Indonesian Paradise Found: Colonial Charm Awaits at Makassar's Hidden Gem!
Indonesian Paradise Found: Colonial Charm Awaits at Makassar's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the wonderfully chaotic and, dare I say, charming world of "Indonesian Paradise Found: Colonial Charm Awaits at Makassar's Hidden Gem!" in a review that's less "sterile travel brochure" and more "drunken diary entry after a REALLY good massage." Let's be real, right? Travel is messy, unpredictable, and rarely matches the Instagram filters. This review is going to be the real deal.
First Impressions & The "Is This Heaven?" Moment (or, the "Wait, Where's the Elevator?" Moment)
Okay, so "Colonial Charm" isn't just marketing fluff. This place oozes it. Think rich wood, high ceilings, and a slightly faded grandeur that whispers stories of a bygone era. The kind of place where you expect to see someone in a crisp white suit sipping a gin and tonic on the terrace (and maybe, just maybe, you are that person).
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Like My Outfit Choice Today.
Accessibility is… well, it needed a little work. The website probably mentioned it, but did I check? Nope. Classic. While they say they have "facilities for disabled guests," I noticed some areas, especially the older building, that weren't exactly wheelchair-friendly. Definitely inquire ahead of time, and be prepared to potentially navigate some charming but potentially tricky steps and uneven surfaces.
- Good: The lobby was generally accessible, and the staff were super helpful (more on them later).
- Needs Improvement: Some corridors were a bit tight, and the older building's charm occasionally trumped practicality.
On-Site Restaurants, Lounges, and the Eternal Struggle for Wi-Fi
Alright, let's talk creature comforts. Food! I'm all about it. This place delivered.
Restaurants: They had multiple options! This is brilliant. But let me give you a real-world assessment:
- A la carte in restaurant: ✅ Yup! Menu, choices, all that jazz.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: ✅ Absolutely phenomenal. (More on that later).
- International cuisine in restaurant: ✅ They weren't lying! There was something for everyone.
- Breakfast [buffet]: ✅ YES. And it was a glorious spread, which is important.
- Breakfast service: ✅ They got my coffee to the room. I could live here. In the room.
- Buffet in restaurant: ✅ Excellent.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: ✅ My lifeblood, readily available.
- Desserts in restaurant: ✅ Oh, the desserts. I'm not even a dessert person, but I could NOT resist these.
- Poolside bar: ✅ Perfect for a pre-lunch cocktail.
- Restaurants: ✅ Yup. Plural.
- Soup in restaurant: ✅ A hot bowl of soup, the best.
Lounges: The bar area was particularly lovely, with a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
Wifi: A Tale of Two Worlds (or, the LAN Laughs)
Okay, this is where things get… well, interesting.
- "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!": Technically true. In practice? A bit spotty, especially in the older parts of the building.
- Internet [LAN]: They mention it. I didn't even bother trying!
- Internet services: Standard, nothing crazy, which is okay.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Fairly reliable, but I preferred the bar - it brought some more relaxation.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day! (And Maybe a Little Meltdown)
This hotel is definitely a place to unwind.
Spa: OH MY. This is where my stream-of-consciousness gets deep. I spent a solid afternoon getting pampered, and it was the best decision I made on the trip.
- Body scrub: Okay, this was invigorating. I felt like a whole new human.
- Body wrap: Pure bliss. I think I actually fell asleep.
- Foot bath: After a day of exploring Makassar, this was heaven.
- Massage: The piece de resistance. The masseuse was a magician. I emerged a limp, happy noodle.
- Spa/sauna: The sauna was excellent.
- Swimming pool: ✅ - A lovely pool to lay and enjoy the sun.
Fitness Center: I walked through, I looked at the equipment. I decided against it. Priorities.
Sauna: See above.
Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool area was beautiful and well-maintained, perfect for a lazy afternoon.
Gym/fitness: Nope. See above.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (and Slightly Paranoid… in a Good Way?)
Honestly, top marks here.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check
- Hand sanitizer: Available everywhere. Thank GOD.
- Hotel provided hygiene certifications
- Room sanitization opt-out available
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Impressive, truly.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: ✅
- Safe dining setup: ✅
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: ✅
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: ✅
I felt incredibly safe and well-cared for, which is HUGE.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Paradise
This is where things get really good. The food here is a major highlight.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Specifically, their Indonesian offerings were spectacular. The rendang was out of this world, the nasi goreng was perfect, and the satay? I'm still dreaming about it.
- Bar: Excellent cocktails, a good wine selection, and a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Available everywhere.
- Desserts in restaurant: YES. Don't skip them. Trust me.
- Happy hour: Score!
- International cuisine in restaurant: I loved the selections offered.
- Poolside bar: Perfect.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes. A lifesaver.
- Cash withdrawal: Check
- Concierge: Super helpful and knowledgeable.
- Daily housekeeping: ✅ Room always spotless.
- Doorman: Friendly and welcoming.
- Elevator: Yes, thankfully.
- Ironing service: ✅ Crucial for that "dressed to impress" moment.
- Laundry service: ✅ Efficient and reasonably priced.
- Luggage storage: ✅
- Safety deposit boxes: ✅
- Smoking area: ✅ Outside.
- Terrace: ✅
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes… But Maybe Bring Your Own Babysitter
- Babysitting service: They offer it, which is great.
- Family/child friendly: They say yes, and I agree.
Access, Getting Around, and the Other Important Bits
- Airport transfer: Convenient and efficient.
- Car park [free of charge]: Helpful.
- Check-in/out [express]: Available.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Super helpful and friendly.
- Non-smoking rooms: They have them.
- Safety/security feature: ✅
Available in All Rooms: What You Really Need to Know
- Additional toilet: No!
- Air conditioning: Yay.
- Alarm clock: Useful.
- Bathrobes: Comfy and luxurious.
- Bathtub: Perfect for soaking.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for sleeping in.
- Coffee/tea maker: A must.
- Complimentary tea: Awesome.
- Desk: Work if you need to, but… maybe don’t.
- Extra long bed: Good.
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key!
- Hair dryer: Essential.
- In-room safe box: Always a good idea.
- Internet access – wireless: Spotty.
- Ironing facilities: Definitely needed.
- Laptop workspace: Yes.
- Mini bar: Yes.
- Private bathroom: Yes.
- Refrigerator: Yes.
- Satellite/cable channels: TV.
- Seating area: Nice.
- Shower: Yes, with the bathtub.
- Smoke detector: Safe.
- Slippers: YES.
- Wake-up service: Yes.
- Wi-Fi [free]:
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! You're about to witness my attempt at a travel itinerary for the Colonial Hotel in Makassar, Indonesia. Forget rigid schedules, this is a messy, glorious, and potentially disastrous journey through my (completely subjective) experience. Prepare for emotional whiplash.
Colonial Hotel Makassar: My (Potentially Delusional) Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Disappointment (Kidding! Mostly…)
- Morning (Because I'm that person): Landed at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport. Holy humidity, Batman! My hair instantly frizzed up into a fluffy, untamable beast. Pre-trip prep? Non-existent. I’d packed approximately zero appropriate clothing. Already regretting that 'chic traveler' aesthetic. The taxi driver, bless his heart, tried valiantly to understand my garbled Indonesian. The Colonial Hotel…well, it's a colonial hotel. It smells like old wood and history. Which, in my jet-lagged state, could either be charming or cause me to spontaneously combust.
- Afternoon: Check-In Chaos and Room Revelation: The hotel is actually lovely. Really! The lobby is all dark wood, antique furniture, and a gentle (and much-needed) breeze from the open windows. Check-in? An exercise in patience. There was a minor kerfuffle involving my booking, a lost passport (momentarily panicked), and a very patient receptionist who possibly wanted to scream. But, hey, I'm here, I'm alive, and I have a room. My room? A surprisingly charming space. Four-poster bed, high ceilings, and a view of…a courtyard. Okay, not the ocean, but still, very atmospheric. The internet? Spotty. Like me, some days.
- Evening: Food, Glorious (and Slightly Sketchy) Food: Armed with a half-developed map (thanks, Google Maps!), I bravely ventured out for dinner. My destination: a local warung (small, local restaurant). The air was thick with the scent of frying things and something vaguely floral. Don't ask. I ordered something. I think it was beef rendang. I hope it was beef rendang. It was either that or a plate of something that might have once been alive. The taste? A revelation. Spicy, complex, and utterly delicious. My stomach, however, is now staging a silent protest. Stay tuned.
Day 2: The Sea of Uncertainty and a Love Affair with Pallubasa
- Morning: Trying to Be Cultured (Fail): Okay, so I tried to be a good tourist. I meant to visit Fort Rotterdam, all about the history and stuff. But the heat…oh, the heat. It’s like being wrapped in a warm, moist blanket, constantly. I lasted about 20 minutes before retreating to the relative coolness of the hotel. So, museums? Not today.
- Midday: The Pallubasa Obsession Begins: This is where things get serious. Forget museums, forget history. I discovered Pallubasa, a rich, beef-based soup, and my life is changed. Honestly, it's my new favorite thing, period. Every single day I have at least one bowl. I found a small, unassuming place that serves it, and the locals all know and love it. The vendor is a lovely woman who doesn't speak much English, but she always smiles and knows my order. This woman and that Pallubasa is the best thing that happen to me during the travel. It’s an obsession. A beautiful, delicious, life-affirming obsession.
- Afternoon: The Beach That Wasn't (Quite): I attempted to visit Losari Beach. It's…lively. In a very…lively sort of way. Lots of people, lots of activity, and a significant amount of litter. But the sunset? Stunning. The ocean breeze, so cool compared to city, was much needed. I felt a sense of peace there.
- Evening: Hotel Hiccups and Unexpected Friendship: Back at the hotel, the internet decided to die. Permanently, it seemed. Minor crisis averted by the lovely receptionist who managed to restart the router (and keep her sanity). Then, a stroke of unexpected luck! I met an older gentleman in the hotel bar, a retired historian, who was full of fascinating tales and stories about Makassar and its history. He's a proper old school gentleman who speaks perfect English! He shared his knowledge and gave me his recommendations.
Day 3: Exploring The Old City and Culinary Adventures… Again!
- Morning: The Old City Adventures: Back to culture! Today was a success! Guided by my historian friend, I explored the Old City of Makassar. The architecture is beautiful, and full of character. Streets here are small and narrow, and you can find some of the best culinary experiences in the region.
- Afternoon: Culinary Quest: My taste buds were still craving. I decided to try some of the local specialties. The dish called Coto Makassar is popular, but not for me, the taste is just not for me. So, I headed back towards Pallubasa.
- Evening: Reflection and Room for Improvisation: The evening involved a quiet dinner in the hotel's restaurant (which, by the way, serves a fantastic nasi goreng). I'm starting to feel a sense of place here. I'm still getting lost, I'm still sweating buckets, and my stomach is still a mystery, But I'm genuinely enjoying myself. Tomorrow? Who knows. Maybe more Pallubasa. Maybe a museum. Maybe I'll just sit in the lobby, enjoying the breeze. The beauty of travel: embrace the chaos.
Day 4: Farewell to the Colonial and (Hopefully) a Return
- Morning: One last glorious Pallubasa breakfast.
- Afternoon: Departure!
- Evening: I'm actually leaving. Already, I miss the friendly faces, the delicious food (except for that one meal…), and the slightly chaotic charm of Makassar. The Colonial Hotel? Flawed, yes, but also full of history, character, and just the right amount of quirky. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just pack your own wifi and a strong stomach. And maybe, just maybe, a very, very detailed map.
Final Thoughts: This isn't a perfect itinerary. It's a snapshot of me, a human being, stumbling through a new place. It's messy, imperfect, and full of subjective opinions. It's also honest. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Makassar, you were a blast. Pallubasa, I will never forget you. Until next time…
Osaka's Hidden Gem: Oriental Express Hotel – Shinsaibashi Luxury!
So, I've got this banjo... Now what?! Seriously, where do I even *start*?
Oh, honey, I FEEL you. The banjo is this gorgeous, intimidating beast. You look at it, all shiny and twangy, and think, "Right... *that* will be easy." Famous last words, right? My advice? Don't try to be a virtuoso overnight. I did. Disaster. I spent the first week fighting with the tuning pegs (that's like wrestling a greased pig, I swear). Then I tried to learn "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and nearly chucked the whole thing out the window (banjos are heavy!).
My *actual* advice is to start SLOWLY. Find a good online tutorial. There are a million of them, mostly for free, on YouTube. Look for ones that emphasize the *basics*. Think: holding the banjo correctly (important!), tuning (still a pain, even for experienced folks!), basic right-hand strokes (that's the picking hand!), and simple chords. Forget the fancy stuff for now. You need solid foundations, like building a house. You can't just slap a roof on a pile of bricks.
Okay, basics. But... my fingers HURT! Is this supposed to be a torture device?!
YES! Kidding. (Mostly.) Finger pain is *inevitable*. When I first started, I looked like I had tiny, puffy sausages for fingers after the first hour. Calluses? Forget it. I had raw, red, throbbing fingertips. It's like your skin is rebelling.
The good news (sort of): it gets better. Your fingers *will* toughen up. You'll build up calluses. It's not painless, but the initial agony fades. The bad news? It takes *time*. Weeks, even months, depending on how often you practice.
My tip? Practice in short bursts. Don't try to power through for hours. Twenty minutes a day is often more effective than two hours one day and then nothing for three weeks. And be gentle. Don't press so hard on the strings you crush them. You're not extracting diamonds here, you're trying to make music!
Oh, and ice! Seriously, after a particularly brutal practice session, a little ice on the fingers can work wonders. Also, don't pick at your calluses! That’s just asking for trouble (and a painful infection). Learned that one the hard way.
What about learning chords? My fingers feel like spaghetti when I try to make them.
Ah, the chords. The bane of every beginner banjo player's existence. They look so easy on paper, right? "Just put your fingers *here* and *there*." Yeah, easier said than done. My fingers were all over the place at first. I'd try to make a G chord, and it would sound like a strangled cat.
The trick is to slow down and be patient. Start with the easy ones, like G, C, and D7. There are plenty of diagrams online; just find one you like and stick with it.
Practice switching between the chords VERY slowly, focusing on getting each finger in the right place. The first few times you’ll probably only get a “thud.” Don’t despair! Keep at it. It’s like learning a new language. The more you practice, the more your hands will "remember" the finger positions.
Also, don't be afraid to cheat a little! Learn a simplified version of a chord if it’s too tricky at first. Over time, you’ll be able to play the full, more complex versions. No shame in taking baby steps.
I'm *terrible* at strumming! My right hand is all over the place. Any advice?
Strumming. Ugh. That's where I really fell apart at first. I thought I was just naturally rhythmically challenged. I’d start “down, down, up, up, down” and then completely lose the beat, devolving into a frantic, chaotic mess. It was like an alien octopus was trying to control my picking hand.
The key: a metronome! Sounds boring, I know. I resisted it for ages. I thought it would kill the "feel" of the music. But I was WRONG! A metronome is your best friend. It provides a steady beat, which helps you learn to keep time. Start slow. Really, *REALLY* slow. Like, embarrassingly slow.
Focus on the rhythm and the *flow* of the strumming pattern. Don't get hung up on speed. Accuracy first, then speed. Also, relax your hand! Tensing up is a recipe for disaster. And breathe! Seriously, you’re probably holding your breath.
And here’s a confession: I still struggle with strumming sometimes! Some days it just *clicks*, and other days, I sound like a dying duck. It's a constant work in progress. But the metronome, the constant reminder of structure, helped immensely. It also does help to remember the pattern you want to use. Down, down, up, down, up. Or any pattern that you enjoy. Try to have fun. If you don't enjoy it, you won't learn.
What kind of banjo should I get? And is it a money pit?
Ohhhhh, the banjo buying question! This is important. Here's the deal: you *don't* need a top-of-the-line, thousand-dollar banjo to start. In fact, you probably *shouldn't* get one. You're just starting! You might hate it!
Start with a decent beginner banjo. There are plenty of decent ones. Do some research. Read reviews. Go to a guitar shop (if you have one) and try a few out. Make sure it *feels* comfortable in your hands.
The *biggest* money pit is buying the wrong banjo. You might think all banjos are the same, but they’re not. There are different types, with different sounds. Research what kind of music you want to play, and then ask a salesperson (or a banjo-playing friend) for recommendations. A decent beginner banjo should be less than $500, ideally.
And yes, banjos *can* be an expensive hobby. Strings, picks, straps, capos, tuners, cases... the list goes on. It adds up. But don't get overwhelmed. Focus on the basics first. You can always upgrade later. The investment will give you more incentive to practice, too -- the sunk cost fallacy at its finest!
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