Benteng Keraton Buton stands on a 100-meter-high peak. From there, you can see the city of Bau-Bau, the Baubau Strait and Muna Island. The centuries-old fort was built from the 15th century onward under Sultan La Sangaji to protect and defend the Sultanate of Buton. It was completed in 1645 under Sultan La Buke.
Fort and Guided Historical Tour
A guided historical tour of Benteng Keraton Buton includes Batu Popoau, Makam Sultan Batu Wolio, Gua Arung Palaka, Rumah Naskah Kesultanan Buton and Museum Kebudayaan Wolio. It ends at a souvenir center. Along with the fort, the tour therefore includes other named historical sites and a museum. Ask locally about the tour’s current availability.
There is also a Tourism Information Center in the Limbo Wolio area within Benteng Keraton Buton. Check in advance whether you can use it during your visit.
Hands-On Crafts
In Limbo Wolio, in the Benteng Keraton area, you can make a Tudung Saji with local artisans, learn about brasswork, weave and make a Kampurui. Alongside the historical tour, this offers a hands-on way to engage with local crafts: you can not only visit the named sites but also take part in the activities described. Ask locally about the current availability of the craft activities.
Traditions of the Sultanate of Buton
Santiago refers to a tradition of the Sultanate of Buton in which the sultans’ graves in and around Benteng Wolio were visited. During the sultanate, Santiago took place on the second day of the month of Syawal, after the evening prayer until shortly before the morning prayer. Pekande-kandea is another traditional celebration: young women from a particular family are introduced to the community, and people share a meal. The customs differ in focus: Santiago is associated with visiting the sultans’ graves at a precisely specified time, while Pekande-kandea involves an introduction within the community and a shared meal.
Cultural Practices in the Local Community
Masjid Agung Keraton Kesultanan Buton is still used by local residents. During Friday prayers, the beating of a drum and the call to prayer are followed by special local rules for the sermon and clothing. This practice offers a distinct insight into religious traditions alongside the fort’s history.
The traditional Pelojo game is another cultural experience in the local community. Two groups compete, each trying to knock over the other side’s Lojo. The Lojo is made from a coconut shell carved into a heart shape; a bamboo stick is used to strike it. The objective and the objects used give the game its distinctive form.
Waterfall near Limbo Bungi
The Air Terjun Kogawuna waterfall is in the Limbo Bungi area of the local community. It is about 7 meters high and has seven cascades. Visitors can bathe, swim and take photographs there. It is recommended that you coordinate your visit with the local official and a guide.
For the broader travel overview: Bau-Bau.
