Bougainvillea & The Kajoetangan Canal

                   

Kajoetangan Canal

As we started walking through the narrow streets of the Kajoetangan Heritage area, the atmosphere immediately felt different. The soothing sound of flowing water could be heard clearly from the "canal" a term locals use for the small river that runs through the area. The sound blended perfectly with the lively chatter of visitors enjoying their afternoon. The scenery was just as captivating, every corner looked aesthetic and perfect for taking photos with friends or family.

The farther we walked toward the canal, the sound of the water current made the surroundings feel like a peaceful village. Rows of classic-style street lamps stood gracefully, giving the place a nostalgic colonial vibe. As the afternoon turned into evening, the warm glow from the lamps created a cozy and inviting atmosphere that made it hard to leave.

Now, if you were here, what would you do first take pictures or make a TikTok video? For us, we decided to go with the TikTok option around the canal. But it turned out to be trickier than we thought! The crowd was quite busy, so we had to patiently wait for the right moment. We ended up sitting by the roadside, waiting for the perfect time to record. But honestly, that waiting moment became its own kind of fun we got to see families enjoying ice cream, couples chatting, and groups of friends laughing together. The whole place just felt so alive and joyful.

In the middle of all that cheerfulness, a small wave of homesickness hit us. As students living far from home, seeing the warmth of the people around reminded us of our families and friends. It felt comforting, yet a little bittersweet.

Kajoetangan is more than just a tourist spot with old buildings and vintage lamps. Beneath its classic charm lies an experience you can only truly feel when you visit in person. So, if you haven’t been here yet, make sure to add Kajoetangan to your travel list because the warmth and atmosphere here are something you won’t find anywhere else. 

Bougainvillea

That day, after spending hours exploring every corner of Kajoetangan Heritage, we decided to stop by one of the well-known spots Bougenville Spot. Just from the name, you’d expect a burst of colors everywhere, but when we arrived, the flowers weren’t in full bloom anymore. Only a few orange and red bougainvillea remained, standing out beautifully among the green leaves. Even though it wasn’t as vibrant as it probably is during blooming season, the place still felt calm and peaceful.

We sat by the roadside for a while, taking photos, chatting, and just enjoying the afternoon vibes in Kajoetangan. The evening breeze was gentle, the sky slowly turned orange, and everything just felt right. The whole place had this relaxing vibe, like it was quietly inviting us to pause for a bit, escape the city rush, and simply enjoy a small, peaceful moment.

Not far from the flower spot, there’s also a small café called Griyo Pass Bougenville. It looked really cozy perfect for anyone who wants to take a break, grab a coffee, or have some snacks. We didn’t get the chance to stop by, but from the outside, it already gave off a warm and comfy atmosphere, a great place to chill while soaking in the heritage vibes of Kajoetangan.

Even though the flowers weren’t in full bloom, Bougenville Spot still had its own charm. The few remaining colors made the scene feel softer and more natural. Sitting there under the evening sky, watching people pass by, and feeling the soft breeze it was simple, but it left a lasting impression. For us, Bougenville Spot wasn’t just a place to take photos; it was a place that gave us a sense of calm. It reminded us that sometimes, the smallest things like spending a quiet afternoon with friends can be the most meaningful part of a journey. 

This blog post is written by Agistha Submahira Setiawan and Fanny Putriasya in partial fulfilment of the English course completion under the supervision of Ms. Siti Rowiyah, S.Pd., M.Pd.

Undergraduate student of the Library Science study program, Faculty of Administrative Science, Universitas Brawijaya.