Venturing into the heart of Sulawesi, Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park stands as a testament to the island's rich biodiversity. This expansive protected area is a sanctuary for a myriad of wildlife, including several endangered species. The park's lush forests and unique ecosystems provide an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Day 01: Gorontalo - Wonosari - Sari Tani Village - Nantu Forest Nature Reserve
Arrive in Gorontalo, then we drive over more or less 90 km away or 4 - 5 hours past the paved and bumpy roads, some plantations area mainly corn. There are 2 ways to reach Saritani village, the starting point to reach Nantu forest and also to stay overnight. Upon arrival in Saritani village, you will check into a simple guesthouse with BASIC facilities. After a short briefing by the ranger, we can go on a hike around the village for bird watching or directly to the Nantu forest. The Nantu forest is one of the last strongholds of Sulawesi's wealth. Healthy air and water for the people around the Nantu forest, unrivalled abundance of wildlife. It harbours hundreds of species found only on Sulawesi and nowhere else in the world. We will cross the river on foot. It takes about 30 minutes from the starting point to the post station. After the permit registration, we trek through the jungle in search of the elusive and one of the most endangered species in the world, the babirusa (pigmy dog), macaca nigra, hornbill, anoa and other endemic animals of this forest. The trekking here is wet, muddy and slippery, but you will be amazed by the beauty of Sulawesi's primary tropical rainforest. We strongly recommend using rubber boots instead of trekking boots. Back to the village for dinner and overnight.
Day 02 - 03: Explore Nantu Forest
Wake up very early in the morning and light breakfast, then we start exploring different places. We will drive either by car or motorbike for 5 minutes and then walk for about 30 minutes including crossing the river to register at the post guard. FYI: The trekking here is mostly flat, wet, muddy and slippery, but you will be amazed by the beautiful tropical primary rainforest of Sulawesi with many huge trees. Then we walk along the river bank and look out for hornbills, macaca nigra, deer, snakes, anoas and other exotic endemic animals of this forest. Then we hike to the Salt Lick and look out for endemic Babi Rusa (deer), Anoa (dwarf buffalo), Macaca Nigra and many others. Simple lunch in the jungle. In the late afternoon back to the village for dinner and overnight.
Day 04: Bird and Wildlife Watching - Gorontalo
Early morning you will have another chance to spot wildlife such as several Macaca Nigra that usually stay on the river bank or bird watching in the village. FYI, the trekking here is wet, muddy and slippery. We strongly recommend the use of rubber trekking poles instead of trekking poles. Breakfast and lunch in the village, pack up before the return journey to Gorontalo which is more or less 5 hours drive or 90 km away. Upon arrival in Gorontalo, check in at the hotel. Dinner on your personal account.
Hotel plan: Aston Hotel
Accommodation Plan : Aston Hotel
Day 05: Gorontalo - Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park
After breakfast we drive about 1 hour to Hungayono Sanctuary, a breeding site for endemic maleo birds in Nani Wartabone National Park. We then continue the journey by motorbike for about 15 - 20 minutes, as the road is too narrow to be travelled by car. After arriving at the gate of Nani Warta Bone National Park, we are accompanied by the ranger and our guide team and hike for about 1 hour to the ranger post. Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park is a 2,871 km2 national park on the Minahassa Peninsula on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Formerly known as Dumoga Bone National Park, it was established in 1991 and renamed in honour of Nani Wartabone, a local resistance fighter who drove the Japanese out of Gorontalo during the Second World War. The park has been designated by the Wildlife Conservation Society as the most important area for the conservation of Sulawesi's wildlife and is home to a large number of species found only in Sulawesi. Common plant species in the park include Piper aduncum, Trema orientalis, Macaranga species and various orchids. Endangered plants in the park include the Matayangan palm (Pholidocarpus ihur), Makassar ebony, ironwood (Intsia spp.), yellowwood (Arcangelisia flava) and the carrion flower (Amorphophallus companulatus), which is one of the endangered species in the park. 24 species of mammals, 11 species of reptiles and 125 species of birds have been counted in the park. These include the endangered Anoa owl and the Cinnabar owl, which was only scientifically described in 1999 on the basis of a specimen collected in the park. Larger animals in the park include babirusas and the Sulawesi warty pig. This site is also used for maleo breeding. The maleo megapode is endemic to the island and is the park's mascot. Maleo birds have been successfully bred in this park and in February 2012 around 3,300 birds were released into their habitat. The Hungoyono camp in Bone Bolango is the largest maleo area where the conservationists have four breeding sites. Normally the birds need geothermally hot sand for breeding, as is the case at Hungoyono Camp. During the trek, we can spot Tarsius in a bamboo tree or other wildlife such as Macaca Nigra and many birds including the endemic Pygmy Kingfisher. The hike here is hilly and surrounded by beautiful tropical rainforest. Meals are served at the accommodation. At night we can go night trekking. If you are lucky, you may see the nocturnal animals. Overnight stay in the simple accommodation.
Day 06 : Bogani Nani Bird Watching - Gorontalo
Wake up at 04.30 am, then start trekking (about 40 minutes) and reach the birding site. Once at the spot, you will have to wait patiently to see the maleo. Return to the accommodation for breakfast, then continue trekking to Hungayono forest for bird watching. Then visit the stalactite cave and we can take a dip in the hot spring. In the late afternoon return to Gorontalo and overnight at the hotel. Dinner will be served in a local restaurant.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Gorontao.
Hotel Plan : Aston Hotel
Day 07: Gorontalo - Next Destinantion