Due to its isolated location, most travellers fly into one of Sulawesi’s main cities. The main point of entry is Makassar, the largest city in Sulawesi. Its Hasannuddin International Airport is located 20 kilometres from Makassar and handles the most flights into Sulawesi, servicing several cities in Indonesia. There are virtually no direct international flights into Makassar, but AirAsia has opened a new route from Kuala Lumpur.

Manado is Sulawesi’s second main point of entry. Its Sam Ratulangi Airport is located about 30 minutes from the city centre and handles a number of domestic flights as well as several direct international routes from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Davao (the Philippines) and Sorong (West Papua, Indonesia). The terminals at Makassar and Manado are basic but clean and easy to navigate. You can find essential amenities such as shops, restaurants, currency exchange and an Internet café.

Metered taxis are available from both airports for transport into their respective cities, while hire cars are also on hand for those who can handle the driving conditions.

Within Sulawesi, the best way to travel around is by plane. Small aircraft fly from Makassar and Manado to many tiny airstrips around Sulawesi for reasonable fares. The sheer size and deplorable state of its roads make flying an obvious choice. If you do travel overland, the Trans-Sulawesi Highway twists and turns its way over 3,900 kilometres from Manado to Makassar. Despite being the island’s main motorway, it is in poor condition and rather dangerous. Minibuses are the best choice for land travel.

To travel shorter distances in Sulawesi, buses provide the transport. Within cities, the blue minibuses known as mikrolets are the most popular way to go. They follow set routes, and you simply flag one down in the street and hop in. Motorbike taxis known as ojek can take you around a town if you can deal with their driving.

Larger cities like Manado and Makassar have proper taxis that hang out near hotels. They usually have meters, but often you simply negotiate the fare. Rental cars can be hired at the main airports and make a good way to explore the backcountry at your leisure.