Where to go in Sulawesi

you should not miss drinking beer at kios in front of Losari Beach, South Sulawesi

Well......... You probably should not miss a funeral ceremony in Tana Toraja.

Tana Toraja region centered on Rantepao (Central Sulawesi); Mamasa and the trek between Mamasa and Bittuang in the Tana Toraja Region of Central Sulawesi; Bunaken island and other islands (off Manado) in North Eastern Sulawesi for diving and snorkling; Kadidiri Island and/or Taipi Island in the Togian Islands Chain located in Tomini Bay north of Ampana (Eastern part of Central Sulawesi) for diving and snorkling; Tanjung Karang Beach (near the town of Donggala and near the city of Palu in the western part of Central Sulawesi) for friendly village and excellent diving and snorkling --- this is the "real" Indonesia. These are the highlights

Tukan Besi island if you have enough time

Makassar - try the Ikan Bakar

Tanah Toraja - go to a funeral

Bulakumba - visit the prahu builders

Dangdut concert in Makassar (maybe on outdoor stage at Pualum Restaurant on waterfront esplanade). The best Dangdut I have heard in Indonesia. The Makassarese love their music.

Second the motion on ikan bakar in Makassar (must find "restaurant row" near downtown- exhibition cooking just off the sidewalk is the place's calling card- grilling fish that is) Follow your nose.

A Bugis traditional wedding attended by Bissu high priests in Pangkep, South Sulawesi. Now that is really a mind-bending experience.

Prahu building center (boats- pinisi and penari if you're lucky) in Tanah Beru between Bulukuma and Pantai Bira on South Sulawesi.

Trip to Tanah Toa (Ammatoa enclave) in South Sulawesi. Can base yourself in Pantai Bira at Riswan's Buest house and have him arrange a day trip for you.

Tangkoko Rainforest in North Sulawesi Province. (I put this very high on the list if you are a nature buff) Accessible from either Manado or Bitung. Wildlife: tarsius (tarsiers) primates, black crested macaque, cuscus (marsupial), and Sulawesi Hornbill. Banyan trees deeper into the park are worth the visit alone.

Bunaken Island if you are interested in diving or snorkeling. I say this because it is easily accessible. Bunaken has its high and low points. There are other snorkeling and diving spots scattered about North Sulawesi as well. Lembeh Straits are good as well.

Lore Lindu Park in Central Sulawesi. Both of great cultural and natural historical interest. Three or four traditional tribes living within the park's boundaries.

If you've a goodly amount of time and some patience, a trip to Sangir-Talaud [Many isolated islands there- upwards to two hundred spread out over a vast area of the Celebes Sea (Laut Sulawesi) stretching up to the Philippines] Due to array of islands and their remoteness, some research and eye-witness accounts before setting off from Manado's harbor vis-a-vis ship (or plane in some cases from Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado) are well-advised. In Sangir Island group, if you like volcanoes, a hike up the flanks of eternally-smoking Gunung Karangetang on Pulau Siau to lava beds is more than memorable. Siau is 6-7 hour boat ride from Manado. Views of the 1927 meter volcano from many points on the island are tremendous, especially in the early morning hours before the clouds tend to obscure the crater/peak.

Tanah Toraja is a must. Also the surroundings of Makassar is worth to visit. Bira and Malino are nice places to vbisit in South Sulawesi. Better to ask Dodo for for help. He is very helpful and knows everything about South Sulawesi. He also can give you information about places to stay and eat. (donow77@hotmail.com)

mamasa

If you like snorkeling or diving, go down to Bira, few hours south of Ujung Pandang. AMAZING visibility! One of the great, under-rated, under water environments in Indonesia. And a very shallow, flat reef, going out to a sheer drop off. Sharks, turtles, dolphins ...