Sulawesi Island in Indonesia - Formerly known as Celebes, Sulawesi is shaped like a tropical orchid. It is Indonesia's third-largest island with an area of 172,000 square km. The island of Sulawesi is divided into the provinces of North Sulawesi, South Sulawesi and Southeast Sulawesi. Sulawesi has great topographical variety-spectacular mountains, scenic coastline, lakes, rice and dense jungles-and offer wonderful opportunities for travelers. Sulawesi has warm tropical climate with wet and dry seasons lasting approximately six months each. The dry season is from April to October and the wet season is from November to May.
Manado city is the provincial capital of North Sulawesi. Manado is the starting point for exploration of the Minahasa region's many attractions. Fun-loving and extroverted, the Minahasa people live in neat wood frame houses, with fences and flower gardens, giving Manado a European feel. There is a wide range of hotels and restaurants. Those with an adventurous palate should try the famously hot and spicy Minahasa cuisine.
A trip through the Minahasa Highlands will take you to intriguing prehistoric above-ground burial sites, volcanoes, hot springs, the highland lake, Tondano and breathtaking panorama of lush mountains, coffee and coconut plantations, orchid gardens and terraced hillsides. Ensure a trip to Dua Saudara Nature Reserve as well, home to birds and other wildlife unique to Sulawesi,Tarsier - the smallest monkey, cuscus, Hornbill etc.
Makassar is dotted with beautiful beaches and places of historic interest. The city acts as a gateway to a number of famous Sulawesi attractions like Tana Toraja, Bunaken Marine Park, Takabonerate Marine Park and Wakatobi Marine Park. There are some beautiful coral reefs in the area making it a perfect place for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.
Another attraction is the Losari Beach in the heart of the city. This is the only beach in Indonesia where you can watch the sunrise and sunset standing from the same spot.
