Getting To Know Mount Bawakaraeng: The Origin Of Its Names, Climbing Paths, And Myths

YOGYAKARTA Mount Bawakaraeng is one of the mountains that are the favorites of climbers. The mountain, which is located in Tinggimoncong District, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, offers exotic natural scenery. This 2,840-meter-high mountain above sea level (masl) is also referred to as the coldest point in South Sulawesi.

The origin of the name Mount Bawakaraeng comes from Makassar. literally, Mount Bawakaraeng means the mouth of God or the mouth of the king. The king refers to the human rulers because the beliefs of the ancient Makassar people are in the form of dynamics, namely the existence of Batara as determinant of the path of human life.

The word 'carry' itself means mouth or place where the word will come out. While Karaeng means God, God, King, Your Majesty, Your Majesty.

Thus, Bawakaraeng can be interpreted as one of the sources of life that the Batara has given to humans.

Named Mount Bawakaraeng because the land around the mountain is very fertile, so it can be used as agricultural land.

ecologically, Mount Bawakaraeng has an important position because it is a source of water storage for Gowa Regency, Makassar City, Bantaeg Regency, Bulukumba Regency, and Sinjai Regency.

On the slopes of this mountain, there is also a height area, Malino, a tourism object that is quite popular in South Sulawesi.

According to information contained in the map of the Jalan Penjadian of the Geospatial Information Agency of the Republic of Indonesia, climbing the Mount Bakareng route can be taken from the foot of Mount Bawakaraeng in Lembanna Village, Tinggimoncong District, Gowa Regency. This is the safest route for climbers to pass.

Another route that can be reached to the top of Mount Bawakaraeng, namely the Ramma Valley Line, Tanralili Lake Line and the Silver Mountain Line in Sinjai Regency.

Mount Bawakaraeng has several myths that are quite popular among climbers and local residents. Compiled from various sources, these myths are:

1. Anjaya Market Myth

This myth is quite popular among climbers of Mount Bawakaraeng. The location is in the form of a field located between Mount Bawakaraeng and Lombobatang.

Based on the story circulating, Anjaya Market is a ghost market or a place for genies to gather. Climbers are advised not to set up tents at the Anjaya Market location.

The location of Anjaya Market does look different because it is surrounded by trees but at the point in question there is not a single tree growing.

2. Nino's Ghost Myth

The mystical story on Mount Bawakaraeng is Nino's ghost. Rumors are that Nino is a female climber who experienced an unfortunate incident while climbing.

The story of Nino began in the 80s, namely in the early days of climbing Mount Bawakaraeng. Nino's nickname was given because no one knew the original identity of the woman who was found hanging from a large tree at post 3 of the hiking trail.

Nino's ghost is said to be often seen on the full moon. Many climbers feel thick suddenly feels heavy when passing through post 3, especially those with red kernels.

3. The Myth of the Bawakaraeng Hajj Ritual

The term Haji Tabattu or Haaji Baawakareng is quite attached to residents who are happy in the Mount Bawakaraeng area. They believe that if they cannot go to the Holy Land, it is enough to pin the hajj in Bawakaraeng.

The Hajj ritual begins when the Eid al-Adha prayer on Mount Bawakaraeng. People who take part in this ritual also carry offerings such as brown sugar, coconut, betel leaf, and betel nut.

In addition, residents also perform rituals by releasing livestock, such as chickens and goats. Climbers can catch the chicken for consumption.

That's information about Mount Bawakaraeng. Get news updates of other options only on VOI.ID.