Mount Bawakaraeng is a mountain in South Sulawesi, precisely located in the district of Gowa. Mount Bawakaraeng has a height of 2,833 masl and is also a protected forest area part of the Lompobatang area.
Mount Bawakaraeng is very popular for climbers, especially in the Sulawesi area because of its easy access. Not far from the city of Makassar and also close to the tourist attraction of the Malino Highlands.
How to Get to Mount Bawakaraeng from Makassar
From Makassar city, you can use a car or motorbike with the aim of Malino continuing to Lembana Village. The distance from Makassar city to Lembana village is about 75 km. The pick-up time is about 3-4 hours.
If you want to use public transportation, you can take a pete-pete or angkot to Gowa station. Then, continue by public transportation to Malino. Just tell the driver to drop you off at Lembana Village.
If you’re lucky, you can stay at a local resident’s house and start climbing the next day.
Mount Bawakaraeng Hiking Trail
The best time to climb Mount Bawakaraeng is between May to September. The most popular route starts from Lembana Village (1,400 meters above sea level).
On this path there are 10 stop postspassing through the beautiful cypress trees before entering the forest with unique vegetation.
The path is quite gentle, sometimes crossing fallen trees so you have to crawl or jump a bit to get through.
From post 6 to 7 the path is dominated by moss forest. The longest path is between posts 7 and 8. The path is downhill and many insects fly with a buzzing sound.
After arriving at post 8, arrived at the waterfall. When the fog descends, the scenery at the waterfall looks even more beautiful. On the hiking trail of Mount Bawakaraeng, there are plenty of springs.
The springs can be found at posts 1, 3, 5, 8, and 10. Arriving at the peak, a beautiful view of the mountains in Sulawesi will welcome you.
Also Read: Mount Argopuro Climbing Notes
Itinerary for Climbing Mount Bawakaraeng
The following is my personal itinerary when climbing Mount Bawakaraeng:
Day 1: Lembana Village – Pos 5
- Lembana Village – Pos 1: 8.30 – 9.30 (1 hour)
- Heading 1 – Heading 2: 9.45 – 10.30 (45 minutes)
- Heading 2 – Heading 3: 10.45 – 11.00 (15 minutes)
- Heading 3 – Heading 4: 11.10 – 11.45 ( 35 minutes)
- Heading 4 – Heading 5: 12.00 – 13.00 (1 hour)
- Camping at Post 5
Day 2: Post 5 – Post 10
- Heading 5 – Heading 6: 9.30 – 10.30 (1 hour)
- Heading 6 – Heading 7: 10.45 – 11.55 (70 minutes)
- Heading 7 – Heading 8: 12.23 – 14.10 (1.5 hours)
- Heading 8 – Heading 10: 15.37 – 18.09 (2.5 hours)
- Camping at post 10
Day 3: Summit Attack – Back to Basecamp
- Summit attack. The peak is located about 15 minutes from the 10 post
- Get off and go back to base camp
Also read: Toraja Tribe Customs and Tourist Attractions
Hajj Ritual on Mount Bawakaraeng
The name Mount Bawakaraeng has a meaning, namely Bawa which means mouth and Karaeng which means God so that it is nicknamed “The Mouth of God”.
The people of South Sulawesi still believe in legends related to mystical stories handed down from their ancestors.
In the months of Hajj, many people will climb Mount Bawakaraeng. They believe that climbing the mountain at certain times is the same as going to the holy land in Mecca.
Also Read: Mount Papandayan Climbing Notes
The tradition of climbing mountains and also performing rituals at the top of the mountain during Eid al-Adha or before fasting has become quite a phenomenal thing, although it is also controversial for some parties.
Also Read: Mount Prau Climbing Notes via Patak Banteng
Visiting the Ramma Valley
At the foot of Mount Bawakaraeng there is a valley known as Ramma. The Ramma Valley is suitable for those who want to enjoy solitude and breathe fresh air away from the city.
Of course you have to camp, but believe me if you prefer relaxing trekking and camping, you have to come to the Ramma Valley.
The way to the Ramma Valley is more or less the same as the route to Mount Bawakaraeng. The difference is, after arriving at post 1, there is a fork that leads to the Ramma Valley.
Remember, safety first is not the pinnacle. Prepare your hiking gear and take your own trash home with you.
In addition to climbing this mountain, you can also play to several islands around Makassar such as Samalona Island and Kodingareng Keke, or also Cangke Island.
Those are some tips and also information about Mount Bawakaraen climbingg which can be a benchmark when you want to climb the mountain.
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