North Sulawesi: Fauna, Wildlife, and Coral Reefs

With family or friends, this trip allows you to discover North Sulawesi from the city of Manado. Accompanied by a local English-speaking guide, you will actively discover the region and its Minahasa culture.

On the program, you will observe the endemic wildlife of Sulawesi in the Tangkoko National Park before enjoying a seaside end to discover the seabed of Bunaken.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Welcome to the north of Sulawesi!

    Welcome to the north of Sulawesi! Upon arrival in Manado, you will be transferred to Tomohon where a beautiful hike awaits you to reach Mount Lokon, offering a lovely view of Mount Klabat from its heights. Afterward, you will be transferred to your hotel in the area.

    - 1h drive
    - 1h30 hike
    - Night in Moutain View Resort: Deluxe Room
    - No Meals

  • Day 2 Tangkoko National Park

    Tangkoko National Park This morning, you hit the road and make a coffee stop near Lake Linow, known for its various shades of blue and a very soothing view. You continue your journey towards Tangkoko National Park. Arriving in the late afternoon, you drop off your luggage at the hotel and embark on a hike within the park to witness the awakening of the nocturnal wildlife, notably the famous Tarsier, one of the smallest primates in the world. Return to the hotel and relax in the evening.

    - 2h drive
    - 2h hike
    - Night in Tangkoko Hills Cottage: standard room
    - Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 3 Tangkoko National Park Day 2 - Boat to Bunaken Island

    Tangkoko National Park Day 2 - Boat to Bunaken Island After breakfast, another exploration hike awaits you within Tangkoko National Park. This time, you set out in search of a completely different wildlife. You'll track Sulawesi macaques, slow lorises, mountain anoas, owls, and if you're lucky, you might even come across the dream of every ornithologist: the Sulawesi hornbill. Return to the hotel by late morning to freshen up, then head towards a northern port to reach Bunaken Marine Park, renowned for its vertical wall diving and the numerous turtles that come to feed there. Arrival in Bunaken by late afternoon.

    - 1h drive
    - 30m boat
    - 2h hike
    - Night in BUNAKEN DIVERS SEABREEZE RESORT: bungalow
    - Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 4 Bunaken Island

    Bunaken Island After breakfast, you embark on a boat for a snorkeling excursion across multiple spots. Beneath the water's surface, Bunaken Marine Park reveals its breathtaking beauty, justifying its title as a marine sanctuary. Vibrant corals, countless schools of colorful fish, and an abundance of turtles create a spectacle that feels like a dream come alive. You return to the hotel in the afternoon, followed by a free day to explore Bunaken Island at your leisure, perhaps venturing on foot and even considering another snorkeling session near the hotel.

    - 2-3 snorkeling
    - Night in BUNAKEN DIVERS SEABREEZE RESORT: bungalow
    - Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 5 Free day to explore Bunaken Island

    Free day to explore Bunaken Island Free day to explore Bunaken Island at your leisure, perhaps venturing on foot and even considering another snorkeling/diving session near the hotel.

    Note: Your guide will remain with you throughout, ready to assist with anything you may need.

    - Night in BUNAKEN DIVERS SEABREEZE RESORT: bungalow
    - Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 6 Boat back to Manado

    Boat back to Manado Enjoy a free morning, then, according to the tide, bid farewell to Bunaken and board your boat to return to the mainland. You'll arrive in Manado for a free evening and spend your final night in Minahasan lands.

    - 1h drive
    - 30m boat
    - Night in Four Points by Sheraton Manado : deluxe room
    - Meals: B

  • Day 7 Just a farewell

    Just a farewell According to your flight schedule, transfer to the airport marks the end of our services. See you soon!

    - 30m drive
    - Meals: B

Depending on the weather, volcanic activity or for logistical reasons, the guide/driver can reverse trips or change the program.

Period & budget

When to travel?

The best period for travelling is during the following months:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Price

From 1370€ per person (minimum booking from 2 travelers)

The budget is an indication of the price per person, subject to availability. Your local agent will send you a customized quote with the exact price. The price can vary according to availability, level of services, period of travel, number of participants, booking time frame and other items.

Included

- Private transport from D1 to D3 and on the D6 and D7
- One ALTAI English speaking guide from D1 to D7
- Boat between Manado and Bunaken
- Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Diner)
- All the activities in the program
- One Snorkeling trip in Bunaken
- All the entrances fees ( Bunaken and Tangkoko National Park)
- Local guides in tangkoko National Park
- Gallon of water in the car
- Tailored road book for your journey 
- 24/7 emergency phone available 

Not included

- Internationals and domestics flights
- Tips (advise: 3 -5€/traveler/day)
- Other drinks than Mineral Water
- Activities during Free day in Bunaken
- Travel Insurance
- VISA 

Notes

This itinerary is provided as an indication: depending on the weather and operational conditions, your English- speaking driver or guide can modify this itinerary for your safety.


The Hotels are indicated for information only and subject to availability.


This trip can be 100% customized according to your needs. Pls advise our travel consultant for your tailor-made trip. 

Terms and conditions

Booking conditions

Booking a trip with Altaï Indonesia implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 35% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.

Invoice procedure

Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. Altaï Indonesia reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.

Cancellation policy

If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, Altaï Indonesia require written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:

  • Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
  • Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained

Special cases:
Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.
  • Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan.
  • Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.
  • Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.

Please note that fees apply according to the date Altaï Indonesia receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.

If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.

Changes to travel contract

If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact Altaï Indonesia in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Indonesia may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.

Pricing

The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. We reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.

Contract transfer

If you are unable to travel for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you take out personal travel insurance for your trip with Altaï Indonesia as soon as your booking is confirmed. We advice you to purchase a travel insurance policy which covers flight cancellations, luggage loss and emergency health care. Please look carefully at which activities are covered by your insurer and do not forget to bring all necessary documents and information with you (name of the company, name of the contract, insurance policy number, telephone number...)

Practical info

Food

Dinners, lunches and breakfasts are taken in restaurants or at the hotel. Please be aware that the tap water in Indonesia is not drinkable.

Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book the trip and we will work with you to cater for your needs.

Accommodation

- In hotels in a double / twin room (standard equivalent to 2 or 3 * French). Private sanitary facilities.

- In losmen some nights (equivalent to hostels or local guest house held by locals), simpler comfort.

- Homestay: basic comfort, sleeping can be common, sanitary to share. These accommodations, although more rustic, allow you to immerse yourself in local life.
 If you wish, to promote the exchange and sharing, you can provide a little attention for our guests (eg local specialty of your region, ...)

* Hot water is sometimes not available in all rooms.

Budget & exchange

The currency in Indonesia is the Indonisian Rupiah, Rp (IDR)
Visit http://www.xe.com for the latest currency converter and exchange rates. You can withdraw Indonesian Rupiahs from in-country ATMs or exchange money at the airport/local currency exchange offices. ATMs and exchange desks are only found on bigger islands like Bali (Denpasar, Ubud, Sanur). The cost of an average meal in Java is around 3€ to 8€; in Bali it is 4€ to 11€.

When purchasing souvenirs, we ask that our travellers resist the tempatation to buy traditional items which are part of local families/the countries heritage. We also ask our travellers to respect the Species Protection Agreements (CITES) which aims to protect more than 2,500 species of animals and 30,000 species of threatened plants by prohibiting the trade of hides, ivory, scales, corals, shells, and the import of live exotic animals.

Tips

Tipping is not an obligation and must be left to everyone's discretion.

Nevertheless, in Indonesia it is customary to leave one when you are satisfied with the service rendered. Its amount depends on the appreciation of it and must take into account the local economy.

Tips too important, given the general standard of living of the country visited, destabilize local economic balances. As a reminder, the tip is a supplement and does not replace their remuneration. Indeed, anyone acting on our trips being paid elsewhere.

We recommend a budget of 3€ to 4€ per person per day for tips.

Vital equipment

We recommend packing:
For your head:
  • A cap or sunhat
  • A good pair of sunglasses (level 3 or 4, glacier)
For your core:
  • 1 or 2 sets of thermals: long-sleeved thermal tops and full-length long johns
  • Long sleeved and short sleeved t-shirts, appropriate for hiking in
  • 1 fleece or equivalent
  • A breathable wind proof, waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex...)
  • A rain cape or protective waterproof bag for your daybag
For your legs:
  • 1 or 2 pairs of long shorts
  • 1 pair of walking trousers
For your feet and hands:
  • Your hiking boots (high-cut, thick soles...)
  • A pair of trainers
  • A pair of sandals for wearing in the sea
  • Thick walking socks
To keep you hydrated:
  • A good water bottle (min. 1.5 l)
For snorkeling:
  • A swimsuit
  • A long-sleeved rash vest to protect you
And do not forget:
  • A good sun-cream (SPF 50+, water resistant, biodegradable...)
  • Insect repellent
  • Towel(s)
  • A wash bag - your personal toiletries

Helpful equipment

You may also want to bring:
  • A camera and spare batteries/portable charger
  • A power plug travel adapter
  • A head torch and spare batteries
  • A pocket knife
  • A fast drying micro-fibre beach towel
  • A bath towel
  • Blister plasters
  • A small personal first aid kit
  • Zip lock bags to protect your important documents and electronics
  • A laundry bag/bin bag for your dirty clothes
  • Tissues
  • Earplugs

Luggage

Please bring a small rucksack to use as a day bag. You can bring this as hand luggage on the airplane. You will carry your lunch, water, spare layers and any personal medication with you each day in this bag. You will also need a larger bag to store your other clothes and belongings in, please ensure that this is a soft bag like a rucksack or holdall rather than a hard cased suitcase because it is more practical. We recommend packing all of your clothes in plastic bags so that they stay dry in the event of wet weather.

Medicine

Your guide is a trained first-aider and will carry a full first aid kit at all times during the trip. We recommend that you bring a small personal first aid kit containing any medication you may need such as inhalers, plasters, antiseptic and painkillers.

Passport

To go to Indonesia travellers need a passport which is valid for at least six months after the date of entry. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and proof of onwards travel is required.

Visa

Travelers staying in Indonesia for less than 30 days do not need to obtain a visa. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific visa requirements.

Health information & recommendations

It is your responsibility to check that your personal insurance covers everything in this trip. A consultation with your doctor is a prerequisite for any trip. Malaria prophylaxis is advised if your trip goes to Flores, Komodo, Sumatra, Sulawesi, the Sundra Islands or Kalimatan. Anti-malaria treatments are not necessary in Bali, Java or Lombok. Avoid contact with mosquitoes as much as possible: apply repellents, wear long trousers/sleeves and sleep with a mosquito net. The World Health Organisation can provide further details of the latest health news and medical advice.

Weather

Indonesia is positioned on both sides of the equator making it subject to a similar climate year round. As a rule the South is generally drier and less hot. The average temperature ranges between 24°C and 35°C (75°F and 95°F). We cannot guarantee no rain but we can suggest that the best season to visit Indonesia is the dry season, from mid-April to October/November.

Electricity

Indonesia uses European-style plugs with two round pins. Voltage is normally 220 V 50 Hz except in a few places where it is 110 V.

Local time

Indonesia is spread across three time zones. The Lesser Sunda Islands use Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)/ Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +8.  Indonesia does not use Daylight Saving Time (DST).

Sustainable tourism

As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take responsible tourism very seriously.

We respect the ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethical code and try to explore this beautiful location whilst causing minimal environmental damage.

The Leave No Trace policy can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow during our trip...

  1. Be prepared
  2. Stick to trails and camp overnight right
  3. Stash your trash and pick up waste
  4. Leave it as you find it
  5. Be careful with fire
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Over the years we have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as possible. We are a small company and we pay our local partners and suppliers directly insuring fair rates.

Our small group sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on the environment and local communities.

We expect all who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable Tourism philosophies.
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Adrien

My local agent
Adrien

  • Passionate and eager to travel, meet and discover new experiences.
  • Fond of hiking, meditating, snorkeling and diving.
  • Everything the outdoor, nature and different civilizations have to offer
  • I am at your service to share my passion with you and create with you the best tailored trip possible.
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Region
Sulawesi
Activity
Hiking & Outdoor Trips Multi-activity trips Travel to unknown corners
Duration
7 days
Code
ALINSULNORD
Price
From €1,325
Level
2/5
Comfort
2/5

Strengths

  • Observe wild tarsius
  • Try to find wild bear cuscus
  • Snorkeling or diving on one of the best coral reef
  • Learn about Tomohon and Minahasa culture

Download trip details

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