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Indonesia luxury tour

Indonesia Luxury Tour: Liveaboard and Kayak in the Togean Islands

11 days | Moderate | 5.00
From $6,500 ()
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Sulawesi is where I bring people when they’re done with the obvious stuff. This is Indonesia with the volume turned down and the adventure turned up. I guide this trip by kayak and liveaboard through the Togean Islands and the far edges of Central Sulawesi, hopping between jungle-clad islands, glassy lagoons, floating villages, and reefs that don’t know what overfishing is. Days are active, salty, and happily unpredictable, built around paddling, swimming, wandering, and following whatever looks interesting next. Nights are for good food, tired arms, and stories that start with “I didn’t expect that.” By the end you’ll have stories worth cancelling plans to tell.

Elijah
Elijah

Adventure Highlights

  • Kayak and liveaboard exploration: Combining sea kayaking with a liveaboard lets us cover far more ground while staying close to the water every day
  • Togean Islands seascapes: We’ll spend most of the trip in the Togean Islands, known for calm lagoons, reef-fringed islands, and clear tropical water
  • Logistics handled: An experienced guide, small group, and a comfortable liveaboard take care of logistics, letting us focus on adventuring
Duration
11 days
Season
September through October
Group size
Up to 10 people
Accommodation
Comfort, Luxury: Expedition liveaboard & hotel
Difficulty
Moderate: Good fitness & at least some kayaking experience required
What's included
Guide, lodging, almost all meals & non-alcoholic drinks, snorkeling equipment, and more

The adventure, day by day

This trip runs in two directions, choose this itinerary if you’d like to board in Gorontalo and end in Luwuk. All inclusions and lodgings remain the same, regardless of the 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.

Day 1: Arrival
Gorontalo province

We arrive in Gorontalo and make our way to the group hotel, with check-in available from the afternoon. The rest of the day is free to settle in or explore before meeting the guide later in the day for a trip briefing and an overview of the journey ahead.

Accommodation: Aston Gorontalo Hotel

Day 2: Liveaboard
Jakare aerial shot

We transfer from the hotel to the harbor, board the liveaboard, and meet the captain and crew. After a safety briefing and kayak orientation, we begin sailing south toward the Togean Islands, with time for an introductory paddle or dive if conditions allow.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 3: The Togean Islands
Togean islands aerial

We arrive early in the Togean Islands and begin exploring by kayak, snorkeling, and optional diving. Depending on conditions, we paddle along quiet coastlines, visit remote beaches, and may stop at a Bajo stilt village to see daily life on the water.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 4: Malenge Island
Snorkeling woman

We explore around Malenge Island, kayaking and snorkeling in sheltered lagoons and along reef-lined shores. Time ashore includes walking across traditional wooden bridges linking nearby islands, followed by a beach barbecue in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 5: Una Una volcano island
Kayakers in Indonesia

We sail west to Una Una, a volcanic island with black-sand beaches and fertile slopes. The day offers options for kayaking, snorkeling, village visits, or a longer hike toward the volcano crater for those who want it.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 6: Jellyfish lake and Karina Beach
Cute jellyfish

We anchor near Togean Island and visit a freshwater lake to swim with stingless jellyfish. In the afternoon, we enjoy an extended kayak along the coast from Karina Beach before regrouping on board.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 7: Southern Togean strait
Kayaking among mangroves

We transit south through a narrow strait between Pulau Togean and Pulau Batudaka, then launch the kayaks to explore mangroves, jungle-backed islands, and white-sand beaches along the southern coast.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 8: Leaving the Togeans
Central Sulawesi

We kayak and snorkel around a low-lying island fringed by reef before sailing east, leaving the Togean Islands behind and continuing toward Central Sulawesi.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 9: Banggai Islands
Banggai islands

We stretch our legs with a short hike for views over the surrounding islands, then kayak lagoons and offshore islets. Divers can explore nearby reefs before we continue toward the Banggai Islands.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 10: Peleng Island and Paisu Pok Lake
Clear lake

We explore Peleng Island by kayak and on foot, with time on beaches and coastal inlets. Later, we visited Paisu Pok Lake, a clear freshwater lake set inside a jungle crater, before a farewell dinner on board.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 11: Departure

We arrive in Luwuk in the morning, disembark the liveaboard, and say goodbye to the crew.

Meals: Breakfast

This trip runs in two directions, choose this itinerary if you’d like to board in Luwuk and end in Gorontalo. All inclusions and lodgings remain the same, regardless of the 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.

Day 1: Arrival
Luwuk arrival

We arrive in Luwuk and make our way to the group hotel, with check-in available from the afternoon. The rest of the day is free to settle in or explore before meeting the guide later in the day for a trip briefing and an overview of the journey ahead.

Accommodation: Swiss-Bellin Luwuk Hotel

Day 2: Liveaboard
Jakare aerial shot

We transfer from the hotel to the harbor, board the liveaboard, and meet the captain and crew. After a safety briefing and kayak orientation, we begin sailing west toward the Banggai Islands, with time for an introductory paddle or dive if conditions allow.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 3: Peleng Island and Paisu Pok Lake
Clear lake

We explore Peleng Island by kayak and on foot, with time on beaches and coastal inlets. Later, we visit Paisu Pok Lake, a clear freshwater lake set inside a jungle crater, before returning on board.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 4: Banggai Islands
Banggai islands

We stretch our legs with a short hike for views over the surrounding islands, then kayak lagoons and offshore islets. Divers can explore nearby reefs before we continue sailing west.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 5: Toward the Togean Islands
Central Sulawesi

We continue west along the coast of Central Sulawesi, kayaking and snorkeling around reef-fringed islands as we approach the Togean archipelago.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 6: Jellyfish lake and Karina Beach
Cute jellyfish

We sail through the strait between Pulau Togean and Pulau Batudaka, passing jungle-covered shores and stilt fishing villages. Anchoring near Karina Beach, we visit Mariona Lake to swim with stingless jellyfish, then enjoy an extended kayak along the coast before rejoining the liveaboard at the evening anchorage.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 7: Una Una volcano island
Kayakers in Indonesia

An early sail brings us to remote Una Una Island, known for black-sand beaches, turquoise seas, and an active volcano. The day offers options to meet local communities, snorkel or dive vibrant reefs, relax on quiet beaches, or hike through jungle to the volcano’s crater lake for wide views over the surrounding islands.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 8: Pulau Malenge and island bridges
Kayaking among mangroves

Sailing east brings us to Pulau Malenge, where we kayak and snorkel along calm shores and reef-lined lagoons. Time ashore includes walking across traditional wooden bridges linking nearby islands and meeting local communities along the way. Divers can explore Malingi Wall before a beach barbecue in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 9: Palau Waleabahi
Snorkeling woman

An early sail brings us to remote Palau Waleabahi, where we explore white-sand beaches, sheltered lagoons, and short forest walks. There may also be an opportunity to visit a Bajo village and meet local fishers in their traditional dugout canoes.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 10: Final day in the Togeans
jakare dining

Our last full day includes a final paddle, snorkel, or dive in the eastern Togean Islands. In the afternoon, the liveaboard begins the overnight transit to Gorontalo, with a farewell dinner on board to mark the end of the journey.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 11: Departure
Kayakers waving

We arrive in Gorontalo in the morning, disembark the liveaboard, and say goodbye to the crew.

Meals: Breakfast

Photo gallery

Lodging & food

Adventure, packed to go

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Daniel
5.00
Daniel
Hailing from the Blue Mountains (Australia), Daniel has always been drawn to the beauty of wild places. With more than a decade of guiding sea kayak trips, he has led expeditions from the icy regions of Antarctica, Greenland and the high Arctic, to the tropical waters of Fiji, Raja Ampat and northern Queensland.
Devin
5.00
Devin
With a passion for connecting people to nature and promoting sustainable travel, Devin is a dedicated sea kayak guide. He brings a wealth of experience from leading expeditions in Alaska, Norway, Patagonia, Baja, the San Juan Islands, and British Columbia. For SSV, Devin has guided trips in Svalbard, Fiji, Indonesia, and Melanesia. A Colorado native, his diverse background includes working as a PADI Dive Master, a commercial fisherman in the Bering Sea, and with the National Science Foundation in Antarctica, all of which contribute to his deep knowledge and expertise.
Elijah
5.00
Elijah
Elijah is driven by the thrill of taking adventurers to iconic and remote destinations by sea kayak. His contagious enthusiasm for adventure is clear: “There’s something indescribable about experiencing these hidden wonders from a kayak. It’s wild, surreal—and too good to be true!” Having led expeditions from Ningaloo to the Antarctic Peninsula, Elijah's travels span the globe, with more thrilling adventures on the horizon. With qualifications including WFA and PA Sea Guide, Elijah is dedicated to ensuring everyone has a wicked time on the water!

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (2 reviews)
J
Jennifer D

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.

P
Paul D

Excellent trip, Well organised , great guides, Wonderful experience. The local were very friendly and helpful

5.00(2 reviews)
J
Jennifer D

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.

P
Paul D

Excellent trip, Well organised , great guides, Wonderful experience. The local were very friendly and helpful

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced western kayaking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 11-day Indonesia luxury tour on a liveaboard with kayaking and snorkeling
      • Accommodation for 10 nights:
        • 1 night in a hotel in Sulawesi (double occupancy)
        • 9 nights aboard the liveaboard (classic cabin, double occupancy)
      • Transfer from the hotel to the boat on Day 2
      • All meals and non-alcoholic drinks while on board
      • Linen with bathroom towels
      • Snorkeling equipment
      • Double and single expedition kayaks with paddles
      • Life jackets
      • Safety equipment
      • Stand-up paddleboard (SUP)

    Add-ons:

      • Dive package — available to arrange, leave us a note if interested
      • Single kayak rental (limited supply)
      • Cabin upgrades

    Not included:

      • Airfares
      • Airport transfers
      • Meals on Day 1
      • Alcoholic beverages
      • Single room and cabin supplements 
      • Indonesian visa
      • Dive package
      • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
      • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • 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. 

  • Clothing:

      • One to two long-sleeve lightweight synthetic shirts
      • Two to three T-shirts
      • Lycra sun top for snorkeling
      • One pair of lightweight full-length trousers and a long-sleeve shirt for evenings
      • Two pairs of shorts and swimwear
      • Sarong for beach and boat use

    Footwear:

      •  Reef shoes for paddling or sturdy sandals that secure firmly
      •  Running shoes and socks for island walks

    Water & day gear:

      • Double-walled drink bottle, 750 ml or larger
      • Small dry bag for sunscreen, glasses, and electronics
      • Compact fold-up day pack for hikes and shore excursions

    Snorkeling & diving:

      • Snorkeling gear is available to hire, or bring your own for best fit
      • Scuba dive gear is available on board, or bring personal equipment if preferred

    Health & first aid:

      • Band-aid strips for minor cuts and blisters
      • Insect repellent containing DEET
      • Mild anti-nausea medication if you are prone to seasickness
      • Antiseptic soap or liquid hand wash.
      • Betadine or equivalent for scratches
      • Electrolyte tablets to stay hydrated
      • Antihistamine for allergic reactions
      • Talcum powder to help prevent saltwater rash

    Sun & personal protection:

      • Wide-brimmed hat for sun exposure
      • Lightweight scarf, ideally silk or similar fabric
      • Sunglasses with a retaining cord
      • Lightweight rain jacket or spray jacket

    Essentials & electronics:

      • Toiletries
      • Headlamp or small torch with batteries
      • Phone and device chargers

    Optional extras:

      • Cycling gloves to help prevent blisters while kayaking
  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this Indonesia luxury tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1. 
      • It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.

    Indonesia luxury tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Indonesia luxury tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • A single occupancy cabin is not available on this Indonesia luxury tour due to limited availability on the liveaboard.

  • This Indonesia luxury tour runs in two directions, starting either from Gorontalo or Luwuk. Regardless of the direction, you’ll meet your guide in the late afternoon at the designated hotel on Day 1.

    If starting from Gorontalo: 

      • Once you arrive in the major cities of Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Denpasar (Bali), it’s usually a direct flight to Makassar in South Sulawesi, then a change of plane for the flight to Gorontalo airport. Gorontalo airport is called Djalaludin Airport (GTO), formerly known as Tolotio Airport. From there, you can take a shuttle service or a taxi to reach Gorontalo.

    If starting from Luwuk:

      • Most people fly into one of Indonesia’s major aviation hubs such as Jakarta, Makassar, Manado, or Palu and then take a connecting domestic flight to Syukuran Aminuddin Amir Airport (LUW) in Luwuk, with Makassar usually offering the most frequent service. Direct flights to Luwuk from Makassar take around an hour, and other connections typically transit through Makassar or another Sulawesi airport first. From Luwuk Airport, taxis or hotel transfers can take you into town.
  • 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.

  • Deposits

    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.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

    Basic

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Super Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
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