Cultural Destination

Embrace the spirit of the place!

Otanaha Fortress (Photo: @Bobo.Grid)

The panoramic view of Limboto lake at Otanaha Fortress (Photo: @Ministry of Education)

Otanaha Fortress

It is the most visited spot in Gorontalo due to its historical values. This fortress was built by the Portuguese in 1522 as an agreement with King llato of Gorontalo Kingdom in order to avoid the pirates. To reach the Otanaha fortress, you should climb 348 stairs from the entrance gate that is located in the ground level. If you get tired during the hiking walk, don’t worry! There are some rest areas at this site for the hikers. 

Cultural Tourism Destination

Otanaha Fortress

Tourist Attractions in Gorontalo

Gorontalo

Batik Motifs

Karawo Pinang

Pinang refers to the Palm areca tree. This motif is considered as the original

Teluk Tomini

This motif illustrates the beauty of underwater life in

Karawo Mahkuta

Mahkuta refers to Gorontalo’s traditional crown. It represents noble characters of

Jagung

The philosophy of the corn motif illustrates the dream and

 

Discover

Indonesian

Batik

Motifs

Bunga Raye

Raye Flower motif also represents a wish for

Rutun Penyu

This motif describes the local wisdom which favours modesty and

Awan Larat Riau

This motif is usually associated with gentleness, wisdom, and

Kerawang Tegak Aceh

The Vertical Upright (Kerawang Tegak) Motif symbolizes a person who has a strong

Jumputan Bintang

The word Jumputan means the tie-dye technique, while the word “Bintang” refers to

Sekar Jati

Sekar means flower and Jati refers to teak trees that symbolizes a strong mental character that

Karawo Pinang

Pinang refers to the Palm areca tree. This motif is considered as the original

Teluk Tomini

This motif illustrates the beauty of underwater life in

Gedhog Kembang Waluh

a combination of Javanese cultural motif of the Majapahit kingdom (XII-XIV century) with

Karawo Mahkuta

Mahkuta refers to Gorontalo’s traditional crown. It represents noble characters of

Kaharingan

The Kaharingan or ‘tree of life’ based on the Dayak tribes’ belief system. This tree symbolizes

Manguni Minahasa

Manguni is identified as the symbol of the Minahasa people. Manguni is known as a

Barong Bali

The Barong refers to the mythological animal with supra-natural

Mega Mendung

Mega Mendung signifies the cloud. This motif means to stay

Asmat Papua

The batik motif illustrates the Asmat’s sacred tribal motifs that are

Hiu Taliyasan

Indonesia is also home to the world’s largest fish, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Hiu Taliyasan refers to

Daun Lada Hitam

The black pepper motif represents the main commodity of Bangka Belitung

Gamolan

This motif illustrates Gamolan, a bamboo musical instrument of Lampung that is

Daun Sirih

This motif illustrates betel leaves that are used by Lombok communities as traditional

Pintu Aceh

The motif is inspired by Aceh’s traditional architecture that has

Tabir Tanjung

Tanjung flower is a type of Cherry tree flower, which is commonly found in

Tikar Natuna

The Tikar Natuna motif is adapted from the traditional making of pandanus mats in

Leuit Sijimat

This motif reflects the daily activities of the Baduy tribe in Banten. The main ornaments of batik motif consist of:

Honai

The Honai is inspired by the traditional house of the Papuan community living in

Singayaksa

The Singayaksa motif comes from the name of a place where Sultan Hasanuddin used to

Anggrek Tewu

This motif is created based on the local wisdom and philosophy of

Parang Rusak

Another meaning behind this motif is an unconquerable spirit, symbolized by

Tidayu

The name of this motif is the acronym of three ethnics namely,

Wirasat

Wirasat or divine inspiration is a gift from God. This inspiration is symbolized by

Desa Na Ualu

The Gorga motif of Ualu Village is the symbol of the eight cardinal

Kuda Sepasang

For the people of Kupang, having a strong horse is a matter of

Malinau Cultural Festival

You will witness a unique competition that might not be found other than in

Gigi Haruan Lidi

The Gigi Haruan Lidi motif is taken from the name of the cork fish and is a symbol of

Gonggong Beruntun

This motif illustrates that a person should maintain a positive attitude and

Gajah Way Kambas

The motif illustrates the Lampung’s natural reserve, the Way Kambas. it also symbolizes

Banji Cirebon

The Banji motif is the symbol of protection and

Sekomandi

Its philosophical meaning is the eternal union which refers to a saying “until death do us part”

Lontara

The Lontara script itself is a typical ancient script of Bugis and Makassar communities. History records that

Wakatobi

It symbolizes the coastal beauty of the Wakatobi island and the symbol of Patra symbolizes

Bintik Tujuh

The Bintik Tujuh (Seven Dots) motif has 7 white spots and green color gradation as

Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan

The motif illustrates the philosophy of the mangosteen fruit, which is

Sido Mulyo

Sidomulyo is one of the classical motifs, which is specifically used for the bride’s costume in

Awan Berarak

Awan Berarak is a combination of Dayak motifs and Malay patterns. The word ‘Awan Berarak’ means the

Paqbarre Allo

The word “Barre” means round and “Allo” means the sunlight. This motif is interpreted as

Ake Patra

Ake is related to the divinity and the composition of the universe. It is a symbol of

Merak Lasem

The peacock is considered to be the king of the birds. It represents

Sero Tangga

The Sero Tangga illustrates an endearing feeling and sacrifices of a person to fulfil

Rangkiang

The word “Rangkiang” refers to the rice granary in the Minangkabau language. It symbolizes

Pucuk Mekar

This motive reflects the joy and gratitude to God over the grace of

Gentala Arasy

Built as high as 80 meters, the tower also highlights the historical side of

Kalo Sara

Kalo Sara is a sacred motif for Tolaki ethnic. It is considered as

Gorga Simeol-Meol

The Gorga Simeol-meol is a pattern of plant tendrils. it is regarded as a symbol of longevity and

Abimanyu Prince

This motif implies a hope that the wearer will have the wisdom of

Kawung

The Kawung motif was created by Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo (1593 – 1645) as a symbolic gift for

Tangerang Herang

Tangerang Herang motif is a symbol of Tangerang city. The Tangerang Herang batik motif consists of

Pala Salawaku

This motif illustrates the unique weapons of the Maluku region, namely

Pattimura

Pattimura is the name of an Indonesian hero who fought against colonialism in

Teguh Bersatu

This batik motif shows the strength of the people of Kupang. It also represents a sense of

Kasih Tak Sampai

‘Kasih Tak Sampai’ is an idiom in the Indonesian language which refers to

Gajah Mungkur

Semantically, it means a huge longing emotion trapped in the

Sandeq

Sandeq Boat is a symbol of the maritime importance of the West Sulawesi region. The greatness of

Jagung

The philosophy of the corn motif illustrates the dream and

Tifa Papua

This motif was derived from traditional Papuan musical instruments,

Daun Simpor

This motif is inspired by the Simpor plant (Dillenia Suffruticosa) which is a typical

Enggang Dayak

Local people beliefs that hornbills are an incarnation of the Commander of the Birds. It has supernatural

Jupri Kembang Teh

Kembang Teh illustrates the tendrils of tea plants that grow in the highlands of

Kamaro Timika

This motif is inspired by sacred symbols of Kamaro communities in

Prada Papua

The word “Prada” in the Javanese-Indonesian dialect means a batik textile that

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat motif represents the marine life at Raja Ampat archipelago in

Tengkawang Ampiek

With its many advantages, the Dayaks use this leaf in ritual ceremonies. This plant is a symbol of

Ikan tambal

The word “Ikan” refers to fish. The philosophical meaning of Ikan Tambal means is

Gurdo Solo

Gurdo or garuda bird is the mount of the Indian god Vishnu. As the Sun Bird,

Merak Ngeram

The hatching peacock motif has a very deep meaning which refers to the sacrifice and

Pisang Bali

This batik motif is usually given by a person to his/her lover who is

Tanah Liek

The word “Tanah Liek” refers to clay in Minang language. It is also known as

Cengkeh

The clove flower motif is the main commodity of the Tolitoli Regency. This motif represents

Taiganja

Taiganja is a precious gold pendant that shows the social status of the Kaili family. It is

Ondel-ondel

Ondel – ondel is Betawi traditional icons. This motif signifies

Bale Lumbu

This motif signifies the welfare of the ancient Sasak society. Bale also symbolizes the

Waruga

Minahasa batik motifs are adopted from Waruga. Waruga is the

Bayam Raja

The Raja Bayam Sasirangan motif illustrates the social status of

Buketan Bali

The Balinese bouquet (Buketan Bali) is a floral arrangement and the name is

Sinaran

This pattern originates from Cirebon. It represents the reflection of

Burung Bidadari

Bidadari birds are endemic birds in Halmahera. This motif represents an

Gumin Tambun

Based on Hindu mythology, this motif symbolizes lucks, abundant wealth, and

Bekantan Pakis

This motif represents Pakis Haji (Polystichum setiferum), an endemic plant in

Besurek Rafflesia

The term “Basurek” refers to a textile that contains letters or inscriptions

Lok Baintan Floating Market

As you can imagine, the most authentic thing is that you can buy things and even

Alam Pantai

The word “Alam Pantai” refers to the natural beauty of

Samudra

This art painting means to be strong-willed person to pursue

Bultiya

The word ‘Bultiya’ is an acronym of the three major tribes in North Kalimantan, namely

Tubo Kelapa

Coconut tree is a symbol of a good character and strong mentality. It illustrates the more success a person, the more

Keluak Daun Pakis

The word “Keluak” is a Minang language which means twisted or tangled. The Motif of

Pinawetengan

The Pinawetengan Batik pattern was taken from a prehistoric inscription in

Biji Kopi

The coffee seeds motif illustrates the pride of local coffee specialities in

Pohon Hayat (Tree of Life)

The Batik motifs in Lampung are dominated by the acculturation of Buddhist and

Angsa Duo

According to legend, the Angso duo batik motif is a pair of swans that are believed to have led Princess

Dayak Taghol

Dayak Taghol has a distinctive style of four curved lines and small dots. This motif represents

Penari Melayu

Penari Melayu illustrates the traditional dance of Malay ethnic in

Durian Pecah

Broken Durian motifs depict the foundation of faith. The second half signifies the mastery of