North Sulawesi Active

📍 Manado International Airport – Tomohon (40 km): 1 hr 20 mins Ekayana Pagoda is located within walking distance (a few hundred meters).

Upon the arrival at Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) in Manado this afternoon, proceed through customs, baggage claim, and immigration. Once they have cleared these formalities, the local guide will be waiting to welcome you and begin the North Sulawesi ocean and wildlife adventure.

Transfer from Sam Ratulangi Airport—named for the national hero known for the philosophy "man lives to help others live"—to the Minahasa Highlands. Your stay is at the Gardenia Country Inn, the private residence of the Ratulangi family. This boutique hotel, overlooking the active Lokon volcano, was established by the hero's son and wife amidst their beautiful gardens. Enjoy a welcome drink in the family home's terrace lobby before checking into the room to refresh.

Explore Ekayana Pagoda, a testament to the religious diversity in predominantly Christian North Sulawesi. Gold-colored Lohan statues line the path to the main building. From the pagoda's 9th story, enjoy panoramic views of Tomohon, Lake Tondano, Manado, and the Mahawu and Lokon volcanoes. At the turtle lake, toss a coin at the rotating bell to make a wish for wealth, luck, fame, longevity, or happiness.

Note: in Visa Requirements
For stays of up to 30 days, most nationalities may enter Indonesia at Manado Airport without a visa. The passport has to be valid for at least 6 months from the day of departure from Indonesia, and has to have 2 empty pages for stamps. We will consult individually for visa requirements.

Recommended arrival flights (not included)
International: Scoot from Singapore to Manado TR216,  SIN 09:25 – MDC 13:15
Domestic: Garuda Indonesia from Makassar to Manado GA 689, UPG 15:30 – MDC 17:25 
Batik Air from Jakarta to Manado ID 6280, CKG 08:00 – MDC 12:25
* requires either arrival on the previous day, with separate transfer and a pre-night in Manado or Tomohon or results in the loss of parts of the first program-day and will require separate transfer arrangement.

Overnight in Tomohon
 

Inclusions:

📍 Gardenia Country Inn – Tomohon market (4 km): 10 mins; Tomohon market – Tondano Lake (10 km): 25 mins; Cycling at Tondano Lake (15-20 km mm): 2 hrs; Tondano Lake – Pulutan (5 km): 10 mins; Pulutan – Linow Lake (10 km): 25 mins; Linow Lake – Pinaras Waterfall (15 km): 35 mins; Pinaras Waterfall – Tomohon (12 km): 30 mins

Begin the exploration of the Minahasa Highlands starting at Tomohon market, a vibrant hub famous for fresh produce and an "extreme" meat section featuring bats and rats, though this area is not for everyone.

Following the market visit, enjoy a scenic cycle along Lake Tondano, North Sulawesi's largest lake, followed by a traditional lakeside seafood lunch overlooking aquaculture farms.

In Pulutan pottery village, observe artisans crafting traditional and modern designs, and then continue with a visit to the turquoise, volcanic Lake Linow to sample local fried bananas with chili sauce.

Finally, trek down to the 40-meter Pinaras Waterfall before returning to Tomohon.

Return to your hotel for an early rest.

Overnight in Tomohon

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Tomohon – Mt Lokon and v.v. (3 km): 15 mins; Tomohon – Bitung (60 km): 2 hrs 15 mins; Bitung – Tangkoko National Park (15 km): 45 mins; Tangkoko National Park – hotel at Lembeh (30 km): 1 hr 15 mins

Rise early for a 4:30 am departure to Mount Lokon. Start your trek from a quarry at the mountain's base, ascending steadily across ancient lava flows under the pre-dawn sky. Witness a spectacular sunrise over the highlands before crossing gravel fields to reach the active crater rim. Located just below the summit, this vantage point offers breathtaking panoramas and a view into the volcano's smoking depths.

Descend the mountain for breakfast at the hotel. After refreshing and checking out, travel through the Minahasa Highlands toward Lembeh Strait.

A local restaurant in the city of Bitung, which has basic restroom facilities, will provide lunch during the journey.

Head to Tangkoko National Park for a guided walk through vibrant forests to observe protected endemic wildlife. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, Tangkoko’s rich biodiversity includes Celebes Crested Macaques, Tarsiers, Sulawesi bear and dwarf cuscus, and birds like the maleo and various hornbills. The park supports 127 mammals, 233 bird, and 104 reptile and amphibian species.

A highlight is encountering the Celebes Crested Macaque, known locally as Yaki or Wolai. Jet black with reddish-brown eyes, this primate features a long muzzle, high cheeks, and a distinctive hair tuft, resembling a miniature "KingKong".

These diurnal rainforest dwellers are often seen in flocks. Primarily terrestrial, they spend over 60% of their day on the ground socializing and foraging, though they sleep and feed in trees.

The Tarsius spectrum awakens between 4 and 5 pm in tree hollows. Known for monogamy, these soulful-eyed creatures often die shortly after a mate passes. In the wild, they live about 10 years and have one offspring, which is born with fur and open eyes, capable of climbing within a day. These shy Sulawesi residents live in small family units. Following the observation, you will travel to Lembeh Strait to check into a hotel on a black sand beach.

Note:
- The trek to the Mt Lokon crater rim demands a good level of physical fitness and balance, as the trail includes narrow, steep sections and potentially slippery lava flows.
Essential Gear & Details:
- Footwear: Sturdy shoes with strong grip are mandatory; sneakers are insufficient due to the risk of slipping.
- Clothing: While a warm jacket is unnecessary, functional layers and a windbreaker are recommended.
- Trek Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours each way (roughly 2 km per direction), depending on pace.
- Terrain: Expect steep inclines, with some portions requiring the use of your hands for stability.

Overnight in Lembeh

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Lembeh hotel – Tasikoki Wildlife Reserve (25 km): 50 mins; Tasikoki Wildlife Reserve – port (chosen depending on conditions) (ca. 60 km): 2 hrs 30 mins; port – Siladen Island (6 km) by BOAT: 30 mins

Following breakfast, depart for the Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Centre for an educational visit. Meet with a researcher to learn about the Southeast Asian protected species trade and conservation strategies. During a tour of the facility, observe how previously captive animals are rehabilitated and prepared for release back into their natural ecosystems.

The rescue center houses sun bears, diverse birds, and Orang Utans. To prepare them for the wild, human contact with the Orang Utans is strictly prohibited. Visitors explore the gardens to learn about cultivating appropriate food, training animals for wilderness survival, and managing human-animal conflicts in sectors like agriculture.

Head to the coastal observation tower at midday to enjoy panoramic views of the rescue center, the neighboring forest, Lembeh Strait, and the expansive ocean. A simple local lunch will be served in the kitchen and community area of the lodge, which serves as the residence and workspace for the environmentalists.

Following lunch, head to the northern coast for a trip to Bunaken Marine National Park. Upon arrival at the harbor, board a boat for a brief transfer to Siladen Island to check into your hotel. This small islet, only a few hundred meters wide, is a tranquil spot featuring white sand beaches, stunning coral reefs, numerous coconut trees, and a quaint fishing village.

Dinner will be served at the resort.

Overnight at Siladen Island

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Discovery dive excursion by boat (range depending on chosen site, max 10 km): ca. 2 hours

Enjoy the next two days at your own pace, whether you choose to explore the resort's facilities or unwind on the sandy shores.

A visit to Sulawesi offers a rare opportunity to explore the "Coral Triangle," an underwater region as biodiverse as the Amazon. Consequently, a scuba diving excursion is an essential part of the itinerary. Today's discovery dive is set for Siladen Island, where professional instructors will select the optimal reef based on current weather, visibility, and tidal conditions.

Begin your morning at the Siladen Resort & Spa’s 5-Star PADI dive center for initial theoretical diving lessons. Following a thorough safety briefing and an introduction to the fundamentals of scuba diving, head to the resort’s pool for the first practical session. This provides an opportunity to become comfortable with the equipment while practicing essential skills such as buoyancy and balance.

Set out on an afternoon boat excursion to reach the diving grounds and encounter the mesmerizing beauty of the aquatic realm. Home to hundreds of diverse fish and coral species, the vibrant reefs within the marine national park offer a firsthand look at thriving underwater life as you glide above these hidden gardens. This exclusive journey promises a safe and unforgettable diving adventure.

Return to the resort in the late afternoon, enjoy some free time lounging on the beach or unwinding in the  room.

Note:
No experience is needed for the discovery scuba dive, though participants must be in good health without heart, respiratory, or ear issues. Snorkeling is available at a lower rate. Certified divers may book a full-day excursion for an extra fee; contact us for details.

Overnight at Siladen Island

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Enjoy the day at your leisure to enjoy the resort or simply relax on the beach.

Overnight in Siladen Island

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Siladen Island – port (ca. 6 km) BY BOAT: ca. 30 mins; Port – Manado (16 km): 40 mins; Manado – hotel (20 km): 50 mins

Following breakfast, depart for the mainland by boat and proceed via road to Manado's city center. Embark on a brief walking tour through the heart of the city, starting in the Arabian Quarter and moving through Chinatown. In the renowned "brokerage street," Jalan Roda, observe where a diverse cross-section of society—from local characters to influential business figures and politicians—gathers over coffee.

The tour concludes at the Sentrum Church and the WWII memorial, a monument dedicated to the victims of the Pacific War between 1940 and 1945. This site reflects the significant strategic role played by Manado, North Sulawesi, and East Indonesia, positioned at the critical junction of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant specializing on Satay.

In the afternoon, head to the Museum Negeri Propinsi Sulawesi Utara, a venue dedicated to the history and traditions of the North Sulawesi region. The collection features unique cross-cultural artifacts, including the "bamboo clarinet," a local instrument influenced by European and Dutch-imported designs.

Klappertart stands as a cherished legacy of the colonial era and remains a favorite dessert among the people of Manado. This unique "fusion dish" combines a Western-style butter tart with a rich filling of coconut custard. Experience this sweet treat paired with a cup of tea or coffee at one of the town’s most renowned specialty spots.

Return to the coast this afternoon for a check-in at a small village outside of Manado.

Overnight at Manado

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Hotel – Manado International Airport (15 km): approximately 45 mins

Enjoy the morning and relax by the pool until the airport transfer for the  onward trip. 

Transfer to Manado Airport. 

Recommended flights (not included)
Scoot from Manado to Singapore TR247,  MDC 18:05 - SIN 21:40
Lion Air  from Manado to Surabaya  JT749 departing at 13:05 and arriving at 14:55

Note: The official check-out time is 12:00 o’clock noon.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast