Sulawesi or the Celebes
Sulawesi, formerly known as the Celebes, is an island located between Borneo to the west, the Moluccas to the east, Java to the south and the Philippines to the north. Its name means "island of iron". It covers 189,035 km² and
Sulawesi, formerly known as the Celebes, is an island located between Borneo to the west, the Moluccas to the east, Java to the south and the Philippines to the north. Its name means "island of iron». It covers 189,035 km2 and is home to 17 million inhabitants.
There are six main provinces: North Sulawesi, Central, Western, South and South-East, and Gorontalo. Makassar or Ujung Padang is the main city of Sulawesi. Like the rest of the Indonesian archipelago, the island boasts great ethnic diversity. Around one hundred and fourteen languages are spoken here.
Sulawesi, an island of incredible biodiversity
Relief and mountains dominate the island's landscape. You'll find jungles, forests and lakes on high plateaus. White sandy beaches and coral reefs paint a paradise-like image of Sulawesi. The island is home to four major national parks: Bantimurung Reserve, Lore Lindu National Park, Bogani Nani Wartabone and finally Bunaken Marine Park.
South-East Sulawesi
The island displays remarkable biodiversity and extraordinary fauna. Indeed, numerous animal species coexist on Sulawesi. These include tropical butterflies, crested macaques and anoas, a bovine species endemic to the Celebes. Moreover, Sulawesi is a true paradise for marine life enthusiasts. Beyond its cultural wonders, Sulawesi offers numerous diving sites. It's ideal for admiring the local marine fauna and flora. Most animal species are endemic to the island.
Furthermore, unlike other Indonesian regions, volcanic massifs are found only at the extremities of Sulawesi. Mount Rantemario is the island's highest mountain. Located in the south, it rises to 3,478 meters.
The various ethnic groups of Sulawesi
The main ethnic groups on the island are the Minahasa and the Gorontalos in the north. Notably, you'll find the Bugis, Makassar and Toraja peoples in the south. These communities maintain their own distinct cultures and languages. In Sulawesi, Christianity and Islam remain the dominant religions.
Small Bajo village, in the Sulawesi archipelago
Visiting Toraja country is ideal for discovering their fascinating funeral rites. The architecture of traditional houses called tongkonan is equally captivating. Similarly, the Bugis seafarers are renowned as master shipbuilders. Many legends surround these great navigators.
The Celebes or Sulawesi remains a place of rich and compelling traditions and cultures. Visitors are consistently captivated by the immersion that awaits them there.
