Makassar: A Living Maritime Heritage of Island Traders

Makassar: A Living Maritime Heritage of Island Traders

Walking towards a long line of tall traditional pinisi boats in the historic Paotere Harbour in Makassar, I caught whiffs of freshly cut timber. I watched strong, sinewy sailors navigating gangplanks with great agility, balancing neat stacks of wood on their...
The Sea Gypsies of the Togeans

The Sea Gypsies of the Togeans

The Togean Islands form an archipelago of 56 islands strung across the Gulf of Tomini in Central Sulawesi. This string of beautiful islands has perfect, white, sandy beaches and cottage style wooden bungalow accommodation. In the Togeans you feel a million miles away...
At Torajan Funerals, Grieving is Impolite

At Torajan Funerals, Grieving is Impolite

Journeying through Tana Toraja Regency in South Sulawesi, one comes across many extraordinary sights and experiences. The region offers stunning landscapes including lofty mountains, lush highlands and ancient terraced rice fields. Perhaps most interesting of all is...
The Wana Wanderers of Sulawesi

The Wana Wanderers of Sulawesi

Story by Stephanie Brookes Photos by David Metcalf There is only one way to meet the Wana tribe. You must walk into their rugged territory. Arrangements should be made in advance because the Wana are wanderers and their territory is vast. They pack up and move when...
THE GHOST STALLIONS OF MUNA ISLAND, SULAWESI

THE GHOST STALLIONS OF MUNA ISLAND, SULAWESI

Share This: As I headed out of the township of Raha on rutted roads and made my way into the interior of Muna Island, I peered out of the car window, passing villages and hoping for a glimpse of a stallion. Latugo Village on Muna Island, Sulawesi is where, word has...
Life & Death in Toraja

Life & Death in Toraja

Life & Death in Toraja Believed to have descended from the stars, the Torajans of Sulawesi are a unique people who practise elaborate funeral rituals for their deceased. Words: Stephanie Brookes Located in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago, between...
Selayar – a secret find

Selayar – a secret find

A SEA GYPSY VILLAGE, AN URBAN LEGEND, AND UNTOUCHED PARADISE… Selayar Island is truly a secret find. This quiet and unspoiled island at the southern tip of Sulawesi is a combination of genuinely warm hospitality and pristine beaches lined with coconut trees,...
Manado

Manado

When I opened the map and studied the geographical layout of Sulawesi, I was intrigued by the shape of this unique island. It is said that Sulawesi looks like an orchid and indeed this is an apt description of a truly remarkable place. So, inspired by this fact alone,...