Buton Tengah – Traditional Stone-Walled Villages in the Heart of Buton Island
Buton Tengah (Central Buton) Regency occupies the middle part of Buton Island in Southeast Sulawesi province. The regional capital is Labungkari. Central Buton is the cultural hinterland of the Buton Sultanate: here you find the best-preserved traditional stone-walled villages (kampung adat), dating from the sultanate era.
Attractions and Activities
Traditional stone-walled villages (kampung adat) are Central Buton's main attractions – limestone walls and gates from the sultanate period are still maintained by inhabited communities. Coastal mangrove forests are suitable for boat tours. Among the limestone hills, small caves and rocky outcrops can be explored. Local textile workshops demonstrate the traditional weaving technique of kain buton (Butonese cloth) – textiles made with natural dyes on hand looms.
Culture and Cuisine
Butonese culture is strongest here: the traditional linda dance, kabuenga warrior dance and gambus musical tradition are part of community celebrations. Cuisine is simple and built on local ingredients – kasuami (cassava flatbread), ikan masak kuning (yellow spiced fish), and local palm sugar sweets are characteristic.
Public Safety
Central Buton is a very safe rural area. You can move around villages freely at night. When visiting kampung adat villages, respect local customs and ask permission before photographing. Roads are partly unpaved – travel is more difficult in rainy weather. Healthcare is limited; the nearest hospital is in Baubau (approx. 1–1.5 hours).
Practical Information
Approximately 1–1.5 hours from Baubau by car. The nearest airport is Baubau Betoambari. The best time to visit is April to October. Accommodation: very limited – simple guesthouses; consider visiting as a day trip from Baubau.