Sulawesi

Sulawesi (formerly Celebes) is one of the main islands of Indonesia, and the 11th largest island in the world. With four spindly arms spinning outward, Sulawesi's spidery shape is easily recognizable. This enormous island has much to offer the visitor from extraordinary unique cultures, to an under-explored mountainous hinterland, and several truly world class diving spots. Regions Map of Sulawesi with regions colour-coded Southern Sulawesi (Makassar, Tana Toraja) the provinces of South Sulawesi and West Sulawesi; the largest city on the island, the land of Bugis and the unique culture of Tana Toraja South East Sulawesi (Kendari, Wakatobi) remote hinterland and truly world class diving offshore Central Sulawesi (Palu, Lore Lindu National Park, Togian Islands) a region sadly known for its ethnic strife; very off-the-beaten-path diving Northern Sulawesi (Manado, Bitung, Gorontalo, Tomohon, Bunaken) the land of the Minahasa and yet more world-class diving at perhaps Indonesia's best known dive spot Cities Makassar (Ujung Pandang) — capital of the South and Sulawesi's largest city Bitung — main port town in the north which is the gateway to excellent diving spots Gorontalo Manado — capital of the north and the gateway to Bunaken Palu — capital of the Central Sulawesi Mamuju — capital of the West Sulawesi Kendari — capital of the South East Sulawesi Rantepao — gateway town to Tanah Toraja Tomohon — cool, fresh town in the northern highlands Tentena — pleasant little lake-side transit town on the way to Ampana Other destinations Bangka — island group in the north with world-class diving Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park — forest park in the north near Gorontalo which is home to tarsiers and much more Bunaken — marine park with some of the world's best diving Lore Lindu National Park — important forested national park in the central highlands which is home to some 77 endemic bird species and some remarkable megaliths Tana Toraja — highlands famed for their elaborate burial rites Tangkoko National Park — home of the tarsier, the world's smallest monkey Togian Islands — diving destination way off the beaten track Wakatobi — a marine national park, yet more world-class diving Understand History The earliest settlement of South Sulawesi by humans is dated to c. 30,000 BC. No earlier evidence of human occupation has been found, but the island almost certainly formed part of the land bridge used for the settlement of Australia and New Guinea. In Central Sulawesi there are over 400 granite megaliths, which various archaeological studies have dated to be from 3000 BC to 1300 AD. The first Europeans to visit the island were Portuguese sailors in 1525, sent from the Moluccas in search of gold. The Dutch arrived in 1605 and were quickly followed by the English, who established a factory in Makassar. In 1905 the entire island became part of the Dutch state colony of the Netherlands East Indies until Japanese occupation in World War II. Following the transfer of sovereignty in December 1949, Sulawesi became part of the federal United States of Indonesia, which in 1950 became absorbed into the unitary Republic of Indonesia. Religion Sulawesi's tough terrain, massive size (174,600 km²) and great marine tradtions, have combined to cause a wildly divergent set of peoples and cultures, speaking eight major languages and professing Muslim, Christian, Hindu and animist beliefs (not to mention various mixes thereof). Islam is the majority religion in Sulawesi. The conversion of the lowlands of the south western peninsula in South Sulawesi to Islam occurred in the early 17th century. Most Sulawesi Muslims are Sunnis. Christians form a substantial minority of about 19% on the island. Christians are concentrated on the tip of the northern peninsula around the city of Manado and around Poso in Central Sulawesi. The famous Toraja people of Tana Toraja in Central Sulawesi have largely converted to Christianity since Indonesia's independence. Though most people identify themselves as Muslims or Christians, they often subscribe to local beliefs and deities as well. It is not uncommon for Christians to make offerings to local gods, goddesses, and spirits. Sulawesi has been plagued by Muslim-Christian violence in recent years. The most serious violence occurred between 1999 and 2001 on the once peaceful island, with heavy involvement of Islamist militias such as Laskar Jihad. Over 1,000 people were killed in violence, riots, and ethnic cleansing that ripped through Central Sulawesi. In 2003, 13 Christian villagers were killed in the Poso District by unknown masked gunmen. And in 2005 three Christian schoolgirls were beheaded in Poso by Islamic militants. Riots erupted again in September 2006 in Christian dominated areas of Central Sulawesi. Talk Get in By plane Sulawesi's main port of entry is Makassar, which has frequent flights throughout the archipelago. Manado acts as a secondary hub, with some interesting connections eastward to Halmahera and Papua. Both airports are international airports with visitor-on-arrival facilities, with international flights to Kuala Lumpur from Makassar, and to Singapore from both airports. Get around By plane The sheer size of Sulawesi and the poor state of its roads make plane the transportation method of choice. Flights radiate out from Makassar and Manado to all points on the island. By bus The Trans-Sulawesi Highway winds for over 1900 km from Makassar to Manado. Despite the grand name, the road is narrow, twisty, spottily paved and dangerous. Bus travel is very good from Makassar to Tana Toraja, however the quality diminishes considerably if you intend venturing on to the Togean Islands. See Itineraries The area around Tana Toraja is a fascinating one and well worth a visit. The Torajans are Christians but still maintain strong connections to their Indigenous culture and religion. Locals welcome visitors to take part in their elaborate funeral ceremonies which are interesting but involve animal sacrifices and are not for the squeamish. Do Buy Ikat weaving is Sulawesi's best-known craft, with different styles all around the island. Eat Sulawesi cuisine is quite varied, but the best-known is Manadonese cuisine from the north, an interesting mix of Dutch influences, incredibly spicy chillies and unorthodox ingredients like bat and dog. Drink Stay safe Central Sulawesi continues to be wracked by sporadic ethnic violence, with bombings and violent riots in Poso, Palu and Tentena as militant Christian and Muslim factions battle. Southern Sulawesi and South East Sulawesi have also experienced some unrest. North Sulawesi is generally calm. Get out This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow! This article contains content from Wikipedia's Sulawesi article. 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