WILDLIFE AND CULTURES OF SULAWESI

PREHISTORIC CAVE ART

Our expedition begins in Makassar, capital of South Sulawesi and gateway to one of Indonesia’s most fascinating islands. After meeting our local expedition team, we travel north towards the extraordinary limestone karst landscapes of Maros–Pangkep.

Towering limestone cliffs rise above rice fields, tropical vegetation and rural settlements. Hidden within these dramatic hills are caves preserving traces of human occupation stretching back thousands of years. The region has become internationally celebrated for its exceptionally ancient rock art, including remarkable hand stencils and animal paintings.

We visit Leang-Leang Prehistoric Park, where accessible caves preserve extraordinary prehistoric paintings and archaeological remains. Seeing these images in their original setting offers a fascinating connection with the people who lived here long ago. We learn about the significance of the paintings and the discoveries that have transformed our understanding of early human creativity. Time permitting, we explore additional karst landscapes, cave entrances and viewpoints, keeping watch for bats, birds and butterflies.

Overnight: Makassar.

TRADITIONS & TOMBS

Today we journey into the spectacular highlands of Tana Toraja, one of Indonesia’s most distinctive cultural regions. We catch an early flight from Makassar towards Toraja and continue to Rantepao, surrounded by mountains, rice terraces and traditional villages. The Torajan region is famous for its magnificent tongkonan houses, whose enormous upward-curving roofs and intricately carved wooden façades are immediately recognisable. We visit traditional villages and learn about ancestral houses, family identity and ceremonial life.

We also explore the extraordinary funerary traditions that remain central to Torajan culture. At Lemo, burial chambers are carved into limestone cliffs, accompanied by wooden tau-tau effigies representing the deceased. At Londa, natural caves shelter coffins, human skulls and ancestral remains, offering a fascinating but solemn insight into Torajan beliefs about death and the afterlife. We approach all sites respectfully, but local guides are keen to share their unique culture and living traditions that remain of great importance to local communities.

Overnight: Rantepao

MONOLITHS TO LAKE POSO

This morning, we visit Bori Kalimbuang, home to remarkable ancient standing stones erected to commemorate elaborate Torajan funeral ceremonies.

Leaving the Torajan highlands, we begin a long but spectacular journey northwards through Sulawesi’s mountainous interior. Our route passes terraced hillsides, traditional settlements, forested slopes and valleys enclosed by rugged ridges. We stop where practical to admire viewpoints, photograph the scenery and enjoy local food.

Eventually, we approach Lake Poso, one of Indonesia’s largest and deepest freshwater lakes. Its beautiful waters and surrounding landscapes offer magnificent mountain scenery, tropical vegetation and abundant birdlife.

Overnight: We check into a lakeside resort and relax after our journey.

WATERFALLS AND MEGALITHS

Today we explore the beautiful landscapes around Lake Poso. Our principal excursion takes us to Saluopa Waterfall, where crystal-clear water cascades over natural limestone terraces surrounded by luxuriant tropical vegetation. The falls create a wonderfully photogenic setting, with opportunities to explore forest paths and observe butterflies, birds and unusual plants.

We also spend time along the shores of Lake Poso, whose remarkable freshwater fauna includes species found nowhere else on Earth. Forested hills and traditional villages provide a picturesque backdrop to the deep blue waters. We also hope to encounter wild Nepenthes (carnivorous pitcher plants) and beautiful orchids.

OPTIONAL ADVENTURE — THE LOST MEGALITHS OF BADA VALLEY

For participants particularly interested in archaeology, we aim to offer an alternative excursion into the remote Bada Valley. Here, mysterious stone statues and enormous cylindrical kalamba vessels stand among grasslands and rice fields, their origins shrouded in mystery.

The best-known monument is Palindo, an imposing anthropomorphic stone figure approximately 4.5 metres tall. The precise age, purpose and cultural significance of these extraordinary monuments remain subjects of archaeological debate.

This excursion replaces the standard Lake Poso programme and requires an early start and considerable travel along challenging roads. However, for those fascinated by ancient civilisations, it offers a rare opportunity to encounter some of Southeast Asia’s most enigmatic
archaeological treasures.

Overnight: Tentena.

JOURNEY TO THE TOGEAN ISLANDS

We depart Tentena early and travel east towards Ampana, gateway to the beautiful Togean Islands. Our route passes forested hills, rural villages and the tropical landscapes of Central Sulawesi before reaching the Gulf of Tomini.

From Ampana, we hope to continue by boat into the archipelago, a magnificent collection of forest-covered islands, sheltered bays, limestone outcrops and coral reefs.

As we approach the islands, the scenery changes to turquoise lagoons, palm-fringed beaches and clear tropical waters. Depending on our arrival time, we may enjoy our first swim or snorkel over shallow coral gardens, looking for butterflyfish, parrotfish, anemonefish and many other colourful reef inhabitants.

We settle into our island accommodation, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of this remote archipelago. This evening, we may undertake a guided night walk in search of nocturnal wildlife, including cuscuses, geckos, tree frogs, bats and a fascinating variety of insects.

Overnight: Togean Islands.

JELLYFISH LAKE AND REEFS

Today we set out by boat to explore some of the Togean Islands’ most extraordinary natural attractions. Our principal destination is Mariona Lake, an enclosed saltwater lake famous for its remarkable population of jellyfish. Subject to local conditions, we hope to swim and snorkel among these fascinating creatures — an unforgettable experience in a beautiful tropical setting.

We may combine this excursion with a visit to Karina Beach and nearby secluded bays, where crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone scenery and lush tropical vegetation create wonderful opportunities for swimming, relaxation and photography.

During the day, we also explore some of the archipelago’s magnificent coral reefs, discovering an underwater world teeming with marine life. These reefs support colourful hard and soft corals, anemonefish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, giant clams and countless other fascinating organisms. With luck, we may encounter sea turtles, reef sharks or colourful nudibranchs.

We return to our island accommodation after a wonderful day exploring the extraordinary marine environments of the Togean Islands.

Overnight: Togean Islands.

VILLAGES AND CORAL GARDENS

Today, we travel towards Malenge and the remarkable water village of Pulau Papan, where houses stand above the sea on wooden stilts, connected to the neighbouring island by a long walkway. Accompanied by local guides, we discover the fascinating maritime traditions of the Bajau people, explore village life and sample traditional cuisine.

We have a chance to see the endemic Togian babirusa (also known as the deer-pig). This remarkable wild pig is found only in the Togean Islands and is exceptionally rare in the wild.

During the afternoon, we explore beautiful coral reefs and sheltered lagoons, snorkelling in search of sea turtles, rays and colourful marine life. Whale sharks are encountered in the region, and we will consult local communities about any recent sightings. If conditions permit, we may have an opportunity to observe these magnificent animals in their natural environment.

Optional scuba diving can also be arranged (at extra cost) through a local dive resort, subject to availability and qualifications.

For those who prefer a quieter pace, the islands offer beautiful beaches, coastal scenery and wonderful opportunities for birdwatching. This evening, we may also undertake another guided night walk in search of elusive cuscuses, nocturnal reptiles, frogs and insects.

Overnight: Togean Islands.

JOURNEY TO GORONTALO

Today we bid farewell to the beautiful Togean Islands and begin our journey towards Gorontalo, on the northern peninsula of Sulawesi.

Depending on local boat schedules and sea conditions, we travel by boat back to the mainland before continuing overland through the spectacular landscapes of northern Sulawesi. Our route takes us past forested hills, traditional villages, tropical plantations and picturesque coastal scenery, offering glimpses of everyday life in this fascinating region of Indonesia.

We stop where practical to admire the scenery, photograph the landscapes and enjoy local food. As we approach Gorontalo, we encounter a region with its own distinctive cultural traditions and a rich maritime heritage.

Upon arrival, we settle into our accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening after our journey.

Overnight: Gorontalo.

JOURNEY TO MANADO

Today we continue our journey eastwards through the spectacular landscapes of Sulawesi’s northern peninsula, travelling from Gorontalo towards Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi.

Our route passes through a fascinating variety of landscapes, from forested mountains and lush tropical valleys to traditional villages, agricultural plantations and beautiful stretches of coastline. Along the way, we enjoy views across the mountainous interior and the sparkling waters of the Celebes Sea, stopping where practical to photograph the scenery and explore places of interest.

As we approach Manado, the landscape becomes increasingly volcanic, with dramatic mountain peaks rising above fertile valleys and tropical settlements. This remarkable region is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, including some of Sulawesi’s most distinctive endemic mammals and birds.

We arrive in Manado and settle into our accommodation, preparing for the exciting wildlifeencounters and marine adventures that await us over the coming days.

Overnight: Manado.

VOLCANOES AND HIGHLANDS

Today we explore the beautiful volcanic landscapes and cultural heritage of North Sulawesi. Travelling into the Minahasa Highlands, we pass fertile valleys, traditional settlements, forested slopes and impressive volcanic peaks.

We visit Mount Mahawu, where a relatively short walk towards the crater rim reveals the volcano’s striking landscape and, in clear weather, magnificent views across the surrounding mountains. We also visit Lake Linow, a remarkable geothermal lake known for its changing colours, mineral-rich waters and steaming vents. The surrounding highlands support beautiful tree ferns, orchids and other montane vegetation.

After lunch, if time permits, we visit the Museum of North Sulawesi in Manado, whose collections introduce the region’s archaeology, traditional cultures and natural history. The museum provides fascinating insights into the extraordinary diversity of this remarkable island.

Subject to permission and availability, we also hope to visit an anoa conservation and breeding facility near Manado. Anoa are small, endangered forest buffalo found only on Sulawesi and nearby Buton Island. Observing these elusive mammals would be a wonderful additional highlight.

The day’s programme will remain flexible to accommodate local arrangements.

Overnight: Manado

WILDLIFE OF TANGKOKO

Today we explore the extraordinary rainforests of Tangkoko National Park, one of Sulawesi’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. This remarkable reserve protects lush tropical forests, volcanic landscapes and an astonishing diversity of animals found nowhere else on Earth.

Accompanied by expert local guides, we explore forest trails in search of the critically endangered crested black macaque, a remarkable primate with jet-black fur and a distinctive crest. These highly social monkeys often travel in large groups, offering wonderful opportunities to observe their fascinating behaviour and photograph them in their natural habitat.

Tangkoko is also home to an extraordinary variety of other wildlife. We search for the elusive Sulawesi bear cuscus, spectacular knobbed hornbills, colourful endemic kingfishers, monitor lizards, gliding Draco lizards and unusual insects. With luck, we may also encounter the exceptionally rare dwarf cuscus.

As dusk approaches, we undertake a special guided excursion in search of spectral tarsiers, among the world’s smallest primates. These extraordinary nocturnal hunters emerge from their daytime shelters as darkness falls, revealing enormous eyes and remarkable leaping abilities. Watching these tiny creatures awaken in the rainforest is one of Sulawesi’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences.

Overnight: Manado.

BUNAKEN’S CORAL REEFS

Today we conclude our expedition with a visit to the spectacular Bunaken National Park, one of Indonesia’s most celebrated marine reserves. Situated just offshore from Manado, Bunaken is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, magnificent coral reefs and extraordinary diversity of marine life.

Travelling by boat across the beautiful waters of the Celebes Sea, we reach Bunaken Island, surrounded by some of the most spectacular coral formations in Southeast Asia. Here, towering underwater walls descend into the depths, covered in colourful hard and soft corals, enormous sponges and a remarkable variety of reef organisms.

We spend time snorkelling over these magnificent reefs, searching for sea turtles, anemone fish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, angelfish and countless other colourful marine creatures. Green and hawksbill turtles are regularly encountered around Bunaken, offering wonderful opportunities to observe these graceful animals in their natural environment. With luck, we may also encounter dolphins during our boat journeys.

For those who prefer to remain above the water, Bunaken offers beautiful tropical scenery, peaceful beaches and opportunities to explore the island. Optional scuba diving may also be arranged for qualified participants, subject to availability.

After a wonderful day exploring Bunaken’s extraordinary marine environments, we return to Manado, where our Sulawesi expedition concludes. Participants can be dropped off at their preferred location in Manado.

BUNAKEN – CORAL ISLAND AND REEFS

Extend your stay on beautiful Bunaken Island, exploring spectacular coral walls, colourful reefs and secluded tropical beaches. Discover a variety of snorkelling and diving sites, searching for green and hawksbill turtles, reef sharks and extraordinary marine life. Dolphins are also encountered in surrounding waters, offering another unforgettable wildlife experience. There is a range of resorts and hotels to choose from!

NANTU RESERVE – BABIRUSA AND ANOA

Journey into the remote rainforests of Nantu Wildlife Reserve, one of Sulawesi’s last great wildernesses. Visit the remarkable Adudu salt lick, where rare Sulawesi babirusa (Babyrousa celebensis) gather, offering exceptional opportunities to observe these extraordinary wild pigs. We also search for elusive anoa, endemic birds and other remarkable forest wildlife. Nantu is one of Sulawesi’s premier wildlife reserves and a paradise for photographers and birdwatchers.

LEMBEH STRAIT – MUCK DIVING ADVENTURE

Discover the extraordinary underwater world of the Lembeh Strait, one of the world’s finest muck-diving destinations. Explore volcanic sand slopes in search of the spectacular wunderpus octopus, mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, colourful nudibranchs, frogfish, pygmy seahorses and other bizarre marine creatures. A paradise for underwater photographers and natural history enthusiasts, and world-renowned for colourful invertebrate life!