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NORTH
SULAWESI
The Island of Sulawesi was previously known as the Celebes.
A beautiful piece of land in the north eastern part of Sulawesi,
here lies the orchid shaped island of the pearl chain of the
Indonesian archipelago. It covers an area of 27,515 squared
km that consists of four regions - Bolaang Mongondow, Gorontalo,
Minahasa and the small island of Sangir Talaud.
North Sulawesi is also famous for its fertile soil that has
made it the home of varieties of plant and animal life both
terrestrial and aquatic. Covered by the green leaves of coconut
and clove plantations, the land also provides a large variety
of fruit, vegetables. The fauna boasts amongst others, rare
animals such as Maleo Birds, Cuscus, Babi Rusa (pig deer), Anoa
(dwarf buffalo) and Tangkasii (Tarsius Spectrum).
To protect these species from extinction, a nature reserve was
established. An amazing sea garden provides an excellent underwater
experience. The fabulous variety of panorama and way of life
of the people showing their unique traditions will considerably
fascinate the visitor.
One of the most western oriented people in Indonesia, the Minahasa
are Christians and friendly people. Their first contact with
Europeans was with the arrival of Spanish and Portuguese spice
traders. However it wasn't till the Dutch landed on their shores
that they became totally Christianised. Dutch influence grew
subduing indigenous traditions. "Minahasa" refers to the confederacy
of tribes and existing monuments bear evidence to the ancient
system of tribes and clans.
North Sulawesi is one of Indonesia's richest producers of coconut,
cloves and nutmeg which all adds to its natural wealth. |
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