Central Sulawesi has an area of 68,033 km² (26,268 sq mi) and is surrounded by Gorontalo in the north, South Sulawesi and South East Sulawesi in the south, Maluku in the east, and the Makassar Strait in the west.
Regencies
The Central Sulawesi province is divided into several regencies and one municipality:
* Banggai
* Banggai Island
* Buol Regency
* Donggala Regency
* Morowali
* Parigi Moutong
* Poso Regency
* Tojo Una-Una
* Toli-Toli
* Palu (municipality)
Geography and Climate
The Province of Central Sulawesi is located between latitudes 2 d
egrees north and 3 degrees 4' south, and longitudes 110 degrees 22' and 124 degrees 20' east. It is bounded in the north by the Sulawesi Sea (Celebes Sea) and the province of Gorontalo; in the South by the province of South Sulawesi and southeast Sulawesi; in the west by the Makasar Strait and in the east by Taliabu Island and the Maluku sea. It covers an area of 68,033 square kilometers with the population of about 1,538,000 people.The climate is in general influenced by two seasons, a dry and a rainy. The first lasts from October to April, the second from April to October, marked by heavy rainfall. The air temperatures ranges from 20 degrees to 31 degrees Celsius and the average humidity is of 72 to 76 percent.
Brief History
Central Sulawesi's historical background remains partly undisclosed, despite the research that has been done since the early decades of this century. Among others by the European scholars Albert C. Kruyt, in 1909, and Kaudern in 1917-1920. Studies were made, for instance, in the Poso regency, around the districts of North and South Lore, and North and South Pamona. In the Donggala regency, similar work was under taken in the Kuwali district, particularly around Biromaru and Dolo.
Up to this moment,
86 kalamba ( dialects of Bada-Poso ) have been recorded. Found also were some big and round stone vessels, believed to be containers for bones. Further to the north, many ornament in the shape of animals were found.The regency of Poso seems to be rich in relics of the megalith era. For example, in Tentena village, east of Lake Poso, several caves were found containing bones and imprints of the palm of human hands. A number of menhirs were also found. Similar finds were made in Kolonedale.
Covered stone jars were found in Lore and Koro. Fifty-eight pounding stones were found in the Palu Valley of Donggala, in Napu, Bada and Besoa, around Poso. Not less than 26 vatutau, or stone statues, were found in Kili Pamona, Poso regency. Found were also grinding stones, stone blocks with small holes, and small pounding blocks.
Found in the surroundings of Pamona were nine pieces of bronze axes, in the Palu district.
According to estimates, such prehistoric sites could have existed since 55 years before the Christian era. Almost all the megalithic items of Central Sulawesi were scattered across the highlands of Bada, Napu and Besoa. These areas are inhabited by the Lore people, who live along the Lariang river, the longest river in Sulawesi.
Other finds dated from around the time of the arrival of Islam, such as a temple like structure called a Lobo. Also dwellings called tambi and duhanga.
Islam entered Central Sulawesi through Donggala and Palu, approximately around the beginning of the 15th century, first, from Makasar, in 1403, then from Ternate, in about 1470.
Islam was brought from the Minangkabau to the Kaili Valley by Dato Karam, who came by boat. The first to be converted to Islam was King Kaboneka I Pue Nyidi. In obeisance to the teachings of Islam, he exchanged his loincloth for a sarong when praying.
The Arabs are presumed to be the ones who introduced Islam to this area. However, written evidence is lacking.
The first Europeans to come to Central Sulawesi were the Portuguese, who came to trade with the kings. In 1905, the Dutch arrived, causing a string of revolts, such as those that occurred in SIG-Dolo, Claw and Bangui
Togian Islands - Central Sulawesi Travel Guides
The Togian (or Togean) Islands is the name for an archipelago of 56 islands and islets, located in the Gulf of Tomini, off the coast of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Formed by volcanic activity, the islands are covered by lush rainforest and surrounded by ancient coral reef formations, which provide habitat and breeding areas for hawksbill turtle, Green Turtle and the Dugong. The Tonkean Macaque is found in the islands' forests. The Togian Hawk-owl, discovered in 1999, is endemic to the islands.
There are 37 villages on the islands.
When crossing Sulawesi from South to North or North to South most travellers now choose for a stopover of at least several days at the Togian Islands. The Togians are a picturesque archipelago of 56 islands and inlets, located in the Tomini Bay. Formed by volcanic activity, the islands are covered by lush rainforest and surrounded by ancient coral reef
formations. Both the terrestrial and marine ecosystems teem with exotic wildlife - much of which is extremely rare or endangered. The reefs and coastal areas provide habitat and breeding areas for hawksbill turtle, the green turtle and the dugong. Togian forests and skies are filled with exotic creatures such as the Togian Macaque, the babirusa, the Sulawesi Hornbill, and hanging parrots. Within this tropical paradise, 37 villages provide bright spots of gaiety and culture of several ethnicities, including the Bobongko, Togian, Suluan and the Bajau.
How to get there:
KM. Puspita, a 150 ton wooden ferry with 8 cabins plus large public sleeping decks is now running from Gorontalo to the Togian Islands (Wakai) twice a week. There is even a telephone on board if you need to phone home.
Gorontalo - Wakai: Wed & Sat, dep. 11pm - arr. Wakai 11am (12hr trip)
Wakai - Gorontalo: Mon & Thu, dep. 4pm - arr. Gorontalo 6am (so you can connect direct to Manado same day!)
Price: Rp. 87,500 pp (Bed in Cabin extra Rp. 100,000)
Please note: Schedules are changing frequently, so no guarantees possible. Not even Pak Alex at Melati Hotel always knows the exact schedule, so better try to find out yourself.
Price: Rp. 250,000 - 500,000 pp, depending on ship.
Please note: Schedules are changing frequently, so no guarantees possible. Not even Pak Alex at Melati Hotel always knows the exact schedule, so better try to find out yourself.
There is a ferry from Gorontalo to Pagimana/Central Sulawesi every other evening. From Pagimana by bemo, car, bus or anything to Ampana (4 to 6 hours). Stay one night in Ampana and take one of the boats to the Togians the next morning (none on Fridays!). The Black Marlin Dive Centre can arrange charters from Bunta (half way from Pagiamana to Ampana) in about 2-3 hrs to Kadidiri.
Alternatively you can travel to Ampana via Luwuk: from Manado by plane (3 times a week) or Pelni ship to Luwuk, then by bus on to Pagimana and Ampana. If you travel this way you can stay for a couple of days at the Maleo Cottages near Luwuk. Yani and her French husband Jerome are great hosts who can arrange everything for you: from snorkeling, diving and trekking to sailing and trips to Banggai.
You can charter a boat from Marisa/North Sulawesi to the Togians or the other way round. Be aware that weather conditions can change very fast in this part of the world and that these small boats do not have any navigational equipment.
Lake Poso - Central Sulawesi Travel Guides
Lake Poso (Indonesian: Danau Poso) is a lake in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, and the third-deepest lak
e in the Indonesia. The lake contains silver and yellow eels and two endemic fish species, Adrianichtys kruyti and Xenopoecilus poptae. The town of Pendolo is situated at the southern end of the lake, the town of Tentena is located at the northern end, while a number of smaller villages dot the shoreline.
The lake drains into the Poso River at Tentena, which flows into the Molucca Sea at the town of Poso. A park containing wild orchids is located near the village Bancea on the lake. As well the forests surrounding the lake still provide rare sightings of the anoa (dwarf buffalo) and the babirusa (literally, pigdeer), a ruminant pig. These two endangered species are among a number of wildlife species found only on the island of Sulawesi.
Located in the cross position which connects The Trans Sulawesi route and also closely related with tourist resorts in Sulawesi : Toraja, Tentena, Bunaken (sea garden). Lake Poso is about 32320 ha, has tourism potentiality with its various kinds of fishes such as: Sidat, Gold fish etc.
The uniqueness of Lake Poso is that the water is very clear and has never been muddy throughout the years even when the flood comes.
The beach has white and gold sand suitable for a rest and relaxation. Around the beautiful scenery on the lake the temperature is very cool and agreeable.
Covering an area of 32,300 hectares and reaching 450m in depth, Lake Poso is the third largest lake in Indonesia. It is located 600m above sea level, so the evenings are pleasantly cool without being too cold. This area is also famous for wild orchids, especially on the western shores near Bancea.
The lake is surrounded by a magnificent forest view with crystal clear water for swimming and provides a perfect setting for outdoor lovers of all ages. Situated around the lake are several attractions namely : Bancea Orchid Garden, Saluopa Waterfall, Sulewana Waterfall, Pamona and Latea Caves and also the lake Poso Festival Ground.Lake Poso is accessible by car about 1.5 hours drive from Poso or a 7 hour drive from Palu Facilities available : hotel, cottage and restaurant.
These places have nice beaches and it’s a great area for water lovers. But it’s also nice for those travellers who like to walk in the tropical rainforests, coffee plantations or green rice fields.
Prince John Dive Resort - Central Sulawesi Travel Guides
Prince John Dive Resort Tanjung Karang Donggala
Prince John 
Dive Resort is the ideal escape for nature lovers who enjoy lush green surrounds, great scuba diving, palm trees lined along white isolated sandy beaches and the simplicity of hanging in a hammock for an afternoons rest, peace and silence. If this sounds perfect, then Prince John Dive Resort is the place for you.
Separate bungalows overlook the blue sea and mosaic House Reef, with warm hospitality. You will find Prince John Dive Resort to be your perfect escape.
We host a maximum of 32 guests with attention paid to even the smallest detail. We are happy to be able to bestow upon you our undivided attention in order to make sure your visit will be your most enjoyable vacation yet.
With excellent local Indonesian staff from our tiny hamlet, who are eager to make your stay one of complete relaxation that will keep you wanting to enjoy and return to their home time and time again. Prince John Dive Resort follows an eco-friendly philosophy that melts into this gorgeous islands culture and peacefully co-exist with it's pace and way of life
They offer 16 cozy indonesian wooden stilt bungalows with indonesian mandis (shower), each with a terrace overlooking the beautiful Palu bay and housereef.
For "Mum & Dad" divers we provide perfect nanny services for your kids from our loving staff.
They arrange your transport from Palu airport and back, and also reconfirm your national and international flights.
Laundry service is offered on request.
Their resort is 
a safe place, most guest leave the doors of their bungalow wide open in the night, to enjoy the cool breeze and the gorgeous sunrise from their bed. All bungalows are equipped with mosquito nets and you can choose between hard or soft mattresses. To pamper your stomach`s needs we serve your meals in our indonesian style restaurant right at the beach.
Electricity is European plug with two circular metal pins, 120/230 volts, 50 Hz.
You can stroll our little souvenir shop to buy some nice things for your home.
Prince John Dive Resort
Prince John Dive Resort is the only dive center in Central Sulawesi.
It is run by Alex Hacker and Gaby Hasselbach and Alex and Andrea Franz with the support of our professional Indonesian staff.
Central Sulawesi is a year-round dive destination.
Prince 
John Dive Resort offers our 500 meters long House Reef that drops down to 40 meters deep, just 5 steps from the resort beach and dive center. The House Reef is perfect for macro lovers and ideal for underwater photographers, who have the opportunity to enjoy the area independently with their buddy at their own pace. It is the "muck" diving Sulawesi is so famous for - except without the muck, as all the critters are perfectly located on our coral gardens.
Night Dives on the House Reef offer a perfectly hassle free adventure alongside our ideally located Dive Center.
Prince John Dive R
esort has a vast selection of divers' dive sites. Such as wall diving, drift diving, underwater pinnacles/ mountains and coral gardens.
All sites promise a huge variety of macro encounters, such as nudibranches, seahorses, frogfish, leaffish, and pipefish.
Prince John Dive Centers policy is to always dive in small groups with a maximum of 4:1 [four divers to one guide].
We take special care of our underwater photographers providing you with all the time you need to get that special shot. All dive staff are always careful when handing your equipment.
Room Rates:
| Garden View Bungalows | USD 45/Room/Double Including Breakfast |
| Ocean View Bungalows | USD 65/Room/Double Including Breakfast |
| Family Ocean View Bungalows | USD 90//Room/Double Including Breakfast |
Pick up and Transfer Services:
Palu-Prince Jhon Dive Resort : USD 45/Couple/Ow
Diving in Tanjung Karang:
USD 75 / 02 Dives / Person Including Equipment and Lunch.
Activities
Aside from the amazing scuba diving at Prince John Dive Resort, there are many other activities that you can do in Central Sulawesi to fill in your desaturation time.
If you are a windsurf or kite surfing adventurer then Prince John Resort is the best location in Central Sulawesi for you. Mornings from sunrise till about 10-11.00am produce good winds, you will need to bring your own equipment however.
The staff and
management, on their spare time, have been fine tuning their badminton skills, so you will find most evenings the opportunity to participate in some action packed tournaments that take place. If this doesn't sound like your style then we do have fully equipped table tennis for you to enjoy.
With various ball games to play on the beach, backgammon and cards you'll easily find something to keep you occupied after a days diving.
For the more intellectual hours of the day (night time) you may find yourself searching our relatively "large" library or just enjoy a friendly chat with the staff, who will are always upbeat and having fun helping you master some of the indonesian phrases. If you feel all of this is far to active for your style of life then Heri is the best massage therapist in the region.
Should you desire a more distant cultural experience we also offer day trips and visits to the Lore Lindu National Park.