:: Minahasa Tomohon Tours - North Sulawesi Travel
Guides ::
The Minahasa (alternative
spelling: Minahassa or Mina hasa) are an ethnic group
located in the North Sulawesi province of Indonesia (in
past called by Portuguese as North Selebes). The
Minahasa speak Manado Malay (also known as Minahasa
Malay), a language closely related to the Malay
language.
Minahasa
Raya is the area covering Bitung City, Manado City and
Minahasa Regency, which are three of the seven regional
administrations in the province of North Sulawesi,
Indonesia.
Originally inhabited by Malay-speaking peoples, the
region was colonized in the 16th century by the
Portuguese, then the Dutch. The Minahasa identify
strongly with the Dutch language and the Protestant
faith — so strongly, in fact, that when Indonesia became
independent in 1945 factions of political elites of the
region pleaded with the Dutch to let it become a
province of the Netherlands. There is a considerable
number of people from the Minahasa living in the
Netherlands, as part of the Indo community.
Their music, too, is highly influenced by that of their
former colonial rulers; their festivals feature large
marching ensembles made up of clarinets, saxophones
(source), trumpets, trombones, and tubas, all
constructed out of local bamboo.
History
The
name
of the land of Minahasa has been changed several times:
Batacina-Malesung-Minaesa and then finally the current
name Minahasa, meaning "becoming one united". This name
dates from the war against the Kingdom of Bolaang
Mangondow.
In 670, North Sulawesi never developed any large empire.
In North Sulawesi the leaders of the different tribes,
who all spoke different languages, met by a stone known
as Watu Pinawetengan. There they founded a community of
independent states, who would form one unit and stay
together and would fight any outside enemies if they
were attacked.
PLACE OF INTEREST IN
MINAHASA AREA
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.
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.
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.
TOURS OFFER:
MINAHASA HIGHLAND
TOUR
(Duration:
approximately 7 hours)
We depart Tasik Ria Resort heading for the small
village of Woloan, where you can see the Minahasan Style
Houses being built, knock down style, ready for delivery
or shipping. Then it's off to see the traditional food &
flower market in Tomohon, surprises in store for you!
After having lunch on Tondano Lake, close to the
goldfish farm, where you will enjoy the serenity of
Tondano Lake, we travel to Pulutan Village, a cottage
industry for making pottery. As we start to head back
towards Manado, the WW II Japanese Caves are a must to
visit & explore. Last stop is Lake Linow (the changing
color lake), a one of a kind experience.
TREKKING TOUR
(Duration: approximately 6 hours. Departure: suggested
8:30)
This is soft adventure at its best!! Off we go from
Tasik Ria Resort straight through Tomohon. Arriving at
the base of Mount Mahawu we begin the 1-hour trek to the
crater's edge. From that vantage point we can see
Bunaken & Manado Tua Islands, as well as the bay of
Manado. At the bottom of the crater, one can observe a
steaming lake and experience the smell of sulfur from
the pools. After this magnificent hike we stop for lunch
at a shore-side restaurant on Lake Tondano.
TANGKOKO NATURE RESERVE
(Duration: approximately 10 hours. Departure 12:30
PM)
Departing Tasik Ria Resort, we proceed 2.5 hours to
the 9000 hectare National Park where we will hike in
search of the Black Crested Macaque (Black Monkey
indigenous to North Sulawesi) as well as the Tarsier
Spectrum (the world's smallest primate). Cameras, long
pants and a flashlight are the order of the day.
Exciting trip for nature lovers, trekkers, and anyone
who likes the outdoors.
DEEP SEA FISHING
Enjoy the thrill of fighting Wahoo and yellow fin tuna
aboard out fully air-conditioned 14 meter Fiberglas
vessel. Powered by three 225 HP outboard engines this
boat can make your fishing trip and day at sea, an
unforgettable experience.
Come and Discover Indonesia Islands with us!
