Sulawesi is part of the Malay Archipelago and is part of the Greater Sunda Islands group. This is one of the main places of the 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 distinctive 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: Islam (80%), Christianity (20%)
Major cities: Makassar, Manado, Gorontalo, Palu, Tomohon
Other names: Celebes, Celebes, Sulawesi
Administratively, Sulawesi is divided into six provinces: North Sulawesi, South, Southeast, West, Central and Gorontalo Province.
History of Sulawesi
Sulawesi was discovered by 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 islands. Since 1949, Sulawesi belongs to independent Indonesia.
Archaeological finds indicate the development of civilization on the island since ancient times. Rock carvings have been found in the karst caves of the districts of Moroz and Pankep, 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 found in Sulawesi near the village of Talrepu is about 200 thousand years. There are many similar archaeological finds in Sulawesi. The youngest animal drawings and palm prints found on the island date back more than 22 thousand years ago.
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 in the world, in size, it is in 11th place. Its rather unusual shape, which is compared to a huge orchid flower, creates many bays. Four narrow and oblong peninsulas stretch from the central part of the island with mountain peaks. They form three large bays – Bonnie, Tolo and Tomini. The whole of Sulawesi consists of mountain reliefs that go into the sea. The highest point is Mount Rantemario, with a height of 3478 meters. The island is surrounded by the Celebes Sea, the Banda Sea and the Makassar Strait. The flora and fauna here is very diverse. There are Asian elephants, striped monitor lizards, reticulated pythons, rhinoceros birds, cockatoos and other species.
Sulawesi climate
The weather in Sulawesi is stable at any time of the year. The equatorial climate is not characterized by temperature differences. 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.
Beach holidays in Sulawesi
For a comfortable beach holiday in Sulawesi, it is better to choose the 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:
Beaches of Buton Island. The island is located in the southeastern part of Sulawesi. Bud is known for its little-explored forests, waterfalls and stunning beaches. Among the most popular is Nirwana Beach, where there is infrastructure, which is quite rare here. The wild Lakadao beach is famous for its pristine landscapes. The beaches of Buton 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 background 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 peaceful beaches of Sulawesi, close to the infrastructure of Palu and the airport.
Tamborazi (Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park). The beach is surrounded by tropical thickets. A real paradise for ecotourism fans. The beach is included in many sightseeing tours.
Losari (Losari Beach). The city coast in the capital of Sulawesi. A place for walking, with equipped trails and beautiful seascapes.
Pidjar. 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.
The main sights – what to see
Tropical nature, of course, is the hallmark of the whole island. Sulawesi is incredibly rich in exotic places, so it is simply impossible to sit still. What is definitely worth visiting in Sulawesi?
Royal Graves in Suaia
The traditions of local residents to some extent amaze with their originality. There is a very unusual place near the village of Suaya. These are 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
To the 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 the indigenous Indonesians. The same applies to the equally distinctive village of Toraja.
The Caves of Londa
Another object where a complex of burials is located inside 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. The Londa are located a few kilometers south of Rantepao.
Harbor of Loss
One of the oldest ports of Sulawesi is located in the north-west of Makassar. 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 will be an ideal place for walks, the purpose of which is to get acquainted with the local flavor.
Fort Rotterdam
The main architectural heritage of Sulawesi is the 17th century fort in 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 gentrified territory for several hours.
How to get to Sulawesi
There are two airports on the island that accept international flights.
The airport in Makassar (South Sulawesi) is from Saudi Arabia.
Airport in Manado (North Sulawesi) – from Singapore.
Makassar is in greater demand than Manado, as there are many domestic flights here. If Sulawesi is not your first stop in Indonesia, you can fly from Bali or Jakarta Airport (Java).