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 Mahkuta

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

Teluk Tomini

This motif illustrates the beauty of underwater life in

Karawo Pinang

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

Jagung

The philosophy of the corn motif illustrates the dream and

 

Discover

Indonesian

Batik

Motifs

Kerawang Datar

This motif symbolizes the embodiment of of religious values for

Prada Papua

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

Kaharingan

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

Pisang Bali

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

Hiu Taliyasan

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

Pucuk Rebung Riau

Pucuk Rebung symbolizes heart determination in achieving goals, good luck, and

Paqbarre Allo

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

Merak Ngeram

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

Besurek Rembulan

This batik illustrates praise for God who created the wonderful universe

Bayam Raja

The Raja Bayam Sasirangan motif illustrates the social status of

Pala Salawaku

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

Gumin Tambun

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

Pohon Hayat (Tree of Life)

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

Salakanagara

Salakanagara batik motif illustrates the first kingdom in the Betawi land

Jumputan Bintang

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

Bunga Raye

Raye Flower motif also represents a wish for

Jagung

The philosophy of the corn motif illustrates the dream and

Singayaksa

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

Wirasat

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

Malinau Cultural Festival

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

Karawo Mahkuta

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

Dayak Taghol

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

Merak Lasem

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

Gedhog Kembang Waluh

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

Kerawang Tegak Aceh

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

Manguni Minahasa

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

Rasamala

The Rasamala Batik motif is associated with a story when the Dutch came

Barong Bali

The Barong refers to the mythological animal with supra-natural

Ukir Sentani

The Ukir motif is a batik motif that is inspired by various traditional Sentani wood carvings

Kuda Sepasang

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

Rumah Mamuju

the Batik motif illustrates the house of Mamuju King with the stairs, located on the left of the wooden stage house

Bale Lumbu

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

Dayak Kamang

Kamang motif is generally found in the Dayak tribe shield because it is believed to

Daun Sirih

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

Sero Tangga

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

Ceplok Gayo Aceh

The variety of colors shows the differences in society that

Daun Lada Hitam

The black pepper motif represents the main commodity of Bangka Belitung

Bultiya

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

Pucuk Mekar

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

Gonggong Siput

Gonggong (Strombus Turturella) is one type of sea snail found around

Biji Kopi

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

Desa Na Tolu

The Desa Na Tolu characteristic pattern symbolizes the Batak philosophy of existence and

Keluak Daun Pakis

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

Gentala Arasy

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

Kasih Tak Sampai

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

Kaganga Tanah Rejang

If Batik Besurek combines Arabic calligraphy motifs, then the Kaganga batik takes

Gurdo Solo

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

Sido Mulyo

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

Angsa Duo

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

Lok Baintan Floating Market

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

Tanah Liek

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

Karawo Pinang

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

Pantai Ambon

Ambon city batik depicts the natural wealth and marine life of

Ake Patra

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

Samudra

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

Kamaro Timika

This motif is inspired by sacred symbols of Kamaro communities in

Kuda Kupang

Horses symbolize wealth. It contains noble values of virtuous characters that bring

Awan Berarak

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

Sandeq

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

Tengkawang Ampiek

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

Rangkiang

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

Enggang Dayak

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

Kalo Sara

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

Parang Rusak

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

Daun Simpor

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

Tabir Tanjung

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

Honai

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

Awan Larat Riau

This motif is usually associated with gentleness, wisdom, and

Abimanyu Prince

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

Pati-Pati Pinehiku

It symbolizes the hierarchy in society and the social status of the Mekongga

Peresean

The Peresean is a game that sometimes some kinds of magic are

Gamolan

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

Teluk Tomini

This motif illustrates the beauty of underwater life in

Tangerang Herang

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

Gonggong Beruntun

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

Raja Ampat

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

Leuit Sijimat

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

Jupri Kembang Teh

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

Banji Cirebon

The Banji motif is the symbol of protection and

Pattimura

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

Waruga

Minahasa batik motifs are adopted from Waruga. Waruga is the

Pintu Aceh

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

Gajah Mungkur

Semantically, it means a huge longing emotion trapped in the

Tongkonan

Toraja’s traditional house is called Tongkonan. Tongkonan is a place for

Tikar Natuna

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

Mahkota Siger

Siger is the crown of a noblewoman in ancient time. It is a symbol of femininity, strength, and

Desa Na Ualu

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

Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan

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

Tenun Bima

The motifs are adopted from Bima woven textile. This pattern has received a great

Lipaq Sabe

Lipaq Saqbe contains a simple geometric classical motif with various flower decorations. This textile is

La Galigo

La Galigo is a literary work of the Buginese Epic that has 300 thousand epic lines. It is considered even

Alam Pantai

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

Mega Mendung

Mega Mendung signifies the cloud. This motif means to stay

Rutun Penyu

This motif describes the local wisdom which favours modesty and

Gorga Simeol-Meol

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

Asmat Papua

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

Sinaran

This pattern originates from Cirebon. It represents the reflection of

Srimanganti

The name of the Srimanganti motif is derived from Palace’s hallway that connects to

Tifa Totobuang

The batik motifs illustrate Maluku’s traditional music instrument called

Bintik Tujuh

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