Crew bringing a white phinisi onto a palm-fringed beach at dusk

Itinerary

8 days: the classic route

Beaches, hidden coves and clear water, with snorkelling, an optional dive and the island villages.

Summary

Route overview

Eight days on the classic route: Puah and Malenge, the Walea islands, Jellyfish Lake, two days on Bomba and a night on Kadidiri, starting and ending in Luwuk.

Divers can add two dives on most days, and first-timers can try a casual dive.

Last updated

Duration
8 days, 7 nights
Start and end
Luwuk
Islands
Puah, Malenge, Walea Kodi, Bomba, Kadidiri
Diving
Optional, 2 dives on most days
Boat
From and back to Pagimana

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 01 Day 1

    Arrival in Luwuk

    Luwuk

    Arrival at Luwuk Airport and a transfer to the Estrella Hotel, with views over Luwuk Bay. Time to rest by the pool or book a massage at the spa.

    Divers go through their plans on the first day, so that dives can be booked with the dive centres in the islands.

    Overnight: Estrella Hotel, Luwuk

  2. 02 Day 2

    Pagimana to Puah and Malenge

    Puah · Malenge · Walea Kodi · dives possible: 2

    A drive to Pagimana harbour, then a full day at sea on the way to Malenge: white beaches and clear water, with time to snorkel or dive.

    The boat explores Puah Island and its small archipelago and stops for a barbecue of fresh fish on a secluded beach before sailing on to Malenge.

    Overnight: Guesthouse on Malenge

  3. 03 Day 3

    Pulau Papan and the Walea islands

    Malenge · Walea Kodi · dives possible: 2

    A day around Malenge and Walea Kodi, with a visit to Pulau Papan, the village known for the long wooden walkway built for its children.

    Time for a walk, a dive or a snorkel, or the white-sand beaches.

    Overnight: Guesthouse on Malenge

  4. 04 Day 4

    Jellyfish Lake and Bomba

    Jellyfish Lake · Bomba · dives possible: 2

    A slow sail along the coasts of Kalea and Calya Island, stopping at small beaches and villages. The first stop is Jellyfish Lake, for a swim among the stingless jellyfish.

    On Bomba, a bungalow on a private beach with sunset views at Poya Lisa. Dive, snorkel or paddleboard in the afternoon.

    Overnight: Poya Lisa, Bomba

  5. 05 Day 5

    A day around Bomba

    Bomba · dives possible: 2

    Diving for certified divers, or snorkelling and paddleboarding from the beach. In the afternoon, white sand, village visits and dives around the small island of Bomba.

    The day ends with a sunset on a sandbank that rose from the sea only recently.

    Overnight: Poya Lisa, Bomba

  6. 06 Day 6

    Kadidiri

    Kadidiri · dives possible: 2

    A sail to Kadidiri Island and Kadidiri Paradise, with its own beach. Paddleboard, snorkel or dive, and watch the sunset from the deck.

    There is time for walks along the beach and through the forest behind it.

    Overnight: Kadidiri Paradise

  7. 07 Day 7

    Mangroves and Piala Waterfall

    Pagimana · Piala

    A slow sail back to Pagimana past mangroves, quiet villages and the last views of the islands, then a drive to Luwuk with a stop at Piala Waterfall.

    Overnight: Estrella Hotel, Luwuk

  8. 08 Day 8

    Departure

    Luwuk

    A last morning in Luwuk, a small coastal town in the Banggai region of Central Sulawesi, then the transfer to Luwuk Airport for the flight to Makassar.

Travelling this route

Joining an organised trip

This route follows the Crystal Waters Escape, a scheduled trip by Togean Safari Cruise on its wooden phinisi Toki Toki, with up to seven guests and nights ashore. It costs €1,248 per person, with accommodation, three meals a day on the islands, airport and land transfers, drinking water, coffee and tea on board, and snorkelling gear and paddleboards included; flights, diving, soft drinks and alcohol, snacks, mobile data and tips for the crew are extra. Dates are on request.

You can also use it as a guide for planning on your own: the places to stay are listed under Stay, and most accommodation arranges the boat to the next island.

Day-by-day route: Togean Safari Cruise.

The Crystal Waters Escape on togeancruise.com Places to stay

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