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.
Then came the food. First, a lunch of impossibly fresh shrimp at a Haji Boi Rustic restaurant right on the river. Later, we found ourselves at a coffee shop called Benjod, which, to my surprise, served what might be the best steak I’ve ever had. It was so tender it literally melted in my mouth also the coffee was just as good.
But, no one truly prepared me for the breathtaking beauty of the Mangrove Forest in Desa Pasir. It was a landscape straight out of a fantasy film. We walked on wooden boardwalks under a canopy of tangled, emerald green roots. Our guide was the kindest person, patiently answering my endless stream of questions. I learned that these “superhero roots” protect the coast from storms and provide a safe nursery for baby fish. It was inspiring to see this community actively protecting such a vital and beautiful place. As if on cue, the sun began to set, painting the sky in a majestic mix of orange and pink over the water. I just stood there, taking in the spectacle.
That evening, we attended a Toana Ceremony at the Istana Amantubillah, the palace of the current Raja of Mempawah. The intricate rituals, the traditional clothing, and the deep respect in the air were so different from anything in my own culture. It was one of those rare moments where you just feel lucky to witness something so special and sacred.
On our final day, we woke up before dawn for a morning Saprahan, sitting on the floor to share a delicious meal with the governor’s wife also The Mempawah Regent, Ibu Erlina. She was so inspiring, sharing stories about her various community projects and give us some wisdom for our early 20s lives.
After that, we dived headfirst into the Robo-Robo festival, a massive celebration honoring the arrival of Opu Daeng Manembon centuries ago. The dancers were impressive, but the marching band was epic—the drums were so loud you could feel them vibrating in your chest.
At the afternoon after some formal goodbyes with Pak Ismail the Mempawah Regional Secretary and Pak El Zuratnam, we got to relax and just be kids at Pasar Malam Kuale Mempawah. We went thrifting, hit a local carnival, and I somehow won a water ladle and a plushie dinosaur (the best prize ever, obviously). We ended the day at a haunted house that was so unscary it became the funniest part of the trip, leaving me crying with laughter.
Looking back, Mempawah wasn’t what I expected. It was better. It was genuine. It was tasting a steak that ruins all other steaks, watching a perfect sunset in silence, and laughing until your stomach hurt with new friends. It was the kind of trip that reminds you the best adventures aren’t found on a screen; they’re waiting right in front of you.(Written by Amin Azeroual; AFS Students Exchange Program from Italy)
