Gorontalo >> optional: Whaleshark Tour >> Bogani
We meet & greet in Gorontalo, setting the stage for the adventure ahead of us. We will then drive to our secluded beach bungalow in Bogani.
Depending on the presence of whale sharks and your arrival time in Gorontalo, we will either embark on a whale shark tour en route to Bogani, or enjoy more leisure time at our private beach with coconut palm trees.
Bogani >> Waterfall Trek – Snorkelling Tour >> Bogani
We start our day with a breakfast on our beach-view terrace.
Next, we embark on the Waterfall trek, which takes ca 3 hours from our bungalow. Passing through the farms and plantations, we enter the dense primary rainforest, home to rich wildlife such as black macaques and hornbills. Our trek leads us to a jungle waterfall, where we can take a refreshing swim before hiking back.
After lunch, we decide whether we want to relax and soak in the beauty of the area, or if we’re up for a snorkelling adventure. We take a boat about 5 km offshore, where we often encounter barracudas and turtles!
As the day winds down, we have dinner on the beach and spend a second night in our beach bungalow.
Bogani >> Tambun Maleo Sanctuary >>Tomohon
In the early morning, we depart from Bogani for a long and scenic drive to the Minahasa mountain village of Tomohon.
Our first stop is at the Tambun Maleo Sanctuary, where we may encounter the endemic Maleo bird. Did you know that the Maleo bird uses the heat of volcanic soil to incubate its eggs?
Along the way, we’ll pause for lunch and to stretch our legs. In the late afternoon, we arrive at our accommodation in Tomohon and check in.
Tomohon >> Mount Mahawu – Tondano Lake – Linow Lake – Ranowelo Hot spring >> Tomohon
We start our day with an exciting volcano trek. After an early breakfast, we depart around 8 am for Mt Mahawu, where a scenic 30-minute hike will lead us to the stunning crater. We take in the aroma of steaming sulfur from the boiling pools in the crater. On clear days, we’ll have a spectacular view of Bunaken Island.
Note: For those up for a longer trek, we can visit Lokon volcano instead. This 1.5-hour hike offers equally stunning views.
After descending, we’ll make our way to Lake Tondano, where we enjoy the serenity of the lake as we have lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll walk around Linow Lake, famous for its shifting colors from sunlight interactions with the sulfur-rich water.
We’ll finish the day at the natural thermal pool Ranolewo. In a picturesque setting, we relax in the soothing warm waters and recharge for the adventures ahead.
Tomohon >> Woloan – Pulutan – Japanese Caves – Traditional Market – Waruga – Tekaan Telu Waterfall >> Tomohon
After breakfast, we set off to explore the highlights of the Minahasa Highland. Our first stop is Woloan Village, where traditional Minahasan-style houses are crafted. Next, we visit Pulutan – a village known for its pottery, followed by the Japanese Caves that were excavated during the war.
We experience the day-to-day life of the Minahasan culture in the bustling Traditional market, consisting of two massive sections: the vegetable & fruit area, and the meat area with exotic animals (not for the faint of heart). Next to the market are the ancient Minahasan stone graves Waruga in which Minahasan ancestors are buried in a seated position.
Our final destination is the Tekaan Telu Waterfalls – a little-known, hidden gem surrounded by lush trees and natural beauty, with short and easy trails.
This is a dense program, so in case you prefer to travel more slowly and immerse more with each site, we could of course skip some of the sites.
Tomohon >> Tangkoko National Park >> Afternoon jungle trek
We leave our hotel in Tomohon after breakfast and head to Tangkoko National Park – our base in North Sulawesi.
Tangkoko is a haven for rare and endemic wildlife and plants, drawing nature enthusiasts and researchers from around the globe to see the Tarsius Spectrum — the world’s smallest (and cutest:-) primate — or the black macaques, hornbills, and many more colourful birds.
After we have checked-in to our hotel, we will shortly explore the national park with our guides and may catch our first glimpses of the park’s wildlife. We return in the evening for diner at our hotel.
Tangkoko National Park
After an early breakfast, we set out for a full day of trekking deep into the Tangkoko. From hornbills soaring overhead to exotic plants and vibrant birds, the jungle offers endless opportunities for discovery.
We pause for lunch in the rainforest, continuing our exploration until late afternoon. After returning to the lodge, we enjoy dinner and a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.
Tangkoko >> Manado Airport
For the last time we enjoy breakfast at the gates of the rainforest.
We pack our luggage, and bid farewell to Tangkoko National Park and North Sulawesi and are transferred to Manado airport.
The arrival time at the airport will be tailored to your flight schedule.
Accommodations
Nestled on the gulf of Tomini with the primary rainforest of Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park as its backdrop, Bogani Cottages is a true hidden gem. It’s the perfect escape for snorkeling adventures, jungle treks to secluded waterfalls, or simply unwinding on a tranquil private beach far from the crowds.
