Hello once again, and thank you for visiting my blog! 🧳
I hope you’ve been enjoying reading about my travel adventures here in Ngawi, East Java, Indonesia. It’s been a heartwarming experience so far, and today, I’m excited to share a very special outing that combined history, culture, learning, and lots of fun.
During my stay, I had the opportunity to visit Benteng Pendem, also known as Fort van den Bosch—a place that truly took me back in time. This historic fortress is located in Pelem, Ngawi, and is packed with stories that reflect both Indonesia’s colonial past and its strength as a nation today.
🏰 A Little Background – What is Fort van den Bosch?
So what’s the big deal about this fort? Let me break it down in simple terms for those who are new to it:
Fort van den Bosch was built by the Dutch in 1845 during their occupation of Indonesia. Back in those days, Ngawi was an important area for trade and transportation in East Java. The fort was used as a military stronghold to control and monitor river access.
Later, during World War II, the Japanese used the fort as a prison, adding yet another layer of history to this place. Over time, after being abandoned, the building slowly crumbled and became a ruin overtaken by nature.
But here’s the beautiful part — in 2019, the Indonesian government began restoring the fort, and today, it stands beautifully renovated, fresh with white walls, welcoming both tourists and locals to explore a piece of their heritage. It symbolizes resilience, transformation, and the preservation of history. What was once a symbol of colonial control has now become a space for cultural appreciation and education.
👩🏫 A Day with My Students – Learning Outside the Classroom
I visited Fort van den Bosch with two lovely assistant teachers from Rumah Inggris Course, the English school where I volunteer, and four of my Indonesian students. This little excursion was beautifully arranged by my host—and what made it extra special was the fact that my students acted as my English-speaking tour guides! 💬🇮🇩
This activity gave them a chance to practice their English in a real-world setting, and honestly, they did such a great job. They shared the history of the fort, explained who Johannes van den Bosch was, and helped me learn more about Indonesian heritage in such an interactive and confident way.
👘 My Cultural Highlight – Traditional Outfits & Photos
One of my absolute highlights of the day was getting to dress up in traditional Indonesian clothing! Inside the fort, there’s a paid service that lets visitors hire cultural outfits and take professional photos—and you already know I was all in! The outfits were beautiful, and the photos turned out stunning. I truly felt immersed in the culture, and it’s a moment I’ll always treasure.
🥟 Wrapping It Up With Dumplings!
After our historical and cultural exploration, we headed to the café located right inside the fort, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch. I went with the dumplings (because yum 😋), and it was the perfect way to end a beautiful afternoon.
💬 Final Thoughts
This trip to Fort van den Bosch reminded me of why I love traveling so much. It’s not just about seeing places—it’s about connecting with people, learning history, and creating moments that matter.
Stay tuned for more posts as I continue exploring East Java and beyond. And if you’re thinking about traveling, volunteering, or learning English with me, you’re in the right place. 🌍
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