South East Sulawesi

Description

The South-eastern Peninsula and Buton group of island are inhabited by descendants of the Torajans and due of the strong influence of the Islamic Bone Kingdom most of the people in this part of Sulawesi are Muslim. Most of the land area of Southeast Sulawesi is covered by natural jungle, with extensive plantations of teak and ironwood, which are used for local handicraft and contribute to the local economy. For those who like challenging adventures and ecoutourism, come to Lambusango and Kakenauwe Protected Forest, Wakatobi Marine National Park, Basilika Islands.

History

A kingdom by the name of Konawe existed in this area in the 10th century. Soon, other kingdoms like Buton, Muna, Kemongga, Tiworo, Kalususu and Moronenen followed suit.

In the 16th century, Buton began spreading Islam. Buton learned from Ternate about spices, and began planting spices as well. Buton became a strategic place to seize, and Dutch wanted to colonize this place. Dutch managed to create a puppet kingdom in the name of Laiwoi, in spite of the heavy resistance from the locals. After Japan occupation, Dutch still wanted to seize this area but the people managed to defend their land.

Southeast Sulawesi then became a part of Indonesian in 1950, and became a separate province in 1964.

Entry

Garuda Indonesia Airlines have flights that fly directly from Jakarta, Surabaya and Manado to Kendari.

People & Culture

There are five diverse cultural groups: The Tolaki, Morunene, Buton, Muna [locally called the Wuna], and the Bajo.

Cuisine

Sea food is the specialty here, and you can never go wrong with ikan bakar or roasted fish (unless you are allergic!). Pisang epe and pisang hijau, desserts made of banana, should be sampled as well.

Cuisine here generally tastes rather spicy. You should try sinonggi, a sago porridge served with clam and fish soup. Pokea or skewered clams with peanut sauce is also tasty, served with baked sticky rice and some kind of lontong, steamed rice in banana leaves.

For souvenirs and snacks you should try bagea, cookie that predominantly taste of ginger and cashew, perfect to be had with tea or coffee.

Tourism Office

Jl. Tebau Nunggu No. 2, Kendari 94111

Phone. (62-401) 326634

Fax. (62-401) 327435

South East Sulawesi , Sulawesi

West Sulawesi

Description

Mamuju as the capital city of the province. Administratively, the province is divided into 5 Regencies. Geographically, the province is located in the cross position of the golden Triangle of South Sulawesi, East Kalimantan and Central Sulawesi as well as directly faces national and international sailing route of Makassar straits. Topographic condition of West Sulawesi Province comprises ocean, low land and high land, has enabled the province to have fertile land. Climate in the region generally belongs to tropical.

History

Several kingdoms used to exist here, fourteen to be exacts. They are Balanipa, Banggae, Bambang, Binuang, Pamboang, Sendana, Tappalang, Mamuju, Rante Bulahan, Aralie, Mambi, Tabulahan, Matangga and Tabang.

Right now West Sulawesi is known for its cocoa, coffee (robusta and arabica), clove and coconut. Gold, coal and oil mining also help to make this province more prosperous.

West Sulawesi became a separate province in 2004, through Law no. 26. It used to be a part of South Sulawesi.

Entry

By air: Tampa Padang Airport 27 km from Mamuju capital city.

Belang-Belang Bakengkeng Harbor Mamuju District, Ferry Simboro Mamuju Harbor connect Mamuju-Balikpapan, Batulicin, Surabaya, Ujung Polewali Mandar, Palippi natural harbor in Majene;,Manakara Harbor in Mamuju.

People & Culture

Mandar people have been known for centuries for their seafaring abilities. They are dominant in this area, but you can also find Toraja, Bugis, Makassarese, Javanese and others here.

Using their sandeq boat, Mandar people cruise to all over Indonesia and even reaching as far as neighboring country of Malaysia and Australia. Meanwhile, the people who live in mountanious area of the province have cultural similarity with Torajan ethnic in terms of architecture of the house. Their language, their clothes as well as in their traditional ceremony. West Sulawesi Province has fantastic natural tourism in form of its vast array of tourism in form of its still natural mountain view, uniqueness of culture of the people, as well as its vast array of tourism objects of special interest, which are scattered, in its coastal and mountainous areas where special skills are needed to enjoy them.

Cuisine

Being close to the sea, sea food is one of the specialties.  Flying fish eggs are considered a delicacy and if you're offered some, be grateful because it is quite pricey and usually served during special occasions. You can also find it in certain hotels or restaurants. Pupu, fried tuna fish cakes, should also be sampled.

Generally West Sulawesi dishes are spicy, a bit sour and they taste very delicious.

Tourism Office

Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Prov. Sulawesi Barat
Jl. Ahmad Kirang, Mamuju Sulawesi Barat
Phone. (62-426) 21092

Sulawesi , West Sulawesi

South Sulawesi

Description

Spanish and Portuguese galleons, followed by British and Dutch traders, sailed these seas in search of the spice trade, escorted by their Men of War to protect them from the daring raids of the Bugis and Makassar pirates. Famed for their seafaring culture, the Bugis are still the driving force behind this world.

History

From as early as the 14th century, this are was filled with famous kingdoms, most notably are Luwu, Gowa, Soppeng, Tallo and Bone.

European influence started in the 16th century, when in 1538 Portuguese arrived in Makassar and sought audience with Gowa king.

Bone and Gowa kingdoms had a major war in 1562, but later on managed to resolve their differences. After Dutch and Japan were driven away, South Sulawesi became a part of Indonesia and was made into a separate province in 1964.

Entry

There are many flights and daily service from Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya and Manado. Through an asphalt road with some winding slopes, feel the fresh & cool air with its natural scene, a nice way to travel by car.

People & Culture

Makassarese and Bugis are religious people, most are Muslims and very strong minded. Bugis people are among the best sailors in the world.  Seafarers of Bugis, Bajau, Butonese and Makassarese have traded with neighboring countries, most notably with the Australian Aborigines, for hundreds of years.

Cuisine

This place is a haven for culinary lovers. From fresh sea food, cooked Chinese or Indonesian style to the famed coto makassar--soup made from innards of cow, there is something new to try everyday. Sop saudara is quite similar to coto but it's more bland compared to coto. Konro or beef ribs soup is tasty and filling. For snacks you might want to try jalangkote, some kind of pastry with tasty filling, eaten with a spicy sauce.

For dessert, try pisang epe--flattened banana with palm sugar sauce, usually mixed with jackfruit or durian. Es pallu butung, made of sliced banana, ice chips, coconut milk and red sauce is also filling and refreshing. Pisang hijau is banana coated with flour and pandan leaves, thus causing the outer layer to be green-colored. It's sliced and then coated with cocopandan syrup.

Tourism Office

JL. Jend. Sudirman No.23, Makassar 90231

Phone. (62-411) 878912, 443355, 872336

Fax. (62-411) 872314

Email : disbudpar-sulsel@telkom.net

Website : http://www.phinisiq.com

South Sulawesi , Sulawesi

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

Central Sulawesi , Sulawesi

North Sulawesi

Description

This area has existed for a long, long time. Due to its strategic location, North Sulawesi has gotten contacts with outside world since the dawn of time. Sangir-Talaud island group created a bridge to the neighboring country, Philippines. Therefore culture between this place and Philippines, including the people, are quite similar. Influenced heavily by the Dutch occupation in the past, most older generation can still speak Dutch and respect this country.

History

Some kingdoms existed in the past, such as Manado, Tabukan, Siau, Kolongan, Tahuna, Kendahe and Manganitu. Portuguese first arrived in 16th century, for trading and spreading Christianity. When the Portuguese went away, Spain came instead, bringing Catholicism with them. In the middle of 17th century, Dutch influence became prominent until Japan came and took over for a short while. Dissatisfied, after Japan lost in WW2, Dutch tried to colonize this place again and even creating a puppet country. The locals opposed this, and in 1950 Sulawesi became a part of Indonesia. North Sulawesi became a separate province in 1964.

Entry

Merpati services flights to and from Manado. Lion Air holds flights weekly to and from Gorontalo and Makassar. Sriwijaya Air also offers flights to Makassar.

North Sulawesi is also reachable by boats and ships. Two ports, namely Talumolo for Togeans and Leato for Pagimana and Pelni ferries are located about 4 km away from Gorontalo.

North Sulawesi is accessible by bus from Palu.

People & Culture

Predominantly inhabited by Minahasans and Sangirese, other smaller ethnic groups can also be found within this region.

Cuisine

Spicy and unique, those two words comprise the taste of dishes found here. Rica-rica is a name of condiment or sauce that virtually can be applied into many things--be it chicken, fish, pork, even dog (called r.w. or air weh). Bubur tinotuan or bubur Manado, made of rice, corn, veggies are best eaten with a special chili sauce. Bats are also eaten here.

Saguer or fermented sago wine should be sampled if you are into alcoholic beverages, and Cap Tikus (or Rat Brand) is a name of distilled saguer, sold with numbers attached denoting strength, no. 1 being the strongest. It's often diluted and mixed with fruit juices to create some kind of cocktail.

Tourism Office

Jalan Diponegoro 111, Manado 95112, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Phone:  +62 431 851723, 851835

Fax:  +62 431 852730

North Sulawesi Tourism Board site: http://www.north-sulawesi.org/

or

North Sulawesi Tourism Organization

PO Box 236, Manado 95124, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Phone: +62 431 824445

Fax: +62 431 823 444

Website: http://www.north-sulawesi.com

North Sulawesi , Sulawesi