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Tour Activities Besides Diving & Snorkeling in BunakenRoads radiate outward from Manado in several directions, all of them, it seems, leading somewhere interesting. Most of the surrounding sights can be easily reached in a series of day long excursions The itineraries given below are merely intended as suggestions that neatly encompass many of the major sights. TomohonOffering delightful combination of a visit a landscape, a taste of delicious Minahasan cuisine and spectacular view of coastal coconut groves and highlands clove plantations, all the while passing the through the picturesque rural villages. Start early to full enjoy the sights.The hilltop town of Tomohon known locally as the “City of Flower ,” sits in a saddle between two volcanoes, Lokon and Mahawu . The climate is delightfully temperate; fruits and wide range of flowers-hibiscus, angel trumpets, bougainvillea, lilies, gladiolas, carnation and irises-are grown commercially to supply markets in Manado . On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning a local market sell rats, bats, and dogs (Ingredients in notorious local cuisine). Tomohon is famed as an educational centre, and there is a large auditorium called Bukit Inspirasi. If you wish to climb Lokon, head back on main road north toward Manado and obtain permission first from the village head (lurah) of Kakaskasen, a small village just to the north of Tomohon. The ascent begins just behind the village. From here follow the lava flow up to a large side vent in the crater. At this point the landscape takes on the appearance of charred moonscape. To reach the top takes total of about 2 hours; be sure to bring sturdy footwear. In that are also known as a wooden house industry at Woloan village, 5 minutes approximately from the terminal to the west of Tomohon. Airmadidi Just beyond Airmadidi (30 minutes) from Manado a road to the right leads south to Tondano. The village Sawangan, five minutes further on, is the site of te largest collection of ancient sarcophagi or Waruga in the province. Dating from as early as the 9 th century, the Waruga are rectangular stone burial chambers with holes in the middle and prism-shaped lids. According to legend, people knew their death shortly before it occurred in pre Christian days. Unique of the Minahasan style for burying the corpses is with sitting position inside the holes of stone. In 1828 an epidemic in Sawangan forced the colonial government to ban the practice of above-ground burials. In 1977, most Waruga in the area were moved to Sawangan and the cemetery were officially opened in 1978.Each Waruga is decorated with carvings denoting the occupation, cause of death or characteristics of the owner. The oldest resident of Sawangan conducts a ceremony beside this Waruga on the night of the full moon. Tondano Beyond Sawangan, the narrow, winding road continues on up into the hills, arriving at the town of Tondano after half an hour. Shortly before Tondano ,caves used by the Japanese during the world war II to store ammunition can be seen on the left.
Tondano town is the administrative center of Minahasa region, lies on the northern shores of Lake Tondano . Small roads from Tondano skirt both shores of the lake, and a trip all the way around it provides ever-changing vistas of the near by mountains, rice field, and the lake itself. From here past the several village, is the small village of Pulutan where pottery is made. Just inside the village gates is a small factory where you can watch pots, vases and the like being made on the kick-wheel. On the way to Pulutan, well appointed restaurant at the lakeside invite you to enjoy lunch while watching the soft waves of lake Tondano . Follow the narrow little road from Tondano drive you up to the mountain village of Rurukan , half an hour away. This is lovely excursion through small coffee stands and vegetable gardens. Once in Rurukan turn left up to hill to a small area known as “Temboan” (lookout). It's only about 100 m away. At the top of this hill you will find one of the most spectacular vistas in Minahasa-high altitude, terraced vegetable gardens spread out before you in every direction, with Bitung, Molucca sea and lake Tondano visible in the distance. SonderThe beautiful and varied scenery on this day-long trip beyond Tomohon to the south makes it well worth the effort. The road south of Tomohan to Sonder passes first through Lahendong, where you can visit natural hot spring and sulphurous lake well known as a Linow lake. Past Leilem a small village known for it's handsome handmade furniture which in the 1970s had the highest per capita income of any7 other village in Indonesia . Many of the people here got rich when clove prices were high. About 15 minutes from Sonder, a small village called Tincep will attract you with Nimanga river where made 45 m water fall, and 1 st - 4 th class rapids of white water rafting for couples of hour. Backtracking to Sonder about 15 minutes south of Sonder you and shortly before Kawangkoan, are the Japanese caves useful for supplies storage during World War II.Continue south from Kawangkoan toward Langowan, turning right just after terminal. A pretty drive through terraced rice field than bring you to Watu Pinabetengan – a stone believed to be the most spiritually powerful site in Minahasa. According to legend, Lumimuut, the primal ancestress from whom all Minahasans are descended, devided up her people at this stone and drew maps on it denoting the territory of each group. Pictographic carving on the stone has never been deciphered. Ceremonies involving chicken and pig sacrifices are still held during the full moon and people come here to consult with the spirits of their deceased ancestors. About 10 minutes to west of Watu Pinabetengan, there is stand up Bukit kasih to remain that the difference is pretty. Church, Vihara, Temple , Mosque, all together built up by government in one area. Back on the main road, shortly before Langowan, a left-hand turn at the village of Toraget where you can find three pool of natural hot spring where can refresh you after long day trip, with swim in it. Bitung The port of Bitung is the other main point of interest in this area. Neatly laid out with wide boulevards, it boasts two bizarre replicas of the Eiffel tower and striking church. Bitung is the main port of North Sulawesi and has a fine natural harbor protected by the island of Lembeh . This is also the center for commercial fishing in region. The entire tip of the peninsula to the north and east of Mt.Klabat is covered in lush, tropical rainforest which have been declared a nature reserve. As known as Tangkoko- Batuangus-Dua Saudara Reserve, encompasses 9,000 hectares (22,230 acres) ranging from sea level up to 1,100 m (3,400 ft). This is a spectacular are which offers you the possibility to see not only some of Sulawesi 's unique animals and plants, but also a wealth of corals and fishes. The reserve also offers excellent opportunities to see the bear cuscus, black macaques, Tarsiers, hornbill birds, etc. Vasko, our staff, organizes interesting tours within North Sulawesi. |
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