Forested Togean islets and a strip of pale beach, seen from above

Visitor information

The Togean Islands,
Central Sulawesi

An archipelago in the Gulf of Tomini, protected as a national park. Practical information on getting there, getting around, where to stay and what to do.

Plan your trip

01
Getting there
Travel to Ampana, Gorontalo or Luwuk, then cross to the islands by boat.
02
Where to stay
Beach resorts, cottages and homestays on several islands. Most include meals.
03
Before you go
Bring cash from the mainland. Expect patchy signal and limited electricity.

Destinations

Main islands and villages

All destinations

Kadidiri

Central Togeans

A small island near Wakai with several beach resorts and a reef close to shore.

Mount Colo rising behind coconut groves and a black-sand shore on Una Una

Bomba

Batudaka, southwest

A fishing village on Batudaka, about 40 minutes by boat from Ampana, near Bomba Atoll.

Activities

Things to do

Most activities are on or near the water. Equipment for snorkelling and kayaking is usually available at accommodation.

Snorkelling

Many reefs in the Togeans are shallow and close to shore. Equipment is available at most accommodation.
Trekking

Trails are unmarked and should be walked with a local guide. The main trek is to the crater of Mount Colo.
Jellyfish Lake

An enclosed marine lake where you can swim among jellyfish with a very weak sting.
Kayaking

Sheltered bays, mangroves and sandbars suitable for short paddles, mainly in the morning.

About the islands

The Togean Islands in brief

The Togean (also spelled Togian) Islands are a group of 56 islands in the Gulf of Tomini, in Tojo Una-Una Regency, Central Sulawesi. The largest islands are Batudaka, Togean and Talatakoh; Una Una lies separately to the north-west.

The area has been a national park since 2004 and is part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve. It is inhabited by fishing and farming communities, including the Bajau, who build their villages on stilts over the water.

Nature, culture and food

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the Togean Islands?

There is no airport on the islands. Travel first to a mainland gateway (Ampana, Gorontalo or Luwuk), then continue by boat. From Ampana, the crossing to Bomba takes about 40 minutes and to Wakai a few hours. Allow a full day of travel each way.

Getting there

When is the best time to visit?

The islands can be visited all year. March to October usually has calmer seas and drier weather. November to February is wetter and boat crossings can be rougher.

When to go

Are there ATMs and mobile signal?

Do not rely on finding an ATM on the islands. Withdraw cash in Luwuk or Ampana. Mobile signal is available near some villages but is patchy between islands.

Practical information

Is the diving good?

Yes. The main areas are around Una Una, Bomba Atoll and the B-24 Liberator wreck, with dive centres on several islands. There is no recompression chamber in the Togeans, so have insurance that covers diving and evacuation.

Diving

Can I visit if I do not dive?

Yes. Many reefs are shallow enough for snorkelling. Other activities include kayaking, forest walks, the jellyfish lake and village visits.

Activities

What kind of accommodation is there?

Small beach resorts, cottages and family homestays. Most include meals. Many places have electricity only in the evening.

Where to stay

Plan your trip