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Volcanoes and Spices

17-day volcano trekking tour to the Molucca Sea: N-Sulawesi, Karangetang and Halmahera

"...the trip was wonderful and all was perfect." (Siegfried N., Germany)

Eruption from Ibu volcano

Lokon volcano

Volcanoes and Spices

17-day volcano trekking tour to the Molucca Sea: N-Sulawesi, Karangetang and Halmahera

Tour type

Trekking: active volcanoes - nature & culture - photography

Difficulty

Moderate

Group size: 3-6

Duration

17 days / 16 nights

1-17 May 2023

5-21 Jun 2023

2-18 Jul 2023

1-17 Aug 2023

more ...

Price per person

3570 € $£¥

The legendary Molucca Sea, known for its precious spices that attracted early traders from Europe, is not only one of Indonesia's most interesting and beautiful areas. It also has the largest density of active volcanoes of any region in Indonesia, thanks to a very complex and unique tectonic setting.
Two active subduction zones to the west and east have consumed a small oceanic microplate, the Molucca Sea plate, producing two active volcanic arcs in North Sulawesi and in Halmahera. On this tour we visit no less than 5 of the most active volcanoes in the world, two of which - Dukono and Ibu - have been in near permanent activity for years while the others, Lokon, Soputan and Karangetang erupt frequently.
Each of the volcanoes is completely different in character and provides a great adventure to explore. The tour for a small group is an immersion into colorful cultures and an intense meeting with its very friendly people. Last but not least, the delicious, spicy cuisine of the region will enchant you.

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All major active volcanoes of North Sulawesi: Lokon, Soputan, Karangetang
Ibu and Dukono on Halmahera: two of the world's most active volcanoes
Ternate with its colonial charm and gemstone trade
Delicious food
Very small group
Very colorful and friendly culture
Great mix of adventure, physical effort and relaxation
Excellent opportunity to combine volcanoes with world-class diving experiences
Experienced tour leader from the VolcanoDiscovery Indonesia team

N-Sulawesi - Karangetang - Halmahera

Day 1: Arrival & meeting in Manado - transfer to Tomohon
Pick-up from Manado airport and transfer to Tomohon where we will stay the next nights in beautiful bungalows.
Tomohon is renowed for its local products and crafts. The town is located in the notably cooler highland at about 700 m altitude, between Mahawu and Lokon volcanoes, and has a perfect climate.
If your arrival is early, you have time to either explore Tomohon and its markets.

Day 2: Lokon volcano
Climb Lokon volcano

Day 3: Mahawu volcano - Tondano lake
In the morning, we drive to the trailhead at the foot of Mahawu crater, from where it is an easy, 1-hr hike to its spectacular crater rim, with great views on the surrounding volcanic landscape and into its crater with small colored ponds. After a lunch at the beautiful nearby lake Tondano, we have time to visit local markets, the lake or other interesting sights.

Day 4: Soputan volcano
Trek to Soputan's caldera rim, camp.

Day 5: Back to Tomohon / Manado or extra day at Soputan volcano
Spare day - either spent at Soputan (if active) or return to Manado / Tomohon for spontaneous activites.

Day 6: Sail to Siau island
Sail from Manado to Siau (overnight)

Day 7: Karangetang volcano – Mahoro island
Climb Karangetang volcano (conditions permitting). Sail to unspoilt uninhabited Mahoro island to relax (beach camp).

Day 8: Sail back to Manado
Depending on the boat schedules, we sail back to Manado during the day or over night.

Day 9: Manado – Ternate – Ibu
Fly to Ternate, transfer by speed boat to Jailolo on Halmahera and drive to the foot of Ibu volcano (Duono village).

Day 10: Ibu volcano
Climb Ibu volcano (approx. 5-6 hrs), camp on crater rim.

Day 11: Return from Ibu, continue to Jailolo
Return to Duono, continue to Jailolo. En route visit a hot spring.

Day 12: Tobelo & Dukono volcano observatory
Transfer to Tobelo. Visit the Dukono volcano observatory and prepare the logistics of the coming adventure.

Day 13: Climb Dukono volcano
Optional visit of the local market, trek to Dukono volcano (approx. 3 h).

Day 14: Climb crater of Dukono, return to Tobelo
Climb to the rim to see the activity of the volcano (ash eruptions, if condition allowing). Descend back, transfer to Tobelo.

Day 15: Return to Ternate - gemstone market
Return to Ternate. Visit of a local gem market. Free afternoon.

Day 16: Ternate – Manado - Tomohon
Fly to Manado, transfer to Tomohon. Free afternoon.

Day 17: Departure or extension program
The tour ends with transfer to Manado and the airport at the time you need it.

Dates and details

Booking inquiry

Arrival info:

The tour starts and ends in North Sulawesi's capital Manado (airport code MDO) which can be reached from many of the larger Indonesian airports, but also through Singapore and other regional cities.
If you need connecting flights within Indonesia, we can provide these for you (approx. 100-150 EUR typically for one leg, e.g. Jakarta-Manado or back).

Tour guide

The tour will be accompanied / guided on location by one of our professional local guides in Indonesia, typically Andi or Galih. They have extensive knowledge not only about the volcanoes, but also about their country and culture.
Our guides all speak English and Indonesian, some also French.

Andi Rosadi, our famous head expedition leader in Indonesia

Additional info

Physical requirements

The hikes in the program range from fairly easy to challenging (up to 1200 m climbing and 10 km distance, total duration max. 6-8 hours) for everybody with good normal fitness. You should, however, be prepared for hot and humid climate typical for any tropical country.

N-Sulawesi - Karangetang - Halmahera

Day 1

Arrival & meeting in Manado - transfer to Tomohon

Pick-up from Manado airport and transfer to Tomohon where we will stay the next nights in beautiful bungalows.
Tomohon is renowed for its local products and crafts. The town is located in the notably cooler highland at about 700 m altitude, between Mahawu and Lokon volcanoes, and has a perfect climate.
If your arrival is early, you have time to either explore Tomohon and its markets.

Day 2

Lokon volcano

Starting from the hotel, a short ride brings us to the start of the trail leading up Lokon volcano.
A steep, but easy hike (2 hrs one-way) brings us to its spectacular crater, following an old "river of lava" (a cooled lava flow that followed a riverbed). A moon-landscape awaits us at the crater, with spectacular blocks and breadcrust bombs all around.

Day 3

Mahawu volcano - Tondano lake

In the morning, we drive to the trailhead at the foot of Mahawu crater, from where it is an easy, 1-hr hike to its spectacular crater rim, with great views on the surrounding volcanic landscape and into its crater with small colored ponds. After a lunch at the beautiful nearby lake Tondano, we have time to visit local markets, the lake or other interesting sights.

Day 4

Soputan volcano

After a hearty breakfast we drive for approx. 1.5 hrs to the base of Soputan volcano and hike up to the rim of the caldera, an excellent observation point, where we put our camp for the following night (the hike is easy, 3-5 hours long, and if necessary, porters can help us iwth our equipment). On our way, we pass beautiful plantations, old forest, an older crater, and a red, iron-rich river. Campfire and dinner on the caldera rim, and hopefully observation of the often active, red glowing lava dome of Soputan volcano will bring us easily through the night.

Day 5

Back to Tomohon / Manado or extra day at Soputan volcano

If Soputan volcano's activity is interesting enough, we could spend a full day to continue our observations and possibly approach the volcano further. Otherwise, we hike back from Soputan and return to Tomohon or Manado, where the rest of the day is to relax or, time depending, do another short excursion in the area. On the way back, we stop for lunch near the so-called Japanese caves that were dug into punice deposits by the Japanese during WW2 in order to store ammunition.

Day 6

Sail to Siau island

In Manado we embark on the ferry to the volcanic island of Siau, 200 km north of Manado.

Day 7

Karangetang volcano – Mahoro island

Climb Karangetang until approx. 1000 m elevation (conditions permitting).
After descending, we sail to to Mahoro island for relaxing. Mahoro is an uninhabited beautiful island near Siau where we will set up camp. Swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on the white beach.

Day 8

Sail back to Manado

Depending on the boat schedules, we sail back to Manado during the day or over night.

Day 9

Manado – Ternate – Ibu

Fly to Ternate, transfer by speed boat to Jailolo on Halmahera and drive to the foot of Ibu volcano (Duono village).

Day 10

Ibu volcano

Climb Ibu volcano through a challenging jungle trek up (6 h), then camp at the crater rim (bivouac).

Day 11

Return from Ibu, continue to Jailolo

Descend back to Duono. After lunch we continue to Jailolo. En route, we can visit and take a bath in the hot spring in Jailolo.

Day 12

Tobelo & Dukono volcano observatory

Transfer to Tobelo. Visit the Dukono volcano observatory and prepare the logistics of the coming adventure.

Day 13

Climb Dukono volcano

In the morning, before our hike to Dukono, you may join your guide to buy fresh vegetables, fruits and fish in the very busy and colorful traditional market in Tobelo.
It's a great occasion to interact with the friendly local people and get a glimpse of the rich local produce. Afterwards a local vehicle (truck or coconut carrier) will bring us to the start of the 3-hours trail to Dukono volcano.

Day 14

Climb crater of Dukono, return to Tobelo

Climb to the rim to see the activity of the volcano (ash eruptions, if condition allowing). Descend back, transfer to Tobelo.

Day 15

Return to Ternate - gemstone market

Transfer to Sofifi, then by speed boat sail to Ternate, en route there is possibility to visit a traditional gemstone market, free at leisure at hotel.

Day 16

Ternate – Manado - Tomohon

Fly to Manado, transfer to Tomohon. Free afternoon.

Day 17

Departure or extension program

The crater lake Linow with its changing colours due to underwater hydrothermal activity

Cloves laid out for drying - one of North Sulawesi's main products

Warm, volcanically heated natural pool in the jungle

The tour ends with transfer to Manado and the airport at the time you need it.

Tour Dates & Prices

Dates	Status	Price per person (€)	*SRS ()**	Group size
1-17 May 2023	space available	3570 € $£¥	400 € $£¥	3-6
5-21 Jun 2023	space available	3570 € $£¥	400 € $£¥	3-6
2-18 Jul 2023	space available	3570 € $£¥	400 € $£¥	3-6
1-17 Aug 2023	space available	3570 € $£¥	400 € $£¥	3-6
4-20 Sep 2023	space available	3570 € $£¥	400 € $£¥	3-6
9-25 Oct 2023	space available	3570 € $£¥	400 € $£¥	3-6
6-22 Nov 2023	space available	3570 € $£¥	400 € $£¥	3-6
(*) Single room supplement

Prices for tours at custom dates on request

Included:

All accommodation in double rooms / tents
Full board with drinks (excl. alcoholic drinks) as specified in the program (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
All ground, sea and air transfers as described in the program
Airport transfers from and to Manado airport
Entry fees, visits to parks and sites etc. as described by the program
Local guides, cooks and porters
VolcanoDiscovery Indonesia tour guide (normally Andi)

Not included:

Travel to and from Manado/Indonesia.
Indonesia Visa
Airport departure tax(es) (for int. flights ca. 12 USD, payable on the airport after check-in)
Alcoholic drinks
Personal travel and health insurance

Discounts:

Returning customers receive 5% (or 8% - if you have been on at least 3 trips with us) discount on the base tour price.
Group booking discount: If at least 4 people together book this trip, 5% (additional) discount is given, combineable to a maximum of 10%.

"...an amazing experience....high on the adventure scale with lots of unforgettable memories."

Greetings folks,
Here is a summary of my latest and last adventure of 2019. It's a little long this time but I hope you will find it interesting.

I returned to Indonesia (my previous trip was in 2013) to explore some more volcanoes, this time in north Sulawesi and north Maluku. In between exploring the volcanoes, there was time for some sightseeing in Tomohon and surrounding area (visiting geothermal areas, Tongkoko national park) and Ternate. On the way back I had a 2 day stopover in Singapore (my first time in the city).

In total the exploration involved 6 active volcanoes:
The first 3 volcanoes, Lokon, Mahawu and Soputan (all stratovolcanoes in north Sulawesi) were quiet at the time of our visit apart from fumarolic acitivity in the crater of Lokon, depositing sulphur around the vents. The craters of all 3 volcanoes were impressive with excellent views of the surrounding areas. Mahawu last erupted in 1977, whereas both Lokon and Soputan had last erupted more recently, 2015 and 2018, respectively.

The other 3 volcanoes are in North Maluku and were erupting at the time of our visit:

1. Karangtang. A stratovolcano with 2 main craters, is located on Siau island (central Sangihe Islands) and is reached by an approx. 5h journey by ferry from Manado. We spent 2 nights observing gaseous basaltic lava flows from the south crater. On the first night we were camped out in a field in Hiung village and although the lava flows were only observed from the south crater (largely on the right flank), you could see a glow from the north. On the second night, we went higher up (a steep hike up from Winangun village) to observe the activity from a closer distance. The volcano was more active on the second night. We no longer saw the glow from the north crater, but the activity from the south crater had increased substantially, with lava flows on both flanks at times, and sometimes running down the middle in the direction where we were (but we were still a safe distance away!).

2. Dukono. A complex volcano located on the north western side of Halmahera. The volcano has been almost continuously erupting since 1933 - mixture of degassing, ash eruptions and strombolian activity from the vents in the crater shooting lava bombs high up in the air. The 3h hike up to the base of the crater (our campsite) was tough. The area was quite surreal and covered in ash. The volcano was continuously degassing (at times accompanied by ash eruptions) from the time we arrived. We set off at 2am to cautiously approach the rim of the crater and as we got near, put on the necessary safety equipment (goggles, helmet and gas mask). Peering down into the crater, we could see the glowing vent (as a guess about 150-200m down) and some strombolian activity . Although I tried, I was unable to get any decent footage of the activity due to the gases constantly disrupting the focussing of the camera and the fact that I was wearing safety goggles (making manual focussing difficult). However, simply peering down at the glowing vent, going in and out of view with the gasses passing over it, was really a sight to behold!

3. Ibu. Ibu is also a stratovolcano and it took us 4-5 hours to trek up the rim of the crater from where the vehicles dropped us. The hike was on a good, but at times a steep trail. As we approached the crater rim we came across some andesitic lava bombs from the 2018 eruption near the trail. We set up camp on the crater rim, looking across to the lava dome, which at relatively frequent intervals, belched out huge clouds of steam and ash, at times explosively sounding like an aeroplane taking off. At night you could see the glow of the lava bombs being emitted, and at times lightening during strong ash eruptions. On the first night, I briefly went to sleep in my tent but was woken up shortly after, at about 1.30 am, by the ground and the tent shaking from side to side. Although it seemed like a long time to me, I guess this was very brief (a few seconds). Apparently, the shaking was due to a 7.1 magnitude earthquake (depth of 45km) that occurred in the Molucca sea on or near the sub-ducted Halmahera plate and the overlying Sunda plate. The epicentre was approx 138km east of Bitung and approx. 150km west from where we were. Minor shakes (barely detectable) continued at intervals throughout the night and the next day. Although I had experienced similar earthquake shakes when young in Mbeya, Tanzania (the place where I was born and which is close to the African Rift valley), I must admit that this was a bit of a scary moment. On the second night, there was quite a lot of fog obscuring the view of the eruptions and so I took the opportunity to get some sleep. Which was just as well since at some point during the night, the wind had changed direction and the ash clouds instead of blowing away from the campsite, were now blowing directly above us. Ash rained down on the tents a few minutes after each eruption. Walking up the crater rim a little further you could look down across to the lava dome. It may be just my imagination, but the lava dome appeared to have grown a little over the time we were there and may be continuing to grow possibly leading to a big explosive eruption in the future!
Overall this trip was an amazing experience....high on the adventure scale with lots of unforgettable memories (like experiencing an earthquake whilst camped out on an active volcano). These volcanoes are some of the world's most active and I would like to acknowledge our guide and volcanologist, Andi Rosadi (who also cooked at the campsites), who made it possible for us to get up close and personal with them. Andi has a lot of experience of these volcanoes and is very familiar with their characteristics to know when, where and how to approach them safely. The trip was very well organised and the logistics were flawless.

My 2 day visit to Singapore was good but far too short as there are lots of attractions to cover. Those of you who have already been there will know that it is a vast contrast to most other cities in that it's clean, safe, controlled (for example you are not allowed to eat or drink in station concourses or trains) and efficient. The metro stations and the trains are air conditioned and offer respite from the hot humid conditions outside. I particularly enjoyed the gardens by the bay and the walk along the Singapore river to the bay, and of course, I couldn't come away without sampling the rather expensive but infamous Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel.

With best wishes, Jay
Jay R. (UK) about the recent Volcanoes & Spices tour in Aug 2018
Watch his great video: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jay-ramji/albums/72157712016402452

"...one of the impressive, organized tours I had take part in" (Jens-Wolfram E., about the Volcanoes & Spices tour)

Dear Tom, dear Irina,
returned at the mid of week from Indonesia, I'd like to give you a very positive feed back from our Tour "Volcanoes & Spices". Our indonesian guide, Andi Rosadi, and his team with Donald, John and all the other supporter and helper had made this journey to one of the impressive, organized tours I had take part in. We enjoyed not only an Adventure to visit some of the most active volcanoes in this region, we also were very happy to be with a real optimistical, engaged and enthusiatical guide who tried to feed us besides the expeditions - with the best meals Indonesia has to offer. Andi – one of the experts with best connections to his colleagues in this country - has had always an open ear to the problems of every member in the group and he was able to manage even the problems arising when people of vary different physical Fitness have the only dream: To be as close as possible to the „beasts“…

After the tours with „Volcanoes Discovery“ I traveled to the South in Sulawesi and from there to the Toraja-Area where an acquaintance of him showed me many interesting secrets like the rock graves not only in the touristic areas.

Dear Tom, dear Irina,
have again many thanks for this trip.
I wish you a great Christmas time and the best for 2020.

Jens-Wolfram Erben (Germany) about the recent Volcanoes & Spices tour in Nov 2019

"...our awesome adventure together..." (Chris K., about the Volcanoes & Spices tour)

Group on Dukono volcano (image: screengrab of Chris' video)

"Hi all,
Finally got through to finishing the holiday video, hopefully this acts as a good reminder of our awesome adventure together, for years to come.
Hope you're all doing well! "

Chris K. (Germany) about the recent Volcanoes & Spices tour in Aug 2018

Watch his great video: Video on Vimeo

"...the trip was wonderful ..." (Volcanoes and Spices tour)

"Hello dear Ingrid and Tom,
Return in Manado and feedback: the trip was wonderful and all was perfect. Andi is a fantastic guide.
Kind greetings
Siegfried"
(Siegfried N., Germany, about the Volcanoes and Spices tour in July 2018)

"I had an absolutely fantastic time with Andi, Donald and Thomas"

"Hi Tom

... the trip was perfectly tailored, providing time off between hard treks to recover and enjoy beaches, countryside and markets. The volcanoes were awesome and he explained their particular "personalities" very well.

Andi and Donald both worked extremely hard to ensure that everything ran smoothly for us. I appreciate the difficulties involved in organising reliable porters, drivers, food and accommodation and Andi always managed to keep us on schedule. He went beyond his brief and helped me enormously with my photography, even taking me shopping for essential accessories that I had omitted to bring with me.

On each camping expedition I was the only female with approximately eight men in an isolated area and I never felt uncomfortable, but on the contrary, I felt extremely safe and protected. I had an absolutely fantastic time with Andi, Donald and Thomas and would not hesitate to recommend the trip to anyone who felt they were fit enough to tackle Ibu and Dukono.

Best wishes

(Joy G. from Australia, who participated on our Volcanoes and Spices expedition in September 2016)

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Impressions of Dukono volcano (Halmahera Island) as seen during our Volcanoes and Spices volcano tour in northern Indonesia. Photos taken on 31 Oct 2015 by our expedition leader Andi. (Photo: Andi / VolcanoDiscovery Indonesia)

Dukono volcano Oct 2015 (7 Images)

Impressions of volcanoes and landscapes (N-Sulawesi, Halmahera, Siau Island) during our Volcanoes and Spices volcano tour in northern Indonesia. Photos taken by participant Thomas Spinner. (Photo: Thomas Spinner)

Volcanoes and Spices tour Sep 2016: photos by Th. Spinner (60 Images)