Kasih Hill in the Foot of Soputan Mountain, Minahasa, North Sulawesi
If you want to enjoy the natural beauty of the hilltop while bathing in the hot sulfur springs, let's come to the hill of "Love" (Kasih is Indonesia language word of Love) in the Kanonang Village, Kawangkoan District, Minahasa regency, North Sulawesi. Sightseeing of Kasih Hill is still part of the foot of Mount Soputan that also offer fresh air and places for praying. And there is the uniqueness Kasih Hill which the places for praying are available for the five religions on a hilltop. The places for praying should be achieved through thousands of these stairs.
Kasih Hill is about 50 kilometers From Manado, capital of North Sulawesi. Before entering the area of these attractions, travelers must pass through the countryside at the foot of the mountain. Admission to the attractions at the Kasih Hill is fairly cheap, only 3,000 Rupiah per person. After passing through the gate and ticket payment counter, there is a monument standing around with height about 20 meters. The monument has five sides and at the top there is a statue of a pigeon infestation globe as a symbol of peace. Each side of the monument contains wise messages of affection teachings drawn from the scriptures every five religions, namely Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. This is the reason why this tourism place is called with "Kasih" Hill that has meaning of "Love". Surrounded by a pond, the monument becomes a favorite place for travelers to take pictures together. The view toward the monument from the hilltop is equally beautiful.
In the same place, there are many photography services of directly printed photo that offered by local people on the spot. Generally, they will directly go approach the travelers while offering services. Once the portrait and printed, travelers will pay 10,000 Rupiah. If the weather is rainy, travelers who forget to bring an umbrella don't need to worry because there are plenty of rental services umbrellas with fee of 5,000 Rupiah. Besides local people who offer photography services and umbrella rental, there are many souvenir sellers with typical of this tourism place such as necklaces and rings. Typically, souvenir sellers will immediately go approach the travelers who come with car in the parking lot.
Before ascending to the top of the Kasih Hill, from the bottom, it has been seen sights winding stairs to the top of the hill. There are also two statues of faces carved on one side of the hills. According to legend the Minahasa community, the statue's face was the face of Toar and Lumimu'ut. Both were believed to be ancestors of the Minahasa.
Places for praying of five different religions around the top of the hill are also visible from below. The most striking is a giant white cross that located at the highest elevation on the hilltop. In fact, the giant cross that can be seen on the streets in Tomohon is about 25 kilometers from the Kasih Hill. Travelers need extra power to be "devoured" to go up two thousand more stairs to the top of the hill. Luckily, there are several places to rest along the way to the summit. Beautiful scenery can also be a remedy exhausted while climbing the thousands of stairs. However, do not be surprised, though climbing up high, travelers will be accompanied by souvenir sellers who also climb together. They only go if one of the merchandise is purchased.
In the area of the Kasih Hill, there is hot springs that contain sulfur material. When the wind is blown strongly, the smell of sulfur is pushed up to the top, as well as the steam from the hot springs tubs mist that filled with the air around the region. Most of the hot springs are flowed down and accommodated into the pool that are provided for visitors who want to keep warm or simply washed away. So, for travelers who love a secluded place, the Kasih Hill in North Sulawesi could be an option. The fresh air and beautiful scenery typical of the mountains is the main attraction of this hill.
Article Source: travel.kompas.com
