Our Sulawesi holidays & tours
Our Sulawesi holidays introduce you to an Indonesian island where it’s all about what’s going on beneath the surface. Scuba divers flock to North Sulawesi, part of the Coral Triangle, for the vibrant reefs, bustling with sea life, and the spectacular underwater volcanoes. Land lubbers will enjoy outstanding rainforest hiking, amongst waterfalls, volcanoes, and rare fauna and flora, but also exploring Sulawesi’s fascinating culture, with animist religious traditions, elaborate burial rites, and an inviting street food scene. Our holidays employ brilliant local guides who ensure divers and snorkellers swim with care, and help to arrange cookery lessons with Bugis chefs, or invitations to Torajan funerals in the highlands.
Sulawesi holiday, 13 days
A unique insight into the fascinating island of Sulawesi.
From
£1890
13 days
ex flights
Cultural holiday in Sulawesi
Traditional culture, stunning scenery and unusual wildlife
From
£2345
15 days
ex flights
Sulawesi bird watching tour, Indonesia
Sulawesi Birding and Trekking Discovery - shorter itinerary
From
£5150
17 days
ex flights
Sulawesi wildlife tour in Indonesia
Visit Sulawesi on a unique Mammal watching tour with experts
From
£2995
14 days
ex flights
North Sulawesi and Raja Ampat snorkel safari
Group adventure snorkel and land safari to Indonesia
From
US $7750 to US $8250
16 days
ex flights
Indonesia small group tour, temples and dragons
Spot mythical Komodo dragons and meet indigenous people
From
£4525 to £4799
22 days
ex flights
Contact Us
Call us for a chat about our holidays. We are happy to discuss your holiday and help in any way we can. No bots, queues or awful hold music.
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Sulawesi map & highlights
Comprised of four peninsulas stretching out in different directions, Sulawesi resembles the octopuses that are to be found in its waters. The island lies in the centre of the Indonesian archipelago, and forms part of the famous Coral Triangle, with exceptional diving around its reefs and islands, especially in Bunaken National Park. Key cultural destinations include the cosmopolitan capital, Makassar, with its Dutch colonial influences; Lake Tempe; and the stunning karst landscape of Maros Pangkep. The mountainous interior remains thickly forested at higher altitudes, but at lower levels rampant deforestation tragically continues. Sulawesi’s southern peninsula remains largely undeveloped, however. Flights will usually arrive into either Manado, at the tip of North Sulawesi, or Makassar in the south. Road and boat transfers are typically used between destinations, with the occasional domestic flight.
1.
Bunaken National Park
2. Lake Tempe
3. Maros Pangkep Karst Area
4. Mount Mahawu
5. Tana Toraja
6. Tangkoko National Park
2. Lake Tempe
3. Maros Pangkep Karst Area
4. Mount Mahawu
5. Tana Toraja
6. Tangkoko National Park
Bunaken National Park
1. Bunaken National Park
Bunaken National Park lies in the centre of the Coral Triangle, one of Earth’s richest marine habitats and an exceptional location for diving and snorkel safaris. The biodiversity here is mind blowing: over 70 types of coral, countless species of tropical fish, sea turtles, whales, dolphins and even saltwater crocs. The park lies an hour by boat from Mandano, with resort accommodation on islands including Bunaken itself and Siladen.
Lake Tempe
2. Lake Tempe
Close to the town of Sengkang, Lake Tempe is a large body of freshwater renowned for its many species of water bird. There is a small floating village on the lake that moves around to follow the seasons and fish stocks, while the lake itself expands every year as it floods surrounding areas. Boat trips take you out to explore the communities, and watch the fishermen at work with rods, nets and bamboo fences.
Maros Pangkep Karst Area
3. Maros Pangkep Karst Area
Maros Pangkep is a vast forest of rock formations, the second largest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immense blocks of limestone burst out of rice paddies, and the prehistoric paintings found on cave walls here are thought to be some of the oldest existing artworks. A river runs through the area, so it can be explored both by boat and on foot.
Mount Mahawu
4. Mount Mahawu
Hikes around the rim of Mount Mahawu, an easily summitted stratovolcano in North Sulawesi, let you peer down at the crater lake. The smoking fumaroles and powerful fumes of sulphur can be off-putting, but good preparation for the rigours of exploring the Tomohon Market nearby. Bats, dogs, snakes and rats are among the ‘delicacies’ to be found amid the chicken and fish here. You’ll need a strong stomach.
Tana Toraja
5. Tana Toraja
The culture in the balmy Tana Toraja highlands originates from animism, and some of Sulawesi’s most riveting customs are to be encountered in this region. Death is a big preoccupation here, and funeral ceremonies involve much feasting, drinking and dancing. The ‘hanging caves’ on cliffsides, effigies guarding graves and traditional architecture make Tana Toraja a memorable place to explore.
Tangkoko National Park
6. Tangkoko National Park
The wildlife of this nature reserve at the very tip of North Sulawesi is very diverse, but the biggest attraction is one of the smallest. Tarsiers are just half the size of an adult human hand, and their future is in serious doubt due to deforestation. These wide-eyed, nocturnal primates live in trees, but come down to feed on insects in the mornings or the dim light of dusk.
Our Sulawesi holidays reviews
4.9
11Sulawesi holidays reviews
Alison Wilson27 Mar 2024
Outstanding; really really interesting in cultural and wildlife terms. Great organisation by the operator and the local team.read more
Fiona Cowieson04 Oct 2022
It was an absolute holiday of a lifetime. We loved every single minute of it. read more
Teresa Hurley02 Nov 2019
The most exciting part of the holiday was the wildlife we saw. read more
