The beautiful orchid shaped island of Sulawesi is rapidly becoming one of Indonesia’s fastest growing tourist destinations. Magnificent coral gardens and a multitude of tropical marine life protect coastlines of virgin-white beaches; mountains and volcanoes dominate the landscape with over 50 summits reaching for the heavens, some of which are still actively reminding the islanders and the world of their power. The seafaring Bugis dominates the southern tip of Sulawesi. Bugis vessels, in fact, sailed as far as Australia, leaving behind drawings of their ships on stone and words that have since been integrated into Aboriginal languages of northern Australia.

Further north, through rugged and remarkable country is 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. A strict hierarchy is followed in the villages and for prominent figures; burial ceremonies for example, can take days to perform.

Buffaloes are ceremonially sacrificed and the deceased’s remains are placed in a coffin which is then interred in caves hollowed out in high cliffs. The mouth of the cave is guarded by life-like statues, who diligently look out from a balcony at the families and friends they have left behind.

The people of North Sulawesi have a strong tradition of trade and contact with the outside world and it was the Dutch who made the most lasting impact on the development of the area.

Apart from introducing a strong political and religious structure, they encouraged the local population to cultivate nutmeg and coconuts, for copra. Today, the main industries of the province are copra and cloves; in fact, North Sulawesi has the largest concentration of coconut trees in Indonesia!

The Northern Provincial capital of Manado is one of Indonesia’s international gateways with regular flights to all parts of the Indonesian archipelago. Manado’s main attractions are off-shore, however, with truly amazing coral reefs off nearby Bunaken island which are now a protected Marine Park and offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world.