GORONTALO

Gorontalo expresses itself as a “Culture City”, as seen from the variety of traditional dances, music, and legends that it has. From colonial heritage buildings and fortresses to beach resorts with modern facilities, Gorontalo city is a veritable treasure chest of sights and experiences to be had.

The city of Gorontalo, capital of the province of Gorontalo, is nestled in the calm waters of the northern shoreline of the Tomini Bay, on the southern fringe of Sulawesi's protective northern arm. Here the weather is balmy and equatorial, the landscape punctuated by chains of mountains.

Being the main gateway to the diving mecca of the Togean Islands and only a 1 hour flight from Manado, Gorontalo is easily reached and often passed through. However, stop to have a look around and you may be surprised by what Gorontalo has to offer, along with its unique diving environment.

Life here is quiet and simple, like a clean and friendly, rural country town. Tourists are virtually unknown within the town, so you can experience the cultural, daily workings of a Sulawesi town.

There are many small islands around the north and the south of the province, 67 of which have been identified and named. In 1525, with Portuguese assistance, three small rock fortresses were built overlooking the waters of Lake Limboto. Still in place today, the Fort Otonaha complex has commanding views.

The people of Gorontalo achieved independence from Dutch rule in 1942. The fight was against colonialism was led by guerrilla, freedom fighter and national hero Nani Wartabone, who forced out the occupying Japanese during World War II. Since the city escaped Allied bombings during the war, a number of Dutch-colonial era buildings are still intact. Although many are in poor condition, Gorontalo City still has that distinctive colonial appearance.

After Indonesia proclaimed its independence in 1945, Gorontalo became part of the province of North Sulawesi, but in the year 2000 Gorontalo become a separate province.

The province is divided into five districts and one city. These are Boalemo, Bone Bolango, Gorontalo, Pohuwato, and North Gorontalo, and Gorontalo City, which is also the province’s capital city.