Description

Spanish and Portuguese galleons, followed by British and Dutch traders, sailed these seas in search of the spice trade, escorted by their Men of War to protect them from the daring raids of the Bugis and Makassar pirates. Famed for their seafaring culture, the Bugis are still the driving force behind this world.

History

From as early as the 14th century, this are was filled with famous kingdoms, most notably are Luwu, Gowa, Soppeng, Tallo and Bone.

European influence started in the 16th century, when in 1538 Portuguese arrived in Makassar and sought audience with Gowa king.

Bone and Gowa kingdoms had a major war in 1562, but later on managed to resolve their differences. After Dutch and Japan were driven away, South Sulawesi became a part of Indonesia and was made into a separate province in 1964.

Entry

There are many flights and daily service from Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya and Manado. Through an asphalt road with some winding slopes, feel the fresh & cool air with its natural scene, a nice way to travel by car.

People & Culture

Makassarese and Bugis are religious people, most are Muslims and very strong minded. Bugis people are among the best sailors in the world.  Seafarers of Bugis, Bajau, Butonese and Makassarese have traded with neighboring countries, most notably with the Australian Aborigines, for hundreds of years.

Cuisine

This place is a haven for culinary lovers. From fresh sea food, cooked Chinese or Indonesian style to the famed coto makassar--soup made from innards of cow, there is something new to try everyday. Sop saudara is quite similar to coto but it's more bland compared to coto. Konro or beef ribs soup is tasty and filling. For snacks you might want to try jalangkote, some kind of pastry with tasty filling, eaten with a spicy sauce.

For dessert, try pisang epe--flattened banana with palm sugar sauce, usually mixed with jackfruit or durian. Es pallu butung, made of sliced banana, ice chips, coconut milk and red sauce is also filling and refreshing. Pisang hijau is banana coated with flour and pandan leaves, thus causing the outer layer to be green-colored. It's sliced and then coated with cocopandan syrup.

Tourism Office

JL. Jend. Sudirman No.23, Makassar 90231
Phone. (62-411) 878912, 443355, 872336
Fax. (62-411) 872314
Website : http://www.phinisiq.com
Email : disbudpar-sulsel@telkom.net

Description

This area has existed for a long, long time. Due to its strategic location, North Sulawesi has gotten contacts with outside world since the dawn of time. Sangir-Talaud island group created a bridge to the neighboring country, Philippines. Therefore culture between this place and Philippines, including the people, are quite similar. Influenced heavily by the Dutch occupation in the past, most older generation can still speak Dutch and respect this country.

History

Some kingdoms existed in the past, such as Manado, Tabukan, Siau, Kolongan, Tahuna, Kendahe and Manganitu. Portuguese first arrived in 16th century, for trading and spreading Christianity. When the Portuguese went away, Spain came instead, bringing Catholicism with them. In the middle of 17th century, Dutch influence became prominent until Japan came and took over for a short while. Dissatisfied, after Japan lost in WW2, Dutch tried to colonize this place again and even creating a puppet country. The locals opposed this, and in 1950 Sulawesi became a part of Indonesia. North Sulawesi became a separate province in 1964.

Entry

Merpati services flights to and from Manado. Lion Air holds flights weekly to and from Gorontalo and Makassar. Sriwijaya Air also offers flights to Makassar. North Sulawesi is also reachable by boats and ships. Two ports, namely Talumolo for Togeans and Leato for Pagimana and Pelni ferries are located about 4 km away from Gorontalo. North Sulawesi is accessible by bus from Palu.

People & Culture

Predominantly inhabited by Minahasans and Sangirese, other smaller ethnic groups can also be found within this region.

Cuisine

Spicy and unique, those two words comprise the taste of dishes found here. Rica-rica is a name of condiment or sauce that virtually can be applied into many things--be it chicken, fish, pork, even dog (called r.w. or air weh). Bubur tinotuan or bubur Manado, made of rice, corn, veggies are best eaten with a special chili sauce. Bats are also eaten here. Saguer or fermented sago wine should be sampled if you are into alcoholic beverages, and Cap Tikus (or Rat Brand) is a name of distilled saguer, sold with numbers attached denoting strength, no. 1 being the strongest. It's often diluted and mixed with fruit juices to create some kind of cocktail.

Tourism Office

Jalan Diponegoro 111, Manado 95112, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Phone: +62 431 851723 , 851835
Fax: +62 431 852730
North Sulawesi Tourism Board site: http://www.north-sulawesi.org/

North Sulawesi Tourism Organization

PO Box 236, Manado 95124, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Phone: +62 431 824445
Fax: +62 431 823 444
Website: http://www.north-sulawesi.com