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Sulawesi, The world’s most exotic “orchid” |
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The fabled of Sulawesi is shaped like a tropical
orchid; each “petal” a peninsula. Raged with lofty
mountains and surrounded by coral reefs.
Sulawesi is delightful potpourri of people and
culture ranging from the mysterious Toraja. Who live
in mountainous centre of sulawesi “orchid “, to the
friendly folk of the lush northern region of Manado
Minahasa.
The intriguing Bugis and Makassarese people from
peninsula South Sulawesi are the Stuff of Legend (
The “Bogey” man of our childhood fears is rumored to
have started his career as a Bugis pirate ). |
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| Manado –
Minahasa for a completely different experience. |
In
total contrast to toraja land, the area around the
capital Manado in North Sulawesi has came under
strong European influence since 17th century.
Here, alush tropical landscape with miles of coconut
trees; the air filled with spicy tang of cloves, the
area’s main crop with eventually finds its way into
Indonesia’s famous clove cigarette kretek.
Apart from the friendliness of the locals, Manado is
famous with Diver and Snorkeled the world over for
the incredible clarity and underwater attractions of
the Bunaken Sea Gardens, an hour’s boat ride away.
There are planty of other attraction including the
quaint mountain town of Tomohon with its colorful
market, Lake Tondano and the scenic Kali waterfall. |
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Torajaland, a Unique Culture |
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New Roads mean these remote highland people are now
more used to seeing visitor arrive at the doorstep
of their fascinating houses. It’s a long, eight hour
journey from south sulawesi’s capital Ujung Pandang.
But well worth into discover such striking scenery,
architecture and unique culture.
The Torajans pattern their vast dwellings on the
shape of their forefathers’ grand sailing vessels,
with enormous sweeping roofs, carving and painting
these high stilted houses with multicolor care.
Their funeral rites are also fascinating for they
bury their relatives high on cliff faces in the
company of wooden effigies, in clothing similar to
that of the deceased. Should the latter wish to
return to the world they’ve left behind, the
Torajans believe he or she will have the use of eyes
and a well dressed body. |
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| Southern
bustle or Southern calm |
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South Sulawesi’s busy port and capital Ujung Pandang
still exhibits many vestiges of the 16th century
when it was known as Macasar. Today, the handsome
wooden Bugis schooners still jockey for space in the
harbor, the ancient walls of the city, its minarets
and mosque compound its medieval appeal. |
