A 15-day Nature Itinerary in Sulawesi

  • Day 1: Makassar Arrival
    ---

    Arrive at the Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) and start the journey to the city center of Makassar. Enjoy the local cuisine, visit Fort Rotterdam, and stroll around Losari Beach.

  • Day 2: Malino Highland
    1 hour 30 minutes (50 miles) from Makassar

    Escape the bustling city and enjoy the refreshing cool air of Malino Highland. Explore the Bambapuang Forest and waterfall or trek through the pine forests.

  • Day 3: Bira Beach
    6 hours (135 miles) from Malino Highland

    Relax and enjoy the pristine white sand seashore of Bira Beach. Experience the local maritime culture, tattoo making, and the traditional boat builders of Paotere Harbor.

  • Day 4-5: Tana Toraja
    4 hours 30 minutes (133 miles) from Bira Beach

    Explore the Toraja land known for intricate cliff-side burial grounds, hanging tombs, and traditional Tongkonan houses. Visit Batutumonga for sunset views, Lempangang Tongkonan for wood carving, and Tampangallo for cave graves.

  • Day 6-7: Lore Lindu National Park
    8 hours (250 miles) from Tana Toraja

    Enjoy the diversity of fauna and flora in Lore Lindu National Park. Trek to the remote Lake Tambing, visit the Bada Valley, and see the megalithic monuments and terraced rice fields.

  • Day 8-9: Wakatobi
    9 hours (350 miles) from Lore Lindu National Park

    Indulge in some of the world's most beautiful underwater scenery in Wakatobi. Snorkel or dive at the Wakatobi National Park and savor the beachfront bungalows.

  • Day 10-11: Tangkoko-Batuangus Nature Reserve
    15 hours (650 miles) from Wakatobi

    Spot rare wildlife such as black crested macaques and tarsiers. Experience the jungle trek to Mount Tangkoko and view the Mahawu volcano from afar.

  • Day 12-13: Bunaken Island
    7 hours (170 miles) from Tangkoko-Batuangus Nature Reserve

    Go swimming, snorkeling, or diving in the colorful reefs of Bunaken Island. Visit the local markets and learn the traditional weaving of ethnic Kakas.

  • Day 14: Manado City Tour
    30 minutes (13 miles) from Bunaken Island

    Experience the multicultural city of Manado with its traditional Minahasa houses, tasty local food, and unique Waruga stone graves. Visit the Ban Hin Kiong Temple, the oldest in North Sulawesi.

  • Day 15: Makassar Departure
    2 hours 30 minutes (140 miles) from Manado

    Return to Makassar for departure.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Fort Rotterdam (1 hour, IDR 25,000)
  • Bambapuang Forest (2 hours, IDR 30,000)
  • Bira Beach (2 days, IDR 50,000)
  • Toraja Land (2 days, IDR 250,000)
  • Lore Lindu National Park (2 days, IDR 200,000)
  • Wakatobi (2 days, IDR 500,000)
  • Tangkoko-Batuangus Nature Reserve (2 days, IDR 550,000)
  • Bunaken Island (2 days, IDR 150,000)
  • Manado City Tour (1 day, IDR 200,000)
  • Total Estimated Costs: IDR 1,955,000

Transportation

It is recommended to rent a car with a driver or hire a local tour guide. Public transportation is not widely available and may cause inconvenience. Costs range from IDR 500,000 - IDR 700,000 per day depending on the distance traveled.

Useful Tips

If you only have ten days, consider skipping Tangkoko and Mout Tambing to avoid being rushed. Alternatively, you can take a shorter four-day trip to Lore Lindu and Tana Toraja. If you have more time, you can add a visit to the unique Togean Islands archipelago or spend an extra day in Manado.

Airports

The Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) is the main airport in Sulawesi, located in Makassar City. It is around 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the city center and serves both domestic and international flights.

0