Lake Lindu, eco-tourism's little-explored haven<\/p>\n
Bambang M., Lore Lindu Park, Central Sulawesi<\/p>\n
As a tourist destination, the province of Central Sulawesi is
\nnot as famous as North and South Sulawesi. Despite being not as
\nwell known as its neighbors, Central Sulawesi boasts the 218,00
\nhectare Lore Lindu National Park, an area offering many an
\ninteresting site for tourists.<\/p>\n
One of the must-visit tourist attractions in the park is Lake
\nLindu. Surrounded by thick forest, the lake measures about 3,750
\nhectares and lies at 1,000 meters above sea level. The water is
\nclear blue, mixed with the green color of the surrounding
\nfoliage. At the edge of the lake stand a number of houses
\nbelonging to locals and cattle pens.<\/p>\n
It is estimated that Lake Lindu is now 70 meters deep, though
\nit was at one time 100 meters in depth. Scientists say it was
\nformed by tectonic movement during the Pliocene era, some 1.6 to
\nfive million years ago.<\/p>\n
Its origin aside, the lake is beautiful. If you sit along the
\nbank at daybreak, you can watch the sun rise from behind Mount
\nNokilalaki, the golden yellow rays reflected on the surface of
\nthe water. Then, from afar, you can hear the buzzing engines of
\nboats as the fishermen return home after a night spent out on the
\nlake.<\/p>\n
Lake Lindu is home to various species of birds, and you can
\nhire a boat to take you around the lake for a little bird-
\nwatching. Bhakti, a forest ranger assigned to the national park
\ncenter at Tomado village, will guide you for Rp 50,000 (about
\n$5).<\/p>\n
Morning is the best time for bird-watching because this is the
\ntime they feed at the edge of the lake. You can watch insect-
\neating birds feast on butterflies or dragonflies, and enjoy the
\nsight of spotted whistling ducks feeding at the edge of the lake
\nalong with white egrets.<\/p>\n
Brahmin Kite are often found perching on large trees growing
\nalong the bank of the lake. And when the sky suddenly comes alive
\nwith the a sound like the buzzing of a plane, you can be sure
\nthat red-knobbed hornbills have taken flight. These birds are
\nspectacular sights, so if you go don't forget your binoculars.<\/p>\n
The lake also was rich in various species of freshwater fish
\nendemic to Sulawesi. Unfortunately, the mujair and the barb fish,
\nintroduced in 1950s, have killed off the lake's populations of
\nmany of these fish, leaving only one species, the Sogili.<\/p>\n
To avoid the midday heat, you can take refuge in a tent --
\nwhich can be set up at the edge of the lake. Or you can stay at
\nguest houses run by the national park center or the
\nschistosomiasis laboratory in Tomado village, for Rp 50,000 per
\nnight plus three meals.<\/p>\n
If you stay in the guest house owned by the lab, you can bird-
\nwatch all day, as they peck at the fruit of the large banyan tree
\ngrowing in the backyard.<\/p>\n
While at the lake, you can take trip to the island of Ball,
\nlocated on the southern part of the lake. About five hectares in
\narea, this uninhabited island is covered in thick forest. On the
\nisland, you can view a sandalwood coffin that was discovered in
\nthe 16th century.<\/p>\n
Although only about 75 kilometers to the south of the
\nprovincial capital Palu, not many Palu residents have visited the
\nlake. The main constraint is transportation.<\/p>\n
To get there from Palu you take a small bus (in the direction
\nof Kulawai) and get off at Sidaunta village, about 60 kilometers
\nfrom Palu. Then you face the challenge of getting from Sidaunta
\nto Lake Lindu, with your only option being a path.<\/p>\n
To cover this 15-kilometer path, you can either walk or ride a
\nhorse. If you prefer the latter, you must arrive at Sidaunta
\nbetween 10 a.m. and 12.p.m.<\/p>\n
\"(If you come) later than this, you are likely to find no more
\nhorses,\" said Idris, a nature lover from Palu. By horseback, you
\nshould be able to get to the lake in about three hours.<\/p>\n
The horses also are used to carry various items for the
\nresidents of the four villages around the lake, namely Puro,
\nLangko, Tomado and Anca. You can rent a horse for Rp 25,000,
\nthough it will cost you more if you have a lot of luggage.<\/p>\n
If you are up to a 15-kilometer walk, you will enjoy some nice
\nsights along the way. The first seven kilometers of the path will
\ntake you up and past thick forest. Trees taller than 40 meters
\nwill welcome you. In the valleys you will be able to admire wanga
\ntrees, which are endemic to Sulawesi.<\/p>\n
Along the way you can enjoy the \"orchestra\" provided by
\nvarious species of birds. You will hear the chirpings of kuluri
\n(grosbeak starlings), Sulawesi crows\/piping crows and the shrill
\nof Sulawesi hawk-eagles. The last two species are endemic to the
\nisland.<\/p>\n
If you keep your eyes peeled, you will see various insects in
\nstriking colors. And Sulawesi butterflies, famous for their sheer
\nbeauty, will flit through the air. But be on the alert for the
\nsnakes that call the area home.<\/p>\n
After about seven kilometers, you will arrive at Station I,
\nwhere you can have a brief rest. The next part of your journey
\nwill be easier as it is downhill. When you emerge from the
\nforest, you will pass two villages, Puro and Langko, before
\nfinally reaching Tomado village. Besides being able to observe
\nthe activities of the locals, you can also buy some supplies for
\nyour journey. If there are no unforeseen complications, it should
\ntake about six hours to walk to the lake, which no doubt will be
\na beautiful sight for your tired body.<\/p>\n
Just a small warning; make sure that you always wear shoes
\nwhile in the lake area. Otherwise, you risk the chance of getting
\nSchistosomiasis, which is carried by worms usually found in humid
\nand wet areas.<\/p>\n
Not all parts of the lake have the worm that causes this
\ndisease. So don't hesitate to ask Daniel Samel, the head of the
\nSchistosomiasis lab for this disease in Tomado. He will tell you
\nwhich areas are safe to visit. Take his advice and you will enjoy
\na safe trip to Lake Lindu. Remember, there are dangers lurking
\nbehind the beautiful face of nature.<\/p>",
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