The Definitive Guide to The Best National Parks in North Sulawesi

Now, after seeing the review that you can find inside Manusela National Park Indonesia, now you understand that visiting a place like that one is indeed important. Sometimes, you need to see what the country actually has, not in the way of business and entertainment. But, the gems of natural attractions that you can find. However, we want to share information about the best national parks in North Sulawesi.

You know, Indonesia has about 54 National Parks you can find in some areas in the country. Sulawesi island, on the other hand, has in total nine of them, plus the ones located nearby. So, in this article, we want to tell you about those wonderful parks that look as good as other popular attractions like things to do near Bingin beach Bali. Let’s jump to the first one.

1 – Taka Bonerate National Park

The first one in the best national parks in North Sulawesi is the Taka Bonerate, a similar brother to Bunaken island, where you can actually swim, dive, or even snorkel to look at its wonderful beauty. There are about 15 islands in the location, and fortunately, you can explore all of them.

Opening Hours: 24 Hours

Location: Benteng, Selayar Islands

Highlights: The flora species from corals, and the ground plantation plus the 295 species of fish

Best Time to Visit: Morning

Tips:  Be sure to bring your own swimming equipment

2 – Lore Lindu National Park

The next one on the list of best national parks in North Sulawesi is the Lore Lindu National Park, located right in the center of Sulawesi island. The place is known for having this megalithic site where you can see a lot different kinds of statue.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Location: Mawar 10 street, Central Bungku

Highlights: Megalitic statues, 55 species of bat and 230 species of bird

Best Time to Visit: Morning and Evening

Tips: Be sure to bring your camera

3 – Nani Wartabone

Nani Wartabone National Park is actually the biggest one. It has the widest area of them all, measured about 280 thousands hectares. The place is specially built as a place to conserve and protect the forest areas of Sulawesi. But, there are some things you should see too.

Opening Hours: 08.00-17.00

Location: Gorontalo, North Sulawesi

Highlights: Potential attractions such as the hot spring, the stone cave, and others.

Best Time to Visit: Morning – Afternoon

Tips: Sometimes you could also find the other animals such as Anoa, Maleo bird, and so on.

4 – Bunaken National Park

The all time’s favorite, Bunaken National Park. It’s a new thing to learn that Bunaken is known as the place to dive. We even made a special article about the diving activity around Bunaken in Bunaken diving review.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Location: North Sulawesi province

Highlights: The diving spots

Best Time to Visit: Morning, Afternoon, and Evening

Tips: You could also rent a room at the resort for better accomodation

5 – Togean Island National Park

The next place is called as Togean Island National Park. Within its sea, there are about 262 coral species you can witness. The National Park also has some islands located around it, and surely you can explore them too.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Location: Togean, Una-una Regency

Highlights: Snorkeling, diving, and hiking to Mount Colo

Best Time to Visit: Afternoon and Evening

Tips: You can take the way of Bumbulan Paguat to save 6 hours of a long trip

6 – Aopa Watumohai National Park

The Aopa Watumohai National Park is like a little forest filled with the wonderful animals you might imagine. You can see some endemic animals like Babirusas, Anoas, and also a lot of vegetation species.

Opening Hours:  07.00-17.00

Location: Tinanggea, Tatangge

Highlights: The mangrove forest, Babirusa, Anoa, and a hundred species of bird

Best Time to Visit: Morning

Tips: Be sure to visit the park during the morning if you can

7 – Wakatobi National Park

For the rich experience of visiting a National Park, make sure to note this location. With the total of 1,9 million ha location, there are so many things you can witness. Spending a day won’t be enough.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Location: Kedupa Island, Sulawesi

Highlights: 112 coral species, 93 fish species, and the other endemic animals

Best Time to Visit: Morning

Tips: You can go to Hoga island for the resort

8 – Gandang Dewata National Park

The National Park can be present in many form, including one gigantic mountain called Gandang Dewata in this the best national parks in North Sulawesi. This is the place where every hikers would like to reach for the shape, which looks like a drum from a distance.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Location: Enrekang District

Highlights: The Gandang Dewata Mountain

Best Time to Visit: Morning – Afternoon

Tips: You can always ask local communoty for some guidance

9 – Mount Rinjani National Park

Do you know a place called Mount Rinjani. The mountain is also included as top location for hiking in Indonesia. With the wilderness and the myth covering it, it would be a special place for any hiker out there.

Opening Hours: 05.30-23.00

Location: Near to Mataram City

Highlights: The Mount Rinjani itself and the attractions located nearby

Best Time to Visit: Morning – Evening

Tips: Always follow the rules for your own good

10 – Labengki Island

The new location finally discovered. That area was named as Labengki Island, located still in the Sulawesi island, but rather in the southern side of it instead of north. However, the Labengki island’s growing to be a good looking natural park in Sulawesi.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Location: North Konawe

Highlights: Colorful corals and very clear water

Best Time to Visit: Morning

Tips: Because the services still not decent, you should bring your own stuff

11 – Tukangbesi Islands

As a good place to visit besides the things to do in Indonesia on New Year’s Eve, we would tell you about a location that should be included inside the best national parks in North Sulawesi named Tukangbesi Islands. Inside the location, you can explore four main islands, each named Wangiwangi, Kaledupa, Binongko, and also Tomia.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Location: Sulawesi island

Highlights: Those four different islands

Best Time to Visit: Morning till evening

Tips: You can also learn about the legendary blacksmith, who still produce quality Keris till this very day.

A glimpse of a National Park in Sulawesi