SULAWESI

Sulawesi, the mountainous and strangely shaped island to the northeast of Bali, has many pleasant surprises in store for the traveler. With Tana Toraja being the best known attraction, it also boasts many other areas of great interest; From Makassar (Ujung Pandang), Bira and Pulau Selayar in the south, via Danau Tempe and Togian islands to Manado in the north. Aside from the mountains, there are jungles, ricefields, lakes and rivers, caves, coral reefs, worldclass diving and plentiful lonely beaches.

Close to 15 million people inhabit the five provinces on the island, with about half having settled in the south, in the largest province of South Sulawesi. Major ethnic groups are the Buginese, Torajan and others like the Makassarese and Minahasa. The former being predominantly Muslims and known for centuries for their seamanship, shipbuilding and trading, while the Christian highlanders Torajan’s traditional houses and extensive and unique funeral ceremonies are renowned far beyond their island.

Agriculture (rice, coffee, cocoa, livestock), fishing, mining and some forestry create the main incomes for the islanders.