Ulantha Fort in Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province

Gorontalo Province is surrounded by beautiful beaches and unspoiled nature. This explains why lots of outsiders want to visit it for various purposes including adventure, exploration, and sightseeing. Some people even want to spend a vacation in Gorontalo for its history, in fact! It is because the region has interesting historical forts, including the one called Ulantha Fort! This one, as the name suggests, is located in Ulanta Village of Suwawa Sub-District. Tourists only need to head to Bone Bolango Regency first before heading to the fort later. They must consider carrying a camera and hiring a local guide, though.

The Nuance
The locals (especially nearby villagers) have made the fort as their prime vacation spot on weekends. They even come regularly in order to enjoy family recreation. Another purpose is to spend a historical vacation with either their friends or families. One thing that makes the fort unique is definitely the location, which is on a mountain. Thus, visitors can enjoy beautiful rural scenery like local farms, trees, and local buildings as well from that area. Also, the location is not quite far from the regent’s office. In terms of architecture, the fort resembles the ones in Europe!

Exploring Ulantha Fort
The fort resides on a hill, so visitors must conduct trekking in order to reach the location. This won’t be tiring, as everyone is able to enjoy the trip while sightseeing or watching nearby panoramas. Once they arrive at the fort, they may see the majestic building right away. The size is moderate and it represents the colonial architecture. At the entrance, several huts are available for relaxing as well. Next, tourists need to pass through the arch gates in order to get to the main building. Somehow, taking pictures at the gates are recommended.

In the past, the fort was surrounded by bushes and wild weeds! Thanks to the local government. They turned it into a cleaner and more comfortable environment. The purpose is indeed to lure more visitors (both local tourists and outsiders). These days, the fort even becomes teenagers’ favorite place for hanging out and conducting photography! Usually, the best time to come to the fort is in the evening or dusk. The purpose is indeed to watch the beautiful sunset from that area.

For the information, Ulantha Fort resides majestically on Pombolu Mountain. According to the locals, the mountain has an important history, as well. It is said the mountain was once used as a strategic location to monitor the incoming of the Dutch’s war vehicles. Thanks to the height. The local heroes were able to watch the enemies safely from up there.

Nearby Attractions

• Puncak Kelapa Dua
• Peyapata Hill

How to Get There
Ulantha Fort is located in the midst of a city, so it is easy to reach. However, all tourists should get to Gorontalo Province first, especially those who live outside the region. For the fastest trip, it is recommended to take an airplane, therefore. Here is an example. Those coming from Jakarta City can take an airplane at Soekarno – Hatta International Airport and head to Jalaluddin Airport right away. This flight usually takes around 3 hours.

Next, from the airport, they must take Trans Sulawesi Street and get to the fort directly. This trip usually takes around 1 hour and 7 minutes, as the distance is 39.6 km. Another example is from Gorontalo City. Tourists only need to take Batu Doa Street and head to the fort immediately. This time, the trip may take about 1 hour and 31 minutes, as the distance is 46.8 km.

Where to Stay

• Crystal Green Hotel
• Wisma 88
• Sumber Ria Hotel