Bau-Bau: Sultanate History, Views and Traditions

Bau-Bau tells the story of the history of the Sultanate of Buton while also offering sweeping views. This connection is especially evident at Benteng Keraton Buton: the centuries-old historic fort sits on a 100-meter-high peak and is one of the city’s notable landmarks.

Fortress History and Views

Construction of the fort began in the 15th century under Sultan La Sangaji. It was built for protection and defense during the Sultanate of Buton and completed in 1645 under Sultan La Buke. Anyone interested in the history of the sultanate will find a tangible connection here: the construction period, purpose and completion link this place to several centuries of history.

From the peak, you can see the city of Bau-Bau, the Bau-Bau Strait and Muna Island. The view here encompasses not only walls and history, but also three distinct landscape features: a city, a waterway and an island. The scenery adds another perspective on the surrounding area to the historical focus.

Historical Tour and Crafts

In Limbo Wolio, visitors can join a guided historical tour of Benteng Keraton Buton. It includes Batu Popoau, Makam Sultan Batu Wolio, Gua Arung Palaka, Rumah Naskah Kesultanan Buton and Museum Kebudayaan Wolio, and ends at a souvenir center. The tour brings several historical sites together in one experience. Ask locally whether the tour is currently available.

Visitors can also take part in craft-making with artisans in Limbo Wolio, in the area of Benteng Keraton. Activities include making Tudung Saji, learning about brasswork, weaving and making Kampurui. Unlike the historical tour, the focus here is on hands-on participation. If you would like to include these activities in your travel plans, ask locally whether they are currently available.

Traditions of the Sultanate of Buton

Santiago is a tradition of the Sultanate of Buton in which the graves of the sultans in and around Benteng Wolio are visited. During the sultanate, Santiago took place on the second day of the month of Syawal, after the evening prayer and until shortly before the dawn prayer. This traditional account of the timing offers insight into how the tradition was observed during the sultanate, without specifying a present-day event date.

At the traditional Pekande-kandea festival, young women from a particular family in the community are introduced, and a shared meal is part of the occasion. The festival and Santiago reflect different aspects of the cultural heritage: one centers on a communal meal associated with an introduction, while the other involves visiting the sultans’ graves.

In the associated community, special local rules govern sermons and clothing during Friday prayers at Masjid Agung Keraton Kesultanan Buton. These are preceded by the beating of a drum and the call to prayer. The traditional game of Pelojo is also among the cultural practices described in the community area. Two teams compete, each trying to knock over the other team’s Lojo. This target is a coconut shell carved into a heart shape; a bamboo stick is used to strike it.

Waterfall and Visitor Information

Air Terjun Kogawuna is in the Limbo Bungi area of the associated community. The waterfall is about 7 meters high and has seven cascades. Visitors can bathe, swim and take photographs there. Arrange your visit with the local representative and a guide, and take safety considerations at the site into account.

There is also a Tourism Information Center in the Limbo Wolio area within Benteng Keraton Buton. If you would like to use it to help you find your way around, check in advance whether it is currently open.

When choosing a holiday rental in Bau-Bau, consider which experiences you want to shape your trip: fortress history and views, cultural traditions, hands-on craft-making with artisans, or time by the waterfall. The guided tour brings together historical sites, while the craft activities focus on direct participation. This can help you weigh up different interests when planning your trip.

For the broader travel overview: Bau-Bau.