The beautiful orchid shaped island of Sulawesi is famous worldwide for its magnificent coral gardens and multitude of tropical marine life. Bunaken National Park and the Wakatobi offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world.

Further inland, mountains and volcanoes create lush fertile highlands. In this region lies remarkable Tana Toraja, often referred to as the “Land of the Heavenly Kings”. With a belief that their forefathers descended from heaven onto a mountain generations ago, the Torajas have a distinctive culture based on strong animistic beliefs. They practice an ancestor cult where death and afterlife ceremonies are elaborate and important feasts. Ancestral remains are placed in coffins which are then interred in caves hollowed out in high cliffs and guarded by life-like statues.

The southern tip of Sulawesi is home to the seafaring Bugis. The Bugis are also skilled boat builders. Bugis’ vessels, called phinisiqs, have been known to sail as far as South Africa. Today, Bantaeng and Bulukumba are the place to see traditional boatbuilding techniques.

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