Bahasa IndonesiaMember of:
North Sulawesi
Tourism Organisation
North Sulawesi
Tourism Organisation
The Minahasa Highland
- Places to visit, things to do -
MOUNT LOKON
Located to the west and not far from the resort, the active Mt Lokon affords a magnificent panoramic view of the Highlands and out towards the sea. Solidified lava flows meander down the side of the volcano and can easily be followed up to the steaming crater (a brisk walk of about 45 minutes). Ash is often seen around the tip of the crater and is sometimes blown into the nearby town.
MOUNT MAHAWU
Opposite Mt Lokon is its smaller sister, Mt Mahawu. The gentler slopes of Mahawu offer a less challenging hike but the view is no less impressive. Inside the crater is a steaming emerald-green lake ringed with yellow sulphur deposits.
KALI WATERFALL
This beautiful, quiet and very impressive waterfall is only one hours walking distance from the resort. A very pleasant jungle trek.
JAPANESE CAVES
Located on the hill along the roadside approximately 20 kms from the resort, are Japanese tunnels dug during the Japanese occupation in World War Two. Largely used for storage purposes, they are an eerie reminder of a turbulent time in Indonesia’s history.
LINOW LAKE
The colours in this highly sulphurous lake constantly change depending on the light and viewing perspective. Many species of large and small birds make their home around the lake and the grassed area to one side is a very pleasant spot to take a picnic lunch.
Watch out for bubbling mudholes at the edge of the lake, or you will end up with serious burns.
TONDANO LAKE
The largest lake in the region, the scenic area in the plateau is well worth a visit. Fertile rice paddies lead towards the lake’s edge and numerous fish restaurants are dotted upon the lakeside where you can sample baked ikan mas (koi fish) served with fresh water spinach. Don’t forget to try the fiery dabu dabu , a local accompaniment to the fish consisting of chopped chillies, tomatoes and spring onions.
RANOPASO HOTSPRINGS
The thermal delights of the Ranopaso Hot Springs are a short distance from the resort and are surrounded by rice fields. You can enjoy a hot water soak in one of the specially built bathrooms with the thermal water supplied from one of the hot springs in the area.
PULUTAN
Village dedicated to pottery.
WATU PINABETENGAN
This stone monument is believed to be the most spiritually powerful site in Minahasa. Through the ages, this has proved to be a politically potent gathering spot for Minahasan leaders.
TRADITIONAL HOUSEBUILDING
A short drive from the resort you can visit the site where traditional wooden houses are built in the small village of Woloan. These "knock down" houses can be transported to a site of the purchasers choice and the style is particular to this region.
WARUGA
Located in Airmadidi is an ancient historic cemetery where Minahasan ancestors are buried and is a remnant of the megalithic age. Waruga (head stones) are unique square stones with holes in the middle and prism shaped lids. The scenery en route to this venue is also interesting with a sweeping vista of coconut and spice trees (25 kms from the resort).
WHITEWATER RAFTING
One of the most spectacular and thrilling adventure tours in North Sulawesi. Your journey down the river will take about one and a half hours and at the end you will scream for more.
Other attractions nearby:
BUNAKEN NATIONAL PARK
What visit to North Sulawesi is complete without one day to view the spectacular coral gardens of the Bunaken Marine Reserve ? Declared a Marine Park in 1991, it is acknowledged as one of the top dive sites in the world. It is approximately 40 minutes drive from the resort to one of the dive centres or to the central harbour where a motorized outrigger canoe or dive boat will whisk you to Bunaken Island in about 45 minutes.
The Reserve comprises of the Islands of Bunaken, Siladen, Nain and Montehage and the dive and snorkelling sites are numerous and diverse. The drop off wall at Liang Cove in particular is rare in the world and described by enthusiasts as spectacular with caves, gullies and caverns harbouring an immense wealth of marine life. Brilliantly coloured fish dart amongst the vibrant coral and the water is clear and warm. Ideal for first time snorkellers or experienced divers alike.
TANGKOKO BATUANGUS NATURE RESERVE
This Nature Reserve is located on an open grassland and is home to a great variety of flora and fauna. There are black apes, maleo birds, snakes, wild pigs, hornbill birds and rusa deer. But special interest is given to the Tarsius Monkeys which sneak out at dawn and dusk. About the size of a childs fist, these tiny monkeys are the smallest in the world and a delight to see.
The reserve is located north of Bitung and covers an area of 3,196 hectares. The day out is perhaps strictly for the adventurous amongst you as the road is rough and the 3 hour trip rugged, but for those prepared to make the journey, the delights of the jungle await you.
Individually designed tours to all these (and other) destinations can be arranged by our knowledgeable guides. Just ask at the office!Located to the west and not far from the resort, the active Mt Lokon affords a magnificent panoramic view of the Highlands and out towards the sea. Solidified lava flows meander down the side of the volcano and can easily be followed up to the steaming crater (a brisk walk of about 45 minutes). Ash is often seen around the tip of the crater and is sometimes blown into the nearby town.
MOUNT MAHAWU
Opposite Mt Lokon is its smaller sister, Mt Mahawu. The gentler slopes of Mahawu offer a less challenging hike but the view is no less impressive. Inside the crater is a steaming emerald-green lake ringed with yellow sulphur deposits.
KALI WATERFALL
This beautiful, quiet and very impressive waterfall is only one hours walking distance from the resort. A very pleasant jungle trek.
JAPANESE CAVES
Located on the hill along the roadside approximately 20 kms from the resort, are Japanese tunnels dug during the Japanese occupation in World War Two. Largely used for storage purposes, they are an eerie reminder of a turbulent time in Indonesia’s history.
LINOW LAKE
The colours in this highly sulphurous lake constantly change depending on the light and viewing perspective. Many species of large and small birds make their home around the lake and the grassed area to one side is a very pleasant spot to take a picnic lunch.
Watch out for bubbling mudholes at the edge of the lake, or you will end up with serious burns.
TONDANO LAKE
The largest lake in the region, the scenic area in the plateau is well worth a visit. Fertile rice paddies lead towards the lake’s edge and numerous fish restaurants are dotted upon the lakeside where you can sample baked ikan mas (koi fish) served with fresh water spinach. Don’t forget to try the fiery dabu dabu , a local accompaniment to the fish consisting of chopped chillies, tomatoes and spring onions.
RANOPASO HOTSPRINGS
The thermal delights of the Ranopaso Hot Springs are a short distance from the resort and are surrounded by rice fields. You can enjoy a hot water soak in one of the specially built bathrooms with the thermal water supplied from one of the hot springs in the area.
PULUTAN
Village dedicated to pottery.
WATU PINABETENGAN
This stone monument is believed to be the most spiritually powerful site in Minahasa. Through the ages, this has proved to be a politically potent gathering spot for Minahasan leaders.
TRADITIONAL HOUSEBUILDING
A short drive from the resort you can visit the site where traditional wooden houses are built in the small village of Woloan. These "knock down" houses can be transported to a site of the purchasers choice and the style is particular to this region.
WARUGA
Located in Airmadidi is an ancient historic cemetery where Minahasan ancestors are buried and is a remnant of the megalithic age. Waruga (head stones) are unique square stones with holes in the middle and prism shaped lids. The scenery en route to this venue is also interesting with a sweeping vista of coconut and spice trees (25 kms from the resort).
WHITEWATER RAFTING
One of the most spectacular and thrilling adventure tours in North Sulawesi. Your journey down the river will take about one and a half hours and at the end you will scream for more.
BUNAKEN NATIONAL PARK
What visit to North Sulawesi is complete without one day to view the spectacular coral gardens of the Bunaken Marine Reserve ? Declared a Marine Park in 1991, it is acknowledged as one of the top dive sites in the world. It is approximately 40 minutes drive from the resort to one of the dive centres or to the central harbour where a motorized outrigger canoe or dive boat will whisk you to Bunaken Island in about 45 minutes.
The Reserve comprises of the Islands of Bunaken, Siladen, Nain and Montehage and the dive and snorkelling sites are numerous and diverse. The drop off wall at Liang Cove in particular is rare in the world and described by enthusiasts as spectacular with caves, gullies and caverns harbouring an immense wealth of marine life. Brilliantly coloured fish dart amongst the vibrant coral and the water is clear and warm. Ideal for first time snorkellers or experienced divers alike.
TANGKOKO BATUANGUS NATURE RESERVE
This Nature Reserve is located on an open grassland and is home to a great variety of flora and fauna. There are black apes, maleo birds, snakes, wild pigs, hornbill birds and rusa deer. But special interest is given to the Tarsius Monkeys which sneak out at dawn and dusk. About the size of a childs fist, these tiny monkeys are the smallest in the world and a delight to see.
The reserve is located north of Bitung and covers an area of 3,196 hectares. The day out is perhaps strictly for the adventurous amongst you as the road is rough and the 3 hour trip rugged, but for those prepared to make the journey, the delights of the jungle await you.