Selangan Laut, a humble Atlantis (Bontang, Indonesia -12 October 2010)

On the flight back to Sangata, I spotted Selangan Laut village from the plane window. This fisherman village is built on the sea, remote from the mainland.

I have been to Selangan Laut once. I had Warren and Peggy, my American parents, coming with me. I was a bit worry that the humble village might not meet the expectation of the Americans. But I was wrong.

On a Tuesday in October, we left Sangata around 1030 AM and arriving Bontang an hour later. Then we headed to Tanjung Laut area,There, we met Pak Jamhur, the boat owner who would take us to Selangan Laut. We paid around 400,000 rupiah for the boat return trip, including having Pak Jamhur as our guide while we were in the village.

Pak Jamhur was a very proud man, but that Tuesday was not his day. His boat steering failed. He had to move us into his friend's boat and then he took us to Selangan Laut.It took 20 minutes fro Bontang to Selangan Laut. We passed the outer of Tanjung Laut.View a gas tanker being loaded. For those who don't know, Bontang is one of the world biggest producer of natural gas.Then we arrived in Selangan Laut.It was indeed a humble village. We took time to walk around the village and found some interesting scenes.

The "Main Street",the locals,the house,including the one with 'Keramba' around it.Keramba is a way to raise fish by putting net in the water stream and have the fish grow in it. This is the main income of the Selangan Laut villagers besides seaweed and salted fish.There was also a mosque and a primary school.

I wondered what would happen with the kids after they completed the school there, would they move to town to further education?

While walking, we asked the villagers what happened during high wave or typhoon. "We stay at home and pray," answered one of them. Well, I really hope no high wave or typhoon visited us while we were there....

It was almost 1 PM when we decided to have lunch in one of the villager's house.

We ordered four serves of grilled fish. The fish was caught from the Keramba, so it was nice fresh grill fish. We were so hungry, we finished all the fish!We felt even better when we were charged only 250,000 Rupiah for the wonderful meal and the drinks.

On the way back to Bontang, I asked Warren and Peggy if they wanted to visit another village, they said 'No'. They did not want to spoil the good memory they had in Selangan Laut. I kind of agree with them.

Bontang Kuala, East Kalimantan, Indonesia (21 Febr 2010)

To improve my 'out of town' driving skill, today I drove to Bontang Kuala with my brother and cousins. Bontang Kuala is an area in Bontang town, about an hour driving from Sangata where I live.

Bontang Kuala is a water village and has been inhabited by fishermen family for a long time, long before Bontang is established as a town. We can tell from some houses in the area:
The housing is built on water on the side of wooden walkway which connecting the land to the end of the neighborhood. The area is completed with a big mosque and also domestic stores selling basic groceries.

Besides being a place to live for the fishermen, Bontang Kuala has becoming a tourism area for people who live in Bontang and its surrounding area like Sangata. Mostly, people come to eat in the restaurants which can be found at the end of the Kuala. The restaurants becoming very popular because it offers not only delicious seafood, but also beautiful sea and mangroves scenery.

Well, my original mission was actually to have a good lunch. We went to Anjungan Indah Restaurant which is located at the end of the Kuala. I ordered Sweet and sour calamari with my rice and Sauteed spinach. My brother and cousins ordered Grill calamari, Grill fish, Grill lobster, Fried Prawn and of course nice hot chili sauce.
Hhmmm, the food was so yummy!

On the way back to the parking lot, I stopped at the mosque in Kuala to do my noon pray. Before we left the area, I bought some seaweed jelly for my kids.