A small boat moored in a clear bay framed by palm trees

Plan your trip

Getting there

There is no airport on the islands. The journey is a flight to Sulawesi, followed by road and boat.

Summary

How to reach the islands

The Togean Islands are reached in two stages: a flight to the Sulawesi mainland, then a boat. The three gateways are Ampana (south), Gorontalo (north) and Luwuk (east). From any of them, allow at least one full day to reach the islands.

From Jakarta or Bali, most routes connect through Makassar or Palu and include a night on the mainland in each direction.

Last updated

Airports
Luwuk, Gorontalo, Palu; Ampana has limited flights
Main harbour
Wakai, on Batudaka
Shortest crossing
Ampana to Bomba, about 40 minutes
Travel time
Allow a full day each way

Gateways

Three routes

The best gateway depends on where you are travelling from.

  • Via Ampana

    South · most used

    Ampana is reached by road from Palu or Poso, or by flight when available. Public boats run from Ampana harbour to Wakai and other islands. Bomba is about 40 minutes away.

  • Via Gorontalo

    North · overnight ferry

    A car ferry crosses the Gulf of Tomini from Gorontalo to Wakai a few times a week. Check the current timetable locally.

  • Via Luwuk

    East · more flights

    Luwuk has more flight connections, mostly via Makassar, and has ATMs, pharmacies and supermarkets. Organised boat trips to the islands, such as those run by Togean Cruise, depart from here.

Example

Route via Ampana

  1. 01 Day 1

    Flight to Palu or Makassar

    Domestic flights from Jakarta and Bali connect through Makassar, and some through Palu.

  2. 02 Day 1 to 2

    Travel to Ampana

    By road from Palu or Poso (a long day), or by flight when available. Overnight in Ampana.

  3. 03 Day 2

    Boat to the islands

    From Ampana harbour: about 40 minutes to Bomba, or a few hours to Wakai.

  4. 04 Day 2

    Transfer to accommodation

    Accommodation collects guests from Wakai or Bomba by boat. Arrange this in advance.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Can I fly directly to the Togean Islands?

No. There is no airport on the islands. Fly to Luwuk, Gorontalo or Palu, then continue by road and boat.

How long does it take from Bali or Jakarta?

Usually two days, with a connection in Makassar or Palu and a night on the mainland.

Do boats run every day?

Not always. Schedules change with the season, weather and demand. Confirm locally and allow a spare day before onward flights.

Plan your trip

Moving between the islands

Public boats, transfers and charters, with approximate crossing times.

Read boat transfer