Volcanoes of North Sulawesi
- hiking to North Sulawesi's volcanoes: Lokon, Mahawu, Soputan, Karangetang -
In short
Tour code: SUL_VNS
Tour type: Volcano tour
Difficulty: Moderate
Tour character: Easy to medium hikes (up to 4-6 hrs, ca. 800m climbing). Camp at Soputan's crater rim.
Best travel period: April-October
Duration: 8 days (7 nights)
Dates:
Custom tour dates only
Price (p.p.): from 660 EUR
(2-12 participants / prices for smaller or larger groups on request.)
Included: | All accommodation in double rooms / tents
| | Full board excluding drinks as specified in the program (B=breakfast, L=lucnch, D=dinner included)
| | All ground, sea and air transfers as described in the program
| | Airport transfers from and to Manado airport
| | Entry fees, visits to parks and sites etc. as described by the program
| | Local guides, cooks and porters |
Northen Sulawesi is one of Indonesia's most friendly, most interesting and beautiful areas. A paradise not only for divers (the reefs around the coasts and islands are world-class diving and snorkeling sites), it also has some very active and photogenic volcanoes. Besides that, colorful cultures and the delicious, spicy Minahasan cuisine await you on this relatively easy trekking tour. Depending on the state of acitivity of the volcanoes (in particular, Soputan), we can modify the itinerary on the spot to dedicate more or less time to an individual volcano. A very interesting option (planned for June 2009) to extend the 8-days program on the mainland of North Sulawesi is to include a visit to Karangetang.
The Sangihe volcanoes:
If you have time, flexible and can do without established tourist facilities, you should not miss the chance to extend the tour and go to the seldom visited volcanic arichipelago of the Sangihe Islands. They form the northern extension of the active volcanic chain of North Sulawesi.
Untouched white sandy beaches, uninhabited small paradise islands, excellent spots for snorkeling, active volcanos and friendly, very interested people, and last but not least, one of the world's most active volcanoes, Karangetang on Siau island, await you. North Sulawesi (7 days)
Day 1: |
Arrival & meeting in Manado - transfer to Tomohon
Pick-up from Manado airport and transfer to Tomohon where we will stay the next nights in beautiful bungalows.
Tomohon is renowed for its local products and crafts. The town is located in the notably cooler highland at about 700 m altitude, between Mahawu and Lokon volcanoes, and has a perfect climate.
If your arrival is early, you have time to either explore Tomohon and its markets.
Acc.: Hotel (bungalows) in Tomohon (D)
|
Day 2: |
Mahawu volcano - Tondano lake
In the morning, we drive to the trailhead at the foot of Mahawu crater, from where it is an easy, 1-hr hike to its spectacular crater rim, with great views on the surrounding volcanic landscape and into its crater with small colored ponds. After a lunch at the beautiful nearby lake Tondano, we have time to visit local markets, the lake or other interesting sights.
If you feel like, you can join the guide to the local markets to shop for and prepare the following 2 or 3-days trek to Soputan volcano.
Acc.: as before (Tomohon) (B, L, D)
|
Day 3: |
Lokon volcano
Climb Lokon volcano
Acc.: as before (Tomohon) (B, L, D)
|
Day 4: |
Soputan volcano
Trek to Soputan's caldera rim, camp.
|
Day 5: |
Back to Tomohon / Manado or extra day at Soputan volcano
Spare day - either spent at Soputan (if active) or return to Manado / Tomohon for spontaneous activites.
Acc.: hotel or bungalow (Manado or Tomohon) (B, L, D)
|
Day 6: |
Spare day: waterfall and lake
Spare day or hike to see volcanic lakes, jungle waterfalls etc.
Acc.: hotel / bungalow (Manado / Tomohon) (B, L, D)
|
Day 7: |
Departure or extension program
The tour ends with transfer to Manado and the airport at the time you need it.
Acc.: none (B)
|
North Sulawesi + Karangetang volcano extension (7+5 days)
Note:
If you are up to an adventurous extension, the program can be extended with a 3-days visit to Karangetang volcao. Karangetang is one of Indonesia's most active volcano and has had frequent spectacular eruptive activity in recent years.
Day 1-6: |
as before (days 1-6)
|
Day 7: |
Sail to Siau island
Sail from Manado to Siau (overnight)
Acc.: camp / guesthouse / none in case of overnight sailing (B, L, D)
|
Day 8: |
Climb to Karangetang volcano - observation camp
Observation of Karangetang
Acc.: camp (B, L, D)
|
Day 9-10: |
2 full days for observations of Karangetang
If Karangetang is active, we could plan two full days to observe its activity from as close as safely possible.
Acc.: camp or guesthouse (B, L, D)
|
Day 11: |
Sail back to Manado
Depending on the boat schedules, we sail back to Manado during the day or over night.
Acc.: (on ferry) or guesthouse / camp (B, L)
|
Day 12: |
Return to Manado - end of tour
The expedition ends today in Manado, where you could start your own extension program (e.g. excellent diving) or return to Singapore or other destinations.
Acc.: none (B, L, D)
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