The fabled island of Sulawesi is shaped like a tropical orchid; "each petal" a peninsula, ridged with lofty mountains and surrounded by coral reefs. Sulawesi is a delightful potpourri of people and cultures ranging from the mysterious Toraja, who live in the mountainous centre of the Sulawesi orchid, to the friendly folk of the lush northern region of Manado-Minahasa.

The intriguing Bugis and Makassarese people from peninsular South Sulawesi are the stuff of legend. (The 'bogey" man of our childhood fears is rumoured to have started his career as a Bugis pirate!)