Polewali Mandar

Polewali Mandar is an administrative regency in West Sulawesi featuring coastal areas along the Gulf of Mandar and mountainous regions inland, creating a varied landscape. The regency is organized into 16 administrative districts with numerous villages and urban centers, connected through a network of roads from the capital Polewali.

Polewali Mandar was long part of South Sulawesi before becoming a separate regency in 2004 when West Sulawesi province was newly established. This administrative change marked a significant turning point in the region's development and reorganization.

The population here comes from several ethnic groups—the Mandar, Buginese, Javanese, and Toraja—each living according to their own customs in daily life. You see these differences in local celebrations, cooking styles, and house designs that reflect each group's heritage.

The best time to explore is during the dry season when roads are easier to navigate and weather is more stable. Allow plenty of time for traveling between districts, as distances are greater than they may seem.

The region is known for its chocolate and coconut plantations spread across fertile fields that shape the local economy. These crops thrive in the local climate and soil conditions.

Location: West Sulawesi

Capital city: Polewali

Elevation above the sea: 135 m

Shares border with: Majene, Mamasa, Pinrang

Website: http://polmankab.go.id

GPS coordinates: -3.41333,119.32500

Latest update: December 20, 2025 02:50