A volcanic peak above a still mangrove lagoon under a pink sky

Itinerary

12 days: the whole archipelago

The whole archipelago: reefs at several dive sites, Jellyfish Lake, forest walks and the Una Una volcano.

Summary

Route overview

Twelve days through the whole archipelago, with two nights each on Kadidiri, Una Una and Bomba and the Walea islands at the start and the end, starting and ending in Luwuk.

The longest route: it adds the crossing to Una Una, a trek towards its volcano and two days on its reefs.

Last updated

Duration
12 days, 11 nights
Start and end
Luwuk
Islands
Puah, Malenge, Walea Kodi, Kadidiri, Una Una, Bomba
Diving
Optional, 2–3 dives on most days
Boat
From and back to Pagimana

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 01 Day 1

    Arrival in Luwuk

    Luwuk

    Arrival at Luwuk Airport and a transfer to the Estrella Hotel, with views over Luwuk Bay. Time to rest by the pool or book a massage at the spa.

    Divers go through their plans on the first day, so that dives can be booked with the dive centres in the islands.

    Overnight: Estrella Hotel, Luwuk

  2. 02 Day 2

    Pagimana to Puah and Malenge

    Puah · Malenge · Walea Kodi · dives possible: 2

    A drive to Pagimana harbour, then a full day at sea on the way to Malenge: white beaches and clear water, with time to snorkel or dive.

    The boat explores Puah Island and its small archipelago and stops for a barbecue of fresh fish on a secluded beach before sailing on to Malenge.

    Overnight: Guesthouse on Malenge

  3. 03 Day 3

    Pulau Papan and the Walea islands

    Malenge · Walea Kodi · dives possible: 2–3

    A day around Malenge and Walea Kodi, with a visit to Pulau Papan, the village known for the long wooden walkway built for its children.

    Time for a walk, a dive or a snorkel, or the white-sand beaches.

    Overnight: Guesthouse on Malenge

  4. 04 Day 4

    Jellyfish Lake and Kadidiri

    Jellyfish Lake · Kadidiri · dives possible: 2

    A sail along the coasts of Kalea and Calya Island, with stops at small beaches and villages, and a swim at Jellyfish Lake on the way.

    At Kadidiri Paradise, the afternoon is for paddleboarding, snorkelling or diving, and walks along the beach and through the forest.

    Overnight: Kadidiri Paradise

  5. 05 Day 5

    A free day on Kadidiri

    Kadidiri · dives possible: 2–3

    Diving for certified divers (two or three dives), or snorkelling and paddleboarding from the beach.

    The rest of the day is for the island’s green interior or the resort, with the sunset from the deck.

    Overnight: Kadidiri Paradise

  6. 06 Day 6

    Una Una and its volcano

    Una Una · dives possible: 2

    A crossing to Una Una, known for its colourful reefs. Snorkel or dive among the corals.

    In the afternoon, a trek along a dry riverbed of pebbles towards the active volcano, through a landscape shaped by eruptions, with steam rising from the ground. Dinner is outdoors.

    Overnight: Una Una

  7. 07 Day 7

    Diving and free time on Una Una

    Una Una · dives possible: 2–3

    A second day on Una Una. Certified divers can dive a new site or the deeper coral gardens with a guide; everyone else can snorkel from the beach.

    In the afternoon, remote beaches and lagoons that can only be reached by boat. The last evening ends with a dinner of local food.

    Overnight: Una Una

  8. 08 Day 8

    On to Bomba

    Bomba · dives possible: 2

    A sail to Bomba along quiet coasts, stopping at small beaches and villages on the way.

    A bungalow on a private beach with sunset views at Poya Lisa. Dive, snorkel or paddleboard in the afternoon.

    Overnight: Poya Lisa, Bomba

  9. 09 Day 9

    A day around Bomba

    Bomba · dives possible: 2–3

    Diving for certified divers, or snorkelling and paddleboarding from the beach. In the afternoon, white sand, village visits and dives around the small island of Bomba.

    The day ends with a sunset on a sandbank that rose from the sea only recently.

    Overnight: Poya Lisa, Bomba

  10. 10 Day 10

    Back to Malenge

    Malenge · Walea Kodi · dives possible: 2

    A sail along the coasts of Kalea and Calya Island to the south side of Malenge, stopping at small beaches and villages on the way.

    Overnight: Guesthouse on Malenge

  11. 11 Day 11

    Mangroves and Piala Waterfall

    Pagimana · Piala

    A slow sail back to Pagimana past mangroves, quiet villages and the last views of the islands, then a drive to Luwuk with a stop at Piala Waterfall.

    Overnight: Estrella Hotel, Luwuk

  12. 12 Day 12

    Departure

    Luwuk

    A last morning in Luwuk, a small coastal town in the Banggai region of Central Sulawesi, then the transfer to Luwuk Airport for the flight to Makassar.

Travelling this route

Joining an organised trip

This route follows the The Grand Tour, a scheduled trip by Togean Safari Cruise on its wooden phinisi Toki Toki, with up to seven guests and nights ashore. It costs €1,872 per person, with accommodation, three meals a day on the islands, airport and land transfers, drinking water, coffee and tea on board, and snorkelling gear and paddleboards included; flights, diving, soft drinks and alcohol, snacks, mobile data and tips for the crew are extra. Dates are on request.

You can also use it as a guide for planning on your own: the places to stay are listed under Stay, and most accommodation arranges the boat to the next island.

Day-by-day route: Togean Safari Cruise.

The The Grand Tour on togeancruise.com Places to stay

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