BTN Bunaken Closes Manado Tua Mountain Climb to Prevent Forest Fires

The docking ship in Manado Bay with the background of Mount Manado Tua. ANTARA/Karel A Polakitan

MANADO - The Bunaken National Park Office (BTN), Manado City, North Sulawesi, temporarily closed the Manado Tua Mountain climbing route starting August 14, 2026, to prevent forest and land fires (karhutla) in the area during this dry season.

"Mount Manado Tua climbing activities are temporarily closed starting August 14, 2026 until it is declared safe and reopened by BTN Bunaken," said Head of BTN Bunaken I Ketut Catur Marbawa in Manado, Friday, August 14, quoted by ANTARA.

He said the temporary closure of chess applies to all climbing activities and tourist visits on the Manado Tua Mountain climbing route.

During the closure period, visitors are not allowed to climb or enter the Manado Tua Mountain climbing route for tourist activities.

The temporary closure, he said, was a precautionary measure against the potential dry environmental conditions and increased fire risk, as well as to maintain visitor safety and the sustainability of the area.

"The reopening of the climbing route will be carried out after the BTN Bunaken Park Office evaluates the field conditions and declares it safe for climbing activities," he said.

Information regarding the reopening of climbing activities will be conveyed through the official information channel of BTN Bunaken.

Catur hopes that all visitors and related parties will comply with the provisions of this temporary closure and also help maintain the safety and sustainability of the area during the closure period.

"We hope for understanding, compliance, and cooperation from all visitors in supporting mutual safety and maintaining the sustainability of the Bunaken National Park area," he said.

He explained that the issuance of the announcement of the Manado Tua Mountain climbing route was based on information on the latest climate conditions from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) regarding the El Nino phenomenon with strong intensity that has the potential to trigger extreme drought and the risk of karhutla.