The Tangkoko Nature Reserve in North Sulawesi is a haven for rare animals and indigenous plant life. There are many outdoor pursuits on offer, ranging from bird-watching to trekking.
The 8,800 hectare park is popular with nature lovers from all over the world, especially because it is home to the tarsier - the smallest monkey in the world. Other popular species of wildlife to spot include macaques and red-knobbed hornbills.
The reserve is not only home to wildlife and nature trails, but also to beautiful beaches with black volcanic sand and is just an hour’s drive from the capital of Manado. It has a range of accommodation options for those who want to take advantage of the sights on offer for more than just one day.
If you are hoping to view some of the wildlife, it is advisable to travel in small groups and to be very quiet. Let the animals come to you, which will be much easier if you are by a stream or under a fruit tree. The wait will be well worth it when you are surrounded by wild tarsiers and comical macaques.
Getting There & Away
The quickest and most convenient way of reaching the nature reserve is by flying into Manado’s international airport and taking a taxi to the park. The airport is a large international facility with flights arriving from Singapore (4 hours), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (4 hours) and the Davao, Philippines (1 hour, 30 minutes) every day.