| Sulawesi . The island full of surprise |
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| CENTRAL SULAWESI Information What is famous in Central Sulawesi is Lore Lindu, it is the largest reserve in Sulawesi, includes the high mountains of Nokilalaki and Tokosa, and the highland lake of "Danau Lindu" to the North. To the South, are the forested hills, clear streams and open valleys making this an ideal area for trekking. The wide variety of lakes, rivers, swamps and mountain forests make this an interesting bird watching environment. Nearly one third of Sulawesi's bird fauna is endemic, and there is a good chance you will see all the endemic species here sulawesi_toraya@yahoo.com 2003 |
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| Makassar, is known as much for its colorful past as for its cosmopolitan present. Formerly called Ujung Pandang this major port was for 500 years a collecting point for the exotic goods of the East and the getaway to East Indonesia's famed "Spice Islands" Today, Makassar with the rich etnic diversity common to a coastel metropolis, has the feel of a great Asian city. Wooden prahus still proudly grace the seafront, giving the city an oldworld charm. Food stalls, offering the dazzling and delicious variety of seafood for which the city is famous, line the waterfont every evening for more than a kilometer. Day tripls offer a wide variety. Explore magnificent coral reefs located just off the coast. Prehistroic caves to the north of the city feature 5,000 year old wall paintings. Or take a trip to the former colonial resort town of Malino in the mountains to the east and wander at leisure. |
| Lake Poso, Tentena, Pendolo, according to the legend Lake Poso is the pivot around which heaven and earth revolve. Indeed, located dead in the center of Sulawesi, the lake appears to be the force around which the pinwheel arms of Sulawesi turn. Rich in history and local legend, this area is fun to explore. Lake Poso, 37 kilometres long and 13 kilometres wide, offers rainforests, love and coffee plantations, and villages connected by lush green rice fields |
| Bira, for centuries the home of South Sulawesi's boat building. Bira still plays an important role in the sea-faring industry. Three harbors, two for prahus, and one for ferries, compliment excellent white sand beached with clear water for swimming. Daily ferries depart to Selayar Island, which was an historic trading center in the 14th century. Home of lovely beaches, it also boast a 2000 year old Vietnamese Dong Son drum |
| Togian, located in the heart of the Tomini Gulf. Reachable from Ampana or Gorontalo. To get really off the beaten trek hop on one of the small boats running between Ampana and Gorontalo with stops on the way at the islands Bomba, wakai, Ketupat and Dolong The Togian Islands are also unusual in being surrounded by all major types of coral reef environments |
| Toraja, located in the ruggedly beautiful mountains approximately 230 kilometers north of Makassar, Tana Toraja is a land of contrasting sights, blue mountains next to vivid green rice fields, interspersed with distinctive sloped-roof houses Life here follows the familiar patterns of the past. Its most important and best-known event is the funeral, a complex and fascinating affair involving several days of ceremony. As a final rite Tau Tau effigies, are constructed and placed in ledges cut into limestone cliffs specifically to guard tombs chiseled into the rock behind them. |
| Mamasa, is a cool mountain resort, with numerous hot springs nearby. There are interesting walks among the rolling hills, rice terraces and villages. Mamasa is still very much the way it always was. A more rugged version of Toraja |
| Palu, the city of Palu, a fast growing provincial capital located at the foot of Palu Bay, serves the perfect place from which to plan treks into Central Sulawesi. In the ancient and picturesque port city of Donggala, local weavers create kain Dongalla, an exquisite dark silk cloth, using the rare double-ikat method. The area also offers good swimming, fine diving and endless groves of clove trees. |
| Manado, has a reputation for spectacular beauty. Three volcanoes tower over the city, and much of the surrounding area has been set aside for a nature reserve, including the crystal-clear waters of Bunaken Island, off the north coast of Manado |