North Sulawesi: The Forest Area of Mount Klabat

A. Brief Information

The forest area of Mount Klabat encompasses a 5.300 ha area which is situated on the highest mount in North Sulawesi namely Mount Klabat (1.990 meter above the sea level). This forest area is a right place for mountain trekking lovers who want to enjoy the enchanted view of surrounding nature.

In the early years of Indonesian Independence Day, Mount Klabat or gunung hutan (Forest Mountain) was utilized by `anti-Indonesia` people as a sanctuary from Angkatan Bersenjata Republik Indonesia-ABRI (Indonesian Armed Forces).

B. Distinctive Features

Exploring this forest area, you will discover multifarious floras and faunas that are intentionally preserved by Minahasa local government. The forest area of Mount Klabat has four dipterocarps which may also be used as campground. Those four dipterocarps are hilly dipterocarp forest area, upper dipterocarp forest area, montane forest area, and ericaceous forest area.

There are six check posts along the footpath leading to the top. The first post – Aermadidi – is the starting point to reach the peak of Mount Klabat. In that post, you need to register your name and identity for safety during the visit to Mount Klabat. You will pass by a coconut plantation nearby the first post.

It spends approximately four hours to reach the peak of Mount Klabat by walk. You are allowed to ask for guides from professional tour operators who will heartily accompany you during the visit. On Sunday, the location is densely visited by visitors, hence if you want to experience a tranquil holiday, avoid visiting the location on that day.

C. Location

Mount Klabat lies in Aermadidi Sub-district, Manado City, North Sulawesi. It is 18 km distance from Manado. To reach the location by taking public transport, it spends approximately 30 minutes.

D. Access

You may take public transport to reach Aermadidi Sub-district from Manado City. After 30-minute journey from Manado, you will pass by a gateway to Mount Klabat.

E. Accommodation and other Facilities

There are six check posts along the footpath to the peak pf Mount Klabat. In those posts, you may ask for guide from professional tour operators. On the slope of Mount Klabat, there are few food stalls thus you have to prepare enough provisions for the visit to the forest area of Mount Klabat. 

Source:www.wisatamelayu.com