:: Letter from Friend 11 ::

The Hidden and Interesting Places in Central Sulawesi

The Province of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia is a relatively unknown tourist destination, yet it offers some beautiful attractions. You can trek in Lore Lindu National Park, enjoying the hundreds of megalithic statues spread over 3 remote valleys - Bada, Besoa, and Napu; visit the Maleo breeding ground at Sausu and Peore, or sail to the Togean Island where 56 small islands invite you to share the mystery and importance of exotic coral reefs, magroves and rainforest habitat. Besides, there are 12 ethnic groups originating from Central Sulawesi, and all have differences in tradition, called adat.
Palu

The province's capital town lies in the beautiful Palu Valley on both sides of the Palu river. The town contains a range of hotel, shops, souvenirs shops, bank, internet services, and other entertainment facilities. The Roviga Hill, above the golf course 5 kilometers from town, is a good spot to watch the sunset. The Souraja at Lere Village is a former king's Palace, built in the traditional Kaili style. In the Kaili language Souraja meansa large house, the dwelling of Magau, or nobility. The interior is decorated with wooden carvings of Arabic Calligraphy. About 12 kilometers from Palu is Bora Hot Springs; other hot springs are located at Mantikole, where there is a hot water swimming pool, fine in the early morning or late afternoon.

Lore Lindu National Park
The island of Sulawesi has remained physically isolated for approximately 25 to 40 million years, resulting in high levels of species endemicity; 27 percent of the 328 bird species are found only on this island. Lore Lindu National Park lies at the junction of four long peninsulas, and its 217.000 hectares of forest is an important biological refuge.

Donggala Regency
Donggala lies about 34 kilometers from Palu to the north-west. Places of interest include Tanjung Karang Resort, the Pusentasi (salt-water pool) at Towale Village and Tirta Bahari beach in Boneoge. The town is an old trading center and it still has traditional Dutch style architecture. Hand-woven silk Sarongs can be found at Towale, between Palu and Donggala.

Palu Donggala Lake Poso
The Poso area has many special and unique places to be discovered. Lying at 657 meters above sea level, at the heart of Sulawesi, or even in Indonesia, Lake Poso is the third biggest lake in Indonesia. It extends from north to south is 32 kilometers in length and 16 kilometers in width. At its deepest point, it reaches 510 meters. The water is clear and it is a wonderful place for relaxing after trekking hard in the forests of Lore Lindu. In the dry season (October to April), there are many white-sand beaches to enjoy. Giant eels and large carps are often served in local restaurants.

Togean Islands
Spend your holiday in these exotic islands and fulfill your dreams on this picturesque archipelago of 56 islands. There are pleasant jungle treks on Melenge Island, snorkeling and diving on Kandidiri island, or you could visit the dormant colcano Gubung Colo on Una-Una Island, or Bajo (Sea Gypsies) at Kalautan. At Katupat island there is a mangrove boardwalk.

Formed by volcanic activity, the islands are covered in lush vegetation, and surrounded by coral reef formations. The reef and coast provide habitat and breeding areas for hawkbill and green turtles, and for dugong.