Sulawesi, the former Celebes, is perhaps the most versatile island in Indonesia. It has different cultures, nature is different everywhere and religion also differs per region.

Makassar is the capital of South Sulawesi. Places of interest include the former Fort Rotterdam, the harbor Paotere and the nearby Rammang-Rammang karst rocks. Makassar is the starting point for various travel options. The round south Sulawesi, the Wakatobi islands and the island of Buton make Makassar an ideal starting point.

Tanah Toraka, or Torajaland, has a population with many customs. The Torajas are still close to the traditional animist faith. Around the town of Rantepao there are many villages where the Toraja culture lives on.

In central Sulawesi, the Poso Lake, the Bada and Besoa Valley and the difficult to plan Togian Islands are the attractions.

The Minahassa high mountains, the Tangkoko rainforest and the Bunaken National Marine Park are the northern highlights.

Divers all come up to eat at Wakatobi, Bunaken and the muckdiving paradise Lembeh.

The best travel period for Sulawesi is from March to October, the island of Bunaken is not recommended from November to February-March due to the wind.

Culinary Sulawesi is just as different as in culture. Makassar has its specialties and in Manado they eat everything that has legs, except tables and chairs.

The rainy season starts in November and ends in March. During these months there can be heavy showers in the late afternoon and in the evening. Some full days of rain are also possible.
In the period April-September it’s generally dry, with now and then a shower.
The sun shines 8 – 9 hours a day all year long and the temperature is 30°C. North Sulawesi is some degrees warmer and not as damp as South Sulawesi. Diving or snorkeling at Bunaken is fine from April to mid-October. From November to March there is a northeasterly wind and diving or snorkelling is not recommended