Trip Info
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Car, ferry, local wooden boat
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Homestays & local guesthouses
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June – September (dry season with calmer seas)
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English & Indonesian
Explore Banggai Islands in 5 Days
This 5D4N Banggai Islands tour takes you to two of Central Sulawesi’s most beautiful and still untouched regions: Banggai Laut (Banggai Sea) and Banggai Kepulauan (Banggai Islands Regency).
On Day 1, the journey starts in Luwuk with an overland transfer to the port, followed by an overnight ferry crossing to Salakan, the main town of Banggai Laut.
Days 2 and 3 are dedicated to exploring Banggai Laut’s beaches and islands – quiet white-sand bays, headlands, and some of the best snorkeling spots in the area.
On Day 4, the trip continues into Banggai Kepulauan, with a highlight visit to the famous Paisupok / Paisu Pok Lake, one of Indonesia’s clearest blue lakes, along with nearby coastal spots known for ultra clear water and a pristine tropical setting.
Day 5 wraps up the experience as you cross back from the islands towards Luwuk, ending your Banggai Laut and Banggai Kepulauan island-hopping adventure.
This itinerary is designed for travelers who enjoy hidden islands, snorkeling, blue lakes, and local homestay experiences, while keeping daily travel times and activities well balanced.
Highlights
- Scenic sea crossing from Luwuk to Banggai Laut with beautiful island and coastline views
- Visit to Paisupok (Paisu Pok) Lake, an exceptionally clear and exotic blue freshwater lake in Banggai
- Exploration of remote, unspoiled beaches in both Banggai Laut and Banggai Kepulauan
- Snorkeling in Banggai Laut with colorful coral gardens and tropical reef fish
Itinerary
Note: This Banggai Islands itinerary can be made slightly more flexible depending on sea conditions and local circumstances, without reducing the quality or value of the trip for either party.
Meeting Point: Syukuran Aminuddin Amir Airport (LUW) - Luwuk, Banggai
Airport pick-up and transfer to Luwuk harbor
16:00 – 20:30 Depart from Luwuk public harbor by ferry with a private cabin and begin the overnight crossing to Salakan, Banggai Laut. Enjoy the views of the coastline and small islands as you sail into the Banggai region.
20:30 – 21:00 Arrival at Salakan seaport. Short land transfer to your accommodation.
21:00 Check-in at Azafa Guest House (or similar), dinner, and rest.
This first day focuses on travel and getting you comfortably settled in Banggai Laut so you are ready for full day exploration tomorrow.
06:30 – 07:00 Breakfast at the guesthouse.
07:00 – 08:30 Drive to Tobing Port, the starting point for your island and coastal exploration in Banggai Laut.
08:30 – 10:00 Boat trip and visit to Tanjung Gundul, a scenic coastal headland with striking sea views and a relaxed atmosphere.
10:00 – 12:00 Continue to Poti Hill, a viewpoint area for panoramic ocean and island landscapes – great for photos and enjoying the Banggai seascape.
12:00 – 14:30 Head to Oyama Beach. Free time to relax, swim, and enjoy lunch by the beach.
14:30 – 16:30 Continue on to Bontolan Beach, another quiet, scenic stretch of coastline ideal for swimming, light snorkeling, and beach walks.
16:30 – 17:00 Return by boat to Tobing Port.
17:00 – 18:30 Land transfer back to Salakan town.
18:30 – 19:30 Dinner at a local eatery.
19:30 Return to your guesthouse and rest.
Today you explore several of Banggai Laut’s signature coastal spots, combining light walking, viewpoints, and time on white-sand beaches.
07:00 – 08:00 Breakfast at the guesthouse.
08:00 – 09:00 Depart for Mandel Beach, a quiet local beach area.
09:00 – 10:30 Free time to enjoy Mandel Beach with swimming, relaxing under the palms, and taking in the calm bay views.
10:30 – 14:30 Continue to Bone Pompon (Bone-Pompon area) with lunch en route or on arrival. Here you can enjoy more beach time and coastal scenery in another, less-visited corner of Banggai Laut.
14:30 – 17:30 Travel on to Teduang Beach. Spend the afternoon relaxing, swimming, or walking along the shore before heading back.
17:30 – 19:00 Return to the guesthouse in Salakan.
19:00 – 20:00 Dinner.
20:00 Rest and overnight in Salakan.
This day focuses on multiple beaches and bays around Banggai Laut, offering a mix of local village atmosphere, sandy shores, and clear sea water.
04:00 – 07:00 Early start and overland journey from Banggai Laut towards Paisupok (Paisu Pok) Lake in Banggai Kepulauan.
07:00 – 11:00 Breakfast on arrival and free time at Paisupok Lake, a stunning freshwater lake famous for its glass-clear turquoise water. Enjoy the scenery, swim, take photos, or simply relax by the lakeside.
11:00 – 13:00 Continue to Paisubatango, another natural attraction in the Banggai area, with time to look around and enjoy the surroundings.
13:00 – 16:00 Move on to Puganda Beach for more coastal time and lunch. Relax on the sand or swim in the clear sea.
16:00 – 17:00 Transfer to Leme-Leme village and check in at Fitri Homestay (or similar local homestay).
17:00 – 19:30 Check-in, shower, and rest at the homestay.
19:30 – 20:30 Dinner and free time to relax.
Today gives you a complete Banggai Kepulauan experience, from one of Indonesia’s clearest blue lakes to peaceful coastal villages and beaches.
07:00 – 09:30 Breakfast at the homestay and free time to prepare for departure.
09:30 – 13:00 Start your journey back to Luwuk from Leme-Leme Port using a public wooden boat, crossing back over the sea with views of the islands along the way.
13:00 Arrive at Luwuk public harbor. Transfer to Syukuran Aminuddin Amir Airport or to your accommodation in Luwuk.
Important: Accommodation in Luwuk on the final night is not included in this package and can be arranged separately upon request
End of Trip!
Inclusions & Exclusions
Cost Includes
- Accommodation during the trip (homestays / guesthouses in Banggai area)
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (Luwuk) and transfers between hotel and harbor by private car
- All boats and local transport (car & boat) used during the itinerary
- Entrance tickets to all listed destinations and attractions
- 3 meals per day during the tour (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Cost Excludes
- Snacks and personal drinks outside provided meals
- Paddle board / boat rental at Paisupok (Paisu Pok) Lake
- Personal snorkeling, freediving, or spearfishing equipment
- Souvenirs and personal expenses
- Optional professional photo & video documentation: IDR 1,000,000 (includes drone, camera, and underwater footage – available on request)
FAQ: Banggai Islands, Luwuk city and more
The gateway to the Banggai Islands is Luwuk in Central Sulawesi. You first fly to Syukuran Aminuddin Amir Airport (LUW) in Luwuk, usually via Makassar, with connections from Jakarta, Bali and other major cities in Indonesia.
From Luwuk, you continue by public ferry or local boat to ports like Salakan, Leme Leme or Banggai depending on your route. Boats usually leave in the afternoon and take around 2 to 8 hours depending on destination and boat type.
This tour already includes airport pick up, harbor transfers and boats, so you just need to arrange your flight to Luwuk and we handle the rest.
Most people find that 5 to 7 days is the sweet spot for the Banggai region. That gives you enough time for Luwuk, Banggai Laut, Peleng Island and Paisu Pok Lake without rushing.
This itinerary is 5 days 4 nights, which is ideal if you want a focused trip that covers:
Sea crossing and coastal views
Multiple beaches and snorkeling spots in Banggai Laut
Paisupok (Paisu Pok) Lake and nearby beaches in Banggai Kepulauan
If you have more time, you can always add extra nights in Luwuk before or after the tour.
On the contrary if you are really short on time then even a two day Banggai Islands tour can be enough to at least experience the bare minimum!
Yes. The itinerary is designed for regular travelers, not only hardcore adventurers. Most activities are:
- Short boat rides between islands or coastal points
- Easy walks to viewpoints, beaches and the lake
- Swimming and snorkeling in calm, sheltered waters most of the time
Non swimmers and beginners can still enjoy:
- The scenery from the boat
- Relaxing on beaches
- Enjoying the view at Paisupok Lake without having to go in deep water
If you want to do more advanced snorkeling, freediving or spearfishing, you can, but you are expected to bring your own equipment and know your comfort level in the water (or can add in your request with us before you book the tour).
The Banggai Islands are still relatively underdeveloped for mass tourism (if you compare to Bali!), which is exactly why they feel so wild and peaceful. You will stay in small guesthouses and homestays, not big resorts, and many areas are local fishing villages.
Practical points:
- Safety: Violent crime is very rare in Indonesia and as a whole in Southeast Asia, and people are generally friendly. The main risk is from nature itself, such as slippery rocks, strong sun and boat conditions.
- ATMs: Luwuk has ATMs. On the islands, options are limited so it is best to bring enough cash in rupiah from Luwuk for personal spending.
- Signal: Mobile coverage works in towns and some villages but can be weak or drop out around remote beaches and while at sea.
- Medical: Luwuk has better medical facilities than the islands. On the islands you should not expect full hospital services, just basic clinics. Bring personal medicines and essentials.
Travel here suits people who are comfortable being off grid for parts of the day and do not need luxury infrastructure.
The Banggai area is known for very clear water and healthy coral reefs, with colorful fish and good visibility when the conditions are right. It is a great region if you enjoy snorkeling, and some divers come specifically for the marine life.
For this Banggai tour:
- The boat and transport are included
- Snorkeling, freediving and spearfishing gear are not included in the package (but can be arranged on rent if requested before the tour).
You should bring:
- Mask, snorkel and fins that you are comfortable with
- Rash guard or thin wetsuit for sun protection
- Reef safe sunscreen
If you want to focus heavily on snorkeling or underwater photography, it is worth bringing your own well fitting gear rather than relying on basic rentals.
Accommodation on this route is simple but comfortable, focusing on local guesthouses and homestays rather than big chain hotels. For example, in Salakan you stay at a guesthouse such as Azafa Guest House, and in Leme Leme at a local homestay like Fitri Homestay.
You can expect:
- Private rooms with bed, fan or AC depending on the property
- Simple private or shared bathroom depending on the room type
- Home cooked style meals during the trip
What you will not get is luxury resort facilities. The real highlight is being close to local life and nature, not staying in a 5 star hotel.
Because the area is remote and shops are limited, packing smart makes your trip smoother. Consider bringing:
- Light clothing for hot, humid weather
- A long sleeve shirt or rash guard, hat and reef safe sunscreen
- Swimwear, quick dry towel and personal snorkeling gear
- Comfortable sandals or water shoes for boats and rocky areas
- Dry bag for your phone and camera on the boat
- Enough cash in rupiah for snacks, drinks, souvenirs and optional activities
- Personal medicines, motion sickness tablets if you get seasick, and a small first aid kit
The tour provides 3 meals per day, transport and entrance fees, so your main extra costs are snacks, drinks, optional gear rental, souvenirs and any extra nights in Luwuk before or after the tour.
