Jakarta (Antarasulteng.com) - Soon after arriving in the Parigi Moutong District in Central Sulawesi Province, the participants of the upcoming Tour de Central Celebes (TdCC) will certainly feel at home and enjoy a plethora of tourism experiences.
Initiated by Central Sulawesi Governor Longki Djanggola, the international cycling race of TdCC to be held on November 6-8, 2017, will cover a total distance of 487 kilometers, passing through the districts of Tojo Unauna, Poso, Parigi Moutong, and Sigi and the city of Palu.
The TdCC international cycling race will be divided into three stages, with the first one from the Tojo Unauna district town of Ampana to Tentena at the side of Lake Poso, the second from Poso to Parigi Moutong, and the third from Parigi to Sigi and will finish in the city of Palu.
Parigi Moutong Tourism Office Chief Hamka Lagala had stated that some 120 cyclists from 30 countries, including Indonesia, expected to participate in the TdCC cycling race, will arrive in the district on Nov 7 at 10:30 a.m. Central Indonesia Standard Time (Wita) from Poso.
The cyclists will cross the route set by the provincial government of Central Sulawesi and the Indonesian Bicycle Sport Association to arrive at Parigi Moutong.
"With an average speed of 60 kilometers, the participants of the TdCC are expected to enter the Parigi Moutong area at 10:30 a.m. Wita and then finish at the yard of Parigi Moutong district head office at 12.45 p.m. Wita," Lagala revealed.
After a welcome ceremony to be enlivened by attractive traditional art and cultural performances, the TdCC participants and guests can take time out to enjoy the pristine sandy beaches and beautiful mountainous rainforests located in proximity.
Situated some 67 kilometers to the north of Palu, Parigi Moutong is popular for an array of spectacular scenery that will make the tourists and the TdCC participants feel at home.
Popular for the Kayubura Beach and for fishing, surfing, boating, and sightseeing activities, among several others, the tourists there can discover some of Parigi Moutong's most spectacular and preserved scenery as well as unwind and enjoy outdoor, rural, and seaside experiences.
The tourists can discover the charm of the beaches, ideal locations to get away from it all and relax.
Strolling along the pristine beaches in Parigi Moutong and gazing upon the views along the Tomini Bay is a humbling experience, and the visitors can unwind, and life appears to take on a positive perspective.
Tomini Bay, Indonesia's second-largest after Cendrawasi Bay in West Papua, is considered to be the center of diversity of marine fauna between the Indian and Pacific oceans.
Among the marine fauna in Tomini Bay are some six species of dolphins as well as two species of whales and whale sharks, which often frolic in the water.
Tomini Bay offers crystal-clear waters, consistently reaching a vertical visibility level of some 40 meters, thereby offering an unobstructed view for divers to enjoy the scenic coral formations in rich colors and sheer wall drop-offs in various diving sites.
At Parigi Moutong, the TdCC participants can discover charming villages, enjoy a spectacular scenery from the rolling green hills and preserved beaches as well as lush rainforests and distinctive wildlife, such as the anoa and maleo birds.
Parigi Moutong District, better known as the golden triangle, has a strategic location, as it is easily accessible from North, South, and Central Sulawesi.
Under natural circumstances, the Parigi Moutong District comprises land, coastal areas, and rolling green mountains.
Some attractions of the Parigi Moutong District include the Likunggavali cliffs, beaches, and the former Tinombo palace.
Parigi Moutong District, one of the tourist destinations in Central Sulawesi, also has a variety of shops, lodging facilities, eateries, banks, as well as land and sea transportation facilities.
The marine waters around Parigi are not well explored, thus the area has healthy, hard coral reefs and schools of marine ornamental fish for the divers to enjoy.
Apart from the diving sites, Kelelawar Island around Parigi Moutong is surrounded by two capes of mangrove forests that form a gate.
Kelelawar Island is a breeding place for unique yellow, brown, and black bat species.
Hence, the TcCC international cycling race is expected to serve as a milestone for tourism development in Parigi Moutong.
Development of the tourism sector in Parigi Moutong District has been rather sluggish, but with the international cycling event, this sector will grow rapidly as compared to the past years.
Parigi Moutong is the largest district, with several tourism attractions along the Tomini Bay, but they have yet to be optimally developed.
Some potential tourist sites in Parigi Moutong District are the Kucing Beach, Ampibabo Marine Park with beautiful coral reefs, Kelelawar Island, Lingkungvali natural stone, and Equatorial monument, among others.
However, these sites still lack adequate supporting infrastructure. Hence, they cannot be relied upon to attract visitors during Sail Tomini mainly due to the lack of adequate access to these locations.
The TdCC will serve as a driving force for Parigi Moutong District to develop its tourism sector, so that it can be enjoyed by both local and foreign tourists in the long term even after the conclusion of the cycling race event.
