Upon arriving at my beautiful homestay, I understood why so many people recommend it. What a beautiful area and what a stunning view. Although I couldn’t stay the night as it was fully booked, they directed me to a nearby alternative. After a coffee and banana pancake, I was taken to a nearby homestay by scooter, where the ambiance was nice but less charming. Sadly, the hot shower promised didn’t work, but after 22.5 hours of travel, I didn’t mind.

Refreshed after a quick nap, I decided to explore, though I wasn’t sure what to do in Harau Valley. A spontaneous stroll led me to colorful houses that turned out to be a pool area—2.3 km for nothing much! Along the way locals and kids were super friendly, waving but on the other hand asking me for money (which I laughed off). I ended up discovering several scenic spots, including waterfalls, an old town area, and a miniature park. I decided to pay a visite but after being in there for 5 minutes I became a tourist attraction myself as everyone wanted a photo. An 11KM walk brought me back to my homestay, were I took another nap. In the evening, I walked to the other homestay, enjoyed a meal with a Bintang, and observed the locals barbecuing while kids danced to Arabic music. I was invited to trek to some waterfalls the next day but planned to sleep in first.

The following day, unsure whether to hike to waterfalls or take a motorbike trip to Sawalunto, I choose the motorbike. Sawalunto, known as “Little Holland” for its colonial buildings and old railway museum. Though a long journey, the beautiful scenery was worth it. We stopped at a celebration for the completion of the Qur’an recitation, which was fascinating, though I was again asked for many photos. Sawalunto was underwhelming, though highlights included the old mines, where I got a quick underground tour, and a historic Dutch cemetery. Unfortunately, I started to feel the effects of the sunburn, realizing too late I should’ve dressed more practically.

The return journey included a visit at Danau Singkarat, Bakso dinner, and sunset over the rice fields a staggering 191 km drive wasn’t what I expected when I woke up. Reflecting, Sawalunto didn’t seem worth the physical toll. Still, I appreciated the unexpected experiences like the celebration, the monkey training, and the sunset. Lesson learned: research destinations and take clothing advice to heart! I thanked my guide, realizing he’d likely remember me as the “crazy girl who insisted on going to Sawalunto.”