Central Sulawesi

Description

This province has a lot to offer. You can find ancient megaliths, tribes whose ways of life remain relatively unchanged, mossy mountains, sleepy blue lakes,  very long river which can be used for white water rafting,. You might also enjoy fantastic snorkeling, and diving on coral reefs.  You also  will find delights in unpopulated small islands surrounded by endless white sandy beaches and natural voice in national reserves. Rich in flora and fauna like the most expensive Ebony wood, Teakwood, Rattan, Banyan trees, also the famed Black Orchids. The shy Babirusa (deer pig), Anoa (Dwarf Buffalo). Deer and various species of birds including the rare maleo birds (Macrocephalo maleo) Black Monkey Sulawesi (Maccaca maura), Tangkasi (the smallest species of monkies) are waiting for the visitors who like adventures (trekking, rafting, birdwatching).

History

Central Sulawesi is rich in culture and history. As early as in 13th century, many small kingdoms emerged in this area. Some of them are Banawa, Tawaeli, Sigi, Bangga and Banggai. On the 16th century, Islam began to dominate these kingdoms Bone and Wajo kingdoms first were influenced by this religion and later on it began spreading to other kingdoms.

Dutch came in 17th century and began to try to take over this place. In 18th century Dutch took control of Central Sulawesi until the arrival of Japan. After WW2, Dutch tried to create another puppet country here but the locals vehemently opposed this so it became a part of Indonesia in 1950, becoming a separate province in 1964.

Entry

Many domestic airlines fly directly from Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Makassar and Balikpapan. Central Sulawesi can be reached by bus from Toraja, South Sulawesi for 14 hours and 18 hours by bus from Bunaken North Sulawesi. Central Sulawesi with the capital city, Palu, consist of diverse ethnic groups, which have retained their traditions and customs, living in relatively peaceful harmony with each other.

People & Culture

Like many areas in Indonesia, first natives of Central Sulawesi were a mixed of Wedoid and Negroid races. Malay came later and began to dominate this place. Relics of Bronze and Megalithicum Age can be found here. These days the dominant races here are Palu Toraja, Koro Toraja and Poso Toraja.

Cuisine

Try the specialty, sugili, the local name for eel. You can buy it in the market and cook it to your liking. However it would be easier if you just go to the local restaurant and eateries, then order a dish from eel. Pisang molen, a pastry filled with banana then fried or baked, is also wonderful to eat.

Kaledo or beef & bone marrow soup  is also worth a try. Bear in mind that they use chili and tamarind so the taste is rather spicy and sour. Perfect to be had with burasa, made of rice and coconut milk then steamed in banana leaves.

Tourism Office

Jl.Dewi Sartika No.91

Palu 94114

Phone. (62-451) 483942

Fax. (62-451) 483941