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| Orchid Flower in Arfak range |
Although orchid farming is still considered as a small home business activity. Many people still do it in front of their home yards. There are not any companies in West Papua that have opened large areas of farmland to be used for cultivating orchid flowers.
A few months ago, there was an Orchid exhibition in Manokwari city organized by the government to promote orchid as a non-timber forest or agricultural products. Papua and West Papua provinces have a number of dendrobium orchid species that are expensive in such big cities as Jakarta, Surabaya and Denpasar. The local government want to promote the region as the major supplier of this tropical flower to improve the living condition of the flower farmer.
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| Pseudo Bulb of Orchid |
If you go hiking in the tropical rainforest of Arfak mountains, Table Mountain and the North Coast of Manokwari regency, you will be able to see various species of orchid plants in the jungle. Papuan people do not see orchid only as decorative plants. They use orchid fiber to make noken (string bags). The pseudo bulbs of orchid is also used by the islanders in Numfor island as herbal remedy for abscess. The pseudo bulbs contain sticky thick liquid than can be applied on the surface of one's skin that is suffering from abscess. The liquid will suck the pus and dry the wound without causing severe pain.
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| Orchid Plant in A Tree in the Forest |
So, next time when you see an orchid plant with its beautiful flowers, you will know that it is also a good herbal medicine. From the above story, we can conclude that the preservation of the tropical rainforest is not only important for fighting global warming through the absorption of CO2 gases but also for protecting the high biodiversity that it has for the improvement of the standard living condition of mankind. From the rainforest, we can get a lot of species of plants that have medicinal functions. Rainforests and global warming are two important issues that cannot be separated but the preservation of these rich environments is not limited to them. Simply, it is very important for all of us.
On a separate trip into the rainforest of West Papua, I accompanied a young Biologist from the United Kingdom. Her name is Georgie. We went hiking through the jungle of Manokwari town. Our destination was the tropical rainforest of Dopi river on the west of the town. We saw fruit doves, pygmy parrots, Blyth's hornbills, butterflies, and various colours of terrestrial orchids. Perhaps, the one in the above photograph is Spathoglottis plicata. If you are looking for more information about orchids, try to buy some books at Amazon online store
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| Terrestrial Orchid |
Flower Tour in the Minahasa Highlands: From Tomohon to Tincep Village in Subdistrict Sonder
The Minahasa Highlands of North Sulawesi are among Indonesia’s most enchanting destinations — a region of cool mountain air, fertile volcanic soil, and landscapes painted with color. At the heart of this natural beauty lies a journey that every nature lover should experience: the **flower tour from Tomohon to Tincep Village in Sonder Subdistrict**. This route captures the essence of Minahasa’s floral richness, rural charm, and cultural warmth, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into a land where flowers bloom year-round.
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| Waterfall, flower garden, birds and butterfly in Minahasa highland |
1. Tomohon – The City of Flowers
Your flower journey begins in Tomohon, famously known as the “Kota Bunga” or “City of Flowers.” Nestled between Mount Lokon and Mount Mahawu, Tomohon enjoys a cool, misty climate — perfect for cultivating a stunning variety of flowers. As soon as you enter the city, you’re greeted by rows of colorful flower stalls and gardens that stretch across the hillsides.
One of the main attractions here is the **Tomohon Flower Gardens**, where local farmers and florists proudly display their blooms. The market bursts with colors — bright chrysanthemums, elegant roses, cheerful daisies, and exotic orchids. You can watch locals crafting beautiful arrangements or even purchase fresh bouquets directly from the growers.
Another highlight is the **Tomohon Flower Festival (TFF)**, held annually around August. During the festival, the city transforms into a floral paradise with floats, parades, and flower-themed exhibitions, showcasing the creativity and horticultural skills of the Minahasan people.
For those who prefer a more tranquil experience, visit **Kebun Raya Tomohon (Tomohon Botanical Garden)**. This expansive garden sits on the slopes of Mount Lokon and features native plants and flower species from across Sulawesi. Strolling along its paths, you’ll find rare orchids, begonias, and other tropical blooms set against panoramic views of the highlands.
2. The Scenic Route from Tomohon to Sonder
Leaving Tomohon, the road to **Sonder Subdistrict** winds through picturesque countryside dotted with traditional wooden houses. The journey, roughly 15 kilometers, offers magnificent views of the Minahasa Highlands — terraced fields, volcanic peaks, and flower farms that seem to merge seamlessly into the landscape.
Along the way, you’ll pass through small farming communities such as Rurukan and Tombariri, where flowers are cultivated not just for sale but as part of daily life. Villagers often plant bright marigolds, bougainvilleas, and zinnias around their homes, giving the entire journey a colorful, festive feel.
As you descend toward Sonder, you’ll notice an increase in the number of flower gardens and nurseries. Many of these are small family-owned farms that grow flowers for local markets, religious ceremonies, and special events throughout North Sulawesi. Visitors are often welcome to stop, take photos, and even purchase freshly cut flowers directly from the farmers.
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| Flowers that are offered for sale |
3. Tincep Village – The Heart of Rural Floral Beauty
Your final destination, **Tincep Village**, is one of the most charming villages in the **Sonder Subdistrict**. Known for its fertile soil, Tincep has long been a center of agriculture — producing not only vegetables and spices but also an impressive variety of flowers. The village sits in a lush valley surrounded by hills, with a cool breeze and constant fragrance of blooming flora.
The villagers of Tincep take pride in their flower gardens, which are often small but vibrant. Here, you’ll find roses, celosia, chrysanthemums, dahlias, sunflowers, bougainvillea, flourishing side by side. The simplicity of these rural flower farms contrasts beautifully with the grandeur of Tomohon’s larger gardens, offering visitors a peaceful and authentic countryside experience.
Many locals in Tincep are happy to invite visitors into their gardens. You can learn how flowers are cultivated, cared for, and harvested — often using traditional methods passed down through generations. Some residents even offer garden tour, allowing you to see closely how they tend various flower plants at their front, side and back yards.
In addition to flowers, Tincep is also known for its **organic farming practices** and **community-based tourism** initiatives. Visitors can take guided walks around the village, enjoy traditional Minahasan dishes like *Tinutuan* (vegetable porridge) and *Ikan Woku* (spicy fish stew), or relax in small homestays surrounded by nature.
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| Tropical flowers at the frontyard of the villagers' houses in Minahasa highland |
4. The Culture and Charm of Sonder
While the flowers are the main attraction, the wider **Sonder Subdistrict** has its own unique appeal. The people of Sonder are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Local traditions are still alive — from **Minahasan wooden house craftsmanship** to **traditional dances and music** that often accompany village celebrations.
If you visit on a Sunday, you might hear church bells ringing across the hills — a reflection of the community’s deep-rooted Christian faith, harmoniously coexisting with their respect for nature. The villages in Sonder are also famous for their clean, well-maintained surroundings, often adorned with ornamental plants and flowering shrubs that brighten every corner.
5. Best Time to Visit
The Minahasa Highlands enjoy a mild climate throughout the year. During April to November, the skies are often clear, and most flowers are in full bloom. If you visit in August, you might also catch the **Tomohon Flower Festival**, making your trip even more memorable.
6. Travel Tips
- Flight Routes: Visitors who are interested in taking this flower tour need to fly to Manado city which is the capital of North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. International Direct flight is available between Singapore and Manado city served by Scoot Air. Another route is from Guangzhou and Manado city served by China Southern Airlines and TransNusa. For domestic flights, there are regular daily flights between Manado and major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar, Balikpapan and Sorong city.
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| Flying to Manado city |
- Getting There: Tomohon is about 45 minutes from Manado by car. From Tomohon, the drive to Tincep Village in Sonder takes approximately 30–40 minutes. You can rent a car or motorbike, or hire a local guide to explore the area.
- Accommodation: Tomohon has various hotels, guesthouses, and eco-lodges. For a more authentic experience, consider staying overnight in a **village homestay** in Tincep or Sonder.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, a light jacket (as the weather can get cool), and a camera to capture the scenic landscapes.
Respect Local Customs: Always ask for permission before entering private flower gardens, and support local farmers by buying their flowers or handmade souvenirs.
7. A Journey of Color and Calm
The flower tour from **Tomohon to Tincep Village** is more than a scenic drive — it’s an immersion into the heart of Minahasa’s natural beauty and local life. From the bustling flower markets of Tomohon to the peaceful gardens of Tincep, the journey reveals how deeply flowers are woven into the region’s culture and identity.
Here, every bloom tells a story — of volcanic soil that nourishes life, of mountain breezes that carry the scent of nature, and of people whose love for flowers has turned the Minahasa Highlands into a living garden.
Whether you’re a photographer, a flower enthusiast, or simply someone seeking tranquility, a flower tour through **Tomohon and Sonder** will leave you refreshed, inspired, and enchanted by the endless colors of North Sulawesi’s highlands. 🌸
Booking
The duration of this tour is as short as 1 day to as long as 3 days to see most of the flower varieties that local farmers grow. This tour can be combined with sightseeing tour in Minahasa highland as well as birdwatching and butterfly watching in Mount Mahawu, Mount Lengkoan of Minahasa highland, The outskirts of Manado city and Tangkoko Nature Reserve.
To book your tour, please, contact: Charles Roring by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com
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