Ultimate Travel Guide to the Banggai Islands in Sulawesi

The Banggai region in Sulawesi is among Indonesia’s most underappreciated travel destinations, featuring a stunning blue lake known as Paisupok, alongside various attractions such as beaches, caves, waterfalls, and rich wildlife.

This expansive area comprises three distinct regencies—Banggai, Banggai Islands, and Banggai Laut—making it a more complex endeavor than visiting other locations in Sulawesi. With my wife being Indonesian, we found this aspect advantageous.

We explored the Banggai Islands independently, securing our accommodations and transportation throughout our journey. This blog post aims to guide you in doing the same. Additionally, I will provide contacts for local tour guides if you wish to join a group or opt for a private tour for added convenience.

Regardless of how you choose to travel, Banggai offers a wealth of beautiful sights and is highly deserving of your time, especially if you are planning a trip to Sulawesi. Here is our comprehensive travel guide!

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Banggai Islands Itinerary Day 1: Luwuk To Peleng

• Fly To Luwuk

The itinerary for the Banggai Islands initiates in Luwuk, a town with a population of around 35,000 in central Sulawesi.

Numerous flights operate daily to Luwuk Airport (LUW) from Makassar in South Sulawesi. Alternatively, you can hire a driver for an overland journey to Luwuk from Ampana after visiting the Togean Islands, another delightful destination in Sulawesi.

If you are flying into Luwuk from Bali, Jakarta, or other regions in Indonesia, you will need to transit in Makassar en route to Luwuk. You can search for flights on Skyscanner.

• Take The Ferry To Peleng

Upon arriving in Luwuk, taxi drivers are readily available to transport you to town, which is only a 20-minute drive away. We paid 50k Rupiah for this airport transfer.

From Luwuk town, you can access the public ferry from Luwuk People’s Port (‘Pelabuhan Rakyat’) to Leme Leme on Peleng Island. The ferry departs daily at 2 PM, with a journey duration of approximately 2 hours, although it often departs an hour late (a phenomenon known as Indonesian rubber time).

Tickets can be purchased on-site for 54k Rupiah (~$3 USD) per person. Currently, online booking is not available, but tickets do not typically sell out.

The ferry is a large wooden vessel capable of accommodating 50 to 100 passengers, equipped with bunks and benches for seating, though these may lack comfort. For greater privacy, small rooms for two, featuring bunk beds and a fan, can be rented at an additional cost of 50k Rupiah per room.

Alternatively, you may arrange for a speedboat to visit some of Peleng Island’s premier attractions, including Paisu Pok Lake and Poganda Beach. In this scenario, the journey from Luwuk takes about 1 hour, with potential sightings of dolphins along the way.

A day tour with a private speedboat generally ranges from 1.5 to 4 million Rupiah (~$100 to $250 USD) for the round trip. While this option is more expensive than the ferry, it is considerably quicker and can be economical when traveling with companions to share costs.

Whether you opt for the ferry or speedboat, the waters are typically calm between Luwuk and Peleng Island, minimizing the risk of turbulent crossings under normal conditions.

• Stay Overnight In Peleng

By the time we arrived in Peleng, it was already past 5 PM, and the sun was setting. Despite our eagerness to visit Paisu Pok Lake, time constraints prevented us from doing so on our first day.

We spent the night at Novpitri Homestay, conveniently located by the harbor in Leme Leme. The accommodations were quite basic, featuring a fan, squat toilet, and a cold water bucket for showers. During our visit in late 2023, the electricity was solely generator-based, but they have since upgraded to 24/7 electricity.

They offer one air-conditioned room, so it is advisable to reserve this in advance if desired. Responses on WhatsApp can be slow, even if you speak Indonesian. Do not expect luxury at the homestay; however, if you plan to spend your days exploring, it suffices. We recognized this would be our most rustic lodging during our Banggai trip, so we anticipated two comfortable nights here.

The customary rate is 200k Rupiah per night for the air-conditioned room, or 150k for the fan room. It is hoped that mosquito nets will soon be provided. The family was accommodating and prepared a lovely and economical dinner, featuring rice, vegetables, omelets, fried tofu, and chicken.

For those wishing to stay nearer to Paisu Pok Lake, several very basic homestays exist in Luk Panenteng village, which lies adjacent to the lake. Choosing to stay there allows for daily walks to the lake for swimming.

Prior to retiring for the night, we arranged for scooter rental through the homestay in anticipation of our visit to the lake and beach the following day. They had it prepared and waiting for us by bedtime!

Banggai Itinerary Day 2: West Peleng Island

• Paisu Pok Lake

Paisu Pok Lake stands as a captivating blue lake on Peleng Island, ranking among the primary highlights of the Banggai region.

You can rent a small boat, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard to explore the lake or engage in swimming and snorkeling activities. The lake’s water is noted to exhibit extraordinary blue hues, a sight as impressive as depicted in photographs.

Paisupok is approximately a one-hour drive from Leme Leme, though certain sections of the road may require cautious navigation due to wear and tear. Traffic on the route is minimal, and locating the lake proves straightforward.

I previously authored a comprehensive travel blog post detailing our visit to Paisupok, featuring extensive tips and photographs, accessible via the link provided below.

Read More: Paisu Pok Lake

• Paisu Batango

The subsequent destination on Peleng Island is a lagoon called Paisu Batango, located merely a 5-minute drive from the lake. It is marked on maps as ‘Luk Bath Panenteng.’

The designation Paisu Batango translates to ‘trunk water’ or ‘water from a tree trunk,’ as the lagoon is nourished by a natural spring. Regrettably, locals utilize this area for washing and bathing, which slightly diminishes the water’s clarity.

The cold spring water possesses a beautiful turquoise hue, although the deeper end of the lagoon tends to mix with saltwater from the ocean.

• Poganda Beach

The third attraction on Peleng Island is the white sand beach known as Pantai Poganda, situated roughly midway between Leme Leme and the lake. From Paisupok, it’s merely a 30-minute drive.

This tranquil beach provides calm waters and is bordered by palm trees, creating an ideal setting for snorkeling. We were pleasantly surprised to discover numerous starfish without even needing to snorkel. Many could be found in the shallow waters near the shore.

This beach is excellent for enjoying sunrises and sunsets, depending on the season. Additionally, there are several swings and a pier available for relaxation.

• Stay Overnight In Peleng

After spending the day sightseeing, we returned to Leme Leme and stayed another night at Novpitri Homestay.

If you need to return to Luwuk at this juncture, a ferry operates from Leme Leme daily at 8 AM. However, we opted to head east towards Salakan to further explore the Banggai Islands.

Before retiring for the night, we arranged for a driver with a van for sightseeing the following day and for transportation to Salakan.

The estimated cost was 850k Rupiah (including petrol and the driver) for direct transit to Salakan, or 1.2 million Rupiah if we wished to visit two caves in southwestern Peleng prior to heading to Salakan. We chose to explore the caves!

Banggai Itinerary Day 3: Caves & Salakan

• Driving To The Caves

Our driver, Anto, met us at 6:30 AM, initiating our day trip. The first task was to refuel, taking around 45 minutes to find an open station at that early hour.

The drive to the caves is scenic, featuring hills, jungles, palm forests, and sweeping ocean views. This journey encompasses approximately 5 hours of driving—about 2 hours to the caves and an additional 3 hours to Salakan—thus we welcomed the comfort of a car over a scooter.

The roads in Peleng are mostly paved but exhibit numerous imperfections. While it is technically possible to navigate with a scooter, I would not recommend it without sufficient experience.

The optimal time for photographing the caves is during the morning, when sunlight is at its best. We reached the first cave (Gua Susendeng) around 9 AM, proving ideal timing for our visit.

• Gua Susendeng

The first cavern we explored was Gua Susendeng, a shallow limestone cave characterized by a high ceiling and a blue pool at the base. To access the cave from our parking spot on the main road, it is a 10-15 minute descent on a grassy trail.

The path down is uncomplicated; however, the ascent presents a greater challenge due to its uphill nature and lack of shade for sun protection. Upon reaching the cave’s entrance, a well-maintained concrete staircase descends to the blue pool.

The water’s coloration is remarkable and swimming in it would undoubtedly be pleasurable. Our driver mentioned that scuba divers have explored the cave, with an underwater tunnel reputedly measuring at least 200 meters long!

• Gua Bab’banang

From the first cave, it is only a 10-minute drive to the next cave, known as Gua Bab’banang, followed by a brief 5-10 minute stroll through the forest where various blue-tailed lizards can be spotted along with vividly green lizards.

Gua Bab’banang presents excellent photographic opportunities, especially from above. A concrete staircase leads down into the cave’s depths where the water exhibits even bluer hues than the initial cave! It is, indeed, a striking sight.

Unfortunately, locals have erected an unattractive concrete restroom right by the cave’s entrance, and litter was present throughout the forest as well. With the increasing interest stemming from tourism, it is hoped that efforts will be made to maintain cleanliness in this area. However, the cave itself is undeniably beautiful.

• Drive To Salakan

After completing our exploration of the caves, we embarked on a 3-hour drive to the town of Salakan. We had hoped to pause for lunch en route but found nothing appealing, opting instead to have a late lunch in Salakan.

• Stay Overnight In Salakan

We spent a night in Salakan, a quaint town housing approximately 2,000 inhabitants, yet boasting several comfortable hotels and dining establishments.

Our accommodation was at Wisma Sidapore Teluk Bayur, which offered clean air-conditioned rooms and complimentary breakfast. Alternative options include Wisma Sidapore Jalur Dua (managed by the same owners) and Wisma Alfrend Salakan.

Reservations for any of these hotels can be made through WhatsApp, where they can also facilitate scooter rentals or arrange a car and driver.

Banggai Itinerary Day 4: Salakan To Banggai Laut

• Bone Pompon Beach

On our fourth day in Banggai, we employed a driver from Salakan to transport us to several beaches before dropping us at the harbor in Tobing for our next destination—Banggai Laut Island. The total cost for this service amounted to 800k Rupiah, inclusive of the car, driver, and petrol expenses.

Our first beach visit was Bone Pompon, reachable within a 30-minute drive from Salakan. At Pompon, small boats are available for hire to explore several secluded beaches, including a hidden gem called Pulo Tambun, featuring a pristine white sand beach.

However, we quickly proceeded to our next beach (Mandel), which had garnered rave reviews.

• Mandel Beach

Mandel Beach presents an extensive stretch of white sand exceeding a kilometer and is arguably the most stunning beach in central Sulawesi.

This beach showcases remarkably white sand paired with turquoise waters. Despite being just an hour’s drive from Salakan, we encountered only two other visitors there! The experience of having the beach virtually to ourselves was surreal—it was expected to be teeming with people like Paisu Pok, but the relative remoteness likely deterred crowds.

This beach is truly exceptional, and I sincerely hope it remains unspoiled by overdevelopment. Although there was some litter on the shore, we collected two small bags of trash and expressed our gratitude to our driver for assisting in disposal back in town.

• Bone Uluno Abason Beach

The third beach on our itinerary was Bone Uluno Abason, a 30-minute drive from Mandel. This beach features a long stretch of brown sand.

While pleasant, it was disheartening to find trash scattered everywhere. This might have been exacerbated by the rainy season, as I’ve encountered images of this beach devoid of litter, meaning your experience may vary depending on when you visit.

• Tendetung Lake

Should time permit before heading to the harbor, you can explore Tendetung Lake. This winding turquoise-green lake is visually stunning in aerial photographs.

We opted not to visit the lake during our stay, as we were informed it wasn’t the appropriate season, coupled with our dwindling time.

• Boat To Banggai Laut

Once we concluded our beach visits, we proceeded to Tobing Harbor, recognized as the prime location for boat transfers to Banggai Laut Island. An alternative would be the harbor in Kalumbatan, although it is reportedly pricier.

From Tobing, accessing a boat to Banggai Laut is quite simple. The fare was 80k per person as we shared the vessel with four locals and their children. The final shared boat departs at 5 PM, so latecomers may need to pay more for a private charter.

The boat ride is safe and comfortable, lasting only 15 minutes to reach Banggai Laut. It is a compact speedboat, yet offers ample room for luggage.

• Overnight In Banggai Laut

Upon arrival in Banggai Laut, hotels and restaurants are conveniently situated within walking distance from the harbor.

We selected Hotel Banggai, which, while slightly more expensive by Indonesian standards, was comfortable and included a complimentary breakfast. Our rate amounted to 500k per night.

Refly, the owner, proved to be exceptionally kind and accommodating, assisting with various aspects of our stay on the island. His proficiency in English facilitated smooth arrangements for scooter rental, private drivers, and other services. Consider reaching out to them via WhatsApp at ☎ +62 813-1931-6124.

If Hotel Banggai exceeds your budget, another viable option is Batara Guest House, which is relatively more affordable and also offers complimentary breakfast.

Banggai Itinerary Day 5: Banggai Laut

• Bontolan Beach

Though we anticipated poor road conditions in Banggai Laut, to our relief, most roads on the island are paved and well-maintained. A few steep inclines may pose challenges during descents or ascents, but generally, they are not overly daunting.

The first destination was Bontolan Beach, merely a 15-minute drive from town. While the beach may not appear particularly remarkable above water, it serves as an excellent snorkeling spot. Several beautiful fish species are visible here, including the endemic Banggai cardinalfish, which is exclusive to the Banggai Archipelago.

• Oyama Beach

Oyama Beach is a charming white sand beach on Banggai Laut that can only be accessed by boat; however, the ride is quick and straightforward, taking under 10 minutes.

Boat drivers can be hired from either Lokotoy or Popisi village in northern Laut, with total costs ranging from 50k to 150k Rupiah for a return trip. Our boat was small but accommodated 7 passengers, presenting opportunities to share costs.

Oyama Beach imparts a sense of privacy, featuring inviting turquoise waters. Numerous colorful green lizards can be spotted among the trees, along with a boardwalk leading to a mangrove forest situated behind the beach.

• Lambangan Pauno Beach

This delightful beach lies near the upcoming airport in Banggai Laut. It is notable for its natural rock arch, accessible only during low tide, and is also ideal for capturing sunrise photographs.

• Tanjung Gundul

Tanjung Gundul is a fascinating cove and beach accessible solely by boat. Departing from Pasir Putih village, the boat ride takes about 15 minutes.

Tanjung Gundul is potentially one of Indonesia’s most unique beaches, distinguished by white pebbles instead of sand and a massive rock arch sculpted from limestone by natural forces. This scene evokes memories of the pebbly shores found in Kefalonia, Greece.

A brief trip with a private boat begins at 150k Rupiah for a round trip, with the possibility of combining it with a visit to the Teluk Lalong lagoon mentioned earlier. For cost efficiency, group sharing is encouraged. Local tourists typically frequent this area in the morning, providing optimal chances for shared rides.

• Teluk Lalong

A picturesque lagoon can be found a short distance from Tanjung Gundul, allowing for a combined visit to both locations within the same boat trip.

The Teluk Lalong lagoon boasts vibrant blue and green waters while providing visibility of fish and coral. On one occasion, a sea turtle was spotted; however, swimming in the lagoon is inadvisable due to local reports of crocodiles inhabiting the area.

• Kelapa Lima Beach

Kelapa Lima is a secluded beach adorned with palm trees and towering limestone cliffs, evoking a sense of tranquility during our visit. The name translates to “5 coconut beach.”

This was the only spot in Banggai Laut where we felt the necessity of a car, as the road conditions were quite rough, complicating travel via scooter, albeit still feasible.

Afterward, we returned to town for an additional night on Banggai Laut Island.

Banggai Itinerary Day 6: Mbuang-Mbuang Island

• Boat Trip To Mbuang-Mbuang

Mbuang-Mbuang Island is among the premier destinations near Banggai Laut, located approximately 80 kilometers to the southeast.

There are plenty of attractions to experience on Mbuang Island; however, access can be challenging, particularly in adverse weather conditions as we encountered. We had to forgo this trip due to unfavorable weather in December.

Public slow boats provide a budget-friendly and relatively safe means of transportation, though the journey spans approximately 7-8 hours one way. Alternatively, private speedboat day trips are available, taking about 2 hours each way, though this option is more weather-dependent due to the size of the vessel.

While the speedboat is notably more expensive (up to 4 million Rupiah), it offers enhanced convenience compared to the public boat, and the cost may be shared with fellow travelers.

• Pasir Panjang Beach

This beach serves as the primary shoreline in the Mbuang-Mbuang village, allowing for easy access directly upon arrival.

• Paisu Batongan Jellyfish Lake

The standout attraction on Mbuang-Mbuang Island is a lake where visitors can swim with harmless jellyfish! Due to its remoteness, it remains lesser-known compared to other jellyfish lakes in Indonesia.

Two distinct jellyfish species inhabit the lake, both of which are benign to humans. Additionally, the lake hosts various fish species, including the endemic Banggai cardinalfish.

• Palanggang Beach

This quaint hidden beach situated near Mbuang village is reputed to be excellent for snorkeling. It is located within proximity of the village and Pasir Panjang beach, yet requires a boat for access.

• Popisi Hill

A scenic viewpoint named Bukit Popisi allows for stunning vistas of several islands sprawling across the ocean. This experience resembles the breathtaking views seen in Raja Ampat, Sombori, or Ang Thong Thailand, with a short 10-15 minute hike required to reach the summit.

• Pingo Beach

This elongated beach features white sand on the eastern side of Mbuang Island, flanked by limestone hills. The only access point is via boat transportation.

• Overnight In Banggai Laut

If you embark on a day trip to Mbuang Island using a speedboat, returning to Banggai Laut offers ample hotel options for the night.

If you are traveling with a slow boat, however, your lodging options are limited to a basic guesthouse in Mbuang-Mbuang village, which includes meals.

Banggai Itinerary Day 7: Return To Luwuk

• Ferry From Banggai Laut To Luwuk

Once you have explored Banggai Laut, returning to Luwuk is solely possible via boat.

The ferry departing Banggai Laut for Luwuk operates daily at 1 PM (or 2 PM during delays) with a travel duration of approximately 8 hours. The ferry is sizable, safe, and offers reasonable comfort. While some areas may present slight swells, the waters are generally calm.

The ticket price is 130k Rupiah per person, and for an additional 200k, you may rent a small room for two, complete with bunk beds and air conditioning. Our rented room was quite chilly, yet it was a welcome private space to rest during the lengthy boat ride.

• Overnight In Luwuk

Upon reaching Luwuk, numerous accommodations and restaurants await for your overnight stay.

Budget hotels in Luwuk include Ayana Homestay, RedDoorz RSUD, and RedDoorz Plus Syariah. Additionally, there are several higher-end hotels such as Swiss-Belinn, Hotel Santika, and Estrella Hotel.

We opted for Hotel Kota, which expertly balances comfort and affordability, offering an A/C room with free breakfast at a rate of 345k Rupiah per night. You can reach them via WhatsApp at ☎ +62 857-5633-5555.

Banggai Itinerary Day 8: Waterfalls

• Piala Waterfall

Among the premier attractions near Luwuk is Piala Waterfall, a magnificent turquoise waterfall with multiple cascades situated just outside of the town. The drive takes approximately 15 minutes.

This waterfall conjures memories of the famous Kuang Si Falls in Laos, which also features turquoise waters, numerous distinct cascades, and natural pools suitable for swimming.

While this waterfall remains relatively obscure to international tourists, it attracts significant local visitors. To avoid crowds, it is advisable to visit in the morning, preferably on a weekday!

Read More: Best Waterfalls In Indonesia

• Laumarang Waterfall

This is a secondary waterfall located near Piala, accessible along the same route. Extended travel is required as the road deteriorates further along.

You may reach Laumarang by hiking from the parking area at Piala. However, plan for at least a 1-hour round trip. Road improvements are currently underway, raising hopes for enhanced accessibility in the future.

If you proceed beyond Laumarang, a sizeable third waterfall known as Akar Darah can also be discovered.

• Dendengan Waterfall

Dendengan Waterfall is another notable site located approximately a 20-minute drive from the airport or a 40-minute journey from town. It is relatively popular and easily accessible, with a paved road available leading directly to the falls.

Unfortunately, the waterfall had dried up at the time of our visit in early December, yet images captured during other seasons exhibit its beauty.

• Kamumu Waterfall

This turquoise waterfall is positioned northeast of Luwuk. It remains delightful, though access necessitates a bit of hiking as driving does not extend to the falls.

• Salodik Waterfall

This marks the final waterfall we explored in the Luwuk area, situated approximately 40 minutes away from the town center. The road is well-maintained, supplemented by ample parking options.

Salodik presents a pleasant waterfall with numerous cascades, albeit it has become excessively commercialized.

The area has transformed into a concrete landscape, unfortunately overshadowing the natural appeal with unsightly structures surrounding the falls. This has made it somewhat distracting and detracted from the experience of enjoying the scenic environment.

• Overnight In Luwuk

We opted to spend another night at Hotel Kota in Luwuk.

Banggai Itinerary Day 9: Pulau Dua

• Pulau Dua

Pulau Dua is a scenic island accessible via a day trip from Luwuk, characterized by steep hills and a stairway leading to the island’s apex. The landscape bears resemblance to Padar Island in Komodo, and it also serves as a fantastic venue for snorkeling.

The journey to Pulau Dua entails a 2.5-hour drive followed by a 15-minute boat ride. The total cost for the boat is 300k to 400k Rupiah for the entire day, granting flexibility to explore varied spots around the island according to your preferences.

• Overnight In Luwuk

Spend your final night in Luwuk before departing for Makassar, or continue on to your next destination.

Alternatively, you may opt to hire a driver in Luwuk for transportation to Ampana, where you can catch a boat to the Togean Islands before exploring Gorontalo in northern Sulawesi.

5-Day Banggai Islands Itinerary

If your time in Banggai is limited, it is feasible to experience numerous highlights such as the lake, beaches, and waterfalls within a 4 or 5-day timeframe.

Below is a sample condensed itinerary for Banggai:

• Day 1. Arrive In Luwuk. Take the 4 PM ferry from Luwuk to Salakan, followed by an overnight stay in Salakan. The ferry ride lasts between 3.5 to 4 hours, with tickets priced at 74k Rupiah per person.
• Day 2. Beaches. Drive 2 hours from Salakan to the southeastern harbor of Kalumbatan and embark on a brief speedboat ride to Oyama Beach and back. Expect to spend around 500-750k Rupiah for the round trip for the entire boat, organized on-site. Afterward, proceed to Mandel Beach and Pompon Beach before returning to Salakan for the night.
• Day 3. Lake. Drive from Salakan to western Peleng (2.5-3 hours), then visit Paisu Pok Lake, Paisu Batango, and Poganda Beach. Overnight accommodation in Leme Leme near the harbor.
• Day 4. Return To Luwuk. Depart Leme Leme via the 8 AM boat back to Luwuk (2-3 hours), subsequently visiting Piala Waterfall and other nearby waterfalls in Luwuk. Overnight stay in Luwuk.
• Day 5. Leave Luwuk. Depart from the airport to Makassar, or continue overland to Ampana for a visit to the Togean Islands and northern Sulawesi.

Map Of The Best Things To Do In Banggai

Below is a map showcasing some of the best activities available in the Banggai region. Attractions are marked in blue, hotel options in yellow, harbors in green, and airports in red.

It is essential to recognize that the Banggai region remains relatively new to tourism, and our exploration uncovered not all attractions, suggesting that plenty of hidden gems await discovery for those willing to explore. This element is among the most thrilling aspects of travel!

Tour Guide Contacts For Banggai

During our journey in Banggai, we managed our accommodations and transportation (drivers, boats, and motorbikes) independently, with some assistance from our hotels. My wife’s Indonesian background significantly facilitated this process.

If your plans involve a visit solely to Paisupok Lake and nearby attractions, I personally believe a tour is unnecessary.

However, for those intending to explore more caves, beaches, and other attractions throughout Banggai without proficiency in Bahasa, having a local tour guide can be immensely helpful in organizing your itinerary.

Below are some reputable local contacts for guiding services:

• Michael Wagey – Freelance tour guide based in Salakan on Peleng Island. Mick conducts private tours and also organizes monthly group excursions in Banggai. He is pivotal in popularizing the Banggai Islands, with viral social media posts inspiring numerous visitors.

  While we did not partake in a tour led by Mick, he remained generous in addressing our inquiries and connected us with a driver in Salakan to facilitate our beach exploration before moving to the harbor for Banggai Laut. You can contact Mick Wagey via WhatsApp at ☎ +62 813-4201-5440 or check out his Instagram.

• Acho Akina Chowji – Freelance tour guide operating within the Banggai region. You can reach him via WhatsApp at ☎ +62 822-9374-8745 or explore his Instagram profile.
• Butros Galileo Delim – Freelance tour guide situated on Peleng Island. He is available for contact through his Instagram.
• TripBanggai – Tour company in Banggai. You can connect with them on WhatsApp at ☎ +62 811-433-7690 or visit their Instagram account.
• HV Trip – A tour company offering occasional open trips to Banggai for those interested in sharing a tour. You can contact them through WhatsApp at ☎ +62 821-5942-7772 or check them out on Instagram.

Other Contacts For Banggai

• Boni – Taxi driver based in Luwuk. He can transport you from the airport or harbor to your hotel in Luwuk, or vice versa. Reachable via WhatsApp at ☎ +62 853-8562-5578.
• Anto Unus – Driver operating a van in Leme Leme on Peleng Island. The Novpitri Homestay facilitated our connection with him, and he was responsible for driving us to the caves and onwards to Salakan. You may contact him at ☎ +62 822-7855-7858 or visit his Instagram.
• Novpitri Homestay – The accommodation where we stayed in Leme Leme. They can be contacted using the WhatsApp number provided on their Google Maps profile, but do not anticipate rapid responses.
• Luk Panenteng Homestay – This guesthouse is positioned adjacent to Paisupok Lake in Panenteng village, within a 5-minute walk of the lake. Their WhatsApp number can be found on their Google Maps listing. While we cannot provide personal experiences with them, this information is shared for reference.

Other Tips For Banggai

• Airports: Currently, the only airport serving the Banggai region is located in Luwuk (LUW), with multiple daily flights available from Makassar. Plans are underway for an airport in Banggai Laut, which will open new travel opportunities when completed.
• Roads: Roads in Luwuk and Banggai Laut are largely well-kept. The primarily problematic roads were encountered on Peleng Island; however, navigating with a scooter remains feasible if you are experienced.
• Language Barrier: The local population in Banggai has limited English proficiency, given that the area is still relatively new to international tourism. Therefore, it is advisable to download a translation app for effective communication.
• ATM: ATMs are accessible in Luwuk town and at the Luwuk airport for those needing cash. We utilized the BNI Bank ATM in Banggai Laut, which functioned smoothly. There are also ATMs available in Salakan, although we did not attempt to use them.
• Credit Cards: The majority of transactions in the Banggai region are cash-based, encompassing drivers, hotels, ferries, and dining establishments. Credit cards were generally accepted only for flights and select higher-end hotels and restaurants.
• Food: Banggai does not offer the extensive culinary choices available in Bali, but you will generally find satisfactory options, with many hotels featuring their own menus offering standard Indonesian cuisine. Luwuk has a KFC and Pizza Hut for those missing western fare.
• Apps: The GoJek app is usable for taxi rides and food delivery in Luwuk; however, many locals utilize a domestic app called Draiv, which provides similar services and functions in Banggai Laut as well.
• Electricity: There is 24/7 electricity in all major towns in Banggai, including Luwuk, Salakan, and Banggai Laut. During our visit to Leme Leme in late 2023, electricity was limited to generator use; however, they have since upgraded to 24/7 access. In more isolated areas like Mbuang Mbuang, power remains reliant on generators, typically operational from around 6 PM to 6 AM, allowing for charging of phones and other electronic devices during that timeframe.
• Cell Service: We enjoyed reliable 3G/4G coverage with Telkomsel throughout Luwuk, Peleng, and Banggai Laut, barring some interruptions in elevated or rugged areas.
• WiFi: Surprisingly, as we traveled through hotels in Luwuk, Peleng, and Banggai Laut, they all offered functional WiFi. The only exception arose at the homestay in Leme Leme, where our room was out of the WiFi’s range. Visitors to Mbuang Mbuang island should not anticipate WiFi services.
• Malaria: According to a 2018 Lancet study, malaria incidence in the Banggai region has significantly declined, though some risk may still persist. I would recommend taking precautions against mosquito bites, although we did not use malaria prophylaxis.
• Wildlife: The Banggai area is home to several endemic species, including the Banggai cardinalfish, Quince monitor lizard, and Peleng tarsier. Tarsiers can be observed in Peleng Island or Banggai Laut via trekking expeditions. Locals also reported the presence of cobras and pit vipers in Banggai, though we did not encounter any snakes during our visit.

Paddleboarding at Lake Paisu Pok.

When To Visit The Banggai Islands

Generally, the optimal period for travel to most locations in Indonesia falls between April and November, within the dry season. However, the Banggai region appears to follow a unique weather pattern, making it less predictable in nature.

We visited Banggai in early December, and while rainfall tended to occur at night, it did not significantly impact our itinerary. Nevertheless, we were unable to visit Mbuang-Mbuang Island due to unfavorable sea conditions.

Several waterfalls in the Luwuk area begin to dry up around September or October, remaining so until January or February; nonetheless, Piala Waterfall retains consistent flow throughout the year. Our visit in early December revealed generous water levels, despite the surrounding area being rather dry at that time.

Paisu Pok Lake remains a favorable destination year-round. Take care to avoid public holidays and weekends when it can become overly crowded. Clear, sunny days offer optimal conditions to appreciate the lake’s vibrant colors and clarity.

Conservation In Banggai

If you adore the Banggai Islands, your assistance in maintaining their cleanliness is invaluable. We ensured to leave each visited location cleaner than we found it, collecting litter at several beaches.

Promoting responsible tourism is beneficial for the region, provided visitors prioritize its preservation and cleanliness. The area’s remoteness and limited infrastructure suggest that it is unlikely to experience the same mass tourism that characterizes Bali in the near future.

More Indonesia Travel Tips

Thank you for reading! I hope you found this travel guide useful for your trip to Luwuk and the Banggai Islands in Sulawesi, Indonesia.