West Papua

West Papua is a province of Indonesia on the western end of Papua island. It covers the Bird’s Head (or Doberai) Peninsula and surrounding islands. The province has a population of approximately 800,000, making it one of the least populous of all Indonesian provinces. The capital of West Papua is in Manokwari.

Tourist Office:

The Nature Conservancy

Raja Ampat Field Office

Jl. Gunung Merapi No. 38 Sorong

Papua, Indonesia.

Phone/Fax: +62-951-323437

Anton Suebu, Papua Bird’s Head Marine Portfolio Manager, l

Getting there:

By plane : Batavia Air and Merpati Air serve daily flights to and from Manokwari via Makassar. The Airport is about 7 km from down town. The cab is available in the airport.

Tourism Events=]

Tifa dance, Tari Api (Fire Dance) and Tari Mayai Marowa (Dance to celebrate winning of a war) are the West Papua’s dances which can be seen in a cultural performance.

Places of Interest

Pasir Putih Beach

Pasir Putih Beach. A soft white sandy beach with clear water, beautiful scenery, and gentle breeze makes it a good place for recrea¬tion and swimming. Only 2 kilometers from Manokwari town, this beach can be reached by motorcycle, car, or public transport.

Amban Beach

Amban Beach. Facing the Pacific Ocean, ha¬ving a wave altitude of 2 meters most of the time, this beach is perfect for water skiing and wind surfing. Located five kilometers from Manokwari town, this beach can be accessible by motorcycle, car, or public transport.

Lake Kabori

Lake Kabori Stretching out with beautiful panorama, it is a wonderful place for fishing fresh water fish like goldfish, “mujair” (a kind of fresh water fish), and fresh water cat fish. Situated 20 kilometers from Manokwari town, this lake can be reached by motorcycle, car, or public transport.

Traditional House: Rumah Kaki Seribu

Traditional House: Rumah Kaki Seribu. This house is particularly built by the Arfak ethnic group. Rare and unique in design, this type of house has many pole to support it. It is for this reason that the house is called Rumah Kaki Seribu (House with one thousand feet). Its walls are made of tree barks; its roof is made of coarse grass. This house can still be found in remote places like Kebar and Anggi.

Meja Mountain And Japanese Monument=]

This mountain, looking like a table in the distance, is a preserved and protected area. Still a virgin forest, having enchanting and beautiful panorama, this area is good for hiking, and other similar sporting activities. A monument, called Monumen Jepang, has been erected on this mountain to commemorate the first arrival of the Japanese Army, divisions 221 and 222. Only two kilometers from Manokwari town, this place can accessed by motorcycle or on foot.

Maredred Waterfall

Maredred Waterfall. Located in Pasir Putih village with a beautiful natural panorama, this waterfall has various types of flora and fauna. It is a wonderful bathing place. It can be reached within ten minutes by boat from Fak-Fak town and by walking within two and a half hours following the river bank.

Tubir Seram Island

Tubir Seram Island. Located in front of Fak-Fak town, this island has an amazing and beautiful natural scenery. It has a garden full of many colourful flowers and many types of plants. A monument, called “Perjuangan Merah Putih”, was erected there. A mini museum was also built there to keep artifact of historical values. It is accessible within five minutes from Fak-Fak town by boat.

Mermaid Cagement

Mermaid Cagement. This unique fish is traditionally raised in Webra village. This place can be assessed by various types of vehicles.

Pepera Monument

Pepera Monument. Erected in 1969, and located in the center of the town, this monument commemorates Indonesia’s struggle to have West Papua (the former name of Papua) back. It is located in the center of the town.

World War II Monument

World War II Monument. Built by the Dutch in 1948 in the center of the town, this mo¬nument commemorates the assassination of police officers and other government workers by Japanese Army.

Japanese Army Fortress

Japanese Army Fortress. Built in 1944/1945 and located at the center of Kokas town, this fortress was used as a defense and hi¬ding place for the Japanese Army during the Second World War. It can be reached within four hours by boat from Fak-Fak town.

Pre-historical Hand Palm Picture

Pre-historical Hand Palm Picture. Ancient reddish pictures of hand palm, weapon, and animals on the cliffs of the islands at an average altitude of 10-30 meters from sea level in front of Kokas town.

Sorong

Sorong is a coastal city and regency in Pa¬pua and has some beautiful islands.

Cape Of Cassuwary

Cape Of Cassuwary. It is a beautiful long and clean beach where there are kept plenty of exotic corals. It is also suitable for diving lovers. The distance from Sorong town is 3 km and can be reached by vehicles.

Crocodile Island

Crocodile Island. An island with slightly sloping beach, soft sand and pure water is very suitable for swimming and fishing. It is located 0.5 km across Sorong town and accessible by speed boat.

Kafiau Island

Kafiau Island. An island located in the middle of Dampir Waigeo Straits is very rich of sea biotics. Apart from its scenic nature, it has also an interesting and enchanting sea bottom that is very suitable for diving lo-vers. It is about 1.5 hours to reach by motor boat from Sorong town.

Matan Island

Matan Island. An island with various kinds of trees, soft sands and pure water is a place for bathing and fishing. It is accessile approximately 20 minutes from Sorong town by speed boat.

Klaijili Hot Spring

Klaijili Hot Spring. Here is a hot spring found in Makbon District that is used to cure skin diseases. It is situated 60 km from Sorong town and reachable by vehicles.

The Raja Ampat Islands And Coral Tria-ngle

The Raja Ampat Islands And Coral Tria-ngle. The Raja Ampat, or “Four Kings,” archipelago encompasses more than 9.8 million acres of land and sea off the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s West Papua Province. Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat possibly hold the richest variety of species in the world. Four large islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, plus hundreds of smaller islands area known as the Bird’s Head functional seascape, which also contains Cenderawasih Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia.

Located off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea, Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands and encompasses more than 9.8 million acres (40,000 km²) of land and sea.

Raja Ampat are the richest in the world. The area’s massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant to threats like coral bleaching and disease - threats that now jeopardize the survival of corals around the world. In addition, Raja Ampat’s strong ocean currents sweep coral larvae across the Indian and Pacific Oceans to replenish other reef ecosystems. Raja Ampat’s coral diversity, resilience, and ability to replenish reefs make it a global priority for marine protection. Raja Ampat’s total number of confirmed corals to 537 species (a remarkable 96% of all scleratinia recorded from Indonesia are likely to occur in these islands), and 699 mollusks species, the variety of marine life is staggering. Some areas boast enormous schools of fish and regular sightings of sharks, such as wobbegongs. In Mansuar, it’s highly likely you’ll encounter large groups of manta rays and turtles. From the boat and often close to shore you may get the chance to done your snorkeling gear for some unforgettable interaction with resident pods of dolphins or even some passing whales.

On land, the survey found lush forests, rare plants, limestone outcroppings, and nesting beaches for thousands of sea turtles.

Research Forest

Research Forest This forest with many types of plants is used by the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry of Cenderawasih University for research purposes. Situated seven kilometers from Manokwari town, it is accessible by motorcycle, car, or public transport.

Papua

Papua is a land of contrasts, with some of the most impenetrable jung¬les in the world and snowcapped mountain peaks towering over glacial lakes. Papua is Indonesia’s lar¬gest and eastern most province and covers the western half of the world’s second largest island. It is a land of exceptional natural grandeur; with beautiful scenic beaches, immemse stretches of marshlands, cool grassy meadows and powerful rivers carving gorges through dense primeval forests. The most heavily populated and cultivated parts of the island are the Paniai Lakes district and the Baliem Valley to the east.

The people of the island can be divided into more than 250 sub-groups, including the Marin¬da¬nim, Yah’ray, Asmat, Mandobo, Dani and Afyat. Those in the central highlands still maintain their customs and traditions, virtually untouched by outside influences.

The different tribes have lived, for the most part, in isolation from even one another, resulting in an incredibly diverse mixture of cultures. The coastal regions of Papua, however, were visited as early as the 7th century by traders from Sriwijaya.

European traders looking for spices began arriving in the early 16th century, and have left historical footprints in the area with names such as Bougainville, Cape d’Urville and the Torres Straits. It was the Dutch who made the most lasting impact on the island, when in 1828 they formally made Papua a Dutch Territory, which it remained until 1962.

The provincial capital of Jayapura is situated on hills which overlook the sea, and is accessible by boat and plane. It was here that General Mac Arthur assembled his fleet for the invasion of the Philippines du¬ring the Second World War.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Soa Siu, Jayapura

Phone : (0967) 33381, 35923, 583001

www.papua.go.id

Getting there:

Land Transportation : private cars and motorcycles which are able to hire on charter to the particular destination.

From Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Denpasar and Manado. While to connect the inland area by small air strips (Twin Otter and Cesna)

Sea transportation : in each regercies capital that situated at the coastal area owns a port which is able to stop by cruises :

Ms. Dorolonda, sails from Surabaya, Makassar, Kupang, Ambon, Fak Fak, Sorong, Manokwari and Jayapura VV.

Ms Nggapulu sails from Jakarta, Surabaya,Balikpapan, Pantoloan, Bitung, Ternate, Sorong, Manokwari, Nabire, Serui, Biak, and Jayapura VV.

Ms. Labobar sails from Batam, Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Sorong, Manokwari, Nabire, and Jayapura. VV.

Ms. Sinabung sails from Jakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Makassar, Baubau, Banggai, Bitung, Ternate, Sorong, Manokwari, Biak, Serui, and Jayapura VV.

Tourism Events=]

• Port Numbay Festival. An exhibition and festival of art of Papua people on August 2008 at Numbay Port. This event will also show unique Papua tribes and their cultural distinction.
• Baliem Festival will be held on every august or September. The main point of interest of the festival will be the massive tribal attraction involving the all natives group living on the surrounding area of the giant valley. All tribes group will deliver their envoy to attend the festival while bringing all tribes attributes, kotekas, art and craft. The Baliem festival is a right chance to observe the rich culture of the hinterland. Baliem valley area is mainly occupied by three tribes, namely Dani, Yali and Lani. Each tribe group will come over with their own identity. Here you will see clear difference among them refer to their dressing.

Places of Interest

Jayapura

Jayapura is the capital and the biggest city of this eastern most pro¬vince. It is a neat and pleasant city, built on the slope of a hill overlooking the bay. General Douglas Mc Arthur’s World War II quarters still stand here. The Museum Jayapura is located on the Cendrawasih University campus. Tanjung Ria Beach, known as base G by the Allies during World War II, is a popular holiday resort with facilities for water sport.

Lake Sentani

Lake Sentani. A short trip from Jaya¬pura, Lake Sentani is still virtually untouched covers an area of 9,360 Ha with height of 75 m above sea level. The people who call the shores of this magnificent lake home still live in a traditional manner, and are renowned for their wood-working and pottery.

Kasuarina Cape

Kasuarina Cape named after the big casuarina trees which grow in the area, Kasuarina Cape is just two kilometers from Sorong, on the Bird’s Head Peninsula of northern Papua. Good for swimming and recreation.

Biak

Biak, a town on an island of the same name in Cendrawasih Bay, is Papua’s main gateway. It has better infrastructure than must other places in the province. There are some good beaches on Biak Island, the most popular of which are Bosnik Beach on the east coast, which is good for swimming and sky-diving, and Korem Beach on the north coast, where one can watch young men dive for pearls. Supiori Island, just north of Biak, has a wilderness reserve and traditional villages where visitors are welcome.

Mummy

Mummy. The “Jiwika” 300 years old mummy can be found in Jiwika 15,5 km from Wamena and 250 years prumo mummy in Asologaima 32,6 km from Wamena in Jaya¬wijaya Regency.

Mount Carstenz Pyramid

Mount Carstenz Pyramid. The highest in the ocean Continent (4,884 meters above sea level). Located in the western central high¬land, above the equatorial jungle of Papua lies on the least accesible snow capped ranges in the world on Ngga Pulu/Puncak Jaya (4,862 m asl).

Wamena

Wamena. The Traditional round shaped housing with coars grass roofs, wooden walls without windows called “Honay” by Wamena people in Jayawijaya Regency.

The Asmat The Asmat people

The Asmat The Asmat people, who live along the remote southeast coast, are famed for their artistic “primitive” woodcarving and the long house. Modern civilization did not reach this area until recently. Agats has an interesting museum filled with woorcarvings and other objects. Asmat crafts recieved a boost in the late 1960s under a United Nations supported project encouraging local craftsmen to keep their art alive. Asmat cultural Festival, held on the begining of October every years. Asmat cultural Festival, held on the beginning of October every year.

North Maluku

North Maluku is a tropical paradise that located in the eastern Indonesia. It consists of many of small and big islands, approximately 353 of islands, which spreads out surrounding the ocean. Moreover, not all of the islands in North Maluku are inhabitant. One example of the islands in North Maluku that not inhabitant is Dodola Island.

This island serves a magnificent beauty of tropical beach, where white sand with approximately 16 km of length surrounding and has clear water. In this island, the visitor can do a lot of exciting activity, such as swimming, sunbathe and diving. Beside Dodola Island, there is also an island where the excitement to explore the under water life can be get, namely Maitara Island. This island is located in the middle of Tidore and Ternate Islands.

Furthermore, the European people actually have already known North Maluku since long time ago. In the past, the Portuguese and the Dutch were come to North Maluku to conquer Tidore and Ternate islands because they were interested with the spices that grew fertile in the most part of Tidore and Ternate Islands. Nowadays, that still remains from the history of Tidore and Ternate are the castle of the Portuguese and the Dutch that stand in many parts of both Islands. Those castles become an interesting place of interest for Tidore and Ternate tourism.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Kamboja No. 14 A, Ternate,

Phone. (0921) 326277, 327396

Getting there:

Ternate can be reached by domestic flights from Jakarta via Makassar or direct flight from Makassar and Manado.

Tourism Events

Legu Gam. A folk festival held on April 2008 to celebrate the birthday of His Highness the Sultan of Ternate. Loyal subjects from through out the province gather at the Sultan’s Kedaton (Palace) to watch or participate in the various colorful and traditional performances of the region.

Places of Interest

Halmahera Island.

Halmahera Island. This island lies to the east of Ternate, separated only by a narrow strait. It is a mountainous island, still largely covered with forests. The coastlines are white sand and coral reefs are found in its waters. Offering a beautiful spectacle, Mount Mamuya (930 m) spews burning lava from time to time, adding to the allure of this island. Pearl oyster breeding farms on Mangaliho Island can be reached by motorboat.

Ternate Island

Ternate Island. Ternate, an island off the west coast of Halmahera, is just 15 sq. km in size but it offers a treasure of sights and experiences. There is an active volcano named Gamalama, two lakes, an old Sultan’s palace, a picturesque port and several good beaches.

The peak of Gamalama is 1,271 meters high and can be reached by trail. It has three craters and its surrounding environment is very beautiful. Stones from Gamalama’s eruption are scattered across the landscape. Both Lake Laguna, 7 km from town and Lake Tolire, 24 km from town, can be reached by car.

About 4 km west of the town, is the Afo clove tree, which is said to be more than 350 years old. Good beaches are to be found at Bastion, Ngade, Sulamadaha and Tobololo. Ternate Bay is popular for fishing and motorboats can be hired to take you to the best fishing grounds.

Morotai Island

Morotai Island, lying to the north of Halmahera, was an important air base during World War II, first for the Allies and later for the Japanese until its recapture near the end of the war. The ghosts of war still linger in this area, where many wrecks of aircraft and rusting guns lie abandoned in the bushes.The coral reefs here are not easily forgotten. Wayabula, Berebere, Busus-busu, Sangowo and Daruba are villages on the beach.

Maluku

Maluku is blessed with incredible sea gardens, idyllic, tropical beaches and rugged, forest-coated volcanic mountains. These are the famous ‘spice islands’ which drew Indian, Chinese, Arab and eventually European traders in search of cloves and nutmeg. In 1511, the Portuguese built their first fort in the area on the island of Ternate, and cornered the clove trade. The Dutch, who arrived in 1599, mounted the first serious threat to Pourtuguese control of Maluku’s treasures. Armed conflicts broke out, taking a heavy toll from the island populations as well as the rival European powers. When the Dutch finally emerged as victors they enforced their trade monopoly with an iron fist. Whole villages were razed to the ground and thousands of islanders died, especially on the island of Banda. The British briefly occupied Maluku during the Napoleonic Wars, but Dutch rule was restored in 1814 and it wasn’t until 1863 that the compulsory cultivation of spices was abolished in the province. Now fish and other sea products are Maluku’s major sources of revenue, but nickel, oil, manganese and various kinds of timber also contribute to the pro¬vince’s wealth.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Pattimura No. 1 Ambon 97124

Phone. (0911) 345336

Fax. (0911) 352471

Getting there:

The main gateway into Maluku is through the provincial capital Ambon, which is served by regular flights to most parts of the archipelago. Air and sea tranportation connect the islands with 79 seaports and 25 airports. Roads on many of the islands provide acces to the more remote places of interest.

Tourism Events=]

• Pukul Sapu is performed by two groups of men from the Mamala and Morella villages. The men strike each other on bare backs with stick brooms for about half an hour.
• Bamboo Gila is a group of young people which stand to hold 2m long ‘crazy bamboo’. They can’t stop the moving bamboo because of the mystical spirits in the bamboo.
• Darwin-Ambon International Yacht Race on July 2008. This events is intended to enhance sports man ship, friendship and pride for their cultural heritage among locals and promotes the good times between Australia and Indonesia. The race finishes in Ambon where a reception committee welcomes participants to the island with ceremonies and traditional performances.

Places of Interest

Ambon

Ambon, the provincial capital of Maluku, is built on a hillside overlooking the bay. It has a number of interesting historical and cultural sites, among the remnants of forts built the Dutch East Indies Company during the heyday of the spice trade. The ruins of the Pourtuguese fort at Hila are almost entirely hidden beneath the contorted roots of a giant Ba¬nyan tree. The ANZAC War Cemetery near Ambon town is the site of serviced held every year on April 25, to commemorate the Allied soldiers who died in region during World War II. The museum Siwa Lima has a fine collection of local arts and crafts. Ambon is at the Maluku end of the annual yacht race between Darwin, Australia and Ambon. The race usually takes place in July and August.

Beaches and Coral Reefs

Beaches and Coral Reefs. Good beaches with coral reefs just off shore are found around Hunimoa, Latuhalat, and Namalatu beaches on Ambon. Namalatu has the nicest beach and a hike to Latuhalat will take you some excellent escluded coves.

Namalatu Beach

Namalatu Beach Looks out over the Banda sea on the South coast of Ambon in the village Latuhalat some 15 km away from town Ambon. Namalatu has a strip of a white sand and coral beach and crystal clear unpolluted water. The scenery is beautiful and attractive it is an ideal place for sunbathing, swim, snorkel and scuba diving.

Additional facilities Namalatu beach offers are shelter, open air stage for dance and music performances and also “rujak” (mixed fruit salad with peanut sauce), fresh young coconut peddlers and on prior request people can serve you with barbequed fish and lobster.

Pintu Kota (the gate of the city)

Pintu Kota (the gate of the city) Lies between the villages Airlow and seri on the south coast of Ambon island. A huge rock stretching out to the sea with a hole at its bottom which looks like a gate where through it we can see the coast line and the Banda sea. It is an ideal place for snorkeling and diving.

Latuhalat Village

Latuhalat Village is the main center of bricks production. The sub-village Waemahu is also well-known for the production of clove miniature boats handicraft.

Banda

Banda. The Banda group, about 132 kilometers southeast of Ambon, consist of three lar¬ger islands and seven smaller ones, perched on the rim of Indonesia’s deepest sea, the Banda Sea. Near Manuk Island the water reaches a depth of more than 6,500 meters. Gunung Api Islands is an active volcano, the last major eruption occured only a few years ago.

The seas around Banda are the site of famous Maluku sea gardens with their fantasy-land coral reefs and kaleidoscopic array of multi-colored fish darting through the crystal clear water. Pulau Karaka, Pulau Pisang and Pulai Ai are particularly well-known for their amazing snorkeling and diving. Facilities for sightseeing, snorkeling and skin diving as well clean, comfortable cottages are available on some islands.

Banda was home to some of the bloodiest episodes of Maluku’s history. In 1609 the Dutch East Indies Company dispatched a new governoor-general to the islands to obtain the contested spice trade monopoly at any cost. Confronted by superior power, the people of Banda were forced to allow the company to establish a fort, but in the same year Go¬vernoor Verhoeff was killed, together with 45 of his men. The company retailed, but peace was not restored. In 1619, V.O.C. Governor-General Jan Pieterszoon Coen arrived at the head of penal expedition and exterminated the entire population of Banda.

The land was divided into lots, called “perken”, and given to former company employees, the “perkiniers”, who were obliged to grow nutmeg and sell them at predetermined prices to the company. Slaves did the actual work in the fields. The old “perkinier houses” , or what is left of them, an old churches still retain a peculiar colonial character to the port town of Bandaneira today. Two old forts Belgica and Nassau are inside the town limits. Others are found elsewhere on the islands. See also the former Dutch Governor’s mansion, the Museum of History in Neira, and the huge nutmeg plantation nearby.

Accomodation and information are most readily available on the ’heavily populated’ south coast. The north coast boasts some of the best snorkeling in all of Maluku at Asele, one hour east of Wahai.

Seram Island

Seram Island The second-largest island in Maluku, Seram is virtually untouched because of its wild, rugged interior. Seram receives a lot of rain throughout the year, and is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Trekking in the Manusela National Park is about as far offs the beaten track as you can get in Indonesia; the park receives fewer visitors than Baliem Valley in Papua.

West Sulawesi

West Sulawesi Province is the extension of South Sulawesi Province which was established through Law No. 26 Year 2004. With Mamuju as the capital city of the province, Administratively, the province is divided into 5 Regencies. Geographically, the province is located in the cross position of the Golden Triangle of South Sulawesi, East Kalimantan, and Central Sulawesi as well as directly faces national and international sailing route of Makassar Straits. Topographic condition of West Sulawesi Province comprises ocean, low land, and high land, has enable the province have fertile land. Climate in the region generally belongs to tropical.

People of coastal area of West Sulawesi are well known as brave marine people. Using their San¬deq boat, the cruise to all over Indonesia and even reaching as far as neighboring country of Malaysia and Australia. Meanwhile, the people who live in mountainous area of the province has cultural similarity with Toraja ethnic in terms of architecture of the house, their language, their cloth as well as in their traditional cere¬mony. West Sulawesi Province has fantastic natural tourism in form of its still natural mountain view, uniqueness of culture of the people, as well as its vast array of tourism objects of special interest which are scattered in its coastal and mountainous areas where special skill needed to enjoy them.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Pattimura No.12 Mamuju 91511

Phone. (0426) 21244

Getting there:

By air: Tampa Padang Airport 27 km from Mamuju capital city.

Belang-Belang Bakengkeng Harbor Mamuju District; Fery Simboro Mamuju Harbor connected Mamuju-Balikpapan, Batulicin, and Surabaya; Ujung Polewali Harbor in Polewali Mandar; Palippi natural harbor in Majene; Manakara Harbor in Mamuju.

Tourism Events

Sandeq Race in Majeneis an annual traditional Mandar boat race that start from Mamuju to Makassar. During the race will be hightlighted by traditional arts and culture performances on August 17, 2008

Places of Interest

Karampuang Island

Karampuang Island in Mamuju Regency. Karampuang Island is a white sanded marine tourism objects with its complete facilities. There are untouched natural coral reefs found surrounding the island.

Tamasapi Waterfall

Tamasapi Waterfall, Mamuju Regency. In this 70 meter high waterfall, tourists may enjoy refreshing weather of the mountain with its clear and natural water.

Banoa Sibatang

Banoa Sibatang. It is a traditional house of Kalumpang in Mamuju Regency with its specific construction and form which is very attractive.

Custom House of Mamuju

Custom House of Mamuju. Custom House of Mamuju consists of several complex of building, namely: Salssa (House of King) which serve as the main house, bandara raja (royal family), pengawal raja (guard), lumbung pangan (food barn), black smith, gold crafter, horse stall, and deer stall complex.

Majene

Majene 302 Kms from Makassar in the Western port of Sulawesi has a long beach line. The view in the coastal area is mostly covered with white sand. This town is famous for its silk “Sarong Mandor Weaving”

Limboro Natural Hot Water Bathing Place

Limboro Natural Hot Water Bathing Place. It is located at the top of Limboro Mountains with its cool weather, beautiful natural scenery of cocoa and nutmeg plantation area.

Sandeq Boat

Sandeq Boat. It is an international fastest sailing boat contest. This boat has its own specifics which functions as fishing boat as well as race boat where each year boat ra¬cing of this kind is held to encourage marine development.

Mandar Museum in Mamuju Regency. Used to keep and preserve historical remains.

Cemetery Complex of King and Royal Family

Cemetery Complex of King and Royal Family. This graveyard is located in a hill of 50 meter above sea level high in Mamuju Regency. From this place, visitors can enjoy the beauty of Majene City beneath.

Palippis Beach

Palippis Beach. This is a marine tourism object in Polewali Mandar regency with a beautiful and attractive natural panorama comprising a blend white sand, hills, and natural caves.

Gusung Toraya Island.

Gusung Toraya Island. This 1.5 Ha island in Polewali Mandar has beautiful beach panorama as there are vast array of clean white sands, a suitable place for sun bathing, swimming, fishing and having recrea¬tion.

Kunyi Natural Tourism.

Kunyi Natural Tourism. It is a tourism object of a three storey 30 meter high waterfall with its clear, clean and cool water, surrounded by plantation of lansium fruit, durian, rambutan, and coffee and serves as a place for agro tourism.

Liawan Waterfall

Liawan Waterfall. This waterfall is located in the forest, Mamasa regency where the place is also accomplished with camping ground. In this area, a number of facilities to have rest, to cook, and to roast fish.

Mambulilling Mountain

Mambulilling Mountain. This 2,741 m high mountain is the ideal destination for those who loves mountain climbing. The mountain has an attractive mountain panorama, suitable for trekking.

Panorama of Mussa Ballepeu.

Panorama of Mussa Ballepeu. Along the way to this 1600 m above sea level tourism object, tourists can enjoy beautiful mountain views, historical tourism objects, and traditional kampongs of Mamasa.

Karampuang Island

Karampuang Island is a white sanded marine tourism objects with its complete facilities. There are untouched natural coral reefs found surrounding the island.

Sollokan Waterfall

Sollokan Waterfall and Malimbong Natural Hot Water Spring. These objects are located in the tourism entrance gate of Mamasa from the south. These place are also suitable for adventurer tourism.

South East Sulawesi

The south-eastern Peninsula and Buton group of island are inhabited by descendents of the Torajans and Bugis peoples, and due of the strong influence of the Islamic Bone Kingdom most of the people in this part of Sulawesi are Muslim. There are five diverse cultural groups: The Tolaki, Morunene, Buton, Muna (locally called the Wuna), and the Bajo. Most of the land area of Southeast Sulawesi is covered by natural jungle, with extensive plantations of teak and ironwood, which are used for local handicraft and contribute to the local economy. For those who like challenging adventures and ecotourism, come to Lambusango and Kakenauwe Protected forest, Wakatobi Marine National Park, Basilika Islands.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Teban Nunggu No.2, Kendari 94111
Phone. (0401) 326634
Fax. (0401) 327435

Getting there:

Garuda Indonesia Airlines fly directly from Jakarta, Surabaya and Manado to Kendari.

Tourism Events

Atraksi Adu Kuda (Horse Fighting Attraction) performs in almost every celebration in Muna Island. The fight is between two male of horses, which start to fight after they have got provoked by the way of switching their lover (the female) between one to another. As their temper raise, they start to raise their front feet as a sign of their readiness to fight. The fight used to be happened incredibly, it can make every heart of the audience beat rapidly. Nevertheless, there is Muna philosophical value that they want to share from the fight, which is the right and responsibility are everything in spite of the soul have to pawned.

Places of Interest

Kendari

Kendari is a capital of Southeast Sulawesi Pro¬vince Southeast Sulawesi. It lies of a sloping hill overlooking beautiful Kendari Bay. Kendari artists are known for their artistic handicraft in traditional designs, using indigenous roots and ironwood. Silverworks from Kendari is widely known as its good quality and designs.

Batu Gong Beach and Toli-Toli Hill.

Batu Gong Beach and Toli-Toli Hill. 20 km from Kendari to the north, Batu Gong beach is a new recreational resort along a 3 km white-sand beach. At the edge of the beach are huge stones, which when hit sound like a gong, hence the name of this area. Gorgeous views the sea can be enjoyed from the top of nearby Toli-Toli hill resort.

Moramo Bay

Moramo Bay. This pristine bay is only one and one half hours by car or speedboat from Kendari. The white sand beaches of Moramo by are host to a endless water activities and sports: from sun bathing to water sking, swimming to boating, highlighted by snorkeling or diving in the crystal clear water.

Buton Island Group, “Pakande-kandea”.

Buton Island Group, “Pakande-kandea”. The most fascinating cultural appeal of Buton Island can be enjoyed when local people conduct cere-monies, celebrations of folk events which welcome honored guests, food and cakes are offered to visitors and traditional dances are performed. Buton Island is also well-known for its asphalt, and for its teak and ironwood. Nirwana Beach is located 12 km from the village of Baubau, and is popular for swimming and its fine white sand beach. The small adjoining island, only thirty minutes away by sailboat, is a fisherman’s paradise. There is daily boat service from Kendari, with a stop-over in Raha, the capital city of the island of Muna.

Sea Garden of Pulau Hari

Sea Garden of Pulau Hari. In Indonesia “hari” means daylight. Because of the way the sun’s rays reflect off the waters surrounding this island, the local people call it the “Island of Daylight”, Pulau Hari, Swimming; boating and other marine sports find a natural home along these shores. Pulau Hari is blessed with an amazing coral reef with excellent snorkeling and diving.

Napabale and Motonunu Lakes

Napabale and Motonunu Lakes. Napa¬bale Lake is connected to the sea via a na¬tural tunnel. At low tide strong swimmers can brave this span of water for an exciting and unusual experience. It is dangerous to attempt this feat during high tide, as the water rises to only one half meters below the roof of the tunnel. Motonunu Lake is known for its clean, clear, darkblue water. 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.

Wakatobi Marine National Park

Wakatobi Marine National Park is lies just off the south – eastern tip of Sulawesi, variable paradise for snorkeling and scuba enthusiasts. It can be reached by chartered flight from Denpasar direct to Tomia or by shipline of PELNI which call in regularly at the Port of Bau-Bau.
Wakatobi Resort : www.wakatobi.com

Lambusango and Kakenauwe Protected Forest

Lambusango and Kakenauwe Protected Forest which is base to operation Wallace is home to the significant endemic population of Anoa, Tarsius & Cuscus. It can be reached by a local minibus within one and a half hours or klik www.opwall.com

Basilika Island

Basilika Island. Basilika (an acronym) derivers from a group of islands just off the western-part of Buton namely : Batauga, Siompu, Liwutongkidi, Kadatua. Its atolls and coral reefs are spectacular and wonderful. You can get to Basilika by a speed boat just for a half hour.

Moramo Waterfall

Moramo Waterfall No other in Indonesia is quite like the Moramo Waterfall. It passes a 2 km plateau, with 127 separate terrace plumes, the top of the waterfall some 100 meters above its basin pool. There are seven main terraces, each with its own natural bathing pool. Surrounded by lush jungle, this is the perfect place for those who love nature at its most sublime. Only 65 km east of Kendari, Moramo waterfall is easily accessible by car, or by crossing Moramo Bay by boat, and enjoying panoramic views of the sea.

Central Sulawesi

Situated on the heart of Indonesia archipelago this province offers ancient megaliths, indiginous tribes, the mossy mountains, the sleepy blue lakes, the untouchable longest river from white water rafting, fantastic snorkeling, diving on coral reef, unpopulated small islands surrounded by endless white sandy beaches and na¬tural voice in National reserves.

Rich in flora and fauna the most expensive Ebony wood, Teakwood, Rattan, Banyan trees, Black Orchids. The shy Babirusa, Anoa (Dwarf Buffalo), Deer and various species of birds including the rare Maleo birds (Macrocephalon maleo), Black Monkey Sulawesi (Maccaca maura), Tangkasi (the smallest species of monkies) are waiting for the visitors who like adventures (trekking, rafting, birding). Central Sulawesi with the capital city, Palu consists of diverse ethnic groups which have retained their traditions and customs, living in peaceful harmony with each other and welcome visitors hospitality and friendliness. Don’t leave Central Sulawesi before seeing the Wreck WW II bomber artifact. It can be reached just 45 minutes from Kadidiri or Tanjung Kramat dive resort. Luxurious and exclusive tourism facilities as well as diving equipment are available.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Dewi Sartika No.91, Palu 94114
Phone. (0451) 483942 Fax. (0451) 483941

Getting there:

Many domestic airlines fly directly from Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Makassar and Balikpapan.
Central Sulawesi can be reached by bus from Toraja, South Sulawesi for 14 hours and 18 hours by bus from Bunaken North Sulawesi.

Places of Interest

Pendolo

Pendolo is a small town in the southern tip of the lake and it is a transit place for visitors from Toraja South Sulawesi before they exploring and travelling Central Sulawesi (the Megalithical Bada, Besoa and Napu Valley or ghost grinding stone) or proceed to Bunaken Island, Manado North Sulawesi.

Lairiang River.

Lairiang River. Lairiang is the longest river in Sulawesi Island running down from Napu, Besoa, Bada and Gimpu valleys ending into Makassar straits in the west. Napu, Sobek (white water rafting team) form America discovered Lariang River is one of the best rivers for rafting. It has the score IVV grade. Most of these trekkers take this area for their trekking and rafting as well. The rumbling of Lairiang river could be heard from a remote distance, nothing you can see except the huge bluish tropical rain forest as far as your eyes can see.

Togean Islands

Togean Islands. A community - based ecotourism as well as in conserving the biodiversity. A bewildering array of tropical rain forest covered six islands formed by volcanic activity. Situated in the vicinity of equator. This enchanting archipelago is one of the jewels of Central Sulawesi. Stunning reefs, small isolated white sandy beaches, traditional fishermen village of a Bajau, verdant rainforest have left many a world weary travel searching for superlatives.

For those with more specialised adventurous tastes, the Togean Islands offer various for type of coral of the world can be found here (Fringing reef), barrier reef, Patch Reef and atoee. Admirable places for snorkeling and diving. Four types of coral of the world can be found here (Fringing reef). It can be reached from Palu for about 7 hours drive by car to Ampana via Poso (375 kilometres) by bus or chartered vehicle then by daily boat from Ampana to Wakai and Malenge for about 4 hours departs on 10 p.m.

Togean can be reached from Gorontalo city by public boat directly, twice a week. If you come from Rantepao (Tana Toraja) in South Sulawesi, Togean can be reached via Mangkutana, Pendolo, Tentena and Poso to Ampana for about 14 hours drive by car.

Donggala

Donggala was once the most important harbour in Central Sulawesi 35 km away from Palu to the north–west. Donggala can be reached by car/taxi for 40 minutes from Palu. The visitors can proceed to Tanjung Karang with white sandy beaches along the coast and the water is clear with colourful coral reefs that invites the visitors to water sports.

Lake Poso.

Lake Poso. Poso has many specialities and uniquenesses which could not be discovered in other places. It is located in the heart of Sulawesi Island or even in Indonesia, about 657 m from the sea level. Lake Poso extends from north to south. It is about more than 32 km in lenght and 16 km in width. The deep of the Lake is 360 m in the south and 510 m in the north.
The water is clean most of the time and a wonderful place for relaxing after trekking hard in the jungle of LoreLindu National Park. In dry season (October-April) the lake consists of white sandy beaches. The visitor could enjoy giant eel and gold fish from the lake.

Lore Lindu National Park.

Lore Lindu National Park. The second biggest lake in Central Sulawesi is Lake Lindu covering the area of 3,150 ha. It is located on highland about 1,200 m from the sea level. The beautiful panoramic view and it has a cool climate. Lake Lindu can be reached by car from Palu to Rahmat village then trekking through the thick tropical rainforest for about 4 hours. The visitor can stay at cottages. Barkcloth which is made in Bada, Kulawi and Napu valleys. Some megalithic statues of thousands of years at Napu, Besoa and Bada Valleys are consider to have relation with their ancestor worship. The statues with 1,5 m to 4 m height and 3000 years B.C. to 1500 years A. D.

Gorontalo

Gorontalo Province mostly contains of mountainous area that stretches from the north to the south of the province. The Mountainous panorama of Gorontalo serves a magnificent scene, and it’s also a place to live for various kinds of unique animals and trees. The forest of The Mountainous panorama of Gorontalo serves a magnificent séance Nani Wartabone and Nantu is an interesting spot of tourism because many varieties of animals and trees, which are already rare nowadays, live there under the government protection. Babi rusa, “Anoa”, “Tarsius” and Maleo bird, those are kinds of animal that lived in both of the forest. “Maleo” bird has big egg that bigger than bird itself. Tarsius is the smallest primate in the whole world; it has approximately 10 cm length. Gorontalo’s Forest has Ebony, Lingua, Nantu, Meranti and Rattan trees. In the south part of Gorontalo’s sea, which is known as “Teluk Tomini”, there are a number of small islands that spreads around the sea. Those islands are still unsettled and the white sand surrounds each of the islands. Teluk Tomini is a heaven for the divers, because the geographic position of “Teluk Tomini” itself, which is crossed by the equator line, has naturally presented various kinds of sea creature inside.

Tourist Office:

Jl. K. H. Dewantara No. 159
Gorontalo 96115
Phone. (0435) 822579, 831589
Fax. (0435) 831659
www.gorontalotourism.com

Getting there:

Regular flights service to Jalaludin Airport, from Manado or Makassar

Tourism Events

Gorontalo Culture Festival. Promoting Gorontalo’s cultural heritage. The festival invited local to participate in various events, such as traditional dance and drama, traditional poetry reading, martial arts, and folk music competitions. A colorful carnival display a historical theme from different regions of Gorontalo. This Festival is held on May 2008.

Places of Interest

Potanga Pool.

Potanga Pool. Approximately 4 km from the center of Gorontalo town, Potanga pool has natural cool and fresh water, comes from the natural mountain spring.

Pentadio Resort

Pentadio Resort on the north of the Limboto Lake or 12 Kms from the center of Gorontalo City. This resort has complete spa, facilities, cottage, swimming pool and hot spring water pool.

Otanaha Castle

Otanaha Castle. In the past, the Kings of Gorontalo used Otanaha castle as a place of protection and defense. The unique of the castle applies in the material that was used to build the castle, which was the mixed of sand, plaster and the white part of Maleo egg. The panorama of Danau Limboto also can be seen clearly from the castle of Otanaha, because the castle itself stands in the top of the highland. Precisely, the castle is located in Dembe I, Kota Barat. The distance of the castle is approximately 8 km from the center of Gorontalo city. Beside Otanaha castle, there are two more castles that also located in the same area, Otahiya and Ulupahu castles. The visitor must pass 345 steps of stairs to reach the three of the castles because of its position that located in the top of the highland. There is also alternative way to be able to reach the top of the mountain.

Nani Wartabone Monument

Nani Wartabone Monument. It is a historical monument of a local Gorontalo hero, named Nani Wartabone. He played an important role for the independence of Gorontalo. This monument is located in the center of Taruna Remaja Gorontalo Park.

Mesjid Hunto (Sultan Amai).

Mesjid Hunto (Sultan Amai). Hunto Mosque is one of the oldest mosque in Gorontalo (300 years old). The Mosque is located in Siendeng Village in Gorontalo city. In this mosque, there are well and beduk (an Islamic traditional drum) that has the same age as the Mosque itself.

White Sand of Leato.

White Sand of Leato. The seashore with its white sand give us an impression of ma¬king refreshment to the visitors. Watch the process of repairing wooden boat in traditional way. The underwater life of this place is quite interesting.
The beautiful coral-reef, the unique of fishes and sunken ship has become the attraction for the divers. This beach is located on North Leato, about 12 km from the town center.

Olele Sea Garden

Olele Sea Garden is distinctive from others and has the marine resources. It is closest diving point, only 45 minutes from Gorontalo city. Other diving site is Lahilote Beach.

Limboto Lake

Limboto Lake. A village named Iluta, which is 10 km from the town center, marks the entrance of this Lake. The unique characteris¬tic of this lake lies on the variety of freshwater fish species, which only can be seen on this lake. Besides, on this lake there was a landing field for the amphibian airplane name Katelina, which carried The First President of Republic Indonesia, Bung Karno.

The Tower of Majesty

The Tower of Majesty. The Tower of Ma¬jesty is a tower with 60 meters height. On the top of this tower, there are telescopes, which are served to explore the beautiful sight of Limboto Lake. Inside this tower you can see many of displayed souvenir and some restaurants.

Natural Hot Spring Water Bath of Lombongo

Natural Hot Spring Water Bath of Lombongo which is located on Lombongo village, Suwawa 20 km away from the town center. There are natural hot spring water bath, cold spring water bath, playground, and the stage for art performances. The hot water spring contains sulfur that can cure any skin diseases.

Tangga 2000 and the foot print Lahilote

Tangga 2000 and the foot print Lahilote. On this tourism area, you will directly face the beauty of Tomini Bay. This location is facilitated by shop and recreation places. The shady coconut trees give you cooler atmos-phere in the evening. See a huge stone looks like human footprint, “Lahilote”, located on Pantai Indah Pohe, Kota Selatan. Historically, Lahilote was a footprint of a man who married a falling angel.

Ayuhulalo Waterfall

Ayuhulalo Waterfall is located on Ayuhulalo village (Ayuhulalo means moon woods), Tilamuta. It is about 5 km away from the District of Boalemo. Its environment provides a fresh atmosphere for the visitor, because shady green woods with its everlasting and fresh water surround this area.

The Beautiful Boalemo Beach

The Beautiful Boalemo Beach. It is white sand seashore with calm and clear water, can make yourself comfortable and relax, swimming, boating, and diving. Along the seashore, there are coconuts and pine trees. Moreover, it has some luxuries resorts.
www.migueldiving.com, www.blackmarlindive.com

Bitilia Sea Garden

Bitilia Sea Garden some diving spots with remarkable beautiful underwater view. This place is 15 minutes drive from Boalemo Indah Beach.

Bolihutuo Beach=]

Bolihutuo Beach. In most part of part of Bolihutuo beach grows giant pines tree, it has created the cool and calm atmosphere around the beach. White sand that spreads around the beach has made the beauty of the beach more complete. There are also available some cottages.

Bajo’s Tribe Villages

Bajo’s Tribe Villages (Tilamuta, Torosiaje, Popayato) Bajo’s tribe lives in a group and has their own culture and habit. They always make activities on the boat and they work as a fisherman. The Bajo’s tribe that still live in the boat is called as “Bangau”, because wherever they move around from one island to another islands in the end they will be back to the Toro Pantai Island to cultivating pearl and sea grass.

Central of Kerawang

Central of Kerawang Handicraft Industry (Karawo). Kerawang is one of Gorontalo’s traditional handmade cloth.

The Sacred Cemetery of Ju Panggola.

The Sacred Cemetery of Ju Panggola. Sacred cemetery of Ju Panggola built in 14th century is located in the sub district of Dembe I, 8 km from the center of Kota Barat in Gorontalo city. People of Gorontalo that live around the cemetery consider this cemetery as a sacred place because it has a unique characteristic, related to the Islam culture. Therefore, it isn’t surprising to find out that many of visitors do meditation around the cemetery area.

Rumah Adat Gorontalo

Rumah Adat Gorontalo (Bantayo Poboide) Traditional house is located in the center of sub-district of Limboto, Gorontalo. Lite¬rarily “Bantayo” means building and “Poboide” means place for meeting. Bantayo Poboide is taken apart as a symbol of Gorontalo culture and also has a function as a place for the activity that related to the art and culture of Gorontalo.
Bantayo Poboide has many rooms and each room has a different function, and every ornament that applies in the building symbolized every part of Gorontalo inhabitant’s activity.

Pantai Olele

Pantai Olele This beach is a gate to the underwater paradise. The amazing beauty of underwater life on this area has been recognized by many of the divers in the world. It is proofed by the enthusiasm of the divers who come to this area.