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SilverSneakers Fitness Program Improves Older Adult's Health

(NewsUSA) - Joanne C. was 74 when she had a stroke two years ago that left her paralyzed on the entire right side of her body. She refused to accept that she'd end up in a wheelchair and began rehabilitation, determined to get her life and body back to where it was before her stroke.

Joanne's hard work paid off. She has regained much of her strength and movement and can walk again. In large part, she credits her SilverSneakers exercise classes - offered through her HumanaChoice® PPO, a Medicare Advantage preferred provider organization (PPO) health plan - as key to her successful recovery.

Being a SilverSneakers member helped keep Joanne in good physical condition before her stroke. "SilverSneakers helped me be familiar with many of the exercises they had me do in physical therapy and gave me the confidence and strength to persevere through a difficult rehab process," Joanne says.

Numerous studies, including Tivity Health's SilverSneakers Annual Member Survey of 2016, confirm that exercising, especially with others, improves older adults' physical and mental health.1,2, 3

However, there are challenges that prevent many Medicare beneficiaries from joining gyms and fitness classes.

By offering SilverSneakers through its Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Humana is working to overcome those barriers so more people with Medicare can benefit from exercising.

For those on a fixed income, joining a gym can be expensive. SilverSneakers provides gym access at no additional cost to many of Humana's MA members across the country, including those in Florida and Texas. SilverSneakers has partnered with almost 14,000 fitness and wellness centers around the U.S. and, with national reciprocity, SilverSneakers members can go to any one of those facilities.

The program is designed with the Medicare population in mind and taught by certified instructors who offer classes and modifications for all fitness levels. These instructors are specifically trained to help members avoid stress-related injuries to muscles and joints.

There's also a wide variety of classes offered, including circuit training, yoga, Latin dance and even an outdoor boot camp. SilverSneakers members also have access to all of a facility's amenities, which can include a range of exercise equipment, weight rooms and swimming pools.

"According to Tivity Health's annual survey, SilverSneakers has made a significant difference in the lives of many of our Medicare Advantage members, not only in their physical health, but also in their social life," says Lauri Kalanges, M.D., Humana's Medical Director of Medicare Products for the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Tivity Health's Annual Member Survey of 2016 found that 91 percent of SilverSneakers participants reported an improved quality of life. SilverSneakers has had a substantial impact on the health of its participants, reducing hospitalizations and the risk of depression.3

For more information about SilverSneakers, go to www.silversneakers.com.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare Contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits may change each year. SilverSneakers is not offered on all Humana MA plans in all areas.

1. Nguyen Q, Ackermann RT, Maciejewski M, Berke E, Patrick M, Williams B and LoGerfo JP. Managed-Medicare Health Club Benefit and Reduced Health Care Costs Among Older Adults. Prev Chronic Dis 2008;5(1).

2. Nguyen HQ, Maciejewski M, Gao S, Lin E, William, B, LoGerfo JP. Health Care Use and Costs Associated with Use of a Health Club Membership Benefit in Older Adults with Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2008; 31:1562-1567

3. Nguyen, Koepsell, Unutzer, Larson and LoGerfo. Depression and Use of a Health Plan-Sponsored Physical Activity Program by Older Adults. Am J Prev Med 2008;35(2):111-117

Ref: Dance - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Joanne C. was 74 when she had a stroke two years ago that left her paralyzed on the entire right side of her body. She refused to accept that she'd end up in a wheelchair and began rehabilitation, determined to get her life and body back to where it was before her stroke. Joanne's hard work paid off. She has regained much of her strength and movement and can walk again. In large part, she credits her SilverSneakers exercise classes - offered through her HumanaChoice® PPO, a Medicare Advantage preferred provider organization (PPO) health plan - as key to her successful recovery. Being a SilverSneakers member helped keep Joanne in good physical condition before her stroke. "SilverSneakers helped me be familiar with many of the exercises they had me do in physical therapy and gave me the confidence and strength to persevere through a difficult rehab process," Joanne says. Numerous studies, including Tivity Health's SilverSneakers Annual Member Survey of 2016, confirm that exercising, especially with others, improves older adults' physical and mental health.1,2, 3 However, there are challenges that prevent many Medicare beneficiaries from joining gyms and fitness classes. By offering SilverSneakers through its Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Humana is working to overcome those barriers so more people with Medicare can benefit from exercising. For those on a fixed income, joining a gym can be expensive. SilverSneakers provides gym access at no additional cost to many of Humana's MA members across the country, including those in Florida and Texas. SilverSneakers has partnered with almost 14,000 fitness and wellness centers around the U.S. and, with national reciprocity, SilverSneakers members can go to any one of those facilities. The program is designed with the Medicare population in mind and taught by certified instructors who offer classes and modifications for all fitness levels. These instructors are specifically trained to help members avoid stress-related injuries to muscles and joints. There's also a wide variety of classes offered, including circuit training, yoga, Latin dance and even an outdoor boot camp. SilverSneakers members also have access to all of a facility's amenities, which can include a range of exercise equipment, weight rooms and swimming pools. "According to Tivity Health's annual survey, SilverSneakers has made a significant difference in the lives of many of our Medicare Advantage members, not only in their physical health, but also in their social life," says Lauri Kalanges, M.D., Humana's Medical Director of Medicare Products for the Mid-Atlantic Region. Tivity Health's Annual Member Survey of 2016 found that 91 percent of SilverSneakers participants reported an improved quality of life. SilverSneakers has had a substantial impact on the health of its participants, reducing hospitalizations and the risk of depression.3 For more information about SilverSneakers, go to www.silversneakers.com. Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare Contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits may change each year. SilverSneakers is not offered on all Humana MA plans in all areas. 1. Nguyen Q, Ackermann RT, Maciejewski M, Berke E, Patrick M, Williams B and LoGerfo JP. Managed-Medicare Health Club Benefit and Reduced Health Care Costs Among Older Adults. Prev Chronic Dis 2008;5(1). 2. Nguyen HQ, Maciejewski M, Gao S, Lin E, William, B, LoGerfo JP. Health Care Use and Costs Associated with Use of a Health Club Membership Benefit in Older Adults with Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2008; 31:1562-1567 3. Nguyen, Koepsell, Unutzer, Larson and LoGerfo. Depression and Use of a Health Plan-Sponsored Physical Activity Program by Older Adults. Am J Prev Med 2008;35(2):111-117 Ref: Dance - in Blogs

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Amateur Athletes Seek Non-Opioid Pain Relief

(NewsUSA) - They may not make those "Agony of Defeat" sports reels, but amateur athletes get injured all the time. Maybe it's from an awkward golf swing. Or maybe it's from not warming up or stretching before an event.

Whatever the cause, though, there's one scary thing they have in common with the pros.

"The reality is that all athletes are one fall, twist, or tweak away from landing their own opioid prescription," Outside magazine warned.

The warning couldn't be better timed. It's not just that the country is in the midst of an opioid crisis that's claimed the lives of thousands of prescription painkiller abusers and left countless more addicted to the likes of OxyContin. It's also that -- as the magazine also noted -- physicians seem to be starting to heed last year's urging by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to dramatically curtail prescribing the drugs.

According to a survey conducted for the Boston Globe by the SERMO physicians social network, more than half of doctors across America are doing exactly that, and nearly one in 10 have completely stopped prescribing them.

So what's an amateur athlete suffering from pain supposed to do? One especially popular alternative is drug-free chiropractic care.

Whereas opioids (and Ibuprofen forms of over-the-counter drugs) only "mask" the pain, doctors of chiropractic approach the problem highly educated and trained in the structure and function of the human body.

And they use hands-on techniques to help enhance flexibility, muscle strength, and range of motion -; the very things all athletes need addressing. And yes, as the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress' Dr. Sherry McAllister says, chiropractic is covered by most insurance and health plans.

To locate a nearby doctor of chiropractic,visit f4cp.com/findadoctor.

Ref: Cool - in Blogs

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Let me take you for a ride to the beach

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Find the Perfect Engagement Ring this Valentine's Day

(NewsUSA) - Preparing to pop the question this Valentine's Day, but unsure how to choose the right engagement ring? Read on for all the tools you need to make the perfect pick!

While choosing an engagement ring can be exciting, the variety of settings, precious metals, and diamonds can be overwhelming. However, the following tips will help you in finding the ideal diamond engagement ring.

Set your price limit.

Before you start shopping, know how much you want to spend. There is no right or wrong amount to put toward a ring, and many beautiful stones and styles are available to suit any budget. It's important to note that lab-grown diamonds can be up to 40 percent less expensive than mined stones.

Learn the "4 C's" of diamonds.

These are: cut, color, clarity, and carat. Here's the translation:

Cut: The cut of a diamond is the most important factor in determining its fire, brilliance, and sparkle.

Color: Not all diamonds are clear; some have varying tints of yellow.

Clarity: A measure of the number of flaws or inclusions in the stone.

Carat: A measure of the weight of the diamond. However, more weight also indicates a bigger size.

Consider shape.

The common diamond shapes used in engagement rings are round, cushion, pear, oval, princess, radiant, and emerald.

Each of these shapes has its fans and distinctive features. For example, a round diamond is the classic engagement ring style, but the larger facets of a cushion style can enhance brilliance, and the elongated emerald cut presents a bold look that can make a diamond appear larger than its carat weight.

Choose a setting.

Deciding the right setting or diamond shape for your stone is a personal decision. Some people have specific ideas for a setting, and take more time on the stone, or vice versa.

However, not all settings accommodate all shapes so it's important to prioritize one or the other if you are set on a particular shape or setting.

Typical engagement ring styles include the solitaire, a simple band that showcases any diamond shape; halo, in which a central stone is surrounded by smaller diamonds; classic, which features a row of accent diamonds along the ring band; and vintage, which replicates design styles from different time periods.

Contemplate your center stone.

When it comes to your center stone, there are a few different options to choose from. Although diamonds are the most popular, birthstones, moissanite, and cubic zirconia are also great budget-friendly options.

In regards to diamonds, there are two types to choose from: mined diamonds and lab-created diamonds.

While mined diamonds are extracted from the earth, lab-grown stones are guaranteed to be ethically sourced and, as mentioned above, up to 40 percent less expensive.

Both types are identical in terms of chemistry and physical appearance. However, interest in lab-created diamonds has surged in recent years as more couples are concerned with sustainability, as well as beauty and romance.

Ref: Dating - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Preparing to pop the question this Valentine's Day, but unsure how to choose the right engagement ring? Read on for all the tools you need to make the perfect pick! While choosing an engagement ring can be exciting, the variety of settings, precious metals, and diamonds can be overwhelming. However, the following tips will help you in finding the ideal diamond engagement ring. Set your price limit. Before you start shopping, know how much you want to spend. There is no right or wrong amount to put toward a ring, and many beautiful stones and styles are available to suit any budget. It's important to note that lab-grown diamonds can be up to 40 percent less expensive than mined stones. Learn the "4 C's" of diamonds. These are: cut, color, clarity, and carat. Here's the translation: Cut: The cut of a diamond is the most important factor in determining its fire, brilliance, and sparkle. Color: Not all diamonds are clear; some have varying tints of yellow. Clarity: A measure of the number of flaws or inclusions in the stone. Carat: A measure of the weight of the diamond. However, more weight also indicates a bigger size. Consider shape. The common diamond shapes used in engagement rings are round, cushion, pear, oval, princess, radiant, and emerald. Each of these shapes has its fans and distinctive features. For example, a round diamond is the classic engagement ring style, but the larger facets of a cushion style can enhance brilliance, and the elongated emerald cut presents a bold look that can make a diamond appear larger than its carat weight. Choose a setting. Deciding the right setting or diamond shape for your stone is a personal decision. Some people have specific ideas for a setting, and take more time on the stone, or vice versa. However, not all settings accommodate all shapes so it's important to prioritize one or the other if you are set on a particular shape or setting. Typical engagement ring styles include the solitaire, a simple band that showcases any diamond shape; halo, in which a central stone is surrounded by smaller diamonds; classic, which features a row of accent diamonds along the ring band; and vintage, which replicates design styles from different time periods. Contemplate your center stone. When it comes to your center stone, there are a few different options to choose from. Although diamonds are the most popular, birthstones, moissanite, and cubic zirconia are also great budget-friendly options. In regards to diamonds, there are two types to choose from: mined diamonds and lab-created diamonds. While mined diamonds are extracted from the earth, lab-grown stones are guaranteed to be ethically sourced and, as mentioned above, up to 40 percent less expensive. Both types are identical in terms of chemistry and physical appearance. However, interest in lab-created diamonds has surged in recent years as more couples are concerned with sustainability, as well as beauty and romance. Ref: Dating - in Blogs

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Go Green and Save Green with a High-Efficiency Water Heater

(NewsUSA) - As energy costs rise, the "green" movement and conservation efforts have become popular topics. Energy-saving recommendations appear daily in the media, and consumers are being offered subsidies or state and federal tax credits to encourage the purchase of more efficient appliances. However, many homeowners fail to consider their water heater when it comes to going "green."

Although today's water heaters are expected to operate for an average of 13 years, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends shopping for a new water heater if your current unit is more than seven years old. This allows an adequate amount of time for homeowners to research and select a water heater that best meets their needs instead of waiting until their heater breaks down and selecting the cheapest quick fix for cold showers.

Consumers are increasingly turning to high-efficiency water heaters when replacing older units or during remodeling and building projects. While these models may cost more initially, savings in water and energy usage continue throughout the lifetime of the appliance, offsetting the price difference. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that these units use 10 to 50 percent less energy, benefits to both your budget and the environment.

A recent study by the Gas Technology Institute simulated the residential performance of high-efficiency water heaters and conventional units. The Vertex from A. O. Smith, a hybrid, gas-condensing, residential unit incorporating tank-type and tankless technology, provided the best overall performance at average and high-volume hot water usage, which is the consumption of 64-gallons or more per day of hot water.

Endorsed by long-time environmental champion Ed Begley Jr. of the HGTV series "Living With Ed," the Vertex provides sufficient quantities of hot water for shower after shower and operates at 90 percent thermal efficiency. Additionally, it is designed to meet the demands that modern lifestyles require.

"Using more efficient combustion to produce hot water at lower operating costs and 90 percent thermal efficiency, the Vertex is a good choice for customers who want to save energy without skimping on hot water," said David Chisolm, A. O. Smith Water Heater brand manager.

For more information on the A. O. Smith Vertex model, visit hotwater.com/resources/energy-star-qualified-products/.

Ref: Gifts - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - As energy costs rise, the "green" movement and conservation efforts have become popular topics. Energy-saving recommendations appear daily in the media, and consumers are being offered subsidies or state and federal tax credits to encourage the purchase of more efficient appliances. However, many homeowners fail to consider their water heater when it comes to going "green." Although today's water heaters are expected to operate for an average of 13 years, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends shopping for a new water heater if your current unit is more than seven years old. This allows an adequate amount of time for homeowners to research and select a water heater that best meets their needs instead of waiting until their heater breaks down and selecting the cheapest quick fix for cold showers. Consumers are increasingly turning to high-efficiency water heaters when replacing older units or during remodeling and building projects. While these models may cost more initially, savings in water and energy usage continue throughout the lifetime of the appliance, offsetting the price difference. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that these units use 10 to 50 percent less energy, benefits to both your budget and the environment. A recent study by the Gas Technology Institute simulated the residential performance of high-efficiency water heaters and conventional units. The Vertex from A. O. Smith, a hybrid, gas-condensing, residential unit incorporating tank-type and tankless technology, provided the best overall performance at average and high-volume hot water usage, which is the consumption of 64-gallons or more per day of hot water. Endorsed by long-time environmental champion Ed Begley Jr. of the HGTV series "Living With Ed," the Vertex provides sufficient quantities of hot water for shower after shower and operates at 90 percent thermal efficiency. Additionally, it is designed to meet the demands that modern lifestyles require. "Using more efficient combustion to produce hot water at lower operating costs and 90 percent thermal efficiency, the Vertex is a good choice for customers who want to save energy without skimping on hot water," said David Chisolm, A. O. Smith Water Heater brand manager. For more information on the A. O. Smith Vertex model, visit hotwater.com/resources/energy-star-qualified-products/. Ref: Gifts - in Blogs

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AI Meets Hip Hop in Innovative Music Partnership

(NewsUSA) - DigiTrax Entertainment, a pioneer in the music technology industry, brings its artificial intelligence (AI) expertise to the popular hip-hop segment.

With the introduction of KR38R Beats, a unique AI product specifically geared to the hip-hop artist, DigiTrax recognizes the importance of hip-hop music and how it is a great fit for AI technology. The company has paired with Spotlite, a popular and established singing performance app, to create "Rapping with the Robot," a contest for aspiring hip-hop artists.

The contest is scheduled to begin on Thanksgiving Day and end on New Year's Eve.

Prizes include an all-expenses-paid recording session, with professional production and distribution across all major platforms.

"We focused our AI on the most relevant segment of music in today's streaming economy," says Joe Vangieri, CEO of DigiTrax Entertainment.

"Hip-hop beats comprise one out of every three streams, and generate billions in revenue."

The KR38R Beats product is based on the Music Builder program, DigiTrax's unique and innovative technology that helps artists harness the power of artificial intelligence. Artists can feed ideas into the program, which then serves as a composing partner and allows them to create more songs more quickly.

Spotlite is a free, direct-to-fan singing app designed to allow amateur and professional vocalists to sing original music, covers, and karaoke across all musical genres.

"As a fan, you used to go out and buy CDs to support your favorite artist," says Juan Munoz, general manager of Spotlite Media.

"With the change in how fans ingest content, Spotlite has not only allowed fans a new way to directly support their favorite artists, but the fans become the tastemakers. Through our contests, fans tell us who should truly be recognized for their talent," he explains.

Other benefits of using artificial intelligence in creating original hip-hop music include greater profitability and protection for the users under copyright law.

"Because we own both the publishing and the sound recording that our AI has written," Vangieri explains, "this gives us free reign to fully exploit both sides of a song - the publishing and the sound recording."

DigiTrax plans to introduce several more contests in 2019 to showcase the way its technology is transforming how music is created and enjoyed.

For more information about the company and its future business goals, go to digitraxentertainment.com.

Ref: Bands - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - DigiTrax Entertainment, a pioneer in the music technology industry, brings its artificial intelligence (AI) expertise to the popular hip-hop segment. With the introduction of KR38R Beats, a unique AI product specifically geared to the hip-hop artist, DigiTrax recognizes the importance of hip-hop music and how it is a great fit for AI technology. The company has paired with Spotlite, a popular and established singing performance app, to create "Rapping with the Robot," a contest for aspiring hip-hop artists. The contest is scheduled to begin on Thanksgiving Day and end on New Year's Eve. Prizes include an all-expenses-paid recording session, with professional production and distribution across all major platforms. "We focused our AI on the most relevant segment of music in today's streaming economy," says Joe Vangieri, CEO of DigiTrax Entertainment. "Hip-hop beats comprise one out of every three streams, and generate billions in revenue." The KR38R Beats product is based on the Music Builder program, DigiTrax's unique and innovative technology that helps artists harness the power of artificial intelligence. Artists can feed ideas into the program, which then serves as a composing partner and allows them to create more songs more quickly. Spotlite is a free, direct-to-fan singing app designed to allow amateur and professional vocalists to sing original music, covers, and karaoke across all musical genres. "As a fan, you used to go out and buy CDs to support your favorite artist," says Juan Munoz, general manager of Spotlite Media. "With the change in how fans ingest content, Spotlite has not only allowed fans a new way to directly support their favorite artists, but the fans become the tastemakers. Through our contests, fans tell us who should truly be recognized for their talent," he explains. Other benefits of using artificial intelligence in creating original hip-hop music include greater profitability and protection for the users under copyright law. "Because we own both the publishing and the sound recording that our AI has written," Vangieri explains, "this gives us free reign to fully exploit both sides of a song - the publishing and the sound recording." DigiTrax plans to introduce several more contests in 2019 to showcase the way its technology is transforming how music is created and enjoyed. For more information about the company and its future business goals, go to digitraxentertainment.com. Ref: Bands - in Blogs

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Sunny morning deep in the pacific

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Fort Rotterdam Makassar: Historical Traces in Daeng City

As the most densely populated city in central Indonesia, Makassar offers a diverse array of captivating destinations for travelers. The strategic coastal position of Makassar makes it an important transit port for long-distance ships, serving routes from Surabaya to Papua. This strategic role is not new—since colonial times, Makassar has been a vital naval center, as evidenced by the magnificent presence of Fort Rotterdam.

The Rich History of Fort Rotterdam
Fort Rotterdam was first constructed in 1545 by the 9th King of Gowa, Daeng Matanre Karaeng Tumapa'risi' Kallonna. Originally named Fort Ujung Pandang, this fortress was later surrendered to the Dutch VOC under the Treaty of Bungaya in 1667.
The fort's architecture is truly impressive, featuring six sturdy bastions surrounded by seven-meter-high walls and a two-meter-deep moat as a defense system. During its golden era, this fortress served as the central collection point for spices from across the Indonesian archipelago before being traded to European markets, making it one of the most important economic hubs in Southeast Asia.

Transformation into an Educational Museum
Today, Fort Rotterdam has transformed into an educational museum that can be visited free of charge by all Indonesian citizens. The fortress atmosphere successfully maintains its classic ambiance, transporting visitors back to the colonial era.

Within the fort complex, invaluable historical artifacts are housed and can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, from children to adults. This place serves as the perfect educational venue for understanding Indonesia's historical journey, particularly in the South Sulawesi region.

The museum showcases various collections that tell the story of Makassar's maritime heritage, colonial influences, and the rich cultural tapestry of the Bugis-Makassar people. Interactive displays and well-preserved artifacts provide visitors with an immersive learning experience about Indonesia's colonial past and its impact on modern society.

A Photography Paradise with Classic Vibes
For photography enthusiasts, Fort Rotterdam offers an extraordinary location with stunning classic and aesthetic appeal. Various corners of the fort provide Instagram-worthy backdrops, creating the sensation of traveling back in time.

You can pose freely and capture as many moments as desired at the numerous attractive spots available. The well-preserved colonial architecture provides the perfect backdrop for character-rich photo collections. The interplay of ancient stone walls, vintage cannons, and tropical vegetation creates a unique visual narrative that tells stories of centuries past.

Whether you're interested in architectural photography, portrait sessions, or simply capturing memories with friends and family, Fort Rotterdam's diverse settings offer endless creative possibilities. Don't forget to share your best shots on your favorite social media platforms!

Practical Information for Visitors
Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Admission: Free for Indonesian citizens
Location: Jl. Ujung Pandang, Bulo Gading, Makassar
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and cooler temperatures
The fort is easily accessible by public transportation, private vehicles, or ride-sharing services. Parking facilities are available on-site, and the location is within walking distance of other Makassar attractions, making it convenient to include in your city tour itinerary.

A Living Testament to History
Fort Rotterdam is more than just an ordinary tourist destination—it stands as a silent witness to historical journeys that connect the past with the present. The combination of educational value, architectural beauty, and captivating photography experiences makes this place a must-visit when in Makassar.
The fortress represents the complex layers of Indonesian history, from the powerful Gowa Kingdom to Dutch colonial rule, and finally to Indonesia's independence. Walking through its corridors and chambers, visitors can almost hear the echoes of historical events that shaped not only Makassar but the entire Indonesian archipelago.
For history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and casual travelers alike, Fort Rotterdam offers a unique window into Indonesia's rich maritime heritage and colonial past, making it an essential stop on any Makassar adventure.

Have you had any interesting experiences while visiting Fort Rotterdam? Or do you have questions about this historical destination? Please share in the comments section below. Thank you for reading!

As the most densely populated city in central Indonesia, Makassar offers a diverse array of captivating destinations for travelers. The strategic coastal position of Makassar makes it an important transit port for long-distance ships, serving routes from Surabaya to Papua. This strategic role is not new—since colonial times, Makassar has been a vital naval center, as evidenced by the magnificent presence of Fort Rotterdam. The Rich History of Fort Rotterdam Fort Rotterdam was first constructed in 1545 by the 9th King of Gowa, Daeng Matanre Karaeng Tumapa'risi' Kallonna. Originally named Fort Ujung Pandang, this fortress was later surrendered to the Dutch VOC under the Treaty of Bungaya in 1667. The fort's architecture is truly impressive, featuring six sturdy bastions surrounded by seven-meter-high walls and a two-meter-deep moat as a defense system. During its golden era, this fortress served as the central collection point for spices from across the Indonesian archipelago before being traded to European markets, making it one of the most important economic hubs in Southeast Asia. Transformation into an Educational Museum Today, Fort Rotterdam has transformed into an educational museum that can be visited free of charge by all Indonesian citizens. The fortress atmosphere successfully maintains its classic ambiance, transporting visitors back to the colonial era. Within the fort complex, invaluable historical artifacts are housed and can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, from children to adults. This place serves as the perfect educational venue for understanding Indonesia's historical journey, particularly in the South Sulawesi region. The museum showcases various collections that tell the story of Makassar's maritime heritage, colonial influences, and the rich cultural tapestry of the Bugis-Makassar people. Interactive displays and well-preserved artifacts provide visitors with an immersive learning experience about Indonesia's colonial past and its impact on modern society. A Photography Paradise with Classic Vibes For photography enthusiasts, Fort Rotterdam offers an extraordinary location with stunning classic and aesthetic appeal. Various corners of the fort provide Instagram-worthy backdrops, creating the sensation of traveling back in time. You can pose freely and capture as many moments as desired at the numerous attractive spots available. The well-preserved colonial architecture provides the perfect backdrop for character-rich photo collections. The interplay of ancient stone walls, vintage cannons, and tropical vegetation creates a unique visual narrative that tells stories of centuries past. Whether you're interested in architectural photography, portrait sessions, or simply capturing memories with friends and family, Fort Rotterdam's diverse settings offer endless creative possibilities. Don't forget to share your best shots on your favorite social media platforms! Practical Information for Visitors Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Admission: Free for Indonesian citizens Location: Jl. Ujung Pandang, Bulo Gading, Makassar Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and cooler temperatures The fort is easily accessible by public transportation, private vehicles, or ride-sharing services. Parking facilities are available on-site, and the location is within walking distance of other Makassar attractions, making it convenient to include in your city tour itinerary. A Living Testament to History Fort Rotterdam is more than just an ordinary tourist destination—it stands as a silent witness to historical journeys that connect the past with the present. The combination of educational value, architectural beauty, and captivating photography experiences makes this place a must-visit when in Makassar. The fortress represents the complex layers of Indonesian history, from the powerful Gowa Kingdom to Dutch colonial rule, and finally to Indonesia's independence. Walking through its corridors and chambers, visitors can almost hear the echoes of historical events that shaped not only Makassar but the entire Indonesian archipelago. For history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and casual travelers alike, Fort Rotterdam offers a unique window into Indonesia's rich maritime heritage and colonial past, making it an essential stop on any Makassar adventure. Have you had any interesting experiences while visiting Fort Rotterdam? Or do you have questions about this historical destination? Please share in the comments section below. Thank you for reading!

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