Southern Sulawesi Kayak & Cruise

Arrive in Kendari, the capital of South-East Sulawesi, where the journey begins with an overnight stay at the group hotel. Set beside a broad bay and surrounded by forested hills, Kendari is known for its traditional silverwork and relaxed coastal atmosphere. The remainder of the day is free to explore before meeting your guide and fellow travellers for a trip briefing. For those with time to explore, a visit to Moramo waterfall, about a 50 minute drive from town, is a recommended outing. The tiered falls are surrounded by clear pools and verdant jungle. Overnight at Swiss-Belhotel Kendari (or similar)

Meals:  Nil

Transfer to the traditional liveaboard Jakaré and settle into life on board. Following a crew introduction, expedition briefing and kayaking orientation, begin sailing north into the Gulf of Tolo towards the remote Labengki Islands. Time permitting, enjoy a first paddle or snorkel outing in the warm tropical waters before sunset drinks and dinner beneath the stars.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is spent exploring the spectacular Labengki archipelago, a maze of limestone islands, hidden lagoons and white-sand beaches surrounded by vivid turquoise water. Formed by dramatic karst formations draped in tropical forest, the islands offer exceptional opportunities for kayaking, snorkelling and exploration. Paddle quiet coastlines and sheltered bays, discover hidden lakes and caves, and snorkel above giant clams thriving within Labengki’s coral-rich waters. While ashore, there may be opportunities to spot wild orchids and the distinctive Sulawesi Hornbill among the island forests, while small fishing villages provide insight into life within this remote island region.

Meals:  B,L,D

Continue north to Pulau Tarape, home to a remarkable hidden lake inhabited by millions of stingless jellyfish. Swimming amongst these gentle creatures is one of the expedition’s most memorable experiences, made possible by the lake’s isolated ecosystem and absence of natural predators. Later, arrive amongst the spectacular limestone islands and turquoise lagoons of Sombori, often compared to Raja Ampat for its dramatic scenery and vivid water colours. Kayak narrow channels between towering karst islands, hike to panoramic viewpoints overlooking brilliant blue lagoons and, conditions permitting, paddle into the ancient cave system of Gua Allo, where bats cling to the cave ceiling above hidden natural pools.

Meals:  B,L,D

As the voyage continues northward through remote island chains and little-visited coastlines, there may be opportunities to explore Pulau Cinta Bersemi or islands near Pulau Bunta. The region is rich in birdlife, with Sulawesi home to numerous endemic species including colourful kingfishers, parrots and the striking Ornate Lorikeet. Enjoy a combination of kayaking, snorkelling and coastal walks before Jakaré begins the overnight crossing towards the remote Banggai Archipelago.

Meals:  B,L,D

The Banggai Islands remain one of Indonesia’s least-visited island regions, offering a genuine sense of exploration far removed from established tourist routes. Today explore the small island of Sago, whose compact coastline makes it ideal for a full circumnavigation by kayak. Along the way, encounter quiet beaches, traditional outrigger fishing boats and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. This afternoon visit Pulau Telopo for snorkelling and diving opportunities, including the chance to spot the endangered Banggai Cardinalfish, a species found only within this island region.

Meals:  B,L,D

Continue exploring the Banggai Islands with visits to Pulau Batuampas and Pulau Melilis. Kayak along remote tropical coastlines before trekking inland through lush vegetation to hidden waterfalls, where cool freshwater pools offer welcome relief from the tropical heat. Throughout the islands there may be opportunities to encounter the Bajo people, renowned seafaring communities who live in villages built on stilts above the reefs. Their remarkable free-diving traditions and close relationship with the ocean remain an enduring part of life within this remote archipelago.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning kayak the sheltered inlet of Teluk Ombuli on the south-eastern coastline of Banggai Island. Nearby, Tanjung Gundul presents one of the region’s most unusual coastal landscapes, where smooth white pebbles replace sand beneath towering limestone formations and a striking natural rock arch carved by wind and waves. After lunch, Jakaré sails onward towards Peleng Island, the largest island within the Banggai Archipelago.

Meals:  B,L,D

Explore the pristine coastline of north-eastern Peleng Island, including the beautiful Mandel Beach, renowned for its powder-white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Depending on conditions, explore the coastline by kayak or on foot before continuing westward into the large bay separating Peleng’s two peninsulas. The afternoon offers further opportunities for kayaking, snorkelling, diving and short hikes amongst remote islets and jungle-fringed coastlines deep within the bay.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today visit one of Sulawesi’s hidden natural wonders, the extraordinary freshwater lake of Paisu Pok. Surrounded by dense tropical forest within a jungle crater, the lake is renowned for its exceptional water clarity, with visibility often extending beyond ten metres. Snorkelling within the lake reveals submerged tree trunks, freshwater plants and small fish drifting through luminous blue-green water. Return to Jakaré for a final afternoon of relaxation and a farewell dinner on board as the expedition draws to a close.

Meals:  B,L,D

Arrive into Luwuk on Sulawesi’s eastern peninsula, where the voyage concludes after breakfast on board. Set beside a sweeping bay, Luwuk is one of the region’s principal coastal towns and a gateway to Central Sulawesi. Disembark and transfer to the airport or continue onward travels through Indonesia. For those with a relaxed schedule, one of Luwuk ’s best attractions is the Piala Waterfall (Air Terjun Piala) which is a large turquoise waterfall with multiple cascades, located only a 15 minute drive outside of town. The Jakare arrives into Luwuk around 10am. A transfer to the airport or the centre of Luwuk can be facilitated by the boat staff and your kayak guide. A taxi to the airport takes about 15 minutes. If flying out today, please book a flight departure no earlier than 1pm.

Meals:  B