When Alfred Russel Wallace, that paragon of English endeavour and observation, toured through this region in the 1850s, he noted that, “To the west and south of Manado the country is mountainous, with groups of fine volcanic peaks 6,000 or 7,000 feet high, forming grand and picturesque backgrounds to the landscape.”
Those fine volcanic peaks that he talked of are part of the Minahasa Highlands, a truly magnificent mountainous area inland from Manado. Apart from its volcanoes a trip through Minahasa will also take you to intriguing prehistoric above-ground burial sites, hot springs, the scenic Tondano Lake, the coloured Linow Lake and breathtaking panoramas of lush mountains, coffee and coconut plantations, orchid gardens and terraced hillsides.
Add to it the fun-loving and extroverted Minahasa people who live in neat wood frame houses, with fences and flower gardens, giving Manado a European feel, and you are up for a unique adventure.
Also be sure to visit Tangkoko National Park, home to birds and other wildlife unique to Sulawesi, such as the Tarsier, one of the smallest known primates, Cuscus, a marsupial, the amazing Hornbill and many more.
Places to visit in North Sulawesi
Tomohon
Tomohon is famous as the ‘city of flowers’. Flowers are a part of every journey here, and every year in August (originally every two years) the town hosts a major event called the Tomohon Flower Festival. The festival started in 2008 and in recent years has attracted up to 25,000 people. The main event is the Decorated Float Parade, which features more than 80 spectacular exhibits from cities all over Indonesia and international participants from as far afield as North Korea, Vietnam and even Russia.
The large fresh market in Tomohon is a good stop on any tour of the North Sulawesi highlands. The market sells just about everything for the daily needs of the local people – and we do mean everything. The “meat” section is not for the faint of heart. You’ll most likely find beef, pork, chicken, snake, bat and dog on sale. Skip the meat section if you’d rather not see fresh roasted doggy. There’s plenty to see, like fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and household items.
Tomohon Flower Festival
Tomohon Traditional Market
Mount Lokon
Mount Lokon, together with Mount Empung, is a twin volcano located to the west and not far from the resort. It rises 800 m above the surrounding plain and an elevation of 1580 m above sea level. Lokon has a flat and craterless top. Its active crater is located on its foot, named “Tompaluan” crater. Solidified lava flows meander down the side of the volcano and can easily be followed up to the steaming crater, a climb of about 1 hour. It is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia and especially since 2011 has erupted regularly. Our guides will only take visitors to the crater rim when activity is low; we will check with Tomohon’s volcanologic centre before.
Mount Lokon – View from front of Highland Resort
The crater of Mount Lokon
Mount Mahawu
Opposite Mount Lokon is its smaller sister, Mount Mahawu. The gentler slopes of Mahawu offer a much less challenging hike but the view is no less impressive. Inside the crater is a steaming emerald-green lake ringed with yellow sulphur deposits. On a clear morning you get a bird’s eye view of the whole region right down to the city of Manado and Bunaken Island to the north and as far as Bitung and Mount Dua Saudara to the east.
Mount Mahawu. In the background: Mount Lokon
Mount Mahawu
Kali Waterfall
The beautiful Kali waterfall actually consists of two falls (plus a smaller one with a pool further uphill) and is only a scenic 1 hour jungle trek away (longer on the way back) from the resort. We suggest to wear sneakers or hiking boots as it can be quite slippery, and maybe bring a change of t-shirt and shorts as the force of the water is pretty intense, causing the mist to pretty much cover everything and everyone
Kali Waterfall
Japanese Caves
Located on the hill along the roadside approximately 20 kms from the resort are these tunnels that were built during World War II as storage bunkers for the occupying Japanese forces. They are an eerie reminder of a turbulent time in Indonesia’s history and until this day nobody can be sure what the cost was in the lives of the local slaves who dug them.
Japanesse Cave, Minahasa
Linow Lake
The colours in this highly sulphurous lake constantly change depending on the light and viewing perspective. Many species of large and small birds make their home around the lake and the grassed area to one side is a very pleasant spot to take a picnic lunch.
Watch out for bubbling mudholes at the edge of the lake, or you will end up with serious burns.
Lake Linow, Minahasa
Pulutan (Pottery Village)
Pulutan is a village dedicated to traditional pottery. Make your hands dirty and create your own souvenir.
Pulutan (Pottery Village)
Traditional Housebuilding in Woloan
A short drive from the resort you can visit the site where traditional wooden houses are built in the small village of Woloan. These “knock down” houses can be transported to a site of the purchasers choice and the style is particular to this region.
Traditional housebuilding in Woloan
Tondano Lake
The largest lake in the region, the scenic area in the plateau is well worth a visit. Fertile rice paddies lead towards the lake’s edge and numerous fish restaurants are dotted upon the lakeside where you can sample baked ikan mas (koi fish) served with fresh water spinach. Don’t forget to try the fiery dabu dabu, a local accompaniment to the fish consisting of chopped chillies, tomatoes and spring onions.
Few know that this caldera lake is what is nowadays usually called a SUPERVOLCANO, similar to Yellowstone, with a big difference: it is currently erupting. Tondano produced a gigantic (“supervolcano”) eruption about 2.5 to 2 million years ago and has remained active into the present. Today, Tondano has four active vents: the volcanoes Lokon-Empung, Mahawu, Sempu and Soputan. They act as pressure relief valves for the large volcanic system, thus preventing pressure and magma build-up that would be needed for any major eruption from the main vent inside the lake.
Tondano Lake
Toraget Hotsprings
The thermal delights of the Toraget Hot Springs are near Langowan, about 30 mins by car from the resort. You can swim in the natural open-air hot spring pools here.
Locals still cook snails and boil corn in the steaming vents. They use the boiling water of the hottest pool to singe the feathers from chickens before gathering with their friends to soak luxuriously in another when the day’s work is over.
Steam rises from among the trees to drift across the seemingly endless paddies, and boiling clay bubbles and splutters in deep potholes. Walk in almost any direction from here and you’ll find volcanic vents, crystalspecked with yellow sulphur, where searing spray squirts dramatically from the earth’s fragile crust.
Toraget Hotsprings
Toraget Hotsprings
Watu Pinawetengan
This stone monument is believed to be the most spiritually powerful site in Minahasa. The sacred sacrificial stone of the Minahasa is a huge boulder that was said to have been the original meeting place for the nine Minahasa clans and has been a place of worship ever since.
Watu Pinawetengan
Vihara Buddhayana Temple
A rare place of worship for the Buddhist minority in predominantly Christian North Sulawesi that has become an attraction by the roadside in Desa Kakaskasen III in Tomohon. A row of what might be the world’s most imaginatively posed Buddha statues graces the entrance to the temple. There’s an 8-floor pagoda visitors can climb to see the lush fields surrounding the area and the beautiful interruption of Mt Lokon on the plain. Follow the pathways among the manicured garden and meet a humongous turtle monument and fountain.
Vihara Buddhayana Temple
Buddhas with Mt. Lokon in the background
Waruga (Stone Sarcophagi)
Around 25 kms drive from the resort is one of the most remarkable cultural sites of all North Sulawesi. In the village of Sawangan in the Airmadidi district you will find a collection of stone sarcophagi. Varying in age, the oldest reportedly dates back as far as 900AD. The ‘Waruga’, as they are called, consist of two distinct parts; the hollowed out square or rectangular base, and a rooflike lid into which some have carved scenes depicting the life, and sometimes death of the occupant. One scene clearly shows a woman giving birth and suggests that she must have died during labour. Surrounded by gnarled frangipani trees this is an eery place, especially when you consider that the dead were not buried underground but merely placed, inside the vessel, in a fetal position squatting atop a china plate.
An outbreak of cholera and tuberculosis in the early 1800s meant that the Dutch colonial government outlawed the practice, and many of the waruga from around the region were gathered up and relocated to Sawangan. There are now 144 of them here, and a small museum was added which displays some ceramics, and huge copper jewellery (bracelets and necklaces) which were used to adorn the otherwise naked bodies.
The scenery en route to this venue is also interesting with a sweeping vista of coconut and spice trees.
Waruga (Stone Sarcophagi)
Whitewater Rafting
One of the most spectacular and thrilling adventure tours in North Sulawesi. Your journey down the river will take about one and a half hours and at the end you will scream for more.
This tour is not organized by Highland Resort but an external professional rafting operator.
Tekaan Telu Waterfall
This is a still relatively little known waterfall at Tinoor Village, not far from Highland Resort, with beautiful surroundings and many big trees
Tekaan Telu Waterfall
Cooking Class
Join us at Highland Resort & Nature Tours for an unforgettable culinary adventure! Our exclusive Cooking Class offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of Minahasa.
Cooking Class
Other attractions nearby
Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve
This Nature Reserve is home to a great variety of flora and fauna. There are black apes, maleo birds, snakes, wild pigs, hornbill birds and rusa deer. But special interest is given to the Tarsiers which sneak out at dawn and dusk. About the size of a childs fist, these tiny creatures are among the smallest known primates and a delight to see.
The reserve is located north of Bitung and covers an area of 3,196 hectares. To get there requires a 2 1/2 to 3 hour road trip from Highland Resort, but for those prepared to make the journey, the delights of the jungle await you.
Bunaken National Park
What visit to North Sulawesi is complete without one day to view the spectacular coral gardens of the Bunaken Marine Reserve ? Declared a Marine Park in 1991, it is acknowledged as one of the top dive sites in the world. It is approximately 60 minutes drive from the resort to one of the dive centres or to the central harbour where a motorized outrigger canoe or dive boat will whisk you to Bunaken Island in about 45 minutes.
The National Park comprises of the Islands of Bunaken, Siladen, Nain and Montehage and the dive and snorkelling sites are numerous and diverse. The drop off wall at Liang Cove in particular is rare in the world and described by enthusiasts as spectacular with caves, gullies and caverns harbouring an immense wealth of marine life. Brilliantly coloured fish dart amongst the vibrant coral and the water is clear and warm. Ideal for first time snorkellers or experienced divers alike.
Bunaken National Park
A bit further away…
Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park (Birdwatching)
Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park is a 2,871 km2 (1,108 mi2) National Park on North Sulawesi’s Minahasa Peninsula. Formerly known as Dumoga Bone National Park, it was established in 1991 and was renamed in honour of Nani Wartabone, a local resistance fighter who drove the Japanese from Gorontalo during the World War II. The park has been identified by Wildlife Conservation Society as the single most important site for the conservation of Sulawesi wildlife [1] and is home to a large number of species endemic to Sulawesi.
24 mammal, 11 reptile and 125 bird species have been recorded in the park. These include the endangered anoa and cinnabar hawk owl, which was only described scientifically in 1999 from a specimen collected from the park. Among the larger animals of the park are babirusas and the Sulawesi warty pig.
The maleo megapode is endemic to the island and is the park’s mascot. Maleo birds have been bred successfully in this park, and as per February 2012, about 3,300 birds have been released to their habitat. Normally the birds need geothermal hot sand for their breeding as in Hungoyono camp.
Thanks to the team of Highland Resort for the nice stay in the mountains!
We felt very welcome and enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere at the resort. The full-day trip by car that we made together with Charlie and Mody as our guides to all scenic Minahasa places was definitely a highlight of this vacation. We were happy spending our time with you both and learn more about Minahasa. But it was also a pleasure to be with you in person and to chat leisurely about life in Indonesia in general.
Nature & Adventure Tours
Customized private tours can be arranged to any of the sites above. We are always happy to arrange these tours according to your interests and preferences, or you just follow the lead of our friendly, experienced tour guides. Here are a few suggestions:
- Minahasa Highland Tour
A full-day cultural and scenic tour through the Minahasa Highlands, visiting traditional villages, historic Waruga stone graves, Japanese WWII caves, colorful local markets, volcanic lakes, hot springs, and enjoying lunch at Tondano Lake. - Volcano Trekking Tour
Trek to the crater of Mount Mahawu or Mount Lokon with panoramic views over Manado, followed by lunch and a visit to the scenic Tekaan Telu Waterfall. - Tangkoko Nature Reserve Tour
An afternoon excursion to Tangkoko Nature Reserve, home to rare endemic wildlife such as tarsiers, black crested macaques, hornbills, and diverse tropical flora, guided by experienced rangers. - White Water Rafting Tour
An exciting rafting adventure on a scenic river near Sonder, featuring about two hours of rafting, surrounded by lush nature, followed by lunch before returning to the resort. - Rat Hunting Tour
Join local hunters on a traditional night hunt for forest rats, a unique Minahasan cultural experience, with optional cooking demonstration and tasting at the hunter’s home. - Bunaken National Marine Park Tour
Discover the world-famous Bunaken National Marine Park by glass-bottom boat or snorkeling, exploring coral walls, tropical fish, and enjoying lunch on Bunaken Island. - Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park Tour (overnight)
An overnight adventure to Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, featuring rainforest trekking, rare birdlife such as the Maleo, and a stay at a local homestay near the park.
Special Tours (on request):
- Waterfall Abseiling
An adrenaline-filled adventure descending a tropical waterfall by rope, combining abseiling techniques with stunning jungle surroundings. - Mt. Soputan Volcano Trekking
A challenging trek to the slopes of the active Mount Soputan, offering dramatic volcanic landscapes and an adventurous hiking experience in remote nature.
Important Notice:
At Highland Resort, we respect your choice—joining a guided tour is entirely optional. You’re welcome to explore on your own if you prefer.
However, over the past few years, there have been several serious incidents involving guests from Highland Resort and other accommodations who ventured out without a guide—particularly in areas with volcanic activity such as hot springs and mud pools. Additionally, some guests became disoriented on Mt. Lokon, leading to overnight search and rescue operations (thankfully, all ended safely).
For your safety—and to gain a deeper understanding of the local customs and traditions—we strongly recommend hiring a local guide, even if you’re not using our official tour services.
Got any questions regarding our tours?
Just ask! After all, that’s one reason why we have a website…