Plan your trip
There are no roads between the islands. Every journey to and between them ends with a boat crossing.
Summary
All travel to and between the Togean Islands is by boat. Boats leave from the mainland at Ampana, Gorontalo and Pagimana near Luwuk, and Wakai on Batudaka is the main harbour in the islands. Between islands, most visitors use transfers arranged by their accommodation.
Local boats have no fixed timetables or published fares. Schedules change with the season, the weather and demand, so confirm each crossing locally or through your accommodation.
On the islands, people travel on foot. Several islands, including Malenge and Pulau Puah, have no cars.
Ports
South · most used
Public boats run from Ampana harbour to Wakai and other islands. Bomba is about 40 minutes away. Ampana is reached by road from Palu or Poso, or by flight when available.
Main harbour in the islands
The main village and harbour on Batudaka. Public boats from Ampana and the ferry from Gorontalo arrive here, and resorts on Kadidiri collect their guests from Wakai.
North · overnight ferry
A car ferry crosses the Gulf of Tomini from Gorontalo to Wakai a few times a week. Check the current timetable locally.
East · organised trips
Luwuk has the most flight connections, mostly via Makassar, and the last ATMs before the islands. Organised boat trips leave from Pagimana harbour, a drive from Luwuk.
Options
Lowest cost
Local boats connect Ampana, Wakai and some larger villages. They carry passengers and cargo, and they do not run every day: schedules change with the season, the weather and demand.
Most common
Most accommodation collects guests from Wakai, Bomba or another island. Confirm the price and the pick-up point when you book, and ask each place to arrange the transfer to the next island.
Own schedule
A boat with a skipper can be hired for a day or for a crossing. Ask your accommodation for a recommendation, and agree the route, stops and price before setting off.
Multi-day
Some operators run multi-day trips with accommodation ashore and transfers included. Togean Safari Cruise, for example, sails two wooden phinisi, Toki Toki 1 and 2, with up to seven guests, from Pagimana.
togeancruise.comCrossing times
Times depend on the boat, the load and the sea. None of them is a timetable.
Safety
Most crossings are short and calm, but the boats are small and the weather decides.
Good to know
Not for most local boats. Public boats run on the main routes, but their schedules change with the season, the weather and demand. Ask at the harbour or your accommodation.
Yes. Agree the route, stops and price before setting off.
In cash, in Indonesian rupiah. Small notes are useful.
Ampana is the most used and the closest to Bomba. The ferry from Gorontalo arrives in Wakai, near Kadidiri. Luwuk has the most flights, and organised boat trips leave from nearby Pagimana.
Getting there