Sulawesi is one of the most interesting destinations in Indonesia. It’s known for its world-class scuba diving, but inland adventures are equally as rewarding.

For example, Toraja land is a mountainous region of South Sulawesi. There are approximately 650,000 Torajans. Most of them still live in Tana Toraja (Toraja land).

Prior to the 20th century, Torajans were largely untouched by the outside world. Dutch missionaries converted many Torajans to Christianity in the early 1900s. By the 1990s, Toraja society and culture evolved rapidly. Many Torajans still follow traditional beliefs, called aluk.

Aluk is a combination of law, religion and life. It governs social life, agricultural practices and ancient rituals. The practices vary from one village to another.

The Toraja people grow rice and raise buffalo. Like most Indonesians, they balance work and religion on a daily basis.

Harvest festivals and house warming festivals are times for feasting and a gathering of the clan. They wear their best costumes and jewelry and drink tuak (a local brew). The parties last for days.

Family is the primary social and political grouping in Torajan society. Each village is one extended family, the seat of which is the tongkonan, a traditional Torajan house. Each Tongkonan has a name, which becomes the name of the village.

Once, there were three social classes—nobles, commoners, and slaves (slavery was abolished in 1909 by the Dutch East Indies government). Class was inherited through the mother. It was taboo, therefore, for a man to marry down in class. On the other hand, marrying a woman of higher class could improve the status of the next generation.

Nobles lived in Tongkonans, while commoners lived in bamboo huts. Slaves lived in even smaller huts. Some nobles married the nobles from other cultures on the island, including Bugis and Makassarese nobles. Commoners and slaves were prohibited from having death feasts. A marriage or change in wealth could affect an individual’s status. Wealth is counted by the ownership of water buffaloes.

Slaves in Toraja society were family property. Sometimes Torajans decided to become slaves when they incurred a debt, pledging to work as payment. Slaves could be taken during wars, and slave trading was common. Slaves could buy their freedom, but their children still inherited slave status. Slaves were prohibited from wearing bronze or gold, carving their houses, eating from the same dishes as their owners, or having sex with non-slaves.

Among the so-called commoners, Toraja society is very community oriented. Families helps each other farm, share buffalo rituals and pay off debts.

The ethnic Toraja language is known as Sa’dan Toraja. Although bahasa Indonesia is the official language and is spoken in the community, all elementary schools in Tana Toraja teach the language and its local dialects, including Kalumpang, Mamasa, Tae’, Talondo’, Toala’, and Toraja-Sa’dan. These dialects are derivatives of Malayo-Polynesian language.

Grief is a prominent theme in Toraja language. The language contains many terms referring to sadness, longing, depression, and mental pain. They believe that communicating and sharing emotions is part of kinship and healing.

In Torajaland, they eat rice at every meal. If there is enough money to buy vegetables in the market, or if the family is growing them at home, they are eaten on the side with the rice. Chickens are occasionally killed and eaten. After funeral or other ceremonies, there is usually pork or buffalo meat. Fruit trees, including mango, papaya, pineapple, bananas, are part of every community.

Pork, chicken, and fish are cooked for about an hour in a bamboo tube over an open fire. Chicken bamboo is made of sliced bamboo, chicken pieces, ginger, onion, garlic, and ground coconut. Pork and fish bamboo is made of the meat, green vegetables, and onion and garlic. Vegetables are always peeled and cooked before they are eaten. In Toraja culture, they usually eat with their hands. Traditionally, men and women do not eat together. Women and girls serve the men and boys first, and after they are finished eating, the women and girls eat. Guests are always served first, as well. Traditional bowls are made of wood.

In Torajan culture, people perform dances on several occasions. Torajans dance and sing during harvest time to celebrate the annual event. A dance is performed while Torajans are pounding rice. There are several war dances performed by men, followed by a similar performance by women. The aluk religion governs when and how Torajans dance. A sacred dance called Ma’bua can be performed only once every 12 years. In the Ma’bua performance, priests wear a buffalo head and dance around a sacred tree. A traditional musical instrument of the Toraja is a bamboo flute, which is played at many dances.

In Toraja culture, everything is shared, including food, clothes, and money. Once you are in the community, you are expected to share what you have. At the same time, people will share everything with you. There is no such thing as privacy. Everyone knows everything about everybody. The community and the family are more important than the individual. Whatever money one member of the family earns, she/he must share with the rest of the family. Children who make money share it with their family members.

Tuak is a local alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap from a palm tree. Tuak, it is extremely crude, but it works.

In the past, parents arranged most marriages. People were not allowed to marry someone from another caste. Now, some marriages are still arranged, but marriages based on love are much more common. Although marriage between members of different castes is permitted, it is still not common, because of the economic factor. Traditionally, the husband’s family had to give the bride’s family a number of buffaloes. During wedding ceremonies, the bride and groom are supposed to look as serious as possible. After marriage, the couple lives in the wife’s village. Women own the homes.

Animals are a symbol of wealth. Torajans work to have as many chickens, pigs, and water buffalo as possible. Chickens are treated like pets. They are coddled and carried around. Goldfish and ducks are kept in the rice fields. Dogs run free and guard the village from outsiders. Cats live in the kitchen to keep the mice away.

Torajans have a very unique burial ceremony called rambu solo. In the beliefs of aluk, the dead must be prepared and buried properly in order to reach heaven. Without the rambu solo ceremony, the soul of the deceased is lost. Until the funeral is held, the dead are treated as though they are merely sick or weak. The family keeps the corpse at home. Although embalmed, they still give the deceased food and drink. Some corpses are kept for years until the family can afford a rambu solo ceremony.

Funerals are a reflection of social status and social status requires animal sacrifice for the funeral of the deceased. A noble family will slaughter up to 100 buffalo when a family member dies. Middle status families will slaughter eight buffalos and 50 pigs.

Torajans believe that the sacrificed buffaloes lead the deceased to their afterlife. After the buffalo are sacrificed, the deceased person is ready for burial. Funerals last all day and include buffalo fighting, dances and music. At the climax of the event, they wrap the corpse and place gold and silver ornaments on the chest of the deceased.

The noblemen are often buried in a stone grave carved into the stone cliff. A carved figurine is placed in the grave and placed so that it looks down on the villagers below. Some of these cave graves are large enough to accommodate an entire family.

Tourists are welcome to Tanah Toraja. When funerals are scheduled, tourists are encouraged to participate in these unique celebrations of life and death.

Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world with more than 267 million people. The country has more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

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Sulawesi, or Celebes, is one of the most beautiful destinations in Indonesia. With abundant beauty and natural riches, Sulawesi could become one of the major nature-based tourism centers in Southeast Asia. It features rugged highlands, numerous volcanoes and some of the best diving locations in the world.

Sulawesi has a distinctive shape that has often been compared to a spider or starfish. It lies just east of Kalimantan and north of Bali, and is divided into two regions, north and south. Makassar and Manado are the island’s major cities.

There is much to explore here and each region has a unique flavor to it. As a result, you can flit from tropical islands to big cities, and this is also a chance to see how Indonesia’s Christian community lives, as the majority of inhabitants here are Christians, which is a marked difference to other islands like Java and Bali.

This island is also known for its strong and unique culture, as this is the home of the Toraja culture, and you can visit a huge range of attractions here that will fill you in on all the history of Sulawesi and its inhabitants. As well as a chance to see a completely different culture to much of Indonesia, Sulawesi also has some of the best diving opportunities in the archipelago and diving aficionados have been coming for years due to the visibility and amazing range of sea creatures found in these waters.

North Sulawesi is mountainous with 54 peaks, including several active volcanoes.

The coast features long stretches of white sandy beaches lined with thousands of coconut trees. The waters host magnificent corals and a wealth of colorful marine life. However, world-class muck diving also exists in the area.

Scientists consider the triangle between the Philippines, Bali, and Papua as the cradle of maximum marine diversity. Northern Sulawesi is located in the heart of this triangle. This relatively small region hosts more than 3,000 species of fish, 500 species of coral, and 30 species of whales and dolphins. It has the most diverse and profuse variety of marine life found anywhere in the world. The creation of Bunaken Marine National Park has helped conserve this rich underwater world, but additional research, conservation, and enforcement are necessary to minimize exploitation and the harmful effects of human activity on and around these islands. 

Bunaken (BOO-nah-KEHN): North Sulawesi’s Bunaken Marine Park is one of Indonesia’s pinnacles for underwater enthusiasts. Situated off the northeastern peninsula of the island, Bunaken is one of many smaller islands that form a dotted line between Sulawesi and the Philippines. Bunaken is a paradise for snorkeling and scuba enthusiasts. The coral reef off Bunaken is world-class diving. The drop-off wall at Liang Cove is rare with caves, gullies, and caverns harboring an immense wealth of marine life. The water averages a warm 82 degrees Fahrenheit and visibility often is more than 90 feet. The Bunaken sea garden is rich with colorful tropical marine life. It’s about half an hour from Manado by speedboat.

Bunaken Marine Park includes five small islands that feature the most beautiful corals in the world.

The reefs of Bunaken Marine Park have been compared in richness to that of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Miles and miles of prime marine habitat have been set aside solely for the enjoyment of divers, snorkelers, and researchers. Near Manado, Bunaken National Marine Park has stunning reef sites and sheer walls that drop hundreds of feet.

On a single dive the visitor can see 50 species of coral, barrier reefs, mangrove reefs, and wall dives. An abundance of fish and mammal species thrive here, including seahorses, three species of turtle, rays, and sea snails. The enormous, bottom-grazing dugongs are local marine mammals that are closely related to the manatee. Dugongs also are found in these waters. The whale shark, the world’s largest fish, has been seen in the area.

The island of Manado Tua provides an opportunity to dive into the lake inside the crater of an extinct volcano. Siladen is another diver’s island in the park. It is a mere 200 yards away from Bunaken. It costs 50,000 rupiah per day for a park pass. A one-year pass is available for 150,000 rupiah.

Gorontalo (GOHR-rahn-TAH-low): This is the capital city of the Gorontalo Province—the newest province in Indonesia, which was proclaimed in 2002. The port city has about 140,000 people and is the center of this prosperous region. Lake Limboto is a peaceful place near town and Pantai Lahilote is a nice white beach nearby. Lombongo hot springs is about 10 miles away. It has a swimming pool filled with warm mineral water.

Gannga Islands and Bangka Island (GAHN-gah, BAHNG-kah): This area is home to the Bajau fishermen, who moved here centuries ago. These islands are just off the northeastern tip of Sulawesi. They are the first of the Sanghie Islands that lie between Sulawesi and the Philippines. Formed by volcanic activity, these islands are now lush with tropical rainforests. They feature coral reefs and white sandy beaches. They also serve as a halfway point on the coastal route between Bunaken and Lembeh Strait.

Kendari (KEHN-dahr-REE): This is the capital of the Southeast Sulawesi Province. Every April, it has the Festival Teluk Kendari, which is the highlight of the year. It has traditional music, dragon boat races, and other festivities. It’s a friendly town with plenty of places to stay.

Lembeh Strait (LEHM-beh): Lembeh Strait is renowned for its incredible abundance of macro marine life. The Indonesia government might designating it as a marine park. The area is known for its amazing muck diving, which reveals unusual and often undocumented creatures. Divers see the marine life against a black sandy bottom. The island itself is lush on this side. A large rock sits in the middle of the channel. It forms a massive arch that allows the waves to pass below.

Kungkungan Bay Resort is one of the highlights in the area. A comfortable place right on the beach, it has beautiful views across the channel that can be enjoyed from the restaurant, which is casual, but world-class. Lembeh Resort is another simple but comfortable diving resort across the channel.

Lembeh strait is one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia. Divers and non-divers alike should experience it. The area is about an hour east of Manado. Notice the frequent churches and mosques that share the same block in this region.

Makassar (MAHK-ahs-SAHR): This is a bustling port city with more than 1.3 million people. It is home to the famed Bugis boat experts and a great place to see some of their ships at Pelabuhan Paotere (the local harbor). Fort Rotterdam also is a local relic of the Dutch occupation and one of the most impressive examples of colonial architecture in the city. Gunung Lompobatang is 50 kilometers away. Tanah Toraja and the Mamasa Valley are about 250 kilometers north of Makassar.

Mamasa Valley (MAH-mah-SAH): This village and valley is in the west part of South Sulawesi. Mamasa is a cool mountain resort with great hot springs. It hosts a similar culture to the Toraja people. It sits high in the mountains at around 3,600 feet.

Manado (MAHN-ah-DOH): This municipality is the capital and commercial center, not to mention the main gateway to North Sulawesi Province. Several volcanoes surround Manado, including Klabat, Soputan, and Lokon.

It is one of the most vibrant spots on the island and is famous for its mix of religious buildings such as Chinese temples and Christian churches. It also has a statue of Jesus Christ, which is the fourth tallest statue of its kind in the world.

Manado Tua Island (MAHN-ah-DO TOO-ah): Manado Tua is the main island in the Bunaken area. The path to the top of this volcanic island takes several hours to climb but the view includes all the islands in Manado Bay. The area is superb for snorkeling and diving, and ideal for corals and sponges. The beach is a mixture of white sand and coral formations. 

Palu (PAH-loo): This city is the capital of Central Sulawesi. It’s dry, hot, and serves as the gateway to Lore Lindu National Park. Visitors can buy park permits at the park office in town or at field offices along the way. There is an interesting museum in town, the Museum Negeri Propinsi Sulawesi Tengah. Tanjung Karang is a nearby beach area with good snorkeling. More than 280,000 people reside in Palu.

Rantepao (RAHN-teh-PAO): This is the largest town and business district in Tanah Toraja and a convergence of travelers. It serves as a good base for local tours in Toraja land. It rains here daily and the local market only happens once a week. Flights in and out of Rentepao are available via Makassar.

Siladen Island (SEE-lah-DEHN): This tiny island is just a few hundred meters from Bunaken in the Bunaken National Park. It has the same general diving opportunities offered from Bunaken. 

Tanah Toraja (TAH-nah TOH-rah-JAH): The Toraja people live in a picturesque, mountainous region called Tanah Toraja, or Toraja land. The Toraja are mostly Christians, but practice animist rituals. The most interesting are the burial rites where bodies of the deceased are kept for long periods of time (sometimes many years) in order for the family to save up for the final funeral. Their belief system is based upon their view of death and the afterlife. The Toraja are famous for their houses, which are called Tongkonan, or family houses. The houses are built on stilts, and each end rises like the horns of a buffalo, with the points always facing north and south. The shape symbolically connects heaven and earth. The temperature is also very pleasant as compared to lowland areas where it is usually very hot.

Tara-Tara (TAHR-rah TAHR-rah): This village has traditionally been the center of Minahasan culture and arts. Traditional dances are performed in the open air at Kemer Garden. There are Japanese caves from World War II at the Ranowangko dam. The Kemer natural spring is nearby in the shadow of the volcanoes. Just 15 kilometers southwest of Tasik Ria, Tara-Tara is easily reachable from Manado by public bus or taxi.

Danau Linow (DAH-now LEE-now): This small lake is fed by a geothermal spring, which gives the lake a two-tone color. The sulphur causes a bright green color in the water near the inlet of the lake. The lake is a good place for a picnic in the mountains. Just outside of Tomohon.

Danau Poso (DAH-now POH-soh): This is Indonesia’s third-largest lake, located in central Sulawesi. The lake is famous for its wild orchids, which can be viewed at Taman Angrek Bancea. The towns of Tentena, Tindoli, Taipa, and Pendolo surround the lake.

Dumoga Bone National Park (Doo-moh-GAH BOH-nay): Located on the border between two districts, approximately 260 kilometers from Manado. The mountains and hills are covered by dense forests and vegetation, which makes it an ideal reserve for rare and special animal species such as maleo birds, anoas, hornbills, wild pigs, tarsius, and fruit bats. The rainfall favors a very rich flora. This National Park has several cottages and small restaurants for visitors. An entry permit should be obtained from the Sub Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam (Nature Conservation Office) in Manado.

Lake Tondano and Remboken Tourist Site (TOHN-dah-NOH, REHM-boh-KEHN): The drive to Tondano passes through picturesque villages and clove plantations. Situated right on the edge of the lake is the Remboken Tourist site, an ideal place for water skiing, fishing, and boating. Bungalows, a hot water swimming pool, and restaurants are available.Lake Tondano is about 36 kilometers southwest of Manado, 600 meters above sea level.

Lore Lindu National Park (LOHR-reh LEEN-doo): Lore Lindu National Park is probably the most interesting national park of Sulawesi. Wildlife and nature enthusiasts should definitely visit this beautiful park. Lore Lindu lies within the highlands in Central Sulawesi. This large national park is extremely remote and few people travel here. Attractions include large megalithic rock formations, high peaks, waterfalls, hot water springs, unusual birds, and a beautiful lake. Visitors can take short hikes in the park, but guides are required on longer treks that can last several days. Lindu is a collection of four indigenous communities—Anca, Tomado, Langko, and Puroo, which suround Lindu Lake. Just south of the city of Palu.

Otanaha Fortress (OH-than-AH-ha): A shelter and defense base of Gorontalo kings during the colonial era. It is said that the fortress was built with a mixture of sand, calcium and eggs of Maleo birds. Located in the western part of Dembe village.

Japanese War II Caves: Japanese soldiers built the caves during World War II to store supplies. This is a cavernous hillside area along the road between Kiawa and Kawangkoan.

Japanese Monument: Bitung played an important role during World War II as a home base for the Japanese Imperial forces. It also became the last resting place for the soldiers who died in the war. Both the Japanese and North Sulawesi Government jointly founded this monument. Located in the village of Bitung.

Karumenga (KAHR-roo-MEHN-gah): This town has hot baths that originate from hot volcanic springs, which attract people for relaxation and health reasons.

Lake Mooat (MOO-aht): Situated in the highlands about 900 meters above sea level, this lake is a nice, cool place to visit. It is surrounded by dense forests, which abound with birds of various species. The located is in the district of Bolaang Mongondow. Visitors can reach it by bus.

Mantani Equestrian Center (MAH-tah-NEE): Trail rides are available daily and riders can choose from two trails. One is called the Wawu ride and reaches vistas where riders can see the local volcanoes and Lake Tondano in the distance. The Wahulan ride goes through the jungle. Located outside of Manado.

Mount Mahawu Volcano (MAH-hah-WOO): The views of the valley below are worth the trip and the two tall volcanoes in the distance are equally stunning. Visitors can see Mahawu smoldering steam below. The base of the mountain is just a few kilometers beyond the city of Tomohon. From here, it takes about an hour to hike to the top of the volcano.

Ranopaso (RAHN-oh-POH-soh): Rice fields surround this hot water bathing spot. Bungalows are available at Koya village. Located about three kilometers from Tondano.

Sangihe-Talaud Archipelago (SAHN-gee-HEH TAH-lah-OOD): The remote reefs and fish life of the Sangihe-Talaud Archipelago are world class. This area lies north of Manado and is dominated by Mount Karangetang, a volcano that reaches 5,900 feet high. This chain of steep and lush volcanic islands connects Indonesia with the Philippines. It is one of the most scenic regions in all of Indonesia. Several of these volcanoes are still active, such as spectacular Siao, a rainforest island that rises up nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. The abundant marine life and magical reefs surrounding these islands are only accessible by boat.

The reefs along the Sangihe-Talaud coast are remote, pristine and world class. These islands are among the most pristine in Indonesia, and considered by experts as the pinnacle of marine biodiversity. Sperm whales, pilot whales, melon-headed whales, and numerous species of dolphins are sighted traveling in enormous pods in this region. In addition, pods of rare tropical killer whales are sighted here occasionally.

One of the most amazing geological features of this archipelago is the active Mahangatang volcano, which is underwater near Siau. Divers and snorkeling enthusiasts watch it spew volcanic gases below the surface of the ocean.

Sarone Island (SAHR-oh-NAY): A beautiful, tiny island with white sandy beach for swimming, boating, snorkeling, diving, and water skiing. Located in the district of Gorontalo.

Tangkoko Nature Reserve (TAHNG-ko-ko): This nature reserve is located on the slopes of mount Dua Saudara, an area composed of impressive green hills and valleys with amazingly scenic views. The national park is very popular because of the tarsier and the crested macaque. It also features black monkeys, maleo birds, snakes, wild pigs, hornbills and rusa deer. Located north of Bitung, this nature reserve has several cottages and small restaurants nearby. It is only reachable by four-wheel drive vehicles over a rough road from Girian village.

Wakatobi Marine National Park (WAH-kah-TOH-bee): Wakatobi Marine Park is located in Southeast Sulawesi and consists of a stunning group of islands. These beautiful waters are off Sulawesi’s southeast coast. The park offers some of the best diving in the world.

Wakatobi is the second largest protected marine area in Indonesia. The park encompasses stunning coral reefs, white sand beaches and an amazing wealth of marine life, including whales and dolphins. Wakatobi is positioned at the heart of the Indo Pacific area where marine biodiversity is at its greatest.

More than 90,000 people live within the national park. They rely on the reefs and inter-tidal habitats for their livelihoods. These peoples include many interesting cultures and histories. The objective of the marine park management is to balance the needs of the local communities while protecting biodiversity.

Wale Papataupan (WAH-lay PAH-pah-Tah-oo-PAHN): Wale Papataupan is a flowery tourist spot with bungalows, swimming pool, steam bath facilities, restaurants, fish ponds, and an open stage for cultural performances. Located at Sonder village, about 37 kilometers from Manado.

Watu Pinabetengan (WAH-too PEE-nah-BEH-tehn-GAHN): This site consists of a megalithic stone of the ancestors of Minahasa. Its surface is covered with crude, mysterious drawings and scripts, which have never been deciphered. According to Minahasa history, this is the place where the ancestors first divided up the land among the people (Watu Pinabetengan means “the stone of discussion about the division”). The ruling was made in order to ensure a peaceful and harmonious life. Seven divisions were made amongst different areas of Tombulu, Tonsea, Toulour, Tontemboan, Tonsawang, Ponosakan and Pasan Ratahan. This site is located in Tompaso, about 45 kilometers from Manado.

Waruga (WAHR-roo-GAH): This is an ancient cemetery with Minahasan ancestors. It consists of 144 sarcophagi, which are remnants of the megalithic age. The artistic aspect of the tomb is known by the decorative sculpture and carving around the tombs and the lids with various motifs. Located in Sawangan village, about 24 kilometers from Manado.

Sulawesi’s main port of entry is Makassar, which has frequent flights throughout the archipelago. Manado acts as a secondary hub, with some interesting connections eastward to Halmahera and Papua. Both airports are international airports with international flights to Kuala Lumpur from Makassar, and to Singapore from both airports.

Indonesia has more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Learn more about Indonesia.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

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