Paralayang

Paragliding is a kind of sky diving using a parachute, just for recreation or even competition. The equipments only weighs 10-15kg, including main and back-up parachute, harness and helmet. Other supporting equipment are variometer, walkie talkie, GPS device, flight suit, gloves, and high shoes. The parachute depends on a your ability and weight. Best thing is that for paragliding you do not need an expensive airplane, you just need to get to the edge of a hill or mountain.

A good spot to do this sport is at Matantimali, 15 km southwest of Palu, central Sulawesi. Matantimali is the name of a village on top of Verbek Mountain, on the left side of Mount Gawalise. Matantimali is at 1,500m above sea level. The Dutch army used this location to build observing post so the position is very strategic.

Matantimali is a good spot the wind at the slope of the mountain is making turbulence. This turbulence is needed to keep your hight when paragliding. Here regular paragliding competition takes place, or if you are not into paragliding you can simply enjoy the scenery of Galawile Mountain and Palu Valley. From Matantimali, you can also see to every direction of Palu City to Kulawi land, 100 km from Palu.

You should also try the sogili, a typical Matantimali dish. Sogili is made of giant eel.