Gorontalo TourismGorontalo Tourism Travel Guide and Tourist Attractions
Gorontalo Tourism Travel Guide and Tourist Attractions.
Gorontalo is the newest province on Sulawesi. Recently separated from North Sulawesi, The province was established in December 2000 after being split from North Sulawesi Province. The capital is a city with the same name, Gorontalo, it covers more 12,000 sq. km. with a population of 840,000. The area is composed of extensive coastlines, rugged mountains, and a large central valley almost entirely surrounded by steep slopes. The Mountainous panorama of Gorontalo serves a magnificent scene, and it’s also a place to live for various kinds of unique animals and trees, such as Babi Rusa, Anoa, Tarsius and Maleo bird, those are kinds of animal that lived in both of the forest. Maleo bird has big egg that bigger than bird itself. Tarsius is the smallest primate in the whole world; it has approximately 10 cm length. Gorontalo’s Forest has Ebony, Lingua, antu, Meranti and Rattan trees.
In the south part of Gorontalo’s sea, which is known as "Teluk Tomini", there are a number of small islands that spreads around the sea. Those islands are still unsettled and the white sand surrounds each of the islands. Teluk Tomini is a heaven for the 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.
According to local legend, Gorontalo appeared when the seas subsided, leaving a wide land area with three mountains in the middle. This legend is plausible given the presence of high limestone cliffs along the southern coastline where ancient corals and giant shells are clearly evident in the cliffs. Scuba diving along this coastline is spectacular. Before the arrival of foreign influences, Gorontalo was organized into a federation of five kingdoms. This federation had a representative assembly to choose the king and then to advise him. Succession was not hereditary but based on the worthiness of the candidate and popular sentiment. A bad king could be - and was - removed by vote. Queens also came to power. This system had been functioning since the 14th century.
Located just north of the equator, Gorontalo City charms visitors with its architecture and shade trees, streets bustling with horse drawn buggies and motorized rickshaws, and friendly residents. Those shouts of "Hello, mister!" mean that people are really pleased to see you. In addition to the Fort Otonaha complex overlooking Lake Limboto, other areas of interest include Lombongo Hot Springs and an easy jungle trek to a waterfall in Nani Wartabone National Park (formerly Dumoga-Bone). Although Gorontalo City is often a transit point for those going to the Togian (Togean) islands, diving is seasonally available from the City.
According to local legend, Gorontalo appeared when the seas subsided, leaving a wide land area with three mountains in the middle. This legend is plausible given the presence of high limestone cliffs along the southern coastline where ancient corals and giant shells are clearly evident in the cliffs. Scuba diving along this coastline is spectacular. Before the arrival of foreign influences, Gorontalo was organized into a federation of five kingdoms. This federation had a representative assembly to choose the king and then to advise him. Succession was not hereditary but based on the worthiness of the candidate and popular sentiment. A bad king could be - and was - removed by vote. Queens also came to power. This system had been functioning since the 14th century.
Located just north of the equator, Gorontalo City charms visitors with its architecture and shade trees, streets bustling with horse drawn buggies and motorized rickshaws, and friendly residents. Those shouts of "Hello, mister!" mean that people are really pleased to see you. In addition to the Fort Otonaha complex overlooking Lake Limboto, other areas of interest include Lombongo Hot Springs and an easy jungle trek to a waterfall in Nani Wartabone National Park (formerly Dumoga-Bone). Although Gorontalo City is often a transit point for those going to the Togian (Togean) islands, diving is seasonally available from the City.
Gorontalo tourism travel guide and tourist attractions popular destinations can be enumerated as below :
Potanga Pool.
Potanga Pool is located about 4 km from the down town of Gorontalo, 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.
Fort Otanaha.
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 Lake 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 Fort Otanaha, 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.
The Sacred Graveyard of Ju Panggola.
Sacred Graveyard 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.
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.
Olele Beach.
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. Bitilia Sea Garden some diving spots with remarkable beautiful underwater view. This place is 15 minutes drive from Boalemo Indah Beach.
Lahilote Beach.
Lahilote Beach is located at Pohe Village, about 6 km from down town of Gorontalo. This place sometimes crowded by local people at weekend.
Boalemo Beach.
Boalemo Beach 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.
Dunu Beach.
Dunu Beach is one of the natural resources and marine tourism in Gorontalo Province. Quite amazing natural panorama. Elegance Dunu Beach is well known by the public North Gorontalo, as well as other communities outside of North Gorontalo regency. In fact, not a few citizens of North Bolmong District (North Sulawesi) and Gorontalo City residents also came to enjoy the beauty of natural scenery with the softness of sand and small waves splash full friendly greet anyone who would visit the Dunu Beach.
Leato Beach.
Leato beach is white sand beach. The seashore with its white sand give us an impression of making 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.
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.
Hunto Mosque (Sultan Amai Mosque).
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.
Lake Limboto.
Lake Limboto locates at village named Iluta, which is 10 km from the town center, marks the entrance of this Lake. The unique characteristic 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, Soekarno.
Tower of Majesty.
The Tower of Majesty. The Tower of Majesty 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.
Central of Kerawang.
Central of Kerawang Handicraft Industry (Karawo). Kerawang is one of Gorontalo’s traditional handmade cloth.
Potanga Pool is located about 4 km from the down town of Gorontalo, 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.
Fort Otanaha.
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 Lake 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 Fort Otanaha, 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.
The Sacred Graveyard of Ju Panggola.
Sacred Graveyard 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.
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.
Olele Beach.
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. Bitilia Sea Garden some diving spots with remarkable beautiful underwater view. This place is 15 minutes drive from Boalemo Indah Beach.
Lahilote Beach.
Lahilote Beach is located at Pohe Village, about 6 km from down town of Gorontalo. This place sometimes crowded by local people at weekend.
Boalemo Beach.
Boalemo Beach 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.
Dunu Beach.
Dunu Beach is one of the natural resources and marine tourism in Gorontalo Province. Quite amazing natural panorama. Elegance Dunu Beach is well known by the public North Gorontalo, as well as other communities outside of North Gorontalo regency. In fact, not a few citizens of North Bolmong District (North Sulawesi) and Gorontalo City residents also came to enjoy the beauty of natural scenery with the softness of sand and small waves splash full friendly greet anyone who would visit the Dunu Beach.
Leato Beach.
Leato beach is white sand beach. The seashore with its white sand give us an impression of making 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.
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.
Hunto Mosque (Sultan Amai Mosque).
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.
Lake Limboto.
Lake Limboto locates at village named Iluta, which is 10 km from the town center, marks the entrance of this Lake. The unique characteristic 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, Soekarno.
Tower of Majesty.
The Tower of Majesty. The Tower of Majesty 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.
Central of Kerawang.
Central of Kerawang Handicraft Industry (Karawo). Kerawang is one of Gorontalo’s traditional handmade cloth.
