NORTH SULAWESI INFORMATION PAGES

Manado - Bunaken - Tangkoko - Minahasa - Sangihe/Talaud - Gorontalo - Togians

The Tangkoko Nature Reserve

For more information about the Reserve and the various kinds of partly endemic animals that can be seen here, have a look here. Also check this site for photos of the famous tarsier, which is one of the world's smallest primates.
Several homestays in Batuputih, near the park entrance, all with fullboard and about the same prices as on Bunaken Island: Mama Ros, Tangkoko Dove Villas, Tangkoko Hill Cottages.

The remote Pulisan Resort offers an excellent alternative to the homestays in Batuputih/Tangkoko. It is located at a beautiful beach near Pulisan village. For the early morning jungle trek with a ranger you will be taken by boat to Batuputih.

Tours to Tangkoko can also be arranged by Manado Safari Tours.

Some recommendations for getting the most out of your your visit to the forest:

Dress appropriately. Wear light, breathable clothing that dries quickly. Drab colours are preferable; avoid whites and reds. Although it is hot, long sleeves and pants prevent scratches and insect bites. Use insect repellent and tuck your pants into your socks to minimize insect, leech and mite bites.

Carry good binoculars; without them even the most spectacular birds will be no more than a shiny dot in the canopy. Carry a waterproof bag big enough for binoculars and cameras in case of a downpour.

Go slowly, quietly and in small groups (no more than 5) so animals will be less likely to be disturbed by your presence.

Seek out fruiting trees, especially figs, or pools and streams. These are profitable places to sit and wait for wildlife, particularly birds.

Sit often and for long periods and search for the things that tend to go unnoticed like glossy beetles, graceful butterflies, velvety ants, and exquisite but minute flowers.

Be aware of sounds - the buzzing of insects, calls of birds, rustling in the underbrush. Quite often these cues are the first indication that something is about to happen.

Go early. Most birds and many mammals are active in the morning with their movements dropping off by midday. The afternoon peak is never as energetic as the morning but these are good times to visit streams and water sources.

When viewing monkeys, let them approach you on their own terms. If you stoop down and avoid looking directly in their eyes they will be less inhibited. Do not chase or pursue monkeys and never feed them. No matter how innocent they may look, wild monkeys bite and carry dangerous diseases.

When viewing tarsiers at night don't forget your flashlight. However be considerate of their extremely senstitive eyes.