I had never heard of the Sangihe Islands before, so I mostly went out of curiosity. The trip was quite packed, but at the same time it felt completely different from the usual routes around Indonesia. There are hardly any tourists, just small villages, volcanic islands and lots of places you can only reach by boat. My favorite part was the time at sea. We traveled between remote islands, went snorkeling and diving, and stopped at completely empty beaches. The coral was beautiful, there were plenty of fish, and diving near an underwater volcano was a completely new experience for me. I also really enjoyed walking through the jungle in search of tarsiers, although spotting them turned out to be harder than I expected. Getting there is not the easiest, and the itinerary is quite active, but places like this are probably worth traveling so far for. I’m glad I decided to go because I discovered a completely different side of Indonesia, one I hadn’t even imagined before.
North Sulawesi & Sangihe Islands Journey
Far from every corner of Indonesia has become a popular tourist destination. The Sangihe Archipelago is one of those rare places where nature and traditional ways of life have remained virtually unchanged for decades. Here, you'll discover tropical rainforests, volcanic islands, small fishing villages, crystal-clear seas, and the feeling of stepping into a completely different Indonesia—peaceful, authentic, and still largely unknown to most travelers.
Throughout the journey, you will explore Manado and Sangihe Island, venture into the rainforest in search of tarsiers, admire picturesque waterfalls, and spend two days island-hopping through the remote corners of the archipelago. Along the way, you can snorkel over vibrant coral reefs, enjoy optional scuba diving, visit tiny uninhabited islands, relax on secluded beaches, and discover fascinating underwater volcanic formations.
In just a few days, you will experience two completely different sides of North Sulawesi: lush tropical rainforest and the vast open ocean, remote islands where life still follows its own unhurried rhythm, and hidden places that even experienced travelers rarely reach. These are the journeys that stay with you—not because they are famous, but because they reveal an unexpected side of Indonesia that few people ever get to see.
Tour options:
How It Will Be
Flight from Bali to Manado. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Four Points by Sheraton Manado, where you can check in and relax after your journey.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided tour of Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi. You will learn about the city's history, discover its remaining colonial architecture, gain insight into the local culture, and experience the distinctive atmosphere of this region, so different from Bali.
In the evening, dinner will be served at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for a restful night.
Phоto: Four Points by Sheraton Manado
After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your flight from Manado to Tahuna via Siau. Upon arrival on Sangihe Island, your driver will take you to Tahuna Resort. After check-in, you will enjoy lunch and have some time to relax.
In the afternoon, your exploration of the island begins. Passing through charming villages and remnants of colonial architecture, you will follow a rainforest trail with a local guide to a picturesque waterfall. As dusk falls, you may have the chance to spot tarsiers—among the smallest primates on Earth, nocturnal creatures that are rarely seen in the wild.
After the excursion, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Photo: Tahuna Resort
After breakfast, your expedition through the Sangihe Archipelago begins. By speedboat, you will travel to remote islands, hidden bays, and secluded places far from the usual tourist routes.
Throughout the day, you will stop at several snorkeling sites in crystal-clear waters, while certified divers will also have the opportunity to dive. Discover vibrant marine life, unusual underwater volcanic landscapes, tiny uninhabited islands, and secluded beaches perfect for swimming and relaxing.
By late afternoon, you will arrive on Para Island and settle into a simple yet comfortable guesthouse. After dinner, enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the tranquility of this remote island.
Photo: diving
After breakfast, your journey through the Sangihe Archipelago continues. Another day awaits among remote islands, secluded coves, and untouched natural landscapes. You will discover new snorkeling and diving sites, land on quiet beaches, and visit traditional fishing villages where local communities continue to preserve their ancestral way of life.
This part of the journey reveals a side of Indonesia that few travelers ever experience—peaceful, remote, and almost untouched by mass tourism. Free from large resorts and modern infrastructure, the archipelago offers pristine nature, crystal-clear waters, and the timeless rhythm of island life.
In the afternoon, you will return to Tahuna. After some time to rest and dinner, you will transfer to the port to board the overnight ferry back to Manado.
Photo: diving
The ferry arrives in Manado in the morning. After meeting your driver at the port, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Bali.
Your journey through the Sangihe Archipelago comes to an end here. Over the past few days, you will have discovered one of Indonesia's least-explored regions, with its tropical rainforests, remote islands, thriving marine ecosystems, and places where nature and tradition have remained remarkably well preserved.
Important Information:
Additional options that can be arranged in advance
diving arrangements;
rental of diving and snorkeling equipment;
single occupancy accommodation;
hotel room upgrade in Manado;
additional nights in Manado or Tahuna;
a private boat or a customized sea expedition;
extending your stay in the Sangihe Islands;
a combined itinerary including Sangihe, Manado, Bunaken, other islands of North Sulawesi, the regions of Central and South Sulawesi, as well as other destinations across Indonesia and Papua.
Travelers reviews
I came to Sangihe mainly for the diving. I've already logged quite a few dives in different countries, so I wanted to discover somewhere new instead of another popular dive site with lots of people underwater. This place turned out to be completely different. Many of the dive sites felt almost untouched. On some dives, our group was the only one there. Beautiful coral reefs, plenty of fish, excellent visibility, and the dive near the underwater volcano is something I'll remember for a long time. Experiences like this are absolutely worth traveling so far for. I also liked that diving is only one part of the journey. Between dives you get to explore the islands, walk through local villages, spend time out at sea, or simply relax on the beach in the evening. It all felt really well balanced.
Included
- all land and water transfers
- accommodation throughout the journey
- double occupancy throughout the trip
- meals as specified in the itinerary
- services of local guides and tour leaders
- sea expedition through the Sangihe Archipelago
- boat transportation for sea crossings and excursions
- snorkeling at the locations included in the itinerary
- all excursions included in the itinerary
- all entrance fees included in the itinerary
Not included
- flights Bali – Manado – Tahuna and Manado – Bali
- meals not specified in the itinerary, including lunches and dinners
- additional nights, transfers and activities (including diving)
- insurance
- accommodation upgrades
- expenses resulting from flight delays or cancellations, ferry schedule changes, weather conditions, or other circumstances beyond the organizer's control
lightweight clothing suitable for a tropical climate;
a windbreaker or lightweight waterproof jacket for sea crossings;
comfortable closed-toe shoes for jungle walks;
sandals or other footwear suitable for use on boats and at the beach;
a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen;
insect repellent;
swimwear;
a small backpack for day trips;
a waterproof phone case or dry bag for your phone, documents, and electronic devices;
personal medications;
a mask and fins for snorkeling. Equipment rental may be available on site and should be confirmed in advance.
your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Indonesia;
this tour takes place in a remote region with limited tourist infrastructure;
accommodation on Para Island is simple and differs from the standard of city hotels;
part of the itinerary includes long sea crossings, drives on uneven roads, and walks through tropical rainforest;
participants should feel confident in the water to take part in the sea expedition;
diving is arranged separately and is available only for certified divers, subject to weather conditions;
domestic flight schedules and the overnight ferry timetable are subject to change;
the order of excursions and sea locations may be adjusted depending on weather conditions, sea conditions, transportation schedules, and the recommendations of the local team;
wildlife encounters take place in the animals' natural habitat, so sightings of tarsiers and marine life cannot be guaranteed;
mobile phone coverage and internet access on the remote islands may be limited or unreliable;
comprehensive travel insurance covering marine activities, snorkeling, diving (if booked), and emergency evacuation from remote areas is strongly recommended.
a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the tour price is required at the time of booking;
cancellations made less than 45 days before departure incur a 75% cancellation fee;
cancellations made less than 30 days before departure incur a 100% cancellation fee;
travel dates may be changed no later than 45 days before departure;
refunds are made at the exchange rate set by the Bank of Indonesia on the day of payment;
we give a full refund in case the provider can't render the service;
we review the issue of a refund up to 5 calendar days from the date of customer's application;
we provide a refund within 14 calendar days from the date of customer's application.
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