Standing as the second-highest peak on Sulawesi Island, after Mount Rante Mario, Mount Gandang Dewata dominates the Quarles high mountain range in West Sulawesi. The name itself is steeped in legend,"Gandang" means drum, while "Dewata" translates to deity. According to local folklore, when the people of Mamasa beat a drum during a traditional funeral ceremony, a mysterious echo resonates from a drum-shaped stone on the mountain. Some believe it to be a natural phenomenon, while others say it is the voice of God reverberating through the wilderness.
Gandang Dewata National Park is a hidden paradise in the heart of Sulawesi, rich in legends and untouched beauty. Home to rare and endemic wildlife, some found nowhere else on Earth, this remote sanctuary remains largely undiscovered, except by those who dare to explore its wild terrain.
With its towering summit reaching 3,074 meters above sea level, Mount Gandang Dewata is a challenging yet rewarding trek for nature enthusiasts. The journey to the top is not for the faint-hearted, as hikers must navigate through rushing streams, dense bamboo forests, and moss-covered trees. But with each step, the landscape reveals its breathtaking wonders, whispering leaves, crystal-clear waters, and the symphony of the wild. For those who dare to conquer its heights, Gandang Dewata offers an unforgettable experience, blending adventure with the mysticism of nature's untamed beauty.
Because of the difficulty in reaching its top, Mount Gandang Dewata, which rises to a height of 3,037 meters above sea level, is a mountain that many nature enthusiasts dream of climbing. You'll pass by streams, tree rows, bamboo forests, and moss forests along the journey, which might help you stay motivated while ascending.