The History of Somba Opu Castle in South Sulawesi

Somba Opu Castle

In 1525, The Sultan of Gowa IX named Daeng Matanre Karaeng Tumapa‘  risi‘ kallonna built a castle that was called Somba Opu Castle. In the middle of the  16^th century, the castle became a very busy spices port and a  commercial center where many merchants from Asia and Europe  anchored there. On June 24^th, 1669, it was conquered and destroyed  by VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie) until it was sunk by tidal waves. In  1980‘s some archeologists discovered the castle and reconstructed it in 1990.  Now, it has been turned become an interesting historical museum.

The castle used the combination of clay and egg white as the material replacing cement for building the castle. Physically, it has square shape with length of the castle is around 2 km, 7 to 8 meters in height with total width  is about 1.500 ha.  All of the buildings are covered by thick wall where many heritages of Gowa Sultanate‘s historical  things are kept within. In addition, there are some customary houses representing tribes from South Sulawesi such as Bugis, Makassar,  Mandar and Kojang and artillery with 9 meters in length and 9.00 kg in weight  are kept in the museum. Visiting the castle will be beneficial for everyone who wants to know more information about the history and culture of tribes in South Sulawesi.

How to Access Location Somba Opu Castle?

The castle located in Daeng Tata street, Makassar city, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. It lies 25 km away from Cenderawasih street from the city of Makassar. It can be reached by bus, taxi, or pete-pete (minibus). Its costs Rp. 25.000,00 by taxi or only Rp. 7.000 by pete-pete. Just come to Somba Opu castle, there will be guides that will help you  in giving more information about the castle.

Read More

Mount Inerie

Mount Inerie, at an altitude of 2.245 meters, had ever erupted in 1882 and 1970 on dry season, during June to August. The west side of the mount‘s slope is dominated by thick forest while the east side of the mount is not converted into farming land. Most of the forest in the area of Mount Inerie are situated at 1.000 – 1.500 meters above the sea level.

You can see the entire panoramic view of Bajawa City, on the north-west, which is covered with slight mist above the city. On the south of the mount, the blue sea of Sawu lies in the slope of the mount.

There is a myth about a big stone located in the south of the mount. The big stone is believed as a materialization of Jaramasi and his horse. Jaramasi, jara means horse and masi is a name of a man, is assumed as the guardian knight of Mount Inerie.

Mount Inerie Location

Mount Inerie lies in Bejawa Sub-district, Ngada District, Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. To reach the destination, you can take air transportation from Kupang to Ende, in Flores Island. Having arrived at Ende City, you can continue the trip to Bajawa for about 61 km away. From Bajawa, go to the location by public transportation to the location, around 15 km southwards. In Bena Village, you can find some inns for you who want to spend more days around the location.

Read More