The microflora and chemical properties of bakasang, a traditional fermented fish sauce which originated in North Celebes, Indonesia was investigated. Total aerobic and anaerobic, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), total coliform (TC), spore forming bacteria (SFB) and staphylococcal counts were determined and the isolate microorganisms from each media were identified. The coliform bacteria were not detected in all samples, but the total staphylococcal count was high in all samples; it ranged from 4.70 to 5.59 (log cfu/ml). Staphylococcus sp. and Lactobacillus sp., were the predominant bacteria isolated from traditional bakasang samples. Generally, traditionally-produced bakasang has a low pH and is relatively high in nutritive value. Glutamic acid, phenylalanine, and isoleucine were predominant amino acids.