sulawesi jungle tour

THE 5 BEST Sulawesi Nature & Wildlife Tours

Nature & wildlife tours in sulawesi.

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1. Sulawesi Tangkoko National Park Private Tour

2. Private Sulawesi Trekking Mount Mahawu & Lokon from Manado

3. Private Manado Tour to Woloan Village, Tondano Lake & Minahasa Highland

4. Sulawesi Nani Wartabone National Park Tour

5. Bunaken dolphin watching, snorkeling, lunch included

6. Adventure Guide Sulawesi

7. Tangkoko Overnight (2D1N)

What travelers are saying.

• Sulawesi Tangkoko National Park Private Tour
• Private Manado Tour to Woloan Village, Tondano Lake & Minahasa Highland
• Tangkoko Overnight (2D1N)
• Private Sulawesi Trekking Mount Mahawu & Lokon from Manado
• Sulawesi Nani Wartabone National Park Tour
• Matahatikita Tours
• Manado Rafting
• Ikbal Daena
• RonRon Manado
• Wisata Sulut
• Toraja Tour Guide
• Tangkoko Wildlife Tour
• South Sulawesi Tours
• Tentena wildlife tour and Lorelindu national park

Tangkoko Nature Reserve Tours 

Located at the foot of Dua Saudara Mountain, the Tangkoko Nature Reserve is comprised of rolling hills and valleys with a variety of hardwood trees and unusual plant life. The animal life is also quite varied, and one can often view Tarsius tarsier (one of the smallest known primates), black tailless monkeys, snakes, spiders and kuskus (marsupials). Tangkoko Batuangus Reserve offers a suitable protective environment to help prevent these animals from becoming extinct.

Safari Tours & Travel has been awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence 2018 for its Tangkoko Tours.

Tangkoko Day Tour

Departing Safari Tours office, we proceed 2 hours to the 8700-hectare National Park where we will hike in search of the Black Crested Macaque (Black Monkey indigenous to North Sulawesi) as well as the famous Tarsius Tarsier. Cameras, long pants and a flashlight are the order of the day. Exciting trip for nature lovers, trekkers, and anyone who likes the outdoors.

Safari Tours Price - Tangkoko Day Tour

USD 137/person, based on 2 persons – Single USD 172.

“Dec.15, 2024 – Jan.10, 2025 a 15% holiday surcharge will be added to the normal fee”

In town pick-up from Manado. Bitung: Add USD 20 per person.

Valid until Dec 31 2024

Note- ** child policy: 4-10 years old 50% off

Includes: Transport, 1 Free Tangkoko Pocket Guide per 2 persons (56 pages), 1 lunch, 1 soft drink, cloth shopping bag, a stainless steel water tumbler “Say No To Plastic” ,  entrance fee, English speaking guide, all ranger/guide fees.

Tangkoko Overnight Tour (2 Day/1 Night)

This is an exciting overnight trip for nature lovers, trekkers, and anyone who likes the outdoors.

DAY 01 (12 noon) :

Transfer by Safari Tours bus or AC 4 pax vehicle to Nature Reserve. The 2-hour drive to the 9000-hectare National Park is quite scenic as we pass through small villages. Upon arrival, immediately check in to Tangkoko Hill Cottage & Resto or equivalent. You will then be guided by local forest rangers (and Safari staff) in search of the Black Crested Macaque (Black Monkey indigenous to North Sulawesi), hornbills, and couscous as well as other fauna specific to the reserve. Depending on what time it gets dark, we will head into the denser part of the jungle as the sun is setting, where you will (most likely) be able to get photographs of the Tarsius Tarsier (one of the smallest known primates). After it is completely dark and the Tarsier have departed for their nightly foraging, we head back to the “basic” comfort homestay for a traditional dinner. Overnight.

(Included: Lunch, Dinner)

Rising early, you will again hike into the forest with local rangers where you will have the best opportunity to view more birds and certainly the Black Crested Macaque as these monkeys are earlier risers and are searching out food along the coastline at Tangkoko. After several hours it’s back to the homestay for a traditional breakfast and prepare to go back to Manado. Arrive in Manado between 9 -11 AM.

(Included: Breakfast)

Tangkoko Overnight Tour (2 Day/1 Night)

USD 187/Pax (min 2 pax) – Single USD 237.

In town pick-up from Manado. Bitung: Add US$20 per person.

Includes: Transport, 1 Free Tangkoko Pocket Guide per 2 persons (56 pages), 1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, 1 soft drink per day, cloth shopping bag, a stainless steel water tumbler “Say No To Plastic” ,  entrance fee, English speaking guide, all ranger/guide fees, overnight homestay.

Please note that we use Tangkoko Hills  when available, however occasionally we are obliged to utilize Tangkoko Sanctuary which results in an additional payment of USD 25/person/night (min 2 person)

Tangkoko Extended Overnight Tour (3 Day/2 Night)

Transfer by Safari Tours bus or air conditioned vehicle to Nature Reserve. The 2-hour drive to the 9,000-hectare National Park is quite scenic as we pass through small villages. Lunch en-route. Upon arrival, immediately check in to homestay. Clients will then be guided by local forest ranger and Safari Tours guide in search of the Black Crested Macaque (Black Monkey indigenous to North Sulawesi), hornbills, and couscous as well as other fauna specific to the reserve. Depending on what time it gets dark, we will head into the denser part of the jungle as the sun is setting, where you will (most likely) be able to get photographs of the Tarsius Tarsier (one of the smallest known primates). After it is completely dark and the Tarsier have departed for their nightly foraging, we head back to the “basic” comfort homestay for a traditional dinner. Overnight.

(Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 02 (Starting 04.30 am):

Rising early, we will again hike into the forest with local ranger where clients will have the best opportunity to view more birds and certainly the Black Crested Macaque as these monkeys are earlier risers and are searching out food along the coastline at Tangkoko. After several hours it’s back to the homestay for full breakfast and a 1 or 2 hour rest. After lunch we will head back the jungle for more opportunities to see the Tarsius Tarsier (one of the smallest known primates) and other wildlife of the nature reserve. After it is completely dark and the Tarsier have departed for their nightly foraging, we head back to the homestay for dinner. Overnight at homestay.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Also included is a mangrove trip by traditional fisherman’s boat, for more birding or sightseeing opportunities (tide/weather dependent).

DAY 03 (05.00 am):

Rising early, another opportunity (if you choose) to hike into the forest with local ranger and Safari guide. We return to the homestay for full breakfast and preparing to check out. 10.00 Latest time leaving the homestay to go back to Manado or to the airport to catch clients’ next destination flight.

(Breakfast)

Tangkoko Extended Overnight Tour (3 Day/2 Night)

USD 377/Pax (min 2 pax) – Single USD 472.

Includes: Transport, 1 Free Tangkoko Pocket Guide per 2 persons (56 pages), all meals as stated in the itinerary (from lunch on D1 to breakfast on D3), 1 soft drink per day,  cloth shopping bag, a stainless steel water tumbler “Say No To Plastic” , entrance fee, English speaking guide, all ranger/guide fees, overnight homestay, boat for mangrove trip.

Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue and Education Centre

Only one hour away from Tangkoko Nature Reserve (on the way) is Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue and Education Centre ( www.tasikoki.org ). Here you can observe many unique species from Indonesia, as well as several endemic to Sulawesi. All animals have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. When taking a tour of the centre (1.5 hours) you will learn about conservation of wildlife and nature as well as the rampant wildlife trade. After visiting the animals you can enjoy a vegetarian meal (with fish) together with the staff as well as the many volunteers from all over the world.

Tasikoko Wildlife Rescue and Education Centre

Price: USD 45/person as add-on only to a Tangkoko Nature Reserve trip “Dec.15, 2024 – Jan.10, 2025 a 15% holiday surcharge will be added to the normal fee” Valid until Dec 31 2024

Tangkoko Pocket Guide

• Anoa Breeding Centre
• Babirusa Endemic Tour
• Bunaken Diving Trip
• Bunaken Glass Bottom Boat Trip
• Bunaken Snorkeling Trip
• Kali Waterfall Tour
• Lokon Volcano Trek
• Mahawu Volcano Trek
• Manado City Tour
• Minahasa Agro Tour
• Minahasa Highlands Tour
• Minahasa Highlands & Mahawu Volcano Tour
• Tambun Maleo Conservation Area
• Tangkoko Nature Reserve
• Tasikoki Wildlife Centre
• Tondano Fun Cycling
• Tunan Waterfall Tour
• Whitewater Rafting Tour

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Tangkoko National Park & Nature Reserve In Manado Sulawesi

The Tangkoko National Park is a big nature reserve on the northeast tip of Sulawesi island in Indonesia, not too far from Manado city.

This park covers more than 8,700 hectares (21,000 acres) of fantastic jungle, and there are hundreds of unique animal species living in the area.

The best part about the Tangkoko Nature Reserve is that it’s super easy to visit on a budget, and wildlife sightings are practically guaranteed.

This travel guide will explain how to get to Tangkoko, which lodges and guesthouses to stay in, and everything else you need to know before you go!

How To Get To Tangkoko National Park

The first step is to fly to Sam Ratulangi International Airport (code: MDC) in Manado, Indonesia.

Citilink has connecting flights to this airport from Singapore, and there are now direct flights from Bali (DPS) or Makassar (UPG). You can shop for flights to Manado at Skyscanner.

Tangkoko National Park is in north Sulawesi, about 60 kilometers (40 miles) east of Manado, but it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive there because of the winding jungle roads.

Mount Klabat volcano hiding in the clouds. Tangkoko National Park is a 2 hour drive from Manado, Sulawesi.

• Tours From Manado To Tangkoko

If you want to simplify your visit to Tangkoko, Viator has a high-rated Tangkoko private tour starting from Manado.

This tour includes transportation to and from the Manado city area, park admission ticket for Tangkoko, and the ranger/guide fee, plus 10 hours of sightseeing in total. It’s a good value if you’re on a tight schedule and want to spend just one day visiting the park.

We’ve used Viator for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they’re great. Highly recommended!

Book Now: Tangkoko Private Tour

• Private Driver To Tangkoko

If you go to Tangkoko with a driver, the best and cheapest way to do this is to download the Go-Jek or Grab ride hailing apps.

Either app will work in the Manado area, but Go-Jek is usually cheaper and better. In my case, I used Grab car for this and the whole process went smoothly.

Hotels or lodges at Tangkoko Nature Reserve can usually provide a transfer if you ask, but the price will be quite a bit higher.

My guesthouse, the Tangkoko Hill Cottage , quoted 300k to 400k Rupiah ($20 to $27 USD) for a one way transfer from Manado to Tangkoko National Park.

A GoCar taxi ride with Go-Jek should be about half this price — usually less than 200k Rupiah. And then for the return journey to Manado, you can easily book a taxi from your hotel.  

• Bemo Bus Service

If you happen to be traveling on a very thin budget there’s also a bemo bus service you can use to go from Manado to Bitung to Tangkoko, but it’s pretty complicated and may not be worth the extra time and hassle just to save a couple dollars.

• The Road To Tangkoko Nature Reserve

The good news is that the drive to Tangkoko gives you some incredibly scenic views of jungles and volcanoes.

Rows of palm trees cover the green hills, and the Mount Klabat and Mount Tangkoko volcanoes can be seen stretching up into the clouds.

It was an epic Indonesian landscape that made the 2 hour drive seem to go by in just a few minutes.

Visiting Tangkoko Nature Reserve

Guide & entry fees.

The only way to visit Tangkoko park is on a guided walking tour that lasts about 4 hours.

Hiring a guide is required for this, but any hotel or lodge at Tangkoko can easily arrange a guide for you.

The guide fee is 200k Rupiah ($14 USD) for a morning hike, or 100k Rupiah for an evening hike, but these prices can be negotiated, especially if you go in a group.

There’s also an entry fee for the park that costs 100k Rupiah ($7 USD) for foreigners, and 5k for Indonesian residents.

Tangkoko Jungle Walk

The jungle walk is pretty straightforward and not strenuous at all.

It follows a flat path through the jungle that is mostly paved at first, and then at times cuts through the trees on a dirt path.

I wore shorts and sandals and somehow didn’t get any bug bites, but this was in the dry season and I sprayed myself with repellant.

I’ve heard of people getting lots of itchy bug bites here, so I’d recommend wearing bug spray and covering up your legs if you think it might be an issue. In the dry season you should have a bit more leeway.

The reserve is also known to have black tarantulas and occasionally venomous snakes (vipers), so you’ll want to watch your step and follow the guide at all times!

Tangkoko Wildlife

The biggest reason to tour Tangkoko National Reserve is to see the wildlife.

There are literally hundreds of Indonesian animal species living in the park, including a bunch of endemic species that only exist in Sulawesi.

I spent two days touring the park, and in total I saw at least 50 black Sulawesi macaques, rare birds (kingfishers, owls, and hornbills), lizards, snakes, cicadas, tarsiers, and more.

You can also see Cuscus bears and huge black tarantulas here.

• Sulawesi Crested Macaques

If you spend one or two days touring the park, you are almost guaranteed to see a bunch of the Sulawesi black macaques (the locals call them ‘yaki’).

These monkeys are endangered and can’t be found anywhere in the world outside of north Sulawesi and a handful of tiny islands near Sulawesi. Only about 5,500 of the monkeys are still living in Sulawesi.

If you’ve ever visited the Sacred Monkey Forest in Bali , you’ll be happy to hear that the Sulawesi monkeys are much more friendly and less aggressive than the Bali monkeys.

They won’t attack you or try to steal your stuff!

• Tarsier Spotting

Tangkoko Nature Reserve is one of the best places in Indonesia (or the whole world) to see endangered tarsiers.

These are the tiny, bug eyed primates that are usually very elusive and hard to approach.

They can sometimes be seen during the day, but generally the best time to see them is in the evening or at night when they wake up from their naps and come out to eat all the bugs.

I saw tarsiers during both of my jungle tours at Tangkoko and it was a special experience for sure! There are only a handful of countries where you can see these critters.

Tangkoko Black Sand Beach

If you have time, be sure to ask your Tangkoko guide if you can see the black beach.

This is a cool black sand beach created by the volcanic activity from Mount Tangkoko. The beach doesn’t have a name as far as I know, but it’s just a 5-10 minute walk from the entrance of the Tangkoko Nature Reserve.

Sometimes you can even see a group of the macaques hanging out on this beach.

How Long To Stay

If you really want a good chance to see plenty of wildlife (especially the tarsiers), then I would recommend spending at least two days at Tangkoko National Park.

Technically you could visit Tangkoko as a day trip from Manado, and come back to town in the same day, but I wouldn’t recommend this.

I spent two days and one night at Tangkoko Hill Cottage , and this was enough time to do two full tours (one in the afternoon and then another the next morning).

I saw lots of wildlife, including the macaques and tarsiers on both days. This also gave me enough time to visit the black sand beach at Tangkoko.  

Where To Stay At Tangkoko

There are a handful of modest hotels near Tangkoko:

• Tangkoko Sanctuary Villa
• Tangkoko Hill Cottage & Resto
• Tangkoko Ranger Homestay
• Bird House Homestay Tangkoko

I had a great experience staying at Tangkoko Hill Cottage , which is located right by the park.

The host Frankie was super helpful with arranging walking tours for Tangkoko and finding a driver to take me back to Manado after I was done visiting the park.

Keep in mind all of the lodges near Tangkoko are guesthouse type accommodations with no WiFi, and even phone reception there is very limited, although the hotel owners can call a driver for you, etc if needed.

Other Tangkoko Tips

• Safety: I’ve traveled all over Sulawesi, both as a solo traveler and also later with my wife. The Manado area is very safe in general. Just take normal precautions. If you’re traveling alone, you can ask about joining a trekking group with other tourists.
• Mosquitoes: According to this Lancet study from 2018, Malaria is rare in this part of Sulawesi. I’ve never heard of a tourist getting Malaria from mosquitoes in Tangkoko or the Manado area. However, it’s still a good idea to sleep inside a mosquito net and wear repellant while out and about, just in case. Malaria can be nasty and dangerous.

Best Time To Visit

The climate of Indonesia is tropical, so the weather is hot and humid year round.

For north Sulawesi, the best time to visit is from May to November, when the conditions are more dry and sunny.

I went to Tangkoko Nature Reserve in mid-August and this turned out to be a great time to visit; there was no rain at all.

Happy travels!

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Hi David I’ve just read your blog describing your trip to Tangkoko national park and am thinking of doing the same trek when I go to Sulawesi in August. Do you think it would be safe for a woman to do the same on her own? Your input would be much aporeciated.

Hi Sally, thanks for your comment. Since I’m not a female I can only speak from my perspective, but I think it would be OK. You could ask the hotel in Tangkoko to arrange a trusted driver to transfer you from Manado to Tangkoko, and vice versa. Frankie at Tangkoko Hill had no problem doing this for me. Once you reach the hotel, there should be other tourists around so you can do the trek with them as a group. I went to Tangkoko by myself, but both of my treks were merged with other tourists, again arranged by Frankie. Enjoy! Let me know if I can help with any other questions. I’ve been all over north and south Sulawesi on multiple trips, but haven’t had time to add the rest of the content to the blog yet!

Hi David, just curious if you have had a recent trip to Manado since the info here was in 2019. Thanks

Hi Aki, yes we were back in Manado recently and would be happy to help with any questions. Regards

Hello I am Christoper from Manado. If you need any information about the area, you can freely contact me (+6285240025038) If you need private car or guide to explore the area, i am happy to bring you to the best places here.

Thank you for this useful information. What a great job

hi david, do you still know yogi prasetyo, you know he always talks about you here…hope you are always healthy and keep adventuring and share it to us

Hi Parajwatani, thanks for your message. I don’t remember the name, but I wish him well. Good to hear from you. Thank you!

great info, thank you David. I am a wildlife addict nd plan to go there in 2024 or 2025. craig, melbourne, Australia.

Have a great trip!

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Flowers Lane Vacation | Flanation

Tour Operator from Tomohon of North Sulawesi

North Sulawesi Jungle Tour

Jungle tour is good activity choice on vacation in North Sulawesi. Meanwhile, Sulawesi is an island in the central of Indonesia. If you don’t know it, you can take a map. Find Indonesia. In case you don’t know where is Indonesia, it is on top of Australia and under Philippines. The country has many islands. Now, Point your finger in the middle of the country. The island of Sulawesi is in the middle of the country. It looks like a giant letter K or an orchid. The destination is at the norther peninsula. By the way, the northern tip is also called Minahasa Peninsula. It is because Minahasa people live here.

As mentioned, Jungle tour is good activity on vacation. We can see various plants in the nature. We also can observe the animals there. Besides, walking in the jungle is nice outdoor activity. In addition, walking in the jungle may be good for health. We exercise ourselves by walking.

Tangkoko Nature Reserve

Tangkoko Nature Reserve is the first North Sulawesi jungle on this tour. It locates at northeast of Minahasa Peninsula. The nature reserve is 8,718 hectares big. It consists of Batu Putih Nature Forest, Batu Angus Forest, Mount Tangkoko and Mount Dua Sudara. Meanwhile, there are three type of vegetation in this jungle. We call the first one seaside forest. It starts from inter-tidal zones to the beach. Thence, mangrove forest dominates this area. Then comes lowland forest. Nearby the beach are many Indian almond and sea poison trees. Then various plants grow from lowland to highlands. Those plants make this jungle beautiful. They also provide food for the animals as well as oxygen for living being.

The most interesting activity on jungle tour is observing animals. Jungle in Tangkoko nature reserve is one last stronghold for endemic animals of North Sulawesi. It is well kept. For several years people who live in Batu Putih village have guarded the jungle. Thence the animals live peacefully with people. This is very unique due to Minahasa people’s habit of eating wild animals and extreme food.

The Volcanoes

Because North Sulawesi has volcanoes, visiting volcano is also interesting activity on this Jungle Tour. This jungle tour has volcano climbing adventure. You will get not only one volcano, but three. Two of them are in Tomohon and the other one is in Bolaang Mongondow Timur. The nature around these volcanoes are fascinating. During the climbing, you can observe the vegetation and the rocks. Animals are bit hard to be found due to the high activity of the volcanoes. It kills the vegetation that become food source of these animals. But, the jungle that is far from crater might have animals. Because, the vegetation there stay put during the period if eruption.

The National Park

In this jungle tour, you are going to visit one less known yet fascinating destination in North Sulawesi. It is a national park. This national park is in the south of North Sulawesi. It borders to Gorontalo, the next province. This national park is one of the last primary jungles in Sulawesi. This jungle is very huge. It extends from Bolaang Mongondow to Bone Bolango. On this tour, you will explore the jungle.

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Flowers Lane Vacation a.k.a Flanation is a Tour Operator in North Sulawesi. We serve inbound tour packages to North Sulawesi. We also serve international and domestic air tickets to and from Manado, North Sulawesi. Please contact us via provided email or whatsapp.

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Wildlife Central Sulawesi

2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT

Adventure and trekking trip in Sulawesi : Jungle trekking and wildlife: tarsius, black macaca, hornbill, iguana…

Trek and wildlife in Indonesia . We invite you to travel different and discover Indonesia beyond the most visited places. We have a different approach to the concept of travel. All our itineraries are just an inspiration and we will be pleased to create your tailor made trip to Indonesia respecting local villages and supporting their economy.

Arrival: Tentena

Departure:  Tentena

DAY 1: TENTENA-JUNGLE TREKKING 1

Start from Siuri Cottage at 7.30 To Salukaia Village(5 Km). Salukaia Village is a starting point to Walk to KATEDO’ area. On the way to That place(9 Km), Birding on the way while walk under cacao plantation and enjoy the View of open area side of the River. Arrive in Katedo and Lunch with lunch box. After lunch continuous trip to do jungle trekking and find the waterfall in the middle of the forest. Next back to lunch point in the afternoon for birding again and Visit Rainbow tree(eucalyptus deglupta). Overnight at Hut of cacao farmer. At night, TARSIUS TOUR.

Meals Included: lunch  and dinner

DAY 2: TENTENA: JUNGLE TREKKING 2

Early morning, we can do birding again, depend on the weather. Next have Breakfast. After breakfast, start jungle trekking. Hopely in this day, we can see Black macaca, hornbill and others birds. At the end of the trek, we will Find Hinduism Temple in the Jungle. Crossing hangging bridge of Meko River and Pick up By car back to hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Note: All of our itineraries can be tailored to your requirements, allowing us to create the perfect tailor-made tour in Sulawesi  just for you. Contact us with your holiday ideas and we’ll start planning your unique personalized trip!

ITINERARY: 2 days / 1 nights

Jl. Pongtiku, 18 C Rantepao -Tana Toraja Sulawesi - Indonesia

+62 81 241 444 925

[email protected]

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Discover the extraordinary world of avian wonders with Tangkoko Birding Tour, your premier gateway to the remarkable birdlife of North Sulawesi. Immerse yourself in the lush beauty of Tangkoko Nature Reserve, a tropical paradise teeming with unique and endemic bird species. At Tangkoko Birding Tour, we specialize in providing unforgettable birding experiences. Our passionate and knowledgeable guides are dedicated to taking you on an adventure through the heart of Tangkoko, revealing the captivating avian diversity of this region. We are committed to responsible eco-tourism, ensuring that your birding experience is not only thrilling but also environmentally conscious.

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Sulawesi Birding Tour

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Expert Guides: Our experienced guides are not only skilled birdwatchers but also experts on the local ecology and conservation efforts. They’ll help you spot and identify rare and endemic bird species while offering insights into their behavior and habitat.

Exclusive Birding Sites: We have exclusive access to some of the best birding sites within Tangkoko Nature Reserve, allowing you to witness rare and elusive birds in their natural habitat.

Small Group Tours: We believe in personalized experiences, which is why we keep our tour groups small to ensure that every guest gets the attention they deserve.

Photography Opportunities: Tangkoko Birding Tour provides excellent opportunities for bird photography. Capture stunning moments and create lasting memories with your camera.

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Tangkoko Birding Tour : A Gateway to Avian Paradise

Bird species in tangkoko – north sulawesi, trusted birding guides in north sulawesi.

Jungle Trek

Discover the beauty of the sulawesi jungle.

The jungle of Sulawesi is not well known in Indonesia. It mainly consists of secondary jungle. But there are a few places with primary jungle. Most people consider it in general as sacred, frightening and dangerous as a result of the lack of knowledge about the jungle. My aim is to introduce the rich diversity of flora and fauna of this jungle. The jungle provides so many resources that people ignore nowadays such as traditional medicines (seeds, barks or sap of trees and some kinds of leaves) and numerous kinds of trees like mahogany, bingkerai, ebony, big rattan, bamboo, etc. Wild pigs and chicken, monkeys, many kinds of birds, Sulawesi hornbill and bee nest also can be found during the trek.

The jungle is easily accessible from Tana Toraja. It offers great hikes, an abundance of wildlife, amazing atmosphere of evergreen forest and many kinds of tropical fauna such as orchids, carnivore plant, wild fruits and seeds.

Depending on your wishes I can organize:

• bamboo rafting
• overnight stay in the jungle sleeping in a shelter made from jungle materials
• meet “primitive” people
• drinking from roots

Please feel free to ask. Maybe I can help to make this wish come true.

Local Guides

Sulawesi Jungle Trekking

This tour is for the true adventurer! The traveler that seeks to discover unexplored, and yet magnificent regions! The traveler that enjoys the outdoors, is curious about survival techniques, and is thrilled by the vibe of a remote, virgin, evergreen forest.

The trekking will be in the remote, evergreen rainforest in the Mambasa region, a few hours drive from Palopo airport and Rantepao village. Because Torajans are supersticious and fear the jungle, most Torajan guides have never been to the jungle and jungle trekking tours are not commonly offered around Toraja, despite the incredibly attractive circumstances.

Our aim is to show the rich diversity of flora and fauna in this beautiful, virgin jungle. The jungle provides many resources that people ignore nowadays such as traditional medicinal herbs. Animals living here include wild pigs, monkeys and various bird species including the Sulawesi hornbill.

Trekking, Hunting & Building Shelters

As we trek through the jungle, we will teach you about the medicinal plants, and show the wildlife. We will sleep in a tent or in hammocks and prepare simple meals in cooking equipment we bring with ourselves. Porters will carry your heavy bags and provide general support.

For the true adventurours we also offer the survival option where we will teach you how to hunt in the jungle, make a shelter from natural resources and eat what the jungle provides us (this includes smoking ant nests, drinking from plant roots, eating jungle fruit, frying frogs, etc).

We provide jungle trekkings from 2 up to 7 days. We recommend to do at least a 3 day tour to experience one full day in the jungle. You should be in good shape, comfortable with outdoor trekkings and very basic facilities.

This jungle is also home to the indigenous Wana tribe. This Nomadic tribe lives in the jungle in isolation from the civilized world, but they do warmly welcome the few visitors that show interest to visit them.

In case you do a jungle trekking of at least 5 or 6 days, we may be able to find them and pay them a visit. This is especially a unique opportunity for photographers and documentary makers, as there is very little public information available about this jungle tribe!

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Sulawesi: Private Tour Minahasa & Tangkoko

Tangkoko & Minahasa Discovery tour to the world’s smallest monkeys in the jungle of Tangkoko National Park, a highlight for animal lovers, nature buffs and monkey fans. Our individual tours to the nature reserve are perfect for those who are keen to do an exciting trip into the rainforest besides diving and snorkeling.

• Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
• Start I End: Manado
• Departure: Daily
• Minimum number of participant/s: 1 person
• Best visit Period: March to November
• Rainy season : from December to February

Sulawesi: Private Tour Minahasa & Tangkoko 

The individual Minahasa and Tangkoko tour is a highlight for animal lovers, jungle and monkey fans.

Go on a discovery tour: Our tour through Minahasa Highland and Tangkoko National Park is something different and offers insights into an island world still untouched by tourism. On this tour, you will immerse yourself in the charming landscape of the north of the island of Sulawesi.

Your fitness level: To enjoy this tour, you should be of average fitness. The tour can sometimes be a bit strenuous, but the effort is rewarded by unforgettable experiences.

• 5 days individual round trip according to the description
• All activities will be individually organized for you and will be accompanied by your personal guide
• 4 nights with breakfast in authentic accommodation far away
• from mass tourism with shower/WC. In the lodge, only very basic western-standard sanitary facilities
• Meal arrangements as described
• all transfers (accompanied) from/to Manado
• Your personal English-speaking guide/tour guide will accompany you on your entire trip and will be your contact person if you have any questions or requests.
• Travel insurance certificate

We recommend taking out travel insurance (travel health insurance, travel cancellation insurance).

TOUR VARIANT 1

• Arrival at Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado
• Your personal guide will welcome you on arrival and take you to your hotel in Manado (transfer time approx. 45-60 min.)
• Relax the rest of the day at the hotel or explore your near surroundings
• Dinner at the hotel (not included)  
• Breakfast at the hotel (included)
• You are ready to start in the earlier morning. Your personal English speaking tour guide will pick you up from your city hotel at 8:00 am and welcome you. And your journey starts.
• By car you will drive to Tangkoko National Park via the small town of Tomohon.
• On the way, you will stop for an easy morning trekking (approx. 2 x 1/2 hour pure walking time), which will lead you to the non-active volcano Mount Mahawu. There you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view over the Mahawu crater and the city of Tomohon.
• For a photo stop with grandiose scenery, you will next head to nearby Puncak Peak Temboan, from where, weather permitting, you will have a view of the mighty Klabat layered volcano, the Dua Saudara volcanoes, Lembeh Island and Tondano Crater Lake.
• Then it's time for lunch (not included), which you'll have at a popular local lakeside restaurant on Lake Tondano.
• And on to the actual destination of your trip today: The Tangkoko National Park.
• Your jungle trekking tour through the Tangkoko Nature Reserve will start in the afternoon with your personal park ranger, when the wildlife activities increase again. Then especially the smallest monkeys in the world, the Sulawesi tarsiers -also called tarsiers- leave their roosts and are especially easy to observe. And at nightfall you may also catch a glimpse of the Tangkoko's native tarantulas. For your trekking we plan about 3-4 hours. The eventful tour leads through rough terrain.
• Overnight stay in a nearby simple lodge.
• Dinner (included)  
• After a VERY early simple breakfast (included; after arrangement with accommodation, if required also after morning tour) your ranger will be waiting for you in front of the logde and you will start your discovery tour with an early morning hike through the jungle.
• Here you will have another opportunity to observe the little tarsiers in and around their tree hollows and become a part of the morning jungle life.
• If you are lucky, there is also a chance to encounter the black crested monkey, the Maccaca Nigra, one of Sulawesi's endemic monkey species, in addition to seeing many different bird species.
• You will spend the early morning and the afternoon/early evening in the nature reserve today, making your way through rough terrain to spot more endemic species of animals and birds, such as the Sulawesi Bear Cuscus and the impressive Sulawesi Knobbed Hornbill as well as the Manado Owl, the Ochre-bellied Screech Owl, the Sulawesi Pitta, the Bronze-fronted Pigeon, the Celebes Woodpecker, the Black-billed and Blue-eared Kingfisher and many more. In addition, the framing of the tour also leaves ample time to marvel at the flora that is equally worth seeing.
• During lunchtime, when the sun is high and the animals are seeking shady spots and resting in their activities, you will return to the lodge, have your lunch (included) and re-equip for the afternoon portion.
• On your afternoon tour, you will have the opportunity to further deepen your impressions of nature and take in the cycle of jungle life for more observations and photo opportunities.
• After dark, your Tangkoko tour comes to an end and you will head to the next destination of your trip - Tomohon.
• Breakfast at your Tangkoko Lodge - included
• Lunch at your Tangkoko Lodge - included
• Accommodation in Tomohon
• Dinner at accommodation - not included
• Breakfast (included) at accommodation and pick up by your guide. 
• Today you will start with a trekking (about 1 - 2 hours pure walking time) to the active Tampaluan crater, which is located in the saddle of the Lokon-Empung volcano. This will provide you with the opportunity to further deepen your impressions of the scenic diversity of North Sulawesi.
• If its volcanic activity allows it (please follow the instructions of your tour guide!), you can climb it to its caldera rim and enjoy an enchanting view over the region all the way out to the sea.
• Afterwards you will go to Woloan, a village that is not only famous nationwide for its wooden house building skills. You will have the opportunity to look over the shoulders of the woodworkers and admire their architectural works. By the way: You can order your dream wooden house there directly and don't have to worry about shipping and assembly, because it will be shipped together with the assembler to the given address ;-)
• On the spot you will also visit the Waruga open-air museum as well as the local amphie theater.
• Then it's time for lunch (not included), for which you will go to one of the local restaurants in Woloan, if available with a view of the Lokon volcano, which you climbed a bit in the morning.
• After lunch, you will continue to Air Terjun Pinaras. The somewhat hidden waterfall is easily accessible and exudes an atmospheric ambience to its surroundings. Framed by a steep rock face, it plunges down from a height of about 40m.
• The last stop on your tour today is a visit to Linow Crater Lake with its nearby hot sulphur springs and mud volcanoes. Be careful, really hot! What looks like smoke from a fire from a distance, shows up as an obvious force of nature on the open surface of the earth.
• Now it's back to your accommodation in Tomohon.
• Dinner (not included) at the same place.   
• Breakfast (included) at your accommodation, check-out and pick-up by your guide.
• Today is your departure day. But before you go to the airport, there is more to see.
• First, you will have the opportunity to visit the local tofu factory and get an insight into the local way of making tofu.
• Then you will be immersed in the fascinating atmosphere of the Tomohon market, which has all kinds of unusual things to offer the western tourist (if you wish, the 'Ekstrim' part can be left out, please tell the guide).
• Last but not least we offer you the possibility to visit the local Anoa breeding station. Anoas, also called dwarf buffalo, are the smallest wild cattle species in the world and can only be found on Sulawesi. As they are considered to be endangered, there is a high priority to increase their numbers again, which is the goal of this breeding station.
• However, now it is time to head back. Your guide will now accompany you to Sam Ratulangi Airport, from where your flight to Jakarta or elsewhere will depart and your eventful North Sulawesi tour with many impressive memories will come to an end.  

TOUR VARIANT 2

• To get in the mood for your adventure in North Sulawesi, you will make a stop on the way and take a trip to the Tekaan Telu waterfall. After arriving on site, it takes about 20-30 min. walk to the viewing platform, from where you will have a great view of the waterfall, which throws its water about 80 meters into the depth.
• Afterwards it's time for lunch (not included), which you will have in a popular local lake restaurant at Lake Tondano.
• Accommodation in Tomohon and dinner there (not included)  
• Today is your departure day. But before going to the airport, you will immerse yourself in the fascinating atmosphere of the Tomohon market, which has all kinds of unusual things to offer the western tourist (if you wish, the 'Ekstrim' part can be excluded, please tell the guide).
• In addition, you will make a further stop and undertake an easy morning trekking (approx. 2 x 1/2 hour pure walking time), which will take you to the non-active volcano Mount Mahawu. There you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view over the Mahawu crater and the town of Tomohon.
• However, now it is time to head back. Your guide will now accompany you to Sam Ratulangi Airport, from where your flight to Jakarta or elsewhere will depart and your eventful North Sulawesi tour with many impressive memories will come to an end.
• 769 EUR per person  (based on 2 persons sharing accommodation)
• 999 EUR single traveller

This tour is conditionally suitable for children because of the long trekking through rough terrain.

The prices are from/to the starting point of the tour. They include all services according to the respective tour description. Higher prices may apply especially during Indonesian holidays like Ramadan or Idul Fitri. All prices are in Euro and per person based on 2 persons traveling together in a double room.  Our  terms and conditions  apply.

Extend your Trip

…and explore destinations beyond the wonders of the Spice Islands. Extending a trip creates even more unique experiences and breathtaking moments for you and your travel companion. Combine your jungle experience with a beach vacation, a cultural trip, or even more adventure such as a tour to the active volcanoes of the North Moluccas. Make your trip a unique experience and expand it to fully experience Indonesia east of the Wallace Line.

Expand your Options

• Explore the legendary Spice Islands.
• Discover the beautiful underwater world east of the Wallace Line.
• Experience further adventures in Ternate, Tidore, Morotai and Halmahera, North Maluku.
• Or discover the sacred highlands of the Toraja in southern Sulawesi.

Design your Trip

The above tour description is intended as a suggestion. The tour can be split or extended according to your wishes. We will be happy to customize it to your individual wishes and ideas. Just get in contact with us. The prices are from/to the starting point of the tour. They include all services according to the respective tour description. Higher prices may apply especially during Indonesian holidays like Ramadan or Idul Fitri. All prices are in Euro and per person based on two people traveling together in the same room/accommodation . Our terms and conditions apply.

• Tour plan Sulawesi Private tour Minahasa & Tangkoko (Download 97 KB)
• Packing List Sulawesi Private Tour Minahasa & Tangkoko (Download 154 KB)

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Sulawesi Travel Guide – Attractions + Itinerary + Things to do

Posted on June 22, 2022 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on November 5, 2022

Sulawesi truly has a lot to offer, not many tourists make it there, and they are missing some great adventures. If you love tribal culture and nature , then Sulawesi is the right place for you. It also offers some of the best diving experiences and wildlife encounters in Southeast Asia.

From exploring national parks to learning more about Sulawesi death rituals, discover the island’s highlights and best places to visit.

In this article, I will share with you the best things to do in Sulawesi, the must-see tourist attractions in Sulawesi, as well as the off-the-beaten-track adventures , and a sample itinerary to travel to Sulawesi.

When planning to travel to Sulawesi, remember that the island is huge, the bus ride from Manado to Makassar takes 50 hours, and the tourist attractions don’t always have an airport nearby. If you want to visit all the places listed below, you’ll need at least a month. You’ll lose a day in transportation between each spot.

Travel tip  – Before any international trip, make sure to   get travel insurance  and check  visa requirements.

HELPFUL WEBSITES TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP

FLIGHT DEALS

HOTEL DEALS

TRAVEL INSURANCE

VACATION RENTALS

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on any links and make a purchase, I’ll get a small commission, at no cost to you.

Sulawesi attractions and highlights map:

Best things to do in Sulawesi and top places to visit (From South to North)

1 – diving in bira beach.

What to do in Bira Beach

Bira Beach has some impressive diving to be done, its prolific marine life makes it the perfect spot, with some of the best diving spots in the world. It’s also a good place for beginners as most of the coral reefs are not really deep and the current is usually weak. The visibility is exceptional.

There are also some beautiful snorkeling spots and the beach is a nice place to relax, really clean with white sand and translucent water.

If you are in the area, you should also check out nearby Tanah Beru, famous for being the main city producing bugis boats in Indonesia.

You might also want to check Kajang, a traditional village where people reject any kind of technology and only wear black. You don’t need to have a guide to go there but dress in black, remove your shoes at the village’s entrance and don’t enter it with your motorbike.

Where to stay in Bira Beach

If you’re going to dive, you can check out Scuba Republic , you can go diving with them, and they offer basic dorms and private bungalows. If you want something a bit more comfortable, you can stay at Nini’s Beach Bungalows for around 40 US a night, right on the beach.

If you want to treat yourself to a luxurious hotel, check out Amatoa Resort , offering beachfront bungalows, an infinity pool, and a great restaurant.

How to get to Bira Beach

There are a couple of buses leaving from the bus station in Makassar but there’s no fixed schedule – there, you’ll also find shared taxis. Make sure to go early in the morning to be sure to catch something. It might be easier to hire a private transfer. The trip takes around 6 hours

2 – Take a boat ride on Danau Tempe

What to do in Danau Tempe

Visiting Lake Tempe is a unique experience, many people have built floating houses and just live on the lake. Meeting them and witnessing this different type of lifestyle is really exceptional. Most of them are fishermen and live on the lake during high tide season, moving to the land when the tide is low.

The starting point to visit Danau Tempe is Sengkang, you can arrange for a boat ride with your accommodation. Consider hiring a guide if you want to communicate with the villagers as the boat driver won’t speak English.

The lake is also good for nature lovers as many bird species are living there.

Related article – Danau Tempe complete travel guide

Where to stay near Danau Tempe

You won’t find many accommodations online for Sengkang. I stayed at Amira Guesthouse , it’s cheap, comfortable clean and the owner is super friendly. He helped me arrange the boat ride. They also have a restaurant serving delicious local food.

How to get to Sengkang

From Makassar, there are cars leaving in the morning from the bus station.

From Bira, take the first car to Bulukumba, then one to Sanjai, and one to Sengkang.

3 – Discover Sulawesi death rituals in Tana Toraja

What to do in Tana Toraja

Visiting Tana Toraja is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is one of the best things to do in Sulawesi. You cannot miss it. If you love tribal cultures, this place is for you.

Located in Central Sulawesi, Tanah Toraja is famous for its peculiar death ritual . Many ceremonies have to take place before the dead can be buried, and some families have to wait for months before the funeral, either because they don’t have enough money or either because all the relatives cannot come back for the ceremonies.

One of the most impressive rituals is the buffaloes’ sacrifices , the more the better, and after you’re invited to eat the barbecued buffaloes with the family.

The architecture of the houses is also worth a look, everything there is truly authentic and has not changed a bit despite tourism increasing. What is also impressive is the way they incorporated catholic religion into their traditions.

You can rent a scooter for the day and drive around the villages and rice fields. You can also hire a guide , which I recommend, to learn more about the culture and know where to go.

Where to stay in Tana Toraja:

Tana Toraja is a huge region, the main city being Rantepao. That’s where you’ll find most of the accommodation options, and it’s the easiest location to explore the region from. You can also, once there, organize a homestay in one of the more remote villages, just ask at the tour agencies or at your hotel.

In Rantepao, there are plenty of cheap options starting at 10-15US for a private room with a private bath (check out Rosalina Homestay ).

There are also a few pricier options but there’s not much quality or service difference between them and the cheaper options.

If you’re looking for something spectacular, check out Toraja Misiliana Hotel . They have turned traditional houses into hotel rooms and the result is quite unique.

4 – Visit the 700 years old Megaliths in Lore Lindu National Park

What to do in Lore Lindu National Park

Lost in the mountains are about 400 megaliths representing humans and animals, most of them carved 700 years ago, some dating back as far as 3000 BC. No one knows exactly how the statues got there, especially as the stone used to make them is not found anywhere near the site.

You’ll need to hire a guide to find them. It’s also a good opportunity to do a homestay in one of the traditional villages around the park.

The park is also famous for trekking and its prolific wildlife. You can find there the shyest and smallest primate in the world: the tarsier.

Related article –  Mysterious megaliths in Lore Lindu National Park

Where to stay near Lore Lindu National Park

You can take a day trip from Tentena. There you can stay at Ue Datu Cottages , surrounded by nature. You can also just show up and ask around for hotels, most of them are not online.

If you want to spend more time there, you can either stay in Bomba, where most of the megaliths are, or Wuasa, where you can trek and go bird-watching.

Coming from Tana Toraja, Bomba is easier to reach, coming from Palu or the Togian Islands, Wuasa is easier to reach. In both villages, your only option is a homestay. If you don’t go through a tour operator, you’ll have to just show up and ask around.

5 – Meet with the Wana tribe in Morowali Nature Reserve

Meeting the Wana tribe truly is a unique experience. To reach the Wana village, you’ll have to trek through the reserve for about a day. You will spend one or two nights there and then trek back. Not many people make the trip, and you’ll be welcomed with open arms. You’ll need to hire a guide and bring some presents for the tribe. Contact a tour agency in advance to book the trip, they’ll usually include an airport pickup in Palu.

The area is really beautiful and scenic. Meeting this remote tribe, almost totally cut from the outside world, is just amazing.

If you are in the area, you might want to stop by Tomori Bay . Located on the east coast of Central Sulawesi, the bay is famous for its rock formations and impressive rock paintings.

6 – Enjoy a relaxing time at Tanjung Karang Beach

Pantai Tanjung Karang, in Donggala, near Palu, is really beautiful, the sand is thin and white, and the water is transparent. Boarded by coconut trees, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

This beach is really unknown to most tourists, so it’s really quiet, maybe too quiet. If you are solo traveling, it might be best to just take a day trip from Palu.

Same if you want to stay there, stay at Prince John Dive Resort , it’s the most expensive one but it’s the only one truly operating, the other ones look like they are abandoned. The day I went there, the hotels were all deserted, I couldn’t even find someone from the staff. The only one where I found the caretaker, the place looked really ran out, I didn’t see myself spending the night there.

7 – Swim with jellyfish in the Togian Islands

What to do in the Togian Islands

The Togian Islands are one of Central Sulawesi’s most famous tourist attractions and probably the most touristy. As Sulawesi doesn’t get many tourists, the island is far from crowded. It’s quite hard to get there, but it’s totally worth it.

The easiest way to get there is simply to contact your hotel and ask, because the boat route and schedule is always changing.

The islands are perfect for snorkeling and diving , although the coral reef has been badly damaged by fishing activities. You’ll most likely see turtles, rays, and sharks (not the dangerous type).

What’s great about the Togean Islands is the laid-back lifestyle that comes with it. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy unspoiled beaches . You’ll also meet many sea gypsies moving between the islands.

One of the most famous features of the Togian Islands is the jellyfish lake. You can actually swim in it and be surrounded by jellyfish. The best part is that they are not poisonous. There are only two lakes like this in the world, the second one is also in Indonesia, in Kalimantan .

Where to stay in the Togian Islands

Surprisingly, you won’t find many hotels online. You can just get there and look around for a hotel, as there are plenty of those. The islands’ main city is Wakai, where you’ll find most of the accommodations. It’s also a central location to explore the rest of the islands.

8 – Meet Sulawesi’s endemic wildlife in Tangkoko Nature Reserve

Tangkoko National Park is the best place to see wildlife in North Sulawesi. You’ll mostly be likely to see Tarsiers, Hornbills, Crested Macaque, and Bear Cuscus.

You can easily organize a day trip from Manado to visit the park . Manado and its surroundings have a lot to offer: beautiful beaches, and impressive national parks. It’s the best place if you love nature and adventures.

Recommend guided tours: Sulawesi Tangkoko National Park Private Tour and Tangkoko Overnight (2D1N)

9 – Discover Sulawesi’s diverse marine life in Bunaken Marine Park

What to do in Bunaken Island

Bunaken Marine Park is absolutely fabulous for diving and snorkeling in North Sulawesi. The water is crystal clear, and the reefs are amazing. The island, close to Manado, is easily accessible, and most accommodations are cheap. It’s the perfect place to chill for a couple of days, enjoy the beach and do some snorkeling.

You can also just take a day trip from Manado if you’re short on time.

Where to stay in Bunaken

There are plenty of accommodations for all budgets to choose from in Bunaken. Better to book in advance as the island can get crowded during weekends and public holidays.

Other things to do in Northern Sulawesi (Day trips from Manado):

• Hikking Mount Mahawu & Lokon
• Mount Klabat Sunrise Hike
• Trekking at Soputan Volcano Mountain
• Rafting on Nimanga River
• Snorkeling near Lihaga Island
• Woloan Village, Tondano Lake & Minahasa Highland
• Nani Wartabone National Park Tour

10 – Explore remote Sangir and Talaud Islands

Exploring Sangir and Talaud Island in North Sulawesi is the ultimate adventure. They rarely see any foreigners but have so much to offer, especially in terms of nature. The fauna and flora there are really diverse and so well preserved. The cluster of islands is also famous for its many volcanoes.

Get ready to explore the lush jungles and meet with remote tribes.

From Manado Harbour, you’ll find boats heading daily to Sangir. Avoid going during monsoon as the sea becomes dangerous. On Sangir (sometimes spelled Sangihe), the main town is Tahuna, where the boat arrives and where you’ll find most of the hotels.

Sulawesi Foods to Try Out

Pisang Ijo, or Green Banana, is one of my favorite Indonesian treats. Originally from Sulawesi, you can find them in most places in Indonesia, but there are not as good as the one you’ll eat in Sulawesi.

Pisang Ijo is a boiled banana rolled in a thin green pancake (the dye is natural) and served with a type of coconut pudding and pink syrup. It is super tasty, always add some ice cubes to the porridge for the perfect taste.

Mi Titi is one of my favorite Indonesian dishes. Originally from Sulawesi, with luck, you can find them in other parts of the country. Mie Titi are crunchy noodles served in a gooey sauce, it’s delicious.

Coto Makassar

Coto Makassar is a type of beef stew. The stew is delicious, but what they don’t tell you is that there’s no meat, only organs, and every type of organs imaginable, intestines and lungs included. I was told they make a version with only meat but I never found it.

Sulawesi Itinerary

Sulawesi is huge and the roads terrible, I once spend 24 hours on a bus instead of 8 because the road had collapsed.

When planning your itinerary count at least a day to get to one place to another.

Spending less than 2 weeks in Sulawesi, in my opinion, is not worth it, the distances between attractions are too great.

If you have the budget, you can go through a tour operator, which will save you time, especially if you want to explore the more remote places such as Lore Lindu or Morowali.

Sulawesi highlights – 3-week itinerary

This itinerary starts in Makassar and finishes in Manado. You can also do it the other way around. Both cities have an airport well connected to the rest of Indonesia.

• Makassar – 1 night – Arrive at Makassar airport, spend the night there and head to Bira in the morning, go as early as you can if you travel by public transportation.
• Bira – 3 nights – You’ll have two full days, you can do one at the beach or diving, and the other one, exploring the surroundings.
• Danau Tempe – 1 night – You’ll arrive in the evening, you can go early morning to the lake then directly head to Rantepao.
• Rantepao (Tana Toraja) – 4 nights – You’ll have 3 full days to explore all of Tana Toraja. On the last day, head early morning to Tentena.
• Tentena – 2 nights – Spend the night in Tentena, and the next day take a day trip to Lore Lindu. The next day head to Ampana.
• Ampana – 1 night – You might be able to catch a boat to the Togian Island on the same day but it’s safer to plan to spend a night in Ampana just in case.
• Togian Islands – 5 nights – Here, relax, relax and relax. You could spend less time there but the islands are so hard to reach and so beautiful, you’ll want to stay longer.
• Manado – 4 nights – In Manado, you can spend a day exploring the city, the next, go to Bunaken National Park and the last head to Tangkoko Nature Reserve.

Sulawesi 2-week itinerary

If you can’t spare 3 weeks, you can skip Bira and Danau Tempe, and fly directly to Rantepao from Makassar, and spend less time in each place.

Related articles to help you plan your trip:

• Indonesia – Everything you need to know before traveling there
• Kalimantan – 8 adventures of a lifetime
• Items to make backpacking easier

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Sulawesi is an island that is worth putting on your next vacation to Indonesia, where cultures such as Bugis or Indonesian sailors coexist with the Toraja Tribes and Culture where you live a culture deeply rooted in death and its funerals. Sulawesi also offers very good diving in places like Wakatobi, Toggians, Labengki, Bunaken and Lembeh. And you can find extravagant markets like Tomohon as well as wildlife trekking in National Parks such as Tangkoko where the tarsier and the crested black monkey live. All this and more, make this island have enough places to see how to be on the island more than two weeks easily.

Makassar Day Trip: Ramang-Ramang & Paotere Harbor

Phinisi boats in Paotere Harbor Karst mountain in Ramang-Ramang Primitive paintings in Leang-Leang Canoe trip Karst Stone Forest

Short Trekking Tangkoko National Park (3D/2N)

Endemic species Crested black macaques Spectral tarsier Maleo bird Couscous

Toraja & Sengkang: Land of Spirit & Bugis Lake Tempe (5D/4N)

Traditional house of Tongkonan Wonderful Lemo cliff-side grave Mystical baby graves Meet the Bugis people Visit to the Lake Tempe

Toraja Trekking & Rafting Adventure (5D/4N)

Mystical baby graves Lemo cliff-side grave Traditional architecture Stay with the locals Rafting experience

Toraja Trekking & Rafting Adventure (6D/5N)

Mystical baby graves Lemo cliff-side grave Traditional architecture Trekking around Limbong town Rafting experience

Toraja & Togean Island Trip (14D/13N)

Wonderful Lemo cliff-side grave Trekking in Toraja land Rafting experience Stay in a local Tongkonan house Free days in tropical Togean Islands

Exploring Lore Lindu National Park (12D/11N)

Iconic endemic Maleo bird Village visits Ancient megaliths Camping in the jungle Birdwatching trip

Sulawesi Birding Trip: Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park (6D/5N)

Jungle trekking Endemic Babirusa Endemic Maleo bird Camping in the jungle Spend 2 nights at local house

Pulau Labengki: Sulawesi’s Raja Ampat (5D/4N)

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Skye Gilkeson

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Indonesia / June 23, 2016

A Pocket Travel Guide to Sulawesi, Indonesia

The island of Sulawesi in Indonesia was an intriguing mystery to me before I touched down to explore it in person. Sulawesi’s history reads like the pages of a dramatic novel; coloured by tales of pirates, Spice Wars, colonial clashes and civil struggles. Today, it is an exciting frontier of a different kind. With so many things to do in Sulawesi it should come as no surprise that tourism is on the rise. An adventure traveller’s delight, tours cover jungle trekking eco exploring and day trips to world-class Sulawesi diving and snorkelling sites .

Prince John Dive Resort, Tanjung Karang Beach, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Sulawesi Destinations

The history of sulawesi.

The wishbone-shaped island of Sulawesi is located northeast of Bali, across the Makassar Strait from Borneo .

It is one of the Malay Archipelago’s Greater Sunda Islands. The history of Sulawesi (previously known as Celebes) region is equally colourful and complex.

In brief, Sulawesi has historically been an attractive target for foreign occupation owing to its geographical location on the maritime trade route and rich abundance of natural resources such as spices (namely nutmeg and cloves) and iron.

Powerful Sultans ruled the region in the 14th century, the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century, the Spanish soon followed and the Dutch settled in the Makassar in 1607 with their colonial control continuing to spread for centuries.

The Japanese occupied Sulawesi during World War II before Sulawesi went on to join the Republic of Indonesia in 1950.

Internal political disturbances have been reported since with the redrawing of new provincial and district boundaries an attempt to ease the unrest.

The world’s eleventh-largest island, Sulawesi is now divided into six provinces. We were lucky enough to visit North Sulawesi , Central Sulawesi and South Sulawesi .

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Jakarta

Bukit Kasih or the Hill of Love near Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Things to Do in Sulawesi

When it comes to things to do in Sulawesi you will experience a mix of cultural activities, explaining more of the history of the different parts of the island, some of which intersects with our own in Australia.

There are also a lot of adventurous activities to do from jungle treks to eco-tours in the jungle, beach days spent at beach clubs and taking a tour to experience some of the best diving in Sulawesi thanks to some enthusiastic and knowledgeable local guides.

• Find our North Sulawesi travel guide here.
• Read about our trip to Bunaken Island off Manado North Sulawesi here .
• See some of the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia with our trip to Palu Central Sulawesi here .
• See why you should visit Ambon Maluku with our Ambon guide here and detailed article here .

Travel to Sulawesi

• Travel to Sulawesi is a little more complex than a typical direct flight to Bali.
• I flew from Brisbane via Sydney to Jakarta with Qantas. After a stopover in Jakarta we travelled on to Manado in the early hours of the following morning on Garuda.
• Garuda also offers direct flights from Bali to Manado, Palu or Makassar. Around the island, we flew Wings Air from Manado to Palu (via Luwuk), Garuda Indonesia from Palu to Makassar and on to Maluku. There aren’t any direct international flights into Palu, just yet. 
• You may need to pay an entry tax of about $US35 per person when in arriving in Indonesia. The fee has been scrapped for Australia and 145 other countries. Check your exemption here . Indonesian airports generally accept cash or credit cards (with about a 3% surcharge).
• The departure tax of Rp 150,000 ($15) should now be included in the cost of your plane ticket. Confirm with your airline before you travel.
• Bring some IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) with you to Sulawesi. Most restaurants and shops are cash only, with the exception of the bigger hotels.
• Unlike Bali , ATMs are not on every corner in Sulawesi and Maluku, so plan ahead and a little carry cash with you.
• Hotels and banks are probably the safest places to change money should you need to. Indonesian banks advertise their rates daily online (you can also do a quick estimate using this tool ). Always check your money at the counter before walking away.

Sulawesi Tours

• There are so many fun things to do in Sulawesi. However, a car is essential. I would highly recommend booking some Sulawesi tours too. It will help the local economy but we also found the local guides to be very knowledgable, friendly and they spoke great English too. A driver, car and petrol will set you back about Rp 700,000 per day (about $AUD70) in North Sulawesi. Prices can vary. Steven Menthol from Manado Tourism can help you book transfers, a car, a scooter or a guided tour from Manado.
• In Central Sulawesi and South Sulawesi, Theo Mantung from Vifa Holiday can arrange transfers cars, scooters and tours [email protected], [email protected].
• For a very local experience when you visit Sulawesi, try the blue mikrolet minibuses. Each bus seats 9 and they are not air-conditioned. Most leave from the central bus station, Terminal Karombasan in the city centre.
• Public buses are also an inexpensive option for those on a tight budget.
• Motorbike taxis or Ojek are also available. Stands are identified by a sign reading, Pangkalan Ojek. A short trip will cost about Rp. 5,000 (about $AUD 0.50) and is paid on arrival. Due to safety concerns (and writing many devastating news stories on accidents), I rarely hire motorbike taxis or hire scooters while travelling.

Related: Why Ambon is Much More than a Sulawesi Diving Destination

A local woman relaxing on the sea wall at sundown in Palu, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Health and Safety in Sulawesi

• Check Smart Traveller  and register your trip  before you go.
• DO NOT consume tap water in Indonesia. Always drink bottled water, even for brushing your teeth. Hotels will generally provide you with bottled water each day. If you swallow the water, you will get sick. I personally err on the side of caution and only drink pre-bottled drinks in restaurants and bars too and leave the ice out.
• Sulawesi brought back memories of my early trips to Bali . There aren’t any fancy Western-style restaurants around these parts. While you will find some Western dishes on a room service menu, expect to be dining on Indonesian local dishes in a Warung for most meals. Be sensible about your food choices: only drink bottled water, choose cooked over raw dishes (vegetables over salads), and beware of fish and meats that may not be fresh.
• Carry a broad-spectrum antibiotic (as prescribed by a doctor) as well as products to treat a potential bout of food poisoning. I always carry Imodium, Buscopan, Mintec and Hydralyte that I grab from the pharmacy, similar products are available globally.
• Pack adaptors (power supply is 220V), mosquito repellant, a hat and sunscreen , aloe vera gel , comfortable closed-toe shoes (sneakers) and training gear for any trekking or active tours you may do.
• Travel insurance should be a non-negotiable for any trip. You can easily compare policies online. If you plan on riding on or hiring a scooter or going diving, check with your insurer that you are specifically covered for scooters and diving.
• Check with your doctor in case you need any specific vaccinations (hepatitis A, B and typhoid, tetanus and possibly rabies vaccination (if going near monkeys) are examples of some vaccinations recommended for Indonesia).

Internet and Phone

• Wifi is patchy in Sulawesi. Don’t expect to stay connected all the time and you won’t find a lot of cafes with free wifi (except Starbucks at the airport). Of course, switching off is part of the charm of these new unchartered tourist destinations.
• Prepaid SIM cards are cheap and easily available (ensure your phone is not locked on a plan like mine was). Picking one up on transit in Jakarta is probably the most convenient option. Although you can get them in Sulawesi. Be aware you may need to cut the SIM down to fit your iPhone.

Related: Snorkelling in North Sulawesi

One of the many friendly faces we saw while exploring Sulawesi, Indonesia. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Cultural Considerations in Sulawesi

• Sulawesi Indonesia is predominantly Muslim. As such, I would encourage you to dress more conservatively where possible. The atmosphere is very different to Bali where bikinis are often worn in the street. In Sulawesi, reserve your skimpier outfits for the hotel pool. 
• You will also need to curb your enthusiasm for a cocktail. While you are able to purchase beer at some stores and occasionally something stronger at the big hotels, don’t expect to be offered alcohol at restaurants. 
• Bargaining at markets is expected and encouraged.
• Learn a few phrases in Bahasa and try them out with the locals. They will love it. The important ones will be: Thank you = Terima kasih , Good morning/evening = Selamat pagi /malam

Sulawesi Accommodation

We were hosted at a range of hotels during our visit, each considered among the best in their corresponding area;

• Mercure Manado Tateli in Manado
• Hotel Santika in Palu
• Ibis Makassar in Makassar city.

This accommodation is best suited to the backpacker or budget traveller.

From what we saw, the island doesn’t have the infrastructure expected of a luxury destination, just yet. I expect as the crowds discover the beauty of the islands, investment in the luxury market will follow. Watch this space.

The Fit Traveller was a guest of the Indonesian Ministry for Tourism for this trip to Sulawesi and Maluku. As always, the opinions, imagery and words are authentically our own.

Related: Exploring Indonesia’s Komodo National Park by Boat

Lunch on Lake Tondano is a must when touring North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.

Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.

Read more about Skye’s story here .

The Fit Traveller may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Prices may be subject to change without notice.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read more here.

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Southeast Sulawesi: Into the Wild, Jungles and Islands

Things to bring when you’re backpacking, the best tour guide in sulawesi, exploring southeast sulawesi in 7 days, southeast sulawesi: not for the faint of heart, what to read next:.

• Minimal clothing that fits into a backpack (7kg is ideal)
• Hygiene kit
• First aid kit
• A water bottle
• Snorkeling mask and spray cleaner (it really helps)
• A bottle of courage — especially if you’re a typical Filipino who can’t drive a scooter, swim or jump from cliffs
• Also a tiny bottle of faith, in case yours run out.

Southeast Sulawesi

There is not much extensive guides about Southeast Sulawesi in Indonesia , although no doubt many backpackers have already been here. (Do they not know the social media game?)

Southeast Sulawesi is a place where a number of waterfalls, lagoons and beaches do not have names. Many people call it whatever they want to. My tour guide, Petra, takes it upon himself to name them. Julia Beach is where Julia fell from her hammock while sleeping. Sofie Falls is where Sofie fell down the slippery stone. There is Petra Falls, which I assume is his favorite one.

There are 148 waterfalls in Buton Island. Petra says a backpacker visited a hundred in 1 month before moving on to the next location.

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There are 23 lagoons in Muna Island. 28 caves with ancient wall paintings.

Wakatobi is part of the Coral Triangle, which is an area where you can find the richest marine biodiversity on the planet. It is made up of Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia and Binongko islands. It is one of the best diving sites in Sulawesi .

Southeast Sulawesi is where foreign tourists are seen as curiosity, even Filipinos like me. The receptionists at my inn in Baubau in Buton Island asked for a selfie with me. We were asked for photographs during a food fiesta in Muna Island (along with 3 Spanish backpackers who were with us).

Southeast Sulawesi is mostly rural and beautiful, known only to daring backpackers or tourists with their handy Lonely Planet guides. It has beaches, jungles, jungles, jungles and lagoons. It has thriving coral reefs and more secrets underneath the sea.

More secrets than I am bent to tell here.

My tour guide Petra is a character. He lives in Baubau in Buton Island. He likes adventure, such as trekking to virgin waterfalls. I asked him how he discovers them — he says when he sees a water trail, he follows them even if it takes hours.

He climbs coconut trees, freedives 30m deep, spearfishes in the sea.

He knows the best hidden spots. The Secret Places of Sulawesi. Caves with pools and glittering stalactites; towering waterfalls with light-green pools; clear, green and blue lagoons; the jellyfish lake; the best dive spots even.

He is always late and then he moves and walks and treks in a rush. He drives the motorcycle bat crazy. The motorcycle leaned sideways as we traversed the curves of the mountain roads, like the shots you see in sports magazines. Only it involves a middle-aged guy and a nervous Filipina. He is among the best though, if not the best, guide in this part of Sulawesi.

If I am to write a travelogue around a character, I would write about him. His passion and his job and his enthusiasm.

Petra seems used to independent backpackers. I “backpack”, but I am a babied one. I need assistance in trekking, I am a modest swimmer and more often than not needs a lifevest in the sea, I cannot see in the dark without my glasses, I cannot drive a motorcycle nor do I have a license. I did not bring my own snorkeling gear, and so I had to buy one in the local market.

Petra helped me go along.

Petra greeted me at the airport in Baubau. He asked me which places I am interested in. I said just a little bit of falls and jungles, more lagoons and beaches.

A full week in Southeast Sulawesi thus began.

In the first day, we visited a beach and Petra Falls, the rice fields and Mini Bali. It was raining all day. We couldn’t do anything else. We met the Spanish backpackers who decided to come with us for the next 3 days.

We island hopped in 2 islands. In the second island, Petra climbed a coconut tree to get fresh coconuts for us. We trekked a cliff that overlooks a beach and devoured slices of juicy pineapples while watching the sunset. Sweet pineapples are a proud produce of Buton Island. While trekking back, we noticed a fossilized clam on one side of the cliff. Like the rock formations in Coron in Palawan in my homecountry, this place was once underneath the ocean.

In our third day, we moved to another island to see lagoons. Some of them are unknown even to locals. To get to one lagoon, we literally had to push our way across a field of overgrown bushes. There is barely a trail. Leaves brushed, thorns cut against the skin on my legs. There is a wood with indents that serves as stairs to the lagoon, but the best way to get in the water is to jump from the small cliffs above.

The next day, the miniature version of Raja Ampat. It has clear green water, karst formations similar to the ones in the Philippines. Palawan , Not Palawan. Petra says we are the first foreigners to visit here.

We then visited Napabale Lake, the widest lagoon in the island. There is a tunnel our boat has enter to get to the other side. Sohoton Cove , Not Sohoton Cove. We passed by a small community that makes jellyfish pudding. Did we hear that right? I wonder what that tastes like. Then there’s the jellyfish lake (called by locals as Danau Ubur-Ubur, a literal translation of Jellyfish Lake), one of the only two existing ones in Indonesia. Petra says the locals do not like the jellyfishes, they are seen as rubbish in the lake. The jellyfish lake is located a bit deep into the forest, where it is possible to get lost. We learned through stories though that getting lost is not an option. A woman in a nearby village had been eaten whole by a python, just 2 months prior to our visit. Oh and finally, we stopped by Liang Kobori, a cave with ancient wall paintings of the Muna Tribe. We made guesses on how long have the paintings been there. Petra says Stone Age, but the Spanish lady with us pointed to a drawing of a boat, which we all know is a recent advancement. I thought that drawing looks like eyelashes.

We bid goodbye to the Spanish backpackers.

In our fifth day, we ventured to Wakatobi. We watched the sunset in a beach in Tomia Island. It was low tide and the seaweeds were visible, fields and fields of it. Locals picked up shells for food and carefully placed them in baskets.

We snorkeled in a giant coral shelf, relaxed in a private beach. The underwater scene was incredible. It reminded me of Apo Island in Dumaguete , and I wondered what I missed when I was then too afraid to go to the deep parts of the ocean.

We went back to the capital and relaxed in a pinkish-sand beach, drank ginger tea in one of the warungs in the pantai.

The next day, I woke early morning to catch my flight back to the city of Makassar. It was a blood moon. Goodbye, beloved islands. Petra gave me a soft sarong, I gave him my snorkel mask. I do not know if it is a fair exchange, I felt like I was given more than paid for.

When I arrived back in Makassar, my bones are tired and muscles sore. I have itchy spots in my legs. I was shades browner. My eyes, however, are brighter.

I pride myself of backpacking, but Southeast Sulawesi caught me off-guard. I realized that there are skills I have to learn to survive, to truly backpack and not just do budget travel, to explore untouristy provinces particularly in Asia.

I think I am a typical Filipino traveler. A lot of my friends can’t swim, so the fact that I can float and move is an achievement in itself, but I’m still nervous in the open sea. Also, I don’t know how to drive and I’m (again) wary of the frequent motorcycle incidents I see in the news. I need a guide not just to point me where to go, but also to help me do things.

In the Philippines , no matter how remote, you will always find a local with a scooter willing to tour you around. Boat guides and even regular fishermen always have life vests in storage, or at least know how to procure one. I have always managed, somehow, sometimes with Hali too.

In Southeast Sulawesi, to backpack is to be capable of doing things on your own . Although it’s preferable to get a guide to show you around, it’s better if you can drive your own scooter — particularly if you’re going with a party. Otherwise prepare to shell out millions of rupiah in exploring for days with a car. It’s little differences in money that make a huge difference if you’re traveling for weeks or months. Also, there are lagoons and beaches where you can swim at your own leisure — if you can. If you can’t and you didn’t bring your own lifevest, well, too bad. In majority of the places we visited in Southeast Sulawesi, we were literally alone. A lot of times, there are no commercial shops or stores around, much less other wandering people like us. It’s just you — and your fears (or bravery) — and nature.

In Muna Island, we drove 60km in 2 hours, and some of the route includes bad roads. Petra drove, while I sat in the passenger seat. At one point, we crashed. We had scratches and broken skin on hands, arms and legs. My fingers were swollen for days. (The Spanish guy suggested naming the place Kat’s Road.)

In the next day, we did 90km in 2.5 hours. It’s crazy. I had never been in a motorcycle ride that long before. My butt hurt, my knees were stiff, and after the fall I was kind of miserable being on the road.

We also went to a wide lagoon where the boat did not have stairs where you can climb back up after swimming. Instead, there’s a flat tire you can place your foot on so you can push yourself up. This isn’t new to me, but the boat was huge and, if I am not careful, I may land with my leg hitting the wooden seat. In the first try, I did badly and fell back into the water. I felt a sharp pain, a visible bump in my left leg, and thought I had dislocated a bone. Oh, good. Because I don’t have travel insurance and the nearest hospital is probably 1-2 hours away.

Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. I was helped, pushed and pulled back to the boat without further incidents. My leg went back to normal.

Still, I am a bundle of accidents to happen.

I admire the Spanish backpackers we met because they are able and independent and more hands-on. I relied everything to my tour guide, and even though I am thankful that I didn’t need to do much planning and logistics, I was also embarrassed that I didn’t involve myself more. (Lesson: Even if you have hired a tour guide, know your itinerary by heart, know the routes and how long to get to places, know if the schedule is feasible according to your flight schedules, know which things to bring and which things are unavailable in your destination — again, not every place has lifevests and snorkels!)

Friends and acquaintances often ask me why I don’t invite them to trips. Well, I do. But whenever I pass out invites, nobody wants to come especially if they are not familiar with the place. Or I get a lot of “requests” that I may or may not deliver, and I don’t want to invite people to trips that may involve hours of driving under the sun, sleeping in decrepit beds or camping without the usual creature comforts we’re accustomed to.

Southeast Sulawesi is very beautiful , but its very nature renders it not for the faint of heart. It is not an easy travel, for me at least. You have to explore in the primal sense of the word, you have to learn to depend on yourself. (Of course, if you’re a longtime backpacker, this is but normal.)

Southeast Sulawesi is one of the places I genuinely want to go back to. I know I always say that, almost every time in fact. Sometimes I just feel compelled too because there are places I missed visiting and I wanted our readers to know I am an avid explorer. But this time it’s true. Indonesia is my favorite country so far. Hali knows this, my friends know this. The rice fields, mountains, rural villages and its 18,000+ islands are begging to be visited and explored and appreciated (and, if I may, loved by me).

It’s one of those trips I immediately want to gush to friends once I got back home but, at the same time, want to keep as a secret.

Here are some photos from my solo trip to Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia:

Other places we’d been to in Indonesia:

• Travel Guide to Bali and 6 days itinerary in Bali

Related reads on backpacking in Southeast Asia:

• Essential backpacking checklist

If you like this post, pin it for later!

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Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

Hey, thank you so much for this nice article. I’ll be in Sulawesi in 10 days and would love to have petra’s WhatsApp if possible 🙂

Hi Kate, you have really made a meaningful article. Having explored Java, Bali and Flores in Indonesia, I would really consider South-east Sulawesi since it looks even more adventurous than in Flores.

Valerie Wilson

These photos are unreal. My favorite is the cliff!

Hi Katherine ! I liked the way you wrote this article, thanks! We’ll be in South East sulawesi in a couple of week, could you give me the contact of your super guide Petra please? It would be a pleasure to share few days with him ! Thanks a lot 🙂 Maëlle

Wow, you captured so many incredible shots and memories. That sunset pic is beautiful and I love how clear the water is in all the photos. I also love Petra’s face and would definitely read a book about his life. 🙂 He seems like an interesting character!

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Birding in North Sulawesi, Halmahera and West Papua with us

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Jungle tour with Mr. Robert

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Sulawesi Travel Guide: 10 Things to Do, Itinerary + Tips!

Sulawesi is an amazing hidden gem island in Indonesia that I was lucky enough to spend three weeks traveling – Out of all the different islands I have visited in Indonesia, Sulawesi was the most culturally rich and diverse in climate. Traveling Sulawesi won’t be for everyone, since it’s a more remote and off-the-beaten-path destination, but I highly recommend it for those with an adventurous spirit.

All About Sulawesi & Tana Toraja

Sulawesi is a major island in Indonesia that has started to make a name for itself as an amazing, off-the-beaten-path tourist destination.  Home to world-class diving, nature reserves, tropical islands, waterfalls, etc, it’s amazing that most travelers visiting Bali have never heard of it.

In Sulawesi, the crown jewel for tourism is Tana Toraja Village. Often referred to as Indonesia’s “Funeral Village”, Tana Toraja is a traditional town in Indonesia where funerals are highly celebrated and very expensive. Similar to how in some cultures weddings are the highlight of one’s life, in Toraja, it’s all about their funerals! 

Frequently costing as much as 50,000 US Dollars, funerals in Toraja are massive events that attract visitors from all over the world. In addition to the massive funeral celebrations, Toraja also has ritualistic burial sites that date back thousands of years. My favorite site to visit was Londa Funeral Cave, where you can explore massive natural catacombs and see how burial traditions have changed as Toraja became a majority Catholic culture and blended that with their original beliefs. 

How Long Should You Spend in Sulawesi? 

For just Tana Toraja, 3 – 5 days should be enough to see the highlights. If you want to explore the island of Sulawesi, I recommend at least 2 weeks . I spent 17 days, around 2.5 weeks, exploring the island of Sulawesi. While I think that was an adequate amount of time, there were still some amazing sites that we didn’t get to see. Truth be told, I could have easily spent a month or more in Sulawesi without getting bored!

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Sulawesi

1. visit tana toraja funeral village.

I enjoy cultural travel destinations, and visiting Toraja for a funeral ceremony takes the cake of all the experiences I’ve had in Indonesia. Toraja is also known as Indonesia’s “Funeral Village”, or less-charmingly, “Death Village”. While some cultures celebrate weddings, Toraja is  all about funerals.  A Torajan funeral ceremony can frequently cost the families 20-30,000 US dollars, as the ceremonies go on for days and involve sacrificing buffalo – Albino or spotted buffalos can cost $30,000,  each ! 

They have a very different idea of death in Torajan culture than we do in the West. While traveling in Toraja, we saw relatives happy to see their deceased loved ones again during the Ma’Nene ceremonies, dressing up the corpse even joking around and putting sunglasses on it (!!!).  If you’re squeamish about dead bodies, Toraja might not be your idea of a travel destination, but it’s certainly interesting. 

👉 My Favorite Things to Do in Tana Toraja 

✔️  Attend a “Ma’Nene” ceremony  – Where the relatives of the deceased uncover the corpses of their relatives every 3 years and redress them.  

✔️  Attend a Torajan Funeral  – Typically lasting over 3 days, the funerals are large ceremonies. Bring cigarettes or some other offering for the families, and enjoy eating lunch with the locals. 

✔️  Visit Londa Funeral Cave  – Going caving through Londa, led by a guide and a gaslamp through the Torajan catacombs, was the most interesting thing we did in Sulawesi. 

✔️  Visit Bori Kalimbuang  – UNESCO world heritage site. 

2. Stay On a Private Beach in the Togean Islands

The Togean Islands are a gorgeous hidden-gem archipelago off the coast of Sulawesi. You can reach the Togeans by taking an overnight local ferry from Gorontalo, or a 2-hour fast-boat from Ampana. The Togeans have a ton of resorts scattered around on different secluded beaches. Typically, resorts in the Togeans are all-inclusive, meaning you’ll have all of your meals at the resort.

🏨 Where to Stay: We chose Sera Beach Resort because it has one of the better private beaches, but due to its remote location in the Togeans, it has fewer amenities than those closer to the main port.

👉 Be Ready to Rough It: We only had electricity from 7-9 PM every night, there was no AC in the rooms, and no cellular access or wifi. I loved the Togeans, but they’re not for everyone!

3. Swim With the Stingless Jellyfish in the Togeans

You can swim with the wild stingless jellyfish in a brackish lake in the Togean Islands. Once upon a time, the lake was open to the ocean. That’s why the water is brackish rather than freshwater. As the millennia went by, the inlet naturally closed itself to the ocean and became a lake, containing jellyfish within it. Without sea turtles and other natural predators, the jellyfish in the lake evolved to lose their stingers, since they didn’t need them to defend themselves. I also swam with the stingless jellyfish in Siargao , in the Philippines, and the jellyfish lake in Sulawesi gets far fewer tourists – We were the only people there when we visited the jellyfish lake in the Togeans!

4. See the Wild Tarsiers at Tangkoko Nature Reserve

Tangkoko Nature Reserve is one of the only places in the world where you can see wild Tarsiers. The most popular way to visit Tangkoko Nature Reserve is by staying in a lodge near the park and taking sunrise and sunset nature walks. Tarsiers only come out around dusk, I immensely enjoyed our walk to the Tarsier’s tree where we got to watch them emerge from their nests as the sun went down. In addition to the Tarsiers, there are also Black Macaques. I know that there are plenty of monkeys in Bali , but something about seeing them up close and in the wild in Tangkoko was extra special.

5. Swim With the Whale Sharks in Gorontalo

Off the coast of Gorontalo, a port town where you can take an overnight ferry to the Togean Islands, you can swim with the wild whale sharks every morning. The Whale Sharks started coming off the coast of Gorontalo around 15 years ago when a fish processing plant was built in the town. Feasting on the waste from the plant, the Whale Sharks started annually migrating there. Ingenuous locals decided to capitalize on their new wildlife and now Whale Shark snorkeling tours have become one of the most popular things to do in the area.

👉 Note: Do know that the whale sharks are wild animals, and are not always at the morning snorkeling spot.

6. Go Scuba Diving in Bunaken National Marine Park

Bunaken National Marine Park, located in the Manado Bay of northern Sulawesi, stands out as one of the premier scuba diving destinations in the country. I’ve heard it compared to the renown Raja Ampat, but I wouldn’t know because I do not know how to dive! Even If you don’t scuba dive, the crystal-clear waters surrounding Bunaken offer fantastic snorkeling opportunities.

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7. Take in the Volcano Views in Tomahon

Tomahon was an unexpected hit. We stayed there one night in between visiting Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Gorontalo, but I could have easily stayed a few more days. There are these amazing hotels in Tomahon that have views of the volcano and little photo nests set up for tourists. If you have more time in Tomahon, you can do a trek partially or all the way up the volcano.

🏨 Where to Stay in Tomahon

• Gardenia Country Inn – This gorgeous hotel with volcano views has a fairy-tale village aesthetic.

8. Visit an Extreme Market

Eating exotic animals isn’t really my idea of a good time, but I should mention that Sulawesi’s “Extreme Markets” are pretty famous. In the Extreme Market in Tomahon,, you can eat local Indonesian street food , as well as snakes, rats, bats, and sadly, dogs.

9. Swim in Saluopa Waterfall in Tentena

Saluopa Waterfall is the main attraction in Tentena, a stopover town between the Togean Islands and Tana Toraja Village. Featuring a cascading waterfall that drops into different tiers of natural pools you can swim in, Saluopa is a beautiful waterfall that rivals any I’ve visited in Indonesia.

Katie’s Tips ✶

Saluopa Waterfall is very popular in the local community, get there as soon as it opens if you want to have a swim to yourself!

My Top Travel Tips for Sulawesi 

✅ be ready to rough it a little bit.

Sulawesi was not an easy destination to travel in compared to Indonesia’s more convenient tourist paradises like Bali. We had to do a lot of lengthy travel days to fit everything we wanted to do in Sulawesi into the three weeks we were there. This included 14-hour local ferries, and overnight car and bus rides. As well as lots of nights in 3-star hotels in the middle of nowhere with no AC or internet -This is what we did, but it’s by no means necessary for all travelers.

Sulawesi is huge, way bigger than Bali – There are areas of Sulawesi with 5-star hotels and local airports, and areas on tiny remote islands off the mainland with barely any electricity. It’s what you make of it. If you choose to take internal flights rather than overland transport and do a more simplistic travel itinerary of Sulawesi, you can cut down on a lot of the long travel days we did.

✅ I Wouldn’t Recommend Sulawesi for Solo Travel

As I mentioned before, Sulawesi doesn’t get that many travelers. I wouldn’t feel confident recommending it for solo backpackers if making friends on the road is important to you. We did meet some people in our three weeks in Sulawesi, but they were mostly couples and families.

Is Sulawesi Worth Visiting? My Take

I absolutely  loved  my three weeks traveling in Sulawesi and fully believe it to be worth the trip. I  live in Bali , and while it’s paradise in my opinion, Bali is infamously crowded. In Sulawesi, you get the feeling that what you are seeing is more natural, untouched, and unique. I highly recommend Sulawesi overall for travelers who are interested in natural wonders, and Tana Toraja for those who love locations with cultural significance. I had visited  Wae Rebo  in Flores, another traditional village in Indonesia, and Toraja was just a step beyond – The way that everything there, from the food to the architecture, is so different from the rest of Indonesia, it feels like you’ve traveled to a new country! 

Top 3 Toraja & Sulawesi Tours

🏆 4-Day All-Inclusive Toraja Cultural Tour

✔️ Includes round-trip private transport from Makassar Airport ✔️ Stay in a 4-star Tangkonan house hotel ✔️ Best value for money Toraja Tour

🏝 15-Day All-Inclusive Sulawesi Adventure Tour

✔️ All-Inclusive ✔️ Visits the highlights of Sulawesi ✔️ Full-Island trip from South to North ✔️ Includes diving and snorkeling tours

📆 3-Day Tana Toraja Highlights Tour

✔️ All-Inclusive ✔️ Best short trip to Toraja ✔️ Includes full round-trip transport from Makassar airport

How to Get to Sulawesi from Bali 

The easiest way to get to Sulawesi from Bali is by taking a short flight. You can start your tour in the south, in Makassar city, or in the north, at Manado City. Both cities have airports that are served with flights to/from Bali multiple times a day.

How to Get to Tana Toraja

To get to/from Makassar to Toraja you can take an overnight bus designed for the many Torajans that commute to Makassar. These buses are VIP and super comfortable, with padded beds and blankets. Or, if you don’t have the time for a bus, you can also take a short flight to Toraja’s new airport.

💰  Budget Tip!  Tours to Tana Toraja usually include a private car transfer from Makassar, when booked independently this can cost up to $250. 

Sulawesi Travel Ititnerary 

There’s a set tourist trail in Sulawesi, usually starting from the north of the island in Manadao or the south in Makassar. We started our travels in the North, and here’s an example of Sulawesi’s tourist trail going from North to South: You can edit the amount of time you spend in each location, but this is the most you can fit into a 14-day Sulawesi itinerary:

• Fly into Manado
• Go scuba diving at Bunaken – 2 Nights
• Visit Tangkoko National Park to see macaques and tarsiers – 2 Nights
• Stay at a volcano-view hotel in Tomahon – 1 Night
• Go swimming with the whale sharks in Gorontalo – 1 Night
• Take the overnight ferry from Gorontalo to the Togean Islands – 3 Nights
• Swim with the stingless jellyfish in the Togeans  
• Take a speedboat to Ampana, drive to Tentena – 1 Night
• Visit the waterfall and stay a night in Tentena
• Stay in Toraja for a traditional funeral – 3 Nights
• Take the overnight bus or fly to Makassar, where you can depart back to Bali or other Indonesian islands.  

💡  Tip!  You can reverse this itinerary and start your tour in the south, at Makassar. Flights between Makassar and Manado run multiple times per day. 

Is Sulawesi Safe for Tourists? 

I never felt unsafe traveling in Sulawesi, neither as a female nor as a foreigner. That being said, no international travel comes without risks. Sulawesi is the least developed island I’ve been to in Indonesia, and it’s also the least touristed. Frequently, we would be included in just a handful of foreigners wherever we were – and we were traveling to all the top tourist spots on the island! 

There was a lot of charm to this, being off the beaten path and all, but there were also some downsides to standing out so much. For example, while we were able to  rent scooters like in Bali  and drive ourselves around Tana Toraja, we were told that a foreigner driving in Gorontalo would be unheard of. We would stand out too much, and no one was willing to rent to us. 

You also get a lot of attention as a foreigner in Toraja. Every other second we were being dragged to take photos with people – Then a photo shoot would last 15 minutes, at least, as everyone wanted a picture with the odd foreigners 😂.

Katie Caf, founder of Katie Caf Travel, is a seasoned travel expert who has explored North, Central, and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia for many years. Originally from New York, she shares travel insights from her experiences in the USA and around the world. Now residing in Bali, Katie specializes in Bali and Indonesia travel, aiming to assist her readers in traveling better and more frequently. Through her blog, she provides quality travel resources and firsthand accounts.

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We know it sucks to show up in a different country and find out the tents are junk, the guide incompetent or the route different from what we thought we were getting.

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How does this work? Well, if you feel that something about your trip didn’t’ meet your expectations, let us know. We will then work to gather the details and figure out where things went wrong. If something indeed wasn’t as described, or went wrong with your trip, and the problem was within the control of either oursleves, the guide or the tour company, we will then work out a refund with you that’s proportional to the scale of the problem.

Obviously the best way to make a great trip is to tell your local guide or tour operator and give them the chance to fix the solution while you are on your trip. Most things can be solved by telling your guide when the issue develops. If that doesn’t solve it, then email us right away. Please don’t wait to voice your concerns until the trip is over, as it’s much harder to solve issues after the fact.

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Take the first step on your next group adventure by contacting one of our Travel Advisors today.

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Connect with members of your club or social circle over shared interests like food, culture, and the outdoors.

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Sulawesi Island Tour

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

Spend 9-days getting to know the local way of life on Sulawesi Island

Take the first step towards a private travel experience, customized just for you.

About this tour:

What travellers are saying about 10Adventures

Jennifer W.

Why travellers choose this tour

At 10Adventures, we take care of the details so that our guests can focus on making memories. Enjoy these key features on this tour.

We're Canadian

Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 8 nights are included.

Don't worry about meals. 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner are included.

Check out the 'What's Included' tab for more info on personal transfers during your tour.

Local Support

Travel stress-free knowing in-country local support is available by regular phone or WhatsApp to support you during your tour.

Payments Made Easy

Enjoy the flexibility and ease of staggered payments in your own currency using your choice of credit card.

Route Resources

Route notes, maps, and/or a trail app make navigation on this tour a breeze.

Park Entrance Fees

Included where possible! Check the 'What's Included' tab for more info on park entrance fees during your tour.

Luggage transfers

Take a load off, with optional or included luggage transfers. Check inclusions for further details.

Accommodation for Sulawesi Island Tour

The accommodation on this tour is mainly taking place in 3-star hotels with and option to upgrade to more luxurious accommodations, except for day 5 when you’ll be spending a night in a rustic homestay.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers Standard rooms are of double and triple occupancy and those willing to have a single room will have to pay a supplement of $167 USD - $350 USD (depending on the hotel category chosen).

Fave Losari Hotel in Makassar

Just a short walk from the beautiful Losari Beach, this modern hotel features great amenities like a refreshing pool and delicious breakfast.

Indra Toraja Hotel in Toraja

Guests will feel welcome at this laidback hotel in Toraja located nearby the town’s colorful art center and several other interesting sites.

Homestay in Limbong

Enjoy this cozy homestay in a traditional home where you’ll have the chance to soak up the local way of life and get to know the locals.

BBC Hotel Sengkang Hotel in Sengkang

This no-fuss hotel provides everything you need to enjoy rest and relaxation in Sengkang.

Standard Accommodation

Aston Makassar Hotel in Makassar

Enjoy the upscale vibe of this comfortable hotel in Makassar that features a rooftop restaurant and cozy coffee shop.

Luta Hotel Resort in Toraja

Luta Hotel Resort is the perfect place to unwind after an adventure-filled day, with incredible amenities including an outdoor pool, massage spa, and a fantastic breakfast.

Superior Accommodation

Aryaduta Makassar Hotel in Makassar

Enjoy the warm sea-breeze from this warm and beautiful decorated hotel just a short walk from the sea. Guests will enjoy an array of top-tier amenities including and outdoor pool, in-room minibar, and a fantastic restaurant and bakery.

Toraja Heritage Hotel in Toraja

This deluxe hotel in Torajo is one-of-a-kind, featuring marble bathrooms, incredible views from the rooms, and an array of modern amenities. Want for nothing during your stay at the beautiful Toraja Heritage Hotel.

Deluxe Accommodation

Planning a group trip?

Learn how we help group of friends, outdoor clubs and families get the tour they’ve been dreaming about.

Sulawesi Island Tour Details

Overview for sulawesi island tour.

Get off the beaten path on this delightful 9-day adventure of Indonesia’s beautiful Sulawesi Island. If you’re looking for the perfect balance of cultural experiences, active excursions, and free time to explore—this is the tour for you!

Get to know the island’s towns and cities, with guided tours of Makassar and Rantepao. Find yourself welcomed by the Torajan people of Toraja, as you hike through stunning natural landscapes and sleepy villages where you’ll enjoy tea and lots of laughs with locals. Take in the beauty of Lake Tempe as you enjoy a peaceful canoe ride on its sparkling waters.

Customize your experience on Sulawesi Island by choosing between standard, superior, or deluxe accommodations. Book this one-of-kind adventure in Indonesia and get to know a unique part of this incredible country.

Itinerary for Sulawesi Island Tour

Arrival makassar.

Welcome to Makassar! Upon your arrival at Sultan Hassanuddin Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel, found in the heart of the city. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure and get your first taste of Makkasar!

Guided City Tour of Makassar

Today following breakfast you’ll set out to explore the capital of South Sulawesi—the beautiful port city of Makassar.

First up, you’ll visit Fort Rotterdamn, one of the best-preserved examples of Dutch architecture in Indonesia. Next stop is Paotere Harbor. Paotere Harbor represents a bustling hub of seaside life and fishing activity. Survey the locally built, famed Bugis ships, which dock here throughout the day and watch as friendly locals load and unload their goods. Together with the locals working the fisheries, these ships provide a valuable insight into the day-to-day life of the area. Walk down the dock to visit a variety of stalls then head south to experience the vibrant fish market.

In the evening, walk around Losari Beach and savour some delicious Indonesian food to top of the day!

Drive to Rantepao

This morning you’ll set out the long, but scenic 11-hour journey to Rantepao with a few stops along the way. The first part of the route will follow the coastline for about 3 - 4 hours until you reach Pare Pare. On the way short stops can be made to take pictures and enjoy short walks to take in the varying landscaepes. In Pangkep, stop to taste some traditional cookies called Dange that are well worth the stop. Later, grab a bite for lunch in Pare Pare before continuing the last stretch to Rantepao with a short stop at the picturesque Sa’dan River along the way.

Explore Rantepao

Today you will have the chance to explore Rantepao, a town rich in culture and tradition, in -depth. You will visit Lemo Village. This funeral site is a place where you can see carved wooden effigies of the dead. The wooden statues are a symbol of social status. Called "Tau-Tau" in Indonesian, each effigy represents a Torajan noble from the area that passed away. Continue to visit King Suaya Graveyard. The graveyard lies on one of the hillsides and is carved as the resting place of the kings and king's family. Next is a visit to Londa, a steep rocky side grave. One of its sides is located on a higher place from the hill with deep caves where coffins are arranged and grouped based on the family lines. On the other side of the hill, on the balcony, dozens of "Tau-Tau" stand up high, as if they were alive, eyes open, looking over the green landscape.

From here continue to visit Kete Kesu, a vibrant small village which is still traditional in its character. If you take a look from the front side, you will find it lying in the middle of the wide paddy fields, set against the backdrop of curved roofs and carved barn walls. Return back to your hotel to the enjoy an evening at your leisure in Rantepao.

Toraja Hiking and Homestay

This morning you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the trailhead of today’s hike which starts from Salu Village. The beautiful hike unfolds through a unique part of Toraja and you will have the opportunity to spend the night in a small typical Toraja village, staying in a Tongkonan (traditional house of Toraja). The hike leads through rice terraces balancing on narrow rice dikes and winding small dirt roads, crossing meandering rivers via bamboo bridges. The villages you’ll pass through are very traditional and along the way you’ll stop to have tea, coffee and lunch alongside the locals.

Tonight, you’ll stay in a Tongkonan house and enjoy a mouth-watering dinner featuring a local specialty, known as ‘papion manuk’, which is chicken cooked in bamboo tubes with veggies and rice.

Half-Day Hike in Toraja and Free Time

After breakfast this morning you’ll spend some more time exploring the stunning natural landscapes of Toraja on foot with a half-day hike before transferring to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you please, soaking up the sights and sounds of this unique area brimming with culture.

Transfer to Sengkang and Lake Tempe by Canoe

Set out this morning on the 6-hour bus ride to Sengkang, passing through scenic landscapes along the way and enjoying a few short stops to stretch the legs and grab some lunch.

On arrival in the early afternoon in Sengkang, you’ll then enjoy an excursion by canoe on the beautiful Tempe Lake, filled with floating lilies and exotic birdlife. On the lake you will find the village of floating houses which you can visit to meet the local fishing families.

Please note: Canoe excursions on Tempe Lake is only possible when water levels are high enough.

Transfer to Maros - Hike and Canoe to Makassar

Another day of adventures on land and water await you as you transfer this morning from Sengkang to Maros. You’ll then hike through rice fields and limestone cliffs (5km-10km) to reach a small village where you can enjoy a snack and tea in a local Bugis style house. From here, continue the walk along rice fields and continue between 2 huge walls of limestone to reach a small cave which you can explore. The final stretch is completed by a small pedal canoe to the main road which takes around 30 minutes. Return to your hotel in Makassar to unwind and enjoy another delicious dinner this evening in town.

Depart Makassar

Your island adventure comes to an end this morning in Makassar. Following breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport to depart.

Tour Highlights

Highlights for sulawesi island tour.

Uncover hidden gems in the south Sulawesi capital of Makassar with an intriguing, guided tour of the city’s top sights.

Find yourself welcomed into an array of small authentic villages on the island and spend the night at a homestay in Toraja.

Savour mouth-watering local Indonesian delicacies like Dange cookies and ‘papion manuk’ (bamboo chicken!).

Hike your way through Toraja and paddle out into beautiful Lake Tempe on a guided excursion by canoe.

What's Included

What's included for sulawesi island tour.

8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner are included.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour, including transfers to and from the airport. In some cases, the transfers are shared.

Also Included

• Local English-speaking guides

Not included

• International flights and taxes
• Personal expenses
• Optional excursions

Optional Extras

• Extra nights before or after the tour

Dates & Prices

Dates and prices for sulawesi island tour.

This partially guided tour to Sulawesi Island is always run as a private tour for your group only and the prices depend on the size of your group. Please note that the prices might be higher during the Indonesian National Holidays. The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room and those and those willing to have a single room will have to pay a supplement.

Tour with Standard Accommodation

• Guided Groups of 2: $1,095 USD per person
• Guided Groups of 3: $885 USD per person
• Guided Groups of 4-5: $760 USD per person
• Guided Groups of 6+: $695 USD per person

Tour with Superior Accommodation

• Guided Groups of 2: $1,185 USD per person
• Guided Groups of 3: $985 USD per person
• Guided Groups of 4-5: $860 USD per person
• Guided Groups of 6+: $835 USD per person

Tour with Deluxe Accommodation

• Guided Groups of 2: $1,275 USD per person
• Guided Groups of 3: $1,060 USD per person
• Guided Groups of 4: $940 USD per person
• Guided Groups of 5: $915 USD per person
• Guided Groups of 6+: $875 USD per person

Accommodation

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Tour Booking Process

Booking process for sulawesi island tour.

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Frequently asked questions for Sulawesi Island Tour

How hard is the Sulawesi Island Tour?

We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. Overall, the activities on this tour are quite easy, however, during the trekking part of the tour you’ll be walking up to 6 hours per day.

Do I need a visa to travel to Indonesia?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website , though you should verify with your government.

What does partially-guided mean?

Booking a partially-guided tour is a perfect choice for those who like to be in charge of some of their time while travelling, but also don’t want to be on their own during activities. In most cases, a partially-guided tour doesn’t have a tour leader assigned to a group, but some or most of the activities, such as hikes, city walks, or historic site visits, are led by different guides. Also, in most cases, booking a partially-guided tour is way cheaper than booking a fully-guided tour!

Are meals included on the Sulawesi Island Tour?

When is the best time to travel to Indonesia?

The best time to travel to Indonesia is from April or October, when the weather is warm and pleasant. Indonesia can be travelled to all year long, however, it tends to be more rainy from November to March.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover (activity). Get your Travel Insurance .

How do I get to Sulawesi to start this tour?

Fly into Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG) which can be reached from many major airports all over the world.

Is the Sulawesi Island Tour in English?

Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Indonesia?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Indonesia?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Tour Difficulty

Difficulty for sulawesi island tour.

Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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First gig at O2 Brixton (as well as first time seeing Jungle live) and we were blown away by the venue as well as by the quality of the sound. To be honest, I was a bit sceptical about seeing Jungle transpose their unique style in a live setting; however, I would give their effort a solid 8.5 / 10. The show began with a kid breakdancing to one of the song's album and this really put the crowd in a great mood - something the band was able to sustain throughout most the show. Points taken off the overall score mainly due to two things:

1) The difficulty in keeping a high energy level through some of their more subdued track that necessitate the group to remain mostly static behind their instruments

2) A few hiccups here and there - starting "Drops" on the wrong key, then struggling to get it back on track as well as the challenges of staying tight through a few of the more complex numbers

Overall though, a great evening, with much dancing despite being in the Circle (seated area). Busy Earnin was the highlight - and who can hold anything against a band that finishes off their set with confetti cannons spewing gold and silver glitter all over the place?!

Will look to catching them live again for sure!

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Fan-tastic!!!!

Really looked forward to this event. More excited even than when we saw Will Smith at Blackpool if that was possible (but that was because even until he came on I couldnt quite believe it was happening, I mean - Will Smith in Blackpool, nahhh).

Anyway, Jungle at The Invisible Wind factory.

I wasnt disappointed. I LOVE Jungle. They are mesmerising to watch. Sounded perfect every song. The moment they start playing their opening riffs the whole crowd are pumped. Venue was superb, unique. Perfect for this type of gig. First time we’d been but I would definitely go again.

If I could only see one band from now on though, it would be these folks. Felt very intimate, like they’re playing to you! Let me be clear, Jungle were Ay-mazing! It was a truly memorable experience. My advice: 1) see Jungle; 2) go to a gig at TIWF; 3) if possible, go see a Jungle gig at TIWF.

Jungle is a fairly new band on the scene. From their head nodding basslines to their funky rhythm, there's nothing to dislike about them. I love listening to them on my phone but watching them live is a completely different experience. The energy they produced on stage shook the crowd like a live wire. I started dancing when they came out and didn't stop until they ended. There wasn't much interaction with the crowd but that was because they were pulling out hit after hit from their amazing album. I was ik euphoria for the whole show. My expectations were met. I left a happy man and would love to see them again.

Just OK. Don't get me wrong, I love Jungle and their debut album. But their concert à la Cigale in Paris was just good enough and somehow disappointing. First we wait one hour after the opening before their dared to show on stage. Then they sounded like they were just rehearsing. The lead vocal has so much soul in his voice that I would have enjoyed to feel it in the acting of the band too. But I did not felt the vibe. To me, it was a bit too clean: no improvisation or so little, not much engagement neither. Maybe it is just me, or this is what you get when you make your audience wait too much.

Good show. Band were good and sounded excellent. However the venue was piss poor. Awful place to see a band. 2/3 of the viewing space is above the stage, which sounds great until you realise that only the people at the front can see - everyone else is blocked from view. Also it took over an hour to get into the show as the door staff and management team at Pryzm were frighteningly inefficient. I have no idea what they were going but we queued for an hour and missed the first 30 minutes. Woeful - will not be attending a gig at New Slang in Pryzm again. Awful experience

The show was amazing... So were the artists! I expected the performance to be great when I was buying the tix, but I didn't expected it to be THAT great. I had a fantastic time on the dancefloor with my friends, the crowd was SUPER nice, SUPERfancy and SUPERpolite.

For me, the greatest joy at the shows is to see musicians to enjoy themselves while performing... And how the band acted on scene was awesome. You can literally see that the guys loved EVERY chord they've made for the audience.

10/10, would totally revisit

Jungle has a pretty cool sound and is super funky but I have to admit I was very skeptical and wasn't sure if they were going to deliver live - Boy was I wrong! The energy was great, them, the band and the back up singers! Jungle is from London and are described as modern soul but they are more than that. You can hear the 70's funk inspiration - perfect for a good concert with loads of dancing. They played at a medium sized venue and thet carried themselves pretty well. I recommend a Jungle concert to anyone :)

I've never seen them in concert. Only bcus they haven't made their way to my city. I guarantee that I'm their #1 FAN in ST. LOUIS, MO!!! I really hope they make it to the midwest in 2020. I will definitely be in attendance. I shared their videos with our main Entertainment Report here in STL. He's jamming to them as I type.

Next Tour Schedule should include - St. Louis, MO - great venues - The Pageant, Delmar Hall or The Ready Room.

MIND. BLOWING. What a great performance by this band. I have been a huge fan of them and they really did not disappoint, I read many reviews of their concerts and everyone said they are good live so my expectations were pretty high. One thing is listening to them on iMusic but another is seeing them live, it was unbelievable, 10/10 flew all the way from Atlanta to Washington to see them and it was totally worth it.

Amazing sound quality (congrats to the sound guys), and incredibly tight band. Voices are top notch. Great energy. Don't remember seeing the Germans (if you excuse me the stereotypical comment) on the crowd dancing so much since a while! Short (they only have an album after all), but loads of fun! 10/10 would see again.

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Past concerts

Arizona Financial Theatre

The Fox Theater-Pomona

Banana Block

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Jungle tour dates and tickets 2024-2025 near you

Want to see Jungle in concert? Find information on all of Jungle’s upcoming concerts, tour dates and ticket information for 2024-2025.

Jungle is not due to play near your location currently - but they are scheduled to play 40 concerts across 23 countries in 2024-2025. View all concerts.

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Most played:

• London (32)
• New York (NYC) (17)
• Los Angeles (LA) (14)
• Manchester (13)

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• Jon Hopkins (27)
• St. Vincent (27)
• Royal Blood (24)
• Caribou (24)
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