Tentena

A picturesque town on the shores of Poso Lake famous for traditional weaving and handicrafts, particularly beautiful sarongs and textiles. Visitors can watch local artisans at work and purchase authentic Sulawesi crafts.

Things to do

• Watch Traditional Weaving — Visit local weaver workshops in town to observe artisans creating intricate sarongs and textiles using traditional handlooms.
• Poso Lake Boat Tour — Take a guided boat excursion on the pristine Poso Lake to spot local wildlife, visit nearby villages, and enjoy scenic water views.
• Purchase Handwoven Sarongs — Browse local markets and artisan shops to buy authentic Sulawesi sarongs with traditional motifs directly from weavers.
• Visit Babdul Wahab Weaving Workshop — Tour one of Tentena's most renowned weaving studios to see master craftspeople create detailed traditional textiles from start to finish.
• Explore Tentena Market — Wander through the vibrant morning market to experience local commerce and find handcrafted souvenirs alongside fresh produce.
• Hike to Waterfall View — Take a short trek from town to nearby waterfalls and natural pools for swimming and scenic photography of the surrounding forest.

Food to try

• Tinutuan — A savory rice porridge served with chicken, fish, or seafood and topped with fried shallots and fresh herbs, commonly eaten as breakfast or comfort food.
• Cakalang Fufu — Smoked and grilled pork ribs seasoned with spices and chili, a regional specialty reflecting Sulawesi's rich meat-cooking traditions.
• Fresh Lake Fish (Ikan Bakar) — Grilled fish caught fresh from Poso Lake, often marinated in turmeric, garlic, and sambal, served with lime and steamed rice.
• Woku — A traditional Sulawesi spice paste made from shallots, garlic, ginger, and chilies used to coat grilled fish, chicken, or vegetables.
• Coto Makassar — A rich meat soup from the region featuring beef, peanuts, spices, and bitter melon leaves served with rice or flatbread.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Weaving Artisans — Ask permission and show genuine interest before photographing weavers at work, as these are family craftspeople maintaining ancestral traditions.
• Bargain Thoughtfully — While negotiating prices at markets is expected, recognize that handwoven textiles represent months of skilled labor and price fairly.
• Dress Modestly — Wear respectful clothing that covers shoulders and knees when visiting workshops, markets, and interacting with locals in this predominantly Muslim region.
• Learn Basic Indonesian — Speaking a few words of Indonesian or Sulawesi Malay shows respect and enhances interactions with artisans and shop owners who may speak limited English.