Summary
Bukit Kasih is a peculiar shrine and monument located in the Minahasa highlands of Manado, Sulawesi. Two monumental stone faces, dedicated to local Indonesian heroes from ancient times, are intricately carved into the hills, resembling a unique and eerie version of Mount Rushmore. Moreover, this area is geothermal, showcasing bubbling hot springs and steaming ground, creating a surreal atmosphere where the earth seems alive.
What Is Bukit Kasih?
What exactly is Bukit Kasih? Despite several visits, the site still feels utterly bizarre. Imagine a blend of an Indiana Jones adventure, Yellowstone Park’s natural wonders, and a kitschy theme park all rolled into one. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by friendly locals offering odd photo opportunities with owls, as well as foot massage services in the warm springs.
The natural sights here are breathtaking, featuring bubbling geothermal pots and fascinating stone faces that evoke images from an adventure or horror film. The history and mythology behind these monuments link back to the origins of the Minahasa tribes, who are the ancestors of the locals in the Sulawesi region today. Therefore, Bukit Kasih offers one of the most extraordinary travel experiences imaginable.
• Geothermal Pots
Bukit Kasih is situated on the slopes of the Mount Soputan volcano, a site of significant geothermal activity. The area features hot springs and a pungent sulfur scent, with some springs cool enough for a relaxing foot soak. Locals may offer foot baths for a small fee for tired hikers.
Exploring the geothermal landscape is fascinating, but caution is essential; the ground’s instability and hidden heat vents can pose dangers. As this is rural Indonesia, safety measures are minimal, so visitors should tread carefully—especially if wearing sandals like I did, as the heat transfer from the ground can be intense.
• Giant Stone Faces – Toar & Lumimuut
The site features two massive stone faces dedicated to Toar and Lumimuut, legendary figures from ancient Minahasa folklore. According to local legends, Toar was an agile warrior who triumphed over all foes and encountered Lumimuut under the full moon before they became a celebrated couple in Minahasa culture.
The grand stone faces, topped with grassy tufts serving as hair, were skillfully carved in 2003. Visitors can approach the statues, which are spaced about 50 yards apart, with Toar’s face being the most accessible. The scale of these sculptures is awe-inspiring.
• Hill Of Love
At the summit of Bukit Kasih, visitors can find an interfaith shrine that serves as a space for diverse religions to worship together. Established in 2002, the complex houses a Catholic church, Protestant church, Muslim mosque, Buddhist temple, and Hindu temple, embodying the spirit of unity and peace among the various faiths present in the region.
Notably, the area has a predominantly Christian (67%) and Muslim (31%) demographic, which makes this effort even more significant. Bukit Kasih translates to “Hill of Love” in Bahasa Indonesia, emphasizing its message of harmony.
The climb to the top consists of over 2,000 steps, so ensuring adequate hydration is essential if you choose to embark on this rewarding ascent!
Entrance Fees
- Parking: 10k IDR (less than one US Dollar)
- Entry: 10k IDR
How To Get There
Bukit Kasih is located in Kanonang village in northern Sulawesi, Indonesia. The nearest airport is Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) in Manado. Airlines like Citilink offer connecting flights from Singapore, and there are now direct flights available from Bali (DPS) and Makassar (UPG). You can explore options for flights to Manado on travel websites.
It takes approximately 1.5 hours to drive from Manado city to Bukit Kasih. The best way to visit is through a day trip with a local driver.
Our Manado Driver
During our visit, we arranged transportation with Roy Paoki, a highly experienced local guide. His fee for a full day trip (12 hours) in the Manado area is around 700k Rupiah ($50 USD). I’ve traveled with Roy numerous times, and I can confidently say he is one of the best guides I’ve encountered in Indonesia.
You can easily reach him via WhatsApp at ☎ +62 823-9351-6786 or through his Facebook page.
Where We Stayed
For our accommodation, we chose Istanaku Guesthouse 2 in Manado city, where we paid approximately $20 USD for a double room with cold A/C and a hot shower. Each stay has been a pleasant experience, thanks to the friendly staff, clean rooms, and prime location, being just a 5-minute walk from a KFC and a short drive to the waterfront, ideal for visiting Bunaken Marine Park for snorkeling. It’s advisable to monitor pricing as they can change frequently.
