Mount Bawakareng - How to?| Mountaineers

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If you have been to Makassar, you have probably heard of Mount Bawakaraeng. Here, I will share some information about it.

First, let me give you some general knowledge. Mt. Bawakaraeng is the most popular mountain to climb in South Sulawesi. It is about 2,840 meters above sea level, which is equivalent to 100 basketball courts.

The name Bawa means mouth or place that produces words, and Karaeng means God or King. Bawakaraeng means the place that gives God's word. As the name suggests, the mountain provides everything it has to the people so that they can live well. It provides water, land to farm, and animals to hunt or breed. The locals consider it a sacred place and often go up to the peak of the mountain to pray and make sacrifices during special events.

I strongly suggest that you show good attitude and abide by local rules.

Secondly, how can you get there? The mountain is located in Gowa Regency and has three available hiking routes, with the most popular one starting at Lembana Village. It will take you around three to four hours to get there from Makassar City. You can travel there by renting a car or using online transportation services like Gojek, Grab or Maxim. However, the best option would be to use local guide services. Not only will it make it easier for you, but they also do not charge a lot (with some terms).

What to expect? Before starting your journey, spend some time exploring the village to see how the locals live and take in the fresh air. You will notice how many houses are still preserved in traditional styles and what the locals do for a living, among other things 

To reach the peak, you will need to pass 10 posts, and it normally takes around 8-10 hours. You will pass through a Pine Forest, and the route becomes steeper as you get closer to the peak. The mountain has two water sources located at the fifth and eighth posts, and it is recommended to set up camp at these two posts.

When is the best time to go? The best time to go there is from July to August during the dry season. Avoid going there on August 17 or around that week because there will be a lot of mountaineers who want to celebrate our nation's independence day.