Wa Ode Buri Peak

Exploring the Charm of Wa Ode Buri Peak: A Panoramic Tourist Icon in North Buton

North Buton Regency in Southeast Sulawesi continues to adorn itself with a string of stunning natural tourist destinations. One of the most prominent and a favorite for locals and international tourists alike is Wa Ode Buri Peak. Situated at a strategic altitude, this destination is not just a stopover, but a symphony of nature that brings together the green of the hills with the blue expanse of the Banda Sea.

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History and Evolution of Wa Ode Buri Peak

Initially, the Wa Ode Buri Peak area was merely a crossing point on the hilly route connecting coastal settlements with the inland areas of North Buton. The name "Wa Ode Buri" itself is rich with local cultural meaning, where the title "Wa Ode" refers to a noblewoman in the social strata of the Buton community. According to generational stories, this location was once a favorite spot for local figures to monitor the sea conditions from a height.

A massive transformation occurred when the North Buton Regency Government began to see the extraordinary aesthetic potential of this place. From just a cliff by the roadside, Wa Ode Buri Peak was developed into an integrated recreational destination. The construction of infrastructure such as viewing decks, spacious parking areas, and garden arrangements has made this place an icon of tourism progress in the region. Now, this evolution has borne fruit, making Wa Ode Buri Peak one of the "Faces" of North Buton for travelers.

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Recreational Experience and Main Activities

The main attraction of Wa Ode Buri Peak is its 360-degree panoramic view. From the highest point, visitors can witness the curves of the coastline of Wa Ode Buri Village and the busy harbor with fishing boats and passenger ships. The most popular recreational activities include:

1. Landscape Photography and Selfies: The management has provided various instagrammable photo spots, ranging from ship replicas, bird wings, to a mini glass bridge that juts out towards the abyss, providing an adrenaline-pumping sensation as well as a spectacular photo background.

2. Enjoying the Sunrise: Due to its northeast-facing position, Wa Ode Buri Peak is the best location in North Buton to witness the sunrise moment. The golden light reflecting on the sea surface creates a magical view.

3. Coastal Culinary Tourism: Around the peak area, there are rows of kiosks selling local culinary delights such as Kasuami (a staple food made from cassava), fresh grilled fish, and appetizing parende chili sauce. Enjoying warm dishes amidst the gentle breeze of the hills is an unforgettable experience.

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Facilities and Visitor Comfort

Wa Ode Buri Peak has been equipped with adequate facilities to ensure visitor comfort. There are gazebo areas or lopo-lopo in the local language that can be used for resting or gathering with family. Other public facilities include:

• Spacious Parking Area: Capable of accommodating two-wheeled vehicles to tourist buses.
• Toilets and Prayer Rooms: Available in clean and well-maintained conditions.
• Street Lighting: Allows visitors to continue enjoying the peak atmosphere until night, where the view changes to the sparkle of harbor lights below.

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Family-Friendly Destination

For families, Wa Ode Buri Peak offers a safe and educational environment. Children can learn about local geography while directly observing the marine and land landscapes. The neatly arranged garden area allows children to move freely, while parents can supervise from the available gazebos. The maintained cleanliness and low-pollution air make this place the best healing location to escape the hustle and bustle of city routines for a while.

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Cultural Significance and Community Role

Wa Ode Buri Peak is not just a commercial tourist object; it is a public space that strengthens the social bonds of the North Buton community. On major holidays like Eid al-Fitr or national holidays, this place becomes a gathering point for all generations.

Culturally, the existence of this peak also serves as a reminder of North Buton's maritime identity. From here, the community is reminded of their abundant marine wealth. The local community actively participates in maintaining the cleanliness and security of this area voluntarily, demonstrating a high sense of ownership towards this regional asset. Furthermore, cultural art performances or local music festivals are often held in the open stage area of Wa Ode Buri Peak to promote the talents of the region's youth.

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Visitor Information and Best Time to Visit

To reach Wa Ode Buri Peak, visitors can travel by land from Buranga city center, the capital of North Buton. The road access is well-paved, although there are some steep inclines and sharp turns typical of hilly areas.

Visiting Tips:

• Best Time: Come at 05:30 WITA to see the sunrise, or at 16:30 WITA to enjoy the cool afternoon atmosphere without the scorching sun.
• Equipment: Don't forget to bring a camera with a full battery and a light jacket as the wind at the peak can be quite strong.
• Etiquette: Maintain cleanliness by not littering on the cliff area to preserve the ecosystem below the hill.

Wa Ode Buri Peak is a tangible proof that natural beauty managed with a touch of creativity and community care can become an extraordinary tourist magnet. It is a place where history, culture, and natural beauty merge, giving every visitor a reason to return to the "Bumi Sakti Alam Lipu" (Magical Land of the Realm) of North Buton. For those seeking tranquility and visual grandeur, Wa Ode Buri Peak is a must-visit destination on your itinerary in Southeast Sulawesi.