Sulawesi Cruise & Kayak: Togean Islands

Arrive Luwuk. Make your way to the group hotel, your room check in is from 2pm. The rest of the day is at your own leisure before meeting your guide for a late afternoon/early evening trip briefing (the time will be confirmed closer to the trip departure). Luwuk is the biggest city in Sulawesi’s eastern peninsula, with two universities and located along a pretty bay. 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. Overnight at Swiss-Belin Luwuk (or similiar)

Meals:  Nil

Today the group will transfer from the hotel to our charter vessel, Jakaré. There will be a crew introduction, trip briefing and a ship and kayak safety orientation. We begin the adventure and head south to the Banggai Islands, a remote archipelago where we may find ourselves kayaking where few tourists have paddled before. Time permitting, we launch the kayaks today for an introductory paddle and for those signed up for scuba diving, a check dive. Tonight, we enjoy our first dinner on board under a multitude of stars.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we explore Peleng Island, the largest island in the remote Banggai Archipelago, where limestone coastlines, jungle-fringed bays and vibrant turquoise waters create a spectacular setting for adventure. We visit the remarkable freshwater lake of Paisu Pok Luk, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and lush tropical surrounds, with opportunities to swim and snorkel in this serene natural oasis. Throughout the day we kayak sheltered bays and small offshore islets, discovering secluded beaches and quiet coastal villages rarely visited by travellers. Time permitting, we may also explore the beautiful sands of Mandel Beach before continuing north toward Pulau Dua, enjoying sunset views from the deck of Jakaré as we cruise deeper into Central Sulawesi’s island wilderness.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, we stretch our legs and hike to one of the surrounding hills in the Pulau Dua area for some outstanding views. We then take to our kayaks and explore the coastline, offshore islands and lagoons. Divers can enjoy some first class sites with rich fish life, colourful sea fans and black corals. This afternoon, we sail north and then west to Pulau Puah, the entrance to the Togean Islands.

Meals:  B,L,D

Palau Puah is a remote and beautiful low sandy island surrounded by a fringing reef. We kayak the lagoon and snorkel or dive the reef and enjoy the tranquility of this island paradise. While exploring the archipelago, we hope to cross paths with the Bajo ethnic group who are the most amazing free divers, seemingly at one with the ocean. Later in the day, we head west toward Pulau Togean, one of the largest islands in the archipelago.

Meals:  B,L,D

In the early morning, we make our way north-west along the beautiful strait that separates Pulau Togean and Pulau Batudaka, a journey of about three hours. We wind our way through the strait, viewing verdant jungle and a number of communities consisting of stilt houses built over water. Once on the northern side of Palau Togean, we drop anchor in front of picturesque Karina Beach and make our way to Mariona Lake, best known as Jelly Fish Lake, to swim with stingless jellies! With no predators in the fresh water lake, the jellyfish have slowly evolved to become stingless and provide an amazing experience for swimmers. This afternoon we can enjoy an extended kayak from Karina Beach and meet Jakare at that evening’s anchorage.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we have an early morning westward sail to remote Pulau Una Una. The island is framed by striking black sands and ringed by coconut palms and turquoise seas. The island’s active volcano, Colo, rises 500 metres above sea level with a two kilometre wide caldera. Colo’s last eruption was in 1983, thankfully, with no casualties, as six months prior, the volcano began to show activity and residents gradually evacuated to nearby islands. Over time, people began to return and re-build as the land is very fertile. The island has three villages where we can meet the locals and glimpse their island life. The forests are alive with birds such as bright blue kingfishers and red long tailed pigeons. For those looking for more adventure, spend the day hiking to the crater lake of Colo volcano. The hike passes through dry river beds and thick jungle before the final trek to the crater lake where hikers are rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding islands. For those who prefer not to venture up a volcano, there are many beaches to discover, along with fabulous reefs to snorkel or dive.

Meals:  B,L,D

Sailing eastward, we’ll enjoy the beauty and culture of Pulau Malenge. One of the most intriguing experiences in the Togean Islands is walking from one island to another on long wooden bridges. These bridges, which are locally known as “jembatan gantung,” are made from sturdy planks of wood and stretch across narrow straits or lagoons. Some of these bridges are quite long and walking across them can be very scenic, providing views of the surrounding waters and lush greenery. Crossing the wooden bridges is also a chance to meet the locals who use them regularly to walk between islands. One of the most well known bridges is the one kilometre-long structure connecting Pulau Malenge to Pulau Papan. Today sees us kayak, snorkel and for divers, Malingi Wall provides an easy dive. A beach BBQ is planned for tonight.

Meals:  B,L,D

Early this morning, Jakaré will sail to Palau Waleabahi, a remote island ripe for exploration. Discover squeaky white sand beaches, lagoons and forest walks alive with exotic bird calls. We may have the opportunity to visit a Bajo village today and meet the local fishers in their dugout canoes.

Meals:  B,L,D

We continue exploring the eastern part of the Togean Archipelago, with a final paddle, snorkel and diving outing. This afternoon, Jakaré will begin the transit to Gorontalo (about 10 hours). The group will enjoy a special farewell dinner for the final night on board Jakaré

Meals:  B,L,D

In a location near to Gorontalo, there is an area where whale sharks are known to congregate. No guarantees can be given, but If we’re fortunate, we may have the chance of snorkelling alongside these magnificent creatures. The Jakaré arrives into Gorontalo, a city of around 20,000 people situated on the southern fringe of Sulawesi's protective northern arm. After breakfast on board, it’s time to say farewell to the crew and disembark. The Jakare arrives into Gorontalo around 10am. A transfer to the airport or Gorontalo town can be facilitated by the boat staff and your kayak guide. A taxi from the port to the airport can take about 45 minutes. If flying out today, please book a flight departure no earlier than 2pm.

Meals:  B