in INDONESIA
I took a trip to Makassar, Indonesia a few years back to teach English. My friends and I passed through Davao and Manado. Here are some of the lessons I learned during that memorable trip. (I am actually writing them down here so I will remember! 
I will probably update this page when I recall some more useful info if ever I will be given the chance to go there again.)
People/Language
- The people are very friendly, warm and hospitable much like us Filipinos. They are also music-lovers like us and many of them know how to play the guitar.
- There are words that are used both in Bahasa Indonesia and Filipino (even Ilocano). Examples: payong (umbrella), kili-kili (armpit), kanan (right). There are exceptions, however, like sama-sama (same to you) and hati-hati (be careful) which you will see on road signs.
- Be prepared to say a few Indonesian words like Terima kasih, Pak/Ibu (Thank you, sir/madam) with a smile or greetings such as:
- Good morning – Magandang umaga – Selamat Pagi
- Good afternoon – Magandang hapon – Selamat Siang
- Good evening – Magandang gabi – Selamat Sore
- Good night – Magandang gabi – Selamat Malam
- How are you? (What’s new?) – Kumusta ka? – Apa Kabar?
Religion
- Unlike in Manado, majority of the Makassar residents are Muslim. One of the first things I noticed in Manado was the number of churches near the airport, some only a few blocks from each other. (I even remember hearing Don Moen songs being played in the mall there!) In Makassar, the first thing I noticed upon my arrival was the call to prayer using loud speakers. I got used to it after a while. There were actually some days when I even managed to stay asleep despite the deafening adhan/adzan! (Oh, that we would issue the same call to Christian believers. Where are the church bells of yesteryears??)
- I remember going to a church while I was there. I did not understand a single word but it was a good experience for me. A caution to Pinoy churchgoers who are non-drinkers. They use real wine during their communion service!! Oh my Lord!
Transportation
- Their “jeepney” is called a pete-pete (pronounced peh-teh peh-teh; called microlet in Manado and other provinces). It goes round and round the major thoroughfares like a taxicab would so we often found ourselves going to the same spot before reaching our own destination.
- Aside from the becak and pete-pete, they also use the motorcycle as their primary mode of transportation. Unlike in the Philippines, they have no side car so be prepared to ride at the back of the driver!
- Crossing the street can be a challenge since they drive on the “wrong side.” Be very careful as accidents are common.
- TIP: If you plan to go around the city on your own, it is best to learn the local language. Here are some examples:
Kiri – Left
Kanan – Right
Straight ahead – terus saja
More here.
Food & Drinks
- Even when the weather is blazing hot, they serve guests hot tea or some other hot drinks. Huh?!?Except for Coca-Cola, you also can’t buy soft drinks with ice from their local sari-sari stores. Hmmm…
- Don’t be afraid to try new places for great Indo food. But it is best to bring an Indo friend with you so you will understand what the attendant/waiter is saying.
- Try their Ikan Baronang and other fresh seafood dishes. Yummy!!!! Makassar is a haven for seafood lovers.
- They also have their own version of our halo-halo.
- Some restaurants will provide a wash basin for you afterwards.
Money
- When using local money changers, bring crisp, clean dollar bills. The newer your dollar bill, the higher the value you get for your money. (I learned that this is also true in Vietnam and other Asian countries.)
Another OMG! moment
Riding on Bouraq Air was quite a wild ride!!! ;D It was like a Pinoy commuter bus with wings which reminds me, if you’re running on a pretty tight budget and Bouraq seems to be your only alternative, don’t ever take seats near the cockpit. Big mistake. *shakes head* BIIIIIGGGG mistake.
Finally, here are some tips from The Virtual Tourist.
I really miss my Indonesian friends. I hope I will get the chance to see them again this side of heaven someday.
