The Beautiful Birdlife of Togean

Around 1pm, meet at the airport and transfer to Gorontalo Harbour where your beautiful boat, the Katharina, is waiting. En route, visit the Portuguese-built Fort Otanaha, from where there are stunning views of the vast Limboto Lake and parts of the city of Gorontalo. With any luck there are some black eagles and black kites flying around, while yellow-billed malkohas and crimson-crowned flowerpeckers hop in the trees. After embarking the Katharina in the late afternoon depart straight away for Pulau Una-Una (Pulau is the Indonesian word for island) in the northwest of the Togian Archipelago. Then cruise overnight to your next destination.

At dawn enjoy a special ceremony as you cross the Equator before reaching the volcanic island of Una-Una. In the morning do an easy trek within the surroundings of Binaguna village, where you can expect to see a variety of birds. In the afternoon there is ample opportunity for snorkeling at Tanjung Kalama on the north side of the island, but those who prefer to go bird watching are of course free to do so.

Before dawn start climbing Gunung Colo volcano (highest point Sakora Peak 507m, southwest crater 235m), to experience a stunning view over the whole of the Togian Archipelago. On the way spot a variety of Indonesian birds. In the afternoon visit another very nice snorkeling spot at Tanjung Apollo, on the south side of Una-Una. In the evening cross over to Pulau Togian (2½ hours).

From early morning until midday go trekking and bird-watching on Pulau Togian. In the afternoon visit Danau Mariona, on the north side of the island, to snorkel with thousands of multi-hued stingless jelly fish. It still remains a mystery as to how this lake was formed. The rest of the afternoon is spent at nearby paradisical spots such as Karina Beach for snorkeling and other kinds of water sports. In the evening cruise to Pulau Malenge.

Set out at dawn for a long trek and bird-watching excursion on Pulau Malenge. Start your walk from Tanjung Malenge, on the southwest side of the island, and end up on the north side. In the afternoon take the dinghies to go snorkeling at the famous Atol Hotel California Reef, north of Pulau Malenge. In the evening cruise to Pulau Talatakoh.

Start this day bird-watching and trekking on either Pulau Talatakoh or Pulau Waleakodi. In the afternoon visit a sea gypsy village on the south side of Pulau Talatakoh. These are the Bajao people who build their homes on stilts over the sea. Historically, Indonesia has had many nomadic tribes often referred to as ‘sea-gypsies’ due to the fact that they mainly traveled and lived in boats. On Talatakoh get a glimpse of how the formerly nomadic Bajau have adapted to life in a static village. Nevertheless, still being so close to the water, the tribe’s dependence on the sea is not lost. Their children are introduced to the sea at a young age and grow accustomed to living and playing within the ocean environment. Later, explore the nearby Pulau Tabalabala, a group of more than 50 very small rocky islands. An alternative might be to visit a sea gypsy village and climb a hill on Pulau Papan, east of Pulau Malenge; there is good snorkeling nearby. In the evening cross to Pulau Waleabahi.

Enjoy this day bird-watching and trekking on the fabulously beautiful and almost uninhabited island of Waleabahi. In the afternoon have a last snorkeling opportunity near Lia Beach on the north side this island. In the evening have your farewell party with the crew of the Katharina at the beach or on board. During the night cruise to your final destination: the harbor of Gorontalo.

After breakfast bid farewell to the crew and the Katharina – your beautiful sea-based home for the last 8 days. Take the tenders ashore and be transferred to Gorontalo Airport for your return flights to Bali, Jakarta or elsewere.