Sulawesi: Live It!

The world's most exotic orchid

The fabled island of Sulawesi is shaped like a tropical orchid; each petal a peninsula, ridged with lofty mountains and surrounded by coral reefs. Sulawesi is a potpourri of people and cutlures ranging from the mysterious Toraja, who live in the mountainous center of Sulawesi "orchid", to the friendly folk of the lush norther region of Manado-Minahasa.

The intriguing Bugis and Makassarese people from peninsular South Sulawesi are the stuff of legend. (The "bogey" man of our childhood fears is rumored to have started his career as a Bugis pirate!)

Manaho-Minahasa: for a completely different experience

In total constrast to Torajaland, the area around the capital Manado in North Sulawesi has come under strong European influence since the 17th century. Here, a lush tropical landscape with miles of coconut trees; the air filled with the spicy tang of cloves, the area's main crop which eventually finds its way into Indonesia's famous clove cigarettes, kretek.

Apart from the friendliness of the locals, Manado is famous with divers and snorkellers the world over for the incredible clarity and underwater attractions of the Bunaken Sea Gardens an hour's boat ride away.

There are plenty of other attractions including the quaint mountain town of Tomohon with its colorful market, Lake Tondano, and the scenic Kali waterfall.

Torajaland: a unique culture

New roads mean these remote highland people are now more used to seeing visitors arive at the doorstep of their fascinating houses. It's a long, eight hour journey from South Sulawesi's capital Ujung Pandang, but well worth it to discover such striking scenery, architecture, and unique culture. The Torajans pattern their vast dwellings on the shape of their forefathers' grand sailing vessels, with enormous sweeping roofs, carving and painting these high stilted houses with meticulous care.

Their funeral rites are also fascinating, for they bury their relatives high on cliff faces in the company of wooden effigies, in clothing similar to that of the deceased. Should the latter wish to return tot he world they've left behind, the Torajans believe he or she will have the use of eyes and a well-dressed body.

Southern bustle or southern calm

South Sulawesi's busy port and capital Ujung Pandang still exhibits many vestiges of the 16th century when it was known as Macassar. Today, the handsome wooden Bugis schooners still jockey for space in the harbor, and the ancient walls of the city, its minarets andmosques compound its medieval appeal.

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