The Banggai Islands in Sulawesi, Indonesia are often overlooked by travelers but offer a variety of attractions such as the beautiful Paisupok blue lake, beaches, caves, waterfalls, and wildlife.
This vast region consists of three distinct regencies – Banggai, Banggai Islands, and Banggai Laut – making it more complex to navigate compared to other areas in Sulawesi. Having my wife, who is Indonesian, with me was a great advantage during our visit.
My experience exploring the Banggai islands involved booking hotels and transportation on my own. In this blog post, I will provide a guide on how you can also plan your trip independently. Additionally, I will offer recommendations for local tour guides if you prefer to join a group or opt for a private tour.
Regardless of the route taken, Banggai offers some amazing attractions and is definitely worth a visit if you are already planning a trip to Sulawesi. Below is a detailed travel guide for exploring Banggai. It includes an itinerary for each day, such as visiting Peleng Island, exploring caves and Salakan, and experiencing the waterfalls. Additionally, there are tips on when to visit Banggai, conservation efforts in the area, and other useful contacts for tour guides and local assistance. This guide aims to help travelers make the most of their time in Banggai and experience all the best things the region has to offer.
Exploring the Banggai Islands begins with a flight to Luwuk, a town located in central Sulawesi with a population of around 35,000 people. The itinerary covers various activities and sites in the Banggai Islands, starting and concluding in Luwuk.
You can take several flights every day from Makassar in South Sulawesi to the Luwuk airport (LUW). Alternatively, you have the option to hire a driver and travel by land from Ampana to Luwuk after exploring the Togean islands, another beautiful destination in Sulawesi.
If you are traveling to Luwuk from Bali, Jakarta, or any other location in Indonesia, you will need to make a stop in Makassar before reaching Luwuk. You can search for available flights on Skyscanner.
Mandel Beach is considered one of the best beaches in the Banggai islands.
• Travel by ferry to Peleng
When you reach Luwuk, you will find taxi drivers ready to transport you to the town, which is a quick 20-minute drive away. We spent 50k Rupiah for the airport transfer service.
In Luwuk town, travelers can board a public ferry at Luwuk People's Port to reach Leme Leme on Peleng island. The ferry leaves at 2 PM daily and the trip lasts for 2 hours, but it often departs an hour behind schedule due to the concept of "Indonesian rubber time."
You can purchase tickets in person for 54k Rupiah (~$3 USD) each. At the moment, there is no option to book these tickets online, but there is no need to worry about them selling out.
The ferry is a large wooden vessel that can hold between 50 to 100 passengers. It provides bunks and benches for seating, although they may not be very comfortable. For those seeking more privacy, there is the option to rent a small room for two people equipped with bunk beds and a fan. This upgrade comes at an additional cost of 50k Rupiah per room.
You also have the option to book a speedboat to visit some of the top attractions on Peleng island, such as Paisu Pok Lake and Poganda Beach. The journey from Luwuk takes approximately 1 hour, and you may even have the chance to spot dolphins during the boat ride.
Taking a day tour with a private speedboat can cost between 1.5 to 4 million Rupiah (~$100 to $250 USD) for the roundtrip. While it may not be affordable for everyone, it is faster than taking the ferry and can be cost-effective if you split the expenses with friends.
Whether you opt for the ferry or speedboat, the journey between Luwuk and Peleng island is typically smooth and calm, making waves unlikely to pose a problem during the crossing under normal circumstances.
Exploring the waters of Paisu Pok Lake in a paddleboat
• Spend the Night in Peleng
When we reached Peleng, the time was already after 5 PM and the sun was going down. We were eager to visit Paisu Pok Lake, but we didn't have enough time left on our arrival day.
Our overnight accommodation was at Novpitri Homestay, located near the harbor in Leme Leme. The rooms were simple, equipped with a fan, squat toilet, and a bucket of cold water for showering. During our visit in late 2023, the electricity was only available through a generator, but they have since upgraded to 24/7 electricity supply.
There is only one room with air conditioning available at this homestay, so it is recommended to reserve it in advance if you prefer this option. The staff may take some time to reply on WhatsApp, even if you can communicate in Indonesian. The accommodations at the homestay are not luxurious, but are sufficient if you plan on being out exploring for most of the day. We were aware that this would be the most basic accommodation during our trip to Banggai, so staying here for two nights was not an issue.
The standard price for the air-conditioned room is 200k Rupiah per night, while the fan room costs 150k. It is hoped that mosquito nets will be provided in the near future. The hosts, who were accommodating, prepared a delicious and affordable dinner for us, consisting of rice, vegetables, omelets, fried tofu, and chicken.
For those looking to be near Paisu Pok Lake, there are several simple homestays available in Luk Panenteng village, located right next to the lake. By choosing to stay in this village, guests can easily access the lake for daily walks and swims.
Prior to going to sleep, we made arrangements to rent a scooter from the place we were staying so that we could visit the lake and the beach the following day. The scooter was prepared and waiting for us when we woke up in the morning.
Banggai has numerous small private beaches similar to the one located close to Mandel Beach.
On the second day of the Banggai itinerary, visitors will explore West Peleng Island. One of the main attractions on the island is Paisu Pok Lake, a stunning blue lake that is a must-see in the Banggai region.
Visitors have the option to rent a small boat, canoe, or standup paddleboard to explore the lake, or they can choose to swim and snorkel in its clear blue waters. The lake's stunning water color is even more impressive in person than in photos.
Paisupok is located an hour away from Leme Leme, as the road leading there has sections that are damaged and require drivers to reduce speed for safety. The road has minimal traffic, making it simple to locate the lake.
I created a detailed blog post about our trip to Paisupok, including advice and images. You can view it by clicking on the link provided.
Explore further: Discover the beauty of Paisu Pok
The water in Paisu Pok Lake is a beautiful shade of blue.
Aerial perspective of Paisupok Lake
• Paisu Batango
The next destination on Peleng island is a small lagoon known as Paisu Batango, located just a short 5-minute drive away from the lake. On maps, it is labeled as 'Luk Bath Panenteng.'
The name Paisu Batango translates to 'trunk water' or 'water from a tree trunk' because the lagoon is supplied by a natural spring. Unfortunately, the locals often use this area for bathing and laundering their clothes with soap, which slightly affects the water's clarity.
The spring water is cool and has a pleasant turquoise hue, despite the fact that the deeper part of the lagoon is mixed with salt water from the ocean.
Fluffy Batango
• Poganda Beach is a beautiful white sand beach on Peleng island, located halfway between Leme Leme and the lake. It can be reached from Paisupok in just a 30-minute drive.
The beach is tranquil, with gentle waves and palm trees, making it an ideal location for snorkeling. To our surprise, we spotted numerous starfish without even needing to snorkel. Many of them can be seen in the shallow water close to the shore.
This beach is ideal for watching either the sunrise or sunset, depending on the season. Additionally, there are multiple swings and a pier where visitors can sit and unwind.
Poganda Beach
The dock at Poganda Beach.
• Spend the night in Peleng
After a full day of exploring, we returned to Leme Leme and stayed overnight at the Novpitri Homestay.
If you want to return to Luwuk, there is a ferry that departs from Leme Leme every day at 8 AM. However, we chose to travel east to Salakan and keep discovering the Banggai islands.
We organized transportation for sightseeing and traveling to Salakan the following day before heading to bed.
We were given the option to pay 850k Rupiah, including petrol and a driver, for a direct trip to Salakan. Alternatively, we could pay 1.2 million Rupiah to visit two caves in southwest Peleng before heading to Salakan. We chose to explore the caves.
Day 3 of the Banggai itinerary consisted of visiting caves and exploring Salakan. Our driver, Anto, picked us up at 6:30 am to begin our day trip. We first needed to refuel the car, which took around 45 minutes as it was difficult to find an open petrol station at that time in the morning.
The trip to the caves offers a picturesque route with hills, forests filled with palm trees, and stunning views of the ocean. The journey required a total of 5 hours of driving, with 2 hours to reach the caves and another 3 hours to get to Salakan. We were relieved to travel by car instead of a scooter.
After our investigation, we discovered that the Peleng roads have pavement, but they are damaged in several areas. While it is possible to navigate them with a scooter, I advise against it unless you have prior experience.
The ideal time to take photos of the caves is in the morning, when the sunlight is optimal. We arrived at the first cave, Gua Susendeng, at 9 AM, and it was the perfect time for photography.
Lizard that
• Susendeng Cave
The initial cave we explored was Susendeng Cave, which is a shallow limestone cave with a tall ceiling and a blue pool at the base. We had to walk downhill on a grassy path for 10-15 minutes from where we parked on the main road to reach the cave.
Descending to the cave is simple, but the return trip is more challenging as it involves uphill terrain and lacks any shaded areas to shield from the sun. Upon reaching the cave's entrance, there is a well-maintained concrete staircase leading down to the blue pool.
The water's color is stunning and it looks like a great place to go for a swim. Our driver mentioned that scuba divers have gone exploring in the cave, and there is said to be a tunnel underwater that stretches for at least 200 meters.
Cave Susendeng
Within the cavern
Pool that is
• Bab'banang Cave
After leaving the first cave, it's just a quick 10-minute drive to reach Bab'banang Cave. From there, a brief 5-10 minute walk through the forest will lead you to see a variety of blue-tailed and bright green lizards.
Gua Bab'banang is a picturesque location, especially when viewed from above. There is a concrete staircase that leads down to the cave's bottom. The water in this cave is a stunning shade of blue, even more vibrant than in the previous cave. It is truly beautiful.
Regrettably, the people living nearby have constructed an unattractive concrete bathroom near the entrance of the cave, and there was also a significant amount of litter in the surrounding forest. It is hoped that the growing interest from tourists will encourage them to maintain the cleanliness of this area. The cave, on the other hand, is quite impressive!
Cave Bab’banang
Incredible hues can be seen at Gua Bab’banang.
• Journey to Salakan
Following our visit to the caves, we embarked on a 3-hour drive to reach the town of Salakan. Despite our initial plan to stop for lunch during the journey, we didn't come across any appealing options and instead opted to have a late lunch upon arriving in Salakan.
• Spend a Night in Salakan
We stayed overnight in Salakan, a small town with a population of 2,000. Despite its size, there are numerous cozy hotels and dining options available for visitors.
During our stay in Teluk Bayur, we chose Wisma Sidapore as our accommodation. The rooms were equipped with air conditioning and were kept clean. Additionally, breakfast was provided free of charge. If Wisma Sidapore is fully booked, alternative options include Wisma Sidapore Jalur Dua, which is also owned by the same individuals, or Wisma Alfrend
You have the option to book a room at any of these hotels through WhatsApp. Additionally, they can help you with arranging a scooter rental or a car with a driver.
On the fourth day of our Banggai itinerary, we arranged for a driver from Salakan to drive us to various beaches before dropping us off at Tobing harbor. From there, we traveled to our next destination, Banggai Laut island. The cost for the car, driver, and petrol was 800k Rupiah.
Our first stop was at Bone Pompon beach, which was a half-hour drive away from Salakan. At this beach, visitors have the option to rent a small boat to explore various secluded beaches, one of which is a hidden gem called Pulo Tambun with its pristine white sandy shore.
We were eager to move on quickly to the next beach, Mandel, because we had heard it was possibly even nicer than the one we were currently at.
Skeletal Pompon Shore
• Mandel Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand that spans over one kilometer, making it the most picturesque beach in central Sulawesi.
The beach is characterized by its pristine white sand and clear turquoise water. Despite being just an hour's drive from Salakan, there were only two other individuals present during our visit. It was a unique experience to have the entire beach to ourselves. I was surprised that it wasn't as crowded as Paisu Pok, possibly due to its more remote location which may deter large crowds.
The beach is beautiful and I hope it remains natural without excessive development. We found some litter on the beach and picked it up, filling two small bags, and then gave a tip to our driver for helping us properly dispose of it in town.
Mandel Beach stands out as one of the most picturesque beaches in the Banggai islands.
Soft, pale sand found at Mandel Beach
• Bone Uluno Abason Beach
We traveled to Bone Uluno Abason Beach, the third beach on our list, which was located a 30-minute drive away from Mandel. This beach is known for its expansive stretch of brown sand.
The beach was beautiful, but unfortunately litter was scattered all around, which was disheartening. The presence of trash may have been due to the rainy season, as there are photos showing the beach clean and trash-free at other times. So, your visit experience might differ depending on the timing.
Aerial photograph of Bone Uluno Abason Beach captured by a drone.
• Tendetung Lake
If you have some time to spare before heading to the harbor, you might want to visit Tendetung Lake. This lake has a unique shape and a beautiful turquoise-green color that makes it perfect for aerial photography.
During our visit, we chose not to go to the lake because the locals informed us that it wasn't the best time to visit and we were also short on time.
• Traveling to Banggai Laut Island by boat
Once we finished exploring the beaches, we headed to the harbor in Tobing, which is the ideal location to catch a boat ride to Banggai Laut island. Alternatively, you can also depart from the harbor in Kalumbatan, although it may be pricier.
You can easily take a boat from Tobing to Banggai Laut. The price per person is 80k, as we shared the boat with four locals and their children. The final shared boat leaves at 5 PM, so if you arrive after that time, you may need to pay extra to rent a private boat.
The journey on the boat to Banggai Laut is secure and pleasant, lasting only 15 minutes. Despite being small, the speedboat has ample space for luggage.
• Spending the night in Banggai Laut
After reaching Banggai Laut, you will find accommodations and dining options that are conveniently located near the harbor and can be reached by foot.
During our stay, we chose Hotel Banggai, which was more expensive compared to other hotels in Indonesia. However, it offered a comfortable stay and complimentary breakfast. Our nightly rate was 500k.
The owner of Refly was very friendly and accommodating during our stay on the island, which was a big plus. He is fluent in English and helped us arrange a scooter rental, private driver, and other services in Banggai Laut. You can reach them through WhatsApp at ☎ +62 813-1931-6124.
If Hotel Banggai is too expensive for you, you can consider staying at Batara Guest House instead. It is more affordable and includes complimentary breakfast.
On the fifth day of the Banggai itinerary, we visited Banggai Laut and explored Bontolan Beach. Contrary to our expectations of rough roads, we found that most of the roads on the island were paved and well-maintained. While there were some steep inclines and declines on the roads, they were manageable and not too difficult to navigate.
Our first stop was Bontolan Beach, located a short 15-minute drive from the town. While the beach itself may not stand out much, it is a great location for snorkeling. Visitors can observe various fish species, such as the Banggai cardinalfish, which is native to the Banggai archipelago and not found elsewhere.
Bontolan Beach is a
• Oyama Beach is a small, beautiful sandy beach located on Banggai Laut. Accessible only by boat, the journey to the beach is quick and simple, taking less than 10 minutes.
You have the option to hire a boat driver from Lokotoy or Popisi village in northern Laut for a return trip costing between 50-150k Rupiah. The small boat we used could accommodate up to 7 people, so you could consider sharing the cost with others if you're traveling alone.
Oyama beach has a secluded atmosphere and beautiful turquoise water. Among the trees, you can spot many vibrant green lizards, and there is a wooden walkway that takes you to a mangrove forest located just beyond the beach.
Aerial photograph of Oyama Beach captured by
Aerial view of Oyama Beach
• Lambangan Pauno Beach is a beautiful beach located close to the soon-to-be airport in Banggai Laut. One of its unique features is a natural rock arch that can only be accessed during low tide. Additionally, it is a great location for capturing stunning sunrise photos.
• Tanjung Gundul is a unique cove and beach that can only be reached by boat. It is located near Pasir Putih village and the boat journey there is around 15 minutes long.
Tanjung Gundul is a distinctive beach in Indonesia that stands out due to its white pebbles instead of sand and a massive rock arch that has been shaped by the elements over time. The beach brought to mind the white pebble beaches in Kefalonia, Greece.
Taking a quick trip to this destination with a private boat will cost around 150k Rupiah for a round trip. You have the option to also include a visit to the Teluk Lalong lagoon. If you share the boat with a group, the cost can be lower. It is common for local tourists to visit in the morning, making it easier for you to find others to share the boat with.
Aerial photograph of Tanjung Gundul.
The distinctive white pebble shoreline found at Tanjung Gundul
• Lalong Bay
Located near Tanjung Gundul, there is a beautiful lagoon that can be visited on the same boat ride.
The Teluk Lalong lagoon contains vibrant blue and green water. It is home to various fish and coral, and we were fortunate enough to observe a sea turtle. However, it is advised not to swim in the lagoon as locals have warned about the presence of crocodiles.
Lalong Bay lagoon
Aerial photograph of the lagoon with blue and green colors.
• Kelapa Lima Beach is a secluded beach surrounded by palm trees and towering limestone cliffs. It is a beautiful and peaceful spot that we had all to ourselves when we went there. The name of the beach translates to "5 coconut beach."
In Banggai Laut, this was the only area where we thought having a car would be beneficial. The road was extremely uneven and navigating it with a scooter was difficult, but still possible.
Later on, we returned to the town and spent an additional night on Banggai Laut island.
Beach named Kelapa Lima
Aerial photograph of Kelapa Lima Beach.
Banggai Itinerary Day 6: Exploring Mbuang-Mbuang Island
• Journey to Mbuang-Mbuang Island
One of the top attractions near Banggai Laut is Mbuang-Mbuang Island, located approximately 80 kilometers southeast of the area.
Mbuang island has many interesting sights to explore, but reaching it can be difficult, particularly when weather conditions are bad. Unfortunately, we had to cancel our day trip to the island in December due to unfavorable weather.
One way to reach your destination is by using a public slow boat, which is cost-effective and generally secure, but the journey can last 7-8 hours. Another option is to take a day trip on a private speedboat, which only takes 2 hours each way. However, this option is more susceptible to weather conditions due to the smaller size of the boat.
The speedboat is quite costly, with prices reaching up to 4 million Rupiah. However, it offers greater convenience compared to the public boat, and can be more cost-effective if you split the expenses with friends.
• Pasir Panjang Beach is the primary beach located in the village of Mbuang-Mbuang. It is easily accessible from the village, making it convenient for visitors to reach. The beach features white sand and is within walking distance from the village.
• The main draw of Mbuang-Mbuang island is Paisu Batongan Jellyfish Lake, where visitors can swim with harmless jellyfish. Despite its distance from more popular jellyfish lakes in Indonesia, it remains relatively unknown.
The lake contains two types of jellyfish that do not pose a threat to humans. Additionally, it is home to various fish species, such as the unique Banggai cardinalfish.
• Palanggang Beach is a secluded beach located close to Mbuang village, known for its great snorkeling opportunities. Despite its proximity to the village and Pasir Panjang beach, a boat is required to access it.
• Popisi Hill
At Popisi Hill, there is a picturesque lookout point named Bukit Popisi that offers stunning views of multiple islands in the ocean. The scenery is comparable to the views in Raja Ampat, Sombori, or Ang Thong Thailand. It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to hike to the top of the hill.
• Pingo Beach is a lengthy stretch of sand with a white color located on the eastern side of Mbuang island. It is enclosed by limestone hills, making boat the sole means of transportation to reach the beach.
• Stay Overnight in Banggai Laut
If you decide to explore Mbuang island during the day and return to Banggai Laut by speedboat, you have the option to spend the night there as well, as there are numerous hotels available.
If you choose to travel by a slower boat, the only accommodation option in the Mbuang-Mbuang village is a simple guesthouse that provides meals.
Banggai Itinerary Day 7: Heading Back to Luwuk
• Taking a Ferry from Banggai Laut to Luwuk
Once you have explored all the attractions in Banggai Laut, the only means of transportation to return to Luwuk is by ferry.
Every day at 1 PM, a ferry departs from Banggai Laut to Luwuk. If the ferry is delayed, it leaves at 2 PM. The journey lasts around 8 hours. The ferry is spacious, secure, and quite comfortable. Although there were some waves in certain areas, the sea was mostly calm.
The price for a ticket is 130,000 Rupiah for each person. For an additional 200,000 Rupiah, you can rent a small room for two people, equipped with bunk beds and air conditioning. The room we had was very cold, but it was comforting to have a private space to relax during the lengthy boat journey.
• Staying in Luwuk for the night
When you reach Luwuk, there are many dining options and accommodations available for you to stay overnight.
Some affordable accommodation options in Luwuk are Ayana Homestay, RedDoorz RSUD, and RedDoorz Plus Syariah. For those looking for more luxurious options, there are also high-end hotels such as Swiss-Belinn, Hotel Santika, and Estrella Hotel.
During our stay, we chose Hotel Kota for its combination of comfort and affordability. The price for a night in an air-conditioned room with complimentary breakfast was 345k Rupiah. To reach out to them, you can use WhatsApp at the phone number +62 857-5633-5555.
Banggai Itinerary Day 8: Visiting Waterfalls
• Piala Waterfall
A must-see attraction near Luwuk is the Piala Waterfall, a large waterfall with turquoise water and several cascades, situated just outside the town. The drive to reach it is fairly short, taking around 15 minutes.
I was reminded of the well-known Kuang Si Falls in Laos when I saw this place, as it also features water with a turquoise hue and numerous individual waterfalls and natural pools perfect for swimming.
This waterfall is not widely recognized by tourists from other countries, but many locals visit it. To avoid the crowds, it is best to go in the morning, especially on a weekday.
Explore Indonesia's most stunning waterfalls by checking out our list
The Piala Waterfall is located in Luwuk, Sulawesi.
A detailed look at Piala Waterfall, which is a great spot for swimming.
A smaller waterfall located at Piala.
• Laumarang Waterfall is another waterfall located near Piala. To reach it, you will need to follow the same road as the first waterfall but continue a bit further. The road leading to Laumarang Waterfall is quite rough.
To reach Laumarang, you can hike from the parking area in Piala, but the roundtrip hike takes a minimum of 1 hour. Efforts are being made to enhance the roads in this area, so access is expected to improve in the near future.
If you continue hiking beyond Laumarang, you will come across a large and beautiful third waterfall known as Akar Darah.
Reptile close to the cascading water
• Dendengan Waterfall is a nearby attraction located close to Luwuk, only a 20-minute drive from the airport or 40 minutes from the town. It is well-known and accessible, as there is a paved road leading directly to the waterfall.
Unfortunately, when we visited in early December, the waterfall was not flowing. However, the photographs I have seen from different seasons show that it can be quite beautiful.
• Kamumu Waterfall is a beautiful turquoise waterfall situated in the northeastern part of Luwuk. Access to the waterfall is not possible by car, so visitors will have to hike a bit to reach it.
Salodik Waterfall is the final waterfall we explored near Luwuk, located approximately 40 minutes away from the town center. The road leading to the waterfall is in good condition and there are ample parking spaces available.
Salodik is a beautiful waterfall with numerous cascades, but it has been heavily developed.
Unfortunately, the area surrounding the falls has been heavily developed with unattractive concrete buildings, giving it a crowded and unnatural appearance. This detracted from the beauty of the natural surroundings and made it difficult to fully appreciate the scenery.
Salodik Waterfall is a
The smaller waterfall
• Spending the night in Luwuk
We decided to extend our stay and booked another night at Hotel Kota in Luwuk.
Day 9 of the Banggai itinerary includes a visit to Pulau Dua, a small and picturesque island that can be accessed on a day trip from Luwuk. The island features steep hills and a staircase that visitors can climb to reach the top. The landscape resembles that of Padar island in Komodo, making it an ideal spot for hiking and snorkeling.
To reach Pulau Dua island from Luwuk, you will need to take a 2.5-hour drive followed by a 15-minute boat ride. The cost of renting the boat for a day ranges from 300k to 400k Rupiah, and the boat will take you to any destination on the island that you desire.
• Stay in Luwuk for the night
Enjoy your final evening in Luwuk before taking a flight to Makassar and continuing on to your next destination.
Another option is to book a driver from Luwuk to transport you to Ampana, from where you can board a boat to the Togean islands and later explore Gorontalo in the northern part of Sulawesi.
Planning a 5-day itinerary to explore the Banggai Islands allows you to experience all the main attractions such as the lake, beaches, and waterfalls even if you have limited time on the island.
Here is an example of a more concise schedule for a trip to Banggai:
Vibrantly colored seashells can be found at Tanjung Gundul
A different perspective of Mandel Beach.
Guide to the Top Attractions in Banggai
This guide highlights some of the top attractions in the Banggai region. Points of interest are shown in blue, accommodations in yellow, ports in green, and airports in red on the map.
Remember that the Banggai region is relatively unexplored by tourists, so we may not have seen all there is to offer. There are likely many undiscovered hidden treasures in this area just waiting to be found. This is part of the excitement of exploring new places!
There
Contact information for tour guides in Banggai can be easily found when visiting the area. During our trip, we took care of booking our accommodations and arranging transportation, such as drivers, boats, and motorbikes, with some assistance from the hotels we stayed at. Having my wife who is Indonesian with me made the process smoother and more convenient.
If you're only interested in seeing Paisupok Lake and other nearby attractions in Luwuk, I don't think it's necessary to book a tour.
If you plan on visiting all the caves, beaches, and other attractions in Banggai but do not speak Bahasa, it may be beneficial to hire a local tour guide who can help organize your trip.
These are some reliable contacts in the local area that may be helpful.
A drone captured an image of the stunningly blue Paisu Pok Lake.
Video captured beneath the surface of the lake.
Additional ways to get in touch with Banggai
The pool of water inside Gua Bab’banang cave has a blue color.
Additional recommendations for visitors to Banggai include exploring the beach located in Pasir Putih village on Banggai Laut.
Enjoying the activity of paddleboarding on Lake Paisu Pok
The ideal time to visit the Banggai Islands may differ from other parts of Indonesia. While most of Indonesia experiences the best weather from April to November during the dry season, Banggai has its own unique weather pattern that can be somewhat unpredictable.
In the beginning of December, we traveled to Banggai. Although it rained mostly at night, it did not affect our trip. Unfortunately, we had to skip visiting Mbuang-Mbuang island due to rough waves making the sea crossing too difficult.
During the months of September or October, a few waterfalls in the Luwuk area begin to lose their water flow. This dry period typically lasts until January or February, except for the Piala Waterfall, which maintains a consistent flow throughout the year. When visited in early December, the Piala Waterfall still had abundant water, despite the generally dry climate in the Luwuk region during that time.
Paisu Pok Lake is a great destination to visit throughout the year, but it's best to avoid holidays and weekends when it can become overcrowded. The best time to visit is on sunny days, as this is when you can see the lake's color and clarity at its finest.
Lizard with a blue tail
Preserving the environment in Banggai is important. If you have a fondness for the Banggai islands, your assistance in maintaining their cleanliness is valued. We made a conscious effort to leave every location cleaner than we found it, and even collected a bag of trash from some of the beaches to dispose of properly.
I believe that some tourism could benefit this area as long as visitors are mindful of keeping it clean and preserving it. This region is isolated with limited infrastructure, so I don't foresee it becoming a popular tourist destination like Bali in the near future, which is a good thing.
Additional Tips for Traveling in Indonesia
Thank you for reading! I hope you found this travel guide helpful for exploring Luwuk and the Banggai Islands in Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Remember to take a look at my detailed guide for Paisupok Lake for additional advice and images of Banggai's top tourist spot.
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There are 50 comments on this post, including one from David praising the photos and information. They are eager to book their flight and appreciate the helpful details provided. They enjoy the writing style and the support for local businesses showcased on the blog. The commenter, Shannim, is a longtime fan of Indonesia and appreciates the content shared.
Awesome! Thank you Shannim, I hope you have a wonderful journey to Banggai.
I appreciate your help. Stay safe and have a good journey. Thank you.
Hello, have you visited Mbuang-mbuang island during this trip? Also, have you been to the Bajau tribe village in Banggai Laut known as Mandebolu? Are you familiar with that location?
Hello. We didn't visit Mbuang-Mbuang on this trip, but I provided the information in case anyone is interested in going there. The beaches and jellyfish lake seem beautiful, so we might plan to visit them next time we are in Banggai.
Hello David and Intan, I was thinking about booking a Grab car from the airport to the people's port. Do you know if we need to book it in advance or if we can do it on the same day?
Hello Lee. In Luwuk, there is a service called GoJek and a local app called Draiv, but Grab is not available. We did not test the apps at the airport to see if they could connect us with drivers, as we only used them within the town. However, there were taxi drivers at the airport offering their services, so it should be easy to find a ride without prior booking. We paid 50k Rupiah for our airport transfer with a driver named Boni. If you are interested, you can reach him through WhatsApp at ☎ +62 853-8562-5578.
I appreciate your help! Can you provide information on the boats used for traveling to various islands? How can we rent one and what is the typical price range?
The specifics regarding each boat can be found in the blog post. Reservations are not necessary for regular boat rides unless you prefer a private experience.
Hello David, I'm interested in booking a private boat for a one-day trip from Luwuk to the lakes and back. Can you please advise on where I can make this reservation?
Hello Anna. Mick Wagey or Butros Delim can help you organize a private boat to visit those locations.
I appreciate you sharing your experiences on your blog. It's full of inspiration and excitement! Keep it up, and I can't wait to see where your next adventure takes you!
Thank you, Ch
Hey David, I have a suggestion for you. Can you add dates to the blog posts? I couldn't see them in the mobile version. It's important to know when the information was last updated, as things can change quickly. For instance, there are currently no direct flights from Manado to Luwuk. Also, Leme-Leme now has 24-hour electricity. Just thought you should know:)
Hey Tobi, I just updated the information regarding the flights and electricity. I was trying out hiding the dates because typically only the last update date is shown, which can be confusing. We visited in December and I wrote the guide in January. I continuously edit these guides to keep them current, so any feedback is welcomed until I can return to Banggai later this year. I'm currently reaching out to our local contacts in Banggai to check for any recent changes. It's unfortunate that the Manado flights to Luwuk have been discontinued, but hopefully they will resume in the future. There's also a possibility they may start flying to the new airport in Banggai Laut once it's completed.
Greetings David and Intan,
I want to express my gratitude for your informative blog that was incredibly helpful for our trip. We followed your suggested itinerary closely and had a similar experience. However, I wanted to share a few additional details based on our trip. Contrary to what was mentioned in your blog, the locals informed us that the best time to visit Banggai is actually from October to December during the dry season when the wind is not too strong. Unfortunately, we encountered a lot of rain and strong winds during our visit, with only a few days of mostly sunny weather. We had to cut short our boat trip to Mbuang-Mbuang due to the rough conditions, including heavy rain. Additionally, we were unable to visit the Piala and Laumarang waterfalls as they were closed due to flooding. Overall, the weather did not align with the ideal travel time as suggested in your blog.
The prices for accommodation at Leme-Leme Novpitri Homestay have increased slightly, with AC rooms priced at 200/day and Fan rooms at 150/day. Scooter rental is available for 150/day. Anto charged us IDR 1.3 million for a trip to Salakan, only IDR 700 for trips to Pompon and Mandel Beach, and then to Tobing. The prices for Hotel Banggai in Banggai remained unchanged. The boat trip to Mbuang-Mbuang would have cost us 4 million, but we canceled it and visited Kokungan waterfall instead, agreeing on a price of 2.2 million. In Luwuk, we hired Boni as our driver for the entire trip, who speaks English well and offers fair prices. The rates were 50 for airport transfer, 500 for visits to Salodik and Kamumu waterfalls, Piala and Laumarang (if open). We paid a million for the transfer to Pulau Dua and back.
We spent 400 on a boat rental for the entire day at Pulau Dua.
I would like to mention that in Luwuk, you may find that you stand out in the public harbor and feel like a superstar. People may stare at you or try to help carry your luggage, so it's important to be cautious and assertive. Maintaining a confident and determined attitude can be helpful in these situations.
After waiting for 3 hours for the ferry, we passed the time by taking photos with the locals. Rispan, who we met at the harbor in Luwuk, was a helpful contact. He speaks English well and assisted us in communicating with the locals. You can find him on Instagram as rzn_galih. Rispan works in port supervision, helping with ticket purchases and navigating the port area.
We were told about Danau Tendetung, a lake in Peleng that is worth visiting while traveling from Mandel Beach to Tobing. We received this recommendation while on a ferry from Banggai to Luwuk, and the photos shown to us by a local were impressive.
Overall, I was very impressed with how accurately you can recreate your journey through Banggai. It was completely achievable for the three of us even though we didn't speak Indonesian, thanks to the assistance of the locals and a reliable offline translator.
I want to express my gratitude for the helpful guide you provided. I highly recommend that everyone consider going on the Banggai adventure. It is truly an experience that is invaluable.
Many thanks to everyone and wishing you all the best!
Markus Raiser can be found on Instagram under the handle mk.rs.travel, where he shares his travel adventures and favorite moments.
Hello Markus, thank you for your feedback and sharing your experience! I will make sure to include those details in the blog post. It's great to hear that you had a wonderful trip to Banggai, despite the weather not being ideal. It seems that the weather in Banggai can be unpredictable, as we also faced similar issues in December. Refly had recommended coming between April and November to avoid such weather problems. In December, Luwuk was dry but the islands like Banggai and Peleng experienced cloudy and rainy days. Due to the rough conditions, we decided not to visit Mbuang-Mbuang as they warned it could be unsafe. Next time, we plan to take a larger boat to Mbuang-Mbuang instead of a speedboat for a smoother ride. The locals at the harbor in Luwuk were very welcoming and friendly, as you mentioned. It's great to hear that you had an enjoyable trip!
The weather in Banggai is known to be unpredictable, and despite asking locals, drivers, and hotel owners about the rainy and dry seasons, the answers were always between April and November. However, there was a sense that they may not have had a definite answer themselves. We met an expat from Russia in Banggai Laut who shared information about the impact of volcanic eruptions in Halmahera and Ruang on the weather, particularly due to ash clouds. This can have a significant effect on seasonal conditions. Planning to return to Banggai for a longer stay of over 2 weeks, including a visit to Mbuang Mbuang by slow boat, will require some luck and patience.
I share your opinion that, once we got to know the people, it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable experiences we had with the locals in Indonesia, haha.
I agree with you. I wish for improved weather conditions on your upcoming trip so that you can visit Mbuang and other destinations!
Hello! I find your travel posts very motivating. I have only traveled outside the United States on two occasions, but I am excited to utilize your advice and recommendations to organize a fantastic trip in the future.
I appreciate your kindness
Hello David, I wanted to say congratulations and thank you for your helpful post. I found all the information I needed for my upcoming trip in September. I've been in touch with some guides, but unfortunately, their prices are too expensive for me. I prefer to have an adventurous trip that I can do independently. I've calculated the costs for boats and accommodation from your post, but I still need to factor in food and scooter rentals. Do you think around 8 million will be enough for a trip for two people? Thank you and safe travels!
Hey Marcelo! We spent 10 days in Banggai and averaged around 1 million Rupiah per day for expenses excluding flights. I believe we could have spent less if we had been more budget-conscious. In Banggai Laut, we initially hired a driver and car on the first day due to concerns about road conditions, but later realized that a scooter would have been sufficient. Staying at Batara Guest House would have been a more affordable option compared to Hotel Banggai. Wishing you the best of luck!
Dear David and Intang, I wanted to express my gratitude for your helpful tips. A friend and I are planning a trip in July and we are considering following the 5-day itinerary you suggested. I have a few questions regarding transportation. Is it possible to rent a scooter to travel from Salakan to Mandel beach or from Salakan to Leme-Leme? Would my German driver's license suffice or do I need an international one? Additionally, can I make advance bookings for the ferry from Luwuk to Salakan and from Leme-Leme to Luwuk? Thank you for your assistance in advance. Best regards, Aris
Hello Aris. If you're looking to rent a scooter in Salakan, any hotel should be able to assist you or connect you with someone who can. It is recommended to have an international driver's license, although it may not be strictly required. The drive from Salakan to Mandel beach is not difficult, with some rough patches on the road but no steep inclines. The journey to Leme-Leme is a bit more challenging and longer (over 3 hours), but manageable if you drive carefully. Booking ferries in advance is not necessary, as there is no current system for doing so and they do not typically sell out. Best of luck on your travels!
Greetings David and Intan
I love your blog, it's fantastic! The photos you shared are captivating. Your advice has made me eager to visit Sulawesi next year. Thank you for inspiring me!
Great, I appreciate
Hola, me comunico contigo desde España. Estamos planeando un viaje a finales de agosto a Manado y Toraja con mi pareja, y nos gustaría averiguar si existen agencias de buceo en Banggai, ya que no encontramos ninguna en Google.
Thank you very much for your work!
Greetings from Spain!
Hello Carmen. We didn't dive in Banggai, but I found two websites with information. I hope this helps: [insert links].
Thank you very much! Another thing I wanted to ask is if there is a possibility to rent a car on my own (without a driver). I am very used to traveling this way and I'm not sure if it would be a good idea… Thank you in advance!
¡Hola! Creo que podrías rentar un auto sin conductor en Luwuk y Banggai Laut. Aquí te dejo un enlace que encontré: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XSu2XNidzDmrU1nx8 En Luwuk, hay varias opciones de lugares para alquilar autos, pero este tiene la mayor cantidad de opiniones. Puede ser un poco más complicado en Peleng, ya que Leme Leme es un pueblo pequeño. Sin embargo, podrías preguntar en la casa de huéspedes de la zona.
Hello David, I appreciate your informative blog post. After reading it, I am interested in visiting the Banggai islands. However, we only have three weeks in Indonesia and also plan to explore East Java. Given our time constraints, do you think it is feasible and worthwhile to fly from Java to Luwuk to visit the Banggai and Togean islands in Sulawesi? Thank you in advance for your assistance!
Hey Mia! I think three weeks should give you enough time to visit Java, Banggai, and Togean at a relaxed pace. If you need to skip one destination, Togean would be the most practical choice as it is more remote compared to the others. It is usually better to visit Togean if you are already traveling to Manado and exploring Sulawesi from north to south, or the other way around. However, since it is a long drive from Luwuk and you would have to make the same drive back if you fly out of Luwuk, it might end up being a lot of time spent in transit. Another option could be to spend one week in Java and one week in Banggai, with some extra time for additional activities like visiting Rammang Rammang near Makassar. You would most likely be flying to Makassar on your way to Luwuk, as flights to Luwuk usually have a layover there.
Thank you for sharing useful information! As someone who travels alone with a limited budget, I read a comment where you mentioned spending around 1 million idr per day. Do you think it's possible to explore most of your itinerary, especially in Peleng, using a motorbike or scooter to reduce costs? I prefer not to spend a lot on private drivers each day.
Hey Brandon! You can save money by opting for a motorbike and choosing budget-friendly hotels. It's possible to spend less than 500k Rupiah per day as a solo traveler, even if you stay in a nice air-conditioned room with breakfast included. We only used a car in certain places because there was limited information online about the road conditions in Banggai at the time.
If there's anyone going to Banggai during the week of July 22nd, like Brandon, we can split the expenses together! 😅
Hello Grace, have you already gone? I am thinking of arriving in Luwuk around the 5th of August. I am having a hard time deciding between Banggai and Togean.
David and Intan are discussing whether it would be too expensive for a solo traveler who can't drive a scooter to hire a private car for 5 days. They are considering if the cost would potentially double the total expenses. Hiring a private car with a guide for 5 days would cost 10 million for a solo traveler, which seems quite high.
The cost appears to be quite steep. Did you book a group tour or a private tour? It might be more cost-effective to hire a private driver and car for daily transportation instead.
Certainly, it is exclusive and for one person only… the cost for two people is divided equally.
I want to mention that your post is very informative and if I had more time, I believe it provides enough information for someone to do it themselves. Great job, the pictures are beautiful, and the information is detailed. Thank you!
Hi, my friend and I are following the same route as you, but we won't be including the Mbuang-Mbuang. We are trying to stick to a budget, so we're wondering how much we can expect to spend per day, or what the total cost might be. Thank you for your advice, it's really helpful!
Hello. Previous comments have discussed travel costs, but generally, it is possible to spend around 500-600k Rupiah per day if you share a room and save money by renting a scooter. This amount does not include the cost of flights. To save money, you may want to consider staying at cheaper hotels. For instance, in Banggai Laut, you could opt for Batara Guest House or another homestay instead of Hotel Banggai. These options are more affordable and should still provide a comfortable stay.
Hello everyone, my partner and I are looking to go on a trip similar to David and Intan's. We appreciate their detailed itinerary which inspired us to visit the same place. We are planning to visit the Banggai Islands from August 15th to 22nd. If anyone else will be there during that time and is interested in sharing rides or costs, please let us know. Thank you! 🙂
Hello David and Intan, I appreciate your informative post! After reading it, I am now more unsure about whether to visit Togean or Banggai. Have you been to Togean? If so, could you explain the distinctions between the two places? Thank you once again!
Thank you Toni! We have not visited Togean yet, but we are planning to do so on our next trip to Banggai. It seems like there is a lot to explore and experience in Banggai, as it is a larger area with a variety of landscapes such as lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife. Togean, on the other hand, appears to be a great destination for relaxation and beach stays. It offers a wider selection of resorts compared to Banggai, but both places are not overly developed or touristy.
Hello David and Intan, I want to thank you for providing such valuable and informative content. I have been residing in Bali for four years and have taken solo trips outside of the island. Your blog inspired me to visit Paisu Pok, which seems even more amazing than Kalibiru West Papua. I usually travel around on my scooter alone, so I am relieved to hear that the roads in Paisu Pok are in good condition. If anyone is planning to visit around October or November (my dates are flexible), I would love to travel with someone.
Hello Sonia. I am currently in Bali and will be heading there on Monday, October 14th. My plan is to mainly explore the area on a motorbike. I am looking for a travel companion to share costs with, as I am traveling alone. Thank you David and Intan for providing helpful information.
UPDATE: 1) Taxis at the Luwuk airport are now charging 100k and are trying to quickly negotiate a deal with an official paper that states the value as 100k. I, knowing Indonesian, told them it was too expensive and opted to take a motorbike to the town for 50k instead. 2) There is a woman at the airport who is available to assist tourists with information and finding accommodations. 3) I had to pay 200k for a boat ride from Desa Lokotoy to Oyama, as I was traveling alone and it was getting late in the day. 4) The road from Leme-Leme to Paisupok is in poor condition, especially during rainy weather. I witnessed an elderly Indonesian couple fall in front of me near Paisupok. It is important to be cautious when riding a motorbike on this road. 5) The road from Salakan to Mandel beach is also in bad shape, with parts under construction and becoming even worse during rainfall. It is still passable with a motorbike, however. 6) Taking the road from Tobing to Salakan, which goes through the middle of the island, offers some nice views. 7) It is advisable to arrive early at the harbors when traveling between Peleng island and Banggai Laut, as I had to wait over 2 hours for the speedboat to depart due to insufficient passengers. I ended up paying extra to ensure we could leave sooner.
In my opinion, Mandel is a much nicer beach compared to Oyama. I personally didn't find the visit to Banggai very memorable, but that's just my personal preference. 🙂
Thank you, David and Intan, for sharing such valuable information once again!
I appreciate you sharing your experience of the trip! It's helpful to be aware of the situation with airport taxis. It may be a good idea to plan ahead and schedule a pickup or consider using a motorbike like you did. I also agree that Mandel beach is a great choice. Hopefully, they can make some improvements to the roads in the area.
Hello, I appreciate you adding my name and contact information as a local tour guide on this blog. It means a lot to me. I wish you good health and happiness always. 😊🙏🏾
Sincerely, Butros
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Personal Introduction
Greetings! I am David Leiter, an American who has been exploring different parts of the world for the past 9 years. My wife Intan and I spend most of our time in Bali, our second home, but we also travel to various destinations around the globe. Feel free to join us on our adventures!
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