The Treasure of the Black Sands

Charcoal black volcanic sands bordered by lush rainforests, submerged forgotten cities and lush coral gardens with sheer wall drops are some of the treasures Sulawesi has to offer.

The name ‘Sulawesi’, originating from the words ‘sula’ and ‘besi’, translates as the island of iron, referring to the rich volcanic sands that border the island in certain areas. Found to the east of Borneo and to the west of Moluccas, bordered by a 6000km coastline, Sulawesi supports magnificent beaches and strong ocean currents and depths, attracting a large variety of sealife and home to lush coral landscapes.

Located within the prime location of the Coral Triangle, Sulawesi has much to offer dive enthusiasts, from the tiny critters of Lembeh to the magnificent coral Gardens of the Queen in Bunaken. For those who enjoy the mystery of diving a lost city or the thrill of diving alongside active volcanoes, Sulawesi will see it come true. The beauty of Sulawesi can be enjoyed both underwater as well as on land with sheer drop offs and trenches covered with lush corals underwater to towering volcanic mountains, cascading waterfalls and dense forests above land. Although diving is the primary reason people visit Sulawesi, there are many activities to do on land. The Tangkoko National Park houses endemic creatures that can be spotted in the dense tropical forests, including the babi rusa, a mixture of dwarf and wild pig, dwarf buffaloes and the tarsius, the smallest monkey in the world.

Although Sulawesi can be enjoyed all year round the best time to dive is between March and November. With close encounters with large pelagics in Bunaken and higher numbers of critters along Lembeh Strait seen between July and August.