Minahasa Highlands Experience

A full day tour exploring the Minahasa volcanic highland area.

The Minahasan region covers an area of approximately 418,862 hectares. The word Minahasa means unification of the traditional tribes and was derived from the word ‘esa’ or ‘one’. Visit the Waruga or an old graveyard, which is a relic of megalithic tomb coffin in Minahasa – North Sulawesi that developed in the early 13th century B.C. In the pre-history of the Minahasa, people believed that the ancestral spirits have magical powers, so that their graves place should be made as good and as beautiful as possible.

Tomohon is an important town in North Sulawesi and was a part of the Minahesa Regency. It lies between two volcanoes, Mount Mahawu and Mount Lokon. Visit the traditional local market, where you can find an abundance of colorful flowers, fruits, vegetables and spices.

Lake Linow is a sulfur lake with a rich thermal activity of fumaroles, sulfur steam, sulfur muds and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. The lake is fed by a steaming volcanic spring and is famed for its color changes from deep blue to turquoise, green and sulfur yellow. During your visit, refreshments of coffee, tea and a local snack will be served at the café adjacent to the lake.

A short drive from Lake Linow is the Woloan village, famous for making traditional ‘Knock Down Houses’ that can be transported and reassembled anywhere in the world. The houses are made from local hardwood, and traditional methods are used that allow them to be easily disassembled and moved.

An Indonesian buffet lunch will be served at a local resort, before the return drive to your ship.

Essential information: There is approximately 1½ hours of walking on this tour over gravel, paved and uneven surfaces. The drive to Tomohon is approximately 1½ hours. Guests are advised to take a hat and wear flat comfortable walking shoes.