Are the Celebes and Togian Islands still exceptional destinations?

Hey everyone, I travel quite a bit, and I’m here to share my thoughts about an upcoming trip to Indonesia, specifically the Togian Islands.

I’m planning to go for 3 or 4 weeks in July-August and looking for a sunny destination that’s not too expensive (flights + cost of living), with varied points of interest. About fifteen years ago, I had planned a trip to the Togian Islands, but it didn’t happen, so I’m revisiting this destination (Sulawesi, Toraja country) + maybe others? Given that in Indonesia, I’ve already done volcanoes in Java, Bali, part of Lombok, and the Gili Islands. The issue is that I’ve read some posts about the plastic waste problems around the Togians, and it seems like they’re not the paradise islands they once were.

So, I have a few questions: I’d love to hear recent feedback from travelers who’ve been to the Togians to get an objective opinion (?) or if you’d recommend other paradise-like islands in Indonesia (not overcrowded).

If you confirm that it’s still an exceptional destination, what did you pair it with? The Moluccas and which islands in particular? Or Flores/Komodo? For my part, I don’t scuba dive—just snorkeling.

Finally, if you have other dream-island destinations (affordable and sunny), I’m all ears.

Thanks in advance!

Yes, it's still a wonderful destination. You’ll need at least 4 weeks—barely enough for Sulawesi—so don’t pair it with anything else. The classic route is more touristy than before, but it’s still largely manageable, and many places still have that adventurous feel.

Given your experience in Indonesia’s tourist hotspots, you’re finally going to discover the joy of traveling in this country.

If you’re only going for 3 weeks, stick to just one part—north or south.

Alternatively, for 3-4 weeks, you could also head to Flores. It’s a bit more crowded but still really nice.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more info!

Hi there, The issue with plastic waste is that it’s everywhere—sometimes even in places with little to no tourism, as ocean currents carry it.

In Indonesia, I particularly loved the Toraja region, though that was a long time ago. I still think it’s worth the trip. Two other islands left me with excellent memories: Nias Island and Siberut (Sumatra), though those visits weren’t recent either. The Togians are more recent for me. The advantage there is feeling a bit cut off from the world while still having (relative) comfort, and the stay is quite affordable. A few years ago, there was no Wi-Fi, electricity only in the evenings thanks to a generator, and you had to eat all your meals at your bungalow since there were no nearby villages or shops. It’s incredibly peaceful and relaxing. The marine life is decent but nothing extraordinary—I’d say it’s similar to most places, though I haven’t been to Raja Ampat. For me, the most stunning and well-preserved coral reefs are in the Red Sea… and maybe still in Madagascar.

Conclusion: I think a mix of Toraja and the Togians is a great idea for a trip to Indonesia. In the Togians, you should visit several islands and do some snorkeling. Try Malenge, Kadidiri, and Kodi. When I was there, there was a small dive club (tanks) run by an Englishman at the far end of Malenge Island, past Sera Beach. You can also cross the island on foot—it’s a nice walk to the only stilt village, whose name I’ve forgotten. There was a Swiss woman living there who had Wi-Fi!

Thanks to all of you, My research is progressing, and I wanted to expand on my initial questions. I’m planning this trip from Makassar to the Togians, passing through Toraja country. Additional questions: What are, in your opinion, the must-visit spots in Sulawesi (I’ll figure out the logistics between the different sites later)? From the threads, I’ve found: - Lake Poso, but honestly, it doesn’t seem extraordinary to me. - The peaceful Lake Panenteng, not too far from Luwuk, which could be a stopover for the flight, and looks incredible, as well as the Banggai Islands by extension... Though the logistics don’t seem straightforward, and accommodation would be with locals. - Finally, the karst landscapes of Sombori Island (like Raja Ampat), but getting there also seems tricky. I’d love to hear about your experiences.

Otherwise, to see tarsiers, is it definitely in northern Sulawesi?

Can’t wait to read your tips to help me plan this trip! :)

Hi there,

Absolutely, the Togian Islands are incredibly off the beaten path since some of the islands see very few visitors. We spent 4 days there and had the lodge all to ourselves. The manager and his team took great care of us. You can snorkel right off the dock on the beach or at specific spots. Yes, at one point, we looked up and saw a massive sheet of plastic waste drifting toward us!! The boat came to pick us up and dropped us off further upstream. We spent a full month only in North Sulawesi. The Manado region (with 3 days on an island at the end of the trip) and Gorontalo. We’d visited the Mamasa and Toraja regions during a previous trip. Happy travels! Eric

What are, in your opinion, the must-visit spots in Sulawesi (I’ll figure out the logistics between the different sites later)? From the threads, I’ve seen: - Lake Poso, but honestly, I don’t see anything extraordinary about it.

I passed through Lake Poso in a hurry. No, there’s nothing extraordinary in that area. I didn’t mention Bunaken because it’s been too long, and I can imagine a lot has changed since... but Marifb and Eiger can give you a better update here. Another area I’d completely forgotten about—just reminded by Henon21—is the Mamasa region, which you can easily reach from Rantepao (Toraja land). Back then, I did some amazing hikes with homestays in villages (I was young!). Beautiful landscapes and a culture similar to the Torajans. (Translation’s not great) https://www.indonesia-tourism.com/french/louest-sulawesi/mamasa.html

In my opinion, Sulawesi alone is enough for a 3-week to one-month trip. Start with Toraja land, it’s fascinating! Unless some of you know Selayar and think it’s worth going there first from Makassar or on the way back? Toraja land deserves at least 4 or 5 days, same for Mamasa (minimum 3 days). To get to the Togians, there’s still a lot of road travel with a mandatory stop in Ampana to board for Wakai. Once there, it’s worth visiting several islands: Kadidiri, Bolilanga, Malenge, Una Una, etc... Then leave the Togians by overnight boat (if it still exists) Wakai/Gorontalo. In the northern part, there are plenty of places to visit, including Bunaken and likely some small islands north of Manado... before flying back from Manado to Jakarta or Singapore?

So: Fly into Makassar and out of Manado

Thanks for these firsthand experiences! They’re really helping me plan this trip. I love this forum and how rich it is—it’s all thanks to everyone sharing their stories.

Quick side question: Since I have a chronic condition, I need to recharge a phone every day to keep my gear running. From what I’ve read, there’s electricity in the evenings on the Togian Islands—can anyone confirm, or is it rare? I have a power bank, but I need to be sure I can recharge my gear every 48 hours. Problem or not?

I read that there’s electricity in the evenings on the Togian Islands—can you confirm, or is it rare? I’ve got a power bank, but I need to be sure I can charge my gear every 48 hours. Problem or not?

At the three spots I visited, that was the case. Electricity was provided by a generator only at certain times (I think in the evenings). Personally, since I rarely use my phone in places like that, I wasn’t bothered. I remember we hiked across Malenge through the jungle to get to the other side of the island, just to wander around and visit the only village (on stilts) there. We met a Swiss woman who lived there and was the only one with internet, but that day it wasn’t working! If you need to charge every 48 hours, you shouldn’t have an issue—you’ll recharge when the electricity’s on in the evening, and you’ll definitely be at your bungalow then. Ask @Marifb or @Eiger for more precise info—they’ll be better able to give you the details. Some islands have dive clubs, so I’d guess there’s electricity around the clock there.