Sulawesi Kayak Adventure - Togean Islands

Arrive Gorontalo. Make your way to the group hotel, 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). Things to do and see in Gorontalo include a visit to Pasar Central Gorontalo, the largest and busiest traditional market in the city. Here you’ll find fresh produce, local handicrafts and cuisine. Or, for some history, Banteng Otanah is a fort on the north-western outskirts of Gorontalo. Built in 1522 by King Ilato as a defence against the Portuguese, the fort is made of sand, limestone and the eggs of the Maleo bird. Overnight at Aston Gorontalo Hotel and Villas (or similar)

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 settle into life on board and start the adventure. We hope to launch the kayaks today for an introductory paddle and for those signed up for scuba diving, a check dive. This evening we head south to the Gulf of Tomini and the Togean Islands (about a 10 hour sail).

Meals:  B,L,D

We arrive into the Togean Islands early this morning and depending on conditions, we aim to explore the eastern side of the archipelago. Our first paddling, snorkelling and diving outings may be centred around Pulau Waleabahi, a remote island ripe for adventure. 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 cross paths with the local fishers in their dugout canoes. The Bajo ethnic group live in over water stilt houses and are the most amazing free divers, seemingly at one with the ocean.

Meals:  B,L,D

Sailing westward, 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

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

In the early morning, we make our way south-east to Togean Island and drop anchor in front of picturesque Karina Beach. We make our way to Mariona Lake, best known as Jelly Fish Lake, to swim with stingless jellyfish. 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 the evening’s anchorage.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, we transit south 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 largely consisting of stilt houses. Once on the southern side, we’ll launch the kayaks and explore the islands lying off Pulau Togean and Pulau Batudaka. Kayakers, snorkellers and divers have the opportunity to view a B24 Liberator, lying 16-20m below sea level on a sandy bottom. The American plane ditched in May 1945 and is still in good condition, although encrusted in sponges and coral and now home to many fish.

Meals:  B,L,D

Heading east, we call into Pulau Puah, 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.

Meals:  B,L,D

Leaving the Togean Islands behind, we continue east and round the peninsula of Central Sulawesi. Our destination is the lovely island of Palau Dua.

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. The group will enjoy a special farewell dinner for the final night on board Jakaré.

Meals:  B,L,D

The Jakaré sails into Luwuk, a city of around 35,000 people and situated on the southern fringe of Sulawesi's protective northern arm. Luwuk is the biggest city in Sulawesi’s eastern peninsula and the gateway for destinations like the Togean and Banggai Islands. Luwuk has two universities and enjoys a pretty setting over a bay. After breakfast on board, it’s time to say farewell to the crew and disembark. End of trip arrangements. The Jakare arrives into Luwuk before 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