Adventure between craters and turquoise beaches in Sulawesi
In summary
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Sports
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Duration9 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationIndonesia / Sulawesi
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions178.36 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
In a few words
Discover Minahasa , a fascinating region in North Sulawesi, where active volcanoes , lush forests , and idyllic beaches meet in a spectacular setting. This private, ten-day tour immerses you in the heart of a still-pristine territory, ideal for nature lovers and volcanic adventure enthusiasts.
Over the course of several days, you'll enjoy high-altitude hikes , ascents of smoking craters , and immersions in tropical jungle , encountering rare endemic wildlife . The program also includes plenty of time for relaxation, with welcome breaks on the shores of the Celebes Sea, where exceptional seabeds and turquoise lagoons await.
Alongside this immersion in nature, you'll explore a rich local culture, embodied by the Minahasa people, known for their hospitality and age-old traditions. A balanced journey, between exertion and contemplation , where each day offers its own share of discoveries.
A unique itinerary for curious sports enthusiasts and lovers of wide open spaces , looking for a stay between Tierra del Fuego and aquatic paradise .
The highlights
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Climbing active volcanoes in the heart of the magnificent landscapes of the Minahasa region
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Immerse yourself in the rainforest and encounter a unique endemic fauna.
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Relaxing on idyllic beaches after exploring the volcanoes and natural landscapes
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Snorkeling
- Average duration/day: 4h
Management
Private stay with French-speaking guide and team of porter(s)
Program
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Welcome to the Minahasa
- Transportation Car - 02h - 45km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You will be met in the morning at Manado International Airport by your French-speaking guide, and transferred to Tomohon, in the highlands.
Day 1 -
First volcano and first encounters
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early in the morning, an easy ascent of the Lokon-Empung volcano (1,580m), located about a 1.5-hour walk from the hotel. Continue 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 active today. There is an opportunity to descend to the edge of its crater lake. Return to the hotel and transfer to Kayawu , a small Minahasa village nestled beside stunning rice paddies. Enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family: traditional bamboo cooking and local specialties (ikan mas, fish cooked and marinated in banana leaves, captiku, etc.). Visit to Wolohan in the afternoon, a village where the famous Minahasa "chalets" are built (which are exported all over the world), as well as the volcanological observatory which monitors the Lokon, Mahawu and Soputan volcanoes.
Day 2 -
In Vulcan's lair
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early morning ascent of Mount Mahawu (1,324m). Discover its acidic lake and bubbling mud pools. Its last eruption was in 1977. Enjoy a 360° view from the tip of Sulawesi Island to Mount Soputan , with the Sulawesi Sea to the north and the Molucca Sea to the south… and in between, the lush, green Minahasa region. Descent and transfer to Touure , the village from which the ascent of Mount Soputan begins . Approximately 3 hours of walking (easy, sometimes following a river) will be required to reach base camp.
Day 3 -
The summit of the gods
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the middle of the night, we begin the final ascent of the enormous lava dome of Soputan (1,805m). This volcano has experienced very high activity since 2000 and is therefore closely monitored. Its activity is typical of stratovolcanoes, Strombolian and Plinian, with pyroclastic flows (lahars – mudflows – during the rainy season). We observe the dome and watch the sunrise over Lake Tandano. The view extends to the Klabat and Tangkoko volcanoes, encompassing the coral islands and Bunaken National Park. We descend and drive to Lake Tandano. This 30km-long lake is of purely volcanic origin. Surrounded by rice paddies, it is home to one of the local specialties, including "ikan mas," a type of goldfish that can reach several tens of kilograms. Lunch by the lake and transfer to Lake Linau , a sulfur lake with a striking green hue that changes color with the subtle interplay of light. Return to the hotel and free afternoon to enjoy its extraordinary garden.
Day 4 -
Minahasa civilization and lost paradise
- Transportation Car - 03h - 110km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Visit the famous Tomohon Market, a true green lung at the tip of Sulawesi Island, supplying vegetables, fruits, and meats all the way to the northern islands. Then drive to Manado, visiting a Waruga cemetery, a testament to ancient civilizations who buried their dead sitting in unusual tombs. A short visit to Manado follows, then drive to Pulisan . This little paradise nestled at the very end of Sulawesi boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in North Sulawesi. Check into charming little bungalows by the water.
Day 5 -
Tangkoko National Park
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Very early in the morning, we set off in a perahu (local fishing boat) for a long day of trekking to explore Tangkoko National Park (9,000 hectares) and its semi-active volcano (last eruption in 1880). This long walk through rainforest will offer the opportunity to encounter a rich and varied wildlife. Small in size, this park holds treasures, including the world's highest concentration of hornbills (including the rhinoceros hornbill), the endemic black macaques, and the nocturnal and extraordinary tarsier (the smallest mammal on the planet). We also encounter the Maleo, a strange gallinaceous bird that lays enormous eggs and buries them under volcanic ash to accelerate hatching. We return to Pulisan and spend the night in a lodge by the sea.
Day 6 -
Rest in paradise
- Transportation Car - 04h - 110km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Free morning and transfer to Manado in the afternoon. Overnight stay in a hotel located on the seafront, facing the islands of Bunaken and Siladen.
Day 7 -
Unique underwater landscapes!
- Activity Snorkeling
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure for a day trip by boat to the islands of Bunaken and Siladen , located in the heart of a 75,000-hectare underwater nature park, home to approximately 3,000 species of fish. You'll have the opportunity to dive or snorkel.
Day 8 -
See you very soon in Indonesia
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 15km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Free time until the transfer to Manado airport.
Day 9
Accommodation
Access
You will be met in the morning at Manado International Airport by your French-speaking guide. Airport transfer at the end of your stay is also included.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- French-speaking guide and team of porter(s)
- Ground transfers in private, air-conditioned vehicles
- Maritime transfers
- Bed and Breakfast Accommodation
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary above
- Site entrance fees, trekking permits & donations
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags and mattresses, in particular)
- Mineral water and energy supplements during walking days
The price does not include
- International & Domestic Air
- Insurance & assistance
- Visas and any airport taxes
- Drinks, personal expenses & tips
- Anything not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
• Visa on arrival (VOA - 30 days renewable):
○ Price: 500,000 IDR (+500,000 IDR for the 30-day extension).
○ To be obtained directly at the airport upon arrival.
○ Requires a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry and a ticket to leave the territory.
○ Allow 1 hour for the protocol.
• Online visa (30-day e-visa):
○ Available on the official website: https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/
○ Allows entry into Indonesian territory within 90 days of obtaining it.
○ Allows you to avoid the queue for purchasing the visa at the airport.
○ Upon arrival, you will go through the automatic gates (follow the E-visa/Evoa signs) by directly scanning your passport.
○ A confirmation email will be sent to you once the visa is activated.
Health and Vaccines
• Health advice: We are not doctors, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate recommendations.
• Health form: To be completed in advance online or on site by scanning the QR code.
Payment and Withdrawals
• Credit cards accepted almost everywhere (Indonesia is part of the G20).
• ATMs available in all major cities.
• Bring cash for warungs and small shops.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Camping equipment
Equipment to bring
- 20-30L backpack for trekking (with rain cover)
- Waterproof bag or pouches (protects passport, money, electronics from moisture)
- Headlamp (for night climbing, e.g. Bromo or Rinjani) + spare batteries
- Water bottle or hydration pack (minimum 1.5L)
- Hiking poles (optional but useful for steep descents)
- Category 3/4 sunglasses
- Cap or hat for the sun
- High protection sunscreen (SPF 50)
- Tropical mosquito repellent (DEET or equivalent)
- Small first aid kit (mosquito repellent, plasters, disinfectant, personal medication, motion sickness tablets)
- Wipes / hand sanitizer
- Camera or smartphone + external battery
- Type C/F electrical plug adapter (as in France, but sometimes a power strip is useful)
Clothing to bring
For everyday life (city, beach, sightseeing):
- Lightweight and breathable T-shirts (technical fabrics or fine cotton)
- Lightweight linen or cotton shorts/trousers
- Dresses or flowing outfits suitable for the heat
- Swimsuit(s)
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirt (protects from sun and mosquitoes)
- Pareo or scarf (practical for temples, the beach, or as a light blanket)
- Sandals or flip-flops (for resting after the trek and for everyday use)
For the volcano trek:
- Windproof and waterproof jacket
- Warm fleece or light down jacket (at the summit, the temperature can drop to 0–5°C)
- Thermal base layers (technical long-sleeved t-shirt + lightweight leggings if trekking at night)
- Breathable and comfortable hiking pants
- Hiking socks (anti-blister, breathable)
- Hat or headband + light gloves (it can get cold at the summit, especially at night)
- Buff or scarf to protect against wind or volcanic dust
Shoes
- Suitable footwear: low-cut with a solid sole.
- Volcanic terrain: wear shoes with good grip. Test before departure.