Until a few yeara ago, one of Sulawesi's main attractions that draw visitors is the beautiful land and unique culture of the Torajans. But Sulawesi has more to offer, from the north till its soutern tip. An amazing variety of flora and fauna share a fabulous tropical setting of rugged mountains, virgin rainforest, lush paddy fields, highland lakes and pristine beaches. Virgin reserves provide a protected habitat for its indigenous species, such as the anoa (drawrf buffalo) and babi rusa (pig deer), the Maleo, black monkey and the smallest species of monkeys, the Tangkasi. The region has also earned the population as a diver's paradise with a mindboggling array of coral formations and a multitude of marine life found in the waters that offer the best possible marine adventure to be had.
Islands of the blacksmiths
Wangi-wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia and Binongko are four islands on Sulawesi's southeastern coast known in short as Wakatobi. These islands are home to the Bajo, nomadic sea gypsies that live in the open sea, at one with the elements, on pongkas (covered boast) and stilted houses.
In the past of Wakatobi was better known as the blacksmith's islands because they were mainly occupied by iron-working artisnas who worked on the repairs of Dutch ships. Although Wakatobi is now famous world-wide as prime diving and snorkeling destination, there are other attractions in store. A one-hour ride in a speedboat from Wanci on Wangi-wangi will take you to Anano island where giant turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs. Wakatobi also offers whale and dolpin watching, ussualy sperm whales, spinner and bottle-nose dolphins.
A haven for underwater explorations
Famous Bunaken Marine reserve in the north is a low crescent-shaped coral island ringed by a steep fringin reef with a dense population of fish, coral and deep underwater gullies adn valleys. Large around the Banggai Archipelago in Central Sulawesi support a tremendous variety of marine life, such as hard and soft coral, reef sharks and turtles, schools of jackfish, tunas and other species. It is also the habitat of the endemic ornamental fish called the 'Banggai Cardinal fish'. In the lembeh Straits there are World War 1 shipwrecks and unusual black sand bottoms, while the Togean Islands host major reef formations (fringing, barrier, patch and atoll).
Megalithic Valley in Lore Lindu
The Napa and Besoa Valleys in Lore Lindu near Palu, Central Sulawesi, contain megalithic sites that back thousands of years ago. Huge stone urns, pillars and statues are scattered throughout the valley. Although still open to debate, the stone carvinegs and monumenrs are believed to be ancestor workship.
The long drive from the lowlands to the mountain stronghold of Tanaopens up a breath-taking new world. The rugged mountains and verdant valleys are home to a people whose love of religious spectacle is equaled only by their hospitality. With majestic panoramas, captivating villages and dramatic ceremonies, Tana Toraja is the undisputed highlight of any journey to Sulawesi.
Islands of the blacksmiths
Wangi-wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia and Binongko are four islands on Sulawesi's southeastern coast known in short as Wakatobi. These islands are home to the Bajo, nomadic sea gypsies that live in the open sea, at one with the elements, on pongkas (covered boast) and stilted houses.
In the past of Wakatobi was better known as the blacksmith's islands because they were mainly occupied by iron-working artisnas who worked on the repairs of Dutch ships. Although Wakatobi is now famous world-wide as prime diving and snorkeling destination, there are other attractions in store. A one-hour ride in a speedboat from Wanci on Wangi-wangi will take you to Anano island where giant turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs. Wakatobi also offers whale and dolpin watching, ussualy sperm whales, spinner and bottle-nose dolphins.
A haven for underwater explorations
Famous Bunaken Marine reserve in the north is a low crescent-shaped coral island ringed by a steep fringin reef with a dense population of fish, coral and deep underwater gullies adn valleys. Large around the Banggai Archipelago in Central Sulawesi support a tremendous variety of marine life, such as hard and soft coral, reef sharks and turtles, schools of jackfish, tunas and other species. It is also the habitat of the endemic ornamental fish called the 'Banggai Cardinal fish'. In the lembeh Straits there are World War 1 shipwrecks and unusual black sand bottoms, while the Togean Islands host major reef formations (fringing, barrier, patch and atoll).
Megalithic Valley in Lore Lindu
The Napa and Besoa Valleys in Lore Lindu near Palu, Central Sulawesi, contain megalithic sites that back thousands of years ago. Huge stone urns, pillars and statues are scattered throughout the valley. Although still open to debate, the stone carvinegs and monumenrs are believed to be ancestor workship.
The long drive from the lowlands to the mountain stronghold of Tanaopens up a breath-taking new world. The rugged mountains and verdant valleys are home to a people whose love of religious spectacle is equaled only by their hospitality. With majestic panoramas, captivating villages and dramatic ceremonies, Tana Toraja is the undisputed highlight of any journey to Sulawesi.
