves day! And also Danny wanted to show us his parents (different graveyard (third spot) and the family house. Luckily the whole family started looking and just before I needed flashlight we found the graves of my great great grandparents of my Opa Wahr’s side. Charly Walsen & Isabella Tambajong. I was relaxed now and we went of to Danny’s family graves and the family house of which my oma Lien Mundung – Warokka has lived.

Family grave of my grandfather's side: Charly Walsen & Tambajong on his mothers side

Here Henny Winerungan (sister of Danny) welcomed us with tea & Minahasa delight.

Day 20 – 7 April 2011 – Manado & Bitung

Dr. Leonard Ratulangi of Gardenia

Natasja & I enjoyed our last breakfast @ Gardenia in Tomohon. Had a chat with dr. Leonard Ratulangi & his wife. They can use some promotion. We are double with this. We’d like to share this garden of Eden but on the other hand we prefer to keep it our secret otherwise we aren’t alone in this wonderful & peaceful garden with service on high level, food & drinks on high level, wifi, accommodation with astonishing view on mountain Lokon. All this for a unbelievable low price. We stayed 3 nights including big breakfast & dinner, much laundry, wifi in the room etc for 280 euro! Oh yes & including taxi back to Manado. Sounds a lot but for a 4 or 5 star bungalow in a botanical garden it’s cheap. We’ll be back!

Adorable loving couple Libby & Peter

@ 10.15hrs we arrived @ Libby’s Kopitiam (behind Bahu Mall) where we looked at the view of Manado Tua & having drink before we put our luggage at her home. Good company by Peter (her husband) having fun! He’s an adorable & funny man.

Fish farm of Libby & Peter

From the house we take of to Bitung where we’ll visit their fish farm. The water in the harbor is surprisingly clean, so a good place to farm fish. But no wind so to warm for us for a couple of hours chilling. So within 1 hour we go back and in Girian kampong we visit the family graves. Good to pay a visit to the loving parents & grandmother of Libby.

Parents of Libby in Girian (Bitung)

In the beginning of the evening we’re back, do our mandi (washing & changing clothes) and go to the restaurant in Kalasey. Libby & Peter has brought their own crabs.

Oma Ietje, Ecky & Trees follow soon. And by surprise luckily also Danny & Meiske Winerungan, Treesje Winerungan & later on Yetje Ine Winerungan with husband.

Best fish cook in Manado @ Kalasey

Grouper fish

parrot fish (which we've seen a lot during snorkling! zielig maar lekker)

The fish: Grouper, Red Snapper & Parrotfish and crabs. All delicious by taste & cooking. We all enjoyed.

The big bunch we've treated for farewell dinner

@ Kalasey fish restaurant with Libby, Peter, Ivana & Jilly (daughters) and Oma Ietje, Ecky, Treesje & Sella and Danny & Meiske Winerungan, Treesje Winerungan. Later followed by Yetje Ine Winerungan and husband.
It was our treat and the total cost (without the crabs !!) 755.000 rupiah (65 euro) for 14 people.

 Also some cap tikus (heavy palm alcohol drink of 40%) was bought for us on request. Natasja & I needed a drink. This made us in a singing mood starting off with ‘Tulpen uit Amsterdam’, ‘Brandend Zand’ and so the family wanted to sing a Minahasa song. And they teached us along the night. This was really special for us. It made me cry & feel I’m part of these people who all have been so warm, helpful & joyful. They already gave us unforgettable days.

We sing a Minahasa song, supported by the family (Treesje on the left, Meiske on the right)

Day 21 – 8 April 2011 Makasar (transit to Tana Toraja)

Wake up @ 8 hrs with a slight hangover but a good  night sleep after a wonderful night. Libby, Peter, Ivana & Jilly brought us to Sam Ratulangi airport. We took of with LionAir to Makassar where we took the night bus to Toraja ... our new episode.

Nightbus to Toraja