Click here for map of locations (the numbers correspond to those in the following text)

1. TANGKOKO NATIONAL PARK
Do you want to get the feeling of being united with nature? Tangkoko National Park will give you that feeling. Located near Batu Putih village, it is the home of the smallest monkey in the world: Tangkasi (Tarsius Spectrum). It is also the home of approximately 328 bird species, of which 47 are endemic, as well as typical Sulawesi protected animals such as the Black Macaca Monkey (Macaca nigra), the Hornbill, the Cuscus and the Maleo Bird (Macrocephalon maleo). For more details about these animals, go to the main menu under Flora and Fauna. Also found in this park is the Bitung tree (Barringtonia asiatica) whence the name of the city is taken, and a full range of floral communities, including mangrove, beach, lowland, submontane and elfin cloud forests. Due in part to its history of geographic isolation, Sulawesi has evolved a number of birds and mammals unique to the island. The Tangkoko National Park provides one of the last refuges in North Sulawesi for several of these unique species and is therefore an extremely important conservation region. It comprises an area of 8,718 Ha.

The park boundary runs from the sea to an altitude of 1351m, providing trails from beach forest through gently sloping lowland forest and on up to cloud forests that cling to the edges of volcanic calderas. The reserve contains three volcanoes; the mountain Tangkoko (1149 m), the ash cone of Batuangus which results from an eruption in 1839, and the twin peaks of Dua Saudara (1351 m). The ash cone of Batuangus is almost bare of vegetation and has a lava flow that extends to the sea. Where the lava flow meets the sea, a collapsed tunnel has formed a 400 m long cove that contains coral formations and the only mangrove habitat in the reserve.
The 5 km loop trail on the lower north face of Mt. Tangkoko is a perfect trail for early morning exploration for macaques, hornbills and other birds. The trail passes through beach and lowland rainforest and territories of at least three macaque groups. During hornbill breeding season your guide can show you several nest sites along the trail. One particularly dramatic fig tree known as the 'Beringin Lobang' (hole of tree Ficus benyamina) is located on this trail. The host tree of this strangler died and rotted long ago. The fig remains as a free-standing tree with its hollow interior mirroring the form of the original host.
Mountain trail: This 6 km trail leads to the peak of Mt. Tangkoko and allows the hiker to appreciate all habitat types. The climb is fairly strenuous and generally takes about 4-5 hours to reach the top. It is best to depart in the early morning so as to arrive when the weather is best on top. The views of the 1 km wide caldera, neighboring Lembeh island and the city of Bitung can be spectacular. Ask your guide to point out some of the numerous pitcher plants that grow on the caldera's rim.

Snorkeling & bird-watching Batuangus: Batuangus cove provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling and bird-watching. Mangroves line the coral formations at the mouth of the cove and provide habitat for kingfishers, herons and egrets. Birding along the coast to and from the cove is also rewarding. Here, white-bellied sea-eagles and caves with nesting glossy swiftlets may be seen.
Maleo watching: Less than 500m uphill from the Rumasung beach one may visit the only remaining maleo nesting grounds. Although the chances of glimpsing this rare and endangered bird are not 100%, those that arrive before 5 AM with a skilled guide have a good chance.
Tarsier viewing: Tarsier may be viewed in the early dawn or at dusk around their sleeping trees. The most rewarding experience will be for those in small groups who quietly move around the tree spotting tarsiers as they leap in and out. Be considerate of their extremely sensitive eyes when using your flashlight.

Tangkoko National Park can be reached by public transportation from the Girian terminal. The most popular form of transportation in this area is the "Rambo" (roofless Jeep willis). Accommodations are available for overnight stays. One of them is the Benteng Beach and Jungle Resort and Divecenter, located in Batu Putih village.
Go to the Fauna and Flora menu to see pictures of some animals in Tangkoko National Park.



2. MOUNT BATU ANGUS
Mount Batu Angus (1,100 m) is located at the eastern part of Makawidey village. It is an active volcano. Its name means burnt rock which reflects the fact that it is surrounded by burnt rocks that emerge from the congealed lava.


3. MOUNT DUASUDARA
Mount Duasudara (1,351m) is a twin peak located near Duasudara village. There is a legend that the two peaks represent a brother and sister, who transgressed and were cursed.


4. KUNGKUNGAN BAY RESORT
Located a few kilometers from the City of Bitung, this bay resort enjoys mild breezes which flow through thousands of coconut palms, seen in every direction. As you relax in this paradise, you will enjoy spectacular offshore views of grassy knolls and the chalk cliffs of the Serena Island. Divers and snorkelers will enjoy a huge variety of beautiful coral gardens around here. It is easily reached by microlet from Bitung’s bus terminal.
Click here for more...


5. WATURIRIR BEACH
Located at Pintu Kota village, Lembeh island, “ Pantai Waturirir” Beach resort offers a beautiful panorama of clean white sandy beaches, unspoiled, palm-fringed and golden sands. It can be reached by boat from Bitung harbour (about 40 minutes). Accommodation consists of cottages and shelters.


6. GRAND NAEMUNDUNG ANIMAL COLLECTION
The Grand Naemundung Animal Collection is a small zoo for particular Sulawesi animals such as the Anoa, Tarsius spectrum, deer, rangkong bird, snake, crocodile, shark, turtle, iguana, hombills, kumkum, kasuari, etc. It received the Kalpataru award, the highest environment award in Indonesia, in 1994. Located only about 7 km from Bitung’s bus terminal, it can be easily reached by public transportation.


7. BITUNG HARBOUR
Bitung harbour is one of the main seaports not only in Great Minahasa, but also for regions in East Indonesia. The length of the harbour is 1,127m. Nowadays it has become a stopover for foreign excursions. It is being expanded to a container harbour.


8. TRIKORA MONUMENT
The monument is situated on a bluff at Lembeh Island Beach. The DC 3 monument and park offer a nice opportunity to observe ships going by, as well as being a gathering place on Sundays and holidays. Reachable by motorized outrigger.


9. JAPANESE MONUMENT
In the Pacific war (World War II) Bitung harbour became a Japanese military base. Many Japanese soldiers were killed and buried in Bitung. To commemorate this time in history and the men who died, the Japanese and North Sulawesi Governments constructed this monument located at Manembonembo 7 km from the center of Bitung.


10. TANJUNG MERAH BEACH
Tanjung Merah Beach is one of the beautiful beaches along the Lembeh Strait. It is suitable for recreation and swimming. While enjoying the beautiful landscape of Lembeh Island, Bitung City and Mount Duasudara, it is also a place to see passing ships to/from Bitung harbour. It is located at Tanjung Merah village. You can get there by local transportation either from Sagerat village or from Manembo-nembo village.


11. BUS TERMINAL TO BATU PUTIH and TANGKOKO
The bus terminal to Batuh Putih and Tangkoko is located at Girian Atas which is about 5 km west of the center of Bitung.


12. TANGKOKO TERMINAL
The Tangkoko terminal is located at Manembonembo. This is the main terminal for city buses and intercity buses to Manado, Gorontalo, Tondano, Palu, Makassar and other places.


13. TERMINAL TO TANJUNG MERAH AND JAPANESE MONUMENT
The transportation terminal to the Japanese monument is located at Girian.


14. FERRY PIER TO LEMBEH ISLAND
The pier is located at Pateten (Ruko complex), about 2 km from the center of Bitung. You take a boat from here to get to Lembeh Island or Batu Putih as well as to Walenekoko Gulf, Waturirir Beach and the Trikora Monument.


15. MOUNT TANGKOKO
Mount Tangkoko is a stratovolcano, rising 1149 m above sea level. Tangkoko National Park is located at the foot of this mountain.


16. KASUARI GULF
The Kasuari Gulf, with a fascinating view, is located off the Makawidey seashore. It is suitable for snorkeling, fishing and diving. It can be reached by boat from Pateten.


17. WELENEKOKO GULF
The Walenekoko Gulf is located at Lembeh Island. It is called "Walenekoko" (chicken house) because of its shape. With its lagoon, it is a good place for swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and diving. Take a boat from Pateten to get there.


18. BATU KAPAL SEA GARDEN
Lying just off Bitung's harbour in Lembeh Strait, this amazingly beautiful sea garden offers a nice opportunity for scuba divers to enjoy an encircling paradise reef with its colourful fish. Just a few minutes from Bitung harbour by motorized outrigger boat from Pateten.


19. RUMASUNG NATURAL HOT WATER SPRING
The natural hot water spring at Rumasung is located at the eastern part of Tangkoko National Park and Mount Batu Angus. The water comes out from the chinks of black rocks near the sea. People believe that the hot water is good for health. Take a boat from Pateten to get there.

20. LOCATION OF SUNKEN FORMER WORLD WAR II SHIPS
There are two shipwreck locations in Bitung. One is located at the opposite side of PT. Bimoli and the other is located at Mawali village, in Lembeh Island.

21. DANOWUDU WIDLIFE SANCTURARY
The sancturary is covered in lush tropical rainforest, and is a beautiful, unspoilt environment. It is an ideal place for camping as well as bird watching. Take an microlet from the terminal at Girian to this place.