Best time to go to Sulawesi

“The animist funerals in Tana Toraja are status driven and important social events which are often held after the rice harvests as this is when communities and families have the most money. Dates are never fixed for these so it’s hard to plan to visit them, it is more likely to be announced just before so people may find out when there its happening and be invited along by their guide. There will always be animal sacrifices at the events and the richer the families are the more animals that are used to show status but also because it is believed that animals help the transition to the afterlife. Families can save for years and years to pay for these celebrations after a death and in this case the bodies will lay embalmed within or near the family home. Definitely more of a celebration than a sombre affair.”

“For Lake Tempe, Sain Kang town is a good place to base yourself. Sunrise is lovely for seeing the local fisherman and the floating villages, where you can stop also and try fried bananas. It really is a great, remote destination. Alternatively, sunset here is stunning with a great atmosphere created by the serenity and call to prayer in the evening. It is usually visited as a stop en route but definitely one that is worth it.”

“Morning is the best time for spotting tarsiers. As they are tree dwelling they will be spotted in families of three to four per tree. They will likely walk alongside or near you as you traverse through the jungle.”