Indonesia and World Tourism News

South Sulawesi is covered by natural jungle, with extensive plantations of teak and ironwood

June 13th, 2006

South East Sulawesi covers South East Sulawesi peninsula, Buton Island, Muna Island and small islands spread out at south and South East of the peninsula. It is located length wise - west to south east. It borders to the north by South Sulawesi Province and Central Sulawesi Province, to the south by the Flores sea, to the east by the Banda sea and to the west by Bone Bay. South East Sulawesi Province is populated by more than 1.2 Million People. The people are devided into five diverse and interesting cultural groups: the Tolaki, Morunene, Buton, Muna(locally called the Wuna), and the Bajo.

This offer the visitor a glimpse of life-styles which have survived man’s rush to modernization while using much of today’s technology to their advantage.
Most of the land area of South Sulawesi is covered by natural jungle, with extensive plantations of teak and ironwood, which are used for for local handicrafts and contributes to the local economy. Much of the beauty of the region has been reserved for prosperity by declaring it National Parks and Nuture Preserves.

The entire province is inhabited by wonereous animals living freely and can be seen and appreciated by visitors. Deer, Wild pigs, small rodent-like animals called Kus-Kus, monkeys, snakes, anoa(small Buffalo) and numerous birds are abound. The hunting of animals, national parks and preserves are, forbidden and are carefully controlled by the local Government in other areas.

The warmth of the Sulawesi people, the local flora, fauna, and untouched beaches, are the highlights of this unique locale. It is truly on of the worlds remaining natural habitants waiting to show off for visitors who can appreciate such natural beauty and the people who live in it.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Kendari

South East Sulawesi’s capital is Kendari. It lies along the sloping hill and seaside of Kendari bay, residence to approximately 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 generations, using indigenous roots and ironwood. Visitors will find a visit to the Berlin Handicraft centre and the handicraft exhibition centre valuable. These centres belong to to the local Association of Government Wives(PKK), and displays items which may be purchased to adorn the most discrimanting setting. Visitors will find frequent, colorful ceremonial events in and around Kendari. To be present on these occasions is to be invited to participate. For the closing of any ceremonial event in Kendari will be highlighted by the local “Modero dance” performed by local men and women. All onlookers are invited to join in the dance, as part of the conclusion and harmonious farewell.

Moramo Waterfall

No other in Indonesia is quite like the Moramo Waterfall. It traverses a 2 Km plateau, with 127 seperate terrace plumes, with the top of the waterfall some 100 meters above its pool basin. 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. Those who love nature at its purest will find this an ideal environment. Only 65 Km east of Kendari, Moramo waterfall is aesily accesible by car or by boat, crossing Moramo Bay, with a wide panoramic view of the sea.

Moramo Bay

This clean, pollution-free bay is only one and a half hours by car or speedboat from Kendari. The white sand beaches of Moramo Bay are a host to all sorts of water activities and sports:from sun bathing to water skiing, swimming to boating, including observation of numerous fish life under clear,clean water.

Sea Garden of Pulau Hari

In the Indonesian language(Bahasa Indonesia),”hari” means daylight. Beacause of the way the sun’s rays reflect from the water of the sea surrounding this island, the local people call it the “Island of Daylight”, Palau Hari. Swimming, boating and other sports find a natural home along these shores. Diving tp view colorful fish in a sea garden setting of coral is a popular activity.

National Parks and Conservation Areas

AOPA is a dike covering an area of 96.804 hectares containing smaller dikes with plantations within them.
Many varieties of indigenous birds and plant life can be seen here. Wild animals abound, running everywhere in this man-made lake environment.

Nirwana Beach and Bone Oge

Nirwana Beach is located 12 Km from the village of Baubau,and is the capital of the Buton Regency. It is well-liked for swimming and recreational beach sports, alongits white sandy shore and its small adjoining island, only thirty minutes away by sailboat. Fishing is said to be ideal on this island.

Buton Island and the Sultanate of Buton

To the southeast of Sulawesi mainland, Buton island remains part of the province of Southeast Sulawesi. long before the independance of indonesia and the unification of Buton with the rest of the country, Buton was a Kingdom.

The Kingdom existed from the 14th to the 16th century. After this and until Indonesia’s independance, it remained a sultanate.
During the Sultanate period, residents conducted trade and communicated with China and the Majapahit Kingdom, on the island of Java. 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 sultan of Buton. Buton island is well known for its asphalt, called buton or butas asphalt, and for its teak and ironwood. There is a daily boat service from Kendari, with a stop-over in Raha, the capital city of the island of Muna. The most fascinating cultural appeal of Buton island can be enjoyed when local people conduct ceremonies,celebrations and folk events which welcome honored guests. One such unique event is “Pkandekandea”, 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 unadvisable and dangerous to attemp this feat during high tide, as the water rises to half meter from the roof of the tunnel.
Motonunu lake is known for its clean, clear, dark blue water. Though it is connected to the sea, its water remains fresh and not salty. Both lakes are 15km from Raha, the capital of Muna Regency, on Muna island. The are accessible, by sailboat, from Raha in only 45 minutes.

Batu Gong beach and Toli-Toli hill

Batu Gong beach is an off-shore recreational resort along 3Km of white sandy beach.
At the edge of the beach are large rocks. Whan it is hit, it sounds like a gong. The nice panorama over the sea can be enjoyed from the hill of Toli-Toli. This hill resort is 22 Km from Kendari.
source : www.indonesiasouthafrica.co.za/sewesi.html

Entry Filed under: Indonesia & Bali Tourism News