Adu Gasing Tradition of Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi Province

A rich of culture region like Mamuju Regency indeed offers numerous traditions to tourists when coming to Indonesia. For example, there is one called Adu Gasing. In terms of name, “Adu” means a fight or competition while “Gasing” means a top. As people may expect, the locals gather in a specific location either to participate or watch the competition. Even though it is not an official event, villagers retain and consider it an important local tradition. Due to the merriment and value, it even attracts more tourists over time! These people want to watch and take photos of the competition, after all. Some of them also want to learn how to play it!

The Nuance
The first thing to know is that the locals make their own top! They creatively make their best one and use it in the competition. The location is at the nearby field and it is usually done in the afternoon. Here is the tip. The best time to visit Mamuju City in order to find the competition easily is during the fasting month. It is because villagers spend the afternoon while waiting for the fasting break by playing Adu Gasing. There is no prize. The purpose is only to get fun and show which the best top is.

More about Adu Gasing
Watching Adu Gasing in Mamuju Regency perhaps is a new experience for some tourists. It is because they don’t know when and where to spectate the competition. In this case, everyone should talk to the locals or guides in order to find the exact schedule. Usually, though, villagers conduct it in the afternoon during the fasting month. They want to spend the “Ngabuburit” time by playing that fun game, after all. Some locals also hold the event at night, in fact!

Despite many modern games influence the society these days, Adu Gasing remains as the pride of people who live in Mamuju. In fact, this traditional game has been attracting outsiders and tourists over time! Not only the audience can watch the competition, but they are also allowed to take photos during the game. If they are lucky enough, some locals may teach them how to play Gasing freely!

As for the participants, they come in any ages especially kids and teenagers. Once again, everyone is allowed to try it even tourists! What they need to know is the basic procedure and how to operate a top. Later, after watching the game, tourists should visit a nearby settlement and watch how the locals make tops traditionally. It would be an interesting experience, without a doubt.

Nearby Attractions

• Karampuang Island
• Manakarra Beach
• So’do River
• Tammasapi Waterfall
• Tapandullu Beach

How to Get There
For those who want to watch Adu Gasing directly, they need to visit Mamuju Regency without a doubt. From Jakarta City, it is recommended to take an airplane at Soekarno – Hatta International Airport and head to Tampa Padang Airport at Mamuju. This flight takes about 4 hours and 35 minutes. Later, after arriving at Mamuju, they only need to visit a nearby village and find information regarding the schedule of the competition.

Where to Stay

• Diana Hotel
• Pantai Indah Hotel
• M City Hotel
• Srikandi Hotel
• Mamuju Beach Hotel