north sulawesi travel

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North Sulawesi

North Sulawesi has lots to offer in a relatively condensed space. You can dive some of the world’s best coral reefs at Pulau Bunaken one day, explore volcanic scenery near Tomohon the next, and visit the lowland Tangkoko-Batuangas Dua Saudara Nature Reserve and its wildlife the day after. The Bitung area's world-class muck diving (including very quirky macro life) is another huge draw.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue

About 9km southwest of Bitung, Tasikoki is an entirely volunteer-run organisation that rescues and cares for animals confiscated from smugglers. The aim…

Muesum Pinawetengan

Not just another roadside attraction, this complex is home to Minahasa houses, a history museum, a celebration of owls (the Minahasa Regency mascot), a…

Pantai Liang

Suffering from erosion and rising sea levels, the beach at Liang has become a svelte, though pleasant, strip of white sand. At low tide, there's still…

Pantai Pangalisang

Forming much of the east coast of Pulau Bunaken, Pantai Pangalisang is a long stretch of walkable soft white sand tucked between a thick wall of mangroves…

Traditional Market

Up the hill east of town is the colourful, chaotic, anything-goes traditional market you've probably heard stories about – and those stories are true…

Pulau Siladen

Located 3km east of Pulau Bunaken and the smallest island of the archipelago, Siladen boasts wonderful white-sand beaches and a wall of gorgeous corals…

Waruga Opo Worang

Minahasans traditionally interred their dead in a squatting position in waruga stone sarcophagi shaped like houses sitting above ground right near their…

Kienteng Ban Hian Kong

The 19th-century Kienteng Ban Hian Kong is the oldest Buddhist temple in eastern Indonesia and it has been beautifully restored. The temple hosts a…

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North Sulawesi and beyond

A Guide to North Sulawesi, Indonesia

A Lovely Planet contributors Sarah and James have spent the last month in North Sulawesi, checking out the best dive spots and exploring this lesser-known Indonesian destination. Here is their guide to the province.

We’d actually never heard of North Sulawesi, a province in Indonesia, until last year. This destination, however, kept coming up as a ‘must visit’ area from locals and travellers eager to share their experiences.

Offering beautiful lush highlands, rich culture, crystal clear waters and world-class diving, yet rarely visited by many tourists, our bags were packed!

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and purchase something I’ve recommended I may earn a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay but helps me to run this site. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.

Getting to and Around North Sulawesi

Singapore is the most direct international hub, which services the 3hr flight to Manado.

Flying within Indonesia is easy, with carriers Lion Air, Garuda Indonesia, Silk Air and Nam Air. Expect delays on the budget airlines, so leave time between any connections.

On land it’s cheap to get around – local apps Go-Jek or Grab ( similar to Uber and motorbikes) really helped us.

A 10-minute car ride generally costs 10k IDR (£0.50) alternatively download the Blue Bird app for the metered taxis or hop on the local shared buses.

Manado is generally used as a stop-over unless you like shopping malls, lots of them! For a reasonably priced hotel choose the quirky, but no frills Istanaku 2 , at 300k IDR (£16) for a room including breakfast.

Bunaken Island 

For our first dive location, we jumped on a local ferry at Pelabuhan Manado (Manado port), destination Bunaken Island.

Travelling with the locals, sitting amongst supplies of rice and eggs for a quick 45-minute trip, once you eventually depart.

For a more luxurious arrival, charter a private boat at 450-550k IDR (£24 – £29) or organise with your resort. Resorts and homestays line the East and the West of the island, with the local village in the middle. Daniels Homestay was our pick, a charming resort and dive shop, at 500k IDR (£26) per bungalow including all meals. Diving at 930k IDR (£48) for two dives a day.

Take a stroll around the town and explore the colourful streets. Stop at Novita’s homestay for an iced tea “Es Teh” an Indonesian favourite.

For an evening of chilled Bintang (Indonesian beer) or palm wine head to Deco Stop where a fun local band will be taking song requests of local and commercial hits until the early hours.

Siladen Island

A much smaller island, Siladen, only a short boat ride from Bunaken (15 minutes), is a quieter more relaxing stay with only a few homestays and resorts.

Celebes Divers hosts two resorts both positioned right on the beachfront side by side. The Onong Resort has all you need, spacious rooms with a gorgeous four-poster bed, balcony and hot water shower.

For a more refined affair book next door at The Kuda Laut Resort , a gorgeous setting of day beds, sundecks, and a sparkling swimming pool.

The bungalows are beautifully decorated and the best bit… a dream outdoor shower that opens right onto the beach.

Celebes Divers services both resorts and has excellent facilities, even a camera room for those underwater photography enthusiasts.

The diving here is all about the vertical wall drop-offs with an abundance of Hawksbill turtles, camouflaged critters and towering sponges – all making the diving in Bunaken National Park some of the best in South East Asia.

Be sure to opt-in for a night dive, to see even more weird and wonderful critters come out to play. It’s truly amazing if you pluck up the courage, but it’s not for everyone.

For the non-divers, snorkelling here is great. Both Kuda Laut and Onong resorts offer snorkel trips and also a spa service.  There’s also a variety of day trips from the island. We joined a morning of dolphin watching and we were not disappointed! We found a superpod of hundreds of Spinner dolphins who gave us an incredible show for over an hour and a half, living up to their name, twirling and spinning out of the water to impress their spectators.

Central Minahasa is a unique stop between dive destinations Bunaken and Lembeh, accessed by taxi (1hr) from Manado. Offering a huge variety of local activities from water rafting, volcano and waterfall trekking, to culinary experiences not for the faint-hearted at the local Tomohon market.

Staying at The Mountain View Resort , the experienced guides tailor activities to your interests, so we quickly had an itinerary to suit.

Our local guides Mikel and Egi, always on the hunt for new experiences, discovered a new waterfall only known by a few locals. With a 50 minute trek through tight corners and sloping terrains, we made it to the beautiful setting of Pararangen Waterfall, the first tourists to visit this waterfall, ever!

Restaurant We’Lu is the best lunch stop, with views of the active Lokon twin volcanoes . The food is delicious and there’s even a viewing platform to get the perfect Instagram snap like mine.

If you’re interested in these very active volcanoes, visit the monitoring post which shows recent activity still recorded using Seismographs.

For a walk with more views, Bukit Kasih or Love Hill, an active sulphuric hill will offer just that. If you trek to the very top you’ll find not only stunning views but 5 praying places for 5 different religions. Using the hot water from the volcanic hill, foot spas and massages are on offer at 75k IDR (£4) for 1 hour to soak those trekking feet.

To continue the theme of relaxation, we drove to the local natural hot spring, Ranolewo, to join the locals who come here to soak their sore muscles after a long day at work. With the temperatures of a hot bath, it’s a relaxing and perfect way to end the day.

The Lembeh Strait  

Leaving Minahasa, the journey takes around 1hr 30 in a taxi (roughly 200K IDR / £10.50) to the Lembeh fishing port, and then a short 10-20 minute boat ride across to the island to our final and unique dive destination, The Lembeh Strait.

The Lembeh Strait is the ‘Where’s Wally’ of diving destinations and ranks as some of the best diving in the world for ‘muck diving’- unique macro critters found in murky rubbish-filled waters. The K2 Resort which is staggered up a steep hill on Lembeh Island gives the resort an impressive vantage point over the Lembeh Strait as well as being perfectly located within a 25-minute boat ride to most top dive sites.

As you descend under the water to reveal a dark sandy bottom, you may wonder why you left the clear waters of Bunaken behind, but look closely and keep your eyes peeled for hidden and insanely camouflaged creatures.

We’d recommend a long wetsuit and having a dive pointer to protect and balance yourself from stinging critters lying in the sand. Keep your kicks soft and the sand still so you don’t miss anything! Coconut Octopus can be found hiding in almost anything they can call home. We were even lucky enough to find a Hairy Frogfish no bigger than a small coin thanks to our guide Oping, which the other divers were very jealous of.

Jump on a bike to explore this lush island visiting beautiful villages, mangroves and the famous Jesus statue. Standing at 35m, it is larger than that in Rio de Janeiro, (Christ the Redeemer) which stands at only 30m.

Outside of main cities, you may hear the word “Bule”, usually used for tourists of lighter hair and skin colour. It is generally not meant to offend but is a way of saying hello. You’ll be asked for quite a few pictures as you’re considered exotic. Just roll with it. It’s a great way to get pictures as well!

Get involved and don’t be shy to chat with the locals. Everyone we met was very friendly and generally wants to help, even if the language is difficult. These useful phrases helped us Berapa = How much? Mahal = Expensive Terima Kasih = Thank you Satu bir dingin, tolong = One cold beer please Tidak panas = No hot spice

The Beng-Beng chocolate bar, Es Teh (iced tea), Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Bitung beer can be found almost anywhere and you’ll be hooked before you know it, so enjoy!

Another great way to enjoy diving is on a liveaboard in Indonesia.

Thank you to Celebes Divers , Mountain View and K2 Dive Resort for hosting A Lovely Planet.

Travelling to Indonesia? Check out our guide to Bali

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Independent travel & culture guides to indonesia, north sulawesi travel guide.

December 13, 2022 Elliot Central & North Sulawesi 0

North Sulawesi is a great destination, primarily oriented towards snorkeling and diving but the highlands have also nice things to offer.

This article will present you the main attractions and explained to you how to organize your itinerary independently.

Feel free to read the dedicated article for each destination.

Tangkoko National Park

It’s a great and easy to visit nature reserve . Several visitors go as a day trip. I think it’s well worth spending 2 full days there (I spent 3 personally but I was trying to make some good pictures too).

The diving scene

You have 3 well established diving spots in north Sulawesi :

• Bunaken is the most popular, lots of of wall diving, good variety of things to see. Also good for snorkelers
• Lembeh is a world-class muck diving destination (you dive sandy slopes looking for small stuff). Not for snorkelers (very little to see in shallow waters).
• Bangka is a more upscale destination that has good reputation. Rates for accommodation and diving are high despite not being top-notch either.

As of today my best memories are from Lembeh because you can see there things that are not that easy to see elsewhere :

The Minahasa highlands around Tomohon

Tomohon is a good place to spend a few days :

• Hike Mount Lokon if the volcano is calm (takes half day, even less if you don’t go to the summit).
• Visit the so-called “extreme Beriman market” where python, boar, dog and rat meat is sold.

Tumbak is a small settlements of Bajo fishermen where a French guy has built with his wife’s family 4 bungalows in the middle of the bay.

Prices are very reasonable, snorkeling is fantastic and it feels like you are far from everything (even though the international airport is less than 4 hours away).

I’m not really a beach person but I keep seeing these places on Instagram so you may want to check them out.

The area around Likupang is supposed to be part of the “10 new Bali” project with a special interests for Chinese tourists.

Pantai Paal (Paal beach)

From what I understood, it is a very long a nice beach. Quite busy in the weekend with visitors from Manado.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michael Wagey (@mickwagey)

You may also wanna check Pulisan beach.

Practical tips

A map of north sulawesi.

I did the following :

• D1 : Landed in Manado, took a taxi to Batuputih village (Tangkoko).
• D2-4 : spent 3 days taking pictures in Tangkoko. On D4 go driven back to Bitung and checked-in in 2Fish Divers in Lembeh.
• D5-7 : dived Lembeh. On the afternoon of D7 I went back to Manado.
• D8 : went to Tomohon.
• D9 : hiked Mahawu and Lokon volcano.
• D10 : visited Beriman market and the Minahasa tombstones.
• D11 : went to Tumbak.
• D12-D14 : snorkeling around the cottage.
• D15 : back to Manado. End of the trip.

I did not came back to Bunaken that I already visited in 2015 but it’s definitely a nice addition, especially if you dive.

Transportation in north Sulawesi

I mostly used public transport to go around and hired ojek when I needed it :

• Bus are very frequent between Manado (terminal Paal 2) and Bitung (terminal Tangkoko). It costs 20’000Rp and takes 2 hours.
• From terminal Tangkoko in Bitung you can use a blue mikro (local name for minibus) to go to Ruko harbor. It costs 7’000Rp and it takes about 50 minutes.
• From terminal Tangkoko to go to Batuputih (the entry point of Tangkoko Nature Reserve) you will most likely need to charter a vehicle. Otherwise taxi are very easy to arrange in Manado airport or Manado (I paid 300’000Rp from the airport).
• In Manado and Tomohon Gojek & Grab are available.
• From Manado to Tomohon, take a minibus from terminal Karombasan (20’000Rp), about 2h if I remember well.
• From Tomohon to Tumbak, I used mikro and ojek (details in the Tumbak article ).

Some people prefer to rent a motorbike in Manado to be independent (it’s a hassle to rent a motorbike directly in Tomohon). Some people offered it to me in front of Hotel Celebes.

• It’s probably the best option if you intend to see a lots of place in a short amount of time.
• I can speak Indonesian so it makes my life easy when riding buses. If it’s a hassle for you, you may be willing to have your own wheels.
• Otherwise it will cost you more or less the same or even cheaper to ride public transport and to hire ojek for a day or half day for instance.

A motorbike will be useful to drive around Tomohon or to go from Bitung to Tangkoko (very nice road).

Accommodation

• In Manado I slept in Oyo Cozy Home near Paal 2 (90’000Rp on booking), perfect for an overnight stop back from Bitung (it’s right next to Paal 2 station). Simple but comfortable and clean.
• In Manado I also slept in Hotel Celebes near the bridge. Solo room with AC starting from 180’000Rp. Not the best deal compared to Cozy Home (which is more comfortable) but closer to city center.
• In Tomohon I slept at the Mountain View Homestay (in direct 200’000Rp per night, double bed, cold shower, AC not necessary as the weather is chiller in Tomohon). Bed was not great, but the owner is very kind. There is probably a better deal in town.
• In Batuputih (Tangkoko), slept at Tangkoko Jungle Homestay (180’000Rp per night as of Oct 22 via Booking.com with lunch and dinner included). Comfortable, hot shower, AC, owner is a great guide.
• In Tumbak, there is only one official accomodation : Tumbak Island Cottage : 275’000Rp per person per day full board.

You have 3 main options :

• By plane (including from Singapore) in Manado.
• By boat : Bitung harbour is an important port for ferry ships. See this article for more information.
• By land : either driving all the way from Palu or from Gorontalo (if you arrive from Togian islands ).

Also parts of north Sulawesi : the islands off Sulawesi

You have several islands further off north Sulawesi islands proper going quite far towards the Philippines.

As far as I know most visitors there are naturalists looking to see endemic species of birds and tarsius.

I plan to make a trip there in the future.

You have basically 3 groups of islands :

• The group of Bangka, Gangga and Talisei which is very close from Sulawesi and easily reached by boat from Likupang. Known for a bit expensive diving resorts.
• A first group of island, the largest being Siau. This article gives interesting ideas.
• Another group of island centered around Sangger Besar with Tahuna as the main town.
• Eventually the Talaud islands which are quite remote.

Where to go next

• A popular trip is to cross all Sulawesi from Manado to Makassar (or the other way around). Typical itinerary would be Manado > Bunaken > Tangkoko > Gorontalo > Togian islands > Ampana > Toraja.

Personally I’m not sure that it is the best way to enjoy Sulawesi. Keep in mind that this involves very long and fairly boring overland trips.

• Divers love to combine North Sulawesi with Raja Ampat. Through Singapore airlines and their subsidiary Scoot you can fly directly from your home country to Manado, you dive in Bunaken and Lembeh or Lembeh and Bangka and then you fly directly from Manado to Sorong to dive in Raja Ampat .
• From Bitung harbour your can take a cheap and fairly short ferry trip to Ternate and Halmahera .
• If you intend to keep going without flying, a long but possible option is to reach east Kalimantan via Toli-Toli or Palu from which you could for instance enter Malaysian Sabah via Tawau.
• Otherwise Manado is well connected to Makassar and Jakarta allowing you to fly basically anywhere you want in Indonesia.

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Explore North Sulawesi

Plan Your Trip to North Sulawesi: Best of North Sulawesi Tourism

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North Sulawesi Is Great For

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Northern Sulawesi

• 2 Other destinations
• 3 Understand
• 5.1 By plane
• 5.2 By boat
• 5.3 By car or bus
• 6.1 By motorcycle
• 6.3 By mikrolet
• 11 Stay safe

Northern Sulawesi consists of the provinces of North Sulawesi and Gorontalo in Indonesia .

Cities [ edit ]

• 1.493056 124.841261 1 Manado — the largest city and main gateway to the north
• 1.447222 125.197778 2 Bitung — the main deep-water port and access to the Lembeh Strait
• 0.542222 123.061389 3 Gorontalo — Gateway to the Togeans
• 0.450389 124.433861 4 Modisi – a small town in South Bolaang Mongondow Regency
• 1.324421 124.82254 5 Tomohon — cool off in the central highlands

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 1.622986 124.765242 1 Bunaken — world-famous diving site
• 1.518056 125.186111 2 Tangkoko Nature Reserve
• 0.560556 123.68 3 Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park
• 1.792967 125.150419 4 Bangka — group of small islands just off the coast
• 3 125.5 5 Sangihe Islands — Consisting of the islands of Sangir Besar (or Sangir Island), Siau (or Siao), Tahulandang, and Biaro; and the town of Tahuna.

Understand [ edit ]

Inhabited by the Minahasa , Hulontalangio , Bantik , and Sangirese , much of Northern Sulawesi is a solidly Christian (mostly but not entirely Protestant) enclave in mostly Muslim-majority Sulawesi. A centre of Dutch settlement in colonial times, the region still retains many traces of Western influence. An exception is Gorontalo Province, which is more than 95% Muslim.

Talk [ edit ]

The local language is Manado Malay ( Bahasa Manado ), also known as Minahasa Malay.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Manado has an airport ( MDC  IATA ) with international flights from Singapore (by Scoot) and from China ( Changsha , Guangzhou , Shanghai-Pudong , Shenzhen ) by Lion Air and domestic flights from major cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta , Surabaya , Makassar , and Denpasar/Bali .

The airport of Gorontalo ( GTO  IATA ) mainly serves flights from Makassar in South Sulawesi.

By boat [ edit ]

• Manado has a harbour with ships going to and from the more Northern Islands (Sangir Talaud area).
• Bitung is the major port of North Sulawesi and you can get on board a Pelni ship to sail towards other area's of Indonesia . Some of the larger cruise ships that travel from Australia towards Thailand or other Asian countries also stop at Bitung .

By car or bus [ edit ]

You can travel by car or bus from South Sulawesi towards Manado ; however, because of security problems in Central Sulawesi , this is not recommended. So, if you plan on travelling by land, check the local situation first.

Get around [ edit ]

By motorcycle [ edit ], by car [ edit ].

Rental cars are available in Manado , but like most other areas of Indonesia, hiring a car with driver is advisable because of traffic woes and knowledge of local conditions. That wiggly line on the map may or may not be passable. A bilingual driver with a car in condition may cost approximately Rp 500,000 per day, or self-drive may cost Rp 300,000 per day.

By mikrolet [ edit ]

You won't go far without seeing a torrent of light blue Mitsubishi Colts (aka bemos elsewhere) trolling the streets for customers. Although usually used within towns, you can take mikrolets intercity as well.

By bus [ edit ]

See [ edit ], do [ edit ].

Scuba diving is the main draw for tourists to North Sulawesi. Popular diving areas are:

• Bunaken National Marine Park
• Lembeh Strait , for its good muck diving
• Bangka area , for its brilliant soft coral and diversity in dive sites (from beginner to very advanced)
• Taman Laut Olele , good clear water for diving and fairly close to Gorontalo (on Gulf of Tomini)

Go snorkeling or diving to see slowly-endangered whale sharks, which can be found in the edge of Molluca sea near the Botubarani beach about 6 km from Gorontalo every May.

You can also visit the Minahasan Highlands to climb some of the volcanoes in the area. Taxis can be arranged from your hotel in Manado to the town of Kinilow and Tomohon. From there, it is easy to reach the nearby peaks. Also worth a visit is a local market in Tomohon (not for the faint-hearted) where locals sell various delicacies e.g. dog, bat and the rather boring pig (North Sulawesi is largely Christian).

Eat [ edit ]

Minahasan cuisine from North Sulawesi features heavy use of meat such as pork, fowl and seafood. Woku is a type of seafood dish with generous use of spices, often making up half the dish. Ingredients of woku include lemongrass, lime leaves, chilli peppers, spring onion, shallots, either sautéed with meat or wrapped around fish and grilled covered in banana leaves. Other ingredients such as turmeric and ginger are often added to create a version of woku. Foreign colonial influence has also played a role in shaping Minahasan cuisine. Brenebon (from Dutch "Bruin" (brown) and "Boon" (bean)) is a pork shank bean stew spiced with nutmeg and cloves. Roast pork similar to lechon in the Philippines or pig roast in Hawaii is served at special occasions, especially weddings. Other unusual and exotic meats such as dog, bat, and forest rat are also regularly served in North Sulawesi region. Paniki is the bat dish of Minahasa. Manado is best known for Minahasan cuisine, but to see all irregular meat sales, go to Tomohon market, where they display all, dead or alive.

Drink [ edit ]

Being largely Christian in North Sulawesi Province, alcohol is a little easier to find than in some other parts of Indonesia. The local beer Bintang costs Rp 15,000 and 20,000 in resorts. Also worth trying are the local beers.

Stay safe [ edit ]

The ethnic strife in central and south Sulawesi has not really affected the north. The Philippine rebel group Abu Sayyaf are said to operate in the northern islands near the Philippine border, but no attacks or kidnappings have been publicised.

Go next [ edit ]

• Togian Islands - an archipelago in the Gulf of Tomini, directly south of Northern Sulawesi

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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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North Sulawesi. It's our pleasure!

Dive with the experts, adventure & cultural tours, hotel reservations, diving packages & adventure tours in north sulawesi & beyond.

North Sulawesi, Indonesia, is a dream destination whether you’re looking for day or overnight trips, hotels, scuba diving, flights or a tailor-made holiday that stays with you for years to come.

We seamlessly turn your travel wish-list into reality – from volcano trekking tours to visits to the Tangkoko Nature Reserve to white water rafting and iconic scuba diving in the renowned Bunaken National Park, Lembeh Strait and Gangga Island.

And with such diverse delights, and many trips to choose from, you’re bound to find something that’s just right for you.

With over 20 years of living in and exploring this captivating area, you can relax knowing we listen to your travel dreams, share our advice – built on first-hand experience – and give you tried and tested recommendations with a speedy, friendly and refreshingly personable approach.

Whether you are looking for hotels, diving reservations, a guided jungle tour or simply a private airport pick-up, contact our welcoming team and come and explore the best of North Sulawesi.

Why travel with us?

Tailor-made holidays from hotels to tours to scuba diving., genuine, expert advice & knowledgeable recommendations., great value, competitive rates, exclusive offers., domestic flight tickets - we book, you save.

Dive Bunaken

The Bunaken National Marine Park was formally established in 1991 and is among the first of Indonesia’s growing system of marine parks.

Dive Lembeh Strait

Lembeh Strait is best known for the small and difficult to find creatures that inhabit the world of muck. It is “muck diving” at it’s finest.

Dive Bangka/Gangga/Pulisan

The area around Bangka & Gangga Islands and Pulisan has more than 30 world-class diving sites and hosts a wonderful variety of marine life.

Adventure & Cultural Tours

The volcanic highlands of Minahasa and the forests of Bitung have kept their hidden treasures to be uncovered by you, our visitors.

North Sulawesi Diving Packages

“The best of both worlds.” Discover the magic walls of Bunaken and the fascinating critters of Lembeh in one holiday. Transfers included.

Liveaboard Diving

Liveaboards truly do offer a way to dive the less explored, unexplored and little dived sites of Raja Ampat, Komodo, Maluku, Alor and much more.

“Safari Tours & Travel pleased our wishes perfectly... flights and everything went perfectly. Fast and personal replies to emails. Will definitely use their services in coming years.”

“we had such a memorable trip with friendliest people and stunning wildlife and have lasting memories of tangkoko thanks to your easy communication right from the beginning.”, “safari tours is a great agency...gave me lots of professional suggestions and recommendations with detailed explanations.”, ”i had a wonderful time in north sulawesi, and as a single woman in her 60's traveling alone, safari tours did their utmost so i would have a memorable time.”.

We can also help you organizing your travel in other parts of Indonesia:

• Toraja & Makassar (South Sulawesi)
• Togian Islands & Palu (Central Sulawesi)
• Raja Ampat & Sorong (West Papua)
• Triton Bay (West Papua)
• Ambon (Moluccas)
• Jakarta – Transit Hotels

Additional services include but are not limited to:

• Flight Reservations
• Car/Bus Rental

Where are we?

Safari Tours is conveniently located on Jl. Sam Ratulangi 176, diagonally across from Hotel Minahasa

Manado Safari Tours

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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

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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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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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A taste of North Sulawesi, the Indonesian province known for its warming spices and fiery cuisine

This northeastern Indonesian province is home to flavoursome fish and warming spices. Chef and author Petty Pandean-Elliott reflects on the region's varied flavours and culinary influences.

An archipelago of 17,000 islands, Indonesia is a maritime crossroads between Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific. In centuries past, it was known as the Spice Islands — the home of nutmeg, mace and cloves. Today, it offers a diverse cuisine with many flavours, ingredients and surprises.

I spent my childhood in Manado, in North Sulawesi — the centre of trade in vanilla, cloves, nutmeg, coconut products and seafood. I can still see it all now: my grandfather’s coconut plantations set against volcanic mountains, pristine beaches skirting coral reefs. It’s a view that triggers memories of manisan pala (candied nutmeg), banana fritters and fish stews and sweetcorn fritters.

Tropical seas surround Manado. We love to barbecue fish and serve it with dabu-dabu , a relish of fresh tomatoes, shallots, chillies, citrussy calamansi fruit and mint. This and many other Manadonese recipes are a world away from Indonesian dishes such as chicken satay (grilled and skewered), nasi goreng (fried rice) and beef rendang (stew).  

For instance, we have ikan woku blanga , a delightful fish stew with fresh root spices and herbs, and ayam tuturuga , a braised chicken dish with turmeric and coconut.  

Historic Dutch influences are also present in Manado. There’s klapertart , a pudding of coconut, vanilla custard, rum, raisins and almonds, or brenebon soup, with kidney beans, nutmeg, cloves, spring onions and pork.  

Just as local spices have become a feature in world cookery, Indonesians have adopted dishes and ingredients. Portuguese and Spanish explorers brought chillies, while the Minahasan people of North Sulawesi love fiery cuisine, blending chillies and ginger with lemon basil, lemongrass and lime leaves. We also have the cuisine of the Peranakan, descendants of Chinese migrants; pandan pancakes and pineapple biscuits are national favourites.

This is an edited extract from The Indonesian Table, by Petty Pandean-Elliott, published by Phaidon (£24.95).

Three must-try dishes

1. Bubur manado A classic comfort food, this rice porridge features pumpkin, fresh sweetcorn and local green leaf vegetables, infused with crushed lemongrass and kemangi (a local basil). Smoked fish sambal, known as sambal roa, can add umami and fiery spice.

2. Ikan bakar From street stalls to restaurants, you’ll find barbecued fish such as ocean tuna, snapper and, in the Tondano area, freshwater carp. It’s served with two different sambals: dabu-dabu (fresh tomato, chilli and lime juice) and rica-rica (chilli and ginger). Enjoy it with rice and stir-fried morning glory.

3. Pisang goreng With a delightful sweet flavour, the indigenous, short and heavy saba banana is perfect for fritters in crispy batter. Enjoy the fritters as they are or add a savoury taste with a touch of sambal roa.

The must-try ingredient:   Bird’s-eye chilli, known as rica in Manadonese or cabe rawit in Indonesian, ranges in colour from yellow to orange to red. It adds a fiery kick to sambals, stir-fried, stews and more.

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Sulawesi, Indonesia

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Trip Provider took us far off the beaten tourist path in Bali, and arranged a unique and very special experience far away from the tourist crowds that we w...

It's no wonder nature lovers regard Sulawesi in Indonesia as paradise on earth: its terrestrial fauna is a mosaic of Asian and Australian animals that have produced new species found nowhere else on the planet. The mountainous regions of the central highlands are separated by deep gorges and fast-flowing rivers. In the lush rainforests – such as in Lore Lindu National Park – live an astonishing array of endemic fauna, including babirusa pig deer and eccentric maleo birds. The waters surrounding the island are teeming with marine life, rich coral reefs, and underwater valleys. Plus some of the world's best diving.

The best travel tips for visiting Sulawesi

Best things to do in sulawesi, where to stay in sulawesi, best restaurants and bars in sulawesi, how to get to sulawesi, how many days do you need in sulawesi, tips for getting around sulawesi, best time to visit sulawesi, tailor-made travel itineraries for indonesia, created by local experts.

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Tailor-made trips for   Indonesia

This strangely shaped island with unusual jagged contours contains an astonishing variety of life within its jungles and offshore reefs, as well as fascinating indigenous cultures.

To the north, islands are being developed for marine tourism. Together with Wakatobi Marine National Park – located in the Coral Triangle in the southeastern quadrant – they may soon replace Bunaken in popularity.

The Togian Islands Marine National Park between the northern ‘arms’ of the islands is also attracting increasing attention, as is the Taka Bone Rate National Park off the southwest coast. The population of nearly 18.5 million is also diverse, made up of people who speak more than 40 languages. Sulawesi, meaning Island (sula) of Iron (wesi), is aptly named for its rich deposits of nickel-iron, copper and gold.

Its best-known ethnic groups are the coastal Bugis, Indonesia’s primary shipbuilders and seafarers, and the Torajans, whose arc-roofed houses and effigy-guarded burial caves decorate breathtakingly scenic valleys in the southwestern part of the island. But there are also the Makassarese of the area surrounding the capital city, historical rivals of the Bugis for maritime mastery, and the proudly Christian Minahasan in the northeast, famed for their spicy cuisine.

© Oscar Espinosa / Shutterstock

From the castaway lifestyle of the isolated Togian Islands to enigmatic megaliths, pristine national parks and fabulous underwater scenery, nearly all the best things to do Sulawesi revolve around nature.

#1 Promenade in Pelabuhan Paotere at sunset

In the late afternoon, Pelabuhan Paotere in the northern part of Makassar makes a pleasant place to stroll and watch the activity aboard the many pinisi schooners. Pantai Losari, a sand-free seafront promenade and cruising strip, is a popular sunset gathering place. Also on Pantai Losari is Trans Studio Theme Park, a three-hectare (7.5-acre) indoor recreational centre with entertainment, safaris and rides inspired by children’s programming on the owners’ two television stations.

#2 See round-bellied pinisi (schooners) be built at Tana Beru

A breathtaking coastal road with steep precipices and spectacular views leads to Tana Beru, heart of the Bugis shipbuilding industry. Round-bellied pinisi (schooners) are still fashioned here with simple hand tools and without the use of metal or nails. Teak cords are hewn into planks, then fastened with wooden pegs according to an ancient design retained in the communal memory. Sails were once made of plaited banana and pineapple fibres, then later of woven cotton and silk.

Rituals are employed in all phases of construction, from the selection of the tree to the final launching, to ensure that the craft will be seaworthy. The finished 200-tonne pinisi or a lighter vessel called bago appear to be unstable until fully loaded with copra or timber – then they are among the best cargo ships afloat today

© Shutterstock

#3 Explore the remote Togian Islands

The remote, forest-capped Togian Islands are a huge Marine National Park consisting of 56 islands clustered in the calm, azure Tomini Bay. Sheer limestone cliffs, secluded white-sand beaches, and wonderful snorkelling and diving can be found here. Species to spot are hawksbill and green turtles, coconut crabs and dugongs.

The beautiful setting and relaxed pace often lull travellers into extending their stay to include trekking in the forests for many of Sulawesi’s unique birds and mammals. The Togians have a mixed population, though many villages are occupied by Bajau, the so-called ‘sea gypsies’ who once lived largely on boats and now dwell in stilt villages over the water. Isolated resorts are scattered across the Togians

Island Togian, Indonesia Shutterstock

#4 Summit Gunung Sesean from Batutumonga

The mountain village of Batutumonga offers spectacular views across the heart of Tana Toraja, especially at first light. Bag popular Gunung Sesean, a 2150m peak accessible via a 3.5km trail from Batutumonga. The views are incredible.

#5 Hike to the lesser-visited Mamasa

The 80km (50-mile) route connecting Toraja to neighbouring Mamasa offers an excellent introduction to rural life on Sulawesi. The entire route is now just about passable by jeep, but the section between Bittuang and Mamasa town is best traversed on foot. The journey takes two to three days, with accommodation in village homestays along the way.

Few travellers visit Mamasa, also known as West Toraja. As well as the mountain jeep/trekking route, it can be approached from Makassar – a hard 10–12 hours, and the road up from the coast west of Pare Pare. Mamasa’s spectacular villages rest on rugged tracks, but several are accessible with a jeep and a guide.

Traditional village with boat shaped roofs in the remote Mamasa Valley © Shutterstock

#6 Go wildlife-spotting at Tangkoko-Batuangas Nature Reserve

From Bitung, a fairly bumpy northern road winds through to the Tangkoko-Batuangas Nature Reserve, one of the most important places for terrestrial nature conservation in Minahasa. There are few places in the world where such a wide variety of habitats, plants and animals are crammed into one small forest (8,890 hectares/21,990 acres).

To date, scientists have documented 26 mammals, 18 birds, 15 reptiles and over 200 plant species here, including spectral tarsiers – one of the world’s smallest primates – troops of endangered crested black macaques, marsupial cuscus, endemic red-knobbed hornbills and eight species of kingfishers. Local guides are available at Batu Putih village at the entrance of the reserve.

Kingfisher © Jamie Hall/Shutterstock

#7 Dive at Bunaken Marine National Park

Manado is an excellent staging point for diving and snorkelling trips to Bunaken Marine National Park, 15km (10 miles) offshore. The coral reefs teem with thousands of species of colourful tropical fish along steep drop-offs that plunge thousands of metres into the abyss. Sea turtles, sharks and pods of dolphins make their way around the park, and there is also a World War IIera wreck to explore.

Further to the north, the 70-odd islands in the Sangihe-Talaud chain offer white-sand beaches and equally spectacular diving. Dotted with volcanoes and unusual rock formations, some of the islands are over 1,500 metres (4,920ft) high and are densely covered by coconut palms. Like most unspoiled areas, the islands are not easy to get to. Divers who are not deterred by the long journey and want to discover the unknown are rewarded with 60-metre (200ft) visibility and 100-year-old gigantic sponges.

Some of the other highlights include an underwater lava flow and Mahangetang, a submarine volcano that releases silver bubbles into the sea – an unforgettable sight.

A Common clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) hides among the tentacles of an anemone, Bunaken National Marine Park, Indonesia © Shutterstock

#8 Snorkel at remote Taka Bonerate National Park

Another of Sulawesi’s difficult-to-reach locations, Taka Bonerate National Park appears to be in the middle of nowhere in the Flores Sea, some 30km (20 miles) offshore. The islands of Taka Bonerate (a Bugis name meaning ‘coral piled up on sand’) are surrounded by table reefs, making the marine park a paradise for snorkellers and divers, who can spot four species of endangered sea turtles, jackfish, eels, groupers and giant clams.

Underwater visibility is usually excellent, while above water the bird life is also of interest. The problem is getting there: the journey takes at least 14 hours from Makassar on a series of bus and boat rides, and the only accommodation on the islands is in villagers’ homes.

#9 Try some local delicacies in Tomohon

North Sulawesi is the only part of a strangely sprawling island that has volcanoes. Nestled between two of them, is Tomohon, meaning ‘people who pray’. The town is a bustling place with a pleasant climate. The large traditional market, uphill from the centre, is infamous for its grizzly array of exotic meats – from whole fruit bats to pythons. There are far less gruesome culinary attractions closer to the centre of town where a large array of colourful food-stalls and small roadside eateries operate.

Delicious pork sate (miniature kebabs) is a local favourite, and there are also some fine baked goods available. For energetic travellers, a trek to the top of either of Tomohon’s adjacent peaks, Lokon or Mahawu, is both challenging and worthwhile for spectacular views.

#10 Seek out the shy anoa in Bogani Nani Wartabone National

Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park (formerly called Dumoga Bone National Park), a vast mountainous rainforest rich in fruit-bearing trees such as durian, nutmeg and figs, and home to a collection of endemic Sulawesi animals including the babirusa (Sulawesi ‘pig-deer’) and the shy anoa.

The New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society, established in 1895, partners with a local conservation group to manage three of the largest communal nesting grounds for the maleo birds in the park. Its southern coast is the last known site of beach nests for this endangered land-bird.

Anoa portrait © Shutterstock

Sulawesi offers a range of accommodation that starts from losmen (hostels) and lead all the way up to five-star diving resorts. The main cities of Makassar, Manado and Palu have the most choice, including a number of chain hotels. On the smaller islands and in the Central Highlands, homestays can be a good way to get an authentic local experience. Sometimes, they might be your only choice. On the whole, you won't need to book ahead.

North Sulawesi

With diving the most popular pull for the top end of the island, you can expect to find a number of equally top-end resorts along the coast. There are plenty of other options here too, from bungalows and hostels to decent cheap guesthouses.

South Sulawesi

Again, there are some excellent resorts along the coast near Makassar. The city itself is stuffed with high-rise hotels and lovely boutique boltholes too. The further away from the city you go, the more basic the accommodation, namely guesthouses.

Central Highlands

Tourism is a nascent industry in the hills and the choice of accommodation reflects that. Most town guesthouses will offer small, basic rooms. Consider booking a homestay.

Browse the best places to stay in Sulawesi .

Eating in Sulawesi means exploring a diverse range of dishes, particularly in the north where time-honoured Minahasan cuisine means bushmeat and seafood dishes that have been heavily fragranced by hot spices. There are plenty of Dutch and Chinese influences in the cooking here too.

Western-style food, like pizzas, is mainly found in the bigger cities. Don't miss the amazing, local coffee grown in the Sulawesi highlands. These are the best restaurants in Sulawesi.

Best places to eat in Sulawesi

• Coto Nusantara, Makassar The lunchtime queues at this Makassar institution are proof of just how good their coto Makassar (spiced beef stew with peanuts) is.
• Maminon Kitchen, Manado Serving updated Minahasan cuisines like smoked skipjack cooked in bamboo, this popular restaurant is one of the best on Sulawesi

© Rigamondis / Shutterstock

Overland travel in Sulawesi is slow, because of the mountainous geography, and off the main cross-island highway road conditions are often poor. Travel by air is advised whenever possible.

Makassar is the provincial capital of Sulawesi and has the largest number of flights, including international connections to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. However, there are good connections in Manado, serving the north and gateway to Bunaken, and in Palu, with more limited connections to Gorontalo. Kendari is the entry point for Southeast Sulawesi, including Wakatobi.

By sea, PELNI is the main connection with other Indonesian islands. PELNI ferries schedule routes to the Wakatobi area, but are unreliable, making it best to use one of the fast boat services there.

Most visitors to Sulawesi will need at least a week to explore the island. This is because the distances are long between the major sights and transport across the island is slow. Seven days gives travellers enough time to visit Tana Toraja, see the beaches of Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, go diving at Bunaken Marine National Park and explore the bustle of Makassar. Throw in a hike or a visit to some of the smaller islands and you'll need at least 10 days here.

© Fabio Lamanna / Shutterstock

Due to the highlands, travelling around inland Sulawesi can be slow, cumbersome and frustrating. Travel air is advised whenever possible. The island is dotted with regional airports.

By mikrolet (private SUV)

These days, however, most locals and many tourists avoid the hassle of traveling out to the bus terminal and book door-to-door travel services instead. In Sulawesi these are usually large SUV type vehicles seating up to seven passengers. Most hotels will be able to book these ‘travel’ for you. Though slightly more expensive than buses, they will drop you directly to your chosen accommodation at the other end.

Air-conditioned buses are useful for longer distances, but travel times can be slow.

Good for travel around towns and cities, plus some shorter inter-city travel, air-con metered taxis can be hailed on the street or booked via phone.

PELNI ferries' scheduled routes will get you between some of the bigger islands off of Sulawesi. For shorter trips to smaller islands, expect speed boats. Note that bad weather can prevent ferries and boats from leaving.

By becak (pedicabs)

For short trips in cities, becak (pedicabs) are a cheap and environmentally-friendly way to get around.

Blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, the best time to visit Sulawesi is when it is looking its best. For diving, that means visiting from April to October when the seas are calmer and the visibility is at its furthest. Crossing the equator, Sulawesi has a tropical climate but the northern part of the island is subject to more rainfall than the southern half. Monsoon season is from November to April. Expect high humidity and regular downpours. The best time to visit is June to August which coincides with the elaborate funeral ceremonies of Tana Toraja.

Find out more about the best time to visit Indonesia .

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written by Ties Lagraauw

updated 17.01.2024

Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl , Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

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Home » Travel Guides » Indonesia » 15 Best Places to Visit in Sulawesi (Indonesia)

15 Best Places to Visit in Sulawesi (Indonesia)

Sulawesi is one of the main islands of Indonesia and enjoys a strong domestic tourist market, making it one of the top travel destinations in the country. Foreign visitors to Indonesia however often leave it off the list in favor of Lombok or Bali, but anyone willing to make the trip will be rewarded with amazing attractions and some truly stunning scenery.

Sulawesi is divided up into North, South and Central Sulawesi and is also surrounded by a wide variety of islands. This means that it can take a little longer to get around, but it also means that there is just so much to explore here and each region has a unique flavor to it. As a result, you can flit from tropical islands to big cities, and this is also a chance to see how Indonesia’s Christian community lives, as the majority of inhabitants here are Christians which is a marked difference to other islands like Java.

This island is also known for its strong and unique culture, as this is the home of the Toraja people, and you can visit a huge range of attractions here that will fill you in on all the history of Sulawesi and its inhabitants. As well as a chance to see a completely different culture to much of Indonesia, Sulawesi also has some of the best diving opportunities in the archipelago and diving aficionados have been coming for years due to the visibility and amazing range of sea creatures found in these waters.

Let’s explore the best places to visit in Sulawesi :

1. Makassar

Makassar is also sometimes referred to as Ujung Pandang and is the capital city of the south of the island.

Most people use Makassar as a way of entering and exiting Sulawesi, but if you are in town then make the most of it by visiting some of its main attractions.

One of these is Fort Rotterdam which was built during the Dutch colonial period, as well as Losari Beach which is a pretty and unexpected tropical delight.

From Makassar you can also easily travel to neighboring attractions like Tana Toraja and Pulau Khayangan.

2. The Wakatobi Islands

The Wakatobi Islands take their name from the first letters of the four islands in this archipelago is southern Sulawesi.

There are Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko and most people visit the islands for the splendid diving opportunities that abound here.

You can fly across to the Wakatobi Islands from Bali, although you will get a completely different beach experience as this is one of the remotest parts of Indonesia.

Expect jet blue seas and clean sands that stretch for miles on a visit here, which more than makes up for the journey.

3. Tana Toraja

Tana Toraja is probably the premium attraction in Sulawesi and it is here that you can learn all about the Torajan indigenous group who call this island home.

At Tana Toraja you can see how people have lived for centuries and there are a range of celebrations here that are unique to Sulawesi such as the elaborate funerals held here.

Make sure to look out for the grave sites which feature effigies of the dead, and you will also find ornate homes, traditional architecture, and local communities.

4. Lindu National Park

The Lindu National Park is located in Palu and even just getting there is something of an experience in itself.

The park sits at the end of a series of mountain roads, and when you get there you will find vast swathes of lush rainforest.

Those who love nature won’t be disappointed, and can enjoy colorful butterflies, majestic hornbills, and cheeky monkeys living in the forest.

The forest also abounds with indigenous exotic plants, and its location is so secluded that it truly feels like you are getting off the grid.

Located in Central Sulawesi, Tentena is best known for Poso Lake which sparkles with an azure hue and is not to be missed if you are in the area.

This is particularly true if you happen to be here in August and you can enjoy the annual Poso Festival which takes place at the lake.

Other attractions in the area include the Saloupa Waterfall, and if you are travelling across from North to South Sulawesi then Tetena makes a great place to stop off for a few days.

Manado is the capital city of North Sulawesi and also the second largest city in Sulawesi.

It is one of the most vibrant spots on the island and is famous for its mix of religious buildings such as Chinese temples and Christian churches.

It also has a rather unexpected attraction in the form of a statue of Jesus Christ which is the fourth tallest statue of its kind in the world.

As Indonesian is a predominantly Muslim country, with over 80% of the population believing in Islam, this kind of Christian architecture is unusual and definitely worth a visit if you are in Manado.

7. Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park

Located in Northern Sulawesi is the Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park which can be easily visited from the neighboring city of Gorontalo.

The main draw here is the acres of pristine rainforest and many tourists don’t make the trip here meaning that you are unlikely to be plagued by crowds and will be able to explore in peace.

There are a range of trails all over the park and you can either hire a guide or go it alone.

Whatever you decide you will find a plethora of plant and animal life here including monkeys, snakes, and birds.

8. Togean Islands

The Togean Islands are one of the best kept secrets in Indonesia, especially if you like diving and you want to check out some of the amazing underwater creatures in this part of the world.

It takes some effort to get to this small archipelago which sits in the Tomini Sea in the north of Sulawesi, but it is more than worth it for the pristine sands and sparkling turquoise seas.

Most people who do make the trip out here do so for the diving, but even if you don’t dive you can still enjoy this beachside paradise that is rarely visited by travelers to Indonesia.

Nature lovers should look no further than Tomohon if they want to see some of the best scenery and natural highlights of Sulawesi.

The big draw here is Mount Mahawu Volcano and this is a top spot if you like trekking, with several different routes and walks available up the mountainside depending on your time and budget.

From the volcano you can take in the lush rural highlands that Tomohon is famous for and you can also enjoy the little handicraft villages that are dotted around the area.

10. Tangkoko National Park

Tangkoko National Park sprawls over an impressive 9,000 hectares of land and is the home of some of the most amazing indigenous animals in North Sulawesi.

As you trek around the various trails in the park look out for tarsiers which have the claim to fame of being the smallest primate in the world as well as Black Crested Macaques which are indigenous to the island.

As with many attractions in Sulawesi, a trip to the park makes you feel as if you landed in the middle of nowhere, so if you are looking for a holiday that lets you get away from the crowds then this is the place to come.

11. Bunaken

Bunaken Island is one of the best places in the world to dive or snorkel, but because it takes some time to get here many people never get the opportunity to sample its underwater delights.

Bunaken is also part of a wider marine national park and has an impressive array of marine life including 70 different kinds of coral and 5 species of turtles.

On a dive trip here you can expect to see hundreds of species of colorful fish and if you are lucky you might also get the chance to see white and black tip reef sharks.

Other highlights include dugongs, pygmy seahorses, and barracuda.

12. Lembeh Island

If you travel to the city of Bitung you can easily hop across to Lembeh Island which is another one of Sulawesi’s premium diving spots.

The island is known for its muck diving and anyone who likes macro photography absolutely shouldn’t miss it off the itinerary.

The natural sediment on the sea floor here is home to a huge range of underwater critters like harlequin and skeleton shrimps as well as nudibranchs, blue ringed octopus, and orangutan crabs.

There is also an array of amazing fish such as sea robins, devil fish, and banded eels, and you may also see other creatures like banded sea snakes.

13. Lore Lindu National Park

Lore Lindu National park lies in the highlands of Central Sulawesi and is one of the nicest of all the national parks in the areas.

Due to the elevation you can enjoy sweeping views over the surrounding area and the flora and fauna here is superb, and many of the plants here are indigenous to the Besoa and Napu valleys.

You can trek all over the region although many of the trails here require several days to complete and you will need to hire a guide.

This also means that you will camp out overnight as part of a trek and many people find this experience is the highlight of a trip to Sulawesi.

14. Gorontalo

Most people treat Gorontalo as an entry and exit point for the Togean Islands, although this vibrant city should be a tourist hotspot in its own right.

The city is covered in pretty architecture from the Dutch colonial period and is also notable as it is close to a number of attractions just outside the city limits.

These include majestic waterfalls, bubbling hot springs, and colorful coral reefs, so whether you want to explore the city proper or check out the surrounding scenery, you won’t be disappointed if you spend a day or two here en-route to the Togean Islands.

15. Lake Tondano

Lake Tondano sits around 15 kilometers from Tomohon and if you are in the area then it is well worth the trek out here to take in the beautiful scenery and glassy waters.

You can rent a motorbike that will let you drive around the lake, and there are a variety of trails if you like hiking.

The scenery at the edges of the lake is stunning and it is popular with families who come here at the weekends, so if you are looking for a nice day trip from Tomohon then this is a top choice.

15 Best Places to Visit in Sulawesi (Indonesia):

• The Wakatobi Islands
• Tana Toraja
• Lindu National Park
• Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park
• Togean Islands
• Tangkoko National Park
• Lembeh Island
• Lore Lindu National Park
• Lake Tondano

Sulawesi Travel Guide

Your travel guide to Sulawesi, one of the four Greater Sunda Islands of Indonesia, is enormous in size and population. It is formerly known as Celebes to the Portuguese. The island’s shape is unique and easily recognized by many, aptly so, as the place is full of unique cultures, unexplored land, mountains, and even the sea.

Sulawesi’s population is 14 million, about 7% of Indonesia’s population, and the largest city here is Makassar . The majority religion is Islam, with the next substantial minority being Christianity. Sulawesi is also rich with various flora and fauna from Asian and Australasian species. The national parks that protect this rich ecosystem have been proposed for UNESCO World Heritage Site .

At the north, you will find the best dive sites of Indonesia , like Bunaken, crystal clear seas, and remote islands. In the south, the popular Tana Toraja has spellbound many travelers with its unique culture and rituals, whereby the funeral rites are since ancient times with elaborate death rituals.

First Time in Sulawesi

Top 10 must visit places in sulawesi, itinerary for travel in north sulawesi around manado for a week, top 5 things to do in tana toraja, sulawesi.

Sulawesi Travel Map

Popular Route

Makassar -> Tana Toraja -> Danau Poso -> Togean Islands -> Manado -> Bunaken Island

Places to Visit

North sulawesi.

Manado is the gateway to North Sulawesi. Togian / Togean Islands are most well known for its diving spots that are almost untouched. While Bunaken Island is known for diving and snorkeling at the Marine National Park with diverse corals and marine life species

Manado Travel Guide, North Sulawesi

The Ultimate Guide to Togian Islands, Sulawesi

Bunaken island, north sulawesi, tomohon travel guide, north sulawesi, south sulawesi.

Makassar is the capital of South Sulawesi and an important port for exploring this region. Many tourists come to Tana Toraja to discover ancient rights and unique Toraja people, which are unchanged for the last 100 years.

Wakatobi Island is another diving location in Sulawesi with more than 25 coral reefs and 900 marine species.

Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi

Guide to diving wakatobi national park, sulawesi.

Guide to Visit Makassar, Sulawesi

Diving in sulawesi, sulawesi’s tourist attractions, more travel indonesia guides.

A Complete Sulawesi Travel Guide – Culture in Indonesia

Explore cultural wonders in this travel guide to sulawesi, indonesia.

It has been a while since I visited Sulawesi. During my exchange, when I was living in Indonesia, there was sufficient time to travel to known and lesser-known islands. Therefore, we also visited Sulawesi, Indonesia. Moreover, this Sulawesi Travel Guide covers the travel highlights in a 10-day Sulawesi Itinerary. This travel blog highlights my adventures in Sulawesi and shows you all reasons to visit this beautiful island in Indonesia, full of cultural and natural wonders.

For the Dutchies, Sulawesi might be known because of ‘Fort Rotterdam’ in Makassar. In total, we spent 10/12 days in Sulawesi. If you want to follow the same route, I would advise a minimum of 10 days, also because of the difficulty of getting to the Togean Islands.  

|| Explore Sulawesi's Capital Makassar (1 day)

Don’t expect too much of Makassar. We arrived in the morning and decided to take a night bus to Tana Toraja that same day. This left us with 1 day to explore Makassar. We bought a night bus ticket at the bus station and left our backpacks there to have some freedom to discover Makassar.

However, if you want to relax from a longer flight, I would advise you to stay in Makassar for the night. Some of t he best hotels in Makassar are the Melia (~50 euros), Best Western (~30 euros) or Hotel Barkah (~10 euros).

Makassar’s main sight is Fort Rotterdam as said before. We decided to visit this place and even though it was rather interesting, it is not a must visit.

In Indonesia, terraces are not as common as in many European cities. You can imagine, I did miss having a beer on a nice terrace in the sun enormously when living in Indonesia. That’s why we spent most of our afternoon at the harbour (opposite Fort Rotterdam, so you are already in the right direction) with a glass of beer and even some fries and chicken nuggets. 

|| culture in Sulawesi: Tana Toraja (Rantepao) - 2/3 nights

We arrived at our next destination by bus early in the morning. Tana Toraja is the cultural centre of Sulawesi and is famous for its typical houses. When visiting Tana Toranja, you can best stay in the main village, called Rantepao.

The best places to stay in  Rantepao , you can stay for example at Singki Home Family (~15 euros), Manubackpacker Zero Star Toraja (~10 euros) or Pias Poppies (~15 euros), where you can also eat the famous local Pa’Piong dish. In Rantepao, there is a visitor centre that already shows you the famous Tongkonan houses. 

1 || Visit londa, one of the most famous places on Sulawesi

One of the most famous places to visit in the area is Londa. I recommend renting a bike/scooter to drive towards Londa. Also, you will be rewarded with many great views in the area before arriving at our destination: the caves in Londa / Lemo. The cave is famous for its cave tombs and hanging graves. Also, ask your guesthouse for the latest information, as I have also found some news the Londa caves are closed.

2 || Visit kete kesu

After our visit to Londa, we continued our journey by bike to visit Kete Kesu. At Kete Kesu, you can find the famous Toraja houses – officially named Tongkonan houses. In front of some houses, they placed the so-called Tau-Tau, a doll representing the deceased. 

3 || try the local food food on Sulawesi

This dish called Pa’Piong sounds scary – however, it is one of the most commonly known dishes in Sulawesi. You have to order it in the afternoon for the restaurant to be able to serve it in the evening as it takes 8 to 12 hours to make. This is meat cooked in bamboo. If I’m correct, we ate it at Pia’s Poppies Hostel – one of the main backpackers’ hostels and therewith the perfect place to try the local food. 

4 || book a tour and visit local tongkonan houses and a traditional funeral

When we visited Pia’s Poppies Hostel, we asked if there were funerals the next day. Visiting. a local funeral gives you the best local experience in Sulawesi and is the most special experience in this Sulawesi Travel Guide. Fortunately, the hostel arranged a guide and tour for the next day. If you ask at your hostel/hotel, they will inform you of this local experience.

Visiting a traditional funeral – sounds a bit weird, doesn’t it? However, it should be part of this Sulawesi Itinerary, as in Toraja a funeral is a big thing. The funeral may take place one year after the deceased passed away. They are building up a complete village, especially for the funeral. Next to that – sorry animal lovers – they are slaughtering buffalos at the funeral. The number of buffalos shows the wealth of the deceased and their family. Afterwards, the buffalo meat is served with some rice.

You might wonder: is it inappropriate to visit a random funeral as a tourist? I thought I would feel awkward, however, it felt like our presence was appreciated. Also, don’t forget to bring a small gift, such as a pack of cigarettes. Lastly, I advise you to visit with a guide, as you will receive some context and feel more comfortable visiting with a local.

We already visited Kete Kesu the previous day, however, our guide brought us to a local place with Tongkonan houses. The houses themselves weren’t used, however, the family who owned them was living in a small house next to them. We were received so friendly by the host and it was an experience to never forget. The locals don’t speak English too well, but thanks to our guide – we were able to communicate a little bit. 

|| A Beach Destination on Sulawesi: The Togean Islands

Unfortunately and fortunately, the Togean Islands aren’t the easiest place to access and getting there will take you some time and will cause some pain. However, you know the saying ‘worth the wait’ and the outcome will be only greater and more impressive. If you want to learn more about how to get there, this is a great blog. Below, I’ll share my journey and experiences.

Part 1: Head to Ampana

Getting to Ampana from Rantepao wasn’t the best experience.  The drive was supposed to be 13 hours (we had a private transfer shared with 2 others, arranged in a restaurant), however, it took us 17 hours to get to Ampana. Sulawesi is not that well developed and they were still ‘building’ part of the road on the way which caused a massive delay. The boats towards the Togean Islands leave from Ampana in the morning, so we stayed the night here in a hotel called Oasis. If you rather book your hotel beforehand, go with Lawaka Hotel (~30 euros).

If you don’t want to head to the Togean Islands and want to enjoy a private resort, you can head to Buka Buka Island, where you find the Reconnect Private Island Resort.

Part 2: The boat to the Togean Islands - Sulawesi travel guide

We took the boat early in the morning (it left around 7 am – I always recommend checking the current departure times with your guesthouse or at the harbour). The boat ride takes 4 hours, however, the boat ride is stunning. 

Upon arrival at the Togean Islands. you can take a smaller boat that transfers you to your preferred island (I headed to Kadadiri).

Part 3: Enjoy time at the beach on the Togean Islands

Enjoy your time in paradise! Go diving, rest a lot, and enjoy a real undiscovered and local tropical island without phone reception. Do you want to know more about the Togean Islands? Check out the full guide I wrote here, including a full photo overview. I would recommend staying at Black Marlin , we loved our time and the food there. Unfortunately, I see that the latest reviews haven’t been up to standard. Another option on the island is Kadidiri Paradise , which now seems to be the preferred location.

Part 4: Heading back to Ampana and Palu

Our way back to the mainland included the same ferry as on the way here. This landed us back in Ampana. We took a little van, including locals, to Palu where we stayed the night. Unfortunately, our van broke down, so we arrived in the middle of the night. After this trip, we rewarded ourselves with a more fancy hotel called Rama Garden.  Other options in Palu are the Best Western (~60 euros), Bukit Indah Doda (~35 euros) or RedDoorz Airport (~15 euros), That same evening we flew back from Pula airport to Surabaya. 

Sulawesi is an island that stuck with me, especially because of the Tana Toraja area and the beauty of the Togean Islands. In my opinion, this Travel Guide of Sulawesi – Indonesia describes a wonderful off-the-beaten-track destination in Indonesia. Do you want to read more articles about Indonesia? Check them out here. 

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Privacy overview.

Travel Practicalities and North Sulawesi FAQ’s

Visiting North Sulawesi in Indonesia is an exciting and unforgettable experience – the trip of a lifetime with phenomenal diving, stunning scenery, spectacular wildlife, and smiling friendly people wherever you go.

To assist in your travel preparation and stay at Murex Resorts we have put together a list of questions that we are frequently asked – if there is anything we have not included, just let us know!

Passports must have a minimum of 6 months validity and at least one empty pages

Visas, Passports & Entry to Indonesia

– Over 43 countries are eligible for a 30-day tourist visa on arrival – check with your embassy if your country is included.

– When you enter Indonesia, make sure that you have at least one clean page in your passport and your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining on it. You may also be required to show your ticket for onward travel leaving Indonesia.

– A visa on arrival currently costs IDR 500,000 (approx. USD $38 / €35) this can be paid in cash at the airport or by credit card.

– Visitors entering Indonesia are required to complete an online e-Customs Declaration Form upon arrival to help avoid long queues and delays exiting the terminal. You may complete this form and submit it before your arrival to save time at the airport. Should you complete the form in advance, it can only be submitted within 48 hours of your arrival in Indonesia.

– To access the e-Customs Declaration Form please visit the following link:

Official Website Direktorat Jenderal Bea dan Cukai

Our local airport is Manado International Airport (Airport Code: MDO) which is currently serviced four times per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays) direct from Singapore by Scoot Air, the regional carrier of Singapore Airlines . There are also several daily non-stop flights from Jakarta and services from Bali.

It is around 1 hour by car from the airport to Murex Manado or 1 hour by car followed by a 20-minute boat ride to Murex Bangka.

Baggage Allowances

If you are flying domestically before or after your stay, most airlines have a baggage allowance of 20kgs plus your carry-on bag. Some airlines allow an additional bag for dive gear. Excess baggage charges vary from airline to airline – check at the time of booking.

North Sulawesi has two seasons –one dry and one bringing more rain. The driest period is from the end of March until the end of November. The rain lowers the air temperature so this is a good time to visit for those who prefer cooler temperatures.

(Pool at Murex Manado) North Sulawesi enjoys a tropical climate

The currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah – IDR. We can accept cash payments in IDR, USD and Euro. However, please be advised that foreign notes should be clean, new, and crisp. Indonesian banks and money exchangers will not accept old notes or notes which are damaged in any way. We also accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) please note there is a % fee for credit card payments in Indonesia.

There are also ATMs at Manado Airport and in Manado town center.

There are several hospitals in Manado, including Siloam Hospital which is an international hospital with English-speaking doctors.

Here is a list of items that we recommend packing for your trip to Murex Resorts:

• Sunscreen, factor 50 plus*
• Insect repellant*
• After-sun lotion*
• 2 pin plug adaptor*
• Dive certifications
• Clothing – lightweight and light-colored long pants and sleeves for evenings
• Insurance documents
• Polarized sunglasses
• Any snacks or treats that you can’t survive without
• Rechargeable batteries and charger
• We have a small library selection of books in each resort – but you may want to bring something of your choosing

(*available in our gift shops – if you have specific needs, let us know prior to arrival and we can let you know if your item(s) are available)

Marine life ID books are available, or you may prefer to pack a favorite read from home

Souvenirs and Shopping

Our gift shops at Murex Manado and Murex Bangka have a small selection of locally crafted souvenirs including sarongs, jewelry and handicrafts. If you are taking a land tour during your stay there may be opportunities to make purchases and our guides will help with the bargaining! Manado has several large, modern shopping malls (with fixed prices) for those who enjoy shopping.

If you are taking medication regularly, we would recommend to bring enough for the whole trip, along with a doctor’s letter or prescription, especially if you are diving during this trip.

In North Sulawesi, the majority religion is Christian which is evidenced by churches on almost every street. Christianity in Indonesia is defined as being either Catholic or Protestant.

Telephone Communications

For international calls from Indonesia, dial (007) + (country code) + (phone number) on your mobile phones.

North Sulawesi is located in the Indonesian Central Time zone which is GMT+8 and known as WITA.

Vaccinations

Murex Resorts are located close to the equator in the tropics. It is generally humid and there are mosquitoes. There are cases of malaria and dengue fever in North Sulawesi, so we recommend you bring plenty of repellents and appropriate clothing. You may want to consult with your doctor before your trip for the most up-to-date advice on anti-malarial drugs, as well as other recommended vaccinations.

Recompression Chamber

In the highly unlikely event of a decompression emergency, there is a recompression chamber for divers in Manado.

Water Temperature

North Sulawesi enjoys temperatures of 28 to 30 degrees Celsius (82 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round and a 3mm wetsuit is sufficient for most divers. There are occasional cooler thermoclines around October to December.

Electricity

Indonesia operates on a system of 220v/50Hz electrical outlets for 2 pin plugs. At Murex Bangka, electricity is available 24 hours a day (not including Air Conditioning). Additional power for Air Conditioning runs from 5pm – 7am. At Murex Mando, full power is available 24/7.

Dietary Requirements

We cater to a wide range of special dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, gluten-free, food allergies, and any personal preferences – please let us know in advance so we can be prepared on your arrival day.

Both Murex Manado and Murex Bangka have small shops, which sell basic toiletries (shampoo and shower gel is provided in your room), snacks, souvenirs, and some dive accessories.

Internet Access

We offer free Wi-Fi at both resorts but please be aware that Wi-Fi in North Sulawesi can be much slower and less reliable than you may be used to at home.

The official language of Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesian with most areas having a local dialect. Here in North Sulawesi, the dialect is “Manadonese”. Staff at Murex Resorts speak English and Indonesian. We also have staff who speak German and several other languages.

While a tip is not expected, if you’d like to leave a gratuity for our staff we will provide you with an envelope which will be placed in the resort tip box. Tips are divided across all employees – because they all contribute to your stay in different ways. We ask that you refrain from tipping individual members of the team to avoid compromising them.

Tap water in Indonesia is not drinkable – we provide unlimited drinking water and encourage you to drink plenty on a daily basis to avoid becoming dehydrated. This is especially important for divers.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Us:

Should you have any queries that remain unanswered, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our affable team at: [email protected].

For a comprehensive understanding of our Murex rates , as well as details about our captivating “Passport to Paradise” package, we invite you to explore further on our official website.

Ready to embark on your unforgettable journey? Secure your Passport to paradise today by making a reservation through our user-friendly booking platform . Your experience at Murex Resorts awaits!

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Volcano erupts in North Sulawesi, hundreds evacuated

Mount Ruang, a stratovolcano in the province, first erupted at 9:45 pm on Tuesday (1345 GMT) and twice again in the early hours of Wednesday, the country's volcanology and geological agencies said.

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volcano erupted several times in North Sulawesi overnight Wednesday, forcing hundreds of people to be evacuated after it spewed lava and a column of smoke more than a mile into the sky.

There were no reports of any deaths or injuries but more than 800 people were evacuated from two villages on Ruang island to the nearby island of Tagulandang, state news agency Antara reported. 

The first eruption pushed an ash column two kilometres (1.2 miles) into the sky, with the second eruption pushing it to 2.5 kilometres, Muhammad Wafid, head of the geological agency said in a statement.

The volcanology agency said Tuesday that volcanic activity had increased at Ruang after two earthquakes in recent weeks.

The alert level for the volcano, which has a peak of 725 metres above sea level, was then raised from two to three, the second-highest possible level, before the eruption.

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Authorities had also imposed a four-kilometre exclusion zone around the crater, which is more than 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of provincial capital Manado.

Indonesia, a vast archipelago nation, experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an arc where tectonic plates collide that stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin. 

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Volcano Erupts Amid Lightning Storm in Indonesia, as Residents Evacuate Potential Tsunami Threat

Plumes of ash from Mount Ruang forced the closure of an international airport, after a series of at least five eruptions this week

Christian Thorsberg

Daily Correspondent

Dramatic weather and powerful geologic activity coincided earlier this week in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province, where a volcanic eruption spewed lava and ash nearly two miles into the air. As the plume of ejected material filled the sky, it was hauntingly illuminated by a lightning storm.

On Wednesday, officials ordered nearby residents to evacuate over fears of yet another disaster—a tsunami, which could occur if part of the volcano collapses into the ocean, writes CNN ’s Kathleen Magramo.

Mount Ruang , a 2,400-foot volcano on Ruang Island in north-central Indonesia, erupted at least five times between Tuesday and Wednesday, and nearly 4,000 lightning strikes were recorded around its peak. The shocking combination of red-orange lava plumes and blazing lightning dominated the island’s skies, prompting the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation , the Indonesian agency that tracks volcanic activity, to issue a Level IV alert, which is the highest level possible.

Officials warned people to stay out of the area within 3.6 miles of Mount Ruang, and nearly 12,000 residents stand to be impacted by flows and ash. So far, more than 800 people  have temporarily relocated to neighboring Tagulandang Island, and no deaths or injuries have been reported.

By Thursday, the volcano was emitting a continuous plume of white-gray smoke that reached 1,600 feet above the mountain. Officials still called for vigilance, since the volcanic activity might not be over yet.

“The potential for further eruption is still high, so we need to remain alert,” Heruningtyas Desi Purnamasari, an agency official, said in a statement Thursday, per Reuters .

Ruang’s eruptions came after hundreds of earthquakes shook the island. Located within the “Ring of Fire,” a 25,000-mile-long belt of volcanoes and fault lines, Indonesia has around 120 active volcanoes  and is subject to extreme seismic activity. Natural disaster chain reactions have happened before, and officials expressed continued warnings that such a string of events could happen again.

In particular, scientists are concerned that Mount Ruang could partially collapse into the ocean and trigger a tsunami, as it did when it erupted in 1871. Mount Ruang is steep and produces particularly powerful explosions, heightening these apprehensions. In 2018, the Indonesian volcano Anak Krakatau erupted and partially collapsed in a landslide. Three-quarters of its volume fell into the sea, initiating a tsunami that killed more than 400 people on the islands of Java and Sumatra.

Now, those on Tagulandang Island—including Ruang residents who evacuated there—are being told to prepare for relocation to the city of Manado in Sulawesi, which is a six-hour boat journey away.

“Especially those who live near the coast should be aware of the potential for incandescent rocks to erupt, hot clouds and tsunami waves that could be triggered by the collapse of a volcanic body into the sea,” Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, tells Gracey Wakary and Edna Tarigan of the Associated Press (AP).

Falling rocks, ash and smoke have also had an impact on travel in the wider region.

“We have to close flight operations at Sam Ratulangi Airport due to the spread of volcanic ash, which could endanger flight safety,” Ambar Suryoko, head of the regional airport authority, tells the AP .

Other countries, including Australia, are tracking how the dispersion of ash may affect their flights. The smoke reached around 70,000 feet into the atmosphere.

The island’s volcanic lightning has largely subsided as the eruptions have slowed, though it’s an uncommon phenomenon that continues to puzzle and intrigue researchers. As of 2015, eruptions accompanied by lightning have been observed 400 times across 152 volcanoes , reports Forbes ’ James Farrell.

The 2022 eruption of Tonga’s Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano prompted the most intense lightning rates ever recorded, producing up to 2,600 flashes per minute , according to a study published last year.

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Christian Thorsberg | READ MORE

Christian Thorsberg is an environmental writer and photographer from Chicago. His work, which often centers on freshwater issues, climate change and subsistence, has appeared in Circle of Blue , Sierra  magazine, Discover  magazine and Alaska Sporting Journal .

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Indonesia volcano: thousands evacuated amid spreading ash and tsunami fears

More than 11,000 people told to leave their homes after Mount Ruang erupted at least three times since Friday afternoon

More than 2,100 people living near an erupting volcano on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island were evacuated on Friday due to the dangers of ash, falling rocks, hot volcanic clouds and the possibility of a tsunami.

Indonesia’s volcanology centre recorded at least three eruptions since Friday afternoon, with the maximum height of the eruption column reaching 1,200 metres (3,900 ft).

An international airport in Manado city, less than 100km (60 miles) from the erupting Mount Ruang, remained temporarily closed as volcanic ash was spewed into the air.

Satellite imagery from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency showed the ash had spread to the west, north-west, north-east and south-east, covering Manado and North Minahasa, according to a statement from Indonesia’s transportation ministry.

“We are still monitoring developments in the eruption of Mount Ruang and coordinating with relevant stakeholders … to anticipate the necessary actions to ensure flight safety, security and comfort,” said Ambar Suryoko, head of the regional airport authority.

More than 11,000 people were told to leave their homes located in the affected area. A joint team from the local authorities combed the villages surrounding the volcano and evacuated residents to safer areas by boat.

Officials worry that part of the volcano could collapse into the sea and cause a tsunami, as happened in 1871.

Houses, roads and other buildings were covered by grey volcanic ash, and many roofs were broken by debris spewed from the eruption.

Mount Ruang saw at least five large eruptions on Wednesday, causing the volcanology centre to issue its highest level of alert. People were ordered to stay at least six kilometres (3.7 miles) from the 725-metre mountain (2,378 ft).

The observation from the agency on Friday said white smoke was rising from the main crater with medium to thick intensity.

East of the volcano, Tagulandang island could be at risk if a collapse occurred. Its residents were among those being told to evacuate. Indonesia’s disaster agency said residents would be relocated to Manado, a journey of six hours by boat.

Indonesia, has 120 active volcanoes. It is prone to volcanic activity because it sits along the “Ring of Fire”, a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean.

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Officials warn of tsunami risk after Indonesia volcano erupts multiple times

Airport service has been stopped, people have been evacuated and officials are warning of a tsunami risk after a series of violent eruptions this week from an Indonesian volcano.

The 750-foot Ruang volcano , located on a remote island in the province of North Sulawesi in Indonesia has erupted multiples times since Tuesday, spewing columns of lava, rock and ash as far as two miles into the sky, according to Reuters.

Indonesia, a country in Southeast Asia located between the Indian and Pacific oceans consisting of over 17,000 islands, is the fourth-largest country in the world by population and the most populous Muslim-majority country.

Tsunami warning issued for fears of volcano collapse

Officials said the volcano alert had been raised to the highest level Wednesday, and warned people to not go within roughly 4 miles of the peak due to fears part of the volcano could collapse into the water and trigger a tsunami.

The volcano previously erupted and collapsed into the water in 1871, which killed roughly 400 people.

Over 800 local residents have been evacuated , including hundreds from the Laingpatehi and Pumpente villages, Indonesia's disaster agency BNPB announced. More than 11,000 others were also told to evacuate, the Associated Press reported.

An airport in the provincial capital of Manado was shut down to protect against showers of ash from the volcano's eruption, and Indonesia's volcano agency evacuated a nearby hospital after receiving reports of falling rocks and homes damaged by ash.

As of Thursday, no casualties have been reported.

Contributing: Reuters

More than 11,000 evacuated in northern Indonesia as volcano erupts

Exclusion zone extended, flights disrupted as Ruang sends ash and smoke more than two kilometres into the sky.

More than 11,000 people have been told to evacuate and air travel in the region has been disrupted after a volcano in northern Indonesia erupted multiple times.

Mount Ruang, located in North Sulawesi Province, first erupted at 9:45pm (13:45 GMT) on Tuesday, sending billowing clouds of smoke and ash high into the sky.

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After four more eruptions on Wednesday, Indonesia’s volcanology agency raised the alert level for the 725-metre (2,379-foot) high mountain to four, the highest on the scale.

They also widened the exclusion zone around the crater from four kilometres (2.5 miles) to six kilometres (3.7 miles).

More than 800 people were evacuated initially from Ruang to nearby Tagulandang Island, which is located more than 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of the provincial capital, Manado.

But officials said on Thursday morning that more people would need to be evacuated as a result of the widening exclusion zone, and would be taken to Manado.

“At least 11,615 residents who are in the risk area must evacuate to a safe place,” Abdul Muhari, the head of the disaster agency’s disaster data, communications and information centre was quoted as saying by the Kompas newspaper.

Officials also worry that part of the volcano could collapse into the sea and cause a tsunami as it did during a previous eruption in 1871.

Video footage showed flows of red lava streaming down the mountain, reflected in the waters below, and billowing clouds of grey ash above Ruang’s crater.

Important Travel Update: Malaysia Airlines has suspended several flights to/from KL International Airport (KUL) to Sabah and Sarawak today, 18 April 2024 due to the volcanic eruption at Mount Ruang, Indonesia. Our priority is your safety. We’re closely monitoring the situation… — Malaysia Airlines (@MAS) April 18, 2024

Muhammad Wafid, the head of Indonesia’s geological agency, earlier said Ruang’s initial eruption sent an ash column two kilometres (1.2 miles) into the sky, with the second eruption pushing it to 2.5 kilometres (1.6 miles).

Aviation authorities announced the closure of Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado until at least Thursday evening “due to the spread of volcanic ash which could endanger flight safety”. The airport has connections to countries including China, Singapore and South Korea.

There was also significant disruption to flights to and from Kota Kinabalu International Airport in neighbouring Malaysia. Kota Kinabalu is on the northern tip of Malaysian Borneo, just over 1,100 kilometres (688 miles) to the northwest of Ruang.

The volcanology agency said activity had increased at Ruang after two earthquakes in recent weeks.

Indonesia, which sits along the ‘Ring of Fire’, a horseshoe-shaped series of tectonic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean, has 120 active volcanoes.

In 2018, the eruption of Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa volcano triggered a tsunami along the coasts of Sumatra and Java after parts of the mountain fell into the ocean. Hundreds of people were killed .

Indonesia on tsunami alert after volcano explosion

Five eruptions in one day recorded on northern side of Sulawesi island

Islands in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi region are on alert for a tsunami as volcano eruptions sent lava spewing and a mile-high ash cloud forms above Mount Ruang.

On Wednesday, authorities ordered thousands of people to evacuate and the volcano alert was raised to the country’s highest level after five large eruptions were recorded in one day, Indonesia’s Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation said.

Indonesia, an archipelago of 270 million people, has 120 active volcanoes. It is prone to volcanic activity because it sits along the “Ring of Fire”, a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean.

The volcanic activity, which began late on Tuesday night and followed two earthquakes in the region, sparked fears of a repeat of the 1871 disaster when hundreds of people died in a tsunami in the days after Mount Ruang erupted.  

On Wednesday morning, 800 residents fled by boat from Ruang to nearby Tagulandang. But by Wednesday night, that island was no longer considered safe either. 

Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency said that 11,000 people would be relocated to Manado, the nearest city, on Sulawesi island, a journey of six hours by boat.

An exclusion zone was extended to prevent people coming within four miles of Ruang. 

A spokesman for the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Centre told the Kompas newspaper: “Beware of large waves due to the impact of the eruption of Mount Ruang for communities in the coastal areas of Tagulandang Island, Biaro, Siau Island and North Minahasa Beach.

‘‘[The potential cause of tsunami] is mainly the flank collapse phenomenon or the collapse of part or all of the mountain body.’’

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