North Sulawesi: volcanoes, jungle & lagoons
In the heart of the Minahasa region, between smoking craters, primary forests and coral lagoons.
Duration
9 days
From
€1,395/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
Welcome to Minahasa land, renowned for its active volcanoes and superb diving spots, as well as its endemic fauna. For about ten days, volcano enthusiasts and nature lovers will have a great time, as the region is full of active volcanoes and offers a fairly unique diversity of landscapes. The culture of the Minahasa populations is also very rich, and you cannot help but fall in love with the place.
This circuit is in any case a clever blend of volcano climbs, trekking in tropical forests and relaxation amid idyllic seaside landscapes. A "must" therefore for all sports enthusiasts and nature lovers!
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to the Minahasa!
Manado → Tomohon
Morning reception at Manado international airport by your English-speaking guide, and transfer to Tomohon volcanic region, in the highlands.
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First volcano & first encounters
Early in the morning, easy climb of the Lokon-Empung volcano (1,580m), located approximately 1 hour 30 minutes on foot from the hotel.
Progress to the active crater of Tempaluan (1,125m) via the 1991 lava flows. This volcano, one of the most active in North Sulawesi, erupted between 2002 and 2005 and remains on alert today.
Possibility to descend to the edge of its crater lake.
Return to the hotel and transfer to Kayawu, a small Minahasa village situated on the edge of splendid rice paddies. Traditional lunch with a local family: traditional bamboo cooking, local specialties (ikan mas, fish cooked and marinated in banana leaves, captiku, etc.).
Visit of Wolohan in the afternoon, a village where the famous Minahasa "chalets" are built (which are exported worldwide), as well as the volcanological observatory that monitors the Lokon, Mahawu and Soputan volcanoes.
In the Lair of Vulcan
Tomohon → Touure
Morning ascent of Mount Mahawu (1,324m). Discovery of its acid lake and bubbling mud. Its last eruption dates back to 1977. 360° view from the tip of the Sulawesi island to Mount Soputan, to the north the Sulawesi Sea, to the south the Molucca Sea… and between the green and rich Minahasan countryside.
Descent and transfer to Touure, the village from which the ascent of Mount Soputan begins. Approximately 3 hours of hiking (easy, sometimes following a river upstream) will be needed to reach the base camp.
4 hours of hiking
The Summit of the Gods
Touure → Tomohon
In the middle of the night, beginning of the final ascent of the enormous lava dome of Soputan (1.805m).
This volcano has experienced very strong activity since the year 2000, and is therefore closely monitored. Its activity is typical of stratovolcanoes, strombolian, plinian with incandescent clouds (lahars – mud flows – during the rainy season). Observation of the dome and sunrise over the Tandano caldera lake. The view extends to the Klabat and Tangkoko volcanoes, encompassing the coral islands and the Bunaken National Park.
Descent and drive towards the Tandano lake. This 30 km long lake is of purely volcanic origin. Surrounded by rice fields, one of the local specialties is bred there, including "ikan mas", a type of goldfish that can reach several dozen kilos.
Lunch by the lake and transfer to Lake Linau, a sulfurous lake of striking green that changes color with the subtle interplay of light.
Return to the hotel and free afternoon to enjoy its extraordinary garden.
5-6 hours of walking
Minahasa Civilization & Lost Paradise
Visit to the famous market of Tomohon Volcanic Region, a real green lung at the tip of Sulawesi island, which supplies vegetables, fruits and meats to the northern islands.
Then drive to Manado, visit a Waruga cemetery, witnesses of ancient civilizations that buried their dead sitting in strange tombs. Brief visit of Manado as well and drive to Pulisan.
This small paradise nestled at the very end of Sulawesi island has one of the most beautiful beaches in northern Sulawesi. Check-in to charming little bungalows, by the water.
Tangkoko National Park
Very early and by perahu (local fishing boat), departure for a full day of trekking to discover the Tangkoko National Park (9,000 hectares) and its semi-active volcano (last eruption in 1880).
This long walk through rainforest will be an opportunity to encounter rich and varied wildlife. Small in size, this park contains treasures, including the world's highest concentration of hornbills (including the Rhinoceros Hornbill), endemic black macaques as well as the nocturnal and extraordinary tarsier (the smallest mammal on the planet), not forgetting the Maleo, this strange gallinaceous bird that lays enormous eggs and buries them under volcanic ash to make them hatch faster.
Return to Pulisan and night in a lodge by the sea.
3 hours of walking
Rest in paradise
Pulisan → Manado
Free morning and transfer to Manado in the afternoon.
Night at a hotel located by the sea, facing the islands of Bunaken and Siladen.
Unique underwater landscapes!
a day boat excursion to Bunaken and Siladen islands, located in the middle of a 75,000 ha marine natural park, where approximately 3,000 fish species are recorded.
See you very soon in Indonésie!
Manado → Aéroport
Free time until the transfer to Manado airport.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International & domestic flights
- Insurance & assistance
- Visas & possible airport taxes
- Beverages, Personal Expenses & Tips
- Everything that is not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Included
- English-speaking guide and team of local operator(s)
- Land transfers in private air-conditioned vehicle
- Maritime transfers
- B&B Accommodations
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary above
- Site entrances, trekking permits & donations
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags and mats, in particular)
- Mineral water and energy supplement during hiking days
- Liability Insurance
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns tourists entering Indonesia. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your departure.
Passport
To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa exemption for tourist stays in Indonesia. Entry requirements vary by nationality and should be verified with the Indonesian embassy or consulate of your country of residence.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Formalities on arrival
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival declaration via the official Indonesian customs and immigration portal (e-CD, Electronic Customs Declaration).
This form allows you to transmit to the authorities certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details and itinerary
address of first accommodation in Indonesia
declaration of goods and currency carried
A confirmation QR code may be requested when passing through customs and immigration controls.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Indonesia, except in case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are commonly recommended for stays in Indonesia. Antimalarial treatment may also be recommended depending on the regions visited (particularly outside Bali and major cities).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions vary depending on nationality. Travelers should consult the Indonesian embassy or consulate of their country of residence for specific requirements.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A Visa on Arrival (35 USD) is required upon arrival, valid for an initial stay and extendable once. You can also obtain an e-VOA online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, plan between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. The archipelago allows you to combine beaches, volcanoes, jungle and culture at attractive rates.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each circuit to the travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you get the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Sulawesi
Photographer of Indonesian volcanoes and trails, based in Yogyakarta
Before drawing up an itinerary, you have to observe, walk, listen to the locals and understand the place. Only then can an adventure trip remain authentic.
— Dominic
