Megalithic statues that are hundreds, if not thousand of years old, dot the Napu, Besoa, and Bada valley and are considered to be the finest stone monuments of their type in Indonesia. The origin of these massive, well worked, yet elegantly simple, granite carvings has been lost over time as they pre-date the existing ethnic groups found around the park. Various archaeological studies date them as early as 3,000 BC or as recently as 1,300 AD. They are believed to relate to ancestor worship. The tallest megalith stands at a higher of over 4 m, but most are 1.5 - 2.5 m tall. There are five cateories classified by shape:1)
Stone Images- These statues have human features, but only the head, shoulders and genitalia are usually distinct. They are characterised by abnormally larges eyes and head. 2)
Kalamba- These are the most common megalith shape, and resemble large urns. They may heve been cisterns, but were most probably sarcophagi associated with the burial of nobility, as traditional requires the dead to be buried with supplies for the after life. No remnants of treasures or bones remain; the assets of the Kalamba were probably raided in the 19th century.
In the Napu Valley, the Kalamba are intricately carved on the outside with depictions of men, lizards, buffalo and other creatures, but in the Bada and Besoa Valleys, they are usually plain. 3)
Tutu'na- These are large stone disks, probably the lids of the Kalambas. Some have carved figures and often the centres are raised. 4)
Batu Dakon- Flat to convex stones featuring channels, irregular pitting and other depressions. 5)
Other- Stone mortars, house supports, and several other shapes are found. Around 430 objects have been found in three districts, including 349 in Lore utara, 55 in Lore selatan, and 27 in Kulawi. the largest concentration of objects can be found at Pokekea in the Besoa valley, where there are 78 objects, 40 of which are Batu Dakon. Further objects may exist in the park but have yet to be mapped. Prior to the arrival of the Dutch, several villages were positioned around the stones and the people inhabiting them felt a spiritual connection. During conversion to Christianity, people were encouraged to relocate to new village sites, and the affinity with the stones was lost. (Book of Lore Lindu NP A Visitor's guide, 2001.)
The following sites represent some of the best and most readily accessible birding areas in Wallacea. Permits to visit all reserves (National Park, strict nature reserves and hunting reserves) must be obtained prior to entry of any such area. Permits for national park can be obtained at the respective park headquarters offices.
NORTH SULAWESI
Tangkoko Dua Sudara - area: 87 sq km. Elevation: 0-1100m. Status: Strict Nature Reserve. A small but nevertheless very valuable and notably bird-rich reserve within two hours drive of the city of Manado. Perhaps the best place to see Sulawesi's endemic forest-dwelling kingfishers as well as the elusive Red-backed Trush and Small Sulawesi Hanging-parrot.
Domuga-Bone National Park - area: 3000 sq km. Elevation: 100-1970m. Status: National Park. A major conservation area supporting a large proportion of Sulawesi's endemic lowland and mind-elevation birds and mammals. Birds of special note include Minahasa Masked Owl, Maleo (probably the best site to see this bird); Yellow-breasted Racquet-tail and Pied Cuckoo-shrike.
CENTRAL SULAWESI
Lore Lindu - Area: 2290 sq km. Elevation 200-2356m. Status: National Park. An exceptionally rich area harbouring approximately 78% of Sulawesi's endemic birds in addition to many of its large mammals. A well established road provides relatively easy access to superb mid-montane forest at c. 1600m. Thereafter an increasingly eroded, overgrown logging road provides access to elevation up to 2200m near the summit of Gng Rorekatimbu and some magnificent montane forest. The park harbours all but three species of Sulawesi's montane birds. Howeever, the park encompasses very little undisturbed lowland forest, consequently some lowland species may be easier to find at the previous two sites.
Morowali - 
Area: 2000 sq km. Elevation: 0-2600m. Status: Strict Nature Reserve. Located on the little studied central-eastern peninsula, Morowali encompasses an interesting mosaic of forest on ultrabasic soils, limestone and alluvial plains. Thisrarely birded reserve would certainly repay further investigation.
SOUTH-EAST SULAWESI
Rawa Aopa/Watumohae - Area: 968 sq km. Elevation: 100-1000m. Status National Park. An interesting combination of swamp. hill and coastal forest. Virtually no birders have visited this area and it remains ornithologycally poorly know.
SOUTH SULAWESI
Bantimurung and Karaenta - Area: 20,018ha. Elevation: 100-750m. Status: National Park. A attractive reserve encompassing lowland and foothill forest, including some inaccessible limestone karst country. The reserve supports a number of Sulawesi's endemic and localised resident birds including the Black-ringed White-eye.
Lompobattang Massif - Area: c. 20,000ha. Elevation: 1000-2900m. Status: Proposed Strict Nature Reserve. Home to many montane species including the little know and highly localised Lompobattang Flycatcher. The forest of this isolated massif, visible from Sulawesi' capital, Makasar, are under increasing threat as farmers continue to clear land for agriculture at higher and higher elevations. (book of Guide to the BIRDS OF WALLACEA)
