Is it possible not to book in advance for a trip to Sulawesi in July-August with kids?

Hello

We love traveling without planning all our steps, going with the flow based on fatigue, encounters, and discoveries.

Totally agree with you :) That’s our way of traveling too—it lets you change your itinerary based on the weather, encounters, transport issues, etc.

So can we book NO accommodation in advance (except maybe our arrival in Makassar)? On the Togian Islands? Possible?

Yes... except in July-August In summer, I’m not sure if you need to book for the Togians—I’m afraid you might. But I don’t know how to book since most homestays don’t have websites, internet, or even electricity. Elsewhere, no problem—there are plenty of homestays and resorts in Rantepao (Toraja land), Bunaken, Makassar, Manado, etc.

Also, can we "improvise" on the spot for buses/taxis/scooter rentals, etc.? And... flight tickets a few days in advance (Makassar-Luwuk route?), ferry tickets?

Yes, buses are plentiful. To find a long-distance taxi (e.g., Rantepao-Ampana), ask your host. For flight tickets, I don’t know about peak summer—I only know September and October. Maybe not the day before, but a few days ahead should be fine.

Is it safe enough to travel by scooter for the day with kids? Do they generally have child-sized helmets?

Very little traffic except in Makassar. Even in Manado, traffic isn’t too dense. No problem in Toraja land, but traveling between villages by alternating *bemo* (shared minivan) and walking is really nice. Child-sized helmets? I doubt it!

See at least one volcano,

Sulawesi is one of the few Indonesian islands with few volcanoes—there are only some in the Minahasa region near Manado, but I don’t know them.

Easy snorkeling: The Togian Islands look amazing, but in terms of "easy" snorkeling (from the beach), is it the best for young kids? And the journey there is long.

Yes, snorkeling is easy in the Togians: no current, corals and fish often close to the beach. Several great spots are quickly accessible by taxi boat from your homestay. It’s not the most stunning snorkeling, but it’s great for beginners.

In Bunaken, the snorkeling is *much* more beautiful, but the current is often strong, and the island isn’t as pretty as any of the Togians.

Is there a volcano in the Togian Islands at Una Una (Colo volcano)—any feedback?

I don’t know if it’s nice, but Una-Una is mainly for diving, not snorkeling.

My travel journal about crossing Sulawesi from south to north is here