Minahasa Rural Exploration Tour – 14D13N

This Minahasa rural exploration adventure begins with a warm welcome upon your arrival at the airport, followed by a scenic transfer to Makatete Hill. Initially, you’ll be captivated by the panoramic views from this elevated vantage point, offering a stunning introduction to the region’s natural beauty. Following this, we’ll proceed to the heart of the North Minahasa or Manado, where you’ll check into your comfortable hotel. Then, you can settle in and relax, preparing for the exciting days of trekking and exploration ahead, while enjoying the serene atmosphere of the harbor city.

• 07.00 – 08.00 | Breakfast, Personal Preparation and Check Out
• 08.00 – 09.00 | Drive to Talawaan Village to visit Tunan Waterfall
• 09.00 – 10.00 | Visiting Tunan Waterfall
• 09.00 – 10.00 | Waruga Airmadidi, the collection of ancient tombs of Minahasa tribe
• 10.00 – 13.00 | Exploring Minawerot and Bitung Tour
• 13.00 – 14.00 | Lunch in Bitung City
• 14.00 – 16.00 | Drive to Batuputih and Check in Homestay
• 16.00 – 18.00 | Afternoon Walk in Tangkoko Nature Reserve
• 18.00 – 20.00 | Dinner is served at the Homestay

• 05.00 – 06.00 | Personal Preparation and Quick Bite at The Hotel
• 06.00 – 09.30 | Morning Walk in Tangkoko Nature Reserve
• 09.30 – 12.00 | Breakfast and Check Out
• 12.00 – 13.00 | Drive to Paal Beach, North Minahasa
• 13.00 – 14.00 | Enjoying the Scenery of Paal Beach
• 14.00 – 15.00 | Late Lunch in Paal Beach
• 15.00 – 17.00 | Continue to Enjoy the Paal Beach
• 17.00 – 18.00 | Drive to Pulisan and Check In Pulisan Resort

Pulisan, located in East Likupang, North Minahasa, North Sulawesi, is a scenic coastal village and a key part of the Likupang Special Economic Zone (KEK) tourism area, which is recognized as one of Indonesia’s Super Priority Destinations. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the area features the serene Pulisan Beach, characterized by fine white sand, calm turquoise waters, and hidden sea caves reachable by boat. The destination is particularly famous for its dramatic coastal scenery, including Bukit Pulisan (Pulisan Hill), which offers hiking trails through vast, green, and savanna-like landscapes that overlook the ocean. You are free to discuss your activities with the the resort’s staffs when you stay here.

On the sixth day, we will transfer you to Gangga island by boat. Imagine stepping onto the pristine shores of Gangga Island, where the turquoise waters gently lap against the powdery white sand. Firstly, the island whispers tales of underwater wonders, beckoning you to explore its vibrant coral reefs. Picture yourself donning a mask and snorkel, then plunging into a kaleidoscope of colors, where playful clownfish dart amongst anemones and graceful sea turtles glide through the blue. Secondly, as the sun climbs higher, the island invites you to journey to its heart. Then, you can embark on a leisurely kayak adventure, paddling through tranquil mangroves, where the air hums with the songs of exotic birds. Moreover, you might discover hidden coves, perfect for quiet contemplation or a secluded picnic.

Furthermore, for those seeking deeper connection with the ocean, the island offers world-class diving experiences. Subsequently, you descend into the depths, where ancient shipwrecks lie adorned with coral, and schools of barracuda shimmer in the sunlight. In addition, you can learn about the local fishermen’s traditional methods, or simply relax on the beach as the sun paints the sky with hues of orange and pink. Finally, as the stars emerge, the island transforms into a haven of tranquility, where the gentle rhythm of the waves lulls you into peaceful slumber, leaving you with memories etched in your heart. You can always discuss with the resort staff, what Gangga Island could offer as this is a self arrangement program for Minahasa Rural Exploration. Then, our guide and driver will meet you again on the eighth where you are going to be transferred to Manado.

• 07.00 – 08.00 | Breakfast and Personal Preparation
• 08.00 – 09.00 | Visit North Sulawesi State Museum to observe the antic collections
• 09.00 – 10.00 | Visit the Anoa Breeding Center, a conservation area for the dwarf buffalo endemic to Sulawesi
• 10.00 – 12.00 Visit Jesus Blessing Monument in the south of Manado and venture to Kali Waterfall
• 12.00 – 13.00 | Lunch at local restaurant in Manado
• 13.00 – 14.00 | Relax and enjoying the view from Malalayang Beach Walk with a cup of coffee and the famous Banana Fritters from North Sulawesi
• 14.00 – 16.00 | Manado Old Quarter Walking Tour, visit and passing the Arabian Quarter, China Town for Ban Hing Kiong Temple, Taman Kesatuan Bangsa, Oude Kirk and Second World War Monument
• 16.00 – 18.00 | Enjoying the rest of the day and waiting for beautiful sunset from Mega Mas area

• 07.00 – 08.00 | Breakfast and Personal Preparation
• 08.00 – 10.00 | Trekking Mount Lokon
• 10.00 – 11.00 | Relax after Trekking at Taman Wisata Pelangi
• 11.00 – 12.00 | Visiting Kakaskasen Volcano Observatory
• 12.00 – 13.00 | Lunch at Local Restaurant in Tomohon
• 13.00 – 15.00 | Trekking and Rim Walking on Mount Mahawu
• 15.00 – 16.00 | Experience Local Culture and Local Liquor at Tuur Maasering
• 16.00 – 18.00 | Enjoying beautiful panorama from Tetetana Hill
• 18.00 – 20.00 | Dinner in Rurukan
• 20.00 – 20.30 | Return to Hotel or Resort

Our Minahasa rural exploration has a cycling tour not to be missed. Today right after breakfast, we will head to Benteng Moraya where we will start the cycling tour. Initially, we are going to do the bike checking at Benteng Moraya. We can circle this area several time until we feel comfortable on the bike. Then after that, we are going to explore the city of Tondano. This city is very nice for cycling because it is flat. Many areas are with scenic views. Rice field, lake, swamp, hills, mountains, river are things that Tondano can offer for visitor. We believe that this cycling tour will be a great experience for your Minahasa Rural Exploration.

• 07.00 – 08.00 | Breakfast, Personal Preparation and Check Out of Homestay in Batuputih
• 08.00 – 09.00 | Transfer to Likupang
• 09.00 – 12.00 | Visiting Paal Beach. This beach is very nice for relax.
• 12.00 – 13.00 | Lunch at Paal Beach
• 13.00 – 14.00 | Visiting Larata Hill
• 14.00 – 15.00 | Check in Hotel in Pulisan. After check in you have free time.

• 07.00 – 08.00 | Breakfast and Personal Preparation
• 08.00 – 09.00 | Drive to Sonder
• 09.00 – 12.00 | White Water Rafting in Sonder
• 12.00 – 14.00 | Lunch in Sonder
• 14.00 – 15.00 | Observing Local Product of Woven Cloth at Bentenan Center, Sonder
• 15.00 – 17.00 | Visiting Lake Linow Crater and Coffee Break D’Linow Resort
• 17.00 – 18.00 | Return To Tomohon

Well, all good things must come to an end, even to this Minahasa Rural Exploration! Today, after a final delicious breakfast (maybe sneak an extra pancake for the road?), we’ll bid farewell to your hotel in Tondano or Tomohon. Don’t worry, though, we’ll make the transfer out as smooth and enjoyable as possible, reminiscing about all the amazing moments you’ve had. Whether you’re heading back to Sam Ratulangi International Airport with tales of natural and cultural adventures, or perhaps continuing your travels to Bunaken or Siladen, we’ll ensure you leave with a heart full of memories and a smile on your face. Thanks for experiencing this wonderful Minahasa rural exploration with us!