Mekongga Mountain, The Amazing Top of Karst at Celebes

1. Introduction
Mekongga mountain is an amazing karst mountain that keep a luxurious biology diversity both of flora and fauna were exclusive/endemic and is a potential area for tourism in near future as well. This area is located at South East Celebes province, district of Kolaka. Geologically, this mountain area formed from lift up of atoll at hundred years ago and constructs the most wonderful highlands karst configuration of Celebes.
The endemic biota can be found in this area as follows: 1.Highland Anoa (Bubalus Sp). 2.Celebes Rangkong Bird 3.Tarsius 4.Plants such as a variety of orchid, which could be found along the incline track with the specific species among other “Sorumeh orchid” with the various colors (could be found at Celebes only). And also the plant species were known as “Hoya” that has large flower (new species) which as far we know, it have no found in the other place except at Mekongga mountain. At the top of mountain, there a variety of vacsinium and medinela trees and also “pandan” with the scented flower and so much more.

2. What kind of the challenge when climbing this wonderful top of Karst ?
Need about 6 (six) days to hike till the top of this mountain through the available track. For true adventurer, this area will presented the great escapade such as :

Across the Ranteangin river with wide about 20-35 m and depth about 1-3 m and trouble water Tracking along the day with the 60 km trip (PP) start from altitude at 17 mdpl to 2780 mdpl. Water survival; the challenge to implemented the outdoor activity knowledge because of the karst structure of mekongga caused lack of artesis and have to prepare the spare at least for two days. Scrambling at top of rough karsts with the various of declivity from 30 – 60 º. Caving at the vertical caves that have not yet explored by many cavers.

3. How to reach the location?
If you are from abroad (not from Indonesia), the simple way to reach this location are from Bali or Jakarta to Kendari (capital of south east Celebes) by plane and then continued with the land transportation by car to District of Kolaka and straight to last village as entry point to start the Hiking.