Central Sulawesi
Situated in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago, this province offers many attractions, from ancient megaliths, indigenous tribes, mossy mountains, sleepy blue lakes, white water rafting, fantastic snorkeling, coral reef diving, unpopulated small islands surrounded by endless white sandy beaches and a nature reserve. The area is rich in rare flora, such as ebony wood and the black orchid; and fauna, including the babirusa, anoa, maleo, black monkey and the tangkasi.
Luxurious and exclusive tourist facilities are available here in Central Sulawesi.
Read also : Sulawesi Travel Guide
Places of Interest in Central Sulawesi
Pendolo
is a small town at the southern tip of a lake and is a transit place for visitors from Toraja South Sulawesi before exploring Central Sulawesi or proceeding to Bunaken Island in Manado, North Sulawesi.
Lairiang River
Lairiang is the longest river in Sulawesi Island running down from Napu, Besoa, Bada and Gimpu valleys ending into Makassar strait in the west. Lariang River is considered one of the best rivers for white water rafting, rated at IV-V. The rumble of Lairiang river can be heard from afar and the huge bluish tropical
rainforest extends as far as the eyes can see.
Togean Islands
This is a communitybased ecotourism industry and biodiversity conservation. A huge expanse of tropical rain forest covers six islands, situated near the equator. This enchanting archipelago is one of the jewels of Central Sulawesi. Stunning reefs, small isolated white sandy beaches, traditional fishermen village of the Bajau and verdant rainforest are truly spellbinding and memorable. For the avid adventurer, the Togean Islands offer various for type of coral diving amidst the fringing reefs, barrier reefs, patch reef and atoll. The Togean Islands can be reached overland from Palu to Ampana in about 7 hours (375 kilometers) by car via Poso, by bus or chartered vehicle, and from Ampana followed by a 4-hour journey by public boat (daily service) to Wakai and Malenge. The boat departs at 10.00 pm. From Gorontalo city, Togean can be reached directly by a public boat service, which leaves for the island twice weekly. Coming by way of Rantepao (Tana Toraja) in South Sulawesi, it takes about 14 hours by car to reach Togean via Mangkutana, Pendolo, Tentena and Poso to Ampana.
Read also : Togean Island Travel Guide
Donggala
35 kilometers northwest of Palu, was once the most important harbor in Central Sulawesi. Visitors can proceed to the white sandy beaches, colorful coral reef and clear waters of Tanjung Karang.
Lake Poso
Poso has many unique attractions. It is located in the heart of Sulawesi, and also Indonesia. Lake Poso extends from north to south of the island.
It is about more than 32 kilometers in length and 16 kilometers in width. Its deepest end is 360 meters in the south and 510 meters in the north. The water is clean most of the time and offers a wonderful place in which to relax after trekking hard in the jungle of Lore Lindu National Park. During the dry season (October-April) the lake exposes its white sandy beaches.
Lore Lindu National Park
The second biggest lake in Central Sulawesi is Lake Lindu, covering an area of 3,150 ha. It is located on the highlands at some 1,200 meters above sea level. The national park offers breathtaking panoramic view of the environs and a cool climate. Lake Lindu can be reached by car from Palu to Rahmat Village, followed by a 4-hour trek through the thick tropical rainforest. Cottages are available to visitors. The park has a number of thousand year-old megalithic statues located at Napu, Besoa and Bada Valleys.
Read also : Sulawesi Tour Package
