teraju.id, Mempawah – When my exchange program announced a trip to Mempawah in West Kalimantan, my first thought it was about the WiFi. I pictured myself in some remote, quiet town, a world away from the famous beaches like Bali. But from the moment we arrived in Mempawah, my phone stayed forgotten in my pocket. For three incredible days, I was completely absorbed in a world of ancient history, breathtaking nature, and flavors that haunt my dreams.
It all began with an incredibly warm dinner with Bapak El Zuratnam, Head of the local Youth, Sports and Tourism Education Office. As an Italian, I’m used to boisterous dinners where everyone talks at once. The respectful ceremony of this meal was a new experience, but it wasn’t cold or distant. Instead, it felt like a profound and genuine welcome.
The next day was a whirlwind of amazing discoveries. We started at the gravesite of Opu Daeng Manambon, the 18th-century founding father of the Mempawah Kingdom. I’m not a natural history buff, but hearing the story of how this man from Sulawesi sailed to a new land to establish a kingdom and spread the Islamic religion was truly fascinating. The setting was serene, surrounded by lush, peaceful greenery.
