Sunday, August 16, 2009
I was extremely lucky to have the opportunity to go to Indonesia and film a few travel promotions. With a weeks notice before I'm due to fly out, and a bit of a panic attack with organising everything, my first destination was to Padang, West Sumatra for the annual travel fair. Being a Jaffa from Auckland with no knowledge of Indonesia at all, I was excited, rearing to go with absolutely no idea what to expect. Three flights later, my pal Andrew and I are in Padang, welcomed by a team of smiling faces, my first impression was wow! yes that's all I could come up with! leaving the crisp chill of the beginning winter months in New Zealand, to be exerted into the 33 degree heat of Indonesia was incredible. There is a unique sweet smell in the air of Indonesia, that I couldn't quite place at first. Andrew tells me its the the cloves they mix with their tobacco, who would of thought.
You don't have to look long to see a smile here, the traffic is chaotic, almost everybody owns a motorbike and, your not unlikely to see 3 or 4 people on one bike, but nobody seems to mind. I was quick to realise that Indonesia is a far more tolerable nation than New Zealand, when it comes to traffic. I was surprised why everybody wasn't in fits of road rage. There is a constant and strangely peaceful sound of horns beeping . They beep when they pass you, and stop if somebody pulls out, its just the way it works there.
We stayed at Pangeran beach hotel, just out of the city centre of Padang. The service is second to none. It sits right on the beach, with a gym, a pool that is great for a refreshing morning swim in the Indonesian heat. A fantastic restaurant and bar, serving delicious traditional and European food. With all the comforts of home and more as well as a warming buzz of culture I would definitely recommend Pangeran Beach Hotel to anybody. Our first night we spent exploring the streets of Padang and talking to the locals. At night when all the shops close, many little carts come out selling all sorts of delicious foods from satay chicken to martabak manis (a huge crumpet filled with chocolate and walnuts mmmm) I really couldn't believe how cheap it was. You can expect to spend $1.50 NZD on dinner, and find your self in some very interesting conversation with the locals.
Our first day we spent on Sekuai Island, just out of Padang, a beautiful Island with nothing but a small resort on it. Life there is like a never ending tea break where you could spend all day kayaking, snorkeling, reading or planting Coral. Its the perfect escape. (for my fellow twilight fans, its just like Isle Esme, and I'm sure you wouldn't have any trouble finding a Indonesian Edward Cullen either, there are plenty chivalrous boys there, it was really hard to get used to people opening doors and wanting to carry your stuff )
Culture is alive and breathing in Padang, with many different influences from Dutch colonialism, Minangkabau traditions and many more work together harmoniously, providing a tr
eat for any explorer. I found I could just stand in the middle of the markets with a camera all day, the people are so fascinating and I don't think they even realise it. Any good cook knows that the secret to life is butter. And the butter of Indonesia is the people, their hospitality, generosity and constant smiles are infectious. Life there really makes you reconsider how we live here. Therefore my approach to making a travel video for them was to capture the essence of Padang, the people, the day to day lives and culture, not make another fake and glossy video that shows only what we want to see. Padang has a tremendous 
amount to offer, only a short travel takes you to the white sands and clear waters of Sikuai island and Bukittinggi known for its shopping, to the vibrant atmosphere of the traditional markets, delicious foods,traditional weaving, performances, Minangkabau architecture and more. After leaving Padang I only left wanting to explore more of what Indonesia has to offer.
I would like to thank Allan for all your efforts in organising our trip, Pangeran Beach hotel and The Hills for hosting us, and to all the beautiful people I met while I was in Padang. Thank you for your incredible hospitality I cant wait to visit you soon.
Saya mengucapkan banyak terimakasih untuk uda Allan, untuk semua yang uda buat dan atur perjalanan kami, terimakasih juga untuk Hotel Pangeran Beach dan The Hills yang menampung kita dan tentunya para kru yang baik hati selama saya di Padang, terimakasih untuk kerahmah tamahan kalian untuk kami. Saya tidak dapat menunggu menggunjungi kalian segera.
For more information on travel to Indonesia, visit http://www.bali.co.nz/
