Here we find
Asian monkeys sharing the forests with cuscus, pouched mammals
of Australian origin. Throw in peculiar species such as the
Babirusa, or "deer-pig", with tusks that curl upward through
the snout and the maleo, a chicken-sized bird that incubates
large eggs in hot volcanic soils, and we have a queer and
unique mix.
"Wallace's Line"
refers to the remarkable change in wildlife that takes place
east of a line drawn between Bali and Lombok and between
Borneo and Sulawesi. Many characteristic Asian animals like
the great forest cats terminate their ranges on the west side
of this line. Both the geographic region and the line are
named for the famous English naturalist, Alfred Russel
Wallace, who traveled to Sulawesi in the late 1850s. Wallace
was the first to write about the unusual characteristics of
the region's wildlife in his still fresh and insightful book
The Malay Archipelago. A contemporary of Charles
Darwin, Wallace independently and simultaneously developed the
theory of evolution, his ideas were stimulated by what he
encountered during his extensive travels in Indonesia. Wallace
is considered the father of biogeography, the study of the
geographical distribution of plants and animals. Although
North Sulawesi is very different today than when Wallace first
stepped ashore, it still holds much of the fascination that
captivated naturalists almost 150 years ago.
- Manado
-
This municipality is the capital and commercial centre, the
main gateway to North Sulawesi Province. The land structure
shows a morphology of wavy slopes and hills in the northern
and central part of the city. The southern part is made up
of the mountain foot of volcanoes in central Minahasa. The
principal deep water port of northern Sulawesi, however, is
at Bittung, about 48 km from Manado. This seaport carries
trade between one island and the others, as well as with
Singapore and the Philippines.
For intercity road travelling
it good, particularly the network linking Minahasa, Bitting,
Bolaang, Mongondow and Gorontalo.
-
-
Bunaken
-
About half an hour by a motorized outrigger canoe from
Manado, Bunaken island is a veritable paradise for
snorkelers and scuba
enthusiasts. The coral reef off Bunaken island is
particularly good for that and shouldn't be missed while
you're in this region. The drop off wall at Liang Cove is
not only rare in the world, as it's described by
international divers as being spectacular with caves,
gullies, and caverns harbouring an immense wealth of marine
life. The water averages a balmy 28 degrees C and
visibility is sensational (over) 30 m. The Bunaken sea
garden is rich with colourful tropical marine life.
-
- Manado
Tua Island
-
Manado Tua is the main island of its sister islands group:
Bunaken, Siladen, Mantehage and Nain, situated just off
Manado city in the Bay. The path to the top takes several
hours to climb but the view takes in all the islands in the
Manado Bay. Superb for snorkeling and skin diving, and ideal
for corals and sponges. The beach is a mixture of white sand
and coral formations. Beautiful reefs and coral gardens are
also found around the islands of the northernmost tip of the
Minahasa peninsula and along the east coast.
The reef lines the coast of
Tangkoko Batuangus in the area of a nature reserve.
A permit should be obtained
from Sub Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam (Nature
Conservation Office) in Manado, before heading for this
reserve.
-
- Tasik
Ria
-
Tasik Ria is situated about 20 km southwest of Manado and
has a beautiful sandy beach, with coconut trees. Ideal for
sunbathing, swimming, fishing, diving and snorkeling. Tasik
Ria seashore resort is completed by its four-star "Manado
Beach Hotel" with 250 rooms, swimming pool, bar & discotique
is a lush seashore resort. Easily reachable by public bus or
taxi from Manado.
-
- Watu
Pinabetengan
- A
megalithic stone of the ancestors of Minahasa, its surface
is covered with crude, mysterious live drawings and scripts
which have never been deciphered. According to Minahasa
history, this is the place where the ancestors first divided
up the land among the people (Watu Pinabetengan means "The
stone of discussion about the division"). The ruling was
made in order to ensure a peaceful and harmonious life.
Seven divisions were made amongst different areas of Tombulu,
Tonsea, Toulour, Tontemboan, Tonsawang, Ponosakan and Pasan
Ratahan. This is located in Tompaso, about 45 km from Manado.
-
- Waruga
- An
ancient cemetery of Minahasan ancestors consits of 144
Sarcophagi, which is a remnant of the Megalithic age. It has
a special historical value. Specific Sarcophagus known as "Waruga~
are unique square stones with holes in the middle and prism
shaped lids. The artistic aspect of the Sarcophagus is known
by the decorative sculpture and carving around the tombs and
the lids with various motifs such as of human beings,
plants, animals, and traditional geometrical motifs like
clouds, strings curls, double braids. Located in Sawangan
village, about 24 km from Manado.
-
-
Tangkoko Batuangus
- A
nature reserve on open grassland covered with a great
variety of plants. Located on the slopes of mount "Dua
Saudara", the area is composed of impressive green hills and
valleys with amazingly scenic views of natural beauty. There
are black apes, maleo birds, snakes, wild pigs, hornbills
and rusa deer. Located north of Bitting, it covers on area
of 3,196 ha. This nature reserve has several cottages and
small restaurants nearby. It is only reachable by four-wheel
drive jeeps from Girian village over a rough road.
-
- Dumoga
Bone National Park
-
Located on the border between two districts, approximately
260 km from Manado, this park covers Dumoga in Bolaang
Mongondow and Bone in Gorontalo. Its mountains and hills
covered by dense forests and vegetation make it an ideal
reserve of rare and specific animal species like maleo
birds, anoas, hornbills, wild pigs tarsius spectrums and
fruit bats.
The rainfall favours a very rich flora. A entry permit
should be obtained from Sub Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya
Alam (Nature Conservation Office) in Manado. This National
Park has several cottages and small restaurants nearby.
-
- Lake
Tondano - Remboken Tourist Sib
-
About 36 km southwest of Manado is lake Tondano, 600 m above
sea level. The drive to Tondano passes through picturesque
villages and clove plantations. Situated right on the edge
of the lake is the Remboken Tourist site, an ideal place for
water skiing, fishing, and boating. Bungalows, hot water
swimming pool and restaurants are available.
-
-
Karumenga
- Hot
baths with water originating from hot volcanic springs
attract people for relaxation and health reasons. Located in
the village of Karumenga, Langoan, about 50 km from Manado.
For
descriptive itinerary, Tour Price, flight details, airfares,
further information and private trip arrangement, please
contact us
SALES & MARKETING OFFICE :
Jl. Cendrawasih V 103, Makassar ( UjungPandang )
South Sulawesi, East Indonesia - 90123
Phone : + ( 62 ) 411852445
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+ ( 62 ) 81342256779 (outside
Indonesia)
Fascimile : + ( 62 411 ) 872061
Air-mail address : P.O.Box 1684 - Makassar, East Indonesia
E-mail :
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CONTACT PERSON
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E-mail :
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