This district consists of 77 islands, of which 56 islands are inhabited. The population is 260,370 people (1996). Most of the people are involved in agriculture, which include coconut, vanilla, nutmeg, and clove. The islands are located north of the Sulawesi Peninsula, and south of the Philippines The islands are divided into two main groups; Sangihe, consisting of the islands Sangir Besar, Siau, Tagulandang and Biaro; and Talaud consists of the islands of Karakelang, Salibabu, Kaburuan, Nanusa, Miangaas, plus many other small islands. The capital of Sangihe Talaud is Tahuna, which is located on Sanger Besar. The airport located about 21 km from Tahuna is serviced by domestic airlines on a irregular basis. Please check with a travel agent. There are seaports in Tahuna, Siau, Tagulandang and Beo which are serviced by various ferries and local boats.
Sangihe Talaud is renowned for its magnificent white sandy beaches with amazing coral gardens as well as an underwater active volcano.
The cultural ceremonies, dances, and folksongs from this group of islands are many.
The most outstanding traditional ceremonies are:
Menahulending: a ceremony to expressing gratitude and pray for someone who renders a useful service.
Menulude: a ceremony giving thanks, which is celebrated annually at the end of January.
Mangundang Banua (Mesundeng) is a dedication ceremony for a new boat, house, garden.
Sangihe Talaud is known for its beautiful dances such as:
Selo Dance: war dance
Benko Dance: war dance
Alabadiri Dance: represents cooperation between government and the people
Shabe Ransa Dance: represents cooperation between and the people of Sasangke empire.
Kalumpang Dance: a modern dance which represents cooperation in processing coconut
Medunde Dance: shows the fairy tale of the 9 nymphs with a young man named Medunde
Traditional music of Sangihe Talaud consists of Oli-Oli and Musik Bambu Oli-oli music comprises the following unique instruments:
- Oli: a woodwind instrument
- Arababu: a kind of violin
- Sasasaheng: a kind of drum
- Bansi: a kind of flute
- Salude: a kind of bass instrument.
Musik Bambu consists of instruments made of bamboo of different lengths similar to what is used in other parts of North Sulawesi. Handicrafts from Sangihe Talaud include wonderful ebony carvings and beautiful fine embroidery from Batunderang Island in Sangir Besar.