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A Tour of Duty in North Sulawesi
by Adam J. Fenton
(continued from Main Page)
When Alfred Russel Wallace, that
paragon of English endeavour and
observation, toured though this region
in the 1850s, he noted that "the little
town of Menado [sic] is one of the
prettiest in the East...To the west and
south the country is mountainous, with
groups of fine volcanic peaks 6,000 or
7,000 feet high, forming grand and
picturesque backgrounds to the
landscape."
Those fine volcanic peaks that he
talks of are the Minahasa highlands.
North Sulawesi is the only part of this
strangely sprawling island that has
volcanoes, and they are magnificent
smokey beasts to behold. Nestled as it
between two active volcanoes (one of
which, Lokon, is given to erupting every
few years, the last one was in May, 2001,
showering Manado and surrounding areas
with ash) it’s little surprise that the name
of the village means “people who pray”.
Even the most casual observer will notice
that North Sulawesi has a proliferation
of churches, many of them seemingly
stuck at various stages of construction.
Given their precarious situation though
it’s no surprise that the people of
Tomohon were given to praying more
than most.
For energetic travellers a trek to the
top of either of Tomohon’s two adjacent
peaks, Lokon or Mahawu, will both
challenge and reward you with spectacular
views. On a clear morning from the rim of
Mahawu’s steaming crater we got a bird’s
eye view of the whole region right down
to the city of Manado and Bunaken island
to the north and as far as Bitung and Mt
Duasaudara to the east.
The fertile soils of the Minahasa
highlands have made them some of the
most productive for agriculture, and it
seems everywhere you look up here are
neat rows of cabbages, carrots, spring
onions and other vegetables that
eventually find their way to the Tomohon
market, and later onto dining tables
around the region.
Being volcanic highlands you might
also expect to see some highland lakes,
and you won’t be disappointed. Lake
Tondano is the largest and most well
known, with its colourful restaurants
built on stilts over the water for a fresh
seafood lunch. Then there’s the
remarkable Lake Linow fed by a steaming
volcanic spring, on a hot day it is famed
for its colour changes from deep blue to
turquoise, green and sulfur yellow. Also
nearby is Kali waterfall. Just a short drive
from Tomohon, from the carpark it’s a
moderately energetic walk along a narrow
path which winds through some
luxuriant rainforest. The waterfall itself
has a charming fairy tale quality to it
with an arched bridge having been put
in place and the rock walls around are
covered with beard moss blowing in the
breeze and spray from the powerful falls.
Best to take a raincoat and something
cover your camera.
Around two hours drive from
Tomohon is one of the most remarkable
cultural sites of all North Sulawesi. In
the village of Sawangan in the Airmadidi
district you will find a collection of stone
sarcophagi. Varying in age, the oldest
reportedly dates back as far as 900AD.
The Waruga as they are called consist
two distinct parts; the hollowed out
square or rectangular base, and a rooflike
lid into which some have carved
scenes depicting the life, and sometimes
death of the occupant. According to the
wizened old crone who tends the grounds
here, the oldest of the sarcophagi have
no decorations. It was only a relatively
recent practice, from 1700s on, to add
the low relief carvings. One scene clearly
shows a woman giving birth and suggests
that she must have died during labour.
Surrounded by gnarled frangipani trees
this is an eery place, especially when you
consider that the dead were not buried
underground but merely placed, inside
the vessel in a fetal position squatting
atop a china plate. An outbreak of cholera
and tuberculosis in the early 1800s meant
that the Dutch colonial government
outlawed the practice, and many of the
waruga from around the region were
gathered up and relocated to Sawangan.
There are now 144 of them gathered
together here, and a small museum was
added which displays some ceramics, and
huge copper jewellery (bracelets and
necklaces) which were used to adorn the
otherwise naked bodies.
 Continue Reading: Bolaang Mongondow
Mt. Mahawu Crater
(Photo: Corine Frischknecht)
Well, if you want a challenge, try Mt. Mahawu (1311 meters) in a wheelchair. Several
months ago I had the pleasure of meeting Wolfgang. At the time we were somewhat
concerned that maybe the resort did not have all the correct facilities for
someone that is handicapped. Our fears were unwarranted because Wolfgang may
have been in a wheelchair but the last thing you would call him is handicapped.
Not only did Wolfgang dive during his entire stay but he also requested a tour to Mt.
Mahawu. A team of hotel employees willingly agreed and away they went to
tackle this mountain. The rest is history as documented by the photos.
Wolfgang sent us the photos (upon our request), in order that we might challenge
anyone who has the time and the courage (in some cases) to visit our other
attractive wonders of North Sulawesi.
Jeremy H Barnes
Source:
"What's Happening?"
Manado Safari Tours Newsletter
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Churches are a common sight in predominantly Christian Minahasa.
The Vihara Buddhayana Complex in Tomohon
The Vihara Buddhayana complex and Buddhist temple in Desa Kakaskasen III/Tomohon is an interesting phenomena, taking into account that
the main houses of worship are churches. The dominant red buildings of Vihara attract visitors from the main street. A friendly guard
from the Vihara complex will accompany visitors through each building. Climbing to the top of the eight-floor pagoda is worth your time.
From there you have a wonderful view of Desa Kakaskasen and Mt. Lokon from a distance. It is a breath-taking panorama.
There are four eight-sided buildings and one cave-modeled building in the complex and each has its own purpose.
Source: Jakarta Post, 1999
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Got four hours to kill? If the answer is yes, then get in a taxi or microlet and take a trip to Kali Waterfall, a
short drive from Manado, part way up the road on the way to Tomohon. Suggestion – wear sneakers or hiking boots
as can be slippery. Pass Gran Puri Hotel and you will make a left hand turn after about ten minutes later, as
you begin to wind up the hill towards the highlands. Once making this turn, the road is actually pretty good
all the way up to the parking lot. (I hate to use the word "parking lot", it should be "the house
where there is room to park a car or two"!). This short ride is about 10 to 15 minutes. Get out of you vehicle
– smell the cool air, no exhaust and everyone willing to lend a hand, if you need it. The walk down to the waterfall
begins. First stop is the scenic overlook of Manado, where there is a private residence at this point and sometimes
you may get pisang goreng (fried bananas) for a nominal fee, but worth it, with the sambal (chilli). Do this on the
way back! After this brief Fuji Moment take your next right and follow it down approximately 200 stairs and some
flat area as well, and voila you arrive at the base of the falls. Be ready for lots of wind blown spray as the
force of the water is pretty intense, causing the mist to pretty much cover everything and everyone. There is
a nice bridge that spans the river where you can get some great shots of the waterfall!
Jeremy H Barnes
Source: "What's Happening?" - Manado Safari Tours Newsletter
Vegetable fields near Rurukan, along
the way up to Mahawu crater
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Flowers on sale in Tomohon
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Mt. Soputan's last eruption (2000)
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Mt. Soputan's last eruption (2000)
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"Surrounded by gnarled frangipani trees this is an eery place,
especially when you consider that the dead were not buried
underground but merely placed inside the stone vessel in a fetal
position squatting atop a china plate."
Minahasa
Fast Facts
The Minahasan region covers an area of approximately 418,862 Ha with a population of 733,029 people (1996).
The capital of this district is Tondano, a town close to Lake Tondano. It is situated on a plateau 700 m above sea level,
surrounded by magnificent countryside with cool mountainous air.
Highlights
MOUNT KLABAT. The highest mountain in North Sulawesi (1995 m) is a 5-6 hours climb beginning near the Police
Station in Airmadidi. Try walking up at night during a full moon and staying overnight to watch the sunrise.
On Sundays and holidays Mt. Klabat bustles with the activity of students and hikers.
WARUGA. Ancient stone graves (sarcophagi) of the Minahasan people. The pre-Christian belief was that the
babies were born in the sitting position in the mother's womb, and it is in this position that humans must pass
on to eternity. The engravings on the headstones depict the cause of death, the deceased's hobby, character
or occupation, etc. There is a small shop in front of the gate and a small donation is suggested. It is located
at Sawangan village near Airmadidi, 24 km from Manado.
WALANDA MARAMIS MAUSOLEUM. This site pays homage to the national heroine of Women's Rights, Maria Walanda
Maramis, who founded the first Indonesian women's organization in 1912.
DR SAM RATULANGI MONUMENT AND GRAVE SITE. Monument and grave site in Tondano that memorializes the
national hero from North Sulawesi, who was born in Tondano 1890. He played in important role in Indonesia's fight
for independence as the 1st governor of Sulawesi.
LAKE TONDANO - REMBOKEN. About 36 km southwest of Manado is Lake Tondano, 600 m above sea level. The drive to
Tondano passes through picturesque villages and clove plantations. Situated right on the edge of the lake is the
Remboken tourist site where bungalows, a hot water swimming pool and restaurants are available.
PULUTAN. This village has a pottery industry. It is located just a few km from Tondano.
RANOPASO. The name "Ranopaso" means hot water. Hot springs are scattered across this lovely area
of traditional villages. Located in Koya Villages, 3 km from Tondano, it is worth a visit.
KARUMENGA. Hot baths with water originating from hot volcanic springs attract visitors for relaxation and health reasons.
Located in the village of Karumenga, Langoan, about 50 km from Manado.
KYAI MODJO MAUSOLEUM. Kayai Modjo was the commander of Pangeran Diponegoro during the Java War (1825-1830).
He was exiled to Tondano and died in 1848. The mausoleum is located in a village of Javanese settlers near Tondano,
called Kampung Jawa.
SARAPUNG & KORENGKENG MONUMENT. This monument, located 1km from the center of Tondano, honours the heroes of the
Tondano War against the Dutch in 1808-09.
TAMASKA HIJAU. This area in Tataaran features hot springs and impressive views of rice fields. It has limited
facilities for overnight stays.
TOMOHON. This picturesque town, 25 km. from Manado, is the center for many of the Christian Missionary groups.
It is located on a plateau between two active volcanoes, Lokon and Mahawu. The cool fresh air enables a multitude of
flowers and all kinds of the more exotic plants to proliferate. Bukit Inspirasi, (auditorium) facing Mt. Lokon is
the home to national conventions, festivals and other events.
MT. LOKON & MT. MAHAWU. The volcanic mountains Lokon (1.580 m) and Mahawu (1.311 m), both have crater lakes
of considerable beauty. Lokon is sometimes considered to be the most beautiful of the two. The trek to the top should
be made by climbers in reasonable condition. The steaming crater lies 600 m below the peak of the mountain and the
lake is about 60 m deep. The best time to start walking from Kakaskasen is 7 AM and it is possible to arrive at the
crater while the morning is still cool. It is important to contact Pos Pengamanan Gunung Lokon and Gunung Mahawu in
Kakaskasen III, Tomohon.
TEMBOAN AND RURUKAN. Both these villages were launched as village and community based model tourism villages.
They are located approximately 30 km from Manado, and can be reached by bus. The abundance of flowers, cash crops,
cool fresh air and the beautiful view to Lake Tondano and Bitung Habour make both of these villages an interesting
stop.
WOLOAN. This village is a center for traditional Minahasan house-building. It is located just a few km from Tomohon.
DANAU LINOW. Small, highly sulphurous lake whose colours change depending upon the light and viewing perspective.
About 6 km from Tomohon, near Lahendong village.
KASUANG. This place is situated about 3 km from Tomohon There is a souvenir shop, and several restaurants are
offering Minahasan foods. Easily reachable from Manado by public bus or taxi.
WALE PAPATAUPAN. Situated at Sonder village, about 37 km from Manado Wale Papataupan is a flowery tourist spot
which has 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.
MT. SOPUTAN. This active volcano is situated in Tombatu, about 60 km from Manado or 10 km walk from Toure village.
Soputan, 1825 meters in height, is still active, often times steaming and spewing volcanic ash. Trekers will pass through
plantations, as well as areas overun with "Edelweys" flowers, usually called "Bunga Abadi" or
"Eternal Flower". Often times people choose to camp overnight in the Casuarina Forest before making the
final accent which begins at 4:00 AM.
WATU PINAWETENGAN.
Pinabetengan village, about 50 km from Manado, is the home to an ancient stone, shaped
like a table. It measures 4 m long and 2 m high and is one of remnants left by the Minahasan Tribes where they
negotiated the territorial division, unification, peace, and war against their enemies. Pictography carvings on
the stone cannot be deciphered.
JAPANESE CAVES. These caves are located alongside the road between Kiawa and Kawangkoan, countryside villages
about 45 km from Manado. The caves were built by the Japanese during the World War II primarily for storage.
TARA-TARA. 15 km from Tasik Ria this village has traditionally been the centre of Minahasan culture and arts.
In Tara-Tara traditional dances can be enjoyed in the open air at Kemer Garden. Easily reachable from Manado by
public bus or taxi.
IMAM BONDJOL MAUSOLEUM. This mausoleum, located 7 km from Manado, represents traditional Minangkabau architecture
and honors Imam Bondjol, a national hero from Minangkabau in West Sumatera. He was a hero of the Perang Paderi (Paderi War)
against the Dutch and was later exiled to North Sulawesi. He was born in 1791 and died in Lota Village, Pineleng in 1864.
KALI WATERFALL. Located in Kali Village, Pineleng, about 10 km from Manado, this natural 60 m waterfall is an ideal place
to enjoy nature and fresh water pools at the base of the falls. It is easily reachable from Manado by public transportation followed
by a 30-45 minute hike past the village.
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