AMPANA TETE — The land of Tojo Una-Una in Central Sulawesi Province never seems to run out of ways to mesmerize its visitors.
In Ampana Tete District, nature presents two astonishing phenomena that prove just how rich this
“Sintuwu Maroso” land is. From tongues of fire dancing on coastal rocks to pure water gushing directly from the heart of the earth.
The Eternal Light of Tanjung Api Coast
On a cape jutting out into the vast ocean lies a rare and highly captivating phenomenon.
Tongues of fire naturally emerge and burn from the crevices of coral rocks along the shore. This fire comes directly from the belly of the earth and is never extinguished by the ocean breeze. This uniqueness is used by visitors and local residents for cooking or simply enjoyed as a magical spectacle as dusk arrives.
The wonder does not stop there. If you cast your gaze toward the surrounding sea surface, air bubbles appear to rise.
The seawater looks as if it is boiling, creating an extraordinary natural harmony between the elements of fire and water. This unique natural feature inspired the naming of the region’s pride airport, Tanjung Api Airport.
The Pure Freshness of Uempamaja in Uetoli Village
Moving slightly to Uetoli Village, another natural wonder welcomes visitors with a contrasting coolness. Here, a clean spring flows continuously from deep within the earth. Based on past research, this water has a very high level of purity, making it safe for direct consumption without needing to be processed or boiled first.
Local people name this beautiful place Uempamaja Natural Tourism. The word “Ue” is derived from the local language, meaning water. This place offers exceptional tranquility for anyone looking to unwind from the hustle and bustle of daily routines.
The Charm of Self-Sustained Tourism
Despite holding massive tourism potential, the Uempamaja tourist area currently faces several infrastructure limitations. This is because the management is still private by the landowner, without full intervention or facility assistance from the local government.
However, these limitations do not discourage people from visiting.
The preserved natural atmosphere and highly affordable entrance fees are main attractions that are hard to resist.
“We are very happy to visit this place. What is very interesting for us as visitors is the very calm and cool atmosphere. In addition, the entry fee is also very affordable for everyone,” expressed one visitor enthusiastically when interviewed by a reporter at the tourist site.
Uempamaja and Tanjung Api are small pieces of paradise in Ampana Tete. The combination of unique geological phenomena and pure natural freshness makes these places highly deserving of continued preservation, while awaiting better development in the future.
Key Points
Tanjung Api: Eternal fire in rock crevices and bubbling seawater (immortalized as the name of the local airport).
Uempamaja: Pure spring water that can be drunk directly without boiling, located in Uetoli Village.
Attractions: Cool, natural atmosphere and very cheap entrance tickets.
Reporter: Ahmad Tuliabu
