Driving from Manado to Makassar independently in Sulawesi

Hi everyone! 👋🏾

We’re in Indonesia right now, currently in Bali, and we’re heading to Sulawesi for a month. We’ll land in Makassar and are thinking of taking a domestic flight to Manado so we can ideally rent a car there and then drive back down to Makassar on our own. We plan to spend about two weeks in North Sulawesi and the remaining two weeks in West/South Sulawesi.

Do you think it’s doable to travel independently like this, or is it better to stick with buses/taxis?

Any good tips for renting a vehicle? Where to pick up and drop off, road conditions, etc.?

Thanks! 😅😅

Hi Benjamin, A slightly late reply to your message. Taking a taxi from Manado to Makassar—why not? But that would mean, for example, skipping the Togian Islands, which are one of the most stunning diving and snorkeling spots after Bunaken. It might be smarter to book a taxi for the really long distances: from Manado to Gorontalo and from Ampana to Rantepao. That way, you could visit the Togian Islands. In Toraja country, it’s super easy to get around on small motorbikes since the distances aren’t huge. Then, from Rantepao to Makassar, there are very comfortable buses that do the overnight trip with sleeper seats for a really competitive price. Have a great stay in Sulawesi!

A month from north to south is doable, but you’ll be rushing without enjoying it. I’d recommend sticking to the north and including the Togian Islands. As for a car, I don’t find it that useful. It’s better to rent a motorbike locally each time (or a car if you can find one). Typically, a car on the islands won’t be of much use to you.

With 5 days in Bunaken, a week in the Togians (or more), 3 days in Tongkoko, 3-4 days in Tumbak, and 2 days in Tomohon, you’re already at 21 days without counting transport. That would let you either stay longer where you like or add Bangka and Lambeh, or head to the Banggai Islands.

For me, north to south would take at least a month and a half—more like two.