Welcome to Manado, Sulawesi! If you've made your way to this remote Indonesian island, you're most likely looking for a real travel adventure. Find a local guide who's waiting to provide you with one on a private Manado tour in the islands and wilds of Northern Sulawesi.

Manado is a great jumping off point for Sulawesi's northern islands, such as Lihaga Island or the splendid Bunaken Manado Tua Marine National Park. Here you can enjoy swimming in sparkling blue ocean water, dolphin watching, and spotting the uniquely formed corals that have made this part of Sulawesi one of the best snorkelling and dive sites in the world. Back on the main island, a trek up Manado Tua is a rewarding 4-hour hike up a dormant volcano for a splendid view of Sulawesi's convoluted coastline. And don't miss the Tangkoko Nature Reserve, home to hundreds of endemic animal species.

Your guide wants to make this trip an unforgettable one, so you'll enjoy every moment of your private Manado tour.

Manado-and-North-Sulawesi

[North Sulawesi] Manado Authentic Experience Shore Excursion Day Tour

This private tour is set up for those that are interested in city sightseeing, walking tours, and culinary adventure combined.

Manado is the provincial capital of North Sulawesi, so-called a Land of the Smiling People because the local people here are well-known for the warm hospitality as well as for the mouth-watering cuisine. Located in a bay, Manado has many delicious seafood choices.

In this tour, we are gonna see and experience how typical local people live their daily life. We start with eat breakfast as local, Tinutuan Porridge and some additional foods for breakfast. Then, we continue to see the excitement of the traditional market and the old town of Manado and find a dogcart to going around.
In the market, we will see interesting local food and exotic fruits (depending on the season).

We will see some exciting places in Manado, and to end the tour, we will see a sunset with a panoramic view of Manado Tua, a mountain in the sea

- Breakfast
- Traditional snacks, local fruits, coffee or eq
- Lunch (heavy meal)

City Sight & Culinary Adventure

Exploring Dumoga and Modoinding - Three Day Tour

One national park in North Sulawesi is situated in Bolaang Mondondow Region. Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park is a huge national park. It connects North Celebes and the neighbor province. In this tour, we are going to visit the North Sulawesi region. Dumoga area offers experience of Maleo Bird observation. I like to come to the sanctuary because they have excellent program of conservation. When coming to the sanctuary, there are plenty of lessons I learn there. I learn the importance of conservation. Also, I learn the type of endemic animals from my region. Growing in modern society, I am very thankful that Dumoga region still preserve maleo bird. Not only that, I am also thankful that the government still protect vast area of the jungle from deforestation. The existence of this national park proves that. The jungle there is wonderful. Now while the northern tip of North Sulawesi region is volcanic, the southern is geologically different. But environmentally, North Sulawesi is still a paradise on earth.

2 Days National Park Admission for International Visitors

2 Days of Homestay Include Lunch and Dinner

View of Mooat Lake before climbing Mount Ambang

Literally in the middle of Mount Ambang Crater

The supernatural of Northern Peninsula of Sulawesi

[North Sulawesi] The Wildlife of Tangkoko National Park Shore Excursion Tour

About 1 hours drive from Bitung cruise port (~2h from Manado), to reach the Park we will pass the expanse of coconut grove, through hills and valleys, an absolutely epic Minahasa landscape.

This National Park is established to protect endemic animals from becoming extinct. Located at the foot of Dua Saudara Mountain, Tangkoko National park has much variety of hardwood trees and unusual plant life.
The animal life is also quite varied, you can expect to meet Tarsius tarsier (small primate), black tailless macaque, and even Hornbill, Kingfisher, сusсus (marsupial family), and hundreds of animals in their wildlife. What a great experience to see the animals in their natural life.

There is an exotic black sand beach to enjoy, created by the volcanic activity from Mount Tangkoko. Sometimes you can even see a group of macaques hanging out on this beach.

Make sure you bring equipment for hiking such as a long-sleeve shirt, raincoat, trousers, shoes.

** Feel free to contact me to customize this tour

To Enter ticket and Conservation Fee in Tangkoko National Park and Waruga Archeological Park

Fee for local ranger to accompany us in Tangkoko National Reserve

Dive deep into Tropical Rain Forest of Wallace Line

Minahasa Highlands offer beautiful places of interest. As person born to Minahasa tribe in North Sulawesi, I am pleased to introduce this places to visitors. As part of Austronesia region, I learn that Minahasa highlands had already been being inhabited since 6000 BC. And, thus Minahasa people are among the first inhabitant in Sulawesi. Speaking about its name, Minahasa comes from two words "mah" and "esa". The word "mah" were infix with "-in-" become "minah". In oral tradition, we learnt that "Mah Esa" means united. Later, the phrase became Minahasa by the influenced of the Dutch.

Nowadays, we can see the remnants of the old culture in the land. Megalith stones are everywhere to be found. Those are such as Waruga, Batu Pinabetengan and many more. In addition, the nature of Minahasa highlands are very scenic. Plains, volcanoes, lakes, jungle and farmlands are here. They await your visit. Thus, my wish is to introduce Minahasa highland to you. Who knows you fall in love with it like others have already did.

Lunch on Lake Tondano with fresh water fished barbequed or grilled

Tetenana Peak, Lake Linow and Toraget Hot Spring

Nutmeg Pile in Tomohon Traditional Market

Ricefield in Woloan with Mount Lokon as background

A glimpse of Toar and Lumimuut Land

Minahasa Highlands Day Tour

[Gorontalo] 7-Days Exploration of the Land of Huluntalo

Known as Medina Porch of Indonesia, Gorontalo located in the northern part of Sulawesi, is a relatively new province, after separating from North Sulawesi. Islam values is very well adhered here so we may see a lot of beautiful Mosque in its capital city.

But not only that, the new tourism icon of Gorontalo is its whale shark. As the biggest fish species in the world, whale shark is very interesting fish to see. This gentle giants of the sea is considered safe and can be seen almost throughout the year in Gorontalo and very easy to be accessed. Swimming alongside them is an unforgettable experience.

Gorontalo tourism attraction itself relies most on its coastal and sea area like Olele Marine Park, Pulo Cinta (The Maldives of Indonesia) or historical place like a portuguese fort called otanaha fort.

Gorontalo is a must-visit destination in Indonesia. Come and experience the beauty and culture of Gorontalo for yourself!

This tour is customizable, feel free to contact me if you have any special request.

The Heart of Celebes

Mount Lokon is one of the natural tourist attractions in Tomohon. When I was a child, my grandmother used to talk about her experiences climbing this volcano when she was young. Her youth experience was so indescribable. She talked about the existence of petrified lava beds on the lava river. Then, many black and ruddy sponges can be found there.

1991 was the year I saw a huge eruption from Mount Lokon. Pillar of ashes rose high into the sky. There was a booming sound such a deafening voice. It was like a cannon shot from behind us. We, children who were playing kites, were very surprised. Then, we scattered because of our surprise. However, that story has long gone by now.

Now, Mount Lokon is the most beautiful place in Tomohon City. I do a lot of trekking here to keep myself active. Meanwhile I also admire the beauty of the city from here.

Exploring an active volcano

Climbing Mount Lokon Full Day Tour

[North Moluccas] Exploring The Spice Islands on a Multiday Tour

On this trip, I want to show you the legend of the spice islands, the reason behind why European people do the exploration in the middle age.

From Manado, we can sail with ferry for a night to go to Ternate, or we can fly directly to Ternate (+/- 40 minutes flight).
We will explore Ternate Island to see the forts and one of the oldest sultanate (2-3 days). Then we hop to Halmahera by ferry (2 hours) and stay in Jailolo to explore west Halmahera. Usually we will do island hopping to Nusa Kahatola to do snorkeling with astonishing limestone cliff. The following days we move to Tobelo by car (4 hours) and stay there 2 days to see the beautiful sunset on the lake and snorkeling in the place so-called mini raja ampat. Next day we go to Morotai by boat (1. 5 hours) to explore the legacy of world war 2 and once again to enjoy the beautiful white beach and colorful coral.

I am open to customized this tour and to provide personalized experiences.
Feel free to contact me.

Ternate, Tidore, Jailolo, Tobelo, Galela, Morotai

This tour brings you close to a pristine nature in North Sulawesi. The jungle is famous among international tourist as Tangkoko Jungle. Batuputih Natural Tourism park is its name. Since the early age of my tourist guide career, I have been visiting this jungle with visitors from all around the world. Some are for pure holiday, others are for research. Well, this jungle is home for many endemic animals. Most of the animals are diurnal, but some of them are nocturnal. During your shore visit to North Sulawesi, this jungle is a perfect place to see the beauty of North Sulawesi. Although, it is only in a glimpse. I believe that you will be amazed as it had happened before to a naturalist from England, Sir Alfred Russel Wallace as well as many other visitors from other part of the world. Even myself, I am always amazed with how amazing the wildlife in this jungle. The groups of macaques, mini dragons, cuscus and many endemic birds are the focus on shore tour.

Walking in the park, under a very old tree

A Glimpse of Enchanting Nature in North Sulawesi

Shore Tour - Tangkoko

[North Sulawesi] Multi-day North Sulawesi Overland Tour (Customizable)

On this tour, we are gonna explore the beauty of the nature and culture of Minahasan Land.
Start with the highlight, city sight-seeing and explore the local food in the city.
Then on the next days we'll explore the beach, lake, hot spring, archipelago, volcano, rain-forest, cave, hills, rock cliff, archeological site, how local people lives their life and many more.
I assure you this will be an unforgettable experience.

If you have a shorter time, just leave me a message then I can customize a tour that best suited for you.

Explore Deeper the north edge of Celebes Island

Sulawesi Wildlife in Tangkoko Nature Reserve - Four Day Tour

Located at the valley of Batuputih Natural Tourism Park. The area is decorated with rolling hills and valleys in which varieties of hardwood trees and tropical plants line up from beach to the mountain top. Hence, this forest hosts animals during many generations perfectly. Tangkoko Nature Reserve protects at least 127 mammal, 233 bird and 104 reptile and amphibian species. Of these 79 mammal, 103 bird and 29 reptile and amphibian species are endemic to the island. The nature reserve offers suitable protective environment for preventing these animals from extinction.

I can confirm the information found in the Malay Archipelago book. The complexity of the the ecosystem around Tangkoko Nature Reserve surpasses other jungles around North Sulawesi. I don't have to roam too deep into the jungle to see the endemic animals. Let alone for vacation purpose. As for the activity, the daily animal behaviors never stop to amaze me. Thus, I myself like to visit the jungle so much. Who knows, I could find new species.

3 Days Batuputih Natural Tourism Park's Admission For International Visitor

Homestay in Batu Putih for 4 Day 3 Nights

Beautiful nature for your camera shot

20 minutes drive away from Manado, Kali waterfall will give an astonish experience.
We will start by having little trekking entering tropical rainforest of sulawesi, surrounded by green atmosphere.
After +/- 20 minutes of walking, here we arrive to twin waterfall of Kali.
The breeze of its negative air ion will freshen our body and mind.

This place is worth to visit. Highly recommended.

Don't forget to bring towel and extra clothes

Recharge Your Soul in the Midst of Green Forest

[North Sulawesi] Kali Waterfall

Siladen is an island at the northeast of Bunaken and northwest of Manado. It is one of five islands around Bunaken national park with fascinating underwater world. White sand and colorful coral reefs surround this island. Thus, snorkeling is one option of many in Siladen Island. Besides the abundance of fishes and corals, Siladen is very tranquil. Scenic view to Manado Tua, Bunaken and to the open sea are visible from the island. For photography, both underwater and above water are fascinating. For me, this island is excellent destination around Manado for snorkeling. The reef here is one of my favorite in Bunaken National Park. I love to free-dive here with the beautiful coral as background.

Besides sea, many on-shore activities are possible too. They include making a sandcastle, beach volleyball, sightseeing, collecting shells - which is a free souvenir from the island, playing guitar and singing with the group, relaxing on the beach, sunbathing, and so on. As for me, I like to talk to the local people.

Entrance Fee to Bunaken National Park and Siladen Island For Non Indonesian Visitor

Hidden Underwater Park in North Sulawesi

Siladen Island Full Day Tour

[North Sulawesi] Bunaken Archipelago Full Day Tour

Bunaken is an island very well known for its national marine park.
Overlain by sparkling clear, warm tropical water, the park has seven times more genera of coral than Hawaii, and has more than 70% of all the known fish species of the Indo-Western Pacific.
The park consists of five islands which are Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain, and Siladen. Although each of these islands has a special character, it is the aquatic ecosystem that attracts most naturalists.
This is one of the most favorite place to visit in Manado.

This tour is customizable.
If you just want to visit one island (Bunaken), feel free to leave a message

Lunch at Bunaken (rice, seafood & coconut)
Dinner at Manado

to rent Snorkeling Equipment (wetsuit, snorkel, mask, fin)

Hoping 3 Tropical Islands

Mt. Mahawu and Tomohon always captivates the attention of many visitors. This is a walking tour focusing on the nature of Tomohon. I like walking around Tomohon on foot. It gives me opportunity to feel very close to green nature. Sometimes during walking, we can observe local people working on their garden. Among towns of North Sulawesi, Tomohon is famous for fresh and cool air. By saying so, walking around is a great option. The best thing here is that you might see other points of interest hidden from regular visitors, experience things unobtained by vehicles. Please take into account that this tour is a walking tour in the nature. Most of the road taken are paved. So, you shall not have any problem during walking. When reaching the Top of Mt. Mahawu, scenic view overlooking Manado, Bunaken National Park with its five islands, North Minahasa, Bitung, whole area of Tomohon, Mt. Lokon and South Minahasa are visible. I believe you will like the walking and saving the earth from pollution.

Me, exercising around Tomohon road. It is very nice walking around with beautiful nature view.

The coconut tree nearby Kakaskasen Volcano Observatory

A friend of mine from Germany trying Minahasan Outfit on Mt. Mahawu entrance.

The view of Mt. Klabat from the crater of Mt. Mahawu.

The nepenthes, a carnivorous plant that can be found during the trekking - only when you are curious.

Exploring the nature of the City of Flowers

Mt. Mahawu Walking Tour

[North Sulawesi] Explore Likupang Full Day Tour

Likupang has become one of the most priority tourism destination decided by Indonesia Ministry of Tourism.
Why? Because it has many astonishing nature. In this trip, I offer you to explore Pulisan.

Pulisan is not just a common beach. Beautiful white sand, bluish seawater, incredible underwater scenery, stunning cliff rocks, exotic savanna hills, these things make Pulisan beach not to be missed. This beach is one of my favorite beach in north sulawesi.

Located at the far north of Celebes Island, about 60 km from Manado, 2 hours away, is a different place from other coastal tourist areas, because of the three scenic spots of sand, stone, and savanna. This beach has three parts of sections separated by a stone cliff adjacent to the sea.

At the beach, we can find some local snacks such as fried bananas, boiled corn, and even fresh grilled fish.
Let's enjoy it together!

Meal which I will order for us.
Lunch and Dinner (Main Course and Beverage)
Traditional Snack

A Paradise Beach in the Edge of Celebes Island

[North Sulawesi] Highlights of the Minahasa Highland Shore Excursion Tour

In this private tour, we are going to explore the beautiful nature of the Minahasa highland, included city of Tomohon and Tondano
About one hour drive from Manado city or 1, 5h from Bitung Cruise port, the highland sits between 900 and 1100 meters above sea level, so the atmosphere is considered moderate.
Tomohon is a little town surrounded by mountains with two iconic volcanoes, Mahawu and Lokon. While Tondano is a little town besides the lake. It is believed that the Minahasan tribes begun on this places.

In this tour, we are gonna explore the traditional market and taste some snacks and fruits, see the astonishing landscape and the unique cultures of the area including wearing the traditional dress and eat the authentic traditional foods.

I am sure that this tour will remain in your memory.

** Feel free to contact me to customize this tour

Lunch and Dinner (Main dish + beverage) and Local Fruit and Traditional Snacks

Tomohon tours

Explore with 17 tours and 2 guides.

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Mario Ben Gavriel

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Christoper T.

$ 200 (USD)

Christoper T.

$ 290 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Tomohon

Customize your tour