Sulawesi is where you go when you’re done with the obvious stuff. Two routes, one liveaboard, one philosophy: paddle hard, sleep well, and go where the tourist boats don’t. The Togean Islands route (Luwuk-Gorontalo) cover the central and northern reaches of this coast by kayak. The Kendari–Luwuk route takes you somewhere different entirely—south through the Gulf of Tolo, into the Labengki and Sombori Islands (Raja Ampat’s quieter, less-visited twin), and north through the remote Banggai archipelago. Both trips run on the same liveaboard, with the same crew, the same food, and the same rhythm: two paddling outings a day, snorkeling or diving in between, and easy evenings at anchor.
The same Togean Islands route, traveled in reverse—choose this one if Luwuk works better as your starting point. All inclusions and lodgings remain the same regardless of direction.
This multi-day island journey combines sea kayaking, snorkeling, and life on board a small expedition vessel to explore one of Indonesia’s most remote regions. Traveling through the Togean Islands and along the coast of Central Sulawesi, the trip balances active days on the water with time ashore in island villages, lagoons, and rainforest landscapes. A liveaboard base allows flexible routing and access to places far beyond the reach of day trips, with opportunities for swimming, short hikes, and optional scuba diving. Evenings are spent on board with meals prepared by the crew and quiet anchorages each night.
This route covers different islands from the other two Togean itineraries—if you're deciding between them, the Togean routes are the more classic pick; this one goes deeper off the beaten track through the Gulf of Tolo and the Banggai archipelago.
This 11-day trip starts in Kendari, the main city of southeast Sulawesi, and travels north through the Gulf of Tolo to finish in Luwuk. The route takes in Labengki and Sombori Islands—a stretch of karst coastline and turquoise lagoons that rivals Raja Ampat in beauty but sees a fraction of the boat traffic—before heading into the remote Banggai archipelago, with its vibrant reefs, endemic marine life, and Bajo stilt villages. Days are built around paddling, snorkeling, and optional diving, with a liveaboard base that gets you to places day trips simply can't reach.
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Both routes run on the same liveaboard, with the same crew, the same activity format, and the same level of comfort—the difference is purely in where you go.
The Luwuk–Gorontalo covers most of the trip in the Togean Islands. These are the more well-known of the three, with calm lagoons, stingless jellyfish lakes, volcanic islands, and Bajo stilt villages.
The Kendari–Luwuk route is a completely separate itinerary through different islands. Starting in southeast Sulawesi, it travels north through the Gulf of Tolo, taking in Labengki and Sombori—a stunning stretch of karst and turquoise water that sees far fewer boats than the Togeans—before finishing in the remote Banggai archipelago. If you’ve already done the Togean routes, this is the obvious next trip.
If you’re choosing for the first time, go Togeans (Luwuk-Gorontalo) for the classic experience, Kendari–Luwuk if you want to go further off the beaten track.
The best thing about this Indonesia luxury tour with liveaboard and kayaking is that it rewards steady effort rather than peak performance.
This trip is suited to travelers with moderate fitness who are comfortable spending several hours a day paddling at a relaxed pace. Some kayaking experience is required. Snorkeling and short walks ashore are optional, and there is time each day to rest on board. As long as you’re generally active and enjoy being on the water, you’ll be well prepared for this adventure.
Scuba diving is available on this trip at an additional cost and must be arranged in advance, please let us know beforehand if it’s something you’d like to do. The liveaboard is fully equipped, with a divemaster on board, rental gear, compressors, and support boats, and diving takes place in generally calm conditions with excellent visibility and varied sites. Divers must hold a valid PADI certification, provide dive logs, complete required medical forms and waivers, and carry dive-specific insurance.
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Group sizes and pricing
Indonesia luxury tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Due to very limited options aboard the Jakare boat, a single occupancy cabin is not available.
This Indonesia luxury tour runs in two directions, starting either from Luwuk or Kendari. Regardless of the direction, you’ll meet your guide in the late afternoon at the designated hotel on Day 1.
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We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
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Is it possible to give 6 stars? There is no possible way to pick out one single highlight of this trip, as there were so many, every day. Of course the location is amazing, but the experience of seeing it all from sea level, with our brilliant guides made it all the more astounding.