Gorontalo

The province of Gorontalo lies on the north arm of Sulawesi-an orchid-shape island that is the fifth largest in the Indonesian Archipelago. Rugged mountains and parallel coastlines characterize the region. Surrounded by tall mountains, the beautiful Lake Limboto lies in a large valley in the heart of Gorontalo. A geological fault cuts through the southern mountains, allowing rivers to drain into the vast Tomini Bay.

            Gorontalo relatively untouched by commercialism. Travellers venturing to this place have described it as a scenic area full of friendly people. But the place is catching up with modern life with Internet cafes and cell phone stores. Gorantalo is indeed full of surprises. Beautiful landscapes surround relics from the past, the pristine and the traditional existing side by side. There are even more surprises under the sea. Located in a center of biodiversity, Gorontalo has a unique mix of marine life and species that are endemic to the area. New species are still being discovered and awaiting further research.

            Gorontalo became a new province in February 2001. Slightly larger than 12,000 square kilometers in size, it has about 900,000 residents. Many are traditional farmers. Rice fields and coconut plantations have been here for generations, but the provincial government is emphasizing corn production. Gorontalo City is the largest city between Manado and Palu. Though it is the hub of economic activity for the area, it is still very much a village. The village, however is becoming modern with Cable TV in five languages, ATMs, Internet Cafes, and a profusion of cell phone stores.

            With its parallel coastlines, Gorontalo also has many fishermen. Uniquely in the province’s eastern part, ocean depths drop hundreds of meters immediately offshore and bring within easy reach a haul usually found far out to sea. Gorontalo, according to a folktale, was formed by three peaks rising from a declining sea. This makes sense when you look at the towering limestone cliffs where coral patterns and an occasional fluted clam or nautilus shell are visible. These are the remains of once teeming, ancient reefs whose living descendants now lie far below.