Gorontalo province mostly contains of
mountainous area that stretches form the north to the south of the province.
The Mountainous panorama of Gorontalo is magnificent.
The mountains and forests are the
homes of unique animals and trees. Anoa, tarsius, maleo bird, babi rusa (deer
pig) are among the rare species that can be found here. Maleo, for instance, is
a species of birds which lay eggs bigger than themselves. While Tarsius is the
smallest primate in the world; it has approximately 10 cm length.
You can find Ebony, Lingua, Nantu,
Meranti and Rattan trees in Gorontalo’s forest. In the south part of
Gorontalo’s sea, which is known as “Teluk Tomini”, there are a number of small
islands which spreads around the sea. Those islands are still unsettled
and beautiful white sands surround each of them. Teluk Tomini (Tomini Bay) is a heaven for divers,
because the geographic position of “Teluk Tomini” itself, which is crossed by
the equator line, has naturally presented various kinds of sea creature inside.
Other Places of Interest:
Potanga Pool
Potanga Pool.
Approximately 4 km from the center of Gorontalo town, Potanga pool has natural
cool and fresh water, comes from the natural mountain spring.
Pentadio Resort
Pentadio Resort on the north of the Limboto Lake or 12 Kms from
the center of Gorontalo City. This resort has complete spa, facilities, cottage,
swimming pool and hot spring water pool.
Otanaha Castle
Otanaha Castle. In the past, the Kings of Gorontalo used Otanaha
castle as a place of protection and defense. The unique of the castle applies
in the material that was used to build the castle, which was the mixed of sand,
plaster and the white part of Maleo egg. The panorama of Danau Limboto also can
be seen clearly from the castle of Otanaha, because the castle itself stands in
the top of the highland. Precisely, the castle is located in Dembe I, Kota
Barat. The distance of the castle is approximately 8 km from the center of
Gorontalo city. Beside Otanaha castle, there are two more castles that also
located in the same area, Otahiya and Ulupahu castles. The visitor must pass
345 steps of stairs to reach the three of the castles because of its position
that located in the top of the highland. There is also alternative way to be
able to reach the top of the mountain.
Nani Wartabone Monument
Nani Wartabone Monument. It is a historical monument of a local
Gorontalo hero, named Nani Wartabone. He played an important role for the
independence of Gorontalo. This monument is located in the center of Taruna
Remaja Gorontalo Park.
Mesjid Hunto (Sultan Amai)
Mesjid Hunto (Sultan Amai). Hunto Mosque is one of the oldest
mosque in Gorontalo (300 years old). The Mosque is located in Siendeng Village
in Gorontalo city. In this mosque, there are well and beduk (an Islamic
traditional drum) that has the same age as the Mosque itself.
White Sand of Leato
White Sand of Leato. The seashore with its white sand give us an
impression of ma¬king refreshment to the visitors. Watch the process of
repairing wooden boat in traditional way. The underwater life of this place is
quite interesting. The beautiful coral-reef, the unique of fishes and sunken
ship has become the attraction for the divers. This beach is located on North
Leato, about 12 km from the town center.
Olele Sea Garden
Olele Sea Garden is distinctive from others and has the marine
resources. It is closest diving point, only 45 minutes from Gorontalo city.
Other diving site is Lahilote Beach.
Limboto Lake
Limboto Lake. A
village named Iluta, which is 10 km from the town center, marks the entrance of
this Lake. The unique characteris¬tic of this lake lies on the variety of
freshwater fish species, which only can be seen on this lake. Besides, on this
lake there was a landing field for the amphibian airplane name Katelina, which
carried The First President of Republic Indonesia, Bung Karno.
The Tower of Majesty
The Tower of Majesty. The Tower of Ma¬jesty is a tower with 60
meters height. On the top of this tower, there are telescopes, which are served
to explore the beautiful sight of Limboto Lake. Inside this tower you can see
many of displayed souvenir and some restaurants.
Natural Hot Spring Water Bath of Lombongo
Natural Hot Spring Water Bath of Lombongo which is located
on Lombongo village, Suwawa 20 km away from the town center. There are natural
hot spring water bath, cold spring water bath, playground, and the stage for
art performances. The hot water spring contains sulfur that can cure any skin
diseases.
Tangga 2000 and the Footprint Lahilote
Tangga 2000 and the footprint Lahilote. On this tourism
area, you will directly face the beauty of Tomini Bay. This location is
facilitated by shop and recreation places. The shady coconut trees give you
cooler atmos-phere in the evening. See a huge stone looks like human footprint,
“Lahilote”, located on Pantai Indah Pohe, Kota Selatan. Historically, Lahilote
was a footprint of a man who married a falling angel.
Ayuhulalo Waterfall
Ayuhulalo Waterfall is located on Ayuhulalo village (Ayuhulalo
means moon woods), Tilamuta. It is about 5 km away from the District of
Boalemo. Its environment provides a fresh atmosphere for the visitor, because
shady green woods with its everlasting and fresh water surround this area.
The Beautiful Boalemo Beach
The Beautiful Boalemo Beach. It is white sand seashore with calm
and clear water, can make yourself comfortable and relax, swimming, boating,
and diving. Along the seashore, there are coconuts and pine trees. Moreover, it
has some luxuries resorts.
Bitilia Sea Garden
Bitilia Sea Garden some diving spots with remarkable beautiful
underwater view. This place is 15 minutes drive from Boalemo Indah Beach.
Bolihutuo Beach
Bolihutuo Beach. In most part of part of Bolihutuo beach grows
giant pines tree, it has created the cool and calm atmosphere around the beach.
White sand that spreads around the beach has made the beauty of the beach more
complete. There are also available some cottages.
Bajo’s Tribe Villages
Bajo’s Tribe Villages (Tilamuta, Torosiaje, Popayato) Bajo’s tribe
lives in a group and has their own culture and habit. They always make
activities on the boat and they work as a fisherman. The Bajo’s tribe that
still live in the boat is called as “Bangau”, because wherever they move around
from one island to another islands in the end they will be back to the Toro
Pantai Island to cultivating pearl and sea grass.
Central of Kerawang
Central of Kerawang Handicraft Industry (Karawo). Kerawang is
one of Gorontalo’s traditional handmade cloth.
The Sacred Cemetery of Ju Panggola
The Sacred Cemetery of Ju Panggola. Sacred cemetery of Ju
Panggola built in 14th century is located in the sub district of Dembe I, 8 km
from the center of Kota Barat in Gorontalo city. People of Gorontalo that live
around the cemetery consider this cemetery as a sacred place because it has a
unique characteristic, related to the Islam culture. Therefore, it isn’t
surprising to find out that many of visitors do meditation around the cemetery
area.
Rumah Adat (Traditional House) Gorontalo
Rumah Adat Gorontalo (Bantayo Poboide) Traditional house
is located in the center of sub-district of Limboto, Gorontalo. Lite¬rarily
“Bantayo” means building and “Poboide” means place for meeting. Bantayo Poboide
is taken apart as a symbol of Gorontalo culture and also has a function as a
place for the activity that related to the art and culture of Gorontalo.
Bantayo Poboide has many rooms and each room has a different
function, and every ornament that applies in the building symbolized every part
of Gorontalo inhabitant’s activity.
Pantai Olele
Pantai Olele This beach is a gate to the underwater
paradise. The amazing beauty of underwater life on this area has been
recognized by many of the divers in the world. It is proofed by the enthusiasm
of the divers who come to this area.
ENTRY POINTS
Regular flights
service to Jalaludin Airport, from Manado or Makassar.
HISTORY
In the past, several kingdoms formed some kind of brotherly
alliance called Pohalaa. There were five, namely Gorontalo, Limboto, Suwawa,
Boalemo and Atinggola. In late 19th century, Dutch colonized this area until
Japan took over. After Japan lost in WW2, Dutch tried to reign again by
creating a puppet country, but the people vehemently opposed this so Gorontalo
became a part of Indonesia in 1950.
It used to belong to North Sulawesi province. In 2000 it was
stated to be a new province but this was not legalized until 2001. Gorontalo is
the 32nd province of Indonesia.
CUISINE
Culinary enthusiast should try milu siram. It's a soup made of
corn, fish, salt, grated coconut, chili and lime. It can be found almost
anywhere, most notably in the stalls around the market at night. Dutch
influence also makes Gorontalo one of the best bakeries in Indonesia. Cakes and
pastries are delectable and suitable for your people with sweet tooth.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
The locals belong
to Malay, Polynesia group. People of Ternate, Tidore, Bugis, Makassar are also
abundant here.
TOURISM OFFICE
Dinas Perhubungan
dan Pariwisata Prov. Gorontalo
Jl. Jendral
Sudirman No. 57
Kota Gorontalo
Phone/ Fax.
(62-435) 827615
www.gorontaloprov.go.id
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