Maritime migration and island adaptation by anatomical modern humans (AMH) are among the most significant current issues in Southeast Asian anthropology and archaeology, and directly related to their behavioural and technological advancements. A major research hotspot is Wallacean islands located between the Late Pleistocene continental landmasses of Sundaland and Sahul. Here, we report on new archaeological research on the eastern coast of Sulawesi, which could have been a potential starting point for the northern human migration routes from Wallacea into Sahul. Based on the new findings, we discuss the evidence and timeline for early modern human migration into the Wallacean islands, and their adaptation to island environments during the Late Pleistocene.