North Sulawesi - Feedback Welcome
 

I intend to spend around a week in North Sulawesi as part of my 5-week stay in Indonesia in Sep/Oct. The other islands I intend to visit are Java, Bali and Lombok/Gili Air. For the benefit of those who haven't read my other threads, my main interests are: natural attractions/scenery, wildlife (would like to see tarsiers but not a must), light to moderate trekking, up to 5 days of swimming/snorkelling, culture, cuisine. I am not interested in seeing caves, diving, surfing or partying.

Below is a preliminary itinerary I have prepared for N. Sulawesi. I would appreciate any suggestions on how to improve it. To justify visiting the island, I would like to fill up another day or two without going to central/south Sulawesi, visiting Bunaken or Lembeh Strait. I'd also like to know how best to get to Batuputih and Pulisan beach.

Thanks!

Sunday 30th September - Fly to Manado @ 08:10. Taxi to Tomohon

Monday 1st October - Tomohon > Mt Mahawu > Lake Tondano > Lake Linow > Ranopaso Hot Springs > Tomohon (car + driver tour)

Tuesday 2nd October - Tomohon > Batuputih (base for visiting Tangkoko)

Wednesday 3rd October - Tangkoko National Park (dolphin spotting / bird watching)

Thursday 4th October - Tangkoko National Park (snorkelling / fishing)

Friday 5th October - Batuputih > Pulisan Beach

Saturday 6th October - Pulisan beach > Manado

Your plan looks good,although a bit rushed, probably can add a day in Tomohon and a day in Manado for some good Minahasa cuisine and great places to dine.Just an opinion, I may be wrong.

Wink !! The rangers in Tangkoko NP know exactly where the tarsiers are holed up in tree trunks.These nocturnal little primates,with large bulging eyes,Mr. Spock like ears and a gentle looking perpetual smile look absolutely endearing.There could be a whole family of them tucked away in the dark hollows.The rangers carry live grasshoppers to lure them out of their slumber.In a flash these little creatures leap to snatch the tasty grubs.

Do be wary of the Crested Black Macaques. They are aggressive and are overly familiar with people. They have come to associate people with food and show no fear. Often displaying large canines in a threatening grimace.
These primates are an epicenter of the 'monkey selfie' dispute which left a British photographer broke over copyright issues.The hilarious story here..

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/201...s-sued-monkey/

The Pulisan beach was reasonably secluded when I was there.It was beautiful.

Wishing you a happy and safe journey..