Sulawesi - General Information

The major part of land area of Southeast Sulawesi is covered by untouched jungle and bush savannah. These ecosystems harbour a multitude of endemic plant species, among these a variety of orchids.

Lowland rainforest

Spathoglottis plicata

Large parts of these habitats have been declared as national parks or reserves by the government and thereby formally put under protection. In the remote areas there are still a number of unknown species to be discovered and described.

numerous butterflies, birds, reptiles (monitor lizards), bats, monkeys, deers, wild pigs, makis (tarsius) and the rare anoa (wild buffalo) are living in the jungle area. Dangerous predators are missing throughout the island.

Hunting of animals is forbidden in the protected areas. This prohibition is thoroughly enforced by gamekeepers. Nevertheless, animals captured by the native people are occasionally offered alive (birds) or as dead souvenirs (mussles, butterflies, beetles and other insects).

Sulawesi serpent eagle (Spilornis rufipectus)

Monitor lizard

To protect the endangered wildlife we strongly ask you to forbear from purchasing such souvenirs and not to take part in offered hunting activities.

A myriad of islands lures with lonely white sand beaches with clean water surrounded by breathtaking, rather undisturbed coral reefs.

The eastside coasts of Buton and the surrounding smaller islands like Wanci, Kaledupa, Tomia and Binongko represent some of the most beautiful underwater paradises.

In these atolls, the sea steeply drops off behind the coral reefs for over hundreds of feet, a fascinating and at the same time "scary" perspective!

Diving into this world will reveal an incredibly rich diversity of marine wildlife: starting with tiny, colorful snails, marine worms and starfishes, bizarre species of fish in every color you can imagine to sea turtles, napoleon wrasse and majestic manta rays.