SULAWESI INFO
Sulawesi Island formerly Celebes is one of the biggest Island in Indonesia, for now Sulawesi is devided to:
- North Sulawesi (Sulawesi Utara) capital city is Manado
- Central Sulawesi (Sulawesi Tengah) capital city is Palu
- South Sulawesi (Sulawesi Selatan) capital city is Makassar
- West Sulawesi (Sulawesi Barat) capital city is Mamuju
- South East Sulawesi (Sulawesi Tenggara) capital city Kendari
The Beauty of nature in Sulawesi is made one of Biologist (Allfred Russel Wallace) has been make a research about the nature a long the Sulawesi Island. Now Sulawesi is became popular as the one of Tourism Destination In Indonesia. Offer you Marine Tours, And Eco tours made Sulawesi island is different beetwen the area in Indonesia.
Places of Interest :
*SOUTH SULAWESI*
MAKASSAR
Makassar is the major towns of South Sulawesi Province. MAKASSAR ( Ujung Pandang) is a large, and crowded port city as the links between eastern and western Indonesia. Makassar offers an introduction to Sulawesi's largest ethnic group, the Bugisnese , who continue to export their goods and presence well beyond Sulawesi in Pinisi. The city has a long and distinguished history as a crucial trading port and coastal defense.
Visits Makassar with Fort Rotterdam which is two museums inside the fort area keep historical remains of Gowa Kingdom, Paotere harbor is a traditional for Pinisi boat or any wooden boat are load and unload their goods, Museum Balla Lompa in Gowa, Losari Beach with beatifull sunset, and Diving or snorkeling at Samalona, Kodingareng Keke, Kayangan island.
BIRA
Bira is a village located 196 kms from Makassar on the east cape of South Sulawesi, beautifull white sandy beach is await you to do sunbath etc. Any diving spot and swimming is the activity during the staying, visit also boat builders and sailors. The best diving is around the islands, between the cape and the island of Selayar.
Tanah Beru, a village full with Pinisi boat builders. Most boats are of the type "Pinisi" within built in traditional way. Most of the materials are made of wooden .Many of Pinisi live -aboard cruise built in this area.
SENGKANG
Well known for its silk weaving and therefore is the center of Buginese silk. The capital city of Wajo regency is welcoming you to explore the area.
Tempe lake is one of the most beautifull lake in Indonesia, where you can see the Wajo people who spend their own life activities is on the water forever. Exotic sunset is enjoyable on the way back from visits the people.
The Buginese ethnic group, known for their crossing to other islands as traders of silk, sarongs and other material, populates this area.
TORAJA
Toraja Land, is known for its unique culture and ancient traditions. The center of tourism is Rantepao, 328 km from Makassar by road (about 8 hours).
The entry to Tana Toraja is marked by a gate built in traditional boat-shaped architecture. The road passes through the mountains of Kandora and Gandang on which, according to Toraja mythology, the first ancestors of celestial beings descended from heaven. The majority of the people still follows an ancestral cult called "Aluk Todolo" which governs all traditional ceremonies.
Torajan culture is a complex blend of ancestor worship and animistic beliefs where rituals for the dead are colorful festivals to pave the way for the soul's entry into the hereafter. This unique culture, the scenic beauty, cool climate and gentle people are the main reason that Toraja is gaining popularity as a tourist destination.
The most spectacular of Torajan rituals are the funerals. For Torajan, a funeral is the single most important ceremony in the life cycle. It is based on a strong belief that the soul of the deceased travels to the land of the south and in this land of eternity, he will need all the requisites of everyday life in the hereafter just like when he was alive in this world.
Various types of graves are located in Cliffside caves, mountain ledges or in special houses reserved for the dead. The graves in Tana Toraja are made in huge rocks because of their strength and relative safety from animals and thieves.
MAMASA
The valley is 1200 m up to the mountains above Polewali, the Mamasa region - formerly as Western Toraja, the other wonder of Toraja within the landscape of terraced hills with easy hiking to numerous traditional villages, with friendly of people. Four day hiking trail from Tanah Toraja or Mamasa. No luxurious hotel available in this town.
*CENTRAL SULAWESI*
LAKE POSO
The lake has about 32000 hectares with 450 meters depth. This lake has 32 Km length with 16 Km width. The Lake located at 600 meters above sea level.
Poso Lake is the main reason of the people to stay over in Tentena and Pendolo, which is each, located in north back part and south of Poso Lake. Tourist can walk along to fringe rural area around lake or rent boat to encircle lake. Bancea Orchid Garden that is the places which is has a wild orchid collection, reachable by walking (09 Km) or by car to Taripa from Pendolo.
Saluopa Waterfall located in a forest area near to Tentena, there are a number of rapids, steps with some pools within very clear and clean freshwater.
LORE LINDU NATIONAL PARK
Lore Lindu National Park is one of the location of biodiversity protection in Sulawesi. Lore Lindu National Park is located about 60 kilometers south of Palu city and is located between 119 ° 90 '- 120 ° 16' in the east and
1 ° 8 '- 1 ° 3' in the south.
This National Park area includes the official 217.991.18 hectares (about 1.2% of the extent of Sulawesi 189,000 km ² or 2.4% of the remaining forests of Sulawesi 90,000 km ²) with an altitude varying between 200 up to 2610 meters above sea level. National Park is largely made up of mountain forests and sub-mountain (± 90%) and a small forest low (± 10%).
Lore Lindu National Park have endemic flora and fauna and the South panorama of natural interesting because Wallacea is located in the region which is a transitional zone between Asia and Australia.
Lore Lindu National Park, located in the southern district and the western part of  Donggala Poso district into water catchment area for the 3 major rivers in Central Sulawesi, which is Lariang rivers, rivers and river Gumbasa Palu.
Regions Lore Lindu National Park is a habitat for native mammals in the South. Anoa, pig deer, deer, monkey ghost, monkeys kakaktonkea, cuscus marsupial animals and meat eater in Sulawesi, Sulawesi civet lives in this garden. Lore Lindu National Park also has at least 5 types of squirrel and 31 of 38 types of tikusnya, including endemic species.
At least there are 55 types of bats and more than 230 types of birds, including maelo, 2 types of hornbills Sulawesi.yaitu julang South Sulawesi and kengkareng. Hornbills benbuncak also called rangkong or birds to be Allo pengghuni Lore Lindu National Park.
Thousands of strange and beautiful insects can be seen in the vicinity of this park. Eligible observed butterfly is colored light that fly around the park and along paths and river.
TOGIAN ISLANDS
The Islands are located in the Tomini Bay within 56 of islands. Formed by volcanic activity, the islands are covered by lush rainforest an surrounded by ancient coral reef formations.
Snorkeling and diving around the islands is a mixed bag of reef and pelagic fish species. The reefs mostly consist of corals with impressively large sponges and gorgonian fans.
All kinds of reef formation from a great barrier reef which is stretching from one end to the other part of the archipelago in the north and smaller fringing reefs as well as a few atolls.
Kepulauan Togian Marine Reserve comprises an area of 100,000 ha and lies between the northern and central arms of Sulawesi. Administratively, the reserve falls under Central Sulawesi province.
Kepulauan Togian consists of a group of islands and the surrounding coral reefs. The most important islands are Una-Una, Batudaka, Togian, Talatakoh, Waleakodi, Waleabahi and Poat. Of these, Pulau Batudaka and Pulau Togian are the most visited islands. On Pulau Una-Una you'll find one of the active volcanoes of Sulawesi: the Gunung Colo Meletus which last erupted in 1983.
The sea surrounding the islands has extensive areas of well developed and little damaged coral reef. Several species of turtles and Dugong can be seen. Wildlife on the islands consists of Babirusa, which lives in the forests covering the islands, and the Coconut Crab, the world largest land-living arthropod.
Pulau Wakakodi, Pulau Togian and Pulau Batudaka are served once a week by the Poso - Gorontalo ferry. You can board this boat in both places.
From Ampana, near Tanjung Api, boats to Pulau Batudaka and Pulau Togian depart every other day. Ampana can be reached by bus from Poso or Luwuk.
MOROWALI Â Nature Reserve
Located on the eastern arm of Central Sulawesi, Morowali Nature Reserve consists of a 225,000 ha protected area containing almost completely intact primary forest. The north of the reserve is dominated by steep mountains reaching over 2600 m in height, but the terrain in the south is much less rugged and terminates in a wide coastal plain with natural lakes and swamp forest.
This region, together with much of eastern Central Sulawesi, comprises some of the most extensive formations of ultra basic rock in the world. This results in soils which have a severe deficiency of important plant nutrients and instead contain toxic concentrations of certain heavy metals.
The indigenous Wana people live throughout the reserve and consist of about 600 families that follow a traditional lifestyle. Their subsistence is based on swidden and shifting agriculture, hunting, and harvesting of forest products such as rattan and damar.
The best time to visit is in the dry season (September to November). During the rainy season (May to June) the Tambayoli valley is sometimes prone to flooding, and the rivers are more difficult to cross.
Despite having a great diversity of wildlife which includes all the larger endemic mammals such as Babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa), Anoa (Bubalus quarlesi), and Sulawesi Civet (Macrogalidia musschenbroekii), spotting animals in the forest is relatively difficult. Most species are very wary of people due to continuous hunting pressure from the local inhabitants.
Over 170 bird species have been recorded from Morowali, including many endemics. Notable species include the Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo), Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea), Ornate Lory (Trichoglossus ornatus), all five endemic kingfishers, and 18 species of forest pigeons and doves. The Tambayoli valley is a pleasant and easy place to spot numerous raptors, water birds including the Wooly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus), and nightjars at dusk.
Reptiles include the bizarre Sail-fin Lizard (Hydrosaurus amboinensis), and huge 9 meter-long Reticulated Pythons (Python reticulatus).
A wealth of fascinating plants can also be seen in the reserve, ranging from massive Agathis (damar) trees to rare orchids and seven species of pitcher plants (Nepenthes).
*NORTH SULAWESI*
MANADO & Bunaken National Park
One of the most well-known tourism spots in North Sulawesi is the Bunaken National Park. Home to a rich marine life, Bunaken is about 30 minutes away by boat from the capital of Manado. In 2009, North Sulawesi hosts the Sail Bunaken event which features the parade of ships and sailboats, including the USS George Washington. North Sulawesi, is one of the nicest areas in whole Indonesia, it has magnificent volcanos and unbelievable beautiful coral reefs. These are breathtaking. North Sulawesi has a natural gateway to the Philippines. North Sulawesi is great for Nature lovers with in Flora and Fauna above and under the water .
Manado is the capital city of North Sulawesi. This place was visited by many of divers, the opinion about Manado that it is the best places in East Indonesia. Pulau Bunaken is a great place for divers, its international well knows and the 800 hecatre is part of Bunaken Manado Tua Marine National Park. You can see colorful of fishes and Sea turtles and dolphins also spectacular coral reef formation. One of the spotlights is Pantai Liang and Pantai Pangalisa
ng, this is paradise for the snorkel and dive lovers. Explore the island by a boat trip with a glass bottom or with a submarine, and snorkeling or diving. Manado city became a eastern of Indonesia gate way with an international flights by Silk air from and to Singapore ,also go by boat and flight to Davao city in southern Philippines.
LEMBEH ISLAND
Located about 45 KM from Manado and the Airport, Underwater hidden paradise offer you the best muck diving all over the world. White & black sandy beaches became a places for many small critters to growth up. The biggest harbor close by is make the area easier to explore. Through RUKO in Pateten you can reach the island in 10 - 15 minutes. Lembeh Straits is become populer as one of the best places for underwater videograph and photography.
TANGKOKO NATURAL RESERVE
About 8000 hectars with in for tourism activity is about 3000 hectars. Hiking and trekking si fantastic among the primary rain forest. Many kinds of best quality wood and rare animal is entertain during the visits. Located about 20 Km from Bitung (Girian), reachable by public or private car or bus. Tarsier claimed as the world smallest primate is available during the trip, also some other wild life such a Hornbill, Macaque Nigra, Cus-cus etc. The area is enjoyable for all age levels.