CENTRAL SULAWESI
Central Sulawesi is an area of rugged mountains and dense forests. Much of the region is sparsely populated (most people live on the coast) and hunter gatherers, the Wana, are still active in the forests. There are some impressive but rarely visited places such as Bronze Age megaliths and unspoiled islands. Central Sulawesi has appeared on travel warning lists predominately because of unrest in a single town, Poso, where more than 1,000 people were killed during sectarian violence there in late 1990s and early 2000s.
Central Sulawesi Province covers 61,841.29 square kilometers. Its population rose from 2,635,009 in 2010 to 2,839,290 in 2014. Its population density is 45.9 people per square kilometer. Sights in the province include Danau Poso, Indonesia’s third largest lake (measuring 32-x-16 kilometers, with a maximum depth of 450 meters); Lore Linda National Park, with an megaliths, unique ethnic groups and forest with wildlife and trekking possibilities; Taman Morowali, a 225,000-hectare nature reserve with pristine fores, 5,000 Wana people and wildlife such as the babirusa and the world’s smallest bat. In the trekking areas guides are essential. Treks can be organized in the cities near the parks. See the Lonely Planet guide for details.
Rare flora and fauna found in Central Sulawesi includes ebony wood, black orchids, the shy Babirusa (deer pig), and Anoa (Dwarf Buffalo), maleo birds (Macrocephalo maleo) black Sulawesi monkey (Maccaca maura) and Tangkasi (the smallest species of monkey). Luwuk is a town on a remote eastern peninsula that is a good place to look for maleo, known for nesting in sandy areas and volcanic soils utilizing heat from the sun or geothermal energy to incubate its eggs. The Banggao Island is hard to get to and is a good place to see whales and dugongs. In Tanjung Apio National Park there crocodiles, snakes, babirusa and coral cliffs which release natural gas that can be ignited with a lighter.
The Togeon Islands are an archipelago of unspoiled islands that can only be reached by once-a-week boats and have only the most basic facilities. Seven ethnic groups share the islands, including several communities of Bajo sea gypsies. The pace is delightfully slow. There are some excellent coral reefs as well as sea grass beds that support a large number of dugongs.. Batu Daka is the largest and most accessible island. Kadidiri is said to have the nicest beach.
Central Sulawesi is rich in culture and history. Ancient megaliths and Bronze Age relics are found here As early as in 13th century, many small kingdoms emerged in this area such as the Banawa, Tawaeli, Sigi, Bangga and Banggai. In the 16th century, Islam made inroads into the area with the Bone and Wajo kingdoms that dominated much of Sulawesi at that time. The Dutch came in 17th century but weren’t able to control Central Sulawesi until the 19th century. It became a part of Indonesia in 1950, becoming a separate province in 1964. These days the dominant ethnic groups in the province are Palu Toraja, Koro Toraja and Poso Toraja.
One Central Sulawesi delicacy is sugili, the local name for eel. Pisang molen, a pastry filled with banana then fried or baked, and burasa, made of rice and coconut milk then steamed in banana leaves, are popular snakes. Kaledo or beef & bone marrow soup is also worth a try. Bear in mind that locals like chili and tamarind, producing a spicy and sour taste.
Sulawesi
Sulawesi is a huge crab-, orchid- or K- shaped island east of Borneo and Kalimantan, south of the Philippines, west of the Moluccas and north of Flores. Formerly known as Celebes, it is about the size of Nebraska and consists of four large peninsulas fringed by coral reefs and covered by large wildernesses areas with marshy coastal plains and jungle covered mountains in the interior. There are also smoking volcanos and large agricultural areas. Off the coast in some places are distinctive Sulawesi fishing platforms.
Sulawesi covers 202,000 square kilometers. It accounts for 10 percent of Indonesia's area and 7 percent of its population. Sulawesi has lost 90 percent of its rich lowland forests to logging and agriculture. Many of the highland forests are still in good condition. Most people tend to live on or near the coast. The interior is generally sparsely habited. The major ethnic grous in the south are the Bugis and the Makassarese. The Toradja occupy the southern highlands. A mosaic of other groups are scattered acr
The ancient Chinese made it do Sulawesi. Some people today make their living today by digging up the graves of Chinese mariners and unearthing porcelain from the 11th century Song and Ming dynasties worth thousands of dollars. The mariners were often interned together and grave robbers have found 11th century vases using steel rods to probe the soft mud where they were buried.
Two of the most famous products from Celebes were Makassar poison, which, according to 17th century diarist Samuel Pepys, was given by Englishmen to dogs in their gentlemen's clubs to watch them die, and Makassar oil, which men used to grease back their hair. It was once described as the greasiest of the "greasy kids stuff." ♢[Source: "Ring of Fire" by Lawrence and Lorne Blair, Bantam Books, New York]
Indonesian independence brought name changes: Celebes became Sulawesi and the capital Makassare became Ujung Pandang. There was a Sulawesi independence movement that has since died out. In the chaos after independence, Islamic fundamentalist groups on Celebes held a foreign medical team hostage for 18 months. There were only two survivors. People in Sulawesi have demanded the return of land taken away by a Suharto family company.
Provinces of Sulawesi: Area in square kilometers, Population in 2010, Population in 2014, Density per square kilometers
South Sulawesi: 46,717.48, 8,034,776, 8,395,747, 179.7
West Sulawesi: 16,787.18, 1,158,651, 1,284,620, 76.5
Central Sulawesi: 61,841.29, 2,635,009, 2,839,290, 45.9
Southeast Sulawesi: 38,067.70, 2,232,586, 2,417,962, 63.5
Gorontalo, 11,257.07, 1,040,164, 1,134,498, 92.9
North Sulawesi: 13,851.64, 2,270,596, 2,382,941, 172.0
Total Sulawesi: 188,522.36, 17,371,782, 18,455,058, 97.4
Palu
Palu (on the “neck” of the K-shaped Sulawesi) is capital of Central Sulawesi Province. It is the gateway to Lore Lindu National Park and the mysterious Bada valley, where megalithic statues resembling those on Easter Island can be found. Further east is the diving haven of the Togean Islands. Palu is home to about 350,000 people.
Although most of Central Sulawesi faces the large Bay of Tomini, Palu, however, faces the other way, facing west to the Straits of Makassar from the base of the narrow Talise Bay. Here the Ponulele bridge crosses Talise Bay, connecting West Palu with East Palu. The town is backed by the Gawalise mountains to its west and the Rovigadi mountain range to its east and is fronted by a number of white beaches, including the Tanjung Karang and Taman Ria beaches, as well as the Kampung Nelayan or the Fishermen’s Beach. Tanjung Karang has beautiful crystal clear diving sites, while closer to shore the beach is popular for jet skiing or banana boating and other water sports. Further out to sea is Pulau Lingayan, which offers beautiful coral reefs, home to colorful tropical fish.
Palu has a number of good hotels. 1) The Hotel Santika Palu, located in the business district of Palu. It has three meeting rooms, a ballroom for 400 guests, swimming pool and fitness center. Rooms are Wi-Fi connected, have LCD TVs and coffee maker in the room. 2) Hotel Santika Palu, Jalan Mohamad Hatta no.18, Palu For information and reservation: santika.com Central reservation at Tel: +62 21 2700027. 3) Swiss-belhotel Silae Palu - a 4 star hotel in the center of Palu's business district, 10 minutes from the city centre, Website: swiss-belhotel.com 4) Palu Golden Hotel — 2 star hotel, Jalan Raden Saleh 22, Palu, This is a 2 star hotel, is located at Jl Raden Saleh 22 Palu. Tel: +62 451 421126, Website: palugolden.com
Getting to Palu and Central Sulawesi
Being the capital of Central Sulawesi, Palu is the gateway to any visit to the wonders of Central Sulawesi, although today flights are also available to the town of Poso, nearest point to visit Lake Poso, or to Luwuk, the airport for those wishing to dive in the amazing Togean Islands. Poso is the province’s second largest city with about 200.000 but has a bad reputation due to sectarian violence that has occurred there. Central Sulawesi can be reached by a 14 hour bus trip from Toraja, and an 18 hour bus trip from Manado and Bunaken North Sulawesi.
The nearest air transport hubs are Makassar in South Sulawesi and Manado in North Sulawesi, both of which have domestic flights to the towns of Palu, Poso and Luwuk in Central Sulawesi, from Jakarta and all the major cities around Indonesia, and a few International flights. There are international flights to Manado from Singapore and Davao in The Philippines, and from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Makassar. Both of the airports listed above have flights to Palu, a small city in Central Sulawesi. Mutiara Airport in Palu is a domestic only airport with flights available from Jakarta, Surabaya, Balikpapan, Manado and Makassar.
There are no international flights to Palu. There are a number of domestic flights from Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, Balikpapan and Makassar to Palu’s Mutiara Airport. Among these are Batavia Air, Merpati Nusantara Sriwijaya Air. Batavia Air has direct flights to Palu from Balikpapan, Batam, Jakarta, Pontianak, Surabaya and Makassar, check: batavia-air.co.id Merpati Nusantara Air has direct flights to Palu from Jakarta, Kendari, Luwuk, Makassar, Manado, Poso, Surabaya, Tolitoli and Yogyakarta. Click merpati.co.id Sriwijaya Air has direct flights to and from Palu and Balikpapan,Jakarta and Makassar.click sriwijayaair-online.com
Beginning in 2012 Batavia Air offers daily Jakarta-Palu flights, leaving Jakarta at 2.45 am West Indonesia Time, arriving Palu at 6.25 Central Indonesia Time. The return flight leaves Palu at 7.00 am and arrives Jakarta 08.40 local time. (For bookings click batavia-air.com) Starting in 2012, Lion Air flies between Jakarta and Poso three times weekly via Makassar, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (for information and booking click lionair.co.id)
Lore Lindu National Park
The Lore Lindu National Park (50 kilometers, 2½ hour drive south of Palu) is a huge forested protected area in the districts of Donggala and Poso in Central Sulawesi. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978, the park covers an area of 2,180 square kilometers with altitudes ranging from 200 to 2,300 meters above sea-level (asl) and harbours lush forests filled with spectacular wildlife. The vast range of altitudes gives way to the existence of multiple ecosystems, including lowland tropical forest, sub-montane forest, montane forest, and sub-alpine forests at altitudes over 2,000 meters above sea level.
Lore Lindu contains almost every species of mammal and birds found on Sulawesi, over 50 percent of which are endemic to Sulawesi, including the babirusa: a bizarre pig-like creature with four huge tusks, the mountain anoa: a dwarf buffalo, and the Pygmy Tarsier: the world’s smallest primate, barely the size of a rat. Aside from its rich wildlife and picturesque landscapes, the Lore Lindu National Park contains over 400 granite megaliths in the Bada Valley, varying in size from just a few centimeters to 4.5 meters tall, the largest found in Indonesia. Various archaeological studies have dated the monuments from between 3000 B.C. to 1300 AD.
The park’s boundaries are marked by the Palolo Valley in the north, the Napu Valley to the east, and the Bada Valley to the South. The western boundary is defined by a row of narrow valleys, collectively known as the Kulawi Valley. The Pololo, Napu, Lindu and Besoa valleys were once lakes, but are now only partially filled with sediment. Lake Lindu is the only large lake still remaining today. There are 117 villages in and around the park, belonging to the Kaili, Kulavi and Lore ethnic groups.
Lore Lindu was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978, and was formed through the unification of three existing reserves: The Lore Kalamanta Nature Reserve, the Lake Lindu Recreation and Protection Forest, and the Lore Lindu Wildlife Reserve. Deforestation of the park is a problem as a result of illegal logging and land encroachment for agricultural activities. Management is working on improving law enforcement of the area and raising awareness of the importance of forest preservation.
Ecosystem and Plant and Animal Life in Lore Lindu National Park
The lowland forests are at 1000 meters and below, and are dominated by eucalyptus trees, banyan trees, palm trees and rattan trees, just to name a few. In the low mountain forests, from 1000-1500 meters, the trees grow shorter in height and are smaller in diameter, and ferns are a common sight. At this altitude, the air is cooler, providing habitat for 88 known species of wild orchids which can be found hanging amongst the trees, and sprouting from the forest floor, adding a splash of color to the dark, green foliage. In the Alpine forests, at 2000 meters and above, the high levels of rainfall reduce the fertility of the soil. At this level, the tree’s leaves grow smaller. A constant fog keeps the air and soil moist, and a mossy, green carpet covers the forest floor and trees.
The Lore Lindu National Park is the largest habitat of native mammals in Sulawesi. Hundreds of species of mammal, fish, bird and amphibian call this park home. Among the creatures you may encounter are the strange babirusa, the rare tonkean macaque, deer, anoa, gold snakes, three species of tarsier, and palm civets, the largest meat-eating animals in Sulawesi.. There are at least 55 species of bat and five types of squirrel. Fluttering about the forest, there are also beautiful, colorful butterflies larger than a human hand.
Sulawesi’s fascinating birds include the pygmy woodpecker, Sulawesi hornbill, red-eared fruit dove, fiery-browed mynah, and the formidable diabolical nightjar—a rare species first documented in 1931, and never again spotted till 1993. Since then, their habitat has been studied, and now that people know where to find them, they can often be seen. There are 227 species of birds in the park, 77 of which exist only in Lore Lindu itself.
Sights and Activities in Lore Lindu National Park
Lore Lindu is a huge park with a lot of things to do. It is equipped with offices, guard posts, information centers, shelters, dirt roads, a guest house and camping grounds. Some of the villages near the park offer basic losmen stay accommodations at affordable prices for a bed and meals, but most hotels are located in Palu. Due to heavy rainfall of up to 4,000mm a year in the southern part of Lore Lindu, the best time to visit would be during the dry season which is between July and September. The heaviest rain period occurs during the monsoon season which lasts from November to April.
Trek through the forests that occupy a large percentage of the reserve for a closer look at the wealth of its natural beauty and abundant biodiversity. The Anaso Track, on the way towards Mount Rore Katimbo is the best place for bird-watching. This track was once suitable for 4-wheel drives and motorbikes, but is now only passable by foot. Along this trail are some of Sulawesi’s most fascinating birds such as the pygmy woodpecker and Sulawesi hornbill.
Rent a traditional canoe for wildlife observation by way of water. The Lore Lindu Lake is the second largest lake in Sulawesi, after Lake Poso. It spans 3,150 hectares and is located in the highlands, 1,200 masl. Lake Lindu contains fish in large numbers, which create a source of livelihood for many surrounding villages. This lake is inhabited by six species of endemic fish and numerous species of water birds, including the endemic Maleo Fowl. There is a 10 meter-high waterfall, about two kilometers from Kamamora, and natural hot springs at Kadidia.
Take a tour of Bada Valley, world famous for its prehistoric relics from an ancient megalithic culture. Dozens of finely carved megaliths dating between 1,000 — 5,000 years old are scattered across the valley. The statues of Bada Valley are carved in human or animal form: owl, monkey or buffalo; all with the similar, and rather abstract style of being somewhat oval with large, round faces. The largest statue stands 4.5 meters tall and 1.3 meters thick. The valley is also particularly prized for the beauty of its natural environment — a scenic expanse of rice paddies and green plains, engraved with small streams, and surrounded by soft rolling hills.
Lore Lindu is a national park, and as such, you will need official permission to enter. If you are arranging your trip through a local agent or guide, they will sort this out for you. If you are on your own, you will have to visit : The National Park Head office in Palu, Jalan Mawar No. 10, Palu, Sulawesi Tengah. Tel/Fax: +62 0451 423608
From Palu, you can hire a car or jeep to take you to the park which is about 50 kilometers away. The drive will take approximately 2 ½ hours. It may also be a good idea to get a local guide that specializes in birding tours. Many of them have excellent knowledge of the various species of birds and wildlife, with years of experience and knowledge in how to spot key species in order to make the most of your trip to Lore Lindu.
Megaliths of Bada Valley
The Bada Valley (part of Lore Lindu National Park) or Napu Valley as it is sometimes called, is famous for its prehistoric relics from an ancient megalithic culture. Dozens of finely carved megaliths dating between 3000 B.C. and A.D. 1000 are scattered across the valley and are mysterious, yet magnificent testament to the skill and genius of a civilization that we know absolutely nothing about. Located in the District of Poso in Central Sulawesi, the megaliths are set in scenic landscape of rice paddies and green plains, streaked with small streams, and surrounded by soft rolling hills which give way to dense forests and rocky mountains. The Lairiang River flows through the entire valley and is crossed by three hanging bridges. The river is channeled into irrigation ditches that nourish terraced rice fields.
Compared to the monuments on Easter Islands, the Megaliths of Bada Valley are impressive but are difficult to access, as they are situated deep among hdden valleys in mountainous Central Sulawesi. Some are found in the middle of valleys, some in streams, open fields or rice paddies. The statues of Bada Valley are carved in human or animal forms such as an owl, monkey or buffalo; all with the similar, and rather abstract style: oval in shape with large, round faces. The largest statue stands 4.5 meters tall and is 1.3 meters thick. Sources indicate that they show remarkable resemblance to the stone statues on Cheju Island in Korea, and the Olmec statues in Mexico.
Nobody really knows how old the megaliths are, who made them or why they’re there. The most common response from the area’s inhabitants when asked about their origin is that “they’ve always been there.” The locals have various explanations for the meaning of these statues. Some believe they were used in ancestral worship or may have had something to do with human sacrifice. Others believe that these statues ward off evil spirits. One legend tells that they are criminals which were turned to stone, and there is even a superstition that the statues can disappear or move from place to place. Some have even been reported found in slightly different locations. Another curious aspect about these statues is that they are made from a type of stone not found anywhere near the area where they have been placed as is the case with Stonehenge.
The term “megalithic” is used to describe structures that were built with large stones, and without the use of mortar or cement. It also denotes items that were hewn from stone into a definite shape for a definite purpose. The word megalith originates from the ancient Greek word mega, meaning great, and lithos, meaning stone.
Visiting the Bada Valley Megalits
Just getting to Bada Valley is an adventure in itself. Walking in is the only way to get there. The trail is long and winding and is often washed out by landslides. It is best to avoid traveling in the rainy season, which is from about October to May. But don’t let that discourage you. It is a fun hike through beautiful scenery with forests, streams and long stretches of agricultural fields and wet rice paddies. Since their discovery in 1908, Bada’s megaliths have attracted scientists and archaeologists; tourist have not really sought them out until fairly recently and not many are willing to endure the long trek to get there.
According to an inventory conducted by the megalith enthusiasts of the Sagarmatha Faculty of Agriculture in 1994, there are over 300 megalithic sites around the Lore Lindu National Park. Objects exist in the form of statues, large pots, or vats and stone mortars. Unfortunately, many of these ancient relics have been smuggled out of the area, sold and traded.
Palindo (The Entertainer) is the largest statue in the area, standing 440 centimeters tall from the ground. It has been suggested that the Palindo is related to death, because his round face and large eyes face west. According to Toraja culture, a region in South Sulawesi, West is the direction of death. This theory holds some credibility based on the fact that the Toraja and Bada people share similar linguistic and cultural similarities. For example, both the Bada and Toraja sacrifice a buffalo for the deceased during funeral ceremonies. Another local legend tells of an ancient King of Luwu, who in order to prove his dominance, once ordered 1,800 of his subjects to move the statue from its location in the Village of Sepe to Palopo, a long way south. The efforts failed, but as an insult to the abusive king, the people turned the once south-facing statue to the west. When the king’s followers tried to turn it back, it fell to its side, where it rests till today.
Maturu (Sleeping) measures 3.8 meters, and looks very much like a horizontal Palindo, but with very faded features. It was referred to by explorers from the early 1900s as “the statue that lies on its back.” The Kalamba are just up the path from Maturu, and are vast stone cisterns, which are dotted across the valley. The Kalamba may have been used as baths or burial chambers for nobles and those of high status. Oba (Monkey) sits in the midst of a paddy field, and is a small statue, just barely over 40 centimeters tall. As its name suggests, this figure has amusingly monkey-like features.
Getting to the Bada Valley
Tentena (50 kilometers from the Banda Valley) is one of main access points to the Bada Valley. Located on Lake Poso, it is a charming small town on on the road between Ampana and Rantepao (See Lake Poso Below). Otherwise you have to camp or stay at a homestay in a village in the valley. A guide is not necessary, but it would be a plus. The way there is clear enough so you won’t get lost on the way to the valley, but you may have a hard time finding the megaliths. Bring proper walking shoes, rain gear, enough food and mosquito repellent.
Tentena is about a four drive in car with a driver from Palu. Alternatively, you can take the nine-hour, semi-off-road journey over land from Rantepao in Toraja. Either way, the plan is to end up in Tentena. From Tentena, the best way to the valley is by foot, though it is also possible to go by bicycle, motorbike or jeep.
The distance is about 50 kilometers with a small shelter to mark the half-way point. The walk is a long, straight road that cuts through a tropical jungle and is crossed by small rivers in several places — another reason that makes travel by foot easier than by motorized vehicle. Along your walk, you may catch a glimpse of a few animals, namely macaque and deer.
Lake Poso
Lake Poso (eight hours from Palu, nine hours from Rantepao) is an ancient lake located in the Poso District in Central Sulawesi, and is the third largest lake in Indonesia after Lake Toba and Lake Singkarak in Sumatra. The lake spans across an area of 32,000 hectares, and, with a depth of 515 meters at its deepest points, almost three times deeper than the Java Sea which has a mean depth of 151 meters only.
Lying just north of the Toraja highlands in South Sulawesi, Lake Poso is bordered by the Pendolo town at the south end of the lake and Tentena at the north, with several smaller villages scattered in between. The water of the lake pours in a river and out into the Tomini Bay by the town of Poso. Silver and yellow eels inhabit the lake together with two endemic species of fish. The center of the lake is crystal blue, outlined by a shade of green and bordered with soft white and golden sands. Rolling hills surround this enchanting lake, covered with stretches of bright, green rice fields, fragrant clove trees and tropical forests that are home to anoas and babirusa.
A strange phenomenon has been reported at Lake Poso. When night falls, a vivid, bright light is often seen glimmering beneath waters. Sometimes stationary, but sometimes moving rapidly from bank to bank across the lake. Some people attribute it to Indonesia’s counterpart of the Loch Ness monster. Since its first sighting, the tale has evolved from a light within the lake to a light that hovers above the lake and around the nearby hills and fields. This spectacle has been observed for many years, yet the source of the mysterious light has never been confirmed.
Sights and Activities at Lake Poso
Lake Poso is located at 657 meters above sea level, where the air is clean and cool. The water in the lake is also cool and clean, and good for swimming. Rent a boat for a cruise around the lake, which locals claim is always perfectly clear, even when monsoon rains muddy up every other body of water. A variety of vessels are available, from typical motorboats to traditional wooden canoe. Rent so gear and go fishing for eels.
At Bancea about 15 kilometers near Pendolo is the Bancea Orchid Garden which holds a large collection of orchid species, among which is the rare black orchid. Covering over 5,000 hectares, the garden is the largest orchid preserve in Indonesia, and displays more than 50 species of rare and exotic orchids, both cultivated wild. If you enjoy a good long walk, it is possible to reach the Orchid Garden by foot from Pendolo. Alternatively, you could rent a car to take you there.
In the fourth week of August, a large festival is held at Lake Poso. The Lake Poso Festival is a cultural event exhibiting a wide range of competitions and performing arts from the surrounding provinces and cities of Central Sulawesi, including traditional games, decorative boat races, rowboat races, dance performances and beach volleyball. Locals from other regions of Indonesia also participate in this event to display arts, handicrafts and traditional clothing from various tribes around the country. The main dishes served in the food stalls during the festival is lake fish cuisine of the Pamona Tribe, and tasting this should definitely be on your list of things to do while in Poso.
Accommodation and Restaurant at Lake Poso
Tentena (on Lake Poso) is a charming small town that has a far amount of accommodation options. UeDatu Cottages is located in the center of Tentena, at the bank of Posolake, surrounded by rice fields. Several types of rooms are available, each with double beds with quality mattresses, clean sheets, comfortable pillows and fresh towels provided. Services include free WiFi, use of a city bike and free coffee and tea all day long. Rates start at about USD 10 — 30 per night. UeDatu Cottages, JalanUeDatu 92, Tentena 94663, Central Sulawesi, Tel. 62 — 811 344 1597 62 — 4582 1824, Website: uedatucottages.com
Tando Bone Bungalow Resort offers 8 spacious bungalows, built on the sandy, eastern shore of Lake Poso and overlooking the enchanting highlands and sloping hills of Central Sulawesi. Bungalows can be rented from a day to a year and are fully furnished with solar powered lighting and refrigerator, gas stove, modern toilets and showers with sun-heated water. Prices range from 350,000 — 500,000 Rupiah. Other facilities and services include a restaurant, usage of phone, email and fax machine, jungle excursions and trekking, and lessons in traditional handicrafts, Indonesian cooking, and traditional dancing. Tando Bone Bungalow Resort, JalanSetia Budi 18, Tentena 94663, Central Sulawesi, Tel. 62 — 458 21322, 62 — 852 — 4110 6266, E mail: info@tandobone.net, Website: tandobone.net
A few other small hotels and homestays in Tentena: 1) Pamona Indah Hotel (Jl. Kom. YosSudarso, Tentena. Tel: +62-452-21245); 2) Homestay (Jl. Trans Sulawesi, Tentena. Tel: +62-452-21247); 3) Losmen Moroseneng (Jl. Kom L YosSudarso 2, Tentena. Tel: +62-452-21165); 4) Hotel Intim Danau Poso (Jl. Kom. L. YosSudarso 22, Tentena. Tel: +62-452-21345, 21489); 5) Hotel Panorama (Jl. TVRI, Tentena. Tel: +62-452-21412, 21240); 6) Losme Victori (Jl. Pelabuhan 16, Tentena. Tel: +62-452-21392)
A visit to Lake Poso is not complete without taking a culinary tour around the lake. Fishing is among the prime means of sustenance of the local villages, and the lake fish play a large role in the menu of local cuisine served in the small food stalls, restaurants and homestays. The typical Poso food that should be sampled is sogilibakar, which is barbecued freshwater eel. This fish is also served boiled, but barbecued is the usual preference. The fish is seasoned with lime juice, tomatoes and onions and served with steamed rice, vegetables and chilli sauce.
Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons
Text Sources: Indonesia Tourism website ( indonesia.travel ), Indonesia government websites, UNESCO, Wikipedia, Lonely Planet guides, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, National Geographic, The New Yorker, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press, AFP, Japan News, Yomiuri Shimbun, Compton's Encyclopedia and various books and other publications.
Updated in August 2020