Source: https://www.wakatobitourism.com/
Sulawesi is famous for the beauty of the sea, and Wakatobi Island is part of the beauty that cannot separate. Wakatobi has many attractivemarine tourism destinations and delicious culinary delights. Souvenirs are also one of the main attractions for tourists visiting the island. As in general, Wakatobi also has souvenirs that range from culinary to goods or souvenirs. Therefore, a list of typical Wakatobi souvenirs that you must take home when on vacation there will be explained. This is a row of typical souvenirs from Wakatobi that have high artistic value and unique flavors.
- Monimpala Coffee
Monimpala coffee is a type of robusta coffee typical of Wakatobi that has existed since ancient times. People in Wakatobi hope that this monimpala coffee will not become extinct and will continue to exist so that it becomes a typical souvenir until now. Monimpala coffee beans used to thrive in this area because
Wakatobi people used to plant it themselves, pick it themselves, and process it traditionally. So that people can enjoy this coffee from time to time. Unfortunately, over time, this tradition is lost. The reason is that a lot of instant coffee is starting to enter and circulate in Wakatobi. Currently, Wakatobi produces modern monimpala coffee so that you can buy it easily in Wakatobi. This monimpala coffee is produced for the Wakatobi people who miss the delicious taste of their ancestors’ coffee.
- Gula-Gula Snack Wakatobi
Then there is Gule-gule wakatobi, a typical snack often served at traditional events such as weddings. In ancient times, gule was a food that only served to the royal family. But now various circles of society can enjoy this gule-gule, even you as a tourist. Gule itself is a typical food with the basic ingredients of tubers whose dough is formed with various unique knot patterns and has a certain meaning. The shape of each gule has its philosophical meaning. For the surrounding community, gule also has its own mystical value. However, his art carvings are a testament to the creativity of the local people there.
- Luluta
The Wakatobi people are known as excellent sailors. They sailed between islands, even between countries for days to carry out trade. Therefore, they need supplies that are not easily stale during the trip, including luluta. Luluta is a typical Wakatobi food which is also commonly referred to as bamboo rice in other areas. The main ingredients for making luluta are glutinous rice, white rice or brown rice according to taste. In addition, pieces of forest bamboo and young banana leaves are also needed. Then cooked for quite a long time. You can combine this food with other side dishes in the Philippines.
- Kambalu
Almost the same as Luluta, this food also gets a big influence from the culture of the coastal community. This food is called Kambalu, and this Wakatobi specialty is a substitute for rice. Kambalu itself is made from taro, a type of carbohydrate that is often found in Indonesia. Kambalu has a unique shape because taro is wrapped in young coconut leaves in an elongated cube shape.
How to make it, taro mashed first. Then mixed with other necessary ingredients, namely cooking oil, coconut milk, and fried onions. Then the dough mixture is put into a wrapper from coconut leaves and tied. The leaves are smeared with oil before use to prevent sticking. Put back in boiling water for 30 minutes – 1 hour. Boil the mixture until the color of the coconut leaves turns brown. Kambalu is then removed and ready to be served.
Wakatobi people usually enjoy kambalu with a side dish called “helo asira,”a food made from young coconuts. Other complementary side dishes are roasted chicken, roasted coconut, kedondong leaves, shallots, and salt. To be used as souvenirs, you can combine them with side dishes in the Philippines.
- Kain Tenun Wakatobi (Wakatobi Woven Fabric)
Almost all regions in Indonesia have handicrafts typical of their respective regions, be it batik cloth, songket cloth, and other handicrafts. Wakatobi also has a distinctive woven fabric made by residents as a cultural heritage. Until now, the beauty of Wakatobi woven fabric (see the first picture) is still maintained by the craftsmen who still produce it traditionally. One of the oldest villages producing this woven fabric is Pajam Village. Since ancient times, women in Pajam Village have been taught to weave to inherit this hereditary tradition. The hallmark of this woven fabric is the pattern of stripes with various colors. Women commonly use striped motifs. Meanwhile, men generally wear plaid motifs.
There are three stages in the manufacture of this woven fabric. The first stage is “purunga,” which is the process of winding the thread. The next stage is “oruri” or winding the thread on the board. The last stage is the process of weaving the thread into a piece of cloth. Many of these woven fabrics are also produced in the form of sarongs. Currently, Wakatobi woven fabrics have undergone many modifications due to the use of metallic colors. Metallic colors such as red, green, blue, silver, and gold are used so that when exposed to light, the results are shinier.
Local people in traditional events usually use Wakatobi woven fabrics. However, Liya Togo Village requires the community and guests who visit there to wear this woven cloth. Some woven fabrics are sold as souvenirs for prices ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of rupiah.
Before you plan a trip to Wakatobi, be sure to read more about Wakatobi and Indonesia by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
