Bengkulu's top 3 spots

Traveling inside your country can be more exciting than traveling worldwide. I fortunately live in an archipelago, a country with thousands of islands, so it's great to step on a different island and discover something new every time.

I am originally from Java Island, but my parents are from Sumatera Island. However, I have been to a lot of cities in Java, it's so hard to count, while on the other hand I have only been to 3 cities in Sumatera: Medan, Palembang & Bengkulu!

I just went to Bengkulu a few months ago. I headed across the Sunda Strait to Bengkulu Waters for fish sampling purpose in the research of integrated tuna fishery.

Bengkulu or also known as Bencoolen (given name by the British) lies at the southwest coast of Sumatera.

There are 3 best places that I'd recommend you to visit in Bengkulu. The first one is Panjang Beach (Pantai Panjang). Just like any other beach, the sea breeze will calm you down and you can enjoy with Bengkulu's traditional coffee or herbal drink, you will be relaxed admiring the sunset.

The second one and the most mandatory to visit is the Fort Marlborough which was built in around the 17th century. It's a British heritage. You will be amazed by the great history and the nice old architecture. I suggest you to visit like at 3 or 4 PM so you can chill because Bengkulu's weather is hot & it's hotter than Jakarta :-)

The nice view over the Fort Marlborough

The last one I'd recommend is also historical, it's one of the Houses of Indonesia's first President! >> Bung Karno Seclusion House. Soekarno (Bung Karno) was exiled to Bengkulu in around 1940. The feeling was undescribable to be where my first president was lived. There's lots of history to learn.

Bung Karno Seclusion House

It was very fun traveling around the city.
Please visit Bengkulu if you have the time! Cheers