Central Sulawesi

Almost abandoned by tourism due to a period of religious violence, Central Sulawesi is now back on the map for travellers moving between the Togean Islands and Tana Toraja.

Settlements on the shores of Danau Poso are an ideal place to break up a long bus ride. Tranquil Tentena is the easiest place to arrange treks into the Lore Lindu National Park, which is filled with mysterious megaliths and has a wildlife-rich jungle. Those with the time and a nose for anthropology should head to Morowali Nature Reserve to seek out the Wana people, while beach bums can laze around on the white sands of Tanjung Karang near Palu.

In September 2018, a violent earthquake hit this region, sending a devastating tsunami into Palu Bay. Though the recovery of the city and immediately affected regions is ongoing, the area can still be used by tourists for transit, and conditions will continue to improve.

Explore Central Sulawesi

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Central Sulawesi.

  • Archaeological Site

    Bada Valley

    Seemingly scattered haphazardly around the hills near Lore Lindu National Park are some 400 ancient stone megaliths of unknown origin that might be over…

  • National Park

    Taman Nasional Kepulauan Togean

    Togean Islands National Park was gazetted in 2004, and in 2017 was declared a tourism area of national significance. The park encompasses 3400 sq km of…

  • Archaeological Site

    Behoa Valley

    The valley around Bariri village is littered with megalithic objects, including statues of human forms as well as massive kalamba (stone pots) and tutu'na…

  • Waterfall

    Air Terjun Saluopa

    If you have wheels you can visit this impressive, powerful waterfall that drops in stages through rainforest, 15km west of Tentena. The falls are a…

  • Museum

    Museum Sulawesi Tengah

    This exceptionally good museum has cultural artefacts from the area's indigenous peoples. Unfortunately only half the signs are in English, but there are…

  • Waterfall

    Air Terjun Piala & Laumarang

    Two impressive waterfalls up the canyon northwest of Luwuk make a fine afternoon excursion. Piala requires ducking under a fence at the aqueduct which may…

  • Area

    Eel Traps

    Tentena’s pretty covered 210m bridge marks where Danau Poso (Lake Poso) ends and Sungai Poso (Poso River) begins its journey to the coast. V-shaped eel…

  • Natural Feature

    Tanjung Api

    The 42-sq-km Tanjung Api (Fire Cape) is home to anoa (pygmy buffalo), babi rusa (wild deer-like pigs), crocodiles, snakes and maleo birds, but most people…

  • Lake

    Danau Mariona

    Fascinating freaks of evolution, the jellyfish that have long floated in this lake without predators have gradually lost their ability to sting, making…

  • Area

    Napu Valley

    Several homestays in Napu Valley make it a good base of operation for exploring the eastern side of Lore Lindu. A handful of megaliths in nearby villages…

  • Lake

    Danau Tambing

    Get away from it all at this pleasant and peaceful mountain lake on the edge of Lore Lindu National Park – at least until it's mobbed on the weekend. It's…

  • Beach

    Siuri Beach

    Around 20km southwest of Tentena, this golden beach by the lake has great swimming with a water temperature of around 26°C year-round. There's a…