North Sulawesi

North Sulawesi with Manado as the capital city is a land of magnificent coral reefs protecting virgin white beaches and mountains. The Sangir-Talaud islands, to the north of mainland, from a natural bridge to the Philippines providing a convinient route for peoples and culture can still be found here. Today the main industries of the province are copra and cloves. North Sulawesi has larger concentration of coconut trees than any other part of Indonesia. The Dutch, however, have had the strongest influence on the development of the region. First contact with European traders came in the 16th century with the arrival of the Spanish and Portuguese, and with them they bought Christianity. It wasn’t until the arrival of the Dutch that Christianity became the predominant religion of the area. Manado’s main attractions are off-shore: the trully incredible coral reefs off nearby Bunaken Island are now a protected Marine Park and offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Diponegoro 111, Manado 95112
Phone. (0431) 851723, 851835
Fax. (0431) 852730
E-mail : nstours@indosat.net.id
www.northsulawesitourism.com

Getting there:

Regular flights from Jakarta via Makassar service to Sam Ratulangi airport in Manado.

Tourism Events

• Full Moon Festival is held in mid-October at Bitung harbor Manado, to seek blessings from God. The Minahasa people dance and sing with a great joy.
• Bunaken Festival. Bunaken is a small island of the coast of Manado known for it’s fabulous under water gardens. Not far, lies the volcano, Manado Tua. Highlights during the festival include art and cultural performances from the four ethnic group living in the North Sulawesi Province.
• Lake Tondano Festival celebrating the cul¬ture of Minahasa tribe perform Maengket dance and kolintang (bamboo orchestra) on Nov 2008.

Places of Interest

Tasik Ria

Tasik Ria. Tasik Ria is situated about 20 km southwest of Manado and has a beautiful sandy beach fringed with coconut trees. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, fishing, diving and snorkeling, Tasik Ria seashores resort hosts the four-star Manado Beach Hotel, with 250 rooms, a swimming pool, bar & discotique. It is easily reached by public bus or taxi from Manado.

Tara-Tara

Tara-Tara. 15 km further southwest from Tasik Ria this village has traditionally been the center of Minahasan culture and arts. Traditional dances enthrall on the open air at Kemer Garden. There are World War II at Japanese caves at the Ranowangko dam, and the Kemer natural bathing spot nearby in the shadow of volcano lokon, mount Kasehe and mount Tatawiran.

Watu Pinabetengan=]

Watu Pinabetengan. According to Minahasa history, this is a place where the ancestors first divided up the land among the people. The famous megalithic stone here is covered with crude, mysterious drawings and a script which has never been deciphered. It is located in Tompanso, about 45 km from Manado.

Bukit Kasih Toar Lumimuut=]

Bukit Kasih Toar Lumimuut is a beautiful hill remains historical chronicle, situated in the vicinity or Kanonang Village, Minahasa Regency 55 km from Manado and easily reached by public bus from Manado’s Karambasan bus terminal heading for Kawang¬koan then take a mikrolet or ponny trap “Bukit Kasih” or Hill of Love is a spiritual epicenter where followers of different faiths (Christian, Catholic, Islam, Hinduism and Buddism) commune, medicate and worship in the fresh air of open natural atmosphere.

Manado Tua Island=]

Manado Tua Island. Manado Tua is the main island of the Manado Bay group. A path to the top of Central Mountain takes several hours to climb, but the view takes in all the islands in Manado Bay. The beach is a mixture of white sand and coral formations. The reef lines the coast of Tangkoko Batu¬angus in a nature reserve. A permit should be obtained from Sub Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam (Nature Conservation Office) in Manado, before heading for this reserve.

Waruga Cemetery=]

Waruga Cemetery. This ancient ceme¬tery of Minahasan ancestor consists of 144 stone sarcophagi, remnants of the megalitic age. “Waruga” sarchopagi are unique square stones with holes in the middle and prism shaped lids. The tombs are carved with various motifs such as humans’ beings, plants, animals, and traditional geometrical motifs like clouds, strings, curls and double braids. The cemetery is located in Sawangan village, about 24 km from Manado.

Tangkoko Batuangus=]

Tangkoko Batuangus. An open grassland nature reserve covering the slopes of Mt. Dua Saudara, the park is compossed of impressive green hills and valleys with wondrous scenic views of natural beauty. Black apes, maleo birds, snakes, wild pigs, hornbills and rusa deer live in the 3,196 hectare reserve. There are several cottages and small restaurants nearby. It is only reachable by four-wheel drive jeep from Girian village over a rough road.

Dumoga Bone National Park=]

Dumoga Bone National Park. Located on the border between two districts, approxiamately 260 km from Manado, this park straddles Dumoga in Bolaang Mongondow and Bone in Gorontalo. Its mountains and hills are blanketed in dense forests, making it an ideal habitat for rare species like maleo birds, anoas, hornbills and Tarsius spectrums (the smallest primate in the world).

Lake Tondano-Remboken=]

Lake Tondano-Remboken. About 36 km southwest of Manado is Lake Tondano, 600 m above sea level. The drive to Tondano passes through charming villages and sprawling clove plantations. Situated right on the edge of the lake is the Remboken Tourist site, an ideal place for after skiing, fishing, and natural boating. Bungalows, a natural hot water swimming pool and restaurants are available.

Lake Moat=]

Lake Moat. Situated in the highlands about 900 m above the sea level the lake is surrounded by a dense forest abounding with birds.

Ranopaso=]

Ranopaso. Sparkling clean natural hotsprings set in a gorgeous setting of terraced rice fields make this a popular tourist destination. Bungalows are available at Koya village, about 3 km from Tondano.

Wale Papataupan=]

Wale Papataupan. Situated at Sonder village, about 37 km from Manado, Wale Papatuan is a sumptuous tourist spot with bungalows, a swimming pool, steam bath facilities, restaurants, fish ponds, and an open stage for cultural performances. It is easily reachable from Manado by public bus or taxi.

Japanese Monument=]

Japanese Monument. Since Bitung play important role during the Pacific War as home base for Japanese Imperial forces, it becomes the last resting place for their soldier who died in the area. The Japanese and North Sulawesi governments jointly founded this monu¬ment.

Bunaken=]

Bunaken. About half an hour by a motorized outrigger canoe from Manado, Bunaken Island is a veritable paradise for snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts. The coral reef off Bunaken Island is particularly noted for the drop-off at Liang Cove. It is described by international divers as being among the most spectacular anywhere in the world, with caves, gullies, and caverns harbouring an immense wealth of marine life. The water averages a balmy 28 degrees C and visibility is over than 30 m.

Manado=]

Manado Modern Manado is an engaging, prosperous city. Like Jakarta, it has an impressive variety of eye-cacthing statues, and an interesting mix of Indonesian, Filipino and Chinese cultures and architectural styles. Although Manado has its own port, the principal deep-water port northern Sulawesi is at Bitung, about 48 km from Manado. This seaport serves domestic and international sea trade.

Saronde Island=]

Saronde Island This tiny but exquisite island with white-sand beaches for swimming, boating, snorkeling, diving, and water skiing is located in the district of Gorontalo.

Bengkulu

The Capital of Bengkulu Province is the coastal city formerly known as Bencoden. It was the site of Sir Stamford Raffles first entry into Indonesia and there are still remains of British influence in the area. The primary crops of the area are pepper, coffee, nutmeg, and sugar cane. The most fascinating nature charms are the exofic Rafflesia arnoldi.

Tourist Office:
Jl. P. Tendean 17 Bengkulu Phone. (0736) 21272 Fax (0736) 342200, 342100 http ://www.bengkulu.go.id

Getting there:
Bengkulu province is easly accessible by land, air and sea transportation. You can catch regular buses direct from Medan, Padang or Jakarta. Flight arrives three times a day. Domestic ships from Jakarta, Padang and Medan stop over in Baai harbour, Bengkulu.

Tourism Events
Tabot Festival on January 2008 performs various kinds of contests to commemorate the death of Mohammad’s grand children, Hasan and Husein.

Places of Interest

Fort Marlborough

Fort Marlborough. The British or ‘Raffles’ Fort, was built between 1714 and 1719 and was famous as the second-strongest fort built by British in Asia, Fort George in Madras, India being the first. It was restored and opened to the public.

Tikus Islands

Tikus Islands is excellent for fishing, snorkeling and diving with easy access by speed-boat from the old harbour in Bengkulu.

Enggano Island

Enggano Island is covered by dense rain forest filled with buffalo, pigs and cattle. The people have lived in virtual isolation for centuries, their traditional culture still very much alive today. Native art forms include the intriguing Enggano dances. The island can be reached by boat from either Baai Harbour or Bintuhan seaport.

Bukit Kaba Volcanic Crater

Bukit Kaba Volcanic Crater is 104 km from Bengkulu and about 19 km from Curup, lies 1,937 m above sea level. There are two immense sulfuric calderas with twelve active craters. Beautiful pano¬ramic views and cool mountain air make this a pleasant stop for a couple of days. There are popular hot springs near Curup at Suban.

Soekarno’s Residence

Soekarno’s Residence. The first President of Indonesia was exiled to Bengkulu by the Dutch in 1938. Today the house is a museum, containing his books, clothes, photos and his bicycle. The house is open 8 am to 2 pm, Tuesday to Thursday, Friday 8 am to 11 am, and Saturday 8 am to 12 pm.

Jambi

Jambi Province with total area of about 5,343,700 hectares consists of 9 regencies and one municipality. The Topography of Jambi provinces generally vary from low land areas in the east and hills and mountainous in the west. Mountainous areas are mostly in Kerinci regency. The natural resources with wealthy biodiversity are represented in four national parks such as Kerinci Seblat National Park, Berbak National Park, Bukit Dua Belas National Park, and Bukit Tiga Puluh National Park. Each of the national parks has own characteristic and typical biodiversity.

Tourist Office:
Jl. KH. Agus Salim, Kota Baru, Jambi Phone. (0741) 36127, 445056
Fax. (0741) 445054
Kerinci Seblat National Park:
Jl. Basuki Rahmat 1
Phone. (0748) 21095, 22300
http ://www.kotajambi.go.id

Getting there:
There are 6 daily flight departing and arriving Jambi. It will take 60 minutes flight from Jakarta, 15 minutes from Palembang and 60 minutes from Batam Island, as well as from Singapore. Travelling by boat or Ferry is also easy accessing Jambi from Batam only 5 hour and 7 hour from Malaysia. To see and experienced land traveling, its 6 hours from Palembang, 8 hours from Padang, 10 hours from Bengkulu.

Tourism Events
Lake Kerinci Cultural Festival The festival is aimed to promote tourism. More than a week long festival is highlited with art performances, traditional sport competitions and exhibitions of local handicraft products. This event will be held on July’08 in 2nd week.

Places of Interest

Batik & Handicraft

Batik & Handicraft Atelier is located 1.4 km from the centre of the town of Jambi. It is a centre for the Jambi-style Batik, plait work and agate handicraft. The centre is run by women.

Lake Kerinci

Lake Kerinci is located 20 km from Su¬ngai Penuh, the capital of the Kerinci regency. This is a popular tourist spot with beautiful panoramas. Accommodation is available on the side of the lake.

Kerinci Seblat National Park

Kerinci Seblat National Park is located in the Bukit Barisan Mountains; it occupies a total area of 1,484,650 hectares. The park is home to a great variety of animals species, such as elephants, Sumatran tigers, Sumatran rhino, tapirs, panthers, deer, wild goats, primates, crocodiles, birds and reptiles.

Mount Kerinci

Mount Kerinci is the highest mountain on the island of Sumatra and it is popular with mountain climbers. The nearest village and climber’s base is Kersik Tuo, near Kayu Aro, Kerinci. The route is marked by signs, posted at half kilometer intervals. The best season to visit is January to October.Fly to Padang the capital of West Sumatra Province and then go to the town of Sungai Penuh, District of Kerinci in Jambi Province which is 7 - 8 hours drive from Padang or 278 km. Otherwise, you can go to the village of Kersik Tuo with a distance of 211 km from Padang or approximately 5 - 6 hours drive.

Muara Jambi Temple

Muara Jambi Temple is 30 km northeast of Jambi, along the Batanghari River. This site is considered one of the richest archaeological sites on the island of Sumatra. The eight temple-like structures appear to Buddhist, and were probably built around the 14th century. In 1982, a 32 centimeter tall female bronze statue was found at Koto Kandis, in the Muara Sabak subdistrict. It is believed to be the goddess Laksmi, holding a lotus bud in her right hand and an oil lamp in her left. In addition to the archaeological sites, many visitors find the riverside an ideal recreation and picnic spot.

Bukit Duabelas Nature Reserve

Bukit Duabelas Nature Reserve is located in the Pauh subdistrict, 60 km from Bangko in the Sarolangun Bangko regency. It covers 28,703 hectares and home to deer, monkeys, bears, wild pigs, elephants, snakes, iguanas and many species of birds. Small lakes are found in its surroundings and many small streams discharge into the Batanghari River. This nature reserve is also home to 1,000 people of the Kubu (Anak Dalam) tribe.

Tenggarong
Tenggarong, up to Mahakam river from Samarinda, is the capital of Kutai regency and was once the seat of the Kutai sultanate. The Sultan’s palace at the riverside is now a museum where the old royal paraphernalia are kept, as well as an excellent collection of antique Chinese ceramics. Dayak statues can be admired in the yard. A curious thing about the royal paraphernalia is that they display a strong resamblance with Java’s court traditions. Every 24th of September, the former palace becomes a stage of dance and music performances given to celebrate the town’s anniversary.

Berau
Berau. Found here are the remains of a king called the Keraton Gunung Tambur and The Keraton Sambaling.

Muara Ancalong
Muara Ancalong-Muara Wahau Dances at the Kenyah Dayak are often performed here for visitors at a traditional longhouse.

Ancient Kingdoms
The oldest kingdom in Indonesia was the Kutai Kingdom, located in what is known as Tenggarong, 39 km from Samarinda, the provincial capital of East Kalimantan.

Negara
Negara. At this place, traditional weapons usually carried by the Dayaks, the mandau or machete, are made.

Cempaka Traditional Diamond Mining
Cempaka Traditional Diamond Mining. Cempaka is a small village 5 km from Martapura, and 45 minutes from Banjarmasin. It is an old site of traditional diamond mine, using very simple equipment. In 1965 a large raw diamond of 167.7 carats was found. Martapura is the capital of Banjar Regency.

Palangkaraya
Palangkaraya. In the local Dayak language, Palangkaraya means ‘holy container’. Palang¬karaya can easily be reached from Jakarta, Banjarmasin, Samarinda, Balikpapan and other points on the island by air. The town has become the center of government, trade and education of the province. The Regional Museum of Palangkaraya contains a collection of historical and cultural interest from all over Central Kalimantan.

Pontianak.
Pontianak. A capital city of West Kalimantan province covering an area of 146,607 sq kms. Some tourism object closest to Pontianak city are Kada-riah palace in Kampung Dalam, the State Museum, and the Kapuas and Landak River. Beach Resorts of Kijing and Temajoh Islands are good places for rest after diving, fishing and sailing.

A Long House Replica
A Long House Replica. Reflection of the past of the Dayak tribes, a long house “Rumah Betang” situated at Jl. Letjen Sutoyo Pontianak is a unique traditional house. On April 20-23 every year, the ceremony of “Gawai Dayak” will be held.

Chinese - Tionghoa Display Performances Amazing Chinese Tionghoa Dancing Dragon with its Magical Tatung (LOYA).
As one of the highest concentration of ethnic Chinese or locals “Tionghoa”, in West Kalimantan the Singkawang city provides the Spectacular Magical Tatung and Dancing Dragon during the Chinese happy New Year with its Cap Go Meh – Imlek – Xong She Fat Xoi. The most attractive traditional musical instrument displayed on special occasion of: Xong Xi Fat Choi or Wedding party. Amazing Singkawang Chinese Tionghoa Dancing Dragon with the Magical Tatung.