Most Actual Information about Sulawesi-Indonesia

Map of Indonesia

Sulawesi or formerly known as celebes is the fourth largest island in Indonesia and one of the main destinations for domestic and foreign travelers. Here are a few most actual information
about Sulawesi.

Total Population

The population census in Indonesia is conducted every 5 years by the Central Bureau of Statistics where the statistic data shows, number of population of Sulawesi in 2020 are estimated to increase around 19,934,000. Compared to 2015, Sulawesi's population was around 18,724,000. 

Ethnic Groups 

There are 24 ethnic groups inhabiting the Sulawesi island and followed by several sub-ethnic groups. Among these ethnic groups, Bugis is most dominant group on Sulawesi. 

Province

Sulawesi Island is still divided into 6 provinces, namely North Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, West Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi and Gorontalo.

South Sulawesi has the largest population, around 8,928,000 inhabitants, followed by Central Sulawesi 3.097.000, North Sulawesi 2.528.000, West Sulawesi 1.405.000 and Gorontalo with the least population 1,219,060. 

Weather and Climate

Indonesia has only 2 seasons, namely: dry season and rainy season. Generally, dry season takes place between March till September and rainy season from October till February. Sometimes, these two seasons are difficult to predict. 

During the dry season period, rain falls only at certain times because of erratic wind movement. The temperature of each region in Sulawesi is absolutely different. In the lowland regions, the average temperature at noon varies between 32-37 °C. While in the highland regions, such as Toraja or Tomohon, the average temperature varies around 28 to 32 °C.   

In the rainy season, predicting the weather in each region in Sulawesi could not be equated because the rain falls erratically. There are some regions hit by rain almost every day and other only rain in the afternoon.  

Time Zone

Indonesia has 3 kinds of time zone, Waktu Indonesia Barat (known as WIB), Waktu Indonesia Bagian Tengah (known as WITA) and Waktu Indonesia Bagian Timur (known as  WIT). In English, WIB means Western Indonesian Time, WITA means Central Indonesian Time and WIT means Eastern Indonesian Time. The following table explains the difference in time based on territory

WIB	WITA	WIT
06.00 am	07.00 am	08.00 am
Sumatera Island	Kalimantan Island	Moluccas Island
Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam	North Kalimantan	Moluccas
North and West Sumatera	East Kalimantan	North Moluccas
Riau	South Kalimantan
Riau Island		Papua Island
Jambi	Bali Island	West Papua
South Sumatera	Bali	Papua
Lampung	West Nusa Tenggara
Bangka Belitung	East Nusa Tenggara
Bengkulu
	Sulawesi Island
Java Island:	North Sulawesi
DKI Jakarta	Gorontalo
West Java	Central Sulawesi
Banten	South Sulawesi
Central Java	South East Sulawesi
Yogyakarta	West Sulawesi
East Java
Kalimantan Island
West and Central Kalimantan

Fauna

Various types of animal can be found in each region on the island of Sulawesi, not only wild animal and endangered animal which live freely in the forest but also other special animals are farmed for business, religious and ritual purposes. 

In the southern part of the island of Sulawesi there are several types of animal whose population are still large, namely cow, goat, horse, pig and buffalo. Among these animals, there are prepared for business purpose, religious activities and ritual.

In the northern part of Sulawesi, several animals have been confirmed as protected animal, namely Tarsier, Macaca Nigra (known as Wolai or Yaki), kuskus and wild pig (known as babi rusa). These animals can be only found in Tangkoko National Park.  

Sulawesi Indonesia Travel Guide

Sulawesi with its Beauty 

The world of Island
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step
(Lao Tzu)

South Sulawesi Province

Makassar
Makassar is a capital city of South Sulawesi Province. In former time, it was called Ujung Pandang. Nowadays, it has biggest economic center in the region of eastern Indonesia and offers  historical site, such as Fort Rotterdam and Paotere Traditional Harbor.  culinary foods.

Bira
Bira has a long story about traditional boat building and nation of sailors. For centuries until now, the Bugisnes people build unique boats on the beach with traditional method without blueprints. There is also a fascinating white sandy beach with clear water. Here, you can swim, sunbathe and enjoy the sunset.

Sengkang
Sengkang is an area of Bugis with the interesting landscape around the Tempe Lake, floating homes, activities of the local people, and silk weaving.

Toraja
Toraja is a mountainous region that lies to the north of Makassar. Toraja has an elaborate funeral ritual. This takes a few days, hundreds guests will come, many buffaloes and pigs are slaughtered. Toraja has also lovely landscape with fertile rice terraces, unique rock tombs with their wooden statues (called tau-tau), artful carvings and the horns of sacrificed buffalo which adorn the traditional houses of the Toraja. Small walks are on offer to make soft trekking, seeing activities of local people and enjoy the nature.

Central Sulawesi Province
Here are the tourist sites that you must write on your own bucket list. 

1. Togian Island

In the vicinity of the Togian, there are a few beautiful and unusual small islands and villages which make you fascinated and stay definitely a little bit longer without feeling boring. They are Kadidiri Island, Katupat Village, Malenge Island, Papan Island and Una-Una Island.

They include hidden islands and are located far from the bustle of the city and activities of the people. There are many marine species, natural coral reefs, white sand at the Uninhabited Karina Beach and the best spot for diving, snorkeling and endless relaxation.

2. Tentena

Become the capital city of Poso Regency and as a stopping place for travelers who will continue their trip to Ampana on the next day.

Around the town of Tentena, tourists can enjoy the beauty of Lake Poso which is surrounded by rain forests with views of the mountains, Saluopa waterfalls and Palindo Arca Megalithic at Bada Valley.

North Sulawesi Province
The province inhabited by dominants of Minahasa ethnic group, you will explore it with various options, namely: 

1. Bunaken and Siladen
Both of them are located in the same teritory and become prestigious spot for snorkeling and diving and supported by various comfortable Bungalows and view of Manado Tua Volcano. It's easy to get there from Manado Harbour. 

2. Tomohon
The distance from provincial capital of Manado is 23 km and offers three kinds of mountain: Lokon, Mahawu and Masarang. Visiting the Extreme Traditional Market where the locals sell and buy various kinds of animals and the beauty from colored lake of Linow.

3. Tangkoko National Park
Tangkoko National Park is located in the mountain Dua Saudara with the variety of unique wildlife, like Macca nigra and Tarsius Spectrum. For lovers of unique wildlife, these Parks is a right choice.

So, Sulawesi is always waiting for your visit and you will create unforgettable memories.