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Volcanoes and Spices

- 17 days 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

On the rim of Dukono volcano

Sailing to Bunaken island

Mahawu volcano's crater

Coconuts

Trekking towards Soputan volcano

Eruption of Dukono volcano

At the volcano observatory of Dukono

Loading luggage onto trucks to the start of the trail to Dukono

Group on the way to Dukono

Camp at Dukono

On the rim of Dukono volcano

Panorama at the rim of Ibu volcano (photo: Gian Schachenmann)

Lava flow from Soputan (photo: Andi / VolcanoDiscovery Indonesia)

Strombolian activity at Dukono

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.

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.

Acc.: Hotel (bungalows) in Tomohon (D)

Day 2: Lokon volcano
Climb Lokon volcano

Acc.: as before (Tomohon) (B, L, D)

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.

Acc.: as before (Tomohon) (B, L, D)

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

Acc.: camp on the caldera rim of Soputan (B, L, D)

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.

Acc.: hotel or bungalow (Manado or Tomohon) (B, L, D)

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

Acc.: camp / guesthouse / none in case of overnight sailing (B, L, D)

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

Acc.: camp (B, L, D)

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

Acc.: (on ferry) or guesthouse / camp (B, L)

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).

Acc.: local house (B, L, D)

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

Acc.: camp (B, L, D)

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

Acc.: small hotel (B, L, D)

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

Acc.: good small hotel (B, L, D)

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

Acc.: camp (B, L, D)

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.

Acc.: hotel (B, L, D)

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

Acc.: upscale hotel (B, L, D)

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

Acc.: hotel (B, L, D)

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

Acc.: none (B)

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 code:IND_MOL

Tour type: Trekking: active volcanoes - nature & culture - photography
Difficulty:Moderate
Group size:2-6
Duration: 17 days / 16 nights

Dates:

3-19 May 2020
7-23 Jun 2020
6-22 Jul 2020
9-25 Aug 2020
6-22 Sep 2020

more ...

Price (p.p.): 3960 € ?

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)

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

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.

Acc.: Hotel (bungalows) in Tomohon (D)

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.

Acc.: as before (Tomohon) (B, L, D)

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.

Acc.: as before (Tomohon) (B, L, D)

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.

Acc.: camp on the caldera rim of Soputan (B, L, D)

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.

Acc.: hotel or bungalow (Manado or Tomohon) (B, L, D)

Day 6: Sail to Siau island

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

Acc.: camp / guesthouse / none in case of overnight sailing (B, L, D)

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.

Acc.: camp (B, L, D)

Day 8: Sail back to Manado

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

Acc.: (on ferry) or guesthouse / camp (B, L)

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).

Acc.: local house (B, L, D)

Day 10: Ibu volcano

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

Acc.: camp (B, L, D)

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.

Acc.: small hotel (B, L, D)

Day 12: Tobelo & Dukono volcano observatory

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

Acc.: good small hotel (B, L, D)

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.

Acc.: camp (B, L, D)

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.

Acc.: hotel (B, L, D)

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.

Acc.: upscale hotel (B, L, D)

Day 16: Ternate – Manado - Tomohon

Fly to Manado, transfer to Tomohon. Free afternoon.

Acc.: hotel (B, L, D)

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.

Acc.: none (B)

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Dates	Status	Price p.p. (€)	*SRS ()**	Group size
3-19 May 2020	space available	3960 € ?	400 € ?	2-6
7-23 Jun 2020	space available	3960 € ?	400 € ?	2-6
6-22 Jul 2020	space available	3960 € ?	400 € ?	2-6
9-25 Aug 2020	space available	3960 € ?	400 € ?	2-6
6-22 Sep 2020	space available	3960 € ?	400 € ?	2-6
4-20 Oct 2020	space available	3960 € ?	400 € ?	2-6
1-17 Nov 2020	space available	3960 € ?	400 € ?	2-6
(*) 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%.

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

Arrival info:

Dates:

Price (p.p.): 3960 € ?

Included:

Tour guide:

N-Sulawesi - Karangetang - Halmahera

Day 1: Arrival & meeting in Manado - transfer to Tomohon

Day 2: Lokon volcano

Day 3: Mahawu volcano - Tondano lake

Day 4: Soputan volcano

Day 5: Back to Tomohon / Manado or extra day at Soputan volcano

Day 6: Sail to Siau island

Day 7: Karangetang volcano – Mahoro island

Day 8: Sail back to Manado

Day 9: Manado – Ternate – Ibu

Day 10: Ibu volcano

Day 11: Return from Ibu, continue to Jailolo

Day 12: Tobelo & Dukono volcano observatory

Day 13: Climb Dukono volcano

Day 14: Climb crater of Dukono, return to Tobelo

Day 15: Return to Ternate - gemstone market

Day 16: Ternate – Manado - Tomohon

Day 17: Departure or extension program

Prices for tours at custom dates: on request

Included:

Not included:

Discounts:

Additional info:

Physical requirements:

Arrival info:

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

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

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

Requested tour:

Name and (billing) address of the main traveler (person responsible for the booking):

You can enter the names of up to 3 additional participants in your booking:

Additional information:

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