MANADO

Manado is the capital of the North Sulawesi province of Indonesia. Manado Manado is located at the Bay of Manado and is surrounded by a mountainous area. Manado offers a variety of terrain with hills, volcanic mountains and scenic plateaus. It is estimated that Manado was inhabited in the 16th century and was called “Wenang”. Later, in 1623 the name was changed to “Manado”. Influenced by the foreign occupation, the culture reflects the outside influence. Urbanization of the people from Sangihe Talaud, Bolaang Mongondow, Gorontalo and Minahasa has resulted in a diverse population and culture. Manado’s population is 342,264 people (1996). Manado offers a variety of terrain with hills, volcanic mountains and scenic plateaus. There are many places of interest in and around the city.

MAKASSAR CITY

The capital town of South Sulawesi Province is best known for its fresh and delicious seafoods, especially the Bugis style ikan bakar or barbequed fish. Try the specialty fish of the region, the Baronang – its tender white flesh and subtle taste is a favourite especially when eaten with the tantalising Bugis sauce, a taste-tingling blend of palm sugar, basil, green tomatoes, chill) and other secret ingredients. There are various typical food of Makassar, most of them served warm. The well known ones are: Coto Makassar, Konro, Sop Saudara, Palubsa. Other Sulawesi favourites are the tangy marquisa fruit from the cool mountain areas of Mamasa and Malino. Even if the marquisa is out of season, you can take home the delicious bottled syrup. Toraja kopi (coffee) is much appreciated by the Japanese and both arabica and robusta strains grow in Toraja mountain plant.

KENDARI

Southeast Sulawesi’s capital is Kendari, seat of government and tourist center of the province. It lies along the sloping hill and seaside of Kendari Bay, residence to some 100,000 people. Kendari boast the manufacture of numerous fine artistic handicrafts, for both home and office use. These are reproduced by skilled craftsmen, from original designs, handed down through the generation, using indigenous roots and ironwood. Visitors will find a visits to the Berlin Handicraft Center’s the Handicraft Exhibition Center valuable; both belong the local Association of Government Wives (PKK), and display items which may be purchased to adorn the most discriminating setting. Visitors will find frequent, colorful ceremonial events in and around Kendari. And, to be present on these occasions is to be invited to participate. For the closing of any ceremonial event is Kendari will be highlighted by the local “Modero Dance” performed by local men and women. And all on-lookers are invited to joint the dance, as part of the conclusion and harmonious farewell.

BUNAKEN SEA GARDEN

The world famous Bunaken Marine National Park, with an area 75.26 hectares, is located very close to Manado and comprises of 5 islands: Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen, Mantehage and Nain. The super diving and snokelling sites puts the Marine Park in one of the top 10 dive area of the world and is a mecca for seasoned and beginner divers alike. Wall diving offers a spectacular drop off 100’s of meters deep and the warm water is particularly inviting. But it is for the diversity of sea life to be found around the Park that attracts divers from around the world. Whether you are a fan of big pelagic fish down to the smallest anemone, whatever your fascination, you certainly won’t be disappointed. For those who are avid underwater photographers be sure to bring countless rolls of film, photo opportunities abund. The variety of fish and other marine life often spotted include: Napoleon Wrasse, Angelfish, Turtles, Blue Ribbon Eels, Stingrays, Eagelrays, Snappers, Groupers, and sharks to name a few. There are hundreds of other species too numerous to list but easily located at a variety of sites. There is now a number of professional dive operators in and around Manado with well-trained staff and a commitment to safety. Accommodation is available at most dive operations and full packages including equipment hire and meals are extremely competitive.

TANGKOKO BATUANGUS NATURAL RESERVE

This Tangkoko Batuangus Natural Reserve Located at the foot of Dua Saudara Mountain, the area is comprised of rolling hills and valleys with a variety of hardwood trees and unusual plant life. The animal life is also quite varied, and one can often view Tarsius Spectrum (world’s smallest primate), black tailless monkeys, Maleo Birds, wild pigs and kuskus (marsupial family). Tangkoko Batuangus Reserve offers a suitable protective environment to help prevent these animals from becoming extinct. Tangkoko is located in the northern sector of Bitung, and comprises an area of 3,196 Ha, and takes about 1.5 -2.5 hours to reach from Bitung or Manado, respectively. Please note that the road to Tangkoko is somewhat difficult and visitors are recommended to visit with a local tour operators to ensure a safe journey and to take advantage of an experienced guide who can assist in spotting the wildlife.  Losmen (simple guesthouses) are available for overnight stays.

LEMBEH ISLAND

It’s Lembeh Island, an astonishing land in North Sulawesi – Indonesia. One of the world’s premier venues for underwater paradise where located in Bitung.  The district is the second city after Manado in this province. It has a big harbor with increasing economic traffic in a great progress.  In the last few years the town has prospered. It has been proven as Indonesia’s cleanest and healthiest city award in 2007. Divers recognized Bunaken well as the one – Sea Garden in the earth, but Lembeh is untouched and almost perfect diving spot. Comprised of coral skeletons, unusual habitat and exotic organisms like colorful nudibrachs, mandarin fish, ghost pipefish, frog fish, rhinopias, shrimp, blue-ringed octopus, and rare pygmy seahorses. The site is suitable for novices with more than 30 diver sites, while the fascinating creatures will reward more experienced divers and underwater photographers. Lembeh offers a wide range of top-quality, it’s ideal for divers who are wishing to learn underwater photography, many spectacular angles that can be shot. A lot of things about this island, the beautiful coral reefs at the northern tip of Batu Kapal with attractive large pelagic, such as mackerels and sharks. Deep down in the sea, available four wonderfully covered wrecks for recreational diving. The water temperature tends to be a bit cold. July to August will be at 26°C, the other months around 28 °C. The sheltered condition of Lembeh Strait makes for year-around diving. No doubt to visit it and explore the magnificent marine on the north of Celebes land.

BOGANI NANI WARTABONE (DUMOGA BONE) NATIONAL PARK

Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, formerly known as Dumoga Bone, is an area of ecological uniqueness. The Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, 260 km from Manado, has a land mass of 193,600 ha, altitudes of 200 – 1,968 m and stretches from Dumoga in Bolaang Mongondow to Bone in Gorontalo. Its mountainous terrain and dense vegetation make it an ideal home for maleo birds, anoas, horn-bills, wild pigs, tarsius spectrum and giant fruit bats. Giant fruit bats were a new species discovered in 1992. The major reason for establishing this area as a National Park was to protect the watershed and stop deforestation. Several peculiar and endangered species of plant inhabit this Park, including the matayangan palm (Pholidocarpus ihur), black wood (Diospyros celebica), iron wood (Intsia spp.), yellow wood (Arcangelisia flava), and carrion flower (Amorphophallus companulatus). The most commonly found species are Piper aduncum, Trema orientalis, Macaranga sp., cempaka, agathis, kenanga, and various species of orchid and ornamental plants. The World Bank has lent its support to this program. Much of the forest is at comparatively low attitudes and correspondingly rich in fruit bearing plants and trees, such as wild durians and wild nutmeg.

MORAMO WATERFALL

No other in Indonesia is quite like the Moramo Waterfall. It is unique in traversing a 2 km plateau, with 127 separate terraced plumes, with the top of the waterfall some 100 meters above its basin pool. the falls have seven main terraces, each with its own natural bathing pool. This combination produces clean, fresh, cool air in the shade producing tropical, jungle forest setting which surrounds the falls. This is the perfect habitat for Southeast Sulawesi’s native animals and birds. Those who love nature at its purest will find this an ideal environment.  The waterfall is claimed as the most beautiful natural wonder in the region, unique for having at least 27 terraces of cascading water. All along the trails, growing ebony trees or “Kayu Hitam”, teakwood, and huge hangain banyan trees or “beringin berjejer”. From the top of the terraced waterfall, the water courses down for over a hundred metres and there is a large pool for swimming at the bottom. Only 65 km east of Kendari, Moramo Waterfall is easily accessible by car or by boat, crossing Moramo Bay, with a wide panoramic view of the sea.

To the southeast of the Sulawesi mainland, Buton Island remains part of Southeast Sulawesi Province. Long before the independence of Indonesia and the unification of Buton with the rest of the country, Buton was a kingdom. This existed from the 14th to the 16th centuries. After this, and until Indonesia’s independence, it remained a Sultanate. During the Sultanate period, the residents conducted trade and communicated with both China and Majapahit Kingdom, on Java Island. Interestingly, the first ruler who governed this region was a queen and the last ruler was a king. It was the last ruler, King Laki Laponto, who became the first Buton Sultan. Buton Island is well known for its asphalt, called Buton or Butas Asphalt, and for its teak and ironwood. There is daily boat service from Kendari, with a stopover in Raha, the capital city of Muna Island. The most fascinating culture appeal of Buton Island can be enjoyed when local people conduct ceremonies, celebrations and folk events, which welcome honored guest. One such unique event is “Pakande-kandea”, when foods and cakes are offered to visitors and traditional dances are performed.

NAPABALE AND MOTONUNU LAKES

Napabale Lake is at the foot of a hill, connected to the sea via a natural tunnel. At low tide swimmers can traverse this span of water for a most unusual experience. However it is considered unadvisable and dangerous to attempt this feat during high tide, as the water rises to only one half meter from the roof of the tunnel. Motonunu Lake is known for its clean, clear, dark blue water Though it is also connected to the sea, its water remains fresh and not salt. Both lakes are 15 km from Raha, the capital of Muna Regency, on Muna Island. They are accessible by sailboat, from Raha, in only 45 minutes.