[roadpeople]

Originally Posted by newbird9403

Instead of starting another thread, thot its more convenient to spread the news here.

I just came back from a 3 days trip to Makassar - touted as the Gateway to the East of Indonesia. The Airport, Sultan Hassanudin is very modern, clean and comfortable,in my opinion the best in the whole of Indonesia.

I was in Makassar in 2009, the town was such a sorry state then, there was almost no shopping malls, supermarkets, indomart etc let alone spa, karaoke and health centre. The town was creepy and by 8pm there was no one in sight. Three years later, things have changed so much thanks to Jusuf Kalla and Khairul Tanjung. Seafronts were reclaimed and shopping malls sprung up across the town. Today you find fast food chains - KFC, Macdonalds, Pizza Huts outlets all over the town. Eating places are more modern and clean and some are 24hours. There are big malls selling branded goods carrying products such as LV, Gucci. Metro has also opened and outlet there.

I was indeed very please to see signboards posting of Delta Spa, My Place and Karaoke outlets. All these were absent 3 years ago.

Trans Studio World is another family attraction in Makassar. Opened slightly more than a year ago, the studio boasts of a theme park which is the main attraction of the town.

Makassar citizens are of the Bugis stock. They are seafarers and their influence can even be found in Singapore. One of the cewek proudly reminded me that there is a Bugis Street in Singapore. Makassar ceweks are shy but warm. They are dark skinned (similar to our Malays) but they do have a certain sweetness in their smile. Natural beauty and with little make-up.

I have made some good contacts in Makassar, any brother travelling there can check with me.

May I share your contacts in Makasar? Thanks brother.

I will stay there for a biz trip, a bit rush. Not interest in family places, but massage (full service), booking/ take away, short time/ call in.

Thank you, big brother