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Imagine Asia  >  Destinations  >  Indonesia  >  Sulawesi
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Sulawesi

Located on top of a coral triangle, with a mountainous jungle-clad interior, the strangely-shaped island of Sulawesi is gradually emerging as a tourist destination, as more people are attracted by the chance to experience the amazing marine life, stunning scenery, prehistoric remains, traditional culture and incredible Tongkonan homes.

Lying northeast of Bali and across the Makassar Strait to Borneo, Sulawesi is shaped like the letter ‘K,’ with such a confusing topography, that when Dutch explorers first tried to map the island in the 16th century, they believed it to be an archipelago. The four separate peninsulas are in fact, isolated from each other and the outside world by a range of central mountains, which has allowed a unique blend of cultures and habitats to develop which you won’t see elsewhere in Indonesia. Rare species, such as the nocturnal tarsier monkey and the pit-digging maleo bird thrive here, as do traditional cultures isolated by their topography.

Various isolated tribes dominate the central highlands and the Filipino-descended Minahasans reside in the far north of the island, but the most settled part of the island is South Sulawesi, split between the highland Torajan peoples and the lowland Bugis, Indonesia’s most famous seafarers. The capital of this busy region is Makassar, which has a long and distinguished history as a trading port and the harbour is still an interesting area to explore, along with Fort Rotterdam, one of the best-preserved examples of Dutch military architecture in Indonesia.

For those interested in Torajan culture, the northern highlands of South Sulawesi, Tana Toraja, is full of traditional villages, wooden Tongkonan houses with their over-sized roofs and interesting burial sites. Another highlight and a great place to break the journey between Makassar and Toraja, is Sengkang, an eight-hour drive from the city where the main attraction is the floating houses of Lake Tempe.

While Sulawesi is only just developing as a tourist destination, we would recommend the island to travelling pioneers with a thirst for new places and adventures.

Combine Sulawesi with some time on the beach on Bali or Lombok. The ultimate combination of culture and beach.


Sengkang

Toraja

Makassar

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Sengkang, Sulawesi

One of the nicest options in Sengkang, BBC (Balai Bausat Centre) Hotel is a great midway-stopover for those travelling between Massakar and Toraja in the north and is a great base for visiting the floating villages of Lake Tempe.

BBC Hotel Sengkang

Makassar, Sulawesi

Melia Makassar is an international-style modern hotel housed in an iconic building in South Sulawesi’s provincial capital. Centrally located, this well-appointed hotel is well suited for those stopping over in this historic port city.

Melia Makassar

Toraja, Sulawesi

Set against a mountainous backdrop, the Toraja Heritage Hotel offers a simple, but tranquil and comfortable base in Rantepao, ideal for exploring nearby attractions in the Toraja Regency of South Sulawesi.

Toraja Heritage Hotel

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Ubud, Seminyak, Makassar, Toraja, Sengkang

The ultimate combination of culture and beach, this 11-night itinerary takes in ancient burial sites and unique tribal cultures on the lesser-visited island of Sulawesi coupled with the sacred temples and golden beaches of Bali.

11 nights from $3711 per person Culture & history, Off the beaten track, Spectacular scenery

Authentic Bali and Sulawesi

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Sengkang, Sulawesi

Spend the day exploring the floating villages of Lake Tempe.

Tempe Lake

Toraja, Sulawesi

Discover the major historical sites of the Toraja region, including the megalithic stones of Timonbayo and the ancient burial site at Bori.

Toraja Tour

Makassar, Sulawesi

Explore the Maros karst region by foot and by boat, the prehistoric cave drawings at Leang-Leang and the old Dutch fortress, Fort Rotterdam, on this full-day excursion from Makassar.

Maros Karst Region

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Inspiration

Temples in Indonesia

Hiking in Indonesia

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