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Five leisure spots in Gorontalo
A natural retreat: Students practice a traditional dance in the compound of the eco-friendly Islamic boarding school in the religious tourism village of Bubohu Bongo in Gorontalo
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span class="caption">A natural retreat: Students practice a traditional dance in the compound of the eco-friendly Islamic boarding school in the religious tourism village of Bubohu Bongo in Gorontalo. JP/ Syamsul Huda M. Suhari
Nestled in northern Sulawesi, Gorontalo offers a number of free tourist destinations for those who love culture, history and trekking. Here are the top five free spots.
Taruna Remaja Square (Old Town)
Located in the heart of the city, the area is popular among locals. The square, famous for its iconic statue of Gorontalo national heroine Nani Wartabone, is often filled with various communities holding gatherings and those taking part in outdoor exercises. Free WiFi is also available.
Ancient buildings can be found in the area, including traditional Gorontalo homes adorned with special carvings. People can enjoy the sights by taking a walk or chartering a horse-drawn carriage.
The 2,000 Stairs
Do not be fooled by its name as the tourist attraction does not really have 2,000 stairs. Its name refers to the year 2000, which is when it was built. It is situated at the edge of Gorontalo Bay in Gorontalo city, part of the Tomini Bay.
Rows of concrete terraces have been built along the coast, a nice place to unwind and take in the open sea, rolling hills and ship activities at Gorontalo Port.
Museum of Sukarno's Landing at Lake Limboto
The historical tourist attraction consists of an old building and a small wharf that served as a silent witness during former president Sukarno's first visit to Gorontalo on Nov. 20, 1951. It is located in Iluta village in Batuda'a district, Gorontalo regency, or a 20-minute drive from Gorontalo city.
Bubohu Bongo religious excursion village
A religious atmosphere mixed with traditional nuances, friendly residents and pristine nature greet you as you arrive in Bubohu Bongo village in Batuda'a Pantai district, Gorontalo regency, around a 25-minute drive from Gorontalo city.
The village is also home to hundreds of fossilized timber, displayed at the Wooden Fossil Museum.
A phenomenal structure there is the Walima Emas Mosque, which stands alone on a hill 250 feet above sea level. Visitors can view the open ocean, hills and human settlements as well as fishing boats below.
Maleo bird sanctuary and Nani Wartabone National Park
This tourist attraction is suitable for those who are keen on trekking and natural excursions. The place, called Hungoyono, is home to the endemic and timid Sulawesi bird called Maleo, and is part of the Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, located in Bone Bolango regency. The journey starts on foot, around 8 kilometers from Pasar Minggu, initially crossing villages before entering the forest.
Along the way, your ears will get pampered by a variety of wildlife sounds. Another bird endemic to Sulawesi, the white-necked Myna, locally known as blibong pendeta, can also be found here, including the jalak tungir merah bird (Scissrostrum dubium) and Sulawesi grey woodpecker. The Macaque, can be seen hanging from tree to tree. In Hungoyono, an observation post is available to watch the Maleo bird.
