Sulawesi island in Indonesia: all about the rest

Sulawesi is part of the Malay Archipelago and is part of the Greater Sunda Islands. This is one of the main places of vast Indonesia, with pristine jungles, mountain lakes, green plantations, coral reefs and ancient caves. In addition to the amazing nature, the island attracts with its original culture. Sulawesi is considered one of the most interesting tourist destinations in Indonesia.

General characteristics:

• Island area: 174,600 km²
• Population: about 20 million
• Religion: Muslim (80%), Christian (20%)
• Major cities: Makassar, Manado, Gorontalo, Palu, Tomohon
• Other names: Celebes

Administratively, Sulawesi is divided into six provinces: North Sulawesi, South, Southeast, West, Central and Gorontalo Province.

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History of Sulawesi

Sulawesi became the discovery of Europeans in 1512. The Portuguese were the first to land on the island. At the beginning of the 20th century, the island was part of the Dutch colony of the Isles. Since 1949, Sulawesi has been part of independent Indonesia.

Archaeological finds testify to the development of civilization on the island since ancient times. In the karst caves of the districts of Maros and Pankep, rock paintings were found, which are recognized as the oldest examples of painting in the world. According to scientists, they were created more than 45 thousand years ago. The age of stone tools discovered in Sulawesi near the village of Talepu is about 200 thousand years. There are many similar archaeological finds in Sulawesi. The youngest drawings of animals and handprints found on the island date back to more than 22,000 years ago.

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Name and geography of the island

Located in the province of South Sulawesi, Lake Matana is famous for its ore deposits. Most likely, the name of the island is associated with the export of iron in the old days. Sula means island, besi means iron.

Sulawesi is the second largest island in Indonesia, after Sumatra. Among all the islands of the world, in terms of size, it is in 11th place. Its rather unusual shape, which has been compared to a huge orchid flower, creates many bays. Four narrow and elongated peninsulas stretch from the central part of the island with mountain peaks. They form three large bays - Boni, Tolo and Tomini. The whole of Sulawesi consists of mountainous reliefs that go into the sea. The highest point is Mount Rantemario, 3478 meters high. The island is surrounded by the Celebes Sea, the Banda Sea and the Makassar Strait. The flora and fauna here are very diverse. There are Asian elephants, striped monitors, reticulated pythons, hornbills, cockatoos and other species.

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Climate of Sulawesi

The weather in Sulawesi is stable at any time of the year. The equatorial climate is not characterized by temperature fluctuations. In summer and winter the daytime air temperature is 29…30°C, at night - 22…23°C. The rainy season on the island lasts from October to March. July is considered the driest month of the year.

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Beach holidays in Sulawesi

For a comfortable beach holiday in Sulawesi, it is better to choose a dry season - from April to October. The coasts are mostly not wide, with dense vegetation along the coastlines. There are beaches with both white and black, volcanic sand. The most popular coasts of Sulawesi include:

• The beaches of Buton Island. The island is located in the southeastern part of Sulawesi. Buton is known for its unexplored forests, waterfalls and stunning beaches. Nirwana is one of the most sought after. Beach, where there is infrastructure, which is quite rare here. The wild Lacadao beach is famous for its pristine landscapes. Buton beaches are very popular among divers.
• Tanjung Bira. The most beautiful 2-kilometer beach in the southern part of Sulawesi. Snow-white sand and bright turquoise waters against the backdrop of the jungle create the best photo locations. This is a great place for diving , snorkeling and surfing. There is the necessary infrastructure, including a diving school in the hotel nearby.
• Bulurm beach (Palu). One of the most beautiful and calm beaches of Sulawesi, close to the infrastructure of the city of Palu and the airport.
• Tamborazi (Rawa Aopa National Park Watumohai). The beach is surrounded by tropical thickets. A true paradise for fans of ecotourism. The beach is included in many excursion tours.
• Losari (Losari beach). City coastline in the capital of Sulawesi. A place for walking, with equipped trails and beautiful sea views.
• Pijar. The sandy coast with calm waters is suitable for relaxing and swimming with children. Water equipment rental is available, comfortable bungalows are within walking distance.

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Attractions - what to see in Sulawesi

Tropical nature, of course, is the hallmark of the entire island. Sulawesi is incredibly rich in exotic places, so it is simply impossible to sit still. What are the must-sees in Sulawesi?

Royal graves in Suaya

The traditions of the locals to some extent amaze with their originality. Not far from the village of Suaya there is a very unusual place. These are the ancient tombs of the Toraya people , where the graves are carved into the rocks. At the entrance there are dolls of the dead, who guard their crypts. This is one of the most attractive tourist locations in Sulawesi.

Original villages

South of Rantepao is the village of Kete Kesu. These places are very popular among tourists. Here you can observe the culture and traditions of the local population, which have been preserved since ancient times. The unique architecture of the local dwellings, old cemeteries and everything related to burials, including outlandish rituals with sacrifices, are striking. Here you can see the uniqueness of the customs of indigenous Indonesians. The same applies to the no less original village of Toraja.

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Caves of Lond

Another object where a complex of burials is located inside the ancient caves. A very mystical place not for the impressionable. In the caves you will walk among the fossilized skulls and offerings to the dead. Londa are located a few kilometers south of Rantepao.

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Harbor of Paotere

In the northwest of the city of Makassar is one of the oldest ports of Sulawesi. A noisy and fishy place where you can find seafood of all kinds and admire the same variety of old ships. The harbor of Paotere is an ideal place for walks, the purpose of which is to get acquainted with the local color.

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Fort Rotterdam

Sulawesi's main architectural heritage is the 17th century fort at Makassar . Rotterdam was built during the Dutch colonization of the island. For several centuries, its majestic walls and bastions have seen many events. Major restoration of the fort was carried out in the second half of the 20th century. Today, mass cultural events are held here, educational centers and an archaeological museum are open. Inside, several original buildings have been preserved, and you can walk around the landscaped area for several hours.

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Tangkoko nature reserve

Tangkoko is located in the north of the island. The mountains are covered with dense tropical jungle. The most exotic animals that live here are the smallest tarsier monkeys in the world, 10-14 centimeters in size.

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Diving in Sulawesi

Diving tours in Sulawesi are the most popular in all of Indonesia. Not only travel through the mountainous jungle, but also scuba diving in Sulawesi is worth taking time. The coral world of the local reefs is considered one of the most stunning on the planet. The variety of marine life, from the simplest to giant clams and sharks, can be listed for a very long time. The best places for diving can boast Bunaken Island Marine Reserve. It is better to go here in the dry season, when there are no storm winds, but there is excellent visibility.

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How to get to Sulawesi

The island has two airports that receive international flights.

• Airport in Makassar (South Sulawesi) - from Saudi Arabia.
• Airport in Manado (North Sulawesi) - from Singapore.

Makassar is in greater demand than Manado , as many domestic flights arrive here. If Sulawesi is not your first stop in Indonesia, you can fly from Bali or Jakarta (Java) airport.

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Transport in Sulawesi

Due to the vast territory and the unusual shape of the island, it is better to prefer for inland transfers air travel. Again, depending on the distances and established waterways, you can choose between boat or ferry transfers . Bus services are established in regions with good road surface and mountain passability.

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